Oregon House Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) has now urged the Legislature to advance HJR 16, which proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to establish an impeachment procedure for statewide elected officials. Oregon is currently the only state in the nation without such a procedure.

“Recent events illustrate, yet again, the importance of having an impeachment procedure on the books as a check against negligence and abuse of power by public officials,” said Representative Boshart Davis. “While I recognize that investigations need time to play out, members of both parties have already expressed their dismay and concern over the emerging situation with Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and the impact this is having on public trust. The Legislature must have the ability to remove a statewide elected official when necessary.”

Previous attempts to establish an impeachment procedure received bipartisan support, with now Governor Tina Kotek and Congresswoman Val Hoyle voting in support. Representative Boshart Davis is joined by Representatives Jami Cate (R-Lebanon), Bobby Levy (R-Echo), and Anna Scharf (R-Amity) in sponsoring HJR 16.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“This has been a bipartisan issue in the past and it should be again this year,” concluded Representative Boshart Davis. “Regardless of how ongoing events play out, it’s clear that Oregon should join the 49 other states by moving forward with establishing an impeachment procedure.”

HJR 16 is currently in the House Committee on Rules, where it has yet to be granted a hearing.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-05-01 15:17:49

Last Update: 2023-05-01 17:56:40