Rep Barton Carries Two Priority Bills
Barton champions public safety bills dealing with drug and sex offenders
SALEM – Representative Brent Barton (D-Clackamas) today championed two public safety bills on the House floor dealing with drug and sex offenders. Both bills are a priority for Barton this session.
HB 2972 shifts the burden of proof to the offender to prove that he or she meets the requirements to be relieved from reporting as a sex offender. The bill will protect a victim’s rights in sex offender trials, by preventing them from having to face the sex offender again in court unless the attacker can prove that the victim testimony is favorable to securing their relief request.
“Victims of these crimes have suffered enough and often face psychological trauma after the event,” said Barton. “This bill will ensure that victims will not have to come face-to-face with their assailant again unless they choose to do so.”
HB 3295 updates current provisions regarding the requirements of diversion programs for those under 18 years old. The new bill requires that participants in these programs abstain from using intoxicants throughout the duration of the course. If a person is found guilty of using intoxicants, the court can find the offender guilty of violating probation.
“In order for diversion programs to be successful, it is important for the youth enrolled to be committed to succeeding,” said Barton. “Using intoxicants while under probation is counterproductive to the individual’s participation.”
Both bills passed easily and will proceed to the Senate.
Barton represents House District 51 which comprises Estacada, Damascus, Clackamas and portions of Oregon City, Happy Valley and Boring. He is the Vice-Chair of the Business and Labor Committee and also serves on the Consumer Protection and Judiciary Committees.
