Oregon lawmaker proposes registration fee for bikes

PORTLAND — An Oregon lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require a $10 registration fee on all bikes.

Sen. Larry George, a Yamhill County Republican, said he introduced the bill at the request of a farmer who says she has trouble moving her equipment because of all the tourists bicycling through the wine country.

George says he does not expect the bill to pass but hopes it will start a conversation about whether everybody is paying their fair share to maintain roads.

Home explosion caused by man making hashish oil

FOREST GROVE — Forest Grove police say an explosion caused by a man's attempt to make hashish oil sent five people to hospitals.

Officers responded Monday to reports of a loud boom and a man running down the street screaming he had been burned.

According to police, 22-year-old Bernard Heflin initially said he was cooking eggs when the explosion occurred but later acknowledged he was cooking hashish oil.

Besides Heflin, two women, a 20-month-old child and a 10-day-old baby, were home during the explosion. They were evaluated at hospitals and released.

Oregon Senate approves medical mistakes mediation

SALEM — The Oregon Senate has passed a bill creating a new mediation process for patients injured by medical mistakes.

The bill passed Tuesday in a 26-3 vote despite criticisms from some who said it should have included limits on the amount of money juries can award to patients.

The bill would allow injured patients to confidentially discuss the error and a possible settlement with the hospital or clinic where it occurred. The measure goes next to the House.

Compiled from wire reports