Oregon Republicans walk out of state Legislature in protest of Democrat-sponsored bills

Oregon's Republican state lawmakers staged a walkout this week, in a protest over bills that Democrats are pushing through the state Legislature. The move could be a test of new voter-approved rules.

Last year, Oregon voters approved a statewide measure that ensures stiff penalties if lawmakers participate in a walkout. That’s not stopping Senate Republicans. The minority party looks ready to test the new law in court.

Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) said Democrats left them with no choice, as they pushed a progressive agenda creating new gun regulations and adding protections for abortion and gender-affirming care.

"Therefore we are engaged in a peaceful, constitutional protest by denying the quorum," Knopp said.

Republicans are also accusing Democrats of breaking a long overlooked law that requires bill summaries be written in straightforward language.

It’s unclear how long Republicans plan to try and block Democrats in this way. The 2023 legislative session is scheduled to conclude at the end of June.

Read the full story on Oregon's GOP walkout at Oregon Public Broadcasting.