2007 Task Force Legislative Agenda
HB 2153 - Forensic Enhancement Bill - Passed!
Bill Summary: HB 2153 will eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for certain sex crimes in cases in which the perpetrators DNA has been collected
Key Changes: HB 2153 will amend ORS Chapter 131 to extend the amount of time prosecutors have to initiate prosecution, beyond six or 12 years, if DNA of the perpetrator is collected in the following sex crimes:
- Rape in the first and second degree
- Sodomy in the first and second degree
- Unlawful sexual penetration in the first and second degree
- Sexual abuse in the first and second degree
Why this Bill is Necessary: HB 2153 is designed to increase community safety by allowing prosecution of certain sex crimes when the suspect’s DNA evidence is collected. Under current ORS, regardless of the collection of identifying DNA evidence, is prohibitive of prosecution after six years for adults and 12 years for children. With the advent of DNA evidence as a reliable biological identifier, perpetrators of violent crimes, particularly sex crimes, can be held accountable when DNA evidence is collected in conjunction with the commission of a violent crime.
HB 2154 - Evidence Preservation Bill - Passed and Signed
Letter from Attorney General Hardy Myers - click here to view letter.
Recommended policies for medical facilities - click here to view materials.
Recommended policies for law enforcement agencies - click here to view materials.
Key Victory: On June 1st, 2007, Governor Ted Kulongoski signed HB 2154, the Evidence Preservation Bill, into law marking a monumental day for survivors of sexual assault and those who investigate/prosecute sex crimes in Oregon. HB 2154 is effective upon passage. For full text of the bill please click here.
Bill Summary: HB 2154 eliminates the requirement for law enforcement authorization prior to collection of an Oregon State Police (OSP) SAFE Kit.
Key Changes: HB 2154 Amend ORS Chapter 147 so that victims of sexual assault can consent to the collection of an OSP SAFE Kit regardless of whether the victim reports the assault to a law enforcement agency; Ensures that collection of the Oregon State Police SAFE Kit is conducted in a manner intended to protect the victim’s identity; and Defines the conditions under which the Department of Justice must reimburse medical providers for complete sexual assault medical examinations.
Why this Bill is Necessary: HB 2154 is designed to aid in the preservation of valuable forensic evidence through immediate collection of the OSP SAFE Kit. Law enforcement and prosecutors will have access to fragile and time-sensitive evidence thereby contributing to a successful investigation and prosecution. Likewise, eliminating law enforcement authorization of OSP SAFE Kits will provide victims the option of having evidence collected while giving them time to come forward in the aftermath of a sexual assault.
HB 3233 - Co-Sponsored Bill - Sex Offender Treatment Certification - Passed!
Bill Summary: Sex Offender Bill for an Act will establish a Sex Offender Treatment Board and the Sex Offender Treatment Advisory Board. The Sex Offender Treatment Board will develop standards and guidelines for sex offender treatment and develop a certification process for sex offender treatment providers. The Bill will also establish the titles of Certified Sex Offender Therapist, Certified Associate Sex Offender Therapist and Certified Sexual Arousal/Interest Examiner.
Key Changes: Sex Offender Bill for an Act will create standards for sex offender treatment providers. This Bill will increase community and victim safety and reduce recidivism by:
- Providing oversight of treatment providers
- Requiring specialized training, knowledge, standards and licensure of providers
- Providing offender individualized treatment and evaluation
Why this Bill is Necessary: The Task Force recognizes that offender accountability is connected to access to justice and safety for victims. The Task Force also supports all efforts that lead to reduced recidivism or elimination of sexual offending behavior on behalf of all community members. |
