Newsletter: May 22, 2007
Greetings,
As I write this update, we are in the last six weeks of the 74th legislative session and the pace is increasing everyday. We have voted on and passed very controversial bills this session, and I would like discuss my position on a few of them:
Senate Bill 2/ House Bill 2007
SB 2 and HB 2007 were promoted as legislation to increase equality for gay/lesbian and transgender individuals. I opposed HB 2007 to create “domestic partnerships” because it violates the spirit of Measure 36, which passed overwhelmingly in our district. In addition, the legislation is too vague and will create ambiguities in our state laws. I believe the Legislature should create laws to benefit citizens, not to overturn their will on ballot measures.
House Bill 3540
HB 3540 –B undermines Measure 37, the land use reform initiative that passed by a wide margin of voters in our district. The bill severely limits the number of homes owner can build on their own property, and raises the burden of proof for owners to demonstrate how government regulations reduced the value of their land. HB 3540 also exposes rightful Measure 37 claimants to endless litigation.
I opposed HB 3540 because I am a strong advocate for property owner’s rights. Rather than repealing Measure 37, I support improving the initiative by assuring transferability rights.
I will continue to keep you informed of developments at the Capitol. Please contact me or Lori Caston, my Chief of Staff, if we can ever be of service to you.
Thanks for your support,
Representative Fred Girod
News: Rep. Girod Calls for Vote on Bill to Prohibit Sex Offenders from Living in Unprotected Communities
Rep. Fred Girod (R-Lyons) today led House Republicans in urging action on HB 2861, the bill to prohibit paroled sex offenders from residing in communities without 24/7 police protection. He called for an immediate vote on the bill because Democratic leadership had allowed it to die in the House Judiciary Committee.
While a 29-23 majority supported withdrawing HB 2861 from the Judiciary Committee, the bill fell two votes shy of getting a Floor vote.
“As both a rural legislator and concerned citizen, I am extremely disappointed that our legislative body failed to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” Rep. Girod said after the vote. “HB 2861 provides a vital layer of protection for rural communities which all too often lack adequate law enforcement coverage.”
Rep. Girod introduced the bill at the request of Gates, a rural community of 500 that lacks the resources to protect citizens from paroled sex offenders. He said the bill is a starting point for a broader discussion on policies to protect Oregonians who are vulnerable to sexual offenses.
“HB 2861 assures that paroled sex offenders are placed in areas where law enforcement protection is always available,” Rep. Girod said. “The bill is an important step toward protecting rural communities that can’t afford 24/7 coverage.”
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