Crimefighting Act

Oregon’s “catch and release” policy lets defendants charged with serious felonies walk free without ever seeing a judge. The Crime Fighting Act puts public safety first by requiring arraignment for violent and serious offenders.

Why Oregon Needs the Crimefighting Act

The Oregon Crimefighting Act (IP 50) ends “catch and release,” empowers cities and counties to fight crime, and adequately funds jails.

In September 2023, two 17-year-olds were stabbed on a Portland MAX train. The attacker, Adrian Cummins, had a history of violent crimes, including domestic abuse and sexual assault. Yet he had been released thanks to Oregon’s “catch and release” system.

Catch and release was enshrined into Oregon law during a legislative session shrouded in a lack of transparency–and has cost taxpayers lots of money. SB 48, passed in the 2021 legislative session, which was held virtually, received minimal public input. The bill allowed individuals charged with up to 150 felonies to be released on personal recognizance. That means they can be set free without bail and without ever appearing before a judge for arraignment. Under SB 48, individuals charged with up to 150 different felony offenses can be released on personal recognizance, meaning they are set free without bail and without ever appearing before a judge for arraignment. Releasing these individuals back into the community is a tax on Oregonians as criminal justice system resources are used to handle future crimes committed by them, not to mention the cost of the crime itself to the victim. 

What the Crime Fighting Act Does

The Crime Fighting Act has three main components. Each component makes Oregon communities safer by ending bad practices and prioritizing public safety funding:

• Ending Catch and Release
  The Crimefighting Act ends catch and release by requiring defendants charged with felonies and Class A misdemeanors be held in custody until arraignment, where a judge reviews their criminal history and determines whether they should be detained or released pending trial.

• Empowering Cities and Counties to Fight Crime
  IP 50 would also give cities and counties the authority to enact local ordinances that address crime in their communities, including measures related to illegal drug use and other public safety concerns.

• Adequately Funding Jails
  The Crime Fighting Act also mandates the State of Oregon provide the funding necessary to house defendants held pending trial on felony and Class A misdemeanor charges, ensuring that the system has the capacity to operate effectively.

Take Action

Believe Oregon deserves safe communities? Here’s how to help:

• Sign the Petition
  Your signature helps IP 50 reach the ballot in November.

• Donate
  Contributions to Oregon Freedom Coalition help us promote policies that make Oregon safer for all Oregonians.

• Share
  Tell friends, family, and neighbors about this initiative and why it matters for Oregonians.

• Stay Informed
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