Former state rep Mike Nearman pleaded guilty to first degree official misconduct this morning. He received 18 mos probation, $2700 in restitution for damage done to the Capitol and an 18 month ban from Capitol grounds. #orpol#orleg
As part of a plea deal, a second charge of second-degree criminal trespassing was dropped. Nearman needed some coaching from his attorney to appropriately admit guilt for the judge to accept. Story coming #orpol
Nearman also must complete 80 hrs of community service. He and his attorney refused to even acknowledge the presence of media outlets seeking an interview.
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Protesters demanding to be allowed into the Capitol for the session are squaring off w dozens of Salem officers and state police. Now chanting “arrest Kate Brown.” #orleg#orpol
This is a protest organized by Patriot Prayer, a right-wing group that frequently demonstrates in the Portland area.
This has been declared unlawful. Building alarms are sounding for some reason. #orleg
Checking in from the Oregon Capitol this morning, where lawmakers are about to convene for a (hopefully) one-day session. Five bill concepts are in the offing, the biggest of which would extend the state's eviction ban and compensation to landlords for some lost income. #orleg
Other ideas:
--Allow bars and restaurants to sell cocktails to-go and limit fees delivery apps can charge
--Protect schools and healthcare from some lawsuits related to COVID-19
--Pour $600 million into Oregon's Emergency Fund in order to pay for COVID, wildfire programs #orleg
Want to testify about any of those? You're likely out of luck. Lawmakers held hearings on Thursday and Saturday featuring public testimony, and do not envision taking more today. People are hoping to get in and out of the building quickly and safely. We'll see! #orleg
For the third time, a bill to make it easier to discipline police officers by restricting arbitrators just passed the Oregon Senate unanimously. This time, it will actually pass the House. #orpol#orleg
BTW: I’m here in the Oregon Capitol for what’s looking to be the final day of this special session. Senate is in session now. House convening shortly. Gonna be a marathon. Here’s a rundown. #orpol#orlegopb.org/news/article/o…
The Senate just passed six bills in an hour, which I WOULD say bodes well for a session that includes around 20 bills, if all my similar predictions didn't come to naught. (I suspect lawmakers take them as a challenge.) (No proof.) #orleg