Item 3: Ratification of IGR Actions

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DUII has been effectively reduced the collision rate and fatality rates have dropped with it. (Sacramento CA conducted such a study over a three year period.) The sobriety checkpoint is a proven tool in the detection of the DUII driver across the country. As you know, law enforcement agencies in Oregon have not been permitted to use this tool due to court rulings with respect to the wording of the Oregon Constitution. This technique is used to great effect in most states around the nation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has established guidelines for the conduct of the sobriety checkpoint. We am confident with what we know about the DUII problem and how to effectively combat it, if we had use of this tool and the resources to use it appropriately, we could take more impaired drivers off the road and save lives. SB 0376 Relating Clause: Relating to allocation of lottery bonds; declaring an emergency. Title: Authorizes issuance of lottery bonds for financing transportation improvement projects. Declares emergency, effective July 1, 2009. Sponsored by: Senator GEORGE URL:http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0300.dir/sb0376.intro.pdf ContactRespondentDept Updated Priority Policy Poli Numb Recommendation Eric Jones Eric Jones PW-ADM 1/30/2009 Pri 2 Yes YesIII. A Monitor Comments: This bill, introduced by Sen. Larry George, R-Dist. 13, authorizes the issuance of $150 million in lottery bonds for four specific highway projects in his district. The magnitude of spending authority is at a level similar to past biennial ConnectOregon allocations. Because, by definition, none of these projects benefit Eugene or Lane County, and because this bill, if approved, would likely compromise or eliminate the possibility of funding projects in Eugene and Lane County, this reviewer sees no reason to support this bill. This reviewer recommends a different approach to the allocation of lottery funds for highway projects. This approach, similar to ConnectOregon programs in the past, would establish broad criteria that apply throughout the state. Specific projects then compete for limited funding, with the expectation that those projects with the most merit and that best benefit the citizens of Oregon are selected to receive funding. It may be politic to work with Sen. George on other legislation beneficial to Eugene. This reviewer defers to the IGR Manager to determine that aspect. The relating clause is broad enough that, at the very minimum, a monitor position should be taken. SB 0387 Relating Clause: Relating to smoking in a motor vehicle. Title: Creates offense of smoking in motor vehicle while person under age of 16 is in motor vehicle. Punishes by maximum fine of $50. Sponsored by: Senator MORRISETTE URL:http://www.leg.state.or.us/09reg/measpdf/sb0300.dir/sb0387.intro.pdf ContactRespondentDept Updated Priority Policy Poli Numb Recommendation E. Cushman E. Cushman EPD-ADM 1/30/2009 Pri 3 No No Oppose Comments: ***Oppose as written; neutral if appropriately amended*** This bill, which is similar to HB 2385, is really a bill related to public health, rather than to traffic safety or any other area in which law enforcement agencies normally operate. 20