Legislation

The ACLU of Oregon often takes positions on state, city, and county proposals that would have an impact on civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU is strictly non-partisan; we never support or oppose candidates for elective office.

Local Government

The ACLU of Oregon often takes positions on city, county and other local government ordinances, policies and practices that have an impact on civil liberties and civil rights.

Privacy Questions Delay Vote on Surveillance Cameras

May 9, 2012 - The Portland City Council this morning postponed a vote on a proposal that, if approved, would enable increased use of surveillance cameras by the Portland Police Bureau. The ACLU of Oregon testified in opposition to the proposal at last week's City Council meeting, raising concerns about the privacy implications of 24-hour video surveillance of perfectly legal activities of Portlanders in their everyday lives. At that meeting, the Council agreed to delay a vote on the proposal to allow for the Police Bureau to research and report on further specifics that might address the privacy concerns raised at the hearing. To allow for more time for the Bureau to do so, the Council delayed the vote again today. It is rescheduled for May 30.

It’s Time to End Eugene’s Exclusion Zone

February 29, 2112 - UPDATE: This week the Eugene City Council voted to extend their downtown exclusion zone for another seven months. ACLU of Oregon has opposed this program since it was first established in 2008. (See our briefing paper below to learn more.) This is the second time this ordinance has been renewed and although we are disappointed with the extension we recognize that it might have been worse – there were enough votes on the city council to extend it for two years or even make it permanent.

Portland and the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force

Final Portland Reports on JTTF Greatly Improved, But…

February 29, 2012 – Significantly modified reports on the City of Portland’s relationship with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) were approved by the City Council after the ACLU’s testified they were greatly improved, but still lacked data that would permit the public to independently confirm that Oregon law and the Constitution are being honored by the City.

ACLU Testifies Against Portland's Latest "Sit/Lie" Ordinance

On May 6, 2010 - The Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve the latest "sit/lie" ordinance. ACLU will monitor its implementation.

ACLU Raises Concerns Over City of Portland's Use of Photo Radar and Red Light Cameras

April 7, 2010 – ACLU of Oregon testified before Portland City Council raising concerns about the City’s use of photo radar and red light cameras.

ACLU of Oregon Challenges Ashland's Anti-Camping Ordinance

Southern Oregon Chapter Questions Harsh Laws Targeting People Who Are Homeless

Oct. 13, 2008 -- The Southern Oregon Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon calls upon the City of Ashland to amend its “Prohibited Camping” ordinance from one that punishes poverty and homelessness into one that prods the city to provide housing for the homeless.

Archive: FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force (2001 - 2008)

In 2000, the ACLU of Oregon and our coalition partners began organizing to shed light on Portland’s involvement in the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force after Dan Handelman of Portland Copwatch noticed an item related to the JTTF on the City Council’s consent agenda.

ACLU Lobbying Leads to Change in Portland Police Practices

New Rules Protect Death With Dignity and Medical Marijuana Acts

December 11, 2007 - As a result of ACLU of Oregon lobbying efforts with Portland Mayor Tom Potter, Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer has issued an executive order that specifically prohibits any police assistance with investigations or prosecutions for persons who are acting under the authority of Oregon’s Death with Dignity or Medical Marijuana acts.

Taser Use by Local Law Enforcement

ACLU of Oregon Investigates Taser Use by Ashland Police -- and Issues a Call for Reform

Sept. 12, 2007 -- For more than a decade, the American Civil Liberties Union, at the national and affiliate level, has been concerned about the potential abuse and misuse of conducted energy devices (CEDs, also known as Tasers or stun-guns) by law enforcement.

Portland Exclusion Zones

In September 2007, Mayor Tom Potter chose not to renew Portland’s Drug and Prostitution Exclusion Zone ordinances.