Oregon Citizens Lobby

Public Hearings on Redistricting coming in September

Posted on July 2, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

On Wednesday, June 16, the Senate and House Redistricting Committees held their final meetings of the 2021 regular legislative session. The committee chairs and staff discussed the work of the committees during session as well as plans for the committees once the final U.S. Census data arrives in August. To watch a recording of the hearing follow this link. Tentative…

Laws prevent statewide fireworks bans in Oregon

Posted on July 1, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Governors in both Oregon and Washington do not have the power to ban fireworks for the entire state, so it’s left up to city and county agencies. With tinder-dry conditions in the Pacific Northwest, many Oregon and Washington fire agencies have temporarily banned the use of fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The patchwork bans have left some…

Sampling of what the legislators did in the 2021 Session.

Posted on June 30, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Excerpt from Rep. Fahey’s (D-HD-14) 6-29-21 newsletter on the some of the bills that passed and failed in the 2020-21 session: Housing and Shelter P Shelter siting and funding (HB 2004, HB 2006, HB 5042) Breaking down barriers to siting homeless shelters; funding for navigation centers and Project Turnkey. P Affordable housing siting (SB 8, HB 2008) Breaking down barriers…

U.S. Sen. Merkley Announces Affordable Housing Bill

Posted on June 30, 2021 by BJ | 1 Comments

Affordable housing would increase across Oregon and the nation, under a bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley Tuesday (6-29-21). Named the Affordable HOME Act, it would lower housing costs, reduce chronic homelessness, address discriminatory housing policies, and support emergency housing, if enacted. The bill would provide assistance to renters and homeowners by investing in programs geared toward bridging gaps…

Lawmakers Gamble with Education

Posted on June 29, 2021 by dbleiler | 2 Comments

[Oregonians for Liberty in Education] Oregon’s Education Gamble: Lawmakers Say Students No Longer Need Essential Skills Over the last year, Oregonians have been learning lots about what lawmakers believe is “essential.” Essential workers. Essential services. Essential travel. We have been told that pandemic-related changes are “not forever–just for now.” But 2020 school shutdowns and “Reimagine Oregon” agendas influencing lawmakers have…

CONTROVERSIAL TIMBER TAX, FARM OVERTIME BILLS DIE

Posted on June 29, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Two of the Oregon Legislative Session’s most contentious bills died in Committee as the Oregon Capitol closed their 2021 Session this weekend. Farm overtime: House Bill 2358 would have required Ag employers to pay farm workers overtime if they worked more than 40 hours in a week. This bill received many long hearings and headlines during the year but failed to…

Interim, Redistricting and Capitol Seismic Upgrades

Posted on June 28, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

From Rep. Rick Lewis’s (R, HD-18) 6-26-21 newsletter: In the interim, between now and the next session there is a great deal of work to do. Legislators have been asked to reserve the week of September 20 for a possible special session on redistricting. Redistricting is the process of redrawing legislative and congressional district lines following the decennial U.S. Census. The…

BILL PASSES LIMITING TOOLS POLICE CAN USE IN RIOT

Posted on June 28, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Among the final bills to pass in the final hours of the 2021 Session was HB 2928-B which restricts what law enforcement can use during a riot. The summary reads, “Regulates use of chemical incapacitants, kinetic impact projectiles, and sound devices by law enforcement. Prohibits the use of chemical incapacitants and kinetic impact projectiles for purposes of crowd control unless use of force…

‘Sine Die’: The highlights of Oregon’s historic 2021 legislative session

Posted on June 27, 2021 by BJ | 3 Comments

The Oregon Legislature wrapped up Saturday, (6-26-21) marking the end of an eventful session that included high profile legislation, a resignation and the first expulsion of a legislator in state history. The session, which began Jan. 21 after a two-day delay from concerns about possible attacks from right-wing extremists, saw lawmakers take up bills addressing pandemic relief, wildfire relief, police…

Lawmakers pass bill to make illegal immigrants eligible for Medicaid

Posted on June 27, 2021 by BJ | 2 Comments

Oregon’s State Senate on Saturday (6-26-21) passed a bill that would make illegal immigrants in the state eligible for Medicaid-funded medical services — sending the legislation to Democratic Gov. Kate Brown for signature. The bill, HB 335, expands eligibility to adults who would otherwise qualify for Medicaid-funded state medical assistance program but are excluded due to their immigration status. It passed…

GOV. BROWN EMERGENCY POWERS EXTENDED UNTIL DEC. 2021

Posted on June 27, 2021 by BJ | 2 Comments

Gov. Kate Brown recently announced plans to finally reopen Oregon on June 30, including rolling back mask mandates and social distancing measures. However, kids will still be wearing masks in school. This change to the COVID-19 statewide measures does not mean an end to Gov. Brown’s emergency powers. In her latest executive order, Gov. Brown is rolling back some COVID-19 restrictions, but…

Pandemic restrictions will be lifted statewide by Wednesday, 6-30-21

Posted on June 26, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon will lift pandemic limits in place for over a year no later than next week, Gov. Kate Brown said Friday. “When Oregon reaches 70% or by Wednesday, June 30, we will lift the safety programs we have relied on and open our economy,” Brown said . When the deadline passes or the goal is met, the county-by-county risk level…

Oregon Legislature set to adjourn without refunding $300 million in taxes generated by stimulus checks

Posted on June 26, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregonians won’t get a refund on $300 million in personal income taxes generated by federal stimulus payments, as the Legislature is set to conclude its 2021 regular session on Friday or early Saturday without addressing the issue. Early in the session, both Democrats and Republicans had expressed support for resolving the thorny situation and returning the money to roughly 900,000 Oregon…

Timber tax bill is finally dead

Posted on June 26, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Good News! The House’s radical rewrite of the timber tax (HB 2379) died in conference committee. The base timber tax, which funds programs in the Dept of Forestry and at the OSU forestry school has been repealed because of the House’s insistence. President Courtney explained the mess on the Senate floor. The timber tax was part of a plan to…

Bill aims to make public service more viable for low-and-moderate income Oregonians

Posted on June 25, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon lawmakers have approved a bill that’s meant to make state boards and commissions more racially and economically representative of the state’s population. House Bill 2992 would significantly bump up the per diem paid to people with modest incomes who serve on about 250 public panels. The members of these bodies are appointed by the governor and help advise and carry out…

Lawmakers approve creation of new office to support immigrants and refugees

Posted on June 25, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement will advocate for Oregon’s newest residents, seek to connect people to resources and programs helping to reduce social, economic and health disparities. With strong bipartisan support in both chambers, Oregon lawmakers have approved the creation of a new government office underneath Gov. Kate Brown that will advocate on behalf of immigrants and refugees, as…

Election-day postmarked ballots will count in Oregon

Posted on June 25, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon, the first state to conduct all elections by mail, would join the ranks of states accepting ballots postmarked by election day under a bill that is headed to Gov. Kate Brown. House Bill 3291 was approved by the Oregon Senate without amendment on a 16-13 vote Thursday, June 24. The key vote was cast by Sen. Lee Beyer, D-Springfield,…

Gov’t pays bonus to NOT work, then taxes shops for NOT hiring

Posted on June 24, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Government has used our tax dollars to create one of the biggest labor shortages in recent memory and is now on the verge of taxing the victims, small businesses owners, for not hiring. As you know, recent Federal $1,200 month bonuses (above unemployment payouts) created a situation where people made more staying home than working. So bad it was that…

$195M wildfire bill advances in Oregon Legislature

Posted on June 24, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

A $195 million wildfire bill passed out of the Ways and Means committee Tuesday (June 22, 2021) on a party-line vote and now heads to floor votes in the House and Senate amid criticism by some lawmakers that it will hurt rural Oregonians. Backers of Senate Bill 762 are calling it one of the most important pieces of legislation being…

Lawmakers try again to introduce bill that would repay Oregonians for tax on stimulus

Posted on June 23, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

UPDATE (6-28-21): this bill was passed! Creates refundable income tax credit to adjust for effect on federal income subtraction of recovery rebates allowed to personal income taxpayers. Provides for credit to be claimed on personal income tax return for 2021 tax year. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. Provides that…

HB 3413 will block Mike Nearman from being reseated

Posted on June 21, 2021 by dbleiler | 1 Comments

Introduced today, June 21, on the House floor, is HB 3413. Democrats are trying to interfere with how Republicans will fill the seat left vacant after they expelled Mike Nearman. Mike is being considered to be reappointed to refill his seat in District 23. Added to ORS 171.051 is: A person who has previously been expelled from the Legislative Assembly…

Legislation would pin recycling reform costs on Oregon businesses

Posted on June 19, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Manufacturers of packaging, paper products and food service-ware may have to help pay for recycling programs in Oregon. Senate Bill 582, known as the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, secured a majority vote in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Friday (June 18, 2021) morning. The bill relies on producers to cover the costs for an improved recycling…

Oregon Democrats: guarantee farmworker overtime with public money

Posted on June 19, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon Democrats’ last-ditch effort to guarantee overtime pay for farmworkers could see the state pick up the tab for small farms. House Bill 2358 is the most recent piece of legislation that would mandate overtime pay for farmworkers after 40 hours in a workweek at one-and-a-half times regular wage. It would include farmworkers who work by piece-rate or hourly. In effect,…

Oregon Senate passes MASSIVE small business tax during pandemic

Posted on June 16, 2021 by BJ | 2 Comments

On Monday June 14th, The Oregon Senate Finance and Revenue Committee debated and voted to pass SB 139 which raises tax rates on family owned small businesses. It raises the tax rate for pass through entities like LLCs and partnerships. This tax only hits these type of family owned businesses while C-corporations and publicly traded corporations will not be taxed…

One more step before controversial Oregon bill becomes law, banning ‘love letters’ during home sales

Posted on June 16, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

BEYOND RIDICULOUS*!!!! There is just one more step before a controversial bill, that could change the way many people buy homes, becomes law. If signed by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, House Bill 2550 will ban the practice of ‘love letters’ during a home sale (emphasis added). The measure is to help avoid buyer selection based on race, sex, or religion…

Abortion Extremists in Oregon Senate Vote for Infanticide

Posted on June 15, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

A majority of the Oregon Senate voted down SB 586, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act. The vote was 18-11 in opposition to a bill that would have required medical care to be given to a baby that survives a failed abortion procedure. CDC data from 2003 to 2014 reveals at least 143 babies survived an abortion but were left to die…

Rent, fires, taxes and energy vie for votes as Oregon Legislature nears quitting time

Posted on June 15, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

The Legislature issued an eviction order to itself on Monday, saying it had to wrap up its work and get out of the Capitol in under two weeks. The official session calendar given to lawmakers says Friday is the target date to go home. With fatigued lawmakers and staff eyeing the exits, the buzz that the House and Senate were…

Oregon lawmakers pass bill placing limits on release of jail booking photos

Posted on June 15, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

A bill was passed by Oregon lawmakers Wednesday (June 9th, 21) that would change how jail booking photos are released. House Bill 3273 was passed by Democrats in the Oregon Senate and would place restrictions on the release of the images. There are, of course, exceptions. Under the bill, law enforcement can release booking photos under these specified circumstances: directly…

Super majority Blocks TAX RELIEF; and Legislation to End Covid Emergency

Posted on June 13, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

June 9th, Senate Republicans moved to debate a measure that would have repealed taxes on basic necessities. Under current law, prescription drugs, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and baby formula are taxed under the corporate activities tax. Senate Bill 521, a Republican proposal, would exempt these items from taxation. Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) made a motion to withdraw SB 521 from…

Sen. Boquist: Vaccine data, crime excuses, campaign finance, more

Posted on June 13, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Highlights, excerpts from Sen. Boquist newsletter The establishment legislature is racing to pass higher budgets along with end run bills against citizens then flee the closed Oregon State Capitol. Follow bills on OLIS, and in Joint Ways and Means – a 5000 series bill is a budge bill. This past week, I voted against most of the state budget bills, some containing…

Homeless camping on public lands to be allowed.

Posted on June 13, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon communities, counties, now must re-write their laws by July 1, 2023 to accommodate homeless camping on public lands. (HB 3115) As reported by multiple sources, Oregon governments now must allow individuals to sit, lie, sleep, keep warm and dry on public lands. The bill requires local and county governments to modify their laws and ordinances to be in line…

Legislature Passes Bill That Makes It Harder for Police to Hide Their Identities During Protests

Posted on June 13, 2021 by BJ | 1 Comments

Portland police officers who cover their name badges during protests will now be more easily identifiable, following the Oregon Legislature’s June 7 passage of House Bill 3355. The bill, sponsored by the Judiciary Committee at the request of Sen. James Manning (D-Eugene), dictates identification requirements for law enforcement assigned to “crowd management” events in cities with a population over 60,000….

Controversial Passenger Vehicle Tax Moves to Ways and Means

Posted on June 4, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Last week (May 25th), the Joint Tax Committee moved HB 2342 out of committee to Ways & Means. Adopting the -9 amendments, the bill caused multiple members of the committee to express concerns. The bill has a 3/5ths requirement to pass both floors – i.e., if signed into law, will implement a new tax. The proposed tax and fee structure…

Interstate 5 Bridge

Posted on May 21, 2021 by dbleiler | 0 Comments

The Joint Committee on the Interstate 5 Bridge will hold a joint meeting May 25, 2021, at 6pm with the Washington State Legislature’s Joint Legislative Action Committee to discuss the construction of a new Interstate 5 Bridge. To view a live stream of the meeting: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Committees/JI5B/Overview Public Hearing Updates from Oregon and Washington legislators on the 2021 Legislative Sessions Updates…

No Protection for Stimulus Checks

Posted on May 17, 2021 by dbleiler | 0 Comments

Tax Day Forces Oregonians to Cough Up Part of Their Stimulus Checks Democrats hold hostage a bill to return it to them [Senator Dick Anderson Press Release] SALEM, Ore. – Today marks the deadline for Oregonians to file their income taxes. This year, money that was meant to give people relief during the depths of the pandemic will now end…

HB 3057 Passes enabling Medical Passports

Posted on May 17, 2021 by dbleiler | 9 Comments

HB 3057 passed both houses authorizing Oregon Health Authority to disclose individually identifiable information related to COVID-19 to certain persons and under certain circumstances. Sunsets June 30, 2022. Declares emergency, effective on passage. Senator Boquist provided a Vote Explanation stating: “HB 3057 is an Oregon Health Authority end run on HIPAA confidential patient health information very likely in violation of…

Taxation In Arrears

Posted on May 7, 2021 by dbleiler | 0 Comments

HB 2457 is scheduled for a work session on May 10 in the House Committee on Revenue. This bill is generally a housekeeping bill to update connection date to the federal Internal Revenue Code and other provisions of federal tax law. However, Representative Pham is trying to pull a fast on in the -1 amendment. This amendment requires addition to…

Breese-Iverson introduces bill to ensure full in-person school reopenings this fall

Posted on May 7, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

UPDATE: This bill was blocked by Democrats. It would require public schools to provide full-time, in-person classroom instruction for the 2021-22 school year. SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — State Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville, introduced a bicameral, bipartisan bill Thursday (May 6, 2021) that would ensure access to full, in-person instruction Oregon students for the 2021-2022 school year. House Bill 3399 would…

9 Tax Threats Coming out of the State Capitol

Posted on May 4, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Tax Increase Notice: These are the most active and debated tax bills in the 2021 Legislature #1. Quarter Billion Dollar Homeowner Tax, Marriage Penalty — SB 852 eliminates the home mortgage interest deduction (the nation’s most-used tax incentive) for higher income earners, eliminates the deduction for all owners of a second home, and ends up unfairly taxing some married couples…

Oregon To Get 6th Seat In Congress

Posted on April 27, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Following a decade of robust population growth, Oregon will receive a new congressional seat for the first time in 40 years, the U.S. Census Bureau announced on Monday (April 26, 2021). According to the 2020 census, the state’s resident population was 4,237,256 as of April 1, 2020. That’s a 10.6% increase over the 3,831,074 that officials calculated a decade before….

Capitol update: Guns, taxes, teacher sex abuse, voter purges…

Posted on April 26, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

PASSED THE HOUSE (HB 3389, SB 649, HB 2681, HB 2508) HB 3389 helps businesses avoid the tax trap caused when the pandemic’s jobless explosion resulted in triggering higher unemployment benefits to pay for the fund’s losses. HB 3389 adjusts how unemployment rates are calculated and allows businesses to defer up to 100% of some of their obligations. SB 649…

House panel ponders linking firearms storage, narrower ban

Posted on April 22, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Legislation that combines proposed requirements for firearms locks and safe storage with a narrower ban on firearms in public buildings is gaining political momentum in the Oregon House. The House Rules Committee heard a proposal to combine elements of two bills, one awaiting a vote of the full House and a second that has already passed the Senate. If it…

Vaccine Passport

Posted on April 13, 2021 by dbleiler | 1 Comments

Tore Says Oregon Peeps Tore Says Oregon Peeps, inspired by a Cleveland radio host of Tore Says, they are following Tore Maras exposing deep state activities. What is getting a lot of attention with the Tore Says Oregon Peeps is “vaccine passports.” New York is the first state to formally launch a “vaccine passport” program called “Excelsior Pass.” It allows…

Oregon House scheduled to vote this week on gun storage mandate.

Posted on April 13, 2021 by BJ | 1 Comments

Oregon House lawmakers could vote as soon as Monday (April 12) on a proposal to require gun owners to safely store their weapons and report any firearms that are lost or stolen. [OCL Editor’s update; this bill’s reading has been changed to April 19th, 2021. Emails can be sent to the committee members listed at the end of this article]…

IMPORTANT: Redistricting hearings this week!

Posted on April 8, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

from PEOPLE Not Politicians… Friends, We have an opportunity to make our voice heard this week! This Saturday, April 10, the Oregon Legislature’s Special Committee on Redistricting is holding THREE public hearings for comment on mapping Oregon’s new district lines. This is a critical time to speak up! Share how you feel about this process and what you believe should…

Testify on OSHA Budget HB 5510

Posted on April 5, 2021 by dbleiler | 0 Comments

TESTIFYING ON BUDGET BILLS Testimony Opportunity for Agency Performance Department of Consumer and Business Services (OSHA) Monday April 12, 2021 at 8:00 am Link to submit testimony, written or oral (for oral testimony, you must register first): https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Committees/JWMTR/2021-04-12-08-00/Agenda Note: OSHA is a part of DCBS Likely Committee Allies: Senator Bill Hansell, Representatives Jack Zika, Gary Leif Likely Committee Foes: Senator…

Tax Hell Week: income tax, property tax, bed tax

Posted on March 31, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

This is one of those tax mania weeks in the Oregon Legislature. Income Tax Increase (HB 3328): Yesterday, hearings were held on HB 3328 which creates an income tax increase to fund wildlife programs. This follows the Portland-area model of creating a flood of micro-income tax increases to pay for government bloat: • Portland $50 Art Program Income Tax •…

Rental Legislative Update – March 2021

Posted on March 25, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

The flood gates opened this year with a tidal wave of bills targeting the rental industry. After many hearings, work groups and discussions with legislators here is where we sit on the most important bills. Thank you to all those who volunteered to write their legislators and/or testify to the committees. It truly made a difference. HB 2484 – This…

List of bad timber bills

Posted on March 24, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon’s forest sector and agriculture industry are under attack… AGAIN! A handful of BAD bills have been dropped and are gaining traction. We can’t afford to stand by and watch our way of life be misrepresented and misunderstood. It is our duty to make our voices heard and tell Salem the truth about our collective reality! Bill Summaries HB 2674-1…

Undoing concealed carry among 4 gun bills up for hearing, vote

Posted on March 24, 2021 by BJ | 1 Comments

These are four bills that have drawn incredible attention in the Capitol: HB 2543 is up for a hearing in House Judiciary on Tuesday March 30. This bill removes the deadline of government to process firearm transfers. The fear is that someone who is having their life threatened may have to wait days (weeks? months?) before government green light the…

An End to Statewide Concealed Carry

Posted on March 22, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Imagine a government so out of control that it stops at nothing to provide extended rights to criminals while removing the basic rights of law abiding American citizens. You don’t have to imagine because this is already happening on a local and national level. House Representative Brian Clem (D-Salem), Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), and other career politicians are doing everything…

OSHA Proposes Permanent Rules on COVID-19 in all Workplaces

Posted on March 18, 2021 by dbleiler | 3 Comments

Division accepting comments through April 2 on replacement of temporary rule Salem, OR — Seeking to extend protections for workers against the coronavirus disease, Oregon OSHA is proposing a permanent rule that largely maintains – with some improvements – the risk-reducing measures required by the current temporary emergency rule. It would replace the temporary rule, which expires on May 4. The…

Kate Brown Wants Her Political Appointment Confirmed by Senate

Posted on March 18, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown has announced that she has submitted a list of state board and commission appointments to the Oregon Senate for confirmation. Among those Kate Brown has selected, one choice seems to stand out as a curious selection for the Governor’s Child Foster Care Advisory Commission. It seems that Kate Brown has nominated a highly partisan Democrat operative…

Children’s Service Districts

Posted on March 5, 2021 by dbleiler | 0 Comments

Children’s Service Districts Adding more taxing districts could lead to compression Senators Chuck Riley (D-Hillsboro) and Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) are chief sponsors of SB 299 that authorizes the creation of children’s service districts. The bill provides authority to levy permanent property taxes and other taxes, and allows anyone to challenge a levy claiming it exceeds the education property tax…

Wakesports In Danger on Willamette

Posted on March 5, 2021 by dbleiler | 1 Comments

Wakesports In Danger for Oregon Summer Some watercraft may be banned Newberg Pool Congested Zone of the Willamette River has long been a contentious issue between property owners and boaters. The 20 river miles has some of the most unique boating regulations in the state due to it popularity in the summer and shoreline development. From 2010 to 2019 the…

Bill raises alcohol taxes 3000%

Posted on February 25, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Sipping a glass of wine and drinking a beer could cost a lot more in Oregon under a proposed bill that would increase alcohol taxes by as much as 3,000 percent to pay for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. Reps. Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland) and Rachel Prusak (D-Tualatin/West Linn) sponsored House Bill 3296 to boost the wholesale tax on beer…

Politicians push 3 timber taxes on already hurting rural Oregon

Posted on February 24, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

“Fate of Oregon’s timber industry hangs in the balance. Struggling to adapt while the coronavirus and wildfires remain a threat, the industry says a path to a recovery is uncertain.” Washington Post 9-28-20 The Washington Post headline reveals how serious our timber communities are in. It is serious. The 2021 Legislature, House Ag & Natural Resource Committee is considering three…

Bill could allow formation of new homeless shelter beds across Oregon

Posted on February 24, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Hundreds of emergency shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness could pop up across Oregon in the next year if the State Legislature approves a bill to remove cumbersome zoning rules and demand that cities approve new facility proposals. House Bill 2006 would remove a tangle of land-use approvals and paperwork typically needed to open a shelter, which advocates say currently…

Chipping Away at Property Tax Reform

Posted on February 24, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

As one of the few states without a general sales tax, Oregon depends heavily on property tax for revenue. Real property is taxed based on its value — know as ad valorem taxes. As real estate prices spiked in the 1990s — along with taxes — citizens began to become resentful of the tax windfall enjoyed by their governments. In…

Elections Bills Stack the Deck

Posted on February 17, 2021 by BJ | 4 Comments

Recently, US Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and US Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) sponsored legislation for national mail in voting. Oregon was the first to have that system and is held up by the Democrats as the model system. Most County Clerks are proud of Oregon elections believing controls in place are working reasonably well. One has to wonder then why…

Reviewing Measure 11: Advocates seek reform, prosecutors argue it works fine

Posted on February 16, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon’s landmark mandatory sentencing law, Measure 11, is about to go under scrutiny by state legislators this week. Advocates of criminal justice reform have four bills that would change the way those convicted of serious crimes are sentenced. The first of those bills, House Bill 2002, has a public hearing scheduled in the House Committee of Judiciary on Tuesday. But Oregon’s District…

Bill to Require More Schoolchildren to Be Vaccinated for Childhood Diseases Called Off Mid-Pandemic

Posted on February 16, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Two years ago, Democrat lawmakers killed a bill to end Oregon’s philosophical exemption to school vaccination requirements, as part of a compromise to end a Republican walkout. This year, a similar bill, Senate Bill 254, is dying before debate gets going. “Oregon is at a critical moment with the implementation of vaccinations for COVID-19, and we have determined this does not make it possible…

Oregon lawmakers consider allowing prisoners to vote

Posted on February 12, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon would become the third state in the nation to allow prisoners to vote under two bills before the Legislature this year. In proposals that would put the state in the vanguard of a renewed debate over enfranchisement and inequity in the criminal justice system, House Bill 2366 and Senate Bill 571 would restore voting rights to the roughly 12,600…

Governor stacks the Council without Senate approval

Posted on February 11, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

SB 286 began hearings this week in the Oregon Legislature. “Environmental justice” is being defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Governor Brown’s request for SB 286 is nothing short of continuing her control…

Southern Oregon lawmaker introduces bill that would bar Governor Brown from shutting down businesses during COVID-19

Posted on February 10, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Representative David Brock Smith‘s district covers parts of Curry, Coos, Douglas, and Josephine counties. House Bill 3177, the “Covid Business Equity Act,” would explicitly limit the Governor’s power to impose restrictions on restaurants, bars, gyms, and other fitness establishments — unless those restrictions apply to all businesses broadly. Rep. Brock Smith highlighted the job losses in the hospitality sector as…

OCL ZOOM TRAINING

Posted on February 9, 2021 by dbleiler | 0 Comments

OCL Zoom Training, Feb. 13 at 1pm Participate in Western Liberty Network’s FREE Zoom training session on Feb. 13th @ 1pm when Bill Dewey of the Oregon Citizens Lobby will teach you about how you can track legislation in Salem and have an impact upon the process! Oregon Citizens’ Lobby (OCL) is one of the leading vehicles for limited-government activists…

HB 3088 legalizes prostitution in Oregon

Posted on February 8, 2021 by BJ | 2 Comments

Oregon State Representative Rob Nosse (Democrat, HD-42) has introduced a bill to legalize prostitution. HB 3088 reads “Repeals crimes of prostitution, commercial sexual solicitation and promoting prostitution.”. It defines prostitution as “engagement by a person in sexual conduct or sexual contact with another person in return for a fee.” NY Post writer states the cost of legalizing prostitution,“Nevada has a…

Problems of HB 2238, Gov. taking private property during emergencies

Posted on February 6, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

As Oregonians continue to cope with the many negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, some forward-looking people are beginning to examine how the state of Oregon might better respond to future emergencies. One of those people is Rep. Marty Wilde of Central Lane and Linn Counties who has introduced in the Oregon Legislature a bill presumably intended to facilitate timely…

Residential Care Scheduling Rules Proposed

Posted on February 5, 2021 by BJ | 1 Comments

Just when you thought your grandparents in residential care facilities will get the best care, in steps Senators Deb Patterson (D-Salem), Sara Gelser (D_Albany) and James Manning Jr. (D-Eugene) joining forces to introduce SB 714 that removes that individualized care and establishes a minimum staffing ratio for residential care facilities and facilities with memory care endorsements. ORS 443.432 (1) was…

Bill Proposes to Shield Drivers’ Licenses

Posted on February 5, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Ganging up on employers, Senators Deb Patterson (D-Salem) and Sara Gelser (D-Albany) introduced SB 569. Their idea of fair employment practices is to make it unlawful for an employer to require an employee or prospective employee to possess or present a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment or continuation of employment. It’s a short bill with a big…

Kate Brown Announces More Staffing Additions

Posted on February 5, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Governor Kate Brown has announced several staffing changes, including the appointment of See Eun (pronounced “she-in”) Kim as executive appointments director, effective February 9. In this role, she will engage with a variety of stakeholder groups across the state to identify qualified candidates to serve on Oregon’s more than 250 boards and commissions, while balancing their needs and goals with…

Lawmakers try to sneak in a backdoor tax on business

Posted on February 5, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

SB 137-1 would disconnect Oregon from the tax relief savings passed by the Federal CARES Act last year resulting in tax increases for Oregon’s businesses. By disconnecting Oregon tax tax code on narrowly targeted areas surrounding the new CARES Act, Oregon disconnects from the tax savings the CARES act provides. Oregon needs these tax savings because Oregon has been hit…

Oregon legislators consider tear gas ban against protest crowds

Posted on February 5, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Tear gas, pepper spray and impact munitions have been deployed by police for months against protesters in Portland, Oregon, enveloping neighborhoods and even a school yard in clouds of stinging, choking chemical agents. Now, Oregon state Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Portland-area Democrat, is seeking to ban their use against crowds in one of the most sweeping measures in the country…

Alternative Schooling Under Fire

Posted on February 4, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

As Governor Browns makes noises about opening public schools, parents continue to be discouraged and are looking for alternative education options. Representative Marty Wilde (D-Eugene) wants to limit their options. He has sponsored HB 2195 prohibiting student from enrolling in virtual public charter school located in school district in which the student is not a resident if student’s resident school…

Lawmakers might be laying ground work for Oregon sales tax

Posted on February 4, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Oregon State Representative Nancy Nathanson has introduced three bills asking the State of Oregon to do a study on taxes. One the key goals is to find taxes that are “stable” which is one of the most common words associated when past Oregon lawmakers have discussed a sales tax. Politicians want to be like California which have major property, income…

For Sen. Floyd Prozanski, Giving Oregon Prisoners the Right to Vote Is About Letting Go of a Search for Vengeance

Posted on February 3, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Rep. Janelle Bynum sees a practical benefit for the cities where the inmates are from. BILL OF THE WEEK: Senate Bill 571 WHAT IT WILL DO: Senate Bill 571 seeks to change Oregon law so that incarcerated people can vote “in the county of the qualified elector’s last voluntary residence.” The bill also states that people who are incarcerated shall have…

Oregon bill sets requirements for corporate board diversity

Posted on February 3, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

A bill has been introduced in the Oregon Legislature that would require a certain number of board seats of publicly traded companies, with principal offices in Oregon, be filled with women and people from underrepresented communities. It’s similar to bills passed in California. The first was in 2018 that required a minimum number of women on public company boards, the…

Redistricting Battles Begin in Legislature

Posted on February 3, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Delay in census data is causing a crunch. As the federal government census data appears to be behind schedule, throwing a wrench into conversations surrounding redistricting, Republican members of the House and Senate redistricting committees are strongly advocating for a transparent and nonpartisan approach to redistricting. Republicans are asking Democratic leaders to honor the spirit and intent of the law…

Bill Probes Alternatives for Closing Prison

Posted on February 3, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

The negative economic impact to these communities will be extremely challenging Governor Brown has taken steps to close three Oregon correctional facilities over the next two years: Mill Creek in Salem Shutter Creek in North Bend Warner Creek in Lakeview. According to State Representative E. Werner Reschke, the negative economic impact to these communities will be extremely challenging. Representative Reschke…

Council Members Named for Measure 110

Posted on February 2, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

The Oregon Health Authority has announced the appointment of 21 members to serve on a new Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC) to oversee the implementation of Measure 110, the Drug Treatment and Recovery Act. “Out of nearly 200 applicants, we found 21 experienced individuals who truly represent the diverse populations who will benefit the most from the passing of this…

Commissioners appoint Kennemer to Senate District 20

Posted on February 2, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Previously, Bill Kennemer served in the Oregon House of Representatives and on the Clackamas County Commission. Former Oregon House District 39 Representative Bill Kennemer has been appointed to fill the State Senate District 20 seat vacated by Alan Olsen. Kennemer, R-Canby, was unanimously appointed to the position during a joint session with commissioners from Clackamas and Marion counties held via…

Government raises outpace all others in pandemic

Posted on February 2, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

The Oregon Employment Department reports that the largest gain in median wage during the pandemic was the local government sector at $3.23 hour gain. Compare that to three otehr (sic) industries (transportation, utilities, warehouse) which saw a 20-cent gain. The other services industry average gain was $3.19 per hour and the information industry average gain was $3.15 per hour. For…

”Environmental Justice” Bill Being Considered by Oregon Legislature

Posted on February 2, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Update: HB 2475 passed the House 36-20 and will now be considered by the Senate. —————– HB 2475 is sponsored by Democrat Karin Power (HD-41) Oregon House Bill 2475 may soon force on public utilities another set of social criteria to consider when setting energy price rates. The bill reportedly will: Authorize Public Utility Commission to consider differential energy burden…

The Road to Gun Registration

Posted on February 1, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Democrats seek to ban unregistered guns with hefty fines. In the Oregon Senate, Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene) and Senator James Manning Jr. (D-Eugene) are chief sponsors for SB 396, a bill which “punishes manufacturing, importing, offering for sale or transferring undetectable firearm.” If passed, this bill will decimate the part of the firearm industry that manufactures and sells undocumented receivers…

Oregon lawmaker won’t pursue bill on governor taking land in emergencies

Posted on February 1, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Eugene Democrat says foes misunderstood effort to stop ‘disaster profiteering’ A one-page bill quietly introduced at the start of the Oregon Legislature has raised some eyebrows around the state, as it would add language to existing law, stating the governor would have the authority to seize “any real or personal property” after an emergency is declared. The summary atop House…

SB 550 hides government employees from the public

Posted on February 1, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Senate Bill 550 would block government employees from the public records and replace them with ID#s. This would make it harder to find out who is working for our government agencies and what their positions are. The Bend Bulletin Editorial Board stated, “A bill in the Oregon Senate could essentially blind Oregonians to who works in government…To make widespread secrecy…

Oregon legislative panel starts hearing policing bills

Posted on January 30, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Five lawmakers on a House subcommittee will focus on Oregon’s policing practices and the people who carry them out. They have already started public hearings on more than a dozen bills, some of them overlapping, that propose various changes to Oregon laws in the aftermath of last year’s death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer…

2021 Oregon Legislature: Priorities, uncertainties

Posted on January 29, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

The 2021 Oregon Legislature is under way at the capitol building in Salem, but this session is far from normal. It is marked by pandemic related issues and restrictions and a $1.7 billion budget shortfall. By far, the top issue is the COVID-19 vaccine, according to Sen. Betsy Johnson. “We have heard both pro and con about the vaccine,” Johnson…

Oregon legislators will consider ‘right to repair’ law

Posted on January 28, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Electronics manufacturers like Apple and Samsung control the tools and parts needed to make fixes. Critics say that makes it harder, more expensive – and sometimes impossible – to perform even straightforward repairs. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) AP If your watch battery dies there are scores of shops that will quickly swap it out for a new one –…

Extended Producer Responsibility

Posted on January 27, 2021 by dbleiler | 0 Comments

Extended Producer Responsibility Who’s Responsible for the Old Mattress? The folktale, The Princes and the Pea, possibly based on a true story, involved a stack of 20 mattresses and a pea placed in the bottom mattress as a test for the Princes. The author joked that the pea was placed in the Royal Museum, but what of all those mattresses? Chief…

HB 2348 Bans Bacon in Hospitals, Nursing Homes…

Posted on January 27, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

Among over 3000 bills introduced, the Oregon Legislatures appears to want to ban bacon from hospitals. House Bill 2348, introduced by Representative Wilde (D- Eugene), requires hospitals, long-term facilities, and prisons in Oregon to make plant-based meals available, with a provision that bans bacon, sausages and other processed meats. A hospital is often a place where people spend their last…

California surprise re-open! …leaving Oregon in last two lockdown states

Posted on January 26, 2021 by BJ | 0 Comments

In a surprise move, California Governor, Gavin Newsom, has begun re-opening California after a re-call effort has nearly gained enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. Governor Newsom says it is about the data but he is hiding the data: “State officials said the decision to lift the stay-at-home order came amid improving trends in California’s rate of infections,…

Special Legislative Session 8:00 AM Wednesday June 24, 2020

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Comm | 0 Comments

Governor Kate Brown Calls Special Session to Improve Police Accountability and Address the COVID-19 Pandemic Press release: HERE

Select Bills Passed in the 2019 Legislative Session

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Comm

With all the uproar over a few of the worst bills, here is a list of 29 bills we thought should not escape notice during the last legislative session!

END OF SESSION TOWNHALLS

Posted on July 3, 2019 by BJ

ALERT – SAVING OREGON IS ONGOING! The battle against Cap and Trade, gun control, forced vaccinations, increases taxes and fees, and many other bills is not over. They are only suspended to February 2020. We must keep the pressure on at Townhalls to make sure Legislators know we will continue to fight for our state. Some Legislators have a notion…

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