Local Politics

Politics New bill would ease state-federal marijuana conflict

By GENE JOHNSON, Associated Press Published: Apr 12, 2013 at 11:36 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 13, 2013 at 12:06 PM PDT

A bill introduced in Congress would fix the conflict between the federal government's marijuana prohibition and state laws that allow medical or recreational use.

Politics House committee OKs daily Pledge of Allegiance bill

By LAUREN GAMBINO, Associated Press Published: Apr 12, 2013 at 4:25 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 12, 2013 at 4:25 PM PDT

A House committee has approved a bill calling for the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited daily in Oregon public classrooms. It would also require classrooms to display the American flag.

Politics Oregon debates driver's licenses for people illegally in US

By LAUREN GAMBINO, Associated Press Published: Apr 11, 2013 at 11:50 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 11, 2013 at 12:07 PM PDT

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Legislature will begin hearing public testimony on a proposal that would grant short-term driver's licenses to people who live in the country illegally.

A Senate committee on Thursday will begin considering Senate Bill 833.

Politics Senate: Native school mascots can stay with local tribe's OK (Photo Gallery) (Video)

By LAUREN GAMBINO, Associated Press Published: Apr 10, 2013 at 2:36 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 10, 2013 at 2:44 PM PDT

Some lawmakers say the Oregon Board of Education went too far when it banned Native American school mascots.

Politics Oregon lawmakers hear testimony on medical pot bills

By LAUREN GAMBINO, Associated Press Published: Apr 8, 2013 at 1:54 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 8, 2013 at 1:54 PM PDT

Oregon lawmakers have begun considering bills that would tighten regulation of medical marijuana — where it is grown and where it is distributed.

Politics Oregon lawmakers jump into the gun control debate (Video)

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: Apr 5, 2013 at 7:45 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 2:00 PM PDT

Gov. John Kitzhaber called for expanding gun sale background checks and for new restrictions on carrying guns in elementary and secondary schools as Oregon's Legislature on Friday began hearing testimony on gun control bills.

Politics Oregon bans use of seclusion rooms in schools (Video)

By Lindsey Riley Published: Apr 3, 2013 at 10:10 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 3, 2013 at 10:10 AM PDT

Oregon lawmakers passed a bill banning seclusion rooms from schools around the state. The legislation now heads to the governor's desk for a final signature.

Politics Rejected at ballot box, Oregon pot advocates try lawmakers

By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press Published: Apr 3, 2013 at 9:24 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 3, 2013 at 12:44 PM PDT

Proponents say the tide is quickly shifting in their favor after Colorado and Washington voters supported pot legalization initiatives last year.

Politics Governor signs tuition bill for young immigrants (Photo Gallery)

By Lauren Gambino, Associated Press Published: Apr 2, 2013 at 2:03 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 2, 2013 at 9:54 PM PDT

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has signed into law a bill allowing young illegal immigrants to pay resident tuition at the state's seven public universities.

Politics Oregon bill: DMV could issue temp. driver's licenses to illegal immigrants

By KATU.com Staff Published: Apr 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT

A bill that will allow the state Department of Motor Vehicles to issue short-term driver's licenses to people who can't show they are residents of the United States, including illegal immigrants, will be introduced today at the state Capitol in Oregon.

Politics Senate approves bill banning school seclusion cells

By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press Published: Apr 1, 2013 at 2:35 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 1, 2013 at 3:29 PM PDT

The Oregon Senate has voted to make it illegal for schools to isolate misbehaving children in so-called "seclusion cells."

Politics Lawmakers consider reversing ban on Native American mascots (Video)

By KATU News Published: Mar 29, 2013 at 9:27 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 29, 2013 at 11:24 AM PDT

Some lawmakers say the Oregon Board of Education went too far when it banned Native American school mascots.

Politics Workers, retirees slam proposed Ore. pension cuts

By Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press Published: Mar 28, 2013 at 8:41 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 1:47 PM PDT

Retired and active government employees slammed a proposal to cut their pension benefits, telling Oregon lawmakers Wednesday that the plan pushed by Democratic leaders would be unfair, irresponsible and illegal.

Politics Man announces intent to run against Tim Freeman

By Dee Dee Gatton KPIC News Published: Mar 27, 2013 at 3:13 PM PDT Last Updated: Mar 27, 2013 at 3:13 PM PDT

The race for the 2014 election of a Douglas County commissioner is heating up already, with a Myrtle Creek man announcing his intent to run.

Politics Bill sets limits on time dogs can be tethered (Video)

By Kerry Tomlinson KATU News Published: Mar 27, 2013 at 11:22 AM PDT Last Updated: Mar 27, 2013 at 11:22 AM PDT

Supporters of the bill say there are a lot of problems with tying up your dog. One is that the tether can become tangled so your dog can't reach his water, food or shelter.