Oregon Democrats seek to end GOP boycotts of Legislature

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Walkouts by Republican lawmakers in Oregon’s Legislature have become so frequent that Democrats want to sanction boycotters torpedoing progressive legislation with $500 daily fines and even disqualify them from holding office.

The issue has become acrimonious, and Democrats say it harms the democratic functioning of the state.

A Senate committee Thursday held a hearing on four measures that seek to deprive Republicans of the leverage from quorum rules.

Oregon is particularly vulnerable to boycotts because it requires a two-thirds majority to be present for a quorum. Forty-six other U.S. statehouses require only a simple majority.

Democrats have most of the seats in the Legislature, but lack the two-thirds majority to conduct business if Republicans stay away.

Read more at: https://apnews.com/article/legislature-boycotts-legislation-oregon-5f0ba9b096b3d793553e62c79e5d5054