Modified Oregon Measure 73 reduces prison forecast

October 12, 2011

By Bailey Ludlam

SALEM, Oregon: The number of inmates in Oregon's prison system is expected to increase by an estimated 1,000 by 2014. According to state officials, changes made by state legislators to 2010's approved Measure 73 helped reduce the forecast.

In 2010, voters approved Measure 73 with approximately 57% in support. The initiated state statute proposed requiring an increased minimum sentence for some sex crimes and repeat DUIs. More specifically, the initiative set a 25-year mandatory minimum prison sentence for repeat offenders of any four felony sex crimes. Additionally, it required a 90-day jail term for a third drunk-driving conviction. The conviction would also be considered a Class C felony if the previous convictions were within the past 10 years.

At the conclusion of the 2011 legislative session, lawmakers agreed to two more years of 60-day limits on holding probation violators and modified Measure 73. Measure 57 will take effect at the end of the current suspension - January 1, 2012.

Measure 73 was amended to require 90-day jailings for third-time convicted drunk drivers. The costs are to be paid by the state. The measure previously required 13-month terms.

The changes, forecasters said, cut the number of inmates by 360 through 2021. The expected 1,000 inmate increase is expected to cost $30 million a year.

The full forecast report can be read here: Oregon Corrections Population Forecast - October 1, 2011

See also

• Oregon Minimum Criminal Sentence Increase, Measure 73 (2010)
• Oregon Criminal Sentence, Measure 57 (2008)