In a significant move aimed at bolstering civil rights protections for residents, Oregon Senate Bill 1191, introduced in March 2025, has passed the Oregon Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. This bill is designed to clarify the legal protections for individuals who inform others of their constitutional and civil rights, particularly in interactions with law enforcement. By explicitly defining when actions like informing someone of their rights do not constitute obstruction, refusal to assist, or interference with law enforcement, the bill seeks to strengthen the protections available to Oregonians.
Senate Bill 1191 revises several Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), particularly ORS 162.235, 162.245, and 162.247, which address obstruction of governmental or judicial administration, refusal to assist a peace officer, and interference with a peace officer. The new language explicitly states that individuals cannot be charged with obstructing or interfering with law enforcement simply for informing others of their rights, such as the right to remain silent or the right to legal representation.
One of the most notable aspects of the bill is the clarification that refusal to assist a peace officer will not lead to criminal charges if the refusal involves informing another person about their rights. In other words, Oregonians can educate others about their constitutional rights without fear of legal consequences, so long as no physical interference with law enforcement occurs. This shift is particularly important for individuals who might find themselves in situations where they wish to assert or share their rights without becoming involved in confrontations with law enforcement…