Local lawmaker faces conduct complaint for alleged intimidation over gun bill vote

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A conduct complaint was filed this week against Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, alleging he created a hostile environment and intimidated a colleague during a committee session on gun policy. The complaint claims Kropf pressured Rep. Thủy Trần, D-Portland, to change her vote on an amendment to a high-profile firearms bill on February 16th.

The incident in question occurred during a House Judiciary Committee work session for House Bill 4145. After Trần initially voted "no" on a proposed amendment, Kropf called an immediate recess and spoke with her privately for nearly 20 minutes. When the committee reconvened, Trần changed her vote to "yes," which allowed the measure to pass and advance out of the committee.

Derek LeBlanc filed the formal conduct complaint with the Legislative Equity Office on February 16th, 2026, as a private citizen. LeBlanc, who was present for the work session, described watching the interaction from the gallery.

"Rep. Trần had just voted no. The next person up to vote was Rep. Kropf," LeBlanc said. "But he pivoted really quickly, called a recess and then took her outside for, I would imagine, close to 15 minutes." While LeBlanc did not hear the private conversation, he expressed concern regarding Trần's appearance when the lawmakers returned to the room.

"I don't know what was said specifically," LeBlanc said. "All I can read is obviously her body language as she came back into the room. She was visibly distraught. She looked like she was shaking."

Rep. Trần did not respond KTVZ News' request for comment, but addressed the incident to OregonLive/The Oregonian. She characterized the atmosphere during the session as unprofessional.

"Upon reflection, it created a hostile working environment to me, staff, advocates and the public," Trần said. While the complaint alleged she was "visibly shaken" and had "tears in her eyes," Trần clarified that "there were no tears," though she noted that "the meeting caused stress for many in the room, not just me."

Despite the friction during the meeting, Trần stated to OregonLive/The Oregonian that she continues to value her professional relationship with Kropf. "I have a great deal of respect for Democratic Rep. Kropf of Bend, but his management of events made for a less than ideal situation during a Monday meeting," Trần said. She added that she understands the "tremendous pressure" placed on committee chairs during a short legislative session.

Rep. Kropf, who serves as the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, declined to comment on the specifics of the complaint, but issued a statement regarding the intensity of the legislative environment.

"It's natural that tensions run high in this building: we're doing important, detailed work that will affect all of our fellow Oregonians for years to come and we're doing it on a very public stage," Kropf stated. He noted that the atmosphere is "particularly true when navigating a weighty issue like preventing gun tragedy." Kropf also emphasized his regard for Trần's work as a legislator.

"I can say that I have known Rep. Trần to be an incredibly thoughtful legislator and I hold deep respect for her as a colleague," he stated.

Kropf is a chief sponsor of the bill that was being debated during the session. The incident drew criticism from other lawmakers, including Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston, who addressed the behavior on the House floor Tuesday.

Without naming Kropf directly, Skarlatos called the act of pulling a member out of a committee to change a vote "inappropriate." He told fellow representatives that "everyone's vote is sacred" and such actions go against the principles of a republic.

House Bill 4145 seeks to modify the firearm permit provisions of Ballot Measure 114. The voter-approved measure, which has been the subject of multiple legal challenges regarding its constitutionality, has not yet taken effect since its passage in November 2022.

The Legislative Equity Office is currently reviewing the complaint filed by LeBlanc. Investigations conducted by the office are generally confidential under legislative rules. House Bill 4145 is now scheduled to move to the House floor for further consideration.