This page is for all legislative topics except Climate, Energy, and Environment (CEE) topics.
ANNOUNCING THE 2025 JOINT WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE TRAVELING ROADSHOW
Gresham March 22
Astoria March 28
April 11 (Fri) | 5pm-7pm
Eastern Oregon University
Hoke Union Building #339, 1 University Blvd.
April 16 (Wed) | 5pm-7pm
(remote testimony prioritized)
April 25 (Fri) | 5pm-7pm
Klamath Community College
Building 4 Commons
7390 South 6th St.
Many important bills need funding. There is never enough money to fund them all as the Joint Ways and Means Committee must submit a balanced 2-year budget. Plan to testify at the hearing closest to you to support funding for issues important to you. Click on the location link to register ahead of time for a chance to testify.
Page last updated: 8:00 am Saturday April 5
Use the links below to jump to each section.
Using this page: HOW TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
It takes only a few minutes to write a short letter or note to support or to oppose a bill.
Here is a 'how to':
1. Scroll down (or jump to a topic) to find a bill you're interested in that has an ACTION ALERT.
2. Use the various links provided to learn more about the bill.
3. Click on the Bill Number to open up the official bill summary.
4. Click “Submit Testimony” on menu bar near the top.
5. Fill in your name, email, and city.
6. At “Position on Measure,” select SUPPORT or OPPOSE or NEUTRAL
7. At “Submit text or upload a PDF,” select “Text Testimony.”
8. Paste your testimony text into the box below “Submit text testimony below.”
9. Click “Submit Testimony.”
Thanks to Kevin Walsh for this step-by-step guide to submitting testimony.
We hope to have a video demonstrating this process available soon.
Topic: Homelessness and Affordable Housing
Oregon has passed legislation over the last few sessions attempting to ease the housing shortage. Click here to read an in-depth discussion of the progress and shortfalls to date from OPB.
HB 3079 - Preventing Youth Homelessness COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
Oregon has the 4th highest number of houseless youth in the nation. HB 3079 provides funding support for homeless youth services across Oregon through the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program, a model with a strong national reputation, for which Oregon is considered a leader. This Program provides youth with long-term housing support as well as a stable home, mentorship, and support system while they attend school. These bills will also dedicate funding to providing assistance to school-aged youth and families to prevent evictions or rapidly rehouse them if they do become houseless. In the House Committee On Early Childhood and Human Services.
MOTION ALERT! This bill had a public hearing on 2/25 and had a work session scheduled for 4/8, but because of a rather complicated amendment (-4) introduced on 4/3, the committee chair decided that the bill really should have another public hearing. Due to deadlines for hearings and work sessions in regular committees, the bill sponsor, Rep Emerson Levy, will be reintroducing this as a priority bill including the amendment language, and it will probably be going to the Rules Committee where another public hearing can be held. The good news is that there is a strong commitment to keep this bill alive to address the crisis of youth homelessness. Watch the work session here and skip to 51:45 to hear the rationale.
SB 54 - Providing Cooling Spaces for Residential Renters COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
SB 1530, passed in 2022, required landlords to allow portable cooling devices if residential renters bought one for themselves. This bill, SB 54, sets a timeline by which indoor cooling must be provided by the landlord as an "essential service" for residential tenants, putting cooling in the same category as heating, water, and electricity.
For current rentals: Landlords must provide residential tenants with indoor cooling or a shared cooling space for multi unit buildings with 10 units or more. Grants to assist with costs are available.
For new rentals: For multi unit buildings with 10 or more units permitted on or after Jan 1, 2026, landlords must provide residential tenants with indoor cooling for each rental unit.
Landlords of buildings with few units are given a longer grace period, but by January 1, 2036, every landlord must provide indoor cooling for every residential rental unit.
Sunsets, on January 1, 2036, the requirement that the State Department of Energy provide grants for landlords to provide community cooling spaces.
Laura Allen's COIN Testimony in Support of SB 54
Currently in the Senate Committee On Housing and Development.
There was a public hearing on SB 54 Wednesday, Mar 19 at 1:00PM. View the session here.
There was a 2nd public hearing Monday Mar 24 at 1:00PM. View that session here.
ACTION ALERT: A work session is planned for Monday April 7 has been cancelled. Contact Committee members and urge them to keep this bill moving forward.
Tenant Protections COIN has ENDORSED these bills.
SB 722 - Bans Rental Fee Maximizing Software. This bill will ban certain software landlords use to make rental decisions based on non-public information – the software synthesizes info from many landlords to maximize rental fees. The bill also reduces the period when new rental units are exempt from rent increase caps. SB722 provides penalties for violations.
Oregon is among the worst in the nation for housing affordability. Rents are high, and wages have not kept up. Partially, this is due to the fact that we have extreme shortages of affordable units, and partially this is because the private market is still not regulated enough – all units less than 15 years old are entirely exempt from rent stabilization statutes. The tight market means that in newer units, prices have spiked exorbitantly, and even in units that are covered by rent stabilization, landlords are able to charge right up to the annual cap, which is not protective enough. The use of price-fixing algorithmic software exacerbates this situation, maximizing profit on any unit while destabilizing Oregon’s families.
Consequently, the risk of eviction and homelessness is one of the biggest fears for low and moderate income households across the state, and the eviction rate is higher than ever. The solution is to ban the use of price-fixing algorithmic software and to strengthen and improve coverage of Oregon’s rent stabilization statutes.
SB 722 is in the Senate Committee on Housing and Development.
The committee was a public hearing Wednesday, Mar 19. View the session here.
There are amendments that may be adopted.
There was a 2nd public hearing Wednesday Mar 26. View that session here. A work session and possible committee vote scheduled for Wednesday April 2 at 1:00 PM has been cancelled.
ACTION ALERT: Contact committee members and urge them to keep this bill moving forward.
SB 599 A Bans Immigration Status Discrimination for Tenants. This bill will prevents landlords from asking about immigration status or rejecting prospective tenants because of immigration status. It prohibits landlords from reporting the tenant's information to customs officials and from using the threat to report the tenant's information.
Numerous coalitions, consisting of dozens of community-based organizations and labor unions, support this legislation. This includes Stable Homes for Oregon Families, Fair Shot for All, and Our Children Oregon.
Originally assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
A public hearing was held for SB 599 on Mar 5. Watch the session here.
The adopted amendment also prohibits landlords from asking for documentation that would reveal the tenant's or applicant's immigration status.
SB 599 moved out of committee Mar 12 after amendment with a "Do pass" recommendation by a 5-1 vote. Watch the recording here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: SB 599 A passed the Senate by a 21-8 vote Monday Mar 24. It now moves to House Committee On Judiciary.
HB 2967 - Prohibits Renter Screening Fees COIN is WATCHING this bill.
Under current law, landlords can charge rental applicants a "screening charge" to cover the cost of investigating the applicant. This bill will ban such applicant screening charges. Currently, these screening charges range from $40-$100 each, and if a potential tenant is not offered the rental unit, they might not be refunded the screening charge. There are elaborate rules for when the applicant can get a refund. Understanding those rules plus jumping though all the hoops can be difficult for many people. However, we also recognize that landlords have multiple tenant applications to process, which can also be expensive. We'll continue watching this bill, advocating for some compromise. For example, develop a system that would require a reasonable fee for one applicant screening, but allow multiple landlords to access the same applicant screening for a specified period of time, similar to the universal college application.
Currently in the House Committee On Housing and Homelessness.
A public hearing for HB 2967 was held on Feb 17. Watch the session here. Read the testimony here.
A proposed amendment would allow a maximum screening fee of $10. While this would be an acceptable compromise, we still prefer our recommendation of a "universal" screening process.
A tentative work session and possible committee vote scheduled for this bill on Monday April 7 at 1:00 PM has been cancelled. You can watch the work session here.
SB 586-1 - Changes the Notice Period for Termination of Rental Agreement COIN has ENDORSED this bill as amended.
Reduces the length of the required notice period, from 90 days to 45 days after the fixed-term concludes, that a landlord must provide a tenant before termination of their rental agreement if the landlord has accepted an offer to sell the dwelling unit. Especially in our cities, low vacancy rates and high housing costs make the search for a new rental unit terrifying and expensive. Having 90 days to find a new unit and move gives tenants a small cushion to make the transition, which is occurring through no fault of their own. They need time to save for a new deposit, as the previous one is not due to be returned until 31 days after they vacate. Asking regular Oregonians to save $1500- $2000 for a deposit in 45 days is an unreasonable expectation. Additionally, changing notice periods confuses both landlords and tenants, as more complicated rules make compliance more difficult for unsophisticated parties. ORS 90 does not need more loopholes to reduce tenants' rights.
Started in the Senate Committee on Housing and Development.
A public hearing was held on Mar 3. You can watch it here. During a work session March 19 SB 586 was amended and moved out of committee with a "Do pass" recommendation by a 4-0 vote (1 absent). Watch the session here.
The adopted amendment leaves the notification to 90 days unless the landlord gives the tenant compensation equivalent to one month's rent at which point 60 days notice would be sufficient. COIN feels this is an acceptable compromise. The tenant might use the compensation towards a deposit for the next place they rent.
This bill passed the Senate with a 26-0 vote with 4 absent Tuesday Apr 1. Now goes to the House Committee On Housing and Homelessness.
ACTION ALERT! A public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday April 16 at 1:00 PM. Register to testify or submit written testimony here and watch the hearing here.
HB 3851 - Similar to SB 586 above, didn't get a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so it's likely dead for 2025.
This bill also would replace the current 90 day notice requirement for termination. Allows a residential landlord to give 59 days' notice after accepting an offer from a buyer who intends to occupy the premises, to terminate a tenancy. If the landlord is successful in quickly finding a buyer, this could reduce the current 90 day notice to the tenant by up to 30 days. The shortened amount of time could place an unacceptable burden on the tenant.
HB 2138 Land Use Revisions to Support Middle-Income Housing COIN is WATCHING this bill.
Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands.
Expands allowable single room occupancies.
Makes retroactive the prohibition on private restrictions, including restrictions in governing documents of planned communities, that would limit middle housing, accessory dwelling units or housing density.
Limits a local government's ability to reduce density requirements or allowances within urban growth boundaries.
Reforms expedited land division provisions and makes such divisions land use decisions.
Allows for plats that consolidate a land division and a middle housing land division and requires review within 120 days.
Currently in the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness.
Astoria Housing Alliance HB 2138 Testimony
Most testimony opposing this measure targets just one issue, section 22 (1) (f), which removes a demolition review process for historic homes. At least one of the possible amendments deletes this provision.
This bill had a public hearing on 3/3. You can watch the hearing here.
This bill had a 2nd public hearing on 3/26. You can watch the hearing here.
There was a work session Wednesday April 2 at 1:00 PM. You can watch the work session here.
ACTION ALERT! A second work session and possible committee vote has been rescheduled for this bill on Wednesday April 9 at 1:00 PM. You can watch the work session here.
HB 2964 Affordable Housing Pre-Development Assistance COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
Requires the Housing and Community Services Department to establish the Affordable Housing Predevelopment Loan Fund and award grants for the predevelopment costs of affordable housing plans being considered by nonprofit groups, including faith-based groups, tribes, housing authorities and other agencies. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the department for grants and loans.
Especially with the instability of federal money, nonprofit groups with the desire to renovate older buildings to provide valuable low-cost housing are unable to find money for feasibility studies, site assessments, and other costs associated with decision-making and finalizing plans. These costs can total upwards of $100,000.
Currently in the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness.
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon EMO HB 2964 Support
This bill had a public hearing on 3/19. You can watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: We are really pleased to see that this bill passed out of committee with a bipartisan vote of 12-0 and a Do Pass recommendation on 4/7. You can watch the work session here. Next, this bill goes to the Joint Committee On Ways and Means, so contact committee members and urge them to fund this important bill.
HB 3928 Counties Ignoring Rural Land Use Laws COIN OPPOSES this bill.
Allows counties to designate certain rural lands for rural housing development, regardless of statewide land use planning laws. This bill would open up forests and farms to unlimited development without regard to infrastructure, water, and public services availability. It does not address affordable housing needs nor does it provide an avenue for appeal of the county decisions. Farmers hoping to purchase farmland would be priced out of land sales by developers, resulting in the steady loss of land devoted to agriculture.
Currently in the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness.
The bill was given a public hearing 3/31. The testimony has been overwhelmingly opposed to HB 3928.
ACTION ALERT! A second public hearing is scheduled for 1:00 PM Wednesday April 9. Register to testify or submit written testimony here in opposition. View the meeting here.
Topic: Health Care
SB 951 - Corporate Practice of Medicine Ban COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
Corporatization significantly increases the costs of health care. This bill protects against the corporatization of health care in Oregon. It stops people in charge of companies that do not do medical work from running both the company and another entity that does medical work. It stops companies from telling their workers that they cannot work for someone else, say that the company is bad or speak out about bad acts. It also stops companies from punishing those who speak out. COIN endorsed HB 4130, the 2024 version of this bill. That bill passed the full House with bipartisan support and through 2 Senate committees on partisan votes but never made it to the full Senate. The bill was overhauled over the summer and fall. “This workgroup included representatives from local insurance companies, CCOs, physician associations, independent clinics, hospitals, think tank partners, academic researchers, multinational corporations, patient advocacy groups, organized labor representatives, pharmacy chains, trade associations, emerging medical startups, and others.” Changes include revising control provisions, closing a loophole in dual compensation, modifying definitions of key phrases, clarifying enforcement responsibilities, restricting the use of NDA’s and Non-Disclosure agreements, and more. Authors of the bill feel this legislation will update Oregon standards for the 21st century to ensure physicians maintain autonomy in their practices and Oregonians receive access to high-quality care.
COIN encourages legislators to address corporate take overs of hospitals with the same diligence as with this bill and private medical practices.
Much of the information provided here is from the CPOM Report prepared by Rep. Bowman’s office. This document describes the long hours of work spent to develop a consensus satisfactory to most constituencies.
See SB 951 Worksheet
KLCC 3.6.25 SB 951 article
Frequently Asked Questions, prepared by Se. Patterson
This bill is in the Senate Health Care Committee .
A public hearing was held on 3/4. Watch the session here. A work session was held on 3/25. By a vote of 3-2 the committee voted Do Pass with the -8 amendment. You can watch the work session here.
SUCCESS! This bill passed the senate by a vote of 21-8 on 4/8. Next it will go to the House.
HB 3198 A - OHA to Lead Murdered & Missing Indigenous Persons Efforts COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
Native groups have long suffered from high rates of murdered and missing indigenous people, MMIP. The societal issues that contribute to this are inadequate health care, community education, social services, violence prevention, and programs to support youth; and also insufficient collaboration between state and federal law enforcement agencies and tribal-led governments, native-led organizations and tribal and urban American Indian and Alaska Native communities. This bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to dedicate staff in the office of the authority that is responsible for tribal affairs to lead the work of addressing these issues.
Investigate West Oregon Bill Takes Aim at Epidemic of Violence
This bill has already had a public hearing (Feb 3 video recording) and a work session (Feb 10 video recording). By an 8-0 vote, the House Judiciary amended and passed HB 3198 A.
ACTION ALERT: The bill is now in the Joint Ways and Means Committee. Contact committee members and urge them to fund this bill. Read COIN Letter in Support of HB 3198 A to the Joint Ways and Means Committee.
SB 1137 - Insurance Coverage for Breast Reconstruction COIN ENDORSES this bill.
This bill require health benefit plans to cover autologous breast reconstruction procedures and related services with specific requirements. This type of procedure is typically used for women who have experienced breast cancer and had a mastectomy. This type of breast reconstruction is covered by many but not all insurance providers, so this bill would make it a requirement for all insurance providers in Oregon.
The bill is currently in the Senate Committee On Health Care.
Read Kevin Walsh's testimony on SB 1137 on COIN's behalf.
SB 1137 had a public hearing Tuesday Mar 18. You can watch the hearing here. It had a work session on 4/8. Watch the session here.
HB 3497 Shared Future Task Force COIN ENDORSES this bill.
This bill will form the Shared Future Oregon Task Force comprised of representatives from 15 state agencies who will develop a multi-sector plan for aging. According to AGE+, "by 2034, Oregonians 65 and older will outnumber those 18 and under. This permanent shift in our population affects individuals, families and communities, especially in rural areas where this shift is already underway. While the challenges ahead are great, so is the potential. AGE+ is proposing a comprehensive strategy to rethink how aging affects the way society perceives, plans for and responds to our changing demographics—a multi-sector plan for aging."
OPB Think Out Loud 1-29-25: Oregon residents are getting older. How can the state prepare?
This bill is currently in the House Committee On Early Childhood and Human Services.
HB 3497 had a hearing Mar 6. Watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: This bill passed out of committee with an 8-0 vote Tuesday April 1. You can watch the work session here.
The bill is referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee.
HB 2528 Closes loopholes in tobacco and nicotine regulatory laws. COIN ENDORSES this bill.
This bill was brought forward by the Governor and the Oregon Health Authority to close loopholes in our tobacco and nicotine regulatory laws. Among other things, this bill seeks to include tobacco-free nicotine products within the definition of “tobacco products” so that they can be regulated. This includes products like nicotine pouches, nicotine lozenges and other products containing nicotine not derived from tobacco. These products are as addictive and involve many of the same health risks as tobacco products, and so should be subject to the same regulations.
The COIN Legislative Team recommends endorsement, but we would prefer to see amendments that include criminal penalties rather than civil penalties, and assign enforcement to Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission rather than OHA because they have experience and enforcement authority that OHA lacks.
This bill is currently in the House Committee On Commerce and Consumer Protection.
A hearing was held on 2/27 and unfortunately, the tobacco and vaping industry got the word out to many in the industry to submit testimony opposing this bill. We'll be watching for future opportunities to submit testimony in support of this bill. You can view the recorded hearing here.
ACTION ALERT! At the 4/8 work session, committee members voted 6-3 without recommendation as to passage to send this bill to the House Revenue Committee. You can contact those committee members to keep this bill moving forward.
These two bills are part of the "Momnibus Package" sponsored by Senator Lisa Reynolds, MD.
Perinatal Care COIN has ENDORSED these bills.
SB 692 - Expanding Perinatal Care to Include Doulas
This bill establishes a community-based program providing access to culturally specific perinatal providers. Plainly, those providers are known as doulas who give pregnant women care and support during the later stage of their pregnancy, during labor and as they are adjusting to the care of an infant. Statistics show that women supported by competently trained doulas have fewer pre-term births, fewer C-section births, and healthier birth weights through the care of these culturally/linguistically specific providers. By giving structure to the doula community with stable remuneration, workforce development, and expanded medical insurance coverage for doula and lactation services, this bill will improve maternal care.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health
This bill had a public hearing Feb 18. View the recording here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: A work session was held on 4/8 and the by a vote of 4-1, the committee gave it a Do Pass recommendation. You can watch it here. The bill now goes to Joint Committee On Ways and Means.
SB 693 - Perinatal Workforce Task Force
Senate Bill 693 will empower a task force to evaluate the existing perinatal workforce in Oregon and make recommendations for improvement to interim health care committees of the Legislative Assembly. It is already understood that there is a shortage of maternal healthcare support during the late stage of pregnancy, labor, delivery and the immediate period following childbirth. This task force will provide recommendations for the improved care of Oregon moms and their babies throughout the state. Many rural hospitals don’t have enough funding so save money by not adequately staffing. This bill will help take a new look at outdated staffing models.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health
This bill had a public hearing Feb 18. View the recording here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: A work session was held on 4/3 and the committee voted 4-1 with a Do Pass recommendation. You can watch it here. Next, the bill moves to Joint Committee On Ways and Means.
ACTION ALERT! Contact committee members and urge them to fund this bill.
HB 2029 - "Claw Back” Restrictions On Behavioral Health Payments COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
Modifies auditing standards insurers can apply to behavioral health specialists. It limits the permissible auditing period to one year from the date the claim was submitted; requires insurers to give providers a detailed written description of all requirements for the successful resolution of a claim that may be audited; prohibits recoupment based on clerical errors; and prohibits offering financial incentives based upon the number of errors found.
There are currently no restrictions or regulations on how insurance companies can audit payments to mental health providers and then take back payments. Little guidance is given to providers to prevent claw backs as well. HB 2029 would be a significant overhaul that would give much more confidence to therapists that they won’t have to pay back thousands of dollars years down the road for clerical errors.
Read Anthony Estrada's testimony on HB 2029 on COIN's behalf.
Currently in House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care
A public hearing was held Thursday Mar 13. Watch the recorded hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT! HB 2029 had a work session ON 4/8. The committee gave it a Do Pass recommendation by a vote of 9-0. View the session here. Next, the bill moves to Joint Committee On Ways and Means.
HB 2992 Provides eyeglasses for students from low-income households COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
This bill directs the Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority to jointly establish and implement a program that provides eye examinations and prescription eyeglasses to students from low-income families. It also would provide replacements for lost or broken glasses and other services related to vision. Eyeglasses can be such a simple fix for a struggling student. We're rooting for this bill!
A public hearing for HB 2992 was held Feb 3. Watch the recorded session here.
MOVEMENT ALERT! The House Committee on Education voted 8-0 with a Do Pass recommendation and a -3 amendment to keep this bill moving forward. View the session here. The bill next moves to the Joint Committee On Ways and Means. Contact JW&M committee members and urge them to support this bill.
HB 2292 Expands coverage for HIV-related illnesses COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
This bill would require health benefit plans and medical assistance managed plans to provide coverage with no cost-sharing for additional treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and prohibit requiring prior authorization.
A public hearing for HB 2292 was held Feb 11. Watch the session here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: This bill passed out of the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care with a 9-0 vote on 4/1. View the session here. The bill next moves to the Joint Committee On Ways and Means. Contact JW&M committee members and urge them to support this bill.
HB 2202 Enacts OHA Recommendations From Redundancies Work Group COIN has ENDORSED this bill. Needs amendment
This bill is based on the first round of recommendations required by HB 4092 (2024 session) from the work group formed from stakeholders deeply involved with behavioral health, both providers and consumers. These recommended solutions are to address or resolve the issues that increase efficiencies in the Oregon behavioral health system, specifically evaluating provisions of ORS chapters 414 and 430. They should reflect best current practices, clarify and simplify reporting, and specify responsibilities for accountability. Directs the work group to continue this evaluation and recommendations process to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to health not later than September 15, 2026. The -1 amendment explains the recommendations in detail and is necessary for COIN endorsement.
Currently in the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care
MOVEMENT ALERT: HB 2202 had a public hearing on 3/25. You can watch the hearing here. It had a work session on 4/8 and the committee gave it a Do Pass recommendation by a vote of 6-3. Click here to view the session. The bill next moves to the Joint Committee On Ways and Means.
HB 3193 - Farm Workers Relief COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
Requires the Oregon Health Authority to establish and implement a permanent farmworker disaster relief program.
This bill is a small step toward equity. Federal law does not include agricultural workers in labor protection of workers. This state depends heavily on agriculture and thus depends heavily on the labor of farmworkers, many of whom do not qualify for unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP because of their immigration status. This bill will help farmworker families pay rent, buy food and other essentials of daily life during times of disaster.
Started in the House Committee On Labor and Workplace Standards
A public hearing was held Monday Mar 10. Watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT! There was a work session on 3/24. The committee voted 4-1 with a Do Pass recommendation. View the session here. The bill is now in the Joint Ways and Means Committee. Contact committee members and urge them to fund this bill.
HB 2467/SB 171 Revises dangerousness criteria for civil commitment COIN has ENDORSED these bills.
Revises dangerousness criteria for civil commitment of mentally ill persons to focus on risk instead of immediacy to better protect persons with mental illness from the consequences of their behavior while ill. Defines "dangerous to self," "dangerous to others" and "serious physical harm" for the purpose of involuntarily committing a person with mental illness.
Opponents of the bill rightly claim there is little capacity for treatment of these individuals at this time. That issue needs to be addressed but should not prevent the proper categorization of an individual.
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
MOVEMENT ALERT: HB 2467 had a public hearing re-scheduled for Thursday Apr 3 at 3:00 PM. You can watch the hearing here. A work session was held on 4/8 and the committee gave it a Do Pass recommendation by a vote of 8-0. You can watch it here.
HB 2439 - Eliminating Gender Identity Protection COIN OPPOSES this bill.
“Gender identity” is currently a protected class under Oregon civil rights laws which prohibit discrimination. This bill would remove the term “gender identity” and its current meaning; “Gender identity means an individual’s gender-related identity, appearance, expression or behavior, regardless of whether the identity, appearance, expression or behavior differs from that associated with the gender assigned to the individual at birth” from nearly every Oregon statute in which it is now included.
By removing this language, discrimination would be allowed against individuals solely based on their “gender identity.” This could prevent these individuals from being considered for or fired from employment, refused housing, refused the ability to purchase, rent or lease real property, refused services at public agencies including refusal of health care, admission to substance abuse treatment facilities, long-term care facilities and health insurance coverage. It would allow businesses to refuse services, schools to refuse admission to students (in specific circumstances), and would allow abuses such as cyberbullying, harassment and bullying against individuals while also removing the ability for complaints to be brought for this discrimination through civil action and in some cases criminal courts. This is not an exhaustive list of all areas of an individual’s life that could be impacted by this law.
Currently in the House Rules Committee, so the work session deadline does not apply.
ACTION ALERT: Write to Democrats on the Committee (click on committee member names for their party and email address) and urge them NOT to move this bill forward.
SJR 31 - Prohibits requiring vaccines COIN opposes this bill.
Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution that would prohibit the governor or any executive agency from requiring vaccines or medical procedures without a law passed by the Legislature that specifies the vaccine or procedure and the individuals or classes of individuals to receive the vaccine or procedure. This would hamstring the ability for rapid responses and delay action until the next meeting of the Legislature.
Here is a COIN Worksheet for this anti-vaccine bill.
Currently in the Senate Rules Committee so the work session deadline does not apply.
COIN has ENDORSED these three bills, but they didn't get a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so they are likely dead for 2025.
HB 3085 - Emergency Behavioral Health Services for Children
Oregon ranks dead last in the U.S. when it comes to our young people (under 18) wrestling with mental illness AND their ability to get the vital care they need. HB3085 establishes the Emergency Behavioral Health Services for Children program within the Oregon Health Authority to advance timely and appropriate care for children presenting at a hospital in crisis. The Oregon Health Authority will be charged with implementing 3 pilot programs in 3 different regions where one hospital will house a Regional Child Psychiatric Center. The success of this program will hopefully open more centers to serve our youth in crisis. Currently in House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care
HB 2993 - Requires medical information and forms to be provided in a language the patient can understand.
Currently in the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care
HB 2317 - Requires staff from federally qualified health centers and public health agencies to serve on coordinated care organization governing boards.
Currently in the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care
A public hearing was held on Mar 4. Watch the event here.
SB 376 - Expanding the Definition of Rural Healthcare COIN OPPOSES this bill, but it didn't get a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so it's likely dead for 2025.
This bill defines "rural" for purposes of the rural health care provider incentive program. In Oregon, there’s an extreme shortage of health care providers in rural areas. The health care provider incentive program helps attract more young health care providers to practice in rural areas. This bill will change the definition of “rural” to include many suburbs of Portland. The Office of Rural Health is against the bill as it will provide the same incentives to go to Portland suburbs as real rural areas, and real rural health will continue to suffer from a shortage of providers.
The bill is currently in the Senate Committee On Health Care.
A public hearing was held on Feb 6. You can watch the recording here.
COIN OPPOSES these bills that would deny reproductive freedom and jeopardize the health and lives of pregnant persons. None of these bills had a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so they are likely dead for 2025.
SB 384, SB 918, SB 666, HB 2372, HB 2381, HB 2382, HB 3248
HB 3330 and HB 2429 would also interfere with the right to gender-affirming treatment
HB 3330 expand laws that protect a health care worker's right to object to take part in abortions, physician-assisted suicide, or gender-affirming care. Allows health care facilities to opt out as well.
Here is a COIN Worksheet with details about each of these bills.
COIN OPPOSES this anti-vaccine bill.
HB 2193 This bill didn't get a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so it's likely dead for 2025.
Basically, under this bill a person couldn’t refuse to do business with or decline any “economic relationship” with someone who refuses to be vaccinated or because of their religious or political beliefs or social standing. The bill is poorly written and unclear, but could be construed to prohibit a school district from requiring a child be immunized in order to attend school and the like.
Topic: Education and Children
HB 293 - Removes the percentage cap on funds distributed to schools for students eligible for special education COIN ENDORSES this bill.
This bill would remove the cap on special education funding that was implemented in the 1990s. That current cap only funds special education services for up to 11% of students in a school, even though today nearly 15% of students in the average Oregon school are enrolled in special education programs. With the current cap, about 19,000 students with special needs among the 80,000 total don’t count for additional funding under the school funding formula.
The state offers a waiver for some districts with high numbers of students with special needs, but this covers only about 7,000 additional students.
The Oregon PTA and Oregon Education Association support this bill. It was originally assigned to the House Committee on Education. Now in the House Revenue Committee, so the Mar 21 work session deadline does not apply.
A public hearing for HB 2953 was held Monday Feb 17. Watch the session here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: HB 2953 moved out of the House Education Committee Feb 19, by a 6-1 vote, with a "Do pass" recommendation, then referred the the House Revenue Committee. Watch the session here.
A public hearing in Revenue was held on Mar 13. Watch the hearing here.
SB 5515 is the original school funding bill
SB 5516 - Increased funds for schools based on Gov. Kotek's recommended budget
COIN is WATCHING these bills.
COIN definitely supports increased funding for schools. However, advocacy groups take the position that the $1.16 billion increase requested by Gov. Kotek in SB 5516 is a good start but too little to prevent cuts. Thus, COIN is "Watching" this bill, advocating for more funding. Cost pressures such as inflation and rising pension costs will soak up most of the proposed increase. Also, the Governor’s proposal is about $2.2B less than the funding recommendation from the state's Quality Education Commission. The Commission’s funding levels have never been fully funded. We need to close the gap.
Oregon PTA made this introductory video to school finance in Oregon. Advocacy groups supporting more funding include the Oregon PTA, Oregon Education Association, and Oregon School Boards Association.
Both education funding bills are currently in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education.
Both bills had public hearings. Watch the SB 5515 hearing here. Watch the SB 5516 hearing here.
HB 3182-2 and HB 3183-1 - Student Basic Needs and Workforce Stabilization Act COIN ENDORSES these bills.
These bills together make up the Student Basic Needs and Workforce Stabilization Act. Here is more information.
HB 3182 (1) creates a task force to study student housing, (2) appropriates $6.5 million to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to award grants to organizations that provide low income college students with housing, and (3) appropriates $10 million for basic needs programming which means providing students with assistance in meeting needs such as food, housing, transportation, textbooks, and related needs. Here is the COIN worksheet for HB 3182.
HB 3183 appropriates $4.5 million to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) for the Open Educational Resources Program (OERP). OERP leverages resources to save students money such as for textbooks and other school materials. OERP has been an invaluable resource in reducing costs for students.
A public hearing for both HB 3182 and HB 3183 was held Feb. 27 before the House Committee On Higher Education and Workforce Development. Watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: Both bills were approved by the Committee in a work session Thursday Mar 20 except that funding recommended for HB 3183-1 was reduced from $4.5 million to $2 million. Only Rep. Yunker voted no on these bills. View the session here. The bills will now move to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Contact committee members and urge them to vote for these bills!
HB 3435 - Free School Lunch and Breakfast for All Oregon School Children COIN ENDORSES this bill.
While most schools in Oregon have opted to serve free meals, there remain some that need help to do so. School meals at no cost is a program that is widely supported by parents, teachers, and other professionals; these no cost meal programs have resulted in improved academic and social outcomes, attendance and health outcomes while reducing food insecurity and behavioral discipline rates. Universal meal programs remove the stigma of school meals and often result in more meals being served. When compared to the free and reduced price meal model, school meals at no cost reduce administrative costs and overhead and result in investing in higher quality ingredients, preparation and service. Meals that meet higher nutritional standards were estimated to save up to $792 million in health care related costs over 10 years. See more info at School Meals for All Coalition.
The bill has some bipartisan support. But these programs, the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are part of the federal Dept. of Agriculture and some funding is obtained from the federal Dept. of Education. The existence and support of these meal programs depends, at least in part, on any cuts that are pending at the federal level.
There is already in the Reconciliation Bill before Congress a plan to cut the Community Eligibility Provision which funds these programs. The Community Eligibility Provision allows the nation’s highest-poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as SNAP and TANF. Currently, schools can qualify if 40 percent of students receive these programs. The proposed budget cut would lift that to 60 percent. Congress is also looking at a provision to require students to submit income verification. All of this means that 285,000 Oregon students already receiving school meals would be cut from the program. This would make it much harder for Oregon to fund school meals for all.
Info from School Meals for All Coalition about submitting testimony prior to Feb. 23.
Started in the House Education Committee.
A public hearing for HB 3435 was held on Feb 24. Watch the session here.
ACTION ALERT 1: A work session was held on 3/17 and the committee voted 7-0 with a Do Pass recommendation. Watch the session here. The bill now goes to Joint Ways and Means. Contact committee members and urge them to fund this bill.
ACTION ALERT 2: School Meals for All Coalition would like people to meet with, write or call their members of Congress and urge them not to cut 285,000 Oregon school children from the school lunch and breakfast programs which will happen if cuts are made to the Community Eligibility Provision as proposed in the federal Reconciliation bill. And, it will make it much harder, if not impossible for Oregon to fund a school meals for all program. Find your Members of Congress here.
SB 1098 - Freedom to Read COIN ENDORSES this bill.
This bill is aptly named: Freedom to Read. It is written to protect Oregon public school libraries from the assault on books as seen in other parts of this country where the freedom to read certain subjects and authors has been banned. Senate Bill 1098 prohibits discrimination when selecting or retaining school library materials, textbooks or instructional materials or when developing and implementing a curriculum based on a topic or author protected by Oregon discrimination law. The bill sets forth requirements for removal of covered materials and directs technical assistance for school library programs. It will become effective upon passage. There is a coalition supporting Freedom to Read (SB1098) composed of the ACLU Oregon, Basic Rights Oregon, Oregon Education Association, and Oregon Library Association.
OPB 3.3.25 article Lawmakers Consider "Freedom to Read" Bill
Willamette Weekly 3.31.25 article Senate Advances Freedom to Read Bill
A public hearing was held Monday March 3 in the Senate Committee On Education. Watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: The Senate Committee on Education voted 3-2 along party lines to pass SB 1098 in a Mar 17 work session. You can watch the session here.
On 3/31, the bill passed the full Senate also along party lines by a vote of 18-10.
This bill is now in the House Committee On Education.
HB 2448 A - Increases Funding for SPED Students COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Increases the amount of money transferred each fiscal year by the Department of Education from the State School Fund to the High Cost Disabilities Account. The High Cost Disability Account covers costs for students whose special education expenses exceed $30,000/school year. Currently the Account covers only about 40% of the students’ total costs, leaving about 60% to local school districts. HB 2448A would increase the transfer from $150M to $200M. This is a 38% increase over the FY 24-25 transfer.
This bill is supported by Oregon PTA, Oregon Education Association, Oregon School Employees Assn., Portland Public Schools, OR School Boards Assn., OR Coalition of Community Charter Schools, Coalition of OR School Administrators, Disability Rights Oregon, Basic Rights Oregon, FACT.
MOVEMENT ALERT: HB 2448A has already passed out of the House Education Committee with a 6-1 "Do pass" recommendation.
Now in the House Committee On Revenue
This bill had a public hearing on Mar 13. Watch the hearing here.
SB 548 - Bans Marriage Under 18 COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
This bill would give law enforcement a tool to protect children, mostly girls, who are disproportionately harmed by child marriage. Child marriage is considered a human rights violation that puts children at greater risk of abuse, domestic violence, maternal mortality, physical illness, and depression and other mental illness. The marriage may be the result of trafficking or some form of control or at least negative influences that the child may have little control over. Brain development continues into the 20s so a child under 18 may be susceptible to coercion or at least poor decision making in marrying as a child. Child marriage not only interrupts education but can trap children in dangerous situations that they cannot easily leave. Children thrust into marriage as emancipated adults may not be ready or able to manage their own financial, social, and health interests. For all of these reasons, it is in the interests of Oregon’s children to limit marriage to those who are at least 18 years old.
SB 548 has the support of the League of Women Voters, National Coalition to End Child Marriage, Service Women’s Action Network, Unchained at Last, Freedom from Religion Foundation Action Fund, Protect Our Defenders, among others.
MOVEMENT ALERT: SB 548 passed the full Senate by a 28-1 vote on March 10. Senator Noah Robinson, District 2, was the sole dissenting vote.
The bill is now in the House Judiciary Committee .
HB 2550 - Expansion of Oregon Promise Program / Free Community College Tuition COIN ENDORSES this bill. This bill didn't get a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so it's likely dead for 2025.
The Oregon Promise Program funds free community college for some students. This bill changes the requirements to qualify for the Oregon Promise program by removing the requirements: (1) that a person must receive the person's highest level of education six months prior to enrolling in a community college, (2) that a person must complete high school in this state, (3) that a person must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in high school and specifying that a person may qualify (1) if they obtained a high school diploma or GED while incarcerated and (2) by enrolling in a program to earn an applied baccalaureate degree or a Bachelor of Science: Nursing degree. However, the current bill does not add additional funding to the program, and we believe adequate funding must accompany this bill in order for it to fulfill its basic objective.
A hearing on this bill was held on Feb 4 by the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. Read testimony submitted. Watch the hearing here.
Topic: Campaign Finance / Election Reform / Government Ethics
Because all of these bills are in the Senate or House Rules Committees, the March 21 work session deadline does not apply.
HB 3166 - Unified Primaries with Top 2 Advancing COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
Requires all candidates, regardless of political party affiliation or non-affiliation, and including those running for nonpartisan positions, to appear on the same unified primary election ballot; the two candidates receiving the most votes would advance to the general election ballot. Exempts candidates for President and Vice President of the United States.
COIN has partnered with the Oregon Election Reform Coalition (OERC) on previous legislation. OERC seeks to avoid another round of "Top 2 with Party Label Hijacking" ballot measures and believes this is a reasonable bill that will allow nonaffiliated voters to vote for candidates in the primary election, while maintaining the integrity of party labels. More information is available at OERC.
Check out these documents from the Oregon Election Reform Coalition for more information:
HB 3166-2 Amendment in readable form, thanks to Dan Meek
Currently in House Committee On Rules.
This bill had a public hearing Wednesday Mar 19. Watch the hearing here.
HB 2923 - Public Financial Disclosure COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Would add to the list of financial interests that public officials and members of their household must disclose in their annual statements of economic interest: In addition to disclosing positions of officer or director, public officials and the members of their household must disclose any positions they hold as a manager, member or partner. Oregon’s financial disclosure laws are very weak. This would make them slightly stronger.
Here is the COIN Worksheet for HB2923
Here is Dan Meek's testimony about this bill.
Currently in the House Rules Committee
A public hearing for HB 2923 was held on Jan 27. Watch the recorded hearing here.
ACTION ALERT! The work session scheduled for April 2 was canceled. You can write to Committee members and urge them to reschedule a work session and pass this bill.
HB 2930 - Modifies Conflict of Interest Requirements COIN ENDORSES this bill.
HB 2930 adds a “member of the household” to the persons for whom a public official must consider in deciding whether to declare an actual or potential conflict of interest laws. Currently those persons include only the public official and “relatives.”
Currently in the House Rules Committee
A public hearing for HB 2930 was held on Jan 27. Watch the recorded hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: This bill was moved out of committee with a 6-0 vote April 2 with a Do Pass recommendation. The session can be viewed here. It goes to the full House on Wednesday April 9 for a vote. Contact your state rep before Wednesday and urge them to vote YES on this bill.
SB 580 - Posting of Candidates Within 2 Days COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Requires the election officer to post within 2 business days on the website any filed nominating petition, declaration of candidacy, or withdrawal of candidacy. Other persons potentially interested in running for office should be able to know the status of other potential candidates during the candidacy filing season.
Here is the COIN Worksheet for SB 580,
Currently in the Senate Rules Committee.
ACTION ALERT! There was a public hearing Wednesday April 2 at 1:00 PM. View the hearing here.
HB 2870 - Establishes the Campaign Review Commission COIN is WATCHING this bill.
Several concerns would need to be addressed before COIN moves this bill off of the watch list. Violations would have to meet the current legal standard for libel, which would mean very few complaints would be heard. The commission would be highly partisan with only Republican and Democratic members. The bill gives no instruction to the Governor to guide member selection. Coin also has issues with the penalties that would apply to campaigns found to be in violation of this legislation.
HB 2870 establishes the Oregon Campaign Review Commission in the Secretary of State's office. It would be made up of 8 members appointed by the Gov, and 4 would be members “from each of the 2 major political parties”. There are no real qualifications other than an appointee must be an Oregon resident and “well informed on the principles of fair and truthful elections”. This commission would basically have the powers to investigate and decide complaints by a candidate or political committee that another candidate or political committee has violated ORS 260.532 That law already provides a cause of action and strong remedies against anyone who makes false statements about a candidate, political committee, or a ballot measure.
Under this bill upon a finding of violation of ORS 260.532, the commission would issue a statement about the incident and their findings. The second offense would mean in addition banishment of the candidate from the Voters’ Pamphlet for one or more elections; a third offense would mean a permanent ban from the voters pamphlet. Decisions can be “appealed” to the Secretary of State.
Here is the COIN Worksheet for HB 2870
Currently in the House Rules Committee.
Rep. Evans is the only sponsor.
HB 2928 - Repeals Gift Limit for Public Officials COIN OPPOSES this bill.
HB 2928 would repeal the Oregon law limiting anyone from offering more than $50 per calendar year in gifts to any public official or candidate or their relatives or members of their household. This would leave Oregon with no limit on the offering of gifts to public officials. We have enough dark money and corrupting influences in our politics without repealing this!
Sample Testimony from Dan Meek, to use for ideas
Should Special Gifts Be Allowed? OregonLive looks at HB 2928
Currently in the House Rules Committee
A public hearing for HB 2928 was held on Jan 27. Read COIN member Dan Meek's opposition to this bill. Watch the recorded hearing here.
SB 392 - Moves Presidential Primary COIN OPPOSES this bill.
SB 392 would change the May primary date to the first Tuesday in March in Presidential election years only. That means that the deadline for filing to run in that primary would likely have to mid December of the previous year. Oregon's state/local office primary is already the 10th earliest in the United States. Candidates would need to decide nearly a year before the election if they want to run for office. Good for professional politicians but could be discouraging to other citizens who need more time to prepare and decide to run for office.
Here is the COIN Worksheet for SB 392.
Currently in the Senate Rules Committee.
These bills propose elimination of Oregon's very successful Vote by Mail election process.
These are two of several bills introduced to make voting harder for people. This is contrary to the highly successful mail in balloting system Oregon has used for years.
COIN OPPOSES these bills.
SB 210 - Repeals Vote by Mail as the normal method of voting
Makes voting in person on the day of the election the normal method for voting. Requires voters to show government issued photo ID to vote. Mail in ballots would still be available on request and upon presenting a government issued photo ID; the ballot must be able to be returned 21 days before the election. This would not apply to military or other overseas voters or absentee voters. If passed, this measure would be referred to voters at the next general election.
Here is the COIN Worksheet for SB 210.
Currently in the Senate Rules Committee.
Oregon Chronicle article 3.31.25 Overwhelming Testimony Opposing SB 210
UPDATE: This bill had a public hearing Monday Mar 31 at 1:00 PM. According to the Oregonian, more than 11,000 people submitted testimony with 85% opposing this bill. Thanks to all who have submitted testimony. Watch the hearing here. From reporting in The Oregonian and elsewhere, Democratic committee members are saying this bill won't go any further. GOOD!
HB 3872 - Repeals Vote by Mail as the normal method of voting
This is the nearly identical house version of SB 210 above.
Currently in the House Rules Committee.
Timing/Validation of Ballot Receipt
More examples of bills introduced to make voting harder for people.
SB 403 - Requires Ballots Arrive by Election Day COIN OPPOSES this bill.
SB 403 disqualifies all ballots not actually received by a county clerk by 8 pm of election day. Whether your vote is counted or not depends on the reliability of the US Post Office in each voter's area.
Here is the COIN Worksheet for SB 403.
Currently in the Senate Rules Committee.
SB 964 - Changes the Definition of "Postal Indicator" COIN OPPOSES this bill.
The measure changes the definition of "postal indicator" for ballot envelopes, from "a postmark or other indicator on a mailed ballot, identified by the Secretary of State by rule" to "an official mark stamped on an envelope over the postage stamp by the United States Postal Service." Here is the actual text:
As used in this section, “postal indicator” means [a postmark or other indicator on a mailed ballot, identified by the Secretary of State by rule,] an official mark stamped on an envelope over the postage stamp by the United States Postal Service that demonstrates the date or time at which a ballot was mailed.
This does not make sense. Oregon ballot return envelopes are prepaid. There are no "stamps." The USPS does not date stamp business reply mail, such as ballot return envelopes. This bill would mean something only if the law providing for government prepayment of postage for ballot return envelopes is repealed.
Assigned to the Senate Rules Committee.
ACTION ALERT! A public hearing was held on 4/7. You can still submit written testimony here until Wednesday April 9 at 1:00 PM. Register to testify or submit written testimony here. View the proceedings here.
These three bills would make it harder for voters to suggest legislation using the initiative process.
COIN OPPOSES these bills.
SJR 30 / HJR 11 - Initiative Petitions Signature Distribution Requirements
These bills both propose an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require an increase in petition signatures for initiative laws from 6 to 8 percent of the total votes cast for all candidates for Governor at the last general election at which a Governor was elected for a full term, and the signatures must be divided equally among the Congressional districts of this state.
Proposes to require an increase in petition signatures for initiative amendments to the Oregon Constitution from 8 to 10 percent of the total votes cast for all candidates for Governor at the last general election at which a Governor was elected divided for a full term, and the signatures must be divided equally among the Congressional districts of this state.
Follow-up COIN testimony opposing SJR 30 after hearing to fact-check some of the statements made during the hearing.
ACTION ALERT! SJR 30 had a public hearing Wednesday April 2. View the hearing here.
HJR 3 More Initiative Petitions Signature Distribution Requirements
Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require petitions for proposed initiative laws to be signed by qualified voters in each county in this state in numbers that equal six percent of the total votes cast in the county for all candidates for Governor at the preceding gubernatorial election. Requires petitions for proposed initiative amendments to the Oregon Constitution to be signed by qualified voters in each county in numbers that equal eight percent of the total votes cast in the county for all candidates for Governor at the preceding gubernatorial election. Prohibits persons who are not qualified voters from making contributions in connection with initiatives or to influence elections on initiatives to the extent limitations on contributions are permitted under the Constitution of the United States.
SJR 30 has been assigned to the Senate Rules Committee.
HJR 11 and HJR 3 are assigned to the House Rules Committee.
COIN opposes these bills because they will make the Citizen Initiative process even more difficult and expensive than it currently is.
HJR 11 AND HJR 3 had public hearings Monday Mar 10. Watch the proceedings here.
Read OPB's 3/10/25 article: Citizen-driven ballot measures could become more rare under new proposals
Get talking points from Dan Meek's testimony opposing SJR 11.
Get talking points from Dan Meek's testimony opposing SJR 3.
These two bills make changes to Oregon's automatic voter registration.
COIN OPPOSES these bills.
HB 3473 - Repeals automatic voter registration
This bill was offered by GOP Rep. Christine Drazan to make it harder for people to register to vote in Oregon. Oregon has long had a successful automatic voter registration system that has resulted in record turnouts of voters with more diversity among voters. This means better representation for all Oregonians. There is no reason to repeal automatic voter registration.
Here is the COIN Worksheet for HB 3473.
The bill is currently in the House Committee on Rules.
HB 3723 Repeals the OHP as an automatic voter registration agency
Oregon legislators added the Oregon Health Authority to the Department of Transportation as an automatic voter registration agency with HB 2107 in 2023, with records being forwarded to the Secretary of State. Oregonians are now automatically registered as a voter, if eligible, when they enroll in the Oregon Health Plan. This bill would repeal HB 2107. HB 3723 includes elimination of the pre-registration of 16-year-olds who apply for a driver's permit.
The bill is currently in the House Committee on Rules.
The public hearing scheduled for Monday April 7 at 1:00 PM has been cancelled.
HB 3470 - Requires Secretary of State to confirm U.S. citizenship for automatic voter registrations.
COIN OPPOSES this bill.
This bill was offered by GOP Rep. Christine Drazan to undermine Oregon's long established automatic voter registration system and make it harder for people to register to vote in Oregon.
Oregon Republicans are pouncing on reports that last year some automatic voter registrations slipped through for folks who weren’t citizens. Few of these folks actually voted and they certainly didn’t influence any election.
People can be registered automatically when they go to the DMV or OHA but must already submit proof of citizenship to be registered. This bill would pointlessly delay voter registrations for every potential voter; some may not be approved in time to vote. It would add an enormous cost and workload to the Secretary of State’s office. It makes more sense for the Secretary of State, as he has already said he would do, to work with agencies and election clerks to minimize errors going forward.
This is another example of several bills introduced to make voting harder for people.
Here is the COIN Worksheet for HB 3470.
Currently in the House Committee on Rules.
ACTION ALERT! HB 3470 had a public hearing Wednesday Mar 12. Watch the proceedings here. Our team didn't sound the alarm soon enough so all the current testimony came from supporters of this bill. Write to House Rules Committee members and urge them NOT to move this bill forward.
HB 3384 Severely limits initiative / referendum process timing COIN OPPOSES this bill.
This bill would allow local government officials to disregard all initiative and referendum petitions filed during any period 75 days before a May or November election and 35 days after a primary or general election. That means during a window of 110 days around the May election and then again 110 days around the November election, the local government can just ignore the filing of the petition and not process it. It would nullify the right to file an initiative or referendum petition for 220 days of the year! And it would apply to every year, not just an even-numbered year. The bill was sponsored by Oregon Association of County Clerks, presumably because they feel they are too busy with elections to be bothered by citizens' initiatives or referendums. While we acknowledge that county clerks ARE busy during election time, this number of days is absurd, especially when all they have to do initially is refer the initiative petition to a city or county attorney, and those individuals are not involved in elections. COIN strongly opposes this bill as it will severely restrict the rights of citizens to engage in the democratic process at the local level.
ACTION ALERT! Write to House Rules Committee members and urge them NOT to move this bill forward. A public hearing was held on February 3rd, and only four individuals submitted testimony, two of them county clerks. You can view the hearing here. A work session and committee vote could be scheduled at any time on very short notice, so we encourage everyone to write as soon as possible to express their opposition to this anti-democratic bill.
SB 12 - Designation of "incumbent" by judge candidates COIN OPPOSES this bill.
The measure prohibits the Secretary of State from including the word "incumbent" on a ballot next to the name of an appointed judge who is seeking election to that same office for the first time since being appointed. It applies to judges for the Oregon Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, and circuit court.
Assigned to the Senate Rules Committee.
ACTION ALERT! A public hearing was held on 4/7. You can still submit written testimony here until Wednesday at 1:00 PM. View the proceedings here.
SB 1054 Requiring Live Video for Ballot Processing COIN OPPOSES this bill.
The measure requires each county clerk to provide live video feed of rooms where ballots are tallied and of ballot drop sites, until all ballots are tallied and all related duties are complete. The video feed must be accessible any time of day and must be recorded and made available to the public for not less than 2 years following a given election. It also grants the Secretary of State rulemaking authority for the process to ensure that the election security plan is not violated, and that no elector's vote is revealed.
Current law states that after ballots are mailed, the county clerk, if requested, shall permit authorized persons to watch the receiving and counting of votes. The authorization shall be in writing, shall be signed by an officer or its county affiliate of a political party, a candidate or the county clerk and shall be filed with the county clerk. The county clerk shall permit only so many watchers as will not interfere with an orderly procedure at the office of the county clerk.
Some counties already provide live video feed of such rooms but not all do. But requiring all counties to provide video could open the door to litigation. What happens if there is a glitch in a video feed? Is the election invalidated? Could a person disrupt an election by vandalizing the camera at a ballot drop site? While COIN believes providing video is helpful, the onsite watcher allowance is sufficient to maintain vote processing transparency.
Assigned to the Senate Rules Committee.
ACTION ALERT! A public hearing was held on 4/7. You can still submit written testimony here until Wednesday April 9 at 1:00 PM. View the proceedings here.
Topic: Immigration and Social Justice
SB 703/HB 2788 Pathways to Protection and Citizenship Act COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
SB 703 directs the Department of Human Services (DHS) to distribute grants to culturally specific and nonprofit legal services providers across Oregon to assist eligible noncitizens in paying for immigration legal services to change immigration status. It also declares that it is Oregon state policy to assist eligible individuals in changing their immigration status, sets associated targets, and appropriates $6,000,000 from the General Fund. These funds will help to replace the federal funds that had gone to these non-profits but have been withheld by the Trump administration.
According to the coalition supporting this bill:
There are about 285,000 immigrant workers in Oregon’s labor force, including 64% of the workers in crop production.
About 120,00 Oregon Immigrants are eligible for naturalization.
Over 25,000 Oregonians who lack documentation are eligible under existing federal law for protection, but lack access to immigration legal assistance.
Pathways to lawful permanent status are expensive and often difficult for individuals who are not familiar with immigration law. Oregonians identified to receive immigration legal assistance include:
Dreamers
Those Who Served as Interpreters for U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
Those Eligible Under Federal Law to Change Status or Obtain Lawful Permanent Resident Status
Citizenship Applicants
SB 703/HB 2788 Support Coalition Fact Sheet
COIN Testimony submitted by Jeff Hammarlund
Currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee
A public hearing was held on 2/3. Watch it here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: SB 703 had a work session Wednesday March 26 at 3:00 PM. The Committee voted 4-2 with a Do Pass recommendation. The bill is in the Joint Ways and Means Committee. You can view the work session here.
HB 3551 - Requires Local Law Enforcement to Assist ICE (Undermining Sanctuary Laws)
COIN OPPOSES this bill.
Tells public bodies and bodies that enforce state laws to help enforce the nation's immigration laws. Applies only to persons who are convicted of certain crimes. This is a Republican-led effort to weaponize and undermine Oregon’s status as a sanctuary state. The bill would require state and local law enforcement including campus police to enforce immigration laws and cooperate in the enforcement of such laws against persons convicted of a violent felony, Class A misdemeanor, or felony sexual offense.
Currently in the House Committee On Judiciary.
SB 11 - Citizenship Status Question During Arrest COIN OPPOSES this bill.
Directs an arresting officer to inquire about citizenship when the officer arrests a person for a crime and the person is in possession of a firearm, which would potentially violate the Oregon Sanctuary Act. We see this as an attempt to chip away at Oregon's sanctuary law by forcing police officers to cooperate with ICE, rather than any effort to hold criminals accountable. The arrest can still take place without this question being asked.
In the Senate Judiciary Committee
Anti-Transgender Bills Limiting Participation in Sports COIN OPPOSES all of these bills.
None of these bill had a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so they are likely dead for 2025.
Oregon Republicans have introduced four bills to restrict transgender youth participation in sports. HB 3740, SB 618, and SB 787 would reverse the current Oregon School Athletics Association policies of allowing those that do identify as transgender or non-binary or intersex individuals to compete in athletic competitions or extracurricular sports based on the gender they align with. HB 2037 would do the same and would include college sports as well. All the bills designate that participation in sports be based on “biological sex.” These bills are part of an attempt by Trump and his MAGA allies to “erase” any person that identifies as a gender other than “biological male” or “biological female.” These bills demonstrate the ignorance and/or profound intolerance of many people who claim that “male” and “female” are the only two possibilities in humans. In fact, biological sex has many variations as a result of chromosome differences, gene differences, and physiological differences. As many as 2% of the population have biological variations that don’t fit the narrow definition of “male” or “female.” These variations are sometimes referred to as “intersex.” Here is one resource that describes 48 such variations: Interact – Intersex Variations Glossary. Additionally, gender identity, one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither, is simply not the business of the State. Transgender youth already suffer so much stigma, fear of rejection and even abuse; these bills represent further attacks on some of our most vulnerable young people.
HB 2037 and HB 3740 are currently in the House Committee On Education. SB 618 and SB 787 are currently in the Senate Committee On Education. Hopefully, that's where they'll sit for the entire session. We hope Democrats will have the decency not to give them any hearings.
HB 3198 - OHA to Lead Murdered & Missing Indigenous Persons Efforts COIN has ENDORSED this bill.
This bill is listed and explained under the Health Care topic above.
SB 722 / SB 599 Tenant Protections COIN ENDORSES these bills.
These bills are listed and explained under the Homelessness and Affordable Housing topic above.
Topic: Criminal Justice
SB 1007 - Compensation for the Wrongly Convicted COIN ENDORSES this bill.
COIN endorsed the bill that passed in 2022 providing a process for those wrongly convicted to apply for compensation. ODOJ attorneys are slowing the process with unnecessary obstacles. Legislators are trying to clear some of those obstacles with this bill.
This bill will reform the process for compensating exonerees and guarantee that more of those wrongly convicted and imprisoned are compensated in a timely manner:
Make clear the legislative intent of resolving claims that meet legislative standards for innocence.
Recognize newly presented evidence of innocence in review of the petition.
Improve access to re-entry services.
Ensure timely Oregon Department of Justice review of cases.
Oregon AG Agrees, compensation is moving too slowly Portland Tribune 2/27/25 article
This bill is currently in the Senate Committee On Judiciary
This bill had a hearing Thursday Feb 27. Watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: A work session was held on Mar 17 and the committee voted 6-0 to pass this bill and move it forward to the Joint Ways and Means Committee. View the session here. Contact members of the committee and urge them to fund this bill.
HB 3785 Voting By Adults in Custody COIN endorses this bill and endorsed similar bills in 2021 and 2023.
This bill allows persons convicted of crime to register to vote, update voter registration, and vote in elections while incarcerated. Many people incarcerated in Oregon are currently denied their right to vote, leading to low-income, Black, Indigenous, and Latinx people being disproportionately disenfranchised. Veterans who are convicted of felonies currently cannot vote while incarcerated.
95% of those incarcerated will return to their community and research shows that those allowed to vote while incarcerated are less likely to re-offend.
Currently in the House Rules Committee, so the Mar 21 work session deadline does not apply.
HB 2555 - Family Sentencing Alternative Program COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Makes the pilot program permanent. Modifies eligibility requirements for the program to include all sentences for which a defendant is eligible for a downward dispositional departure. The pilot programs have proven over a 10-year period to be highly successful. They reduce recidivism, increasing community safety. The program allows qualified parents to be supervised on probation rather than separated from their children, thus improving family stability. And the program costs less than traditional incarceration.
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee
Had a public hearing Feb 19. View the recording here.
MOTION ALERT! This bill had a work session on 3/31 and the committee voted 8-0 with a Do Pass recommendation. Watch the work session here. The bill now moves to the Joint Ways and Means Committee. Contact committee members and urge them to fund this bill.
SB 1116 - Coffee Creek Correctional Facility Family Preservation COIN ENDORSES this bill.
This bill didn't get a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so it's likely dead for 2025.
COIN Endorsed a very similar bill in 2023. This year's bill directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to study the establishment of the Family Preservation Project pilot program at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility to provide services to parents serving sentences of incarceration at the facility, children of the parents and caregivers of the children. The commission shall submit a report with the results of the study and may include recommendations for legislation, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary no later than September 15, 2026. info@noworegon.org. Oregon NOW “has in past years proudly testified in support of the Family Preservation Project and its bills have historically been priority bills for us. The FPP is not only highly successful in preventing recidivism among its participants, it also provides much needed support for their children.
Currently in the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health
HB 3551 - Requires Local Law Enforcement to Assist ICE (Undermining Sanctuary Laws)
COIN OPPOSES this bill.
This bill is also listed under the Immigration and Social Justice category, above.
HB 2851 - Adds Infrastructure Types to 2024 Domestic Terrorism Law COIN is WATCHING this bill, pending opposition.
This bill is also listed under the Protecting Democracy category, below.
Topic: Hunger
SB 611 - Food for All Oregonians COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Establishes the Food for All Oregonians Program in the Department of Human Services to provide food for persons under 26 years and over 55 years who would be eligible for SNAP benefits but for their immigration status. SB 611 is currently in the Senate Committee on Human Services.
Guidance for Testimony on SB 611 provided by Food for All Oregonians
Research on nutrition and health supports SB 611: Food-Is-Medicine-Plan-2024
Hungry People Is ... a Policy Choice? Statesman Journal describes the choices to be made about ending hunger in Oregon.
1 in 8 Oregonians Experience Hunger The need for food assistance highest since the Great Depression, says OPB
2025 Farm Bill will affect the 20% of rural Oregonian households who receive SNAP benefits.
COIN is a member of the Food for All Oregonians FFAO coalition. For more info, go here.
There was a public hearing Tuesday Mar 25 at 8:00am. Watch the recorded hearing here.
ACTION ALERT! The work session (and possible committee vote) has been rescheduled again for Wednesday April 9 at 5:00 PM. You can watch the work session here.
Read COIN Testimony in Support of SB 611.
The FFAO coalition asks that we offer testimony at the nearest Joint Ways and Means Committee Roadshow to voice support for funding SB 611. See the schedule at the top of this web page.
HB 3435 Free School Lunch and Breakfast for all Oregon School Children COIN ENDORSES this bill.
This bill is listed and described under the Education and Children topic above.
Topic: Protecting Democracy
HB 3493 Civil Rights for Manufactured and Floating Home Tenants COIN has ENDORSED this bill
This act stops landlords of mobile and floating home parks from banning political campaigns from knocking on doors. Currently in House Committee On Rules.
A public hearing was held Monday Mar 10. Watch the hearing here.
ACTION ALERT! This bill will get a work session on Wednesday April 16 at 8:00 AM. Write to committee members and urge them to vote for this bill.
TWO PROBLEMS, TWO SOLUTIONS
We have seen many local publications reduce the number of days they publish, switch completely to online only, or close their doors. As a result, many Oregonians no longer have access to a local print newspaper. But Oregon legislation requires the publication of certain information in local newspapers and these publications are a significant source of income as newspapers struggle to stay solvent.
Currently, notices required by law are published in the nearest local paper, which may be in another county. People don't want to buy or subscribe to a newspaper that has little to no information relevant to their area. For these people, their only source of local news is through digital publications.
So how do we get the public notice information required by law to everyone who needs to see them without losing more newspapers? COIN suggests the joint passage of two bills, one that increases print newspapers income to offset the losses from public notices, SB 686, and one to allow consumers to access that information via digital news organizations, HB 3431/SB 437 (both need the same amendment).
SB 686 Protect Local Journalism COIN ENDORSES this bill.
SB 686 safeguards Oregon’s local journalism by requiring online big tech platforms like Google and Facebook pay their fair share for profiting off Oregon-based content. The bill creates a reasonable compliance system for big tech platforms to provide fair compensation to news creators, and creates the Oregon Civic Information Consortium, a non-profit fund supporting local journalism.
Platforms affected:
Amazon: 310 Million users
Facebook: over 3 billion monthly active users.
YouTube: 2.5 billion monthly active users.
WhatsApp: 2 billion monthly active users.
Instagram: 2 billion monthly active users.
TikTok: 1.6 billion monthly active users.
WeChat: 1.38 billion monthly active users.
Google Search: Google's search engine has over 3.6 billion users.
Google Drive: Google's cloud storage service has 1 billion users.
Google Maps: Google's mapping service has 1 billion users.
Google Play Store: Google's Android app store has 2.5 billion users.
Google Photos: Google's photo storage service has 1 billion users.
Op-Ed Two bills: one bad for Oregon journalism, one good Bend Bulletin 2/27/25 article
OregonLive 4.7.25 article Journalism Essential to Democracy-Support SB 686
Currently in the Senate Committee On Rules, so the Mar 21 work session deadline does not apply.
The -2 amendment clarifies the uses of funds by the Consortium.
ACTION ALERT! This bill will have a public hearing on April 9 at 1:00 PM. You can watch the hearing here.
HB 3431/SB 437 Digital Public Notices COIN ENDORSES this bill if amended as suggested.
Expands the application of certain statutes requiring publication in a newspaper to allow publication in online news publications. A proposed amendment is in response to some of the issues brought up during testimony. It would tighten the qualifications for what digital sources would satisfy the state laws governing public notices. These sources would have to been in existence for a significant amount of time, have a physical address, hold themselves to the same standards as are required of print newspapers, and be registered with the state. Access to the public notices must be free of charge (no paywall). This amendment is critical to COIN support.
There is a bill in the Senate, SB 437, similar to the original HB 3431. It needs the same amendment proposed for HB 3431 for COIN to endorse. Staff for Senator Anderson, chief sponsor of SB 437, suggest there is a willingness to add the amendment. It had a public hearing Mar 19. Watch the recording here.
Currently in the House Committee On Commerce and Consumer Protection
This bill had a public hearing on Feb 6. Watch the recording here.
ACTION ALERT! HB 3431 will have a rescheduled work session Tuesday April 8 at 1:00 PM. Watch the session here.
SB 555 Reducing Transparency of Data Collected by LPRO COIN OPPOSES this bill.
Makes research requested, collected, maintained or utilized by the Legislative Policy and Research Office confidential unless it is specifically authorized to be released by the legislator who requested it.
There is no good reason to keep this information secret from the public. LPRO staff are government employees. They are not lawyers or doctors or others who would have some sort of privilege against disclosure. This is just another means for the Oregon Legislature to operate behind closed doors.
Currently in the Senate Rules Committee, so the Mar 21 work session deadline does not apply.
OPB 3.12.25 article SB 555 has skeptics
There was a public hearing Wednesday Mar 12 at 1:00PM. Watch the hearing here.
HB 2851 - Adds Infrastructure Types to 2024 Domestic Terrorism Law COIN OPPOSES this bill.
Modifies the definition of "critical infrastructure" to include a terrestrial-based cable or wire communication facility for purposes of the crimes of domestic terrorism in the first degree and domestic terrorism in the second degree. This was a controversial bill in 2023. The 2023 law already includes base transceiver stations and wireless infrastructure. ACLU opposed the original bill and opposes this bill, saying it could be used to arrest protestors exercising First Amendment right.
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee
There was a public hearing Wednesday Mar 12 at 3:00PM. Watch the hearing here.
A work session and possible committee vote scheduled for Monday April 7 has been cancelled.
Topic: Gun Safety
Alliance for a Safe Oregon Legislation Priorities See this list of gun safety bills supported by a coalition of groups deeply concerned about the continued need for better gun regulations.
See also Kotek, Students Demand Action, and others support gun safety legislation.
SB 203 - Extreme Risk Protection Order Improvements COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Requires the Judicial Department to study the number of extreme risk protection petitions filed and orders issued each year. This bill will improve our Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law and strengthen protective orders. Alliance for Safe Oregon and Everytown/Moms Demand Action supports this legislation.
In the Senate Judiciary Committee
UPDATE: The public hearing and possible work session scheduled for 4/7 for this bill and several others was cancelled. However, the contents of these stand-alone bills has been included in an amendment for an omnibus gun safety bill, SB 243, now being referred to as the "Oregon Suicide Prevention and Community Safety Firearms Act." SB 243 has a work session and possible committee vote on Tuesday April 8 at 3:00 PM. You can view that work session here.
SB 429 - Background Check Requirements COIN ENDORSES this bill.
The Act requires gun dealers to wait 72 hours from the time of asking for a background check, and to have the approval number from the check, before giving a firearm or certain unfinished firearm parts to a buyer. Oregon has high gun suicide rate. A 72 hour waiting period has been shown to reduce suicides by 20%.
In the Senate Judiciary Committee
This legislation is supported by Alliance for a Safe Oregon.
UPDATE: The public hearing and possible work session scheduled for 4/7 for this bill and several others was cancelled. However, the contents of these stand-alone bills has been included in an amendment for an omnibus gun safety bill, SB 243, now being referred to as the "Oregon Suicide Prevention and Community Safety Firearms Act." SB 243 has a work session and possible committee vote on Tuesday April 8 at 3:00 PM. You can view that work session here.
SB 696 - Rapid Fire Activator Ban COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Creates the crime of unlawful transport, manufacture or transfer of a rapid fire activator. Devices like bump stocks and Glock switches increase the firing rate of semiautomatic guns enabling them to function like machine guns.
17 states have enacted laws to ban these devices, often with bipartisan support
In the Senate Judiciary Committee
Alliance for Safe Oregon and Everytown/Moms Demand Action supports this legislation.
UPDATE: The public hearing and possible work session scheduled for 4/7 for this bill and several others was cancelled. However, the contents of these stand-alone bills has been included in an amendment for an omnibus gun safety bill, SB 243, now being referred to as the "Oregon Suicide Prevention and Community Safety Firearms Act." SB 243 has a work session and possible committee vote on Tuesday April 8 at 3:00 PM. You can view that work session here.
SB 697 - Must be 21 to Possess a Rifle COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Prohibits a person under 21 years of age from possessing firearms with specified exceptions. Raises the age to purchase semi-automatic rifles and long guns to age 21.
In the Senate Judiciary Committee
Alliance for Safe Oregon and Everytown/Moms Demand Action supports this legislation.
UPDATE: The public hearing and possible work session scheduled for 4/7 for this bill and several others was cancelled. However, the contents of these stand-alone bills has been included in an amendment for an omnibus gun safety bill, SB 243, now being referred to as the "Oregon Suicide Prevention and Community Safety Firearms Act." SB 243 has a work session and possible committee vote on Tuesday April 8 at 3:00 PM. You can view that work session here.
SB 698 - Public Buildings Gun Bans COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Authorizes the governing bodies of certain public entities that own or control public buildings to adopt a policy, ordinance or regulation limiting the affirmative defense for concealed handgun licensees for the crime of possessing a firearm in a public building. Allows ban on concealed carry firearms in public buildings, like the Zoo and city halls.
In the Senate Judiciary Committee
Alliance for Safe Oregon and Everytown/Moms Demand Action supports this legislation.
UPDATE: The public hearing and possible work session scheduled for 4/7 for this bill and several others was cancelled. However, the contents of these stand-alone bills has been included in an amendment for an omnibus gun safety bill, SB 243, now being referred to as the "Oregon Suicide Prevention and Community Safety Firearms Act." SB 243 has a work session and possible committee vote on Tuesday April 8 at 3:00 PM. You can view that work session here.
HB 3075-1 - Ballot Measure 114 Revision COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Modifies the firearm permit provisions of Ballot Measure 114 (2022). The bill describes more precisely the background application process, modified fees, adds to the those qualified as training course instructors and protects them from civil liability in certain circumstances, and makes it a crime for a dealer to provide a firearm to someone without a valid permit to purchase. It's currently in the House Judiciary Committee
Everytown/Moms Demand Action and the coalition Lift Every Voice Oregon LEVO support this legislation.
LEVO has requested our support of this bill and given some suggestions: Testimony Tips for HB 3075-1
Here are some Testimony Tips from MOMS
This bill had a public hearing on Mar 17. You can view the hearing here.
There is a proposed amendment to this bill.
MOVEMENT ALERT: This bill had a work session on 4/7 and another one on 4/8. You can view the 4/7 work session here and you can view the 4/8 work session here. The committee voted 5-3 for a Do Pass recommendation. The bill now moves to the Joint Ways and Means Committee. Contact them and urge them to fund this bill.
HB 3076 - Gun Dealer Licensing Study COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Directs the Department of Justice to study the establishment of a state gun dealer licensing program, and to provide the results of the study to the appropriate interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than December 31, 2026. Hopefully, this study will result in a future bill to stop the illegal flow of guns into our communities by licensing and inspecting gun dealers.
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
From the Oregon Capital Chronicle: legislative-bill-would-stem-overflow-of-illegal-guns-violent-crime
Alliance for Safe Oregon and Everytown/Moms Demand Action supports this legislation.
UPDATE: A -1 Amendment has been requested by Chair Kropf that would actually establish a state gun dealer licensing program with requirements for eligibility for a license and regular inspections that can include unannounced visits. The amendment specifies what constitutes violations of the license and sets forth penalties. COIN supports this amendment.
MOVEMENT ALERT: This bill had a work session on 4/7 and has been scheduled for another work session on Tuesday April 8 at 3:00 PM. Contact committee members and urge them to pass this bill to finally put the protections of the 2022 Ballot Measure 114 into practice. You can view the 4/7 work session here and you can view the 4/8 work session here. The committee voted 5-3 for a Do Pass recommendation. The bill now moves to the Joint Ways and Means Committee. Contact them and urge them to fund this bill.
HB 5014 - Community Violence Intervention Funding COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Justice for biennial expenses, including funding to support the Community Violence Intervention Program.
In the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety, so the Mar 21 work session deadline does not apply.
Alliance for Safe Oregon and Everytown/Moms Demand Action supports this legislation.
ACTION ALERT! This bill is finally getting some attention. Three information sessions are scheduled on April 14, 15, and 16, followed by a public hearing on Thursday April 17, all at 8 am. Click here and expand "Scheduled Events" for links to each of the information session and the hearing as well as to submit testimony or testify at the hearing.
SB 243/HB 3074 - Study of Firearms Transfers COIN ENDORSES these bills.
These bills started out as identical "study" bills. They both direct the Department of State Police to study whether the process for conducting criminal background checks for firearm transfers can be made more efficient, and submit a report which may include recommendations for legislation, to the Legislature by September 15, 2026.
SB 243 now has a 23-page -1 amendment which has placed a number of the gun safety measures that were separate bills into this one bill, including
a 72-hour waiting period for a purchaser
more stringent requirements for gun dealers when submitting info on the purchaser for background checks, including verifying the purchaser has a "permit to purchase,"
a ban on the manufacture, sale, offer to sell, transport or transfer of rapid fire activators in Oregon,
makes it illegal to possess a firearm for persons under the age of 21, with some exceptions such as hunting or target practice
restrictions on firearms in public buildings
SB 243 is currently in the Senate Committee On Judiciary and HB 3074 is currently in the House Committee On Judiciary. So far, HB 3074 has no amendments.
Here is the COIN worksheet for both bills.
ACTION ALERT! SB 243 had a public hearing on 3/27. Watch the hearing here. The work session was rescheduled for a second time and now it will occur, along with a possible committee vote, on Wednesday April 9 at 3:00 PM. You can view the work session here.
HB 3074 was scheduled for a public hearing and a possible work session on Tuesday Apr 8 at 3:00 PM, but it has been cancelled.
SJR 27 - Right to Carry Ballot Measure Proposal COIN OPPOSES this bill.
Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution establishing a right to carry concealed firearms. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election.
In the Senate Rules Committee, so the Mar 21 work session deadline does not apply.
HB 3742 Permits Firearms in the Capitol Building COIN OPPOSES this bill.
Provides that members of the Legislative Assembly and legislative branch employees who have a valid concealed handgun license have an affirmative defense to a charge of possessing a firearm within the Capitol, and may not be arrested or charged for the offense while in possession of the license.
Currently in the House Judiciary Committee.
HB 2396 / HB 2780 - Guaranteed Permit to Purchase COIN OPPOSES these bills.
Provides that a person is automatically qualified to obtain a permit to purchase a firearm if the person holds a valid concealed handgun license. A person with a concealed carry permit would not have to go through the new background check process.
In the House Judiciary Committee
A "study" bill that may be a placeholder for additional gun related legislation and will be monitored.
Topic: State Finance and Revenue
HB 2966 - State Finance Task Force COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Establishes a task force composed of diverse interests and directs it to study different methods of public financing including the feasibility of a state bank. The potential benefits of these methods are incalculable. We can dramatically boost the abilities of local credit unions and community banks to offer loans and stimulate economic activity. We can partner with them for participatory home ownership loans at lower costs than are charged by Wall Street banks, we can be responsible stewards of public dollars by facilitating development of local governments’ large infrastructure needs for less costs than are imposed by large banks, and so very much more.
HB 2699 is the first step to bringing any of these benefits home. There are complex financial issues
involved and it is only with the significant expertise assembled by the task force that we will be able to solve them and get this right.
Chief Sponsor Summary from Rep. Mark F. Gamba
SB 2966 Testimony Toolkit, provided by Cultivating Solutions, formerly known as the Rural Engagement Project
Topic History: COIN endorsed the 2023 bill that would have studied the establishment of a Public Bank in coalition with the Oregon Public Banking Alliance.
Started in the House Committee On Commerce and Consumer Protection
A public hearing for HB 2966 was held on Jan 28. Catherine Thomasson of MCAT and the COIN CEE Team presented testimony in support of this bill. Dan Meek of COIN and the Oregon Progressive Party also offered testimony in support. Watch the recording here.
MOVEMENT ALERT! The committee voted 6-4 to move this bill on to Ways and Means with a "DO PASS" recommendation. You can watch the Mar 6 work session here.
Now in Joint Ways and Means Committee.
HB 2084 - Tax Compliance for Public Contracts COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Requires that people who get public contracts obey the tax laws of the state, cities and counties and must show proof of compliance with the tax laws. Requires public contractors to demonstrate and maintain tax compliance as a condition of the execution of a public contract. Currently, anyone signing a contract with the State for more than $1000 must sign a form stating that they comply with all of Oregon’s tax laws. However, this form provides no definition of tax compliance or what the consequences are for not telling the truth on the form. The jail terms and/or fines were set in 1971 and are ill-defined. Several recent investigative reports have found people not in compliance while doing millions of dollars of business with the State of Oregon.
Currently in the House Revenue Committee, so the Mar 21 work session deadline does not apply.
A public hearing for HB 2930 was held on Jan 23. Watch the recorded hearing here.
Topic: Economics/Commerce
SB 916 A Unemployment Eligibility During Labor Disputes COIN ENDORSES these bills.
These bills are Senate and House version, both of which provides that an individual otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance benefits is not disqualified for any week that the individual's unemployment is due to a labor dispute in active progress at the individual's place of employment.
The bills gives leverage to workers compelled to go on strike to resolve labor disputes. Many such workers don’t have the means to strike for any length of time without jeopardizing their housing, food security, etc. Employers are aware of this fact and hold out on offering meaningful concessions that would materially improve their employees’ lives. This bill would ensure a steady source of income while they strike. Also, some non-union employees lose income as a byproduct of the strike and may deserve unemployment insurance benefits during the strike.
OPB addresses the conflict with this 2.6.25 article.
OPB 3.7.25 SB 916 article
Started in the Senate Committee on Labor and Business and House Committee On Labor and Workplace Standards
A public hearing for SB 916 was held Feb 6. The recording can be found here.
A 2nd public hearing was held Feb 11. Watch the recorded session here.
An informational session for SB 916 was held Tuesday Feb 18. Watch the session here.
A second informational session for SB 916 was held on Feb 27. Watch it here.
A 3rd public hearing was held on Mar 4. Watch the Mar 4 committee meeting here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: On Thursday Mar 6 the committee amended the bill and voted 3-2 to move SB 916-4 on with a "DO PASS" recommendation. Watch the session here.
MOVEMENT ALERT! SB 916 A passed the Senate by a vote of 16-12 on March 20. The bill now moves to the House Committee On Labor and Workplace Standards
HB 3434 The House version of this bill will not see action this session.
HB 3533 Prices Include All Fees COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Prohibits a person that advertises consumer goods or consumer services for sale in this state from displaying in an advertisement or quoting during a transaction a price for the consumer goods or consumer services that does not include or disclose every fee that the consumer must pay to complete the sale of the consumer goods or consumer services.
Currently in the House Committee On Commerce and Consumer Protection.
There was a public hearing Tuesday Mar 11. Watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: HB 3533 had a work session on 4/3 and the committee voted 6-3 for a Do Pass recommendation with the -2 amendment. View the work session here. We expect this bill to go to the House floor for a vote soon.
HB 3865 Telephone and Text Solicitation Requirements COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Requires a person that makes a solicitation by telephone or text message to self identify, identify the purpose of the solicitation and identify the person on behalf of which the person is making the solicitation within the first 10 seconds of the call or within the body of the initial text message. Restricts the hours during which a person may make a solicitation to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the number of solicitations a person may make during a 24-hour period to three.
Currently in the House Committee On Commerce and Consumer Protection.
There was a public hearing on Mar 13. Watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: The committee amended the bill and voted 6-2 (2 absent) to move HB 3865-2 on with a "DO PASS" recommendation. View the work session here. This bill will get a vote in the full House on Tuesday April 8.
HB 3605 - Allows Solicitors to Be Sued COIN ENDORSES this bill.
Punishes a violation of the laws that regulate home solicitation sales as an unlawful practice under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Sellers violations currently are only punishable as criminal violations. This bill allows a person to sue a solicitor for statutory damages and attorney fees.
Currently in the House Committee On Commerce and Consumer Protection.
There was a public hearing on Mar 13. Watch the hearing here.
MOVEMENT ALERT! A work session was held on 3/25 and the committee voted 8-1 with a Do Pass recommendation. You can view the work session here. The full House voted 51-4 in favor of this bill on 4/7. Next, it will move to the Senate.
HB 2276 - Vague Liquor and Cannabis Study Bill COIN OPPOSES this bill on procedural grounds.
The "Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission shall study the commission". Yes, the commission is to study itself, with no stated purpose or direction. We expect a last minute amendment that will significantly change this bill but it will come with very little time for committee members and legislative watchdogs to analyze before testimony deadline and votes.
Currently in the House Committee On Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade
ACTION ALERT! There are no amendments yet but HB 2276 is going to have public hearing and work session at 8:00 AM Wednesday 4/9. You can register to testify or submit written testimony about the commission studying the commission at this link. Check for amendments here. Watch the action here.
HB 3255 Requirements for Online Businesses COIN ENDORSES this bill.
This bill didn't get a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so it's likely dead for 2025.
HB 3255 will prohibit online businesses from operating in Oregon unless they maintain a permanent telephone number and electronic mail address that allows customers to contact the online business with concerns and receive a timely and substantive response. It permits the Secretary of State to test compliance with the Act and to impose civil penalties for a failure to comply or to administratively dissolve an online business or revoke the online business’s authority to transact business in this state if the Secretary of State determines that the failure to comply is intentional, willful and repeated. This is an important consumer protection bill because many online businesses make it nearly impossible to get
appropriate service by not providing such contact information to consumers. The bill is currently in the House Committee On Commerce and Consumer Protection.
This bill had a public hearing on Mar 6. You can watch the proceedings here.
Topic: Miscellaneous
Two bills to end the twice yearly time change. COIN takes NO POSITION on these bills.
We list them here for your information as we find many Oregonians have strong but varied opinions about this issue. We want you to be aware of upcoming opportunities to have your voice heard. Both bills started in the Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs.
The Oregonian 3.5.25 Oregon lawmakers once again attempt to end daylight saving time
There are real dangers and economic losses that result from time changes. Read this article from The Conversation 3.7.25.
SB 1038 - Ends One-Hour Time Change in One of Two Alternative Ways
ALTERNATIVE ONE is identical to SB 566 described above, allowing for PERMANENT PACIFIC STANDARD TIME in the part of Oregon in the Pacific Time Zone.
ALTERNATIVE TWO allows for PERMANENT PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME for the part of the state located in the Pacific Time Zone, abolishing the twice yearly one-hour change, IF Congress enacts a law authorizing states to elect year-round daylight saving time AND IF California and Washington establish daylight saving time as the standard of time year-round. Restores current time standards if Congress fails to authorize daylight saving time or if California and Washington do not make daylight saving time their year-round standard of time within 10 years. This alternative would result in a piece of eastern Oregon being TWO hours ahead of the rest of Oregon for a significant period of time every year.
Both alternatives provide that standards of time in the Mountain Time Zone portion of Oregon remain unchanged.
Public testimony was given Mar 4. You can read the written testimony submitted here and watch the recorded hearing here.
A work session was held on Mar 13, and the committee voted 4-0 (with one absence) to PASS this bill. You can watch the work session here.
MOVEMENT ALERT: On 3/25, the Senate voted 18-11 to pass this bill.
Now assigned to the House Committee On Rules.
SB 566 - Ends Daylight Savings Time This bill didn't get a work session scheduled by the 3/21 deadline so it's likely dead for 2025.
For the part of the state located in the Pacific Time Zone, this bill would abolish the annual one-hour change in time from standard time to daylight saving time and maintains the Pacific Time Zone portion of Oregon on standard time for all 12 months of the calendar year, if California and Washington make the same change within the next 10 years.
Public testimony was given Mar 4. You can read the written testimony submitted here and watch the recorded hearing here.