Lawsuit Puts 2008 Oregon Legislative Session In Doubt

GOVERNMENT 

By Chris Lehman

Salem, OR  January 2, 2008 3:49 p.m.

The Oregon Legislature is getting ready to test the waters of annual sessions. But the gavel won't fall next month if one Senator has his way.  Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Republican Senator Larry George is seeking a temporary injunction that would keep his fellow lawmakers from getting down to business next month.

Legislators are using a clause in the Oregon Constitution that allows special sessions in the event of an emergency.

Senator George says they're not playing by the rules.

Larry George:  “There's clearly no emergency.  This has been advertised as a test drive of annual sessions, which directly violates the Constitution.”

Oregon is one of six states where the legislature meets every other year.  2008 would have been an off-year.

Legislative leaders say meeting next month will allow them to tackle issues that can't wait until 2009, things like illegal immigration and sub-prime mortgages.

A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for January 25th.  That's less than two weeks before the session is set to begin.

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