Senate committee advances resolution honoring late Senate President Peter Courtney after hours of testimony

The Oregon Senate Committee on Rules on March 17 advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, which honors the life and public service of Peter Michael Coleman Courtney (1934–2024), after a public hearing that drew scores of former colleagues, community leaders and institutional representatives.

The resolution, which the committee recorded as having no fiscal or revenue impact, was moved to the Senate floor with a “be adopted” recommendation.

The committee heard roughly two hours of testimony describing Courtney’s decades in state government, his role as a mentor and his influence on policy and on the Capitol’s culture. Rob Wagner, Oregon state senator and Senate President, told the committee that Courtney “never forgot to stand up for those who needed a champion,” and announced that the legislature will name the new joint legislators’ lounge on the Capitol’s third floor in Courtney’s honor.

Several former lawmakers who served with Courtney said his leadership style…