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Crook County commissioners unanimously approve letter opposing House Bill 2640’s change to assault‑by‑spitting standard
Summary
Commissioners voted to sign a letter opposing HB 2640, which would require proof that spitting at an officer posed a risk of transmitting a communicable disease; the board said the change would make prosecution more difficult and weaken protections for law enforcement.
At the work session commissioners voted to sign a letter of opposition to House Bill 2640 (referred to in the meeting as HB 26 40), which the board said would change the standard for prosecuting attacks that involve spitting on a law enforcement officer.
One commissioner summarized the board’s concern: the bill would require prosecutors to prove that a spitting act posed a risk of transmitting a communicable disease, a change the commissioner said would “severely undermine the protections currently afforded to our law enforcement community.” The motion to sign the letter was made and seconded, and commissioners voted "aye" to approve the letter; the clerk recorded the motion, second, and affirmative vote.
Why it matters: The board framed the change as narrowing the standard for an offense that now protects officers and public‑safety personnel from assaultive conduct that includes spitting. The commissioners said the change could complicate prosecution and potentially allow offenders to avoid penalties.
What’s next: Staff will transmit the county’s signed letter of opposition to legislators and record the county’s formal position on the bill.
