Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Oregon House voted Friday to put a voter-approved criminal sentencing measure on hold.

Lawmakers say it's part of a plan to preserve other public safety programs.

The agreement is one of the last budget hurdles the Legislature has to clear before adjourning. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Last fall Oregon voters signed off on Measure 57, which toughens sentences for certain property and drug crimes.

To save money lawmakers propose to place a 23-month timeout on the measure starting next February.

Opponents of that idea say it would overturn the will of the voters. But lawmakers like Democratic Representative Chip Shields say the move heads off cuts to state troopers and other public safety programs.

Chip Shields: “Phasing in Measure 57 will keep faith with the voters by keeping our public safety system intact and balanced until Oregon, the country, and indeed the world begins to dig its way out of this most severe worldwide recession.”

This was the second attempt by lawmakers to delay Measure 57. The first failed to earn the two-thirds majority needed. But after some revisions, some lawmakers changed their votes.

The Oregon Senate is expected to take up the proposal soon.

Online:

Oregon House Bill 3508-B