State legislators incur penalties for ongoing walkout

(MAY 19, 2023) As of Tuesday, May 16, 2023, negotiations between Oregon Senate Democrats and Republicans were unsuccessful. This resulted in the Republican's walkout continuing for a tenth day. The number of absences is significant because, according to a law approved by voters last year, any lawmaker with at least 10 unexcused absences cannot be reelected. Ten state senators have now reached this threshold.

Republicans have indicated that they are preparing for a prolonged standoff. They established a political action committee called Oregon's 13 Constitutional Defense Fund, aiming to fundraise based on the walkout. They argue that the majority party is disregarding laws and the constitution to push extreme bills, leaving them no choice but to boycott.

The political action committee's name represents the 12 Senate Republicans and one Independent participating in the boycott. The committee plans to use the funds it raises for communicating with voters and potentially challenging the law that prevents absent lawmakers from running for reelection. 

The ongoing walkout has consequences as the legislature approaches a crucial point in the session. Lawmakers are about to receive a revenue forecast that will determine the details of the next two-year budget. However, without a 20-member quorum, which Republicans are denying Senate Democrats, budget bills cannot pass. Negotiations between the two parties have broken down, and no additional talks have been scheduled.

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp accused Democrats of not negotiating in good faith and criticized their pursuit of an extreme, unlawful, and unconstitutional agenda. Republicans have maintained that Measure 113 is susceptible to a court challenge, and with three senators now affected by the law, such a challenge seems likely.

Senator Daniel Bonham, one of the boycotting senators, returned briefly to meet with Republican colleagues and collect belongings in case state troopers are sent to round up absent lawmakers. Bonham's main reason for protesting is House Bill 2002, which expands abortion and gender-affirming care protections. Republicans argue that the bill may exclude parents from their children's decisions regarding these services.

The resolution and timing of the standoff remain uncertain. Bonham expects Democrats to offer budgetary benefits to districts represented by some Republicans to encourage them to return and resume legislative business. Senate President Rob Wagner compared the situation to a similar 2020 Republican walkout that disrupted the short session, indicating a recurring problem.