SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon lawmakers, most wearing masks and trying to maintain social distance, began a special session to crack down on police brutality and throw a lifeline to those suffering financially from the coronavirus.

Senate President Peter Courtney said racial discrimination, police brutality and a monster disease must be dealt with.

Draft measures would mandate rent protections during the coronavirus emergency and prohibit law enforcement officers from limiting the ability of a person to breathe.

The session convened for an undetermined number of days less than four months after the regular 2020 session ended acrimoniously and early.

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