1st AP Regional News Minute

Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Women are closer to getting easier access to birth control under a measure advancing in the Oregon Legislature. The House voted to allow pharmacists to write prescriptions for birth control after women complete a risk-screening questionnaire. The measure heads to the Senate.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon House committee has advanced legislation that makes changes to a bill requiring background checks for most private firearm transfers. The House Judiciary Committee approved a measure allowing people to lend firearms to a friend for seven days without having to visit a licensed gun dealer to do a background check. They could instead do a background check by calling the Oregon State Police before lending the gun.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A bill requiring businesses to give employees paid sick leave is now advancing in the Oregon Legislature. The measure could have a vote in the full Senate as soon as next week. The bill would require employers with at least 10 workers to grant up to five days off per year. Smaller employers would have to offer unpaid time off. Critics worry it will add significant new costs for businesses.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon state senator who was rushed to the hospital after a floor session sustained a heart attack but is expected to return to the Capitol next week. A spokeswoman for the Senate Republicans say doctors have given Sen. Alan Olsen of Canby a positive prognosis.

 

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