PSJ is working to protect HB 3508

In the 2009 legislative session, legislators faced a huge budget deficit and many difficult decisions. In order to protect critical services, the legislature passed HB 3508, which saved money for services by creating a number of reforms, including:

• An increase in earned time from 20% - 30% for people in prison who were already eligible for earned time.
• An increase in earned time for people on felony probation to 50%.
• A delay in the implementation of most of the sentencing enhancements in Measure 57.

These reforms resulted in the following:

• $50 million in total savings were created.
• $10 million of that savings went to community grants as partial implementation of the treatment portion of Measure 57.
• The Oregon Youth Authority facility in Burns remained open, keeping adjudicated youth closer to their communities.
• 39 Oregon State Trooper Jobs were saved.
• 18 Oregon State Police jobs saved.
• Drug Courts and reentry program funding was maintained.
• The Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund funding was maintained.

The Problem

One part of the 2009 Safety and Savings Bill, the increase in earned time from 20% to 30%, is under attack. There has been a lot of misinformation put out about earned time that we are trying to clear up with legislators and the public. If you have any questions, please see our FAQ on this page.

Our Work

During the short legislative session this February, there will be some changes to the 2009 Safety and Savings Bill. While we understand the need for the legislature to make some minor changes we can't let those changes go too far. Shannon Wight, Kerry Naughton and Jennifer Williamson with Pyramid Communications will be working with our allies to save the 2009 Safety and Savings Bill.

To get involved, email Shannon Wight.