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Bill would create path to sue after race-based 911 calls

Chris Lehman
/
KLCC

People who call the police as a way to harass law-abiding people could be sued under a measure being considered by Oregon lawmakers.

Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Clackamas, was knocking on doors last summer in her suburban Portland district when someone called the police. They complained that the African American lawmaker was acting suspiciously.

A sheriff’s deputy quickly realized that Bynum wasn’t doing anything wrong. But Bynum says the damage had been done. “There’s a certain amount of your dignity that is stripped when you are stopped by the police for doing nothing but existing,” she said.

Bynum is one of three African American lawmakers sponsoring the bill. It would allow people who’ve been the subject of such complaints to sue the person who summoned the police. Plaintiffs could be awarded up to $250 in damages, in addition to legal fees.

The House Judiciary Committee could vote as soon as Thursday to advance the measure.

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”