Lawmakers Send Witness Fee Bill to Governor

The Oregon Legislature voted to send the governor a bill that would increase the cap on payments for witness fees, expenses and costs. The Senate on Thursday voted 25-2 to pass HB 2799, by Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham, which would increase the limit on fees, expenses and costs to $3,500 from $1,500 unless the claimant demonstrates extraordinary circumstances justifying a larger payment. The bill would also require that the cap on fees and costs be indexed to the state’s average weekly wage. The bill has not been amended since the state House of Representatives voted 43-0 to pass it...