Bill to Combat Extremist Activity Passes Oregon Senate 

SALEM, Ore.– The Oregon Senate has passed House Bill 2572, which focuses on preventing armed activity that infringes on constitutional rights and substantially interferes with government functions or legitimate law enforcement authority and establishes a civil cause of action to help everyday Oregonians harmed by paramilitary activity seek justice.

Under the bill, individuals who engage in specific conduct as part of a private paramilitary organization or receive training for unlawful activities can be held legally accountable. Supporters say the bill is urgently needed citing a recent report from the Secretary of State Audits Division, which showed that Oregon ranked 6th in the nation for the number of domestic violent extremist incidents reported between 2011 and 2020.

“Our communities, our families are vulnerable. This bill will fortify Oregon against threats from violent extremists trying to undermine our democracy and infringe on our rights,” said Sen. James Manning (D - Eugene), co-chief sponsor of HB 2572.

Because it prohibits conduct that endangers public safety and law enforcement without regard to the ideological motivations behind such conduct, HB 2572 serves as a powerful tool for effective enforcement. 

The legislation is the result of broad engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders, as well as constitutional experts, whose input was critical to the bill’s development. The bill upholds the constitutional right to protest and carry firearms.

The bill now moves to the governor’s desk for consideration.