Published:Friday, April 11, 2008 10:54 AM PDT
Serving the South Coast of Oregon

Ore. voters to decide on minimum mandatory sentences
Friday, April 11, 2008 10:54 AM PDT

PORTLAND(AP) — Oregon voters will decide whether to set mandatory minimum prison sentences for property and drug offenders.

A statewide initiative sponsored by Republican congressional candidate Kevin Mannix has qualified for the November ballot, the first initiative measure to do so.

Voters also will consider a less expensive legislative ballot referendum that includes money for drug treatment.

The Mannix measure requires mandatory three-year sentences for drug dealers, burglars and identity thieves regardless of their criminal history.

But critics say it could cost up to $200 million a year — and there is no money in the state budget for it.


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