This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

In an apparent effort to help the homeless population in Oregon, Democratic leaders of the state legislature have introduced a bill that would reduce the legal severity of theft in the Beaver State – but only if the thief shoplifts a "basic need item," with examples of things "unhoused" people tend to use.

House Bill 2640 in effect legalizes the stealing of things like food, water, and health care supplies, along with items like tarps and tents.

Though the bill has no House member's named attached to it, the introductory language in the legislation notes that it was filed on behalf of the Oregon Criminal Defense Association.

The theft of an item worth less than $100, currently a Class C misdemeanor, would become a Class A "violation," but, again, only if the stolen property is "a basic need item."

Text of HB 2640 explains:

"As used in this section, 'basic need item' means food, water, clothing, health care or medical supplies, shelter including but not limited to tarps and tents, reproductive care items including but not limited to condoms and menstrual products, child care items including but not limited to diapers and formula or sanitation items including but not limited to soap, disinfectant and toilet tissues."

The group Oregon Citizens Lobby opposes the bill, stating, "A Class A violation in Oregon is the equivalent to a traffic violation. This enables criminals to commit crimes without serious consequences, putting Oregonians at a greater risk. It appears the lawyers introducing this bill think these crimes aren't worth their time, but don't stop to realize that stopping lessor crimes with consequences has a significant impact on their case load of major crimes."

In addition to making theft less of an offense, HB 2640 changes the definition of the crime of aggravated harassment to legalize spitting on a law enforcement officer, as long as there is no risk of spreading a communicable disease.

The change in statute describes one who "intentionally propels saliva at the public safety officer, and the saliva comes into physical contact with the public safety officer and creates a risk of spreading communicable disease to the officer, while the [public safety] officer is acting in the course of official duty or as a result of the [public safety] officer's official duties." The italics indicate the language proposed to be added to state law.

The Oregon Firearms Federation decried the bill, noting that it "essentially legalizes trespassing, driving while suspended, refusing to show up in court after arrest, refusing to register as a sex offender, spitting on police, and theft of food, tents, clothing, condoms and other things."

A public committee hearing on the bill is scheduled for Feb. 26.