Latest Oregon state government News

Oregon ban on hard-to-trace ghost guns goes into effect Sunday

Aug. 30, 2024 20:23 PM EDT

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — So-called ghost guns, privately made firearms that don't have serial numbers and are largely untraceable, will be banned across Oregon starting Sunday after a federal judge denied a legal challenge that tried to block the prohibition. Ghost guns differ from...

Oregon city at heart of Supreme Court homelessness ruling votes to ban camping except in some areas

Aug. 08, 2024 22:06 PM EDT

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The small Oregon city at the heart of a recent landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows cities to enforce outdoor sleeping bans has voted to prohibit camping but establish certain areas where homeless people can go. The Grants Pass City Council voted 7-0...

Peter Courtney, Oregon’s longest-serving state lawmaker, dies at 81

Jul. 16, 2024 19:05 PM EDT

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Peter Courtney, Oregon’s longest-serving lawmaker and a politician who was known for his bipartisanship and skills as a dealmaker, died Tuesday, officials said. He was 81. Courtney died of complications from cancer at his home in Salem, Gov. Tina Kotek said in...

Divided Supreme Court rules in major homelessness case that outdoor sleeping bans are OK

Jun. 28, 2024 16:07 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places on Friday, overturning a ruling from a California-based appeals court that found such laws amount to cruel and unusual punishment when shelter space is lacking. ...