Oregon’s Expanding Legislation
Oregon has added the use or possession of illegal drugs on public transportation to its interference charges—so if you’re riding the bus and breaking drug laws, you’re at risk of additional penalties. Lawmakers also passed House Bill 4145, creating new offenses for inciting aggravated animal mistreatment and tightening the legal definitions around animal abuse.
Oregon schools can now use stop-arm cameras to catch drivers who don’t stop for school buses, thanks to House Bill 4147. Another noteworthy measure, Senate Bill 1532, requires the Department of Education to address “academic gaps” for asylum-seeking, refugee, or undocumented students.
Washington’s Crackdown on Careless Driving and Animal Testing
Up north in Washington, if a careless driver kills a pedestrian or cyclist, they can be charged with a severe misdemeanor, facing up to 364 days in jail. Additionally, cosmetics tested on animals can no longer be sold, barring a few exceptions for products tested outside the United States due to foreign regulations. Strip club employees also must undergo training to curb sexual harassment and human trafficking.
