Oregon Public Broadcasting

Lawmakers in Salem took a break from partisan rancor Wednesday to pass a bill that would ban what critics see as a revolving door. 

Caucus leaders from both parties led the floor debate in favor of a bill to place new limits on how quickly legislators can take other state jobs.

House Bill 3638 would prevent lawmakers from accepting a state job for one year after they leave office.

It includes exceptions if the position is publicly advertised or the lawmaker is confirmed by the Oregon Senate.

Speeches in favor of the limit came from both parties, including one from House Minority Leader Bruce Hanna.

Bruce Hanna:  "House Bill 3638 sends a strong message that the Legislature is about public service, not about using the office as a stepping stone to higher paying state work."

The bill passed unanimously and now heads to the Senate.

It was prompted by complaints over three legislators who took state jobs soon after the end of the 2009 session. In each case the lawmaker was appointed to the job without a public hiring process.

On the Web:

House Bill 3638