Date: 02/16/2016 04:00 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/359
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – House lawmakers have approved a controversial proposal that would make sweeping changes to Oregon’s energy policies. The bill would eliminate the use of coal power in Oregon by 2030 and double the state’s renewable energy standard by 2040. It now moves to the Senate for consideration after passing the House in a 37-20 vote yesterday following a lengthy debate on the floor. The proposal was negotiated between environmentalists and utilities, and it’s controversial for several reasons.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A marijuana-related proposal that would allow out-of-state investors to enter Oregon’s burgeoning pot industry cleared its first major hurdle in the Oregon Legislature. The proposal would remove a two-year residency requirement on people applying for a marijuana license, which would help small marijuana businesses have more access to cash from investors. House Bill 4014 cleared the House yesterday on a bipartisan 48-11 vote, and now moves to the Senate. Today, the House will also vote on another marijuana bill that would remove state criminal liability for banks that do business with the pot industry.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) – The Springfield City Council is set to consider an ordinance that would ban motorists from giving anything to panhandlers while on public roadways. The Register Guard reports that the council and Springfield police chief plan to discuss the ordinance today. It would fine drivers $50 for transferring property while on a road or highway. According to documents filed on the city’s website, the ordinance would create a new violation called “Unlawful Transfer on Vehicular Portion of the Right-of-Way.”
KEIZER, Ore. (AP) – Keizer police are searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting at a Starbucks parking lot. On Sunday, at about 6:30 p.m., Keizer Police officers responded to a report of an assault having just occurred in the parking lot of the Keizer Station Starbucks. Officers arrived to find a male victim who had been shot and was seriously injured. The 28-year-old victim was from Salem. He was taken to the Salem hospital and later pronounced dead. His identity was not immediately released.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.