Criminal Justice

Modifies the offense of making a false report of child abuse. Punishes a first offense by a maximum of six months' imprisonment, $2,500 fine, or both. Punishes a second offense by a maximum of 364 days' imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Punishes a third or subsequent offense by a maximum of five years' imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

] Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution [ providing that law enforcement officers may not be masked and must wear certain identifying information except in specified circumstances ] establishing a right to be free from enforcement of the law by secret police . Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election.

Directs [ law enforcement ] specified investigators of deaths of decedents , prior to making any findings as to the cause or manner of death where the decedent is suspected to have died from suicide, [ overdose or ] accident or other undetermined cause , to review documented evidence of abuse and interview family members of the decedent if the decedent has a history as a victim of domestic violence or child abuse and certain conditions exist. [ Requires law enforcement to submit a written request to the district medical examiner for the performance of an autopsy if a reasonable basis exists that the death of the decedent may be the result of domestic violence or child abuse. ] [ Directs a medical examiner or district attorney to order the performance of an autopsy in certain circumstances. ] Directs the law enforcement officer or district medical examiner to request further post-mortem examination of the decedent if a reasonable basis exists to suspect the death is a homicide due to domestic violence or child abuse. Directs the Chief Medical Examiner to engage in collaborative consultation regarding appropriate actions to take. Prohibits the release of the body of the decedent until the consultation has occurred and recommended actions have been completed. Authorizes appropriate post-mortem assessments. Provides that certain individuals may examine and obtain copies of evidence generated during an autopsy or investigation of death. Requires law enforcement to provide notice of rights to certain members of the decedent's family upon opening an investigation of a death that is suspected to have been caused by suicide[ , overdose or accident ] or occurred under suspicious circumstances .

Expands the crime of aggravated harassment to include threats concerning public officials in specified circumstances. Punishes by a maximum of five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $125,000, or both. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Allows a person who has been deprived of rights, privileges or immunities secured by the Oregon Constitution or the laws of this state by a person acting under color of law to bring a civil action for economic and noneconomic damages and for injunctive or other equitable relief. Provides for the award of attorney fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff, or to a prevailing defendant if the court finds that a plaintiff's claim was frivolous, unreasonable or without foundation. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.