Oregon Democrats Pass Fine for Absent GOP Senators During Walkout

Oregon Senate Democrats plan to fine absent Republican senators $325 every time their absence denies the chamber the two-thirds quorum it needs to conduct business amid a month-long Republican walkout, a move they hope will pressure boycotting lawmakers to return to the chamber as hundreds of bills languish amid the partisan stalemate. Republicans are expected to file court challenges if the secretary of state’s elections division bars them from registering as candidates in September.