Proposed Oregon Law Could Deem Civil Disobedience as Terrorism, Punishable by Life in Prison

This proposed Oregon law would make blocking a road or taking part in a sit-down strike outside a government building or a business office building a crime of "terrorism" punishable by life in prison.

72nd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2003 Regular Session

Senate Bill 742

Sponsored by Senator MINNIS

SUMMARY

The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor's brief statement of the essential features of the measure as introduced.

Creates crime of terrorism. Punishes by life imprisonment.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to terrorism; creating new provisions; and amending section 19, chapter 666, Oregon Laws 2001.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person knowingly plans, participates in or carries out any act that is intended, by at least one of its participants, to disrupt:

(a) The free and orderly assembly of the inhabitants of the State of Oregon;

(b) Commerce or the transportation systems of the State of Oregon; or

(c) The educational or governmental institutions of the State of Oregon or its inhabitants.

(2) A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person conspires to do any of the activities described in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) A person may not be convicted of terrorism except upon the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or upon confession in open court.

(4)(a) A person convicted of terrorism shall be punished by imprisonment for life.

go to: http://pub.das.state.or.us/LEG_BILLS/PDFs/SB742.pdf for full text