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Senate approves law banning impersonation of union representatives after heated debate
Summary
The Senate approved House Bill 37 89 B, criminalizing intentional impersonation or fraudulent misrepresentation as a union representative and allowing covered entities to sue for damages. Supporters said the measure protects workers from deception; opponents argued it risks chilling speech and creates a tool for political litigation.
The Oregon Senate passed House Bill 37 89 B, a measure that bars individuals from fraudulently impersonating a union representative and creates a civil cause of action for unions or their members to seek damages.
Senator Broadman introduced the committee report and described the measure as making "it unlawful to falsely impersonate a union representative." Senator Bridal, the bill’s carrier, said the bill "prevents Oregon workers from being intentionally misled and defrauded by people impersonating union representatives." The Senate rejected a proposed minority report that would have extended certain protections or changed liability rules and then approved the bill on third reading.
Why it matters: Supporters argued the bill protects workers from targeted deception — for example, third-party mailers or canvassers using union branding to persuade members to opt out —…
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