BJ :: Page 10 :: Oregon Citizens Lobby

HB 2546 Increases Estate Tax Exemption

Posted on March 6, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:YES – Died In Committee – Increases estate tax exemption of who must file to $5.45 million, and provides an automatic adjustment to the taxable estate value using the IRS code 2010(c)(3)’s adjustment for inflation. Applies after January 1, 2018.

HB 2771 Tax on Property Tax

Posted on March 4, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee – Taxes property tax paid. Raises income taxes on every homeowner gross earning over $50,000/annually, and completely eliminates the ability to deduct property taxes for people who earn $125,000/annually. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

HB 2006 Limits Mortgage Interest Deduction

Posted on March 4, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee – Limits Mortgage Interest Deduction to $15,000 on principal residence for Oregonians with adjusted gross income less than $100,000 and eliminates deduction for incomes that exceed $100,000 and all other residence. Yearly increases in tax revenue goes to the Oregon Housing Fund to expand housing for low income, seniors, disabled, farmworkers and Native Americans.

HB 2051 Kicker Refund Distribution

Posted on March 3, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee – Modifies refund distribution method for statutory kicker provision to be distributed to taxpayers in equal amounts instead of as percentage of personal income tax liability, which may be a refunded amount if no tax is due.

HB 2645 Drug Take-Back Program

Posted on March 2, 2017 by BJ

VOTE: NO – Died in Committee – Directs each manufacturer of prescription drugs that are sold within this state to develop and implement drug take-back program for purpose of collecting from individuals and non-business entities those types of drugs for disposal

SB 748 Carbon Pollution Permit Program

Posted on March 2, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee – Establishes a carbon pollution permit program and an oversight advisory committee.

SB 419 Hospital Rate Review

Posted on March 1, 2017 by BJ

VOTE: NO – Governor Signed – Establishes a Hospital Rate Commission providing Oregon Health Authority power to approve charges charged by individual hospitals and authority to impose civil penalties on hospitals that they deem unreasonable

HB 2468 Establishes Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards

Posted on March 1, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee – Requires Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules that increases the greenhouse gas emissions reduction standards no later than January 1, 2018.

SB 557/HB 2135 Carbon Pollution Market

Posted on March 1, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee – Repeals greenhouse gas emissions goals and creates a carbon pollution market that deals in ‘compliance instruments’.

SB 564 Limits Debt Service

Posted on February 28, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:YES – Died In Committee – Limits issuing bonds where the debt service does not exceed 5% of the General Fund revenues estimated to be received in the biennium provided in Article IX, section 14, of the Oregon Constitution.

HB 2320 Non-Motorized Boating Program

Posted on February 27, 2017 by BJ

Died In Committee. Establishes a Non-Motorized Boating Program that requires education on use and safety, and regulations adopted by rule; and provide safe access to waters. Safety is not the issue so the program is to increase funding.

Photo: Law Enforcement, Military, & Firearms equipment

SB 694 raise property tax exemption for disabled veterans

Posted on February 27, 2017 by BJ

SB 694 VOTE:YES – Died in Committee Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB694 Posted on Track Thier Vote HERE This bill will raise property tax exemption for property of veterans with disabilities to reflect modern, higher property values. Fiscal Responsibility changes the exempt from taxation from $18,000 to $65,000 of the assessed value of the homestead or personal property for veterans with…

SJR 2 Register to vote the day before the election.

Posted on February 24, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee – Would change the voter registration deadline to the day before an election.

HB 2704A Funds Marketing of Electric Vehicles

Posted on February 22, 2017 by BJ

VOTE: NO – Died In Committee – Provides rebates for purchase of low emission vehicles and zero-emission transit buses, etc.

SJR 3/HJR 1 Changes Property Tax Assessment

Posted on February 20, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee – Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution repealing property tax assessment limitations and requiring assessment on the higher real market value allowing increases every 10 years. Refers to voters.

HB 2296A New Program to Evaluate Well Applications

Posted on February 18, 2017 by BJ

Governor signed – Establishes special standards application fee for obtaining advice and evaluation on wells to increase likelihood of approval, and increases fees for property owner permits for wells.

HB 2365 – Task Force to Transfer Forest Lands

Posted on February 16, 2017 by BJ

Died In Committee – Establishes Task Force on the Transfer of Federal Land Ownership in Oregon to research the impact, problems and benefits. Sunsets December 31, 2018. Declares emergency.

SB 168 Extends Tax Credit on Biomass

Posted on February 13, 2017 by BJ

VOTE: NO – Died In Committee – Extends sunset from 2022 to January 1, 2024 for tax credit for biomass production or collection of all types of biomass reducing long term revenues without the benefit of reporting on its success.

HB 2256A Labeling Dietary Supplements

Posted on February 13, 2017 by BJ

Vote:YES – Signed into Law by Gov Kitzhaber
Adds dietary supplements subject to labeling and Oregon Food Laws to ensure sanitation of supplements and establishments, and ensures sanitation, enforced by the State Department of Agriculture and Oregon Health Authority.

SB 308 Task Force on Barriers Using Marijuana

Posted on February 13, 2017 by BJ

Establishes a Task Force to identify barriers for social and private consumption of Cannabis to accommodate for marijuana user beyond what is done for tobacco users creating a privileged group, and report on recommended legislation by September 15, 2018.

HB 2203 Distribution of Marijuana Retail Taxes

Posted on February 8, 2017 by BJ

Changes distribution of moneys collected as tax on retail marijuana items adding 30% to counties and increasing funds to cities for licensing, while cutting 40% for school funds leaving them to deal with student use from other school funds.

SB 232 Orders Removal of Firearms Access

Posted on February 6, 2017 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Died in Committee

HB 2237 Prohibits firearm purchase due to delayed background check

Posted on February 6, 2017 by BJ

HB 2237 VOTE:NO – Died in Committee Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2237 This bill prohibits person from purchasing a firearm if the Oregon State Police background check unit is unable or unwilling to provide approval pursuant to background check. Personal Choice and Responsibility About 1% of background checks run by the OSP result in a denial or a delay, some 2,000…

SB 1547 B Ceases Electric Utilities From Acquiring Electricity From Coal-Fired Plants

Posted on February 28, 2016 by BJ

Vote NO – Passed – Directs PUC to develop renewable standards eliminating coal and increase renewable power to double that required by the Oregon Renewable Portfolio Standards.

HB 4146C Increases Lodging Tax

Posted on February 25, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO – Passed – Increases state transient lodging tax rate.

HB 4004 Removes Jason Lee statue from DC

Posted on February 24, 2016 by BJ

2/24/2016 VOTE: NO Died In Committee Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4004 HB 4004 has passed the committee and is awaiting transfer to the House Desk. Please contact your Legislators both House and Senate, as bills are moving very fast through committees and to a floor vote. A NO vote is asked to allow for more public testimony on the removal…

HB 4012 Dam removal monitoring projects and funding

Posted on February 22, 2016 by BJ

2/22/2016 VOTE: NO Died In Committee Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4012 HB 4012 has been gut and stuffed. HB4012 would authorize the issuance of lottery bonds to finance water quality monitoring projects related to removal of dams and establish Water Quality Monitoring Fund. Continuously appropriates moneys in fund to Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. Personal Choice and Responsibility Clearly this…

HB 4073A adds secular organizations to solemnize marriages

Posted on February 21, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Died In Committee Status (cverview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4073 This bill adds secular organizations to list of persons and entities authorized to solemnize marriages. Personal Choice In 2012 the U.K. Forced Marriage Unit reported 1,485 cases of forced marriage. The AHA Foundation, an advocacy organization founded by vocal women’s rights defenders, helped 54 victims in 2013 out of forced marriages….

HB 4127 Redefines marriage

Posted on February 21, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Passed Status (cverview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4073 This bill makes changes to statutes adding gender neutral language regarding marriage. Redefines "marriage" as between two individuals legally recognized under the laws of this state. Personal Choice The State Constitution is "The People's" voice. This bill bends the voice of the people until it is in direct opposition to the constitution. Limited…

HB 4011A Reclassifies OR State Hospital employees as police

Posted on February 21, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Died In committee Status (cverview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4011 This bill as amended provides that employees of Oregon State Hospital qualify as police officers under Public Employees Retirement System. Declares emergency Personal Choice Increases taxpayer's burden by 20% for Oregon State Hospital employees to support PERS and give added benefits. Periodically, the number add to the police classification grows and is…

SB 1582 Fast Track Housing Program for affordable housing

Posted on February 19, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: NO Passed Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1582 SUMMARY: This bill as amended creates the Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program (LIFT) to allow housing to be purchased or rented with state assistance making available needed housing for low-income households. Declares emergency. Personal Choice Increases available housing for low-income households at a large cost to taxpayers. Fiscal Responsiblity…

SB 1510B TriMet Taxes

Posted on February 18, 2016 by BJ

Vote NO – Died in Committee – Allows TriMet to tax citizens in its transit district.

HB 4037 Directs Oregon Business Development Department to establish incentivize solar energy program.

Posted on February 15, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Passed Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4037 This bill directs Oregon Business Development Department to establish program to incentivize solar energy. Establishes Solar Incentivization Fund for purposes of program. Sunsets 1/2/2023. Declares an emergency. Free Markets: Bill creates a program that will incentivize generating electricity from solar energy, an effort that incentivizes an agenda rather than following a free market policy….

HB 4006 Establishes Task Force on Economic Development

Posted on February 10, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: NO Died In committee Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4006 Sumary: Establishes Task Force on Economic Development. Sunsets task force on December 31, 2017. Declares emergency, effective on passage Fiscal Responsibility HB 4006 establishes a Task Force on Economic Development. Government economic development is a welfare scheme used to redistribute public funds to private sector projects. Local Control HB 4006 eliminates local authority…

SB 1521 Excise tax on employees

Posted on February 9, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:N0 Died in Committee Status of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1521 Personal Responsibility: ORS 267.385 authorizes districts to impose an excise tax on certain employers’ gross payroll by ordinance. If passed this bill would amend 267.385 to – in effect – remove an employee’s right to vote on a new tax or tax increase. Fiscal Responsibility: The bill limits the expenditure of the taxes authorized…

HB 4119 Supports School Choice

Posted on February 9, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: YES – Died in Committee – Removes sunset on provisions that allow students whose legal residence is not within school district to attend school in district as resident if student receives written consent. Removes sunset on authority of institution of higher education to sponsor public charter school. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

SB 1509 Modifies public purpose charges on electric bills.

Posted on February 8, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Died in Committee Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1509 Provides that funding for cost-effective energy efficiency measures, market transformation measures, new renewable energy resources and low-income weatherization is subject to ratemaking processes of Public Utility Commission. Declares emergency. Free Markets: The increased consumer rates authorised by this bill will be used to assist the introduction of new, more expensive renewable…

HB 4126 amendments of urban growth boundaries

Posted on February 6, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: YES Passed Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4126 This bill is a housekeeping bill to create the grandfather provision to allow cities that had initiated their UGB work prior to January 1, 2016 to continue that process under the statutes and administrative rules in effect on June 30, 2013. Fiscal Responsiblity the cost of abiding by regulations is increased…

SJR 203 Constitutional Change to State Board of Education

Posted on February 5, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: YES – Died in Committee – Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution providing for the establishment of the State Board of Education.

HB 4031: Implements Program to Decrease Rates of School Absenteeism

Posted on February 4, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: NO – Died in Committee – Directs Chief Education Office to design and implement $5.7 million pilot program to decrease rates of school absenteeism through ” trauma-informed approach” to behavioral health services in schools.

HB 4036A Clean Electricity and Coal Transition bill

Posted on February 3, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Died in Committee Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4036 SUMMARY: Directs PUC to develop renewable standards eliminating coal and increase renewable power to double that required by the Oregon Renewable Portfolio Standards. PERSONAL CHOICE: Utilities can usually pass prudently incurred costs to ratepayers limiting them to a 10% profit. This bill has significant incentives to build solar and wind powered generation…

SB 1536 Modifies Compensation to Non-Virtual, Public Charter Schools

Posted on February 3, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: YES – Died in committee – Brings the level of funding of public charter schools more in line with funding of regular public schools.

HB 4046B Increases penalties for unlawful taking or killing of wildlife

Posted on February 3, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Passed SUMMARY: Adds black bear and cougar to list of penalties for unlawful taking or killing of wildlife, increases other penalty fines, and adds Class A misdemeanor that includes “worry or disturb any wildlife” and Class C felony conviction that includes confiscation of properties. AMENDMENT A: Adds 180 day mandatory sentence for failure to comply with a citation. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: The adding of black…

SJR 201 repeals limits on property taxes

Posted on February 2, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Died In Committee Status (cverview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SJR201 Summary: Amends the Oregon constitution by repealing the constitutional limits on property taxes, creating convoluted government mechanisms for adjusting real property valuation. Will significantly allow unrestricted increases for all property taxes, including local taxing districts, counties and cities. Fiscal Responsibility: Funds government at undetermined rates at the expense of public. Free…

SB 1532A Minimum wage increase

Posted on February 2, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Passed Minimum wage bill passes Senate floor. Click to see who voted! Status (cverview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1532 SUMMARY FOR SB 1532A: Establishes tiered system base on geographical location of employer. Establishes annual increase to base minimum wage rate until July 1, 2023 when inflation based rates resume. Employers within Portland's urban growth boundary will pay a higher rate. Allows employers…

SB 1530A Federal agencies to determine, state and federal mining programs can be better coordinated

Posted on February 2, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: NO Died In Committee Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1530 SB 1530 Requires certain state agencies to consult with certain federal agencies to determine whether state and federal mining programs can be better coordinated. Summary: This bill will further eliminate Oregon’s small-scale mining industry and negatively affect the economies of Oregon’s rural communities. Fiscal Responsibility: Increases burdens on state funds…

SB 1563A New loan program for septic systems

Posted on February 2, 2016 by BJ

SB 1563A VOTE: NO Passed Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1563 SB 1563 Authorizes Environmental Quality Commission to develop low-interest loan program for on-site septic system repairs, replacements, upgrades or evaluations. Declares emergency. PERSONAL CHOICE: Makes loans more accessible for repair or replacement of septic systems. FREE MARKET: The participating lenders must agree to subordinate their liens to the borrowers’ consensual…

SB 1548 expedited boundary expansion for housing

Posted on February 1, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: YES In Committee Upon Adjournment Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1548# This bill authorizes local governments to expedite expanding urban growth boundary to adjacent land when dedicated to housing resolving a need that meets certain requirements. Personal Choice Providing housing choices in areas where available housing is less than 6% of what is needed. Landowners must agree 100%…

HB 4040A Removes gray wolves from endangered species list

Posted on January 31, 2016 by BJ

HB 4040A VOTE: YES Passed Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4040 SUMMARY: Ratifies decision of State Fish and Wildlife Commission to remove Canis lupus from state list of endangered species. Declares emergency. PERSONAL: Collectively known as the gray wolf. Once could be found throughout the US until federal and state government exterminated them prior to 1930. Canada did their…

SB 1574A Greenhouse gas emissions goals by rule

Posted on January 30, 2016 by BJ

VOTE: NO Died In Committee Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1574 Heathy Climate Act (SB 1574) SUMMARY: Repeals greenhouse gas emissions goals and requires EQC to adopt by rule statewide greenhouse gas emissions goal for 2025, and limits for years 2035 and 2050. This Cap and Invest program would establish a program in which carbon emissions from transportation fuels,…

SB 1551 Allows hold on firearms purchaser by defined “reporters”

Posted on January 29, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Died In Committee Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/SB1551 SB 1551 Summary Authorizes specified reporters to make report to Department of State Police Firearms Unit that person is experiencing mental health emergency and is danger to self or others with firearm. Directs department, upon receipt of report, to record temporary firearm purchase hold preventing person from purchasing firearm. Provides civil immunity…

HB 4147 Denies firearm purchase if background check cannot be completed

Posted on January 29, 2016 by BJ

VOTE:NO Died In Committee Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2016R1/Measures/Overview/HB4147 Summary Prohibits transfer of firearm by dealer or private party if Department of State Police is unable to determine whether recipient is qualified to receive firearm. Limited Government As the Oregon State law now stands, if the State cannot show within one business day that you should NOT be able to…

HB 2503 Regulates hunting ammunition and fishing gear by Legislature

Posted on December 22, 2015 by BJ

VOTE: NO In Committee upon adjournment Status (overview) of bill: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2015R1/Measures/Overview/HB2503 This bill vests sole authority to regulate hunting ammunition and fishing gear with Legislature, except that Dept of Fish and Wildlife may dictate caliber and rounds that may be in a firearm. Personal Choice Takes away personal control of caliber and rounds that may be in a firearm, which…

HB 2653A Establishes beekeeping standards

Posted on June 26, 2015 by BJ

Establishes standards for those that own or are in charge of five or more colonies of bees located within this state.

HJR 31 Legislative impeachment powers

Posted on June 25, 2015 by BJ

SJR 31 is a bill establishing a means for the state to impeach an executive who has committed heinous crimes against the citizens of Oregon.

HB 2012 Increases Oregon minimum wage

Posted on June 16, 2015 by BJ

HB 2012 Increases Oregon minimum wage rate in graduated steps to $13.50 per hour by 2017. Amending ORS 653.025.

HB 3554 creates GMO free market production district formation

Posted on May 24, 2015 by BJ

Expands the authority of Department of Agriculture to establish tighter controls on GMO ‘commodity plants’ including eradicating or excluding GMO plants, and establishes labeling requirements for GMO seeds.

HB 2758A Abortion not reported to policy holder

Posted on May 18, 2015 by BJ

Vote :NO – Signed into Law by Gov Kitzhaber
Prohibits disclosure of sensitive information to other than enrollee, will allow minor to have parents insurance pay for services, IE abortion without parents being informed of the nature of the fees.

HB 3357 Hospital fines

Posted on May 13, 2015 by BJ

Hospital to pay $250,000 for each year it does not offer medicine residency program

HB 2005A Mandatory paid sick leave

Posted on May 11, 2015 by BJ

Amended to make changes to allow circumstances for paid sick time for employees. Requires all employers with six of more employees to implement paid sick time with consequences to the economy.

SB 454A Requires sick time for employees

Posted on May 11, 2015 by BJ

Vote:NO – Signed into Law by Gov Kitzhaber
Requires employers with six or more full-time employees to implement sick time, but small employers can provide leave without pay.

HB 2478B HB 3231 Redefines laws for marriage and parents.

Posted on May 6, 2015 by BJ

Vote:NO – Signed into Law by Gov Kitzhaber
Redefines laws for marriage and parents and makes statutory changes to achieve gender neutral language with respect to legally recognized marriages.

SB 709B Allows non-residents of school district to attend school

Posted on May 5, 2015 by BJ

Vote:NO – Signed into Law by Gov Kitzhaber
Intended to “simplify” the transfer vs. Open Enrollment process by merging them into one system.

SB 941 Requires dealer background check on ALL private firearm sales

Posted on May 4, 2015 by BJ

Vote :NO – Signed into Law by Gov Kitzhaber
Will require a background check in person at gun dealer for all private firearm sales and transfers except at gun shows where the seller may still do the background check directly with OSP by phone.

SB 631 Health Care for All

Posted on May 4, 2015 by BJ

SB6 31 replaces the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange and creates a new administration called the Oregon Health Care for All Oregon Board.

HB 3415A 10-Year moratorium on hydraulic-fracturing

Posted on April 21, 2015 by BJ

This bill replaces HB 3415 to conduct a review of statutes and rules applicable to best practices and standards for hydraulic fracturing reporting recommendations by 9/15/2016.

SB 202 Establishes Oregon Academy of Sciences

Posted on April 20, 2015 by BJ

Vote:NO – Signed into Law by Gov Kitzhaber
Establishes Oregon Academy of Sciences as nonprofit corporation to serve as principal source of scientific investigation at request of the Governor and Legislature.