A federal appeals court ruled that the First Amendment does allow Oregon state senators who walked out of the senate to avoid a recently passed constitutional provision that disqualifies lawmakers from running for reelection if they miss 10 or more days of work. (Oregon Capital Chronicle, February 29, 2024, by Juliia Shumway)
A unanimous panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal agreed with a lower court decision that the walkout was “‘an exercise of the power of the legislator’s office’ and therefore is not activity protected under the First Amendment.” In support of that conclusion, the court cited the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Nevada Commission on Ethics v. Carrigan. (Courthouse News Service, February 29, 2024, by Alanna Mayham)