Important Notice: If a bill comes in later than 5PM on Fridays, check here for updates & changes! We will not be sending additional emails!

Clicking the bill number will allow you access to more information on the bill via OLIS.

Clicking Submit Testimony Button below each bill in the list will allow you to fill out the testimony form online or upload pre-written testimony to OLIS.

Links are provided for more information, testimonies on various sites, including OLIS as featured testimonies.

The bill text, any submitted amendments and testimony that may have already been submitted is available in the tabs at the top of the OLIS webpage. 

By Clicking the “Register to Testify” tab on OLIS, you can fill out the form to sign up to testify remotely through Microsoft Teams for the bill either via Teams Video or on the phone. 

The bills below, of course, do not incapsulate all the bills for the coming week.  Bills could also be added to committee agendas at any time and after the work to put this list together.

Are we missing bill? SUBMIT A BILL every Friday by 5PM for distribution in the weekly alert!

Fight for Oregon, Rep. Vikki Breese Iverson, Rep. Tim Knopp, Rep. Boomer Write, Sen. David Brock Smith, Rep. Virgle Osborne, Rep. Court Boice, Senator Kim Thatcher, Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Oregon Firearms Federation and the Oregon Citizens Lobby have provided the content this week. Listed below are Bills of Concern and Bills to Support that are coming up for Public Hearings this week and/or need your voice. 

Your testimonies are greatly needed in the fight for Oregon! Our goal is to make it easy for you to testify and share! Anyone can subscribe or unsubscribe to these alerts! Encourage folks to subscribe!

Visit FightforOregon.com Weekly Alerts for a more updated version of this week’s bills! We are committed to NOT inundate your email box because these are a moving target and change daily, so the latest news will be on the website!

SHOWDOWN!

Friday for the third day, the Oregon Senate Republicans denied quorum, shutting down business on the Senate floor.

This completely legal and constitutional action, which we have been encouraging, was taken in response to the clearly and demonstrably unlawful actions of the Democrat Senator President, actions also taken by the Democrat House Speaker.


Bottom line, the Democrats are breaking the law. End of of story.

 

As many of you well know, we have been relentlessly critical of Republican “leadership” for refusing to stand up to the bullying and tyranny of the Democrats who insist on ramming through outrageous and dangerously extreme bills. So we can say without reservation that we are very encouraged by this step taken by most Republican and two independent Senators.

 

Give credit where it is due. For weeks we have been asking you to contact Republican leader Tim Knopp and demand he stand up to the Democrat’s madness. And, now, he has.

 

So, just as we ask you to raise your voice in protest, we are asking that you take a moment to contact Knopp and encourage him to stay strong and continue this brave action. We can assure you that doing so will be easier when he knows many have his back.

 

Please call or email Knopp today.
Capitol Phone: (503) 986-1727

The damage the Democrats are doing to Oregon is truly incalculable. And it’s not just to our children and our gun rights.

On Wednesday Democrat Senator Kate Lieber sent out a press release saying:

“Today, Oregon Republican senators abandoned their jobs and the people of Oregon by refusing to show up for work. The Senate could not reach a quorum, making this the fifth period since 2019 that Senate Republicans have denied quorum for a floor session, a pattern of antidemocratic behavior unprecedented in our state’s history.”

This is typical deceitful slime from Democrats. Republicans ARE doing their jobs, which is to protect the rights of the people who elected them. And,of course, Lieber, in standard lying Democrat fashion, conveniently fails to mention the long history Democrats have of walking out to get their way in 1971, 1995 and 2001.

Below, are the bills “scheduled” for Public Hearing for the coming week, if there is a quorum.  Hold onto your chairs, there are more bills headed our way in the days to come.  We need ALL of you to make a difference.

WE are going to NEED ALL OF YOU come election time to HOLD the seats we currently have and gain more.  That’s the ONLY way we can stop this madness… by being the MAJORITY!  It’s time.  

Pick a Day or Bill

BAD BILLS:
HB 2779 – Death w/Dignity Act
HB 3042 – Rent Term. & Inc. Limitations

Good Bills:
SB 523 – Community College Bachelor Science/Nursing

BAD BILLS:
SB 348 -3 BM 114 Firearms
SB 891 – Assisted Suicide
SB 579 – Voting in Prison
SB 530 – Climate Change

Good Bills:
HB 2631 – Wolf Compensation
SB 471 – Wolf Compensation
SB 955 – Suicide Prevention
HB 2194 – ODA Grant Program
HB 3247 – OSU Vet. Support
HB 5002 – Agriculture Budget
HB 5509 – Restore Predator Control

BILLS that need your attention & Emails!

BECAUSE OF YOU!
Last week, HB 3501 received LOTS of testimonies! This bill would have allowed homeless tent cities in nearly every park and street in Oregon and allowed homeless people to sue you personally for $1,000 if you try to move them. It was scheduled for a public hearing last week, but this week, the committee chair removed it from the agenda.

This is an example these action alerts can have an impact. They are meant to cause the Democrats in charge to reconsider what they are doing and get them to stop.  Below are ones that need your attention, please take the time to write legislators!  Words DO Matter!

HB 2279 BAD

Repeals residency requirement in Oregon Death with Dignity Act. 
This bill could make Oregon an assisted suicide tourist destination. It’s no secret that we do not have a culture of life here in Oregon, and this is just the latest example.

It is scheduled for a work session in the Senate Committee On Judiciary on Wednesday, May 10, at 1:00 PM. Email the committee chair and ask him not to pass the bill.

HB 3042 – BAD

Limits terminations and rent increases for three years after tenants’ housing is withdrawn from publicly supported housing. Requires owners or landlords to provide notice to new tenants and applicants during notice period before withdrawal from publicly supported housing. Allows Housing and Community Services Department to record extension of affordability restrictions for publicly supported housing if property owner misses certain deadlines. Allows department to record right of first refusal if no qualified purchaser makes an offer. Makes other amendments to publicly supported housing preservation program. Declares emergency, effective on passage

This bill would allow the government to change an agreement with a subsidized housing provider by limiting their recoup costs beyond the agreed timeframe. This sets a dangerous precedent by changing the rules mid-game. How will this attract more housing to solve our housing crisis? We should create certainty for housing providers, not changing the terms of contracts.

It is scheduled for a Work Session in the Senate Committee On Housing and Development on Monday, May 8, at 8:00 AM. Email the Committee Chair and ask him not to pass the bill.

SB 523GOOD
Authorizes community colleges to offer Bachelor of Science, Nursing degrees.

Community colleges have locally elected boards to keep them responsive to local needs. Rogue Community College has an excellent allied health program and is ready to expand to train nurses.

It is scheduled for a Work Session in the House Committee on Higher Education on Thursday, May 11, at 3:00 PM.

Monday - May 8, 2023

Bills of Concern

***MAJOR THREAT***

HB 2002 B – is scheduled for a Senate Second Reading May 8 and a Third Reading on May 9 and vote on the Senate floor. Parents, the time to stand is NOW!

HB 2002-A is the most extreme abortion and gender-altering bill the United States has ever seen.  – Taking away the age of consent requirements for “reproductive health care” which includes abortion and hormone therapy for transgender youth.

"In less than an hour of debate in a recent Joint Ways and Means committee meeting and with minimal time for questions, Democratic leadership forced a vote on this bill knowing there would be no further opportunity for public comment than the one hearing held in March.

During the committee meeting, the Ways and Means Democratic co-chairs audibly gasped when Legislative Counsel confirmed that 10-year-olds would be able to get abortions without parental knowledge – despite one co-chair boasting they were “intimately involved with the development of this bill.”

Republicans had a multitude of questions that were left unanswered. We asked about the estimated fiscal impact on the health care insurance premiums for Oregonians. The answer? We will have to pass it to find out.

However, as budget committee staff confirmed, we do know that House Bill 2002 B vastly expands the types of irreversible sex-changing treatments and procedures funded by Oregon taxpayers. These services will be offered through the Healthier Oregon program, which provides health coverage to low-income individuals who would qualify for Medicaid except for immigration status and who “live in Oregon.” According to the Oregon Health Authority, there’s no time requirement to establish residency.

We believe it should be standard practice to know how much something costs before approving it. Nothing about this bill or the approach taken by Democratic leadership is fiscally responsible. This is a long and complicated bill. It needs more input, not less.

Don’t be fooled, this is not an abortion or equality issue – this is a parental rights issue. This is the state of Oregon effectively telling you that the government understands the needs of your child better than you do. This is an extreme attack on the sacred relationship between a parent and a child. House Bill 2002 B is scheduled for a vote on the House floor on Monday, May 1. Please call your state representative and state senator and make your voice heard. Parents – the time to take a stand is now.

***MAJOR THREAT***

Senate will hold a First Reading on House Bill 2005 B

HB 2005 – Defines “undetectable firearm.” Punishes manufacturing, importing, offering for sale or transferring undetectable firearm by maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both. Punishes possession of undetectable firearm by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, and 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, upon second and subsequent convictions. Punishes possessing,] offering for sale, selling or transferring firearm without serial number by maximum of $1,000 fine upon first conviction, 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, upon second conviction, and 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, upon third and subsequent convictions. Punishes possession of firearm without serial number occurring on or after September 1, 2024, by maximum of $1,000 fine upon first conviction, 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, upon second conviction, and 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, upon third and subsequent convictions. Defines “unfinished frame or receiver.” Requires gun dealer to conduct criminal background check before transferring unfinished frame or receiver. Punishes importing, offering for sale or transferring unfinished frame or receiver by maximum of $1,000 fine upon first conviction, 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, upon second conviction, and 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, upon third and subsequent convictions. Specifies exceptions. Punishes possession of unserialized unfinished frame or receiver occurring on or after September 1, 2024, by maximum of $1,000 fine upon first conviction, 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, upon second conviction, and five years’ imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both, upon third and subsequent convictions. Provides that person commits crime if person possesses unfinished frame or receiver and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Punishes by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Prohibits person under 21 years of age from possessing firearms and unfinished frames and receivers with specified exceptions. Punishes by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Establishes affirmative defense for person under 21 years of age who owned firearm before effective date of Act or who relinquished firearm prior to prosecution. Authorizes governing bodies of certain public entities that own or control public building to adopt policy, ordinance or regulation precluding affirmative defense for possession of firearm in or on public building by concealed handgun licensee. Provides that in prosecution for possession of firearm in or on public building subject to such policy, ordinance or regulation, concealed handgun licensee affirmative defense is not complete defense, but results in Class A misdemeanor conviction punishable by 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Prohibits person from transferring certain firearms to recipient person knows, or reasonably should know, is under 21 years of age. Punishes by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Specifies exceptions. Appropriates moneys to Department of State Police for implementation of Act. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Read Testimonies

"Oregon: Ask Representative to Oppose Anti-Gun Omnibus Bill HB 2005 B On May 2nd, the House will hold a floor vote on House Bill 2005 B, the anti-gun package requested by Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, now combined into one bill. Please contact your state representative and ask them to OPPOSE HB 2005 B

House Bill 2005 B is the amended version of House Bill 2005 that also includes the provisions of House Bills 2006 and 2007. It goes above and beyond existing federal laws and regulations in restricting private individuals from making their own firearms for personal use, denies Second Amendment rights to young adults aged 18-20 by prohibiting them from possessing semi-automatic firearms, and further weakens Oregon’s preemption law in order to allow localities to prohibit concealed carry in public buildings and on their grounds. "

" HB 2005 ...Why Oppose HB 2005: Gun free zones embolden criminals and invites crime, it discriminates against young "people" and violates their rights and Oregon law, and it overregulates the longstanding tradition of home-built firearms without addressing crime.
An example of what constituents of District 9 are saying about HB 2005

Dear Representatives,

As a lifelong Oregon resident avid hunter, outdoorsman, and firearms owner I am contacting you to urge you to not show up for the vote on HB 2005. Simply doing so will allow a majority vote to be passed and allow this terrible piece of legislation which is blatantly unconstitutional according to Oregon Constitution and the United States Constitution to be passed. 

This bill will make law-abiding gun owners instant criminals and serve no purpose whatsoever other than to disarm my fellow Oregonians and criminalize possession of parts clearly allowed by federal law.
I am urging you urgently do not let this bill be voted on or go through. This is a last resort to protect Oregon's Citizens Second Amendment rights which are guaranteed by the US and Oregon Constitution.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Representative,

I beg you to fight for our 2nd Amendment rights as is in the Oregon constitution and the constitution of the United STATES OF AMERICA!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Representatives and Senators,

I write this note to you all, as you are in the safety of the capitol with state troopers guarding the door, and metal detectors in operation, and to remind you that you all took an oath to abide by the constitution.

By passing this bill and the others that will come before you, you are disarming the very people who have the capability to protect you, the law-abiding citizens.

The laws you have in place currently are not being enforced adequately; the social programs you have enacted are not working, what makes you think making more laws will stop the mentally ill, the criminals, and drug dealers from harming the people?
Requesting you really think about what you are about to do, and hope you sleep well.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Representative Boomer Wright,

As a constituent, I ask you to please oppose House Bill 2005 A.

This bill seeks only to disarm us law-abiding citizens and continue eroding our Second Amendment rights without improving public safety. Criminals, by definition, do not obey the law. Criminals already violate existing laws to obtain firearms and cause carnage. They will just ignore any new decrees from the Legislature as well. Please, instead, enforce existing laws on violent criminals, hold them responsible for their actions, get them off the streets, and keep them off the streets.

HB 2005 A goes beyond existing federal laws and regulations in restricting hobbyists from making their own firearms for personal use. It is already illegal for prohibited persons, such as felons, to possess any firearms, whether home-built or factory mass produced. It conflates lawfully home-built firearms with guns from which criminals have intentionally removed serial numbers with criminal intent. >br>
Adults aged 18-20 are old enough to vote, enter into contracts, join the military without parent permission, and get married. It is unreasonable for something to deny them Second Amendment rights. There is no indication that this group of adults contributes to crime: this bill just strips them of their rights.

Weakening preemption will only cause Oregon to have a more confusing patchwork of gun laws and their citizens across the state to not have the same rights. Allowing localities to restrict carry will also create more arbitrary zones where law-abiding citizens are left defenseless against criminals who ignore such boundaries. Concealed carry permit holders are among Oregon’s most law-abiding citizens. They don't commit crimes. If they did commit a crime, they wouldn't be eligible for the permit. They are not the problem. "

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1409
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-372, Salem, OR 97301​​
Email: Rep.BoomerWright@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wright

House Committee on Judiciary 8:00 AM
SB 807  – Provides procedure whereby elected judge may challenge party, attorney, law firm, district attorney’s office, defense consortium or public defender’s office that files motions to disqualify judge that effectively deny judge assignment to criminal or juvenile delinquency docket.

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Featured Testimony: Eastern Oregon Senior Judges in Opposition

House Committee on Business & Labor 8:30 AM
SB 851 A – Requires Bureau of Labor and Industries to study matters relating to psychological abuse occurring in workplaces in Oregon. Directs bureau to submit findings to interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to business and labor not later than September 15, 2024] prepare model respectful workplace policy that employers may adopt. Requires bureau to create and make available to employers informational materials identifying harms to employees and employers caused by workplace bullying.

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Featured Testimony:  Oregon Business & Associations in Opposition

House Committee on Early Childhood & Human Svcs 1:00PM

SB 865 A – Directs Department of Human Services to begin search for relative placement resources immediately upon child or ward entering substitute care. Directs department to take into consideration parent’s objection to department’s contacting or placing child or ward with certain relatives. Directs department to provide notice to parents and relative placement resources regarding current caretaker priority status if child or ward remains in substitute care for at least 12 months. Modifies direction to department regarding home studies and placement reports to provide that current caretaker in specified circumstances is considered to have priority as guardian, potential placement resource or prospective adoptive parent. Prohibits department from moving child or ward to prevent person from establishing current caretaker relationship or caregiver relationship with child or ward. Declares child support arrears owed to State of Oregon are deemed satisfied upon termination of parental rights. Permits court to deem satisfied child support arrears owed to State of Oregon by parent. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

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Featured Testimony:  Would have had negative effects in adopting our son

SB 792 – Authorizes Department of Human Services to prescribe application fees for initial and renewed licenses, certifications and endorsements for residential training homes, residential training facilities, adult foster homes that care for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and facilities or persons certified by department to provide developmental disability services

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Featured Testimony:  There are no testimonies submitted at this time.

SB 93 A – Modifies juvenile court procedure to include Department of Human Services as party to proceedings if department has taken child or ward into protective custody. Requires community-based structured housing facility that serves adults who are age 65 or older or who have disabilities to register with Department of Human Services. Authorizes department to adopt rules regarding facilities and to enter facilities to investigate complaints of abuse. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

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Featured Testimony:  David Wall in Opposition

House Committee On Behavioral Health and Health Care 3:00 pm
SB 965 – Permits authority to disclose information obtained during investigation of complaint or reported violation against home health agency, in-home care agency, hospice program or caregiver registry to specified public entities to carry out regulatory or enforcement activities of such public entities. Allows authority to issue temporary or provisional certification to practice as hemodialysis technician during local, state or federal declaration of state of emergency or public health emergency. Permits certification by reciprocity of hemodialysis technicians. Authorizes authority to require fingerprints for purpose of conducting criminal records check of persons applying for or renewing certification as hemodialysis technicians. Updates defined term from “dialysis facility or center” to “outpatient renal dialysis facility” for purposes of hemodialysis technician statutes. Removes requirement that outlines of instruction for courses for psilocybin service facilitators be submitted to Department of Education. Expands membership of Oregon Public Health Advisory Board and specifies criteria for new members.

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Featured Testimony: Senator Blouin in Opposition

Tuesday - May 9, 2023

Bills of Concern

Senate Committee on Labor & Business  8:00 AM

HB 3572 A – Requires] Permits contracting agency to grant preference to procuring for public use goods or services that are provided by benefit company incorporated, organized, formed or created under laws of this state, if goods or services cost not more than five percent more than goods or services available from contractor that is not benefit company. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.

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Featured Testimony:  Tax Fairness Oregon in Opposition

HB 3306 A – Requires entity that receives funds for certain workforce program initiatives to establish wage standards and develop training plan for individuals who participate in program administered by entity if, under program, entity provides individuals with paid work experience. Provides that individual that performs work for recipient under program shall be considered employee of recipient for purposes of state wage and hour laws and state laws prohibiting discrimination and retaliation. Requires industry consortia representing certain industry sectors to establish wage rate standards for skilled occupations within sectors. Requires additional information to be included in report submitted by Higher Education Coordinating Commission to interim committee of Legislative Assembly.].

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Featured Testimony:  Associated OR Loggers in Opposition

HB 2057 – Makes contractor jointly and severally liable in civil or administrative action for unpaid wages , including other benefit payment or contributions] of unrepresented employee of subcontractor at any tier. Provides statute of limitations for actions regarding recovery for unpaid and overtime wages. Permits third party owed payment or contribution made as part of employee compensation to bring action against contractor on behalf of employee for unpaid wages.] Requires subcontractor to provide certain payroll records and other information to contractor upon request. Permits contractor to withhold payment to subcontractor for failure to comply with request for records] under certain circumstances.

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Featured Testimony:  Industry Coalition in Opposition

HB 2556 A – Provides requirements for employer deductions for erroneous overpayments of wages for employees who are not subject to collective bargaining agreement. Clarifies that, for employees who are subject to collective bargaining agreement, employer deductions for erroneous overpayments of wages made pursuant to terms of applicable collective bargaining agreement are not prohibited. Tolls statute of limitations for action alleging violation of requirements for erroneous overpayment deductions until employer provides to employee alleging violation itemized statement that meets certain requirements.

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Featured Testimony: Oregon Business Industry in Opposition

House Committee on Judiciary 8:00 AM
SB 614 A – Establishes exception, for video cameras worn by law enforcement officer, to prohibition on law enforcement agency collecting or maintaining information about person’s political, religious or social views or activities.] Establishes circumstances where law enforcement officer may begin recording from video camera worn by officer without developing reasonable suspicion or probable cause.] Permits law enforcement agency to collect and maintain information about person’s political, religious or social views or activities if information was collected and maintained for lawful purpose, including activities carried out in accordance with policy for officer-worn video cameras. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

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Featured Testimony:  League of Women Voters in Opposition

House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans 1:00 PM

SB 442 A – Permits contracting agency to grant preference to procuring for public use goods that are fabricated or processed, or services that are performed, entirely within this state if goods or services cost not more than five percent more than goods not processed or fabricated, or services not performed, entirely within this state if contracting agency can reasonably and credibly determine that procuring at higher price offsets environmental costs of transporting goods or service providers from outside this state.

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Featured Testimony:  City of Medford in Opposition

House Committee on Rules 1:00 PM
HB 3414 – Limits conditions under which local governments may deny variance for housing development within urban growth boundary. Requires Department of Land Conservation and Development and Department of Consumer and Business Services to jointly establish and administer Housing Accountability and Production Office. Requires office to assist local governments and housing developers with housing laws relating to land use and land divisions. Authorizes office to take certain actions to enforce housing laws. Requires office to commission report on developing efficiencies in housing production and to deliver report to interim committee of Legislative Assembly, on or before September 15, 2024. Appropriates continuously moneys from Consumer and Business Services Fund received from administration of building codes for use by office. Appropriates moneys from General Fund for use by office.

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Featured Testimony:  Clackamas County in Opposition

House Committee on Agriculture 3:00 PM
SB 886 A – Removes requirement that State Department of Fish and Wildlife obtain confidentiality agreement when disclosing certain animal data to federal government, tribal government, public body, public utility or college or university. Provides that department refusal to disclose certain animal data is not subject to review of order in contested case. Extends sunset of provisions related to department ability to refuse disclosure of certain animal data to January 2, 2029. Instructs State Department of Fish and Wildlife to submit report, on or before September 15, 2024, to committees or interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to natural resources on certain data related to wolf management.

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Featured Testimony:  Birkmaier Ranch in Opposition

House Committee on Behavioral Health 3:00 PM

SB 614 – Establishes exception, for video cameras worn by law enforcement officer, to prohibition on law enforcement agency collecting or maintaining information about person’s political, religious or social views or activities.Establishes circumstances where law enforcement officer may begin recording from video camera worn by officer without developing reasonable suspicion or probable cause.] Permits law enforcement agency to collect and maintain information about person’s political, religious or social views or activities if information was collected and maintained for lawful purpose, including activities carried out in accordance with policy for officer-worn video cameras. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

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Featured Testimony:  League of Women Voters in Opposition

Bills to Support

House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources & Water 3:00 pm
SB 872 A – Instructs State Forestry Department to endeavor to partner with federal agencies to undertake certain activities in federal forests related to fire prevention and request that federal agencies fund portions of activities.

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Featured Testimony:  American Forest Resource Council in Support

Wednesday - May 10, 2023

Bills of Concern

Senate Committee on Natural Resources 8:00 AM
HB 3464 A – Provides, for purposes of certain statutes relating to taking of predatory animals, that terms] term “predatory animal” and “rodent” do] does not include beavers. Provides that certain takings of beavers do not require permit. Instructs State Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules related to taking of beavers. Provides that rules do not apply to certain taking of beavers. Instructs State Department of Fish and Wildlife to publish annual report related to taking of beavers and to make report available to public. 

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Featured Testimony:  OR Coalition in Agriculture in Opposition

HB 3458 A – Limits issues that may be basis for appeal of land use decisions where local government amends comprehensive plan or land use regulations. Requires Land Use Board of Appeals to approve land use regulations not in strict conformance with comprehensive plan if they further plan.] Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.

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Featured Testimony:  Land Lawyers in Opposition

House Committee on Business & Labor 8:00 AM

SB 907 A – Provides employee with right to refuse to perform task assigned by employer under certain circumstances. Protects employee against disciplinary action for exercising right.] Prohibits employer from retaliating or discriminating against employee for invoking right] or prospective employee who, in good faith and with no reasonable alternative, refuses exposure arising from hazardous condition at place of employment. Allows employee to use sick leave to cover period when employee is not working due to employee’s exercising right to refuse to perform assigned task.] Requires Director of Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to implement provisions of Act that are in accordance with federal Occupational Safety and Health Act. 

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Featured Testimony: Coalition of Businesses in Opposition

House Committee on Judiciary 8:00 AM

SB 808 A – Modifies certain provisions relating to Commission on Statewide Law Enforcement Standards of Conduct and Discipline.

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Featured Testimony:  Oregon State Sherrifs Assocation in Opposition

Senate Committee on Health Care 1:00 PM

HB 3223 A – Prohibits Oregon Board of Dentistry from requiring applicant for certification as dental assistant to pass written examination. Requires board to adopt rules to establish alternative pathways to certification. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die

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Featured Testimony:  Dental Assisting National Board in Opposition

House Committee on Early Childhood & Human Svcs 1:00PM

SB 823 A – Requires disclosure, in response to public records request, of reports of investigations of child abuse occurring at specified state-authorized programs. Exempts specified information and documents.] Directs Department of Human Services to prepare completed abuse investigation report at conclusion of specified child abuse investigations. Exempts completed abuse investigation reports from disclosure in response to public records requests. Creates exceptions. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

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Featured Testimony:  Tri-Co Behavioral Health in Opposition

Bills to Support

House Committee on Judiciary 8:00 AM

SB 957 A – Expands types of prior convictions that increase offense level for crime of public indecency. Modifies crime of luring a minor to include engaging in sexual conduct in immediate presence of minor for purposes of inducing minor to engage in sexual conduct. Declares emergency, effective on passage.].

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Featured Testimony: Union County District Attorneys in Support

SB 974 A – Creates crime of sexual assault] abuse by fraudulent representation. Punishes by maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both. Specifies statute of limitations for crime. Defines crime as sex crime, requiring persons convicted of crime to report as sex offender. Requires, for provision excluding certain conduct from crimes of unlawful sexual penetration and custodial sexual misconduct, that conduct be for legitimate medical purpose. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

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Featured Testimony: League of Women Voters in Support

House Committee on Education 3:00 PM

SB 473 – Directs school district board to adopt prevention curriculum that addresses child sex trafficking. Declares emergency, effective July 1, 2023.

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Featured Testimony:  Trafficking Lawcenter in Support

Thursday - May 11, 2023

Bills of Concern

House Committee on Housing and Homelessness 8:00 AM

HB 3526 – Reduces termination notice period to 59 days for residential landlords selling dwelling unit for use as primary residence. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.

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Featured Testimony:  Landlord in Opposition

SB 892 A – Amends statutes relating to housing laws and to authority of Housing and Community Services Department and Oregon Housing Stability Council, including changes to department’s procurement authority and ability to provide down payment assistance. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

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Featured Testimony:  Sanity in Opposition

House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources & Water 3:00 PM

SB 789 – Makes permanent certain restrictions on growing canola within Willamette Valley Protected District. Declares emergency, effective July 1, 2023

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Featured Testimony:  Pacific Northwest Canola Assoc in Opposition

Bills to Support

Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal & World Affairs 8:00 AM

HB 2144 A – Requires Oregon Military Department to study veterans. Directs department to submit findings to interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to veterans not later than September 15, 2024.] Removes requirement that remains of individual serving in Armed Forces of the United States who was killed in line of duty and formerly designated prisoner of war or missing in action, and whose remains are recovered and identified, be returned to Oregon to receive Fallen Hero roadside memorial recognition.

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Featured Testimony:  Bend Heroes Foundation in Support

Friday - May 12, 2023

There are no public hearings scheduled at this writing.

Referred to Ways & Means - KEEP WATCH!

**ALERT** 
SB 348 -3 BM 114 Firearms

Work Session held on 4/4. Voted out of Senate Committee on Judiciary with 2 Nays (Senator Thatcher and Senator Linthicum) and 3 Ayes (Senator Gelser Blouin, Senator Manning, and Senator Prozanski). Referred to Ways and Means. A minority report has been submitted by Republicans.

"As you know, Measure 114 is on hold due to an injunction issued out of Harney County. A full trial is expected there in September. However, everything could change based on what actions the Legislature takes. In the meantime, the Oregon State Police are accepting your “suggestions” on how best to implement a “permit to purchase” policy that we all know will be every bit as chaotic and unworkable as their current “instant background check” system is.

Comments can be emailed to OSP114@osp.oregon.gov or mailed to:
Oregon State Police
Attn: Permit to Purchase Rulemaking
3565 Trelstad Ave. SE
Salem, OR 97317
You can offer your “suggestions” until May 22.

More information here: http://www.oregonfirearms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rulemaking-Notice_SOS-Filed_4-17-23-1.pdf "

ALERT  SB 891 Eliminates residency requirements for assisted suicide

Work Session held on 3/29 in Senate Committee on Judiciary. Voted out of committee with 2 Nays (Senator Thatcher and Senator Linthicum) and 3 Ayes (Senator Gelser Blouin, Senator Manning, and Senator Prozanski). Referred to Rules.

ALERT SB 579 Voting by adults in custody

Allowing convicted felons to vote while in prison.

Referred to Ways and Means

ALERT SB 530 Climate Change

This bill creates state policy regarding natural solutions and the Natural and Working Lands Fund. This bill directs the Oregon Global Warming Commission, ODOE and other state agencies to jointly coordinate on the development and prepare a net carbon sequestration and storage baseline for natural and working lands. A natural and working lands advisory committee will be create and will consist of 14 members.

Work Session held on 4/3 in Senate Committee on Natural Resources. Voted out of committee and referred to Ways and Means

Oregon Agriculture Bills to Support currently in Ways & Means

HB 2631  – Wolf Compensation with a 7x multiplier for lost cattle – $900,000-$1.2M 

Read Testimonies

SB 471 – Wolf Compensation Fund – $800,000 

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SB 955 – AgStress – Suicide Prevention Call Line – $300,000

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HB 2194 – ODA Grant Program to fund construction of meat rendering plants – $4M 

Read Testimonies

HB 2907 – ODA Grant Program to fund establishments that process and sell meat products – $10M

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HB 3247 – Support for OSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab – $900,000

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HB 5002 – Oregon Department of Agriculture Budget

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SB 458 – OSU Statewide Funding including Extension, ag experiment stations and forest research – $50M

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SB 5509 – Restore Predator Control Funding (USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services) – Leveraging approximately 5:1 federal and county dollars to state dollars, respectively.

Read Testimonies

Keep Your Eyes on the Kicker!

While the two bills that would steal Oregonians’ hard-earned money by taking the constitutionally protected kicker refund are currently sitting in committee without movement, it’s not “over” until Sine Die in June.

With the full legislature at the whim of the majority party, bills can move lightning fast. These bills are SRJ 26 and SB 774 and they would deny Oregonians their much-deserved $5,200 (average per household) personal kicker refunds and redirect that money to grow an already bloated state bureaucracy.

Between 2001 and 2021, Oregon’s budget more than tripled from $34.1 billion to $121.2 billion per biennium – an insane expansion of government, further demonstrating the legislature’s insatiable appetite to spend. Since 2001, annual inflation has averaged 2.4%.

Read more about the history of the Kicker here, and its 1979 inception.

Remember: Each biennium, the Governor proposes an aspirational budget. The legislature then creates a framework and ultimately passes the final budget for the next two fiscal years.

Are we missing a bill? Submit a Bill is now available! Submittal deadlines are Fridays by 5PM! We’ll try our best to get it on the list!  

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Disclaimer: Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the various authors, and not necessarily each author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

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