Oregon calling special legislative session to discuss police reform, coronavirus

Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced on Tuesday that she is forming a special legislative session next week to discuss police reforms and the state’s fight against COVID-19.

Going outside of scheduled calendar meetings, Brown says “I’m calling a special session to take up two urgent issues facing our state: police accountability and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“These are too urgent to wait until the next regular legislative session,” she added. “It’s imperative that the legislature take action on these issues right away.”

I’m calling a special session to take up two urgent issues facing our state: police accountability and the COVID-19 pandemic. These are too urgent to wait until the next regular legislative session. It’s imperative that the Legislature take action on these issues right away.

— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) June 16, 2020

This specially scheduled meeting takes place four weeks after police in Minneapolis killed unarmed Black man Goerge Floyd, sparking massive protests and demonstrations around the world, including Portland.

Portland’s Police Bureau recently appointed Chief Chuck Lovell, aiming to present a better leader in a time when Portland’s Black community is standing up for change.

• See also:
  • Jami Resch resigns as Portland police chief, appoints Chuck Lovell
  • Portland to cut $7 million from police bureau’s budget
  • Oregon governor puts one week hold on reopening plans

As for the pandemic, the discussion will likely center around the currently paused reopening of Oregon, and plans to get things back on track after the state continues to see a large increase in confirmed cases.