(1) When a prisoner is sentenced to two or more consecutive terms of imprisonment, the duration of the term of imprisonment shall be the sum of the terms set by the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision pursuant to the ranges established for the offenses, subject to ORS 144.079, and subject to the variations established pursuant to ORS 144.785 (1).
(2) The duration of imprisonment pursuant to consecutive sentences may be less than the sum of the terms under subsection (1) of this section if the board finds, by affirmative vote of a majority of three board members or, if the chairperson requires all voting members to participate, a majority of all voting members, that consecutive sentences are not appropriate penalties for the criminal offenses involved and that the combined terms of imprisonment are not necessary to protect community security.