New Domestic Terrorism Law in OR on the way to WA?

A new law in the state of Oregon is aimed at the crime of domestic terrorism. The law targets what supporters say is the increasing crimes of violent extremism in Oregon.

LAWMAKERS IN OREGON DECIDED TO TAKE ACTION UNLIKE OTHER STATES

The new law defines domestic terrorism as a crime committed by a person who intentionally damages or destroys critical infrastructure or purposely releases a substance that impacts more than 50 people. The infrastructure is defined fuel pipelines, dams, roads, airports or rail lines. It also includes utilities, and power substations.

SOME LEGAL GROUPS IN THE STATE ARE CONCERNED

It's a tough law and one that has a lot of people including social justice groups very concerned. They're concerned the law could be used by law enforcement to go after communities of color or activists against certain subjects or people in the community. One of the groups concerned is the American Civil Liberties Union.

LAWMAKERS IN WA ARE WATCHING CLOSELY

While there's lots of concern about the new law, lawmakers in other states including Washington State are looking closely at the law seeing if it could be duplicated.
Lawmakers on each side of the political fence voted in favor of the new domestic terrorism law during the Oregon Legislative Session last year.

OR RANKING 6TH IN THE NATION IN VIOLENT INCIDENTS IN THE US

The new law is the result of concerns by lawmakers after learning Oregon ranked number 6 in the nation from 2011 to 2020 when it comes to domestic violent incidents. Will a new domestic terrorism law be created in Washington State? Some lawmakers are talking about it but so far no move by the legislature to introduce similar legislation.
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