Oregon

For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM’s General Counsel Mary Price to testify before Oregon Senate Committee on Healthcare about compassionate release reform

SALEM – FAMM’s General Counsel Mary Price will appear before the Oregon Senate Committee on Healthcare today, testifying in favor of a bill that would improve Early Medical Release.

“Oregon flunks compassionate release,” Price said. “This bill contains sorely needed reforms. The current Early Medical Release program has some good features, but also many obstacles, such as narrow eligibility and missing guidance, that lead to poor outcomes. Only eight people were released from 2013 to 2020, while 11 died awaiting assessment, decision, or release in those years. If adopted, this bill will transform Early Medical Release so that instead of it languishing, unused, it can be used for those medically vulnerable and dying people whose release doesn’t affect public safety.”

Price is the author of “Everywhere and Nowhere: Compassionate Release in the States,” based on comprehensive research into medical and compassionate release programs across the United States. Last year, FAMM released an update on that report, and issued report cards for every state’s compassionate release programs. Oregon received one of the worst grades in the nation.

For more than three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM has led the fight to reform extreme mandatory sentencing laws and to promote rehabilitation and dignity for all people in prison, 94 percent of whom will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safely reduce incarceration, save taxpayer dollars, and keep families together. Founded in 1991, FAMM has secured bold sentencing and prison reform across the country while elevating the voices of directly impacted individuals and families.