AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/257
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Senate has given final legislative approval to a plan intended to cap the number of offenders housed in state prisons. The bill, which passed the Senate 19-11 yesterday, now goes to Gov. John Kitzhaber who intends to sign it. The plan will loosen certain criminal sentencing laws in order to keep the state’s prison population steady over the next five years.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Legislature is making paying for sex with a minor a felony on the first conviction. In a 56-1 vote, the Oregon House gave final legislative approval yesterday, sending the bill to the governor for signature. Penalties for first-time offenders include a $10,000 fine, at least 30 days in jail and completion of a rehabilitative program.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A graduate of a Portland-area high school was among the 19 firefighters killed in an Arizona wildfire. The Oregonian reports 24-year-old John J. Percin Jr. was killed when a windblown wildfire overcame his team, the Granite Mountain Hotshots, north of Phoenix on Sunday. Percin graduated from West Linn High School in 2007.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Water Resources Commission has approved an exemption allowing human consumption and stock watering in the drought-triggered water shut-offs in the upper Klamath Basin. The exemption, which was approved yesterday, lasts for six months and covers rivers flowing into Upper Klamath Lake. It also covers Crater Lake National Park, which has been preparing for losing its only source of drinking water.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
