OregonCertain threats against Oregon public officials would count as felonies
People who knowingly threaten an Oregon public official or family member with serious injury because of the official’s role would commit a felony if the intent and alarm requirements are met.
What it does
Phone, electronic, or written threats of serious injury to an Oregon public official or family member would be felonies if tied to the official’s role. The sender must know the official’s status and intentionally cause alarm with a threat reasonably expected to do so.
Argument forFelony penalties could discourage threats aimed at frightening public officials or their families because of the officials’ work.
Argument againstTreating these threats as felonies could expose people to serious criminal penalties even when no physical injury occurs.
More detail
A person who makes a threat meeting these requirements would commit aggravated harassment, a crime classified as a Class C felony. Covered officials include elected or appointed state and local officeholders, people who have filed to seek those offices, and specified prosecutors and judges. The person must know the target is a public official and intentionally cause that official alarm. The threat must reasonably be expected to cause alarm and be sent to the official or a family member. The threat must be made because of the official’s duties, position, or another factor related to their office. If enacted, the measure would take effect immediately on passage.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 7In committee upon adjournment.Latest
- Feb 26Public Hearing held.
- Feb 25Referred to Rules.Minor
- Feb 24First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.Minor
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Manning Jr. Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 24Third reading. Carried by Manning Jr. Passed.Passed Senate
- Feb 23Carried over to 02-24 by unanimous consent.
- Feb 20Carried over to 02-23 by unanimous consent.
- Feb 19Second reading.Minor
- Feb 19Recommendation: Do pass.Minor
- Feb 16Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 9Public Hearing held.
- Feb 2Referred to Judiciary.Minor
- Feb 2Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.Introduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety