Constitutional Ambiguity in Lawmaker Walkout Penalties Raises Legal Questions.

Ambiguity in the language of Measure 113, a constitutional amendment passed in Oregon in 2022 to penalize lawmakers for walkouts, may factor into a looming legal battle. The amendment disqualifies legislators with ten unexcused absences from floor sessions from holding office for the term following the end of their current term. However, the language is unclear about when the disqualification would go into effect, leading to a potential loophole that could extend the political lives of affected senators. Republican lawmakers who walked out this session have reached the threshold of 10 unexcused absences and plan to challenge Measure 113 in court.