Smart on Crime Task Force Bill Scheduled for Work Session

Senate Bill 856, the measure which creates a legislative “Smart on Crime” Task Force to study ways to improve our corrections system, is scheduled for work session in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, April 26.

Supported by a strong bi-partisan group of Senators and Representatives, the bill would call on the task force to study ways to reduce costs in the prison system while enhancing public safety.

At its first hearing in Senate Judiciary Committee, House Speaker Jeff Merkley testified in support of the legislation, along with Republican Senators Frank Morse and Dave Nelson. If passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the bill would move to the full Joint Ways and Means Committee.