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Washington County commissioners table ‘rule of law’ resolution after debate over constitutional language

Washington County Board of Commissioners · March 4, 2026
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Summary

Commissioners discussed edits to a proposed "rule of law" resolution — including language about using the county’s institutional voice to oppose "unconstitutional actions" and wording tied to the oath of office — then agreed to table the item and return it for consideration March 17 after circulation of redlined amendments.

Washington County Board of Commissioners members debated a proposed "rule of law" resolution on March 3, clashing over language that would allow the board to "use its institutional voice to oppose unconstitutional actions" and over whether wording should reference community observations or the board’s own oath of office.

The dispute centered on three proposed amendments circulated by a subcommittee and a county-counsel revision. County counsel provided an edited version intended to insert a qualifying paragraph into the draft resolution; one amendment would read, in part, that the board "as the executive body of Washington County…has a responsibility to model adherence to the constitutions of the United States and the State of Oregon…and, in appropriate circumstances, use its institutional voice to oppose unconstitutional actions that affect…

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