Item 3E: Ratification of IGR Actions

Home Browse Search

Ms. Wilson said the bill was almost identical to HB 2239, which the council had considered earlier in the week because the committee had a split position on the bill. The committee decision to support the bill was reviewed by the City Council, which directed staff to take a position of Priority 3, Oppose. Ms. Taylor wanted to oppose the bill. The staff position on the bill was Priority 3, Support. Responding to a question from Mr. Poling, Ms. Wilson said the bill was slightly different than HB 2239, and had been introduced on behalf of the Judiciary Committee. Ms. Taylor moved to change the position on the bill to Priority 3, Oppose. The motion died for lack of a second. HB 2428 Ms. Wilson reported that HB 2428 would increase the penalty for assault in the third degree if one committed assault with a motor vehicle and was driving under the influence of intoxicants. Responding to a question from Ms. Ortiz, Mr. Cushman confirmed that the bill would apply to individuals such as the person being held for the fatal accident that recently occurred in west Eugene assuming that individual was convicted of Assault 3 and it was demonstrated he was driving under the influence. He pointed out that situation involved fatalities, and the bill did not concern fatalities. Ms. Taylor believed the penalty for such a crime should be the same whether someone was drinking or not. She stated she believed that people involved in such accidents were remorseful and that was punishment enough. Mr. Cushman said the bill would ramp up the penalties associated with Assault 3 violations. Ms. Taylor moved to change the position on the bill to Oppose, Priority 2. The motion died for lack of a second. SB 227 Staff recommended a position of Priority 3, Support. Ms. Taylor indicated she could support the bill if the age was lowered to 18; she noted widespread drinking among people younger than 21. Ms. Wilson clarified the intent of the bill was to increase the penalty for furnishing alcohol to those not legally eligible to drink. Ms. Ortiz indicated support for the staff recommen- dation in the absence of a bill lowering the legal drinking age. Mr. Poling concurred. Responding to a question from Ms. Taylor, Ms. Wilson said the bill had not been scheduled for a hearing. It had been introduced on behalf of the Attorney General. Ms. Taylor moved to change the staff recommendation to Priority 3, Oppose. The motion died for lack of a second. HB 310 Ms. Wilson said the bill required the use of a custodian to preserve biological evidence related to criminal activity until certain conditions were met, and also created a task force on DNA retention. The bill was MINUTES—Council Committee on Intergovernmental Relations February 11, 2009 Page 5