Oregon House (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Aug. 10, 2020
The Oregon House passed a bill intended to improve interactions and outcomes between police and transgender people who’ve been victims of violence.
THE ISSUE: There’s been a reported uptick in violence in transgender women. According to Human Rights Campaign, 2020 was the worst year for violence against transgender women in the U.S. since the advocacy group began tracking the statistics. Last year there were 44 confirmed violent deaths of transgender women and 2021 and 15 this year. The majority of the victims have been Black or Latina women.
THE BILL: House Bill 2986
WHAT IT DOES: Directs the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training to ensure those police officers are trained in how to respond to crimes motivated by prejudice based on the perceived gender of the victim.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: The bill was proposed by Rep. David Gomberg, D-Central Coast. He said in a statement that he brought the bill because of concerns brought to him by a constituent. He said he hopes it will foster better interactions between victims and law enforcement and outcomes.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: Yes
State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Excused
Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: Yes
State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Yes (cosponsor)
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Heads to the Senate for consideration.
-Jake Thomas