March 7, 2022 •
Oregon Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The Oregon Legislative Assembly adjourned sine die March 4, after voting on 60 bills on their last day in session. Highlights from the short session include access for low-income Oregonians to air conditioners, financial aid for low-income families, and mandated […]
The Oregon Legislative Assembly adjourned sine die March 4, after voting on 60 bills on their last day in session.
Highlights from the short session include access for low-income Oregonians to air conditioners, financial aid for low-income families, and mandated overtime payments to farmworkers.
The session was affected by the Great Resignation, with 20 lawmakers retiring or moving to different positions within the government.
January 17, 2022 •
Change in Oregon House Leadership
The Oregon House Democratic Caucus nominated Rep. Dan Rayfield as speaker, replacing Rep. Tina Kotek. House Democrats have also elected Rep. Julie Fahey as majority leader to replace Rep. Barbara Smith Warner. These changes within the party stem from a […]
The Oregon House Democratic Caucus nominated Rep. Dan Rayfield as speaker, replacing Rep. Tina Kotek.
House Democrats have also elected Rep. Julie Fahey as majority leader to replace Rep. Barbara Smith Warner.
These changes within the party stem from a mix of resignations to run for higher office and new focus on policies regarding housing.
January 7, 2022 •
Kotek To Resign for Gubernatorial Run, Kristof Banned from Running
Speaker of the House Tina Kotek announced she will resign from the Oregon Legislature January 21 to focus on her campaign for governor. Kotek’s resignation allows her to avoid a House rule prohibiting representatives from fundraising during any legislative session. […]
Speaker of the House Tina Kotek announced she will resign from the Oregon Legislature January 21 to focus on her campaign for governor.
Kotek’s resignation allows her to avoid a House rule prohibiting representatives from fundraising during any legislative session.
The state Elections Division found a potential rival, Nicolas Kristof, is not eligible to run for governor.
Kristof, originally from Oregon, worked at the New York Times from 1984 to October 2021, when he returned to Oregon to start his campaign.
Secretary of State Shemia Fagan explained the Elections Division found Kristof’s tax payments, residency, and voting records were from New York for the past 20 years, with zero evidence of Kristof voting in an Oregon election during the same time frame.
December 14, 2021 •
Oregon Adjourns Special Session
The Oregon Legislature adjourned after their one-day special session. Lawmakers passed a $215 million emergency rental assistance bill, with $100 million earmarked to immediately assist the looming eviction crisis. Policymakers also passed a bill to combat illegal cannabis sellers, assist […]
The Oregon Legislature adjourned after their one-day special session.
Lawmakers passed a $215 million emergency rental assistance bill, with $100 million earmarked to immediately assist the looming eviction crisis.
Policymakers also passed a bill to combat illegal cannabis sellers, assist in Afghan refugee resettlement, and establish a $100 million fund to assist Oregonians impacted by last year’s harsh summer.
December 1, 2021 •
Oregon to Convene Special Session
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced she will be calling the Legislature into a special session on December 13 to address eviction protections for renters. The state’s federal funds for rental assistance will be nearly spent by December 1, right before […]
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced she will be calling the Legislature into a special session on December 13 to address eviction protections for renters.
The state’s federal funds for rental assistance will be nearly spent by December 1, right before the country enters the winter season.
Brown wishes to extend eviction protections for renters, ensure landlords are paid for rent owed, raise $90 million additional funds for immediate rental assistance, and raise $100 million to create a long-term emergency rental assistance service controlled by the state.
November 3, 2021 •
State Representative Clem to Step Down
State Representative Brian Clem has announced he will leave the Oregon Legislature before the end of his term. Clem, a Democrat from House District 21, stated he will vacate his seat to take care of his ailing mother, who is […]
State Representative Brian Clem has announced he will leave the Oregon Legislature before the end of his term.
Clem, a Democrat from House District 21, stated he will vacate his seat to take care of his ailing mother, who is currently combating Alzheimer’s.
An interim state representative will be voted on by Marion County commissioners from a list of three to five candidates prepared by precinct Democrats.
While no specific date has been set, Clem said his replacement should be chosen before the 2022 legislative session.
June 28, 2021 •
Oregon Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The Oregon Legislature adjourned sine die June 26 after passing a flurry of bills in the twilight hours of the 2021 legislative session. The Democratic-led Legislature passed sweeping police reform, a state budget focused on economic recovery, and bills focusing […]
The Oregon Legislature adjourned sine die June 26 after passing a flurry of bills in the twilight hours of the 2021 legislative session.
The Democratic-led Legislature passed sweeping police reform, a state budget focused on economic recovery, and bills focusing on the housing and homeless crisis occurring within the state.
December 22, 2020 •
Oregon Lawmaker Pass COVID-19 and Wildfire Relief Bills Despite Disruption from Protestors
The Oregon Legislature gathered in person for a one day special session on Monday. During the session, lawmakers passed four bills including $800 million in relief for those struggling due to the pandemic and the aftermath of the historic summer […]
The Oregon Legislature gathered in person for a one day special session on Monday.
During the session, lawmakers passed four bills including $800 million in relief for those struggling due to the pandemic and the aftermath of the historic summer wildfires.
Gov. Kate Brown called for the special session last week.
Lawmakers also passed:
- An eviction moratorium including $200 million in relief for landlords and tenants
- A restaurant relief package with a provision legalizing cocktails to-go
- A bill protecting schools from some coronavirus related lawsuits
- A measure transferring $600 million into the state’s emergency fund for COVID-19 and wildfire response and recovery.
The special session got off to a chaotic start with far-right protesters storming the statehouse calling on lawmakers and the governor to reopen the state economy and end the restrictions aimed at curbing the coronavirus.
The Oregon State Police declared an unlawful assembly as a growing number of protesters pushed their way through the Capitol doors.
Police officers donned gas masks as they squared off with protesters, some of whom carried firearms and bear spray, and many of whom were not wearing masks.
Despite the hectic backdrop, lawmakers were able to finish the special session.
August 3, 2020 •
Oregon Governor Calls for Special Session to Balance State Budget
Gov. Kate Brown announced she will convene a second special session of the Oregon Legislature starting Monday, August 10. The main objective of the session will be to address the state’s devastating budget shortfall arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The […]
Gov. Kate Brown announced she will convene a second special session of the Oregon Legislature starting Monday, August 10.
The main objective of the session will be to address the state’s devastating budget shortfall arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor’s decision to call lawmakers into session could be a concession the state is unlikely to receive any budget assistance from Congress, a possibility Brown and public employee union leaders cited earlier in the summer as a reason to delay the second special session.
In her proclamation calling the special session, the governor also noted her support for urgent legislation building on matters considered in the first special session, including additional police accountability reforms.
June 17, 2020 •
Oregon Governor Brown Calls Special Session
Gov. Kate Brown has called for a special session of the Oregon Legislature to convene on June 24. Lawmakers will be addressing issues regarding police accountability, the coronavirus pandemic, children’s education, and jobs. With social distancing measures still in place, […]
Gov. Kate Brown has called for a special session of the Oregon Legislature to convene on June 24.
Lawmakers will be addressing issues regarding police accountability, the coronavirus pandemic, children’s education, and jobs.
With social distancing measures still in place, the upcoming special session will be different than what any lawmaker has seen.
The Capitol will generally be closed to the public, however legislators will still be able to get in to do business.
July 1, 2019 •
Oregon Legislature Passes Campaign Finance Bills Before Adjourning
The Oregon Legislature adjourned on June 30, pushing through over 100 bills. The Senate passed two campaign finance bills and a resolution to limit the amount of money flowing into Oregon politics and improve transparency in the election process. House […]
The Oregon Legislature adjourned on June 30, pushing through over 100 bills.
The Senate passed two campaign finance bills and a resolution to limit the amount of money flowing into Oregon politics and improve transparency in the election process.
House Bill 2716 requires communications made in support of or opposition to a candidate or measure to identify who paid for them.
House Bill 2983 builds on the transparency requirements set up in House Bill 2716.
The bill requires qualifying organizations making political expenditures file a donor identification list identifying donors making donations above $10,000 during the election cycle with the Office of the Secretary of State .
Senate Joint Resolution 18 proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution authorizing adoption of state and local laws requiring campaign finance related disclosures.
The proposed amendment would also authorize limiting political contributions and expenditures.
The resolution will send to voters the question of amending the state Constitution to allow governing bodies to pass laws on campaign finance.
House Bill 3377 was also passed, requiring registered lobbyists to attend annual training beginning in 2021.
The bill directs lobbyists to certify training attendance to the Oregon Ethics Commission and the commission to report lobbyist training attendance to a legislative equity officer.
March 6, 2018 •
Oregon Legislature Adjourns
On March 3, the Oregon Legislature adjourned its biennial short session. Bills passed strengthen domestic violence laws, create a task force to study opioid addiction treatment barriers and implement a peer support program, require more transparency from prescription drug manufacturers, and eliminate a […]
On March 3, the Oregon Legislature adjourned its biennial short session.
Bills passed strengthen domestic violence laws, create a task force to study opioid addiction treatment barriers and implement a peer support program, require more transparency from prescription drug manufacturers, and eliminate a federal deduction for businesses on state tax returns.
Gov. Brown has 30 days to sign, veto, or let the bills become law without her signature.
March 4, 2016 •
Oregon Legislature Adjourns
The Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Before adjourning, lawmakers passed House Bill 4134 to reduce the time frame for lobbyist registration requirements. Gov. Brown has 30 days to consider the bill, and any other bill not […]
The Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Before adjourning, lawmakers passed House Bill 4134 to reduce the time frame for lobbyist registration requirements.
Gov. Brown has 30 days to consider the bill, and any other bill not reaching her desk is now dead.
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