May 18, 2020

Baker County Judge Invalidates Oregon Gov. Brown's COVID-19 Emergency Orders

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

The state of Oregon is open for business again, but not in the way Gov. Kate Brown hoped.

A Baker County judge has invalidated Brown's restrictions on businesses and social gatherings, along with every other executive order Brown has issued under a state of emergency she ordered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Finding that Brown exceeded her statutory authority in extending that state of emergency, Baker County Circuit Judge Matthew Shirtcliff granted a preliminary injunction Monday on more than 20 orders dating back to March 12.

The judge declined to stay the order pending the review of a higher court, meaning it took effect immediately, according to Ray Hacke, the attorney who brought the challenge on behalf of faith groups, business owners and others.

Read more: https://www.opb.org/news/article/baker-county-oregon-coronavirus-covid-19-emergency-orders-judge/

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Baker County has a population of 16,000. Baker City is the biggest dot on the map between La Grande and Ontario.

UPDATE: Overruled by the State Supreme Court!