Flags on the Senate floor at the Oregon State Capitol, May 18, 2021 in Salem, Ore.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
More than 100 bills have been stuck in the Oregon state Senate after Republican senators staged a walkout that began May 3. The political tactic is a strategy to block Democratic legislation on abortion rights, transgender care and gun safety. High profile walkouts that grind business to a halt was exactly what Ballot Measure 113 was aimed at preventing. Passed overwhelmingly by voters last fall, the constitutional amendment says legislators with 10 or more unexcused absences may not run for subsequent elective office.
Most of those participating in the walkouts have already hit the 10 or more mark, and Republicans say they will challenge the law in court. While speech and electoral freedom concerns have been raised, it’s not entirely clear on what basis Measure 113 would be challenged or whether a case would be filed in state or federal court. Norman Williams is a professor at Willamette University and teaches both constitutional and election law. He says only one thing seems all but certain: There will be a challenge of some kind. He joins us to walk us through some of the legal issues and questions that could come before judges.
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