Senate OKs Knopp bill targeting criminal impersonation

State Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said he won nearly unanimous Senate approval Wednesday of legislation he co-sponsored to create a crime of criminal impersonation.

Senate Bill (SB) 1567 prohibits a person, with the intent to harm, from impersonating another individual. As a result, the individual who suffers harm, as a victim of criminal impersonation, will have official cause of action against the defendant.

This type of offense, which is defined as a Class A misdemeanor, may be punishable up to one year’s imprisonment, a $6,250 fine, or both.

“As we move into an age of constant communication, especially through the use of technology, we must remain vigilant in recognizing threats. This bipartisan, common-sense legislation is an effective safety tool that we can provide to the residents of Oregon in order to assist with the crime of criminal impersonation.”