Committee hears bill to protect "know your rights" speech from obstruction and interference charges

The Senate Judiciary Committee on March 25 held a public hearing on Senate Bill 11 91, which would add statutory language clarifying that the act of informing another person about their civil or constitutional rights does not constitute the crimes of obstructing governmental or judicial administration, refusing to assist a peace officer, or interfering with a peace, parole or probation officer.

Supporters described the bill as a protection for volunteers and community organizations that run "know‑your‑rights" trainings and for bystanders who advise people interacting with law enforcement. "As an organization that helps vulnerable community members to know, exercise, and defend their constitutional and civil rights, this bill is essential to help empower newcomer and established community members with knowledge of their rights," said Alon Soliveros, who identified himself as a program associate for the American Friends Service Committee.

Britt Conroy, public policy director of Ecumenical Ministry of Oregon, told the committee the bill "affirmatively clarifies in statute" that giving rights information is not equivalent to obstructing police or refusing to assist. Francisco Aguirre of Viva Inclusive Migrant Network and Reverend Dr. W. J. Mark Knutson of a sanctuary church also urged support, as did Rebecca Gladstone of the League of Women Voters of Oregon, who emphasized the group's work teaching civic rights and voter services.

Committee members asked detailed legal questions about three different sections of the bill: whether the new language would permit speech that delays assistance to an officer; whether giving incorrect legal advice could expose the speaker to liability; and how the statute would apply in fact‑specific scenarios such as sanctuary sites or roadside encounters. Senator Rodman (committee discussion) summarized the committee's working interpretation: if a person merely tells another their rights, the speech itself would not be a crime, but physical acts that obstruct or impair an officer's duties could still be prosecuted.

Sponsor comments and supporters said the point is to protect well‑intentioned community educators and bystanders who tell people they have the right to remain silent or to consult a lawyer, particularly in immigrant communities where fear of enforcement is high. The sponsor said similar prosecutions have occurred in other states and the bill aims to prevent that chilling effect.

No amendments or votes were taken at the public hearing; the bill is scheduled for a work session on April 2.