COIN - 2026 Legislation

The COIN Legislative Team
The 2026 "Short Session" began Monday February 2 and ends Friday March 6.

LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY MARCH 5, 7:30 PM

Skip to the bills

The COIN Legislative Team is once again watching and participating in Oregon State Legislature hearings, watching for bills that reflect the values of our members, and making recommendations for endorsement or opposition. If you missed our 2026 Sneak Preview COINversation, view the recording here.

Before the session begins, we are watching a number of new bills (called "legislative concepts" or LCs until they are introduced) for 2026. Once they are officially introduced, we'll evaluate and decide whether or not to ENDORSE or OPPOSE or continue WATCHING, as amendments and further work on the bills continue. COIN volunteers won't be able to track all of the bills, but will focus on those that potentially have the most impact on the things our members value.

Some bills/LCs are nearly identical to bills we endorsed or opposed last year, so they may already be listed below as ENDORSED or OPPOSED by COIN.

Watch closely for any ACTION ALERTS for bills. We'll post these when there are bills that need some help from COIN members - calling your state senator or rep, submitting testimony, or spreading the word on social media. Submitting testimony is really important and it doesn't have to be difficult or scary. It can be as simple as a couple of sentences about why you support or oppose a bill. For some excellent tips on how to provide written or oral testimony on a bill, check out SOCAN's Testimony Tips.

If you know of a bill you think COIN should be tracking, or if you'd like to volunteer to help us, please email us at COINLegTeam@gmail.com. Here's a description of the process that COIN uses to endorse or oppose legislation. Visit the COIN Legislative Team webpage for more information about the work we do.

To learn more about tracking legislation on the OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System) website, check out this great video by Cheryl Conway, OLIS for Beginners, and also this great primer by Alan Journet, What's an OLIS?

How to testify or submit written testimony: Read sidebar to the right on this page.

How to watch a committee session: Find the appropriate meeting and click on "video".

More OLIS tutorials can be found here. And be sure to check out this nice primer from the Oregon Capital Chronicle: Understanding the Oregon Legislature: How laws get passed — and how to participate.

You can also see legislation COIN endorsed and opposed in

2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

2026 Bills We're Following - Check back regularly for updates!

Click to jump to the following categories of bills:

Behavioral Health, Health Care, Human Services, Veterans

Food For All Oregonians Anti-Hunger Package - COIN ENDORSES THIS LEGISLATION

COIN is an FFAO coalition member and has supported anti-hunger legislation in past years. The 2026 priorities of FFAO include: SB 1581 A - Free lunch for all school children; preserve and strengthen SNAP; relief for immigrants; funding for Oregon's food assistance network. Some of these priorities will likely be budget requests rather than bills. You can support this package by contacting your own state legislators (look them up here) and urging them to support it.

COIN Worksheet for FFAO Anti-Hunger Package
FFAO Fact Sheet
Testimony Templates (ENG, ESP)
Testimony Guidance for Non-Citizens (ENG, ESP)

School Meals for ALL (SB 1581 A), which is part of the Anti-Hunger Package, had a public hearing on Feb 5 and a work session on Feb 10. CLICK HERE for links to watch the recordings. GOOD NEWS! The committee approved the -2 amendment and voted YES (4-1) to move this bill forward! It now goes to the Ways and Means Committee. You can contact committee members and urge them to fund this bill.

HB 4088 Protects the right to obtain reproductive and gender-affirming health care COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill is offered to assure that people can provide and obtain lawful reproductive and gender-affirming health care in Oregon. Under the bill no one can be extradited or turned over to a federal agency or another state on charges, and no public agencies in this state can cooperate in any way with any investigation or inquiry, relating to reproductive or gender-affirming health care provided, obtained, attempted, aided, or encouraged.

HB 4088 would also protect midwives involved in providing lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care.

The bill would make confidential individually identifiable information and health records related to such care and also court records related to sex and name changes.

This bill had a public hearing on February 2. Many thanks to lots of folks who submitted testimony in support of this bill. It passed out of committee by a 5-3 vote with the -4 amendment.

GOOD NEWS! This bill passed the full House on Feb 16 by a vote of 34-22. The bill now moves to the Senate. HB 4088 had a public hearing in the Senate on Feb 23. Click CLICK HERE for links to watch the proceedings. During a work session Feb 25, the Senate Judiciary Committee members moved HB 4088A to the Senate floor with a DO PASS recommendation.

SUCCESS! HB 4088 has passed the Senate 18-12 Thursday Mar. 5 and now awaits signatures.

SB 1571 Expands Definition of Tobacco Products COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill would expand the definition of “tobacco products” to include anything that delivers nicotine, including "nicotine pouches" which are currently unregulated, can be purchased online, and are popular with youth. SB 1571 would repeal existing criminal prohibition on the sale of inhalant delivery systems or tobacco products to a person under 21 years of age and replace the repealed law with a civil prohibition enforced by the Oregon Health Authority. It authorizes imposition of civil penalties for violations and establishes a civil prohibition on providing, without compensation, inhalant delivery systems or tobacco products. It also requires any sale of tobacco products, cigarettes, inhalant delivery systems or smokeless tobacco products to occur in person at licensed premises. This bill is very similar to one which COIN endorsed last year, but which did not pass. Let's help get it across the finish line this year to protect our young people.

GOOD NEWS! This bill passed the Senate on Feb 20 with a near unanimous vote of 26-1, and passed the House Rules Committee 6-1 on Feb 26.

SUCCESS ! This bill passed the House on Mar. 2 by a vote of 36-8. It has been signed by the House Speaker and the Senate President. Awaiting the Governor's signature.

SB 1570 B Healthcare Without Fear Act COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill empowers hospital and clinic employees and the hospitals and clinics themselves to develop a protocol to respond to law enforcement, in particular, immigration officers, including designating a liaision and designating which areas of the hospital are not open to the public. The bill also allows employees to provide information about immigration rights and resources to patients or others without fear of retaliation by the employer. Finally, the bill protects a patient's immigration status as a confidential record.

This bill will assist Health Care Providers in handling the unconstitutional intrusion of law enforcement agents who have executed sweeps near and in hospitals, which has had major negative impact on the medical care of affected individuals, especially those who are undocumented immigrants or those with temporary documentation.

GOOD NEWS! After a public hearing on Feb. 9, the bill with the -5 Amendment was approved by the Committee by a 3-2 vote on Feb. 16. The bill passed the Senate on Feb. 24 by a vote of 18-9, and it passed the House Rules Committee by a vote of 4-3. CLICK HERE for links to watch any of the past proceedings.

SUCCESS! SB 1570 B was passed by the House on Mar. 2 by a vote of 34-14. The Senate then concurred in the House amendments and passed the bill again by a vote of 18-11. It has been signed by the House Speaker and the Senate President. Awaiting the Governor's signature.

SB 1598 A Vaccine Availability COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Oregonians should not face higher costs or new barriers to preventive care due to shifting federal guidance. SB 1598 ensures continued access to evidence-based preventive health services. This bill allows public health departments to require vaccines be covered by health plans as a benefit. It also allows public health authority to issue a standing order to pharmacies to administer vaccines.

GOOD NEWS! The Senate passed this bill on Feb. 19 by a vote of 17-11, and it has now passed out of the House Committee on Healthcare with a 5-2 vote for a DO PASS recommendation. On March 3, it also passed the House with a vote of 39-14.

SUCCESS! SB 1598A has passed both chambers. It has been signed by the House Speaker and the Senate President. Awaiting the Governor's signature.

SB 1547 Expands Mental Health Certifications COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

There is a huge shortage of mental health resources available to people across the America. Behavioral health focuses on how thoughts and actions affect mental and physical health. Service may include lifestyle support, counseling, and group therapy. This bill creates a licensed position for the practice of behavioral health. This is a concrete, practical response to the shortage of mental health resources in Oregon.

COIN Worksheet for more information

GOOD NEWS! This bill passed the Senate by a vote of 27-2. And it passed unanimously out of House committee during a work session on Feb 19. And, it passed the House 52-2 on Feb 25.

SUCCESS! SB 1547 has passed both chambers, has been signed by Legislative Leaders and now awaits the Governor's signature!

SB 1546 AI and Mental Health COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

The measure creates new requirements for artificial intelligence (AI) companions aimed at protecting users who experience suicidal or self-harm ideation, with additional requirements for minors.

COIN Worksheet for more info

GOOD NEWS! This bill passed the Senate on Feb. 19 by a vote of 26-1, and it passed the House Committee on Behavioral Health on Feb 26 by a vote of 8-0. The bill then passed the House on Mar. 4 unanimously. CLICK HERE for links to watch past proceedings.

SUCCESS! The Senate approved the House amendments and repassed the bill by a 28-2 vote. Awaiting signatures.

HB 4127 A Protects Access to Reproductive and Preventative Health Care COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

HB 4127 authorizes the Oregon Health Authority to establish a way to pay from Oregon funds certain nonprofit health care providers such as Planned Parenthood for reproductive and other health services that may no longer be covered by Medicaid. Planned Parenthood is often the only place people with Medicaid or who live in rural or underserved communities can access affordable reproductive and preventive health care such as access to HIV prevention, cancer screenings, and STI testing.

This bill passed out of committee on Feb 12 with a 5-3 vote for a DO PASS recommendation. It's now in the Joint Ways & Means Committee.

On Feb. 27 this bill was assigned to the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction (JWMCC).

The Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction held a work session on Mar. 2 for this bill, reported it out, and returned it to the full committee. The full committee then approved the bill later on Mar. 2 by a vote of 14-8. The bill was then passed by the House on Mar. 4 by a vote of 34-20. It was referred to the Joint Ways & Means Committee by the Senate and was reported out for a vote by the Senate.

Business and Consumer Protection, Labor and Employment

SB 1587 B Personal Data Privacy COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Prohibits data brokers from providing data to others for purposes related to enforcement of civil law, except pursuant to a court order. Authorizes the imposition of civil penalties for violations. Authorizes civil actions for violations. We would like to see this bill amended to define core terms and generally be more enforceable.

COIN Worksheet for more info

This bill had a public hearing on Feb 11 and a work session on Feb 16 where the committee voted 4-2 for a DO PASS recommendation with a -4 amendment that limited when a public agency can disclose personal data to data brokers.

GOOD NEWS! This bill passed the Senate on Feb. 24 by a vote of 18-9, and it got a DO PASS recommendation (4-3) from the House Rules Committee so now it should move to the House floor for a vote.

SB 1587 B was approved by the House on Mar. 2 by a vote of 33-14. On Mar. 4 the Senate concurred in the House amendments and repassed the bill by a vote of 18-11.

SUCCESS! SB 1547 has passed both chambers, has been signed by Legislative Leaders and now awaits the Governor's signature!

Civil Law, Courts, Criminal Justice

HB 4138 A Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act (LEAVA) - COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill, supported by ACLU of Oregon and introduced by several Democratic legislators, will with few exceptions require all law enforcement officers operating in the state to wear clear identification and avoid face coverings or masks. The bill provides a complaint procedure for violations as well as a civil cause of action for injunctive relief and damages including punitive damages and attorney's fees. Officers would have no qualified or other immunity from the action. In fact, violations can be a crime if they involve misrepresenting the law enforcement agency the officer is from, refusing to identify the agency, or engaging in some activity to conceal the agency. The bill specifically includes federal officers.

The bill further prohibits Oregon law enforcement from assisting in any way any federal or out of state law enforcement in any investigation, apprehension, or arrest of persons on the bases of conduct protected under the 1st or 4th amendments or because the person is in a protected class under federal or state law such as race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status. Civil and criminal penalties can apply.

Good News! This bill passed out of committee with the -7 amendment on Feb 16. Note: The -7 amendment modified the original bill to include all law enforcment officers, not just federal agents, to address concerns expressed by the courts in California over a similar bill. With the -7 amendment, this bill is expected to better withstand court challenges. Notably, committee members commended Oregon law enforcement for not engaging in the type of behavior this bill addresses.

Great News! The bill passed the House on Feb. 24 by a vote of 36-19. (This after an effort to move the bill to Ways and Means failed.) Now the bill goes to the Senate Rules Committee.

A work session was held on this bill on Friday, Feb. 27, and the committee passed the bill with the -A11 amendment by a vote of 3-1. The -A11 amendment allows but does not require state and local law enforcement to obtain an attestation from any federal law enforcement agency or agency of another state that the assistance or cooperation requested does not concern immigration. The bill passed the Senate 18-12 Mar. 5.

ACTION ALERT! The House will vote on the amended version Friday, Mar. 6.

SJR 203 Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit Secret Police COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

The bill, if passed, would refer to voters a proposal to amend Art. 1 of the state constitution to prohibit “secret police”, i.e., law enforcement officers may not be masked and must be in an official uniform which conspicuously displays both the name of the governmental agency employing the officer and the officer’s badge number. The only exceptions would be for undercover officers or those responding as part of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

COIN's Worksheet for SJR 203

GOOD NEWS! The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 5-1 for a DO PASS recommendation with the -3 amendment which clarified the people of Oregon have a right to be free from enforcement of law by secret police. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearing and work session. The bill has been referred to the Rules Committee.

ACTION ALERT! You can contact Rules Committee members and urge them to pass this bill out of committee and to the Senate floor for a vote.

HB 4079 A Safeguarding Students and Families Bill COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Public schools will be required to develop a process for identifying and confirming the presence of federal immigration officers on school grounds including whether they have a warrant or court order; and with a few exceptions, must make reasonable efforts to provide notice as expediently as possible to students and parents or guardians of the presence of federal immigration authorities and also at colleges or universities, to the community of the school where the federal immigration officers are on the property. The schools must give notice of the general location of the immigration officers on school property and whether any classes or school operations are affected.

COIN's Worksheet for HB 4079

GOOD NEWS! HB 4079 passed the House with a 35-22 vote, and it got a DO PASS recommendation (4-1) from the Senate Committee on Education on Feb 26. And it pass the Senate on March 2 by a vote of 18-10.

SUCCESS! HB 4079 has passed both chambers and Legislative Leaders have signed it. Awaiting Governor's signature.

HB 4111 A Prohibits Witness Immigration Status Disclosure in Civil Proceedings COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

HB 4111 A prohibits introduction of evidence of a party’s or witness’s immigration status in any civil proceeding unless it’s an essential fact to prove a claim. Any need for immigration orders in calculating damages or for reinstatement can be submitted via motion. The bill also prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against an employee because of updates to personal information in their personnel records because of changes in their federal employment authorization documentation. Importantly, the bill prohibits law enforcement from profiling anyone based on immigration status or perceived immigration status.

Here is testimony from the Oregon AFL-CIO which captures why this bill is important for immigrant families and workers.
COIN Worksheet for more info
COIN Testimony in Support of HB 4111 A

GOOD NEWS! This bill passed the full House by a vote of 34-19 on Feb 19. Now it moves to the Senate. And it passed out of committee on Feb 25 with a 4-2 vote. CLICK HERE for links to watch the proceedings. It now heads to the full Senate for a vote.

SUCCESS! The Senate voted 20-9 to approve HB 4111 A Thursday, March 5. Awaiting enrollment and signatures.

SB 1516-A Regulates ALPR System Usage COIN IS WATCHING THIS BILL

SB 1516 with the -14 amendment attempts to regulate Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems (FLOCK cameras) that are an important law enforcement tool in many situations, but ICE has accessed the information to surveil and track people, even keeping it to develop profiles about their lives. ALPR data has also been misused, for example, to track people accessing reproductive health care services. ALPR data in the wrong hands is a threat to the privacy and safety of Oregonians.

This bill passed the full Senate by a vote of 27-3 on Feb 20. And it passed the House Rules Committee by a vote of 7-0. We were hoping for a better bill, but still, this is at least a little better than what we have now. It heads to the House floor for a vote on Thursday, March 5.

MOVEMENT ALERT: The Senate voted 20-9 to approve SB 1516 A Thursday, March 5. Awaiting enrollment and signatures.

HB 4145 B - Modifies Measure 114 COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Oregon Measure 114, a 2022 voter-approved initiative requiring permits, safety training, and a 10-round magazine limit, remains on hold pending a final decision by the Oregon Supreme Court (expected in late 2026). While an appeals court previously deemed it constitutional in 2025, legal challenges continue to delay implementation. HB 4145 makes some modifications and clarifications to the “Permit to Purchase” portion of the original measure, including: Requiring the criminal background check for an application to go through state databases first and then through the FBI; and increasing the amount of time allowed after an application is submitted for a permit agent to either issue a permit or send a written notice of denial from 30 days to 60 days. These and other changes will make Measure 114 more manageable for law enforcement.

COIN Worksheet for more details

This bill passed the full House 33-19 on Feb 25. A public hearing was held on HB 4145 -3 in the Senate Rules Committee on Friday Feb 27 followed by a work session on Mar. 4 where the Committee adopted the -A9 amendment which delays implementation of this bill until January 1, 2028. Voters will have to wait SIX YEARS for a ballot measure they passed in 2022. The Senate voted unanimously to pass H 4145 B on Friday, Mar. 6.

ACTION ALERT! The House must approve the amended version. The vote is expected Friday, Mar. 6.

HB 4114 A Civil Cause of Action for Warrantless Searches COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

HB 4114 A would create a cause of action for damages including attorney’s fees and costs of suit, against basically ICE or CPB agents who, while operating as law enforcement or under the authority of the federal government, enter without a warrant (with some exceptions) into (1) a vehicle located on private property, (2) a church, chapel, temple, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship; (3) a school or other educational facility, (4) a place that provides medical treatment, and (5) anywhere people have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

This bill passed out of committee by a vote of 5-3.

GOOD NEWS! HB 4114 A passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote of 36-4 (with 17 excused). Now it moves to the Senate. This bill had a public hearing on Feb 23.

HB 4114A passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 4-2 vote with a DO PASS recommendation. CLICK HERE for links to watch the proceedings.

SUCCESS! The Senate voted 18-11 to approve HB 4114 A Thursday, March 5. Awaiting enrollment and signatures.

Early Childhood, Education

HB 4149 Supporting Homeless Students COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill directs school districts to adopt policies that provide for the immediate enrollment, school placement and provision of services to homeless students. It directs the Department of Education to designate a state coordinator for the education of homeless students. It would codify as a state program the existing federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act which facilitates school attendance for homeless children in a number of ways - admission regardless of whether they have records, assignment to one school regardless of whether they move around because of homelessness, transportation, meals, and other programs. McKinney-Vento was last authorized by the federal government prior to the first trump regime. There is real concern that the program will be eliminated or gutted; Rep. Pam Marsh noted in a recent newsletter that "this bill will give Oregon the authority to protect and continue the program for children in our state.”

COIN worksheet with more info

GOOD NEWS! This bill passed the House with a vote of 39-3 on Feb 20. And, it passed the Senate with a vote of 26-2.

SUCCESS! HB 4149 has passed both chambers and has been signed by Legislative Leaders. It now goes to the governor for a signature.

HB 4154A Improving School Attendance COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Makes school attendance data public, requires attendance data collection, and changes the threshold for what constitutes chronically absent. This bill pushes for uniformity in the way we collect and report school attendance in an effort to improve student attendance, as Oregon has one of the lowest attendance rates in the nation.

COIN worksheet with more info

HB 4145A passed the House 40-1 and it goes before the Senate on March 3 for a vote.

SUCCESS! HB 4154A has passed both chambers and has been signed by Legislative Leaders. It now goes to the governor for a signature.

Energy and Environment, Natural Resources

SB 1541 Oregon Climate Resilience Superfund (AKA "Make Polluters Pay") COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

In 2024, Vermont and New York became the first states to pass a climate superfund bill that would raise billions of dollars from fossil fuel companies to help pay for climate damages and resiliency programs. In 2025, the fight expanded across the country, with nearly a dozen states, including Oregon, proposing their own legislation. By making polluters pay their fair share for climate damages, climate Superfund laws can help raise new revenue to pay for critical infrastructure needs and prepare for extreme weather events.

Good News! This bill passed (3-2) out of committee on 2/10. It has been assigned to Ways and Means.

Time is running out for this bill, for the second year in a row. It's a big disappointment that legislators aren't willing to hold big polluters accountable for the damage they cause. This bill isn't going away. We'll be ready for a bigger push in 2027.

HB 4134 A 1.25% For Wildlife - COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This legislation proposes to dedicate sustainable funding for the implementation of our SWAP by raising the statewide transient lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75% (an increase of 1.25 percentage points). This investment in our wildlife and habitat represents a wise investment in not only our present and future natural resources but also serves as a reinvestment in the reason so many visitors travel to Oregon.

This bill had a public hearing on Feb 4. CLICK HERE for a link to watch the recording. Thank you to the many who submitted testimony in support of this bill. The supporters far far outweigh the opponents on this one.

GOOD NEWS! The bill was approved in Rules committee by a vote of 6-1 with a -1 amendment!! (Rep. Reschke was a no).

MOVEMENT ALERT! GREAT NEWS! The House passed HB 4134 A on Feb. 24 by a vote of 36-22!!

GREAT NEWS! The bill had a public hearing on Feb 26 in the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue that was extended to Feb. 27; in a work session that followed the public hearing, the committee unanimously approved the bill (with 2 legislators excused)!! Watch the hearing and work session here.

SUCCESS! HB 4134 A, 1.25% for Wildlife, passed the Senate on Mar. 4 by a vote of 20-9. It has been signed by the House Speaker. It is now awaiting signatures by the Senate President and the Governor.

ACTION ALERT! Please call Gov. Tina Kotek at 503-378-4582 and let her know you want her to sign HB 4134, 1.25% for Wildlife.

HB 4153 A Allows "Farm Stores" in Exclusive Farm Use Zones COIN OPPOSES THIS BILL

Under current Oregon land use laws, "farm stands" are allowed on land designated as "Exclusive Farm Use"(EFU). This bill would replace existing regulations for farm stands on EFU zones with new regulations for "farm stores." Farm stores would be permitted to be much larger, sell a wider variety of products, and potentially be used for event venues and other activities that would violate the original intent of the EFU designation. Opponents are concerned that this bill opens the door to sacrificing Oregon's world-class farmland to multi-use retail, hospitality, and entertainment development. This bill has had multiple amendments filed that could change our stance. HB 4153 A will widely commercialize Oregon's farmland that will primarily benefit corporate developers and investors.

BAD NEWS! This bill passed the committee with the -3 Amendment on Feb. 16 by a vote of 8-3. Click here to watch the session. The bill previously had two public hearings on Feb 4 and 9. CLICK HERE for links to watch either hearing.

MORE BAD NEWS! In a Feb. 27 work session the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction reported out this bill and moved it to the full Committee with a do pass recommendation with Rep. Nathanson and Rep. Kropf the only no votes. You can watch the work session here.

This bill was approved in a work session on Mar. 2 by the Joint Ways & Means Committee by a vote of 20-2. Find the link to watch the proceedings here. It was then passed by the House on Mar. 4 by a vote of 40-14. It then moved to the Senate and was referred to the Joint Ways & Means Committee where it passed.

ACTION ALERT! A vote in the Senate is scheduled for Friday, Mar. 6. Contact your state senator (look up here) and urge them to protect Oregon farmland by voting no on HB 4153 A.

HB 4126 Get the Data for a Better Road Usage Charge COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill requires the Oregon Department of Transportation to submit a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly that recommends a rate for the per-mile road usage charge that would sustainably raise the revenue necessary to maintain the public highways of this state. The report must include:

Estimated cost for maintenance and preservation of the state’s transportation system, including local systems
Estimate of total vehicle miles driven on state public highways using the most current data.
Metrics by which maintenance and preservation needs are evaluated and reported, including: (a) desired pavement condition index for each road type; (b) Striping and painting standards; (c) bridge replacement timelines; (d) associated administrative costs.

Funding for construction and maintenance of the state highway system can no longer be sustained by the gasoline tax. In fact, the transportation budget has been radically underfunded for over a decade. This bill will close some of the gap.

COIN Worksheet for HB 4126 for more details

GOOD NEWS! This bill was approved by the committee on Feb. 16 with the -2 Amendment by a vote of 5-2. Click here to watch the session. The bill previously had a public hearing on Feb 11. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearing.

Contact Ways and Means committee members and urge them to move this bill forward.

HB 4144 A - Battery Recycling COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization and implement a battery producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of batteries. It has many exceptions, including lead acid batteries weighing more than 11 pounds (like computer back-up systems), medical devices, not easily removable batteries, all motor vehicle batteries, etc. The actual requirements on battery producer responsibility organizations are vague. The Environmental Quality Commission can adopt rules. We think the bill would be stronger with fewer exemptions, but it's a start.

COIN Worksheet with more info

This bill had a public hearing on Feb 5.

GOOD NEWS! The committee voted unanimously (12-0) to move this bill on to the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources. During a work session Feb. 25 the bill it was moved to the full Ways and Means Committee where it passed 22-2.

MORE GOOD NEWS! The bill passed the House on Feb. 27 by a unanimous vote with 18 excused. CLICK HERE for a link to watch the proceedings.

SUCCESS! The Senate voted 20-8 to approve HB 4144 A Thursday, March 5. Awaiting enrollment and signatures.

HB 4046 Nuclear Energy Study Bill COIN OPPOSES THIS BILL

This bill would require DOE to conduct a study of the efficacy of nuclear electrical generation for Oregon and evades the fiscal dilemma by establishing a fund into which entities (with an interest in establishing small modular nuclear reactors - SMNRs - in Oregon) can pay to support the study. COIN opposes this bill because we believe there is no benefit in Oregon trying to re-invent this wheel by conducting yet another futile ‘study’ of a technology that, at best, has yet to be demonstrated, and at worst is a dead end that contributes little or nothing to addressing the climate crisis. Even if nuclear generation were credible for Oregon, it remains the most expensive route available to achieve reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy generated. Further, there is still no federal repository in Oregon for nuclear waste and voters banned nuclear energy in 1980 until such a repository was available.

This bill had a public hearing Feb 10 with a work session Feb 12. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearing.

BAD NEWS! The committee approved the -2 amendment and voted unanimously (12-0) to move this bill on to the Ways and Means Committee.

You can contact committee members and urge them NOT to support this unnecessary bill. Time is running out, so it looks like this bill will not be moving forward this session, fortunately.

HB 4105 - Prioritizes Timber Harvest Over Other Forest Values COIN OPPOSES THIS BILL

This bill says its purpose is to "establish sustainable harvest levels" on our state forest lands. However, what it would actually do is require the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to establish a harvest level by rule that prioritizes timber harvest over other values. Currently, management of state forests requires a balance of multiple values, including habitat, clean water, fish and wildlife, and recreation. This bill undermines all other plans, policies or directives made by the Board of Forestry, including the State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan and the Climate Change and Carbon Plan. Additionally, it would establish a new right to sue the ODF over state forest timber harvest plans and obtain court orders to compel more clearcuts on public land. COIN opposed this bill in 2025 and we oppose it again in 2026.

BAD NEWS! Unfortunately, this bill was approved by the Committee by a vote of 10-1 following a second public hearing and a work session on Feb. 16. Click here to watch. This bill had an earlier public hearing on Feb. 11. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearing. Now it moves to the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

You can contact committee members and urge them to vote NO on this bill. Time is running out, so it looks like this bill will not be moving forward this session, fortunately.

General Government and Elections

HB 4018 B Campaign Finance Reform - COIN OPPOSES THE -8 AMENDMENT!

A HUGE SLAP IN THE FACE!

Legislators filed an 84-page amendment late Monday Feb 9 and scheduled it for a public hearing at 8:00 am Tuesday morning. The process that produced it excluded all campaign finance reform advocates in Oregon, including Honest Elections Oregon, the League of Women Voters of Oregon, Common Cause, the Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network (COIN), the Independent Party of Oregon, Oregon Progressive Party, and Pacific Green Party, among others. This amendment substantially changes the reform bill passed with coordinated efforts in 2024. Preliminary analysis: it seems to be a new campaign finance bill, dropped in with no time for opponents to organize opposition.

Leaders of the Oregon Legislature in 2024 and again in 2025 pledged to correct technical errors in HB 4024 (2024). Honest Elections Oregon identified the necessary technical fixes in June 2024, none were introduced in the 2025 session, and none has been introduced in this session. Instead we see drastic changes to the 2024 "agreement",

BAD NEWS! After last minute amendments and two public hearings last week, a work session and vote was held Tuesday Feb 17. The House Rules Committee passed this bill with a 6-1 vote after approving the -8 amendment. The 92- page amendment delays the CFR deadline 4 years to 2032 among many other changes.

An Informational Session was held in the Senate Rules Committee on Feb 23, and Senator Jeff Golden made sure that representatives from the Good Government coaltion were invited speakers. We recommend watching the recording HERE. It's very informative and Senator Golden asked tough questions that those supporting this bill had a tough time answering. Thank you Senator Golden for your longtime support of real campaign finance reform.

On Feb. 18 this bill was referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee. On Feb. 27 this bill was assigned to the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction (JWMCC). On March 2, this bill passed out of both the subcommittee and the full Joint Ways and Means Committee.

The bill was scheduled for a vote on Mar. 4 in the House, but before that could take place, the bill was sent to the House Rules Committee. Watch the work session here.

MOVEMENT ALERT: On Thursday, this bill:

had a work session in Rules,
passed that committee 7-0
passed the House 39-19,
was returned to Ways and Means,
passed Ways and Means, then
immediately was brought to the Senate floor where rules were suspended to allow for an immediate vote.
The Senate passed it 20-9.

Talk about ramming this miserable bill quickly down our throats! Wow! Awaiting enrollment and signatures.

ACTION ALERT! Please call Gov. Tina Kotek at 503-378-4582 or send her a message HERE and let her know you want her to veto this campaign finance reform betrayal bill.

SB 1508 Another bill requiring the SoS to study elections COIN IS WATCHING THIS BILL

This is another "placeholder" bill that had a public hearing in the Senate Rules Committee on Mar. 2 on the -5 amendment which apparently the proponent, Sen. Manning, believed would be a vehicle to allow stakeholders to be heard. He seems to have been referring to HB 4018 A; however, as the -5 amendment simply delays implementation of a 2025 law that prohibits the Secy of State from revealling certain residential addresses on ORESTAR; it has nothing to do with HB 4018 A. Sen. Golden used the hearing to denounce HB 4018, but the committee then adjourned with no further action. Sens. Manning and Golden were trying to use this bill to stop HB 4018 A, but it did not work.

COIN Worksheet for SB 1508

More Campaign Finance Reform Shenanigans!

Although Campaign Finance Reform legislation (HB 4024) was passed (with much fanfare) during the 2024 short session, little real progress has been made on implementing the bill, and almost none of the recommendations from Honest Elections Oregon (HEO) regarding technical corrections and proper administrative rules have been incorporated. The Secretary of State's office is now under the gun since HB 4024 campaign contribution limits are supposed to take effect January 1, 2027, and its additional disclosure requirements to take effect January 1, 2028.

The SoS’s office has indicated that it needs an additional $25 million to implement HB4024. Despite numerous requests, the SOS has provided no information on what the $25 million is needed for. For more details, click on the COIN Letter below.

COIN Letter to Legislators opposing delay of HB 4024 implementation

ACTION ALERT! Contact your state senator and state rep (look them up here) and urge them to oppose any delay of HB 4024 implementation. Feel free to use any or all of the COIN letter above.

SB 1592 Unified Primary COIN IS WATCHING THIS BILL

Effectively this bill does away with separate primaries held by each political party (and in which only members of that party can vote) and moves to a single, unified primary in which any registered voter can participate, regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates receiving the most votes would then move on to the general election.

Unlike previous “top 2 primary” measures and unlike the systems in California and Washington, SB 1592 would still allow anyone to get on the general election ballot by collecting sufficient voter signatures, like Betsy Johnson did in 2022. Also, any political party can opt out of the unified primary and nominate candidates directly to the general election ballot.

In Senate Rules Committee.

Read more details in the COIN Worksheet for SB 1592

HJR 201 Amends the Oregon Constitution relating to primary elections COIN IS WATCHING THIS BILL

This bill is very similar to SB 1592 above, but it would refer a Constitutional amendment to the voters for the next regular general election (Nov 2026). The amendment, if then approved by the voters, would amend the Oregon constitution to require that primary election ballots contain the names of all candidates of any political party affiliation for specified offices. It further would provides that a registered elector in this state may not be denied the right to vote in any primary election in this state solely because that elector is registered as unaffiliated with any political party.

Read more details in the COIN Worksheet for HJR 201.

In House Rules Committee.

This bill had a public hearing on Feb 5. COIN is not endorsing or opposing this bill, but we encourage voters to learn more about the pros and cons of a Unified (Open) Primary Election, as there will likely be many efforts to reform elections in the coming years. CLICK HERE to watch the recording.

SB 1509 A Protects Presidential Electors COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Specifies rules regarding choosing electors, specifies that Secretary of State will supervise. Specifies that faithless electors will be removed and replaced with an elector who will support the winner of the election in Oregon. In the 2020 election, several false slates of electors were submitted that requred judicial challenges. This bill will tighten up Oregon's laws to prevent that from happening.

GOOD NEWS! This bill passed the Senate unanimously on Feb. 19 with 3 excused.

A public hearing was held on SB 1509 in the House Rules Committee on Feb 27. The committee voted 7-0 to move this bill forward during a work session on March 3. Now it moves to the House floor for a vote. MOVEMENT SUCCESS! This bill passed the House on Mar. 4 by a vote of 51-2. It has been signed by Legislative Leaders. It now goes to the governor for signature.

SJR 202 Extends Legislative Sessions in Event of Walkouts COIN IS WATCHING THIS BILL

Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to extend the duration of a regular session of the Legislative Assembly by one calendar day for each day that the Senate or the House of Representatives fails to achieve a quorum after attempting to do so. This is one way of thwarting legislators from walking out of sessions. While we are interested in keeping legislators from using walkouts to hold critical legislation hostage, we think, at the very least, that this bill should be amended to include a provision that unexcused absences result in forfeiture of at least per diem for any extra days required. Additionally, we think the simplest way to to prevent walkouts it to change the quorum rule and allow for a simple majority to constitute a quorum.

COIN worksheet with more info

This bill is currently in the Senate Rules committee. You can write to committee members and let them know what you think about this bill.

SB 1549 Political Contribution Tax Credits COIN IS NEUTRAL ON THIS BILL

This bill would increase the maximum Oregon political income tax credit from $50 per person ($100 for couple filing jointly) to $1,000 and $2,000. The Oregon political income tax credit has been at its current dollar level ($50 or $100) for 39 years! $100 in 1987 is equivalent to $280 today. We like this bill because it has the potential to increase small contributions going to candidates and thus reduce their dependency on larger donations, but we think the increase in this bill goes to far. We also have concerns that this could potentially reduce revenue in a year when Oregon can little afford any reduction. For these reasons we're "neutral" on this bill for now and will submit testimony with our recommendations.

In Senate Finance and Revenue.

This bill had a public hearing on Feb 11. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearing.

HB 4143 RECOURSE Act - Response to Illegally Withheld Federal Funds COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Authorizes the Governor to direct state agencies to withhold moneys owed to the federal government if federal funds are being withheld from the state in contravention of a valid court order. Requires the state to indemnify officers, employees or agents for civil claims arising from compliance with the Act.

This bill has a lot of Democratic support as evidenced by the large number of Chief Sponsors and Regular Sponsors. It passed the House on Feb 19 with a 35-19 vote. It had a public hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb 23.

GOOD NEWS! The bill had a work session Feb 25 and passed out of committee on a 4-2 vote. CLICK HERE for links to read the testimony of others and watch the proceedings. HB 4143 should now head for a vote by the full Senate.

ACTION ALERT! Contact your state senator (look them up here) and let them know you want them to push for a vote on this bill and to vote yes on HB 4143.

Revenue

HB 4125 Revenue Forecast and Modernization Act (aka "Kicker" Refinement) COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill will improve the the methods used by the Oregon Department of Revenue to estimate surplus revenue, estimations from which the "Kicker" refund to taxpayers is calculated. This bill does not elimitate the "Kicker" which voters asked for in 1980. Rather, it provides for a more accurate calculation. The resulting savings can be used for one-time needs such as reducing PERS liability, avoiding costly bonding for capital projects, and responding to emergencies.

This bill had a public hearing on February 2. CLICK HERE to view the recording. We saw many familiar names in the testimony for this bill. Thanks to all who took the time to submit your opinions. It's now in the House Revenue Committee.

You can contact committee members and urge them to pass this bill out of committee.

SJR 201 Another bill to reform the kicker - referring it as a ballot measure

This is similar to HB 4125 above, but this requires a referral to voters.

It had a public hearing on Feb 18. We prefer HB 4125 above, but would support this bill as an alternative. Watch the proceedings HERE. Currently in Senate Finance and Revenue.

SB 1507 Partial Disconnect from the Federal Tax Code COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

During the January Legislative Days, state lawmakers discussed strategies to make up for some of the shortfalls in funding due to cuts by the federal government. One potentially important avenue being explored is to “disconnect” Oregon’s tax rate from the federal rate that gives multi-national corporations substantial loopholes. Doing so would make these wealthy corporations (think Google, Nike, Facebook, and Amazon) pay their fair share here in Oregon. This bill with the -3 and -7 amendments is a good start.

This bill passed the Senate with a vote of 17-13.

After a public hearing on Feb. 18, the House Revenue Committee passed the bill by a vote of 4-3 in a Feb. 19 work session. And the bill passed the full House on Feb 25 by a vote of 34-21.

SUCCESS! This bill has passed both chambers and has been signed by Legislative Leaders. It now goes to the governor for signature.

HB 4148 and SB 1562 LOCAL Transient Lodging Tax Reallocation - NOT A TAX INCREASE! COIN ENDORSES THESE BILLS

The TLT raises funds from visitors overnight stays in a hotel, motel, etc.

Both bills are substantively the same as our endorsed HB 3962-A14 from the 2025 session. The local lodging tax is currently restricted in use to tourism promoting activities and programs. Little is allowed for public services strained by the influx of tourists. These services include fire, police, water, roads, and other infrastructure.

Currently, 70 % of most local TLT revenue funds tourism promotion and 30% goes to local infrastructure maintenance and repair. These new bills change the distribution. 40% would fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities or finance or refinance the debt of tourism-related facilities. 60% would fund city or county services, whether emergency or nonemergency services, provided directly by the city or county or by a special district in lieu of the city or county. They do not increase the current local tax.

Supported in 2025 by city officials, county commissioners, and other local government entities.

Those in opposition pointed out that there is still a great need to promote more tourism in some regions and during the off-season to provide stability for the workforce. While we agree that tourism is vital to many local communities , we feel this bill provides the necessary balance to satisfy these needs.

GOOD NEWS! HB 4148 was approved by the House Revenue Committee on Feb. 19 by a vote of 4-2, following a public hearing on Feb 18. CLICK HERE to watch the proceedings. The bill was approved with the -7 amendment that changes the split of revenues from the transient lodging tax from 70% to 50% for tourism-related activities including grants for small businesses in the restaurant and lodging industries. That means local governments now receive 50% rather than 30% of those tax revenues for emergency and non-emergency services.

GOOD NEWS! HB 4148 passed the full House by a 40-12 vote Wednesday Feb 25.

This bill had a public hearing on Monday March 2 and then a work session. The Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue approved the bill with a do pass recommendation by a vote of 3-2.

SUCCESS! This bill passed the Senate with a 23-6 vote on Thursday March 5. Awaiting enrollment and signatures.

HB 4084 B - Governor's "Prosperity" Bill COIN OPPOSES THIS BILL

The measure increases property tax exemption for up to 7 years (12 years total) or beyond that, based on Business Oregon rules and approval. Modifies and expands eligibility for participation in Oregon’s Free Enterprise Zones by directing the agency Business Oregon to designate zones based on loss of major employers, underutilized industrial land, emerging industry opportunities, and a publicly defined, community economic need or potential. Enterprise Zone employment requirements can be satisfied by flexible hiring timelines with a written agreement with a “zone sponsor.” There is no specific jobs requirement for the exemptions, and this bill raises serious concerns about circumventing Oregon's cherished land use laws.

BAD NEWS! This bill was approved on Feb. 19 by a vote of 5-1 in a work session by the House Revenue Committee with the A-14 amendment, following another public hearing on Feb 16. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearings.

MOVEMENT ALERT! BAD NEWS! This bill had a work session before the subcommittee on Mar. 2 at 9 a.m. and was returned to the full Joint Ways & Means Committee for a work session at 3:00 pm. The full committee approved the bill 21-1 with the -B26 amendment that provides a limited moratorium on eligibility of data centers for property tax exemptions and limits the period of eligibility of data centers to 3 years; the amendment also otherwise limits the types of businesses that qualify for these exemptions. This bill was passed by the House on Mar. 4 by a vote of 50-5

ACTION ALERT! Thursday, HB 4084 B moved to the Senate and was assigned to the Joint Ways & Means Committee. It quickly passed committee and was given a second reading in preparation for a vote Friday Mar. 6. Contact your state senator (look them up here) and urge them to stop this bill with its tax giveaways to large corporations and after a year moratorium, will allow more data and crypto mining centers with tax breaks though they produce few jobs and use massive amounts of water and electricity.

SB 1586 Tax Breaks and Urban Growth Boundary Changes for Big Tech COIN OPPOSES THIS BILL

Like HB 4084 above, this bill allows for exceptions to Oregon's important land use laws, permitting Big Tech to develop land currently outside of the Urban Growth Boundary (UBG). It would convert approximately 1,700 acres of designated Rural Reserve farmland to industrial use by skirting Oregon’s established land use planning system. Although focused on Washington County, the precedent it sets threatens the integrity of the statewide framework that protects farmland and natural resources. Further, this bill expands research and development (R&D) income tax credit for semiconductor companies with 3,000 or more employees. At a time when Oregon is facing deep budget cuts, now is not the time to give more tax credits to wealthy corporations.

This bill had a public hearing on Feb 16, but scheduled an additional hearing on Wednesday Feb 18 at 8 am as there were so many people who wanted to testify (overwhelmingly opposed). And now a third public hearing was held on Feb 23. CLICK HERE for links to watch the proceedings.

SB 1586 is in the Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue, so the usual deadlines do not apply. There is still time for the bill to sneak through so watch for any additional news on this bill!

HB 4016 Tax Compliance for Public Contracts COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

HB 4016 is a simpler version of HB 2084 which COIN endorsed in 2025, requiring that people who get public contracts obey the tax laws of the state, cities and counties. The 2026 bill will require a certificate of tax compliance before state can award the contract, for projects over $250,000. It only makes sense that people and businesses that benefit from Oregon taxpayers pay their fair share. There have been some notable failures in this regard (The Oregonian 7-22-24 and Willamette Week 1-22-25).

GOOD NEWS! This bill had a work session on Feb 11 and the committee approved the -2 amendment and voted 5-1 for a "Do Pass" recommendation. The bill is now in the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

This bill was heard on Feb. 27 by the Subcommittee on Capitol Construction and returned to the full Joint Ways and Means Committee with a do pass recommendation with the -4 and -8 amendments. You can watch the hearing here.

The full Joint Ways and Means Committee approved this bill with the -A7 amendment in a work session on Mar. 2 by a vote of 14-7. Watch the proceedings here. The House approved the bill on Mar. 4 by a vote of 35-21.

ACTION ALERT! Thursday, HB 4016 moved to the Senate and was assigned to the Joint Ways & Means Committee. It quickly passed committee and was given a second reading in preparation for a vote Friday Mar. 6. Contact your state senator (look them up here) in support of this bill.

Housing, Development, and Homelessness

HB 4036 Preserving Affordable Homes COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

Establishes the Preserve Affordable Homes for Oregon Fund to deposit Article XI-Q bonds to be used to preserve affordable housing

Preserving existing affordable housing is a key component of Oregon’s housing strategy because as affordable housing properties age, they may face physical deterioration, financial stress, or the expiration of affordability restrictions tied to federal or state programs. Without timely reinvestment, these properties are at risk of converting to market-rate housing or falling into disrepair, which can reduce the supply of affordable units and destabilize housing for low-income residents. The Oregon Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS) supports affordable housing preservation by investing in the rehabilitation, stabilization, and long-term affordability of existing multifamily housing, particularly properties with expiring federal rental assistance for affordability covenants.

COIN HB 4036 Worksheet

GOOD NEWS! This bill had a work session on Feb 10 and the committee approved the -2 amendment and voted 12-0 with a "Do Pass" recommendation. The bill has been assigned to the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capitol Construction (JWMCC). Contact committee members and urge them to keep this bill moving forward.

GOOD NEWS! This bill had a work session on Monday, Mar 2 in the JWMCC, and the bill was then approved unanimously by the full committee in a work session at 3 p.m. with the -A4 amendment. The bill was then passed by the House on Mar. 4 by a vote of 44-12.

ACTION ALERT! Thursday, HB 4036 moved to the Senate and was assigned to the Joint Ways & Means Committee. It quickly passed committee and was given a second reading in preparation for a vote Friday Mar. 6. Contact your state senator (look them up here) in support of this bill.

HB 4136 - Support for First Time Home Buyers COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill would end tax breaks for single use vacation homes to support first time homebuyers. It will create the Oregon Homeownership Opportunity Account in the State Treasury whose funds would assist first-time and first-generation home buyers with down payments. The revenue would be generated by ending the mortgage interest deduction for single-use vacation properties (except for properties in an active sale process). It could redirect an estimated $9-$10 million per year to assist first-time home buyers.

This bill had a public hearing in the House Revenue Committee on Feb 16. Watch the hearing HERE. You can contact committee members and urge them to pass this bill.

Transportation and Infrastructure, Emergency Preparedness

Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub - COIN ENDORSES THIS LEGISLATION

Two bills related to Portland's CEI Hub will be introduced this year, very similar to legislation COIN endorsed in 2025. For some background info on the CEI Hub, check out the following resources:

Perilous Fuel Tanks - Oregon's Ticking Time Bomb panel discussion Dec 2025
Stop the Spill 3-minute video

HB 4032 Diversification of Fuels bill - This legislation's intent is to reduce the amount of fuel stored at the CEI Hub on the Willamette River and distribute it to more diverse and more stable sites throughout Oregon.

This bill had a public hearing on Tuesday Feb 10 at 1:00 PM. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearing.

GOOD NEWS! The bill passed out of committee with the -1 amendment by a 7-0 vote. The bill has now been referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

ACTION NEEDED! Contact committee members and urge them to keep this bill moving forward.

HB 4100 Risk Bond/Financial Assurance bill - This bill will require a risk bond to make sure the facility has funds for clean up in the event of a disaster. It will require owners or operators of bulk oils or liquid fuels terminals to obtain a certificate of financial responsibility from the Department of Environmental Quality.

This bill had a public hearing on Tuesday Feb 10 at 1:00 PM. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearing.

GOOD NEWS! The bill passed out of committee with the -3 amendment by a 7-0 vote. But then it sat in Ways & Means for a long time. We were beginning to think it might not make it but on March 3, it passed both the Subcommittee on Capital Construction and the full Ways & Means Committee with unanimous votes! Now it moves to both the House and Senate floors for votes!

GOOD NEWS! The House voted 56-0 to pass HB 4100 on Thursday, Mar. 5. It then had its first reading in the Senate.

ACTION ALERT! Contact your state senator (look them up here) and urge them to vote YES for HB 4100, to require risk bonds for CEI Hub owners/operators.

These bills are considered DEAD for the 2026 session.

SB 1568 Insurance Coverage for Doulas and Lactation Counselors COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

The 2025 legislature passed SB692 (and COIN endorsed it) that gave increased access to doulas and lactation counselors vital to perinatal and neonatal healthcare in Oregon as hospitals reduce such services. As cooperating partners proceeded to implement the increased access to these needed specialties, it was found there were changes needed in statutory language. SB 1568 provides these changes. In the last session, a bill (SB 1039) establishing the Oregon Perinatal Collaborative at OHSU in statute did not pass, although foundational funding was granted. The passage of SB 1568 will codify the OPC to provide improved care for Oregon Moms and their babies through implementation of evidence-based practice and collaboration to make favorable changes.

COIN worksheet for more info

This bill had a public hearing and a work session on Feb 16. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-2 for a DO PASS recommendation, but no further action has occurred and time is running short. You can contact your state senator (look up here) and urge them to push for this bill to go to the Senate floor for a vote.

SB 1563 Allows Civil Law Suits Against Federal Agents Who Violate Rights COIN IS WATCHING THIS BILL

This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

Allows civil lawsuits against federal law enforcement agents who violate rights, privileges or immunities secured by the Oregon Constitution or the laws of this state. Also allows the recovery of attorney fees in the case of a successful suit.

COIN worsheet for more info

This bill had a public hearing and work session on Feb 16, where it was passed 4-2 with a DO PASS recommendation. But it doesn't have any further action scheduled and it looks like it won't meet deadlines for this session.

SB 1588 – Upgrade and Save Inclusive Utility Investment Program COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

This bill requires each electric company to create an "inclusive utility investment program" to help customers pay for energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy projects, such as solar panels or electric heat pumps, with the goal of reducing their utility costs. These programs must ensure customers see immediate and ongoing savings, with the cost of the project being less than the estimated savings, and customers will not be required to make an upfront payment, though they can choose to pay down costs. The payments may be made with the monthly savings on customers’ utility bills.

Importantly, this bill will fund energy efficiency and strategic electrification without additional burden to the General Fund or ratepayers.

This bill had a public hearing scheduled on Monday Feb 9. CLICK HERE for a link to watch the recording.

A work session was held on Feb. 16, but the bill remains in Committee. Watch the proceedings here.

HB 4150 No State Contracts with ICE COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL
This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

This bill would prohibit the state from entering into any contract or awarding a grant to any person or entity that provides transportation services in connection with deportation of anyone from the United States.

This bill had a public hearing on Feb 5. CLICK HERE to watch the recording. A work session was scheduled for Thursday February 12 but was canceled.

SB 1580 The Oregon Journalism Protection Act COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL
This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

The Oregon Journalism Protection Act is crafted to provide fair compensation to Oregon news content providers from the Big Tech companies such as Mehta and Google who poach local articles for their platforms. Offering 2 payment options, this Act aims to rebalance the market and reinvest in our local journalism that is in decline. Similar acts are producing revenue for local news providers in Canada, Australia, New Jersey, and California. COIN endorsed a nearly identical version of this bill in 2025, but Sen. Sollman killed it on the Senate floor. Let's work to get it passed this year. This bill now has a proposed -2 amendment that would exclude Meta (Facebook) from this bill as the platform doesn't have control over the content its users post.

This bill had a public hearing on Wednesday Feb. 11 at 8:00 AM. CLICK HERE for links to watch the hearing.

SB 1555 Study to Create a Model School COIN OPPOSES THIS BILL
This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

Senate Bill 1555 will be one in a long line of existing studies, all of which have shown that state education funding in Oregon is inadequate to achieve the education goals we have for our children. As the legislature struggles to maintain even its current level of funding for schools, there is no reason to believe that this new study will lead to additional funding for schools. Yet some lawmakers want to spend public money to hire a third-party contractor to develop various "prototype schools": imaginary schools to show what education in Oregon could look like, if the legislature were to ever fund it adequately. We already have 2 studies with many recommendations. We say: No money for imaginary schools, while making cuts to real ones.

GOOD NEWS! This bill had a public hearing on Tuesday Feb 10. CLICK HERE for links to watch the recording. During a work session Thursday Feb 12, the Chair refused to bring it to the table in its current form due to concerns about the bill's timetable. It may be dead for this session.

HB 4080 Plug-in Solar aka Balcony Solar COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL
This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

This bill allows retail electricity consumers to install and use portable solar photovoltaic devices up to 1,200 watts to offset electricity use. The bill ensures that plug-in balcony solar systems are introduced only through established, conservative safety pathways governed by nationally recognized standards and Oregon regulatory oversight. The bill does not pre-approve products or installation methods, instead it relies on UL certification, NEC adoption, and DCBS rulemaking to determine when and how plug-in photovoltaic systems may be safely deployed. The law applies to existing and future tenancies and planned communities’ and condominiums’ governing documents.

This bill had a public hearing on Feb 5. CLICK HERE for links to watch the recording. A work session scheduled for Tuesday Feb 10 was canceled.

SB 1552 Notification of Title Transfer COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL
This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

The bill seeks to protect owners of real estate from title hijacking by persons who file fraudulent documents with county clerks. If someone presents a document to a county clerk to change title to a property, the clerk must notify the owner of the real property. There are several exemptions and we think the bill would be stronger if the exemptions were removed. Also, the transaction purportedly documented in the filed papers should be suspended for a period to allow the property owner to verify that it is valid. This bill just requires notification to the property owner, who must then take action to reverse the fraudulent transfer of title.

This bill had a public hearing on Thursday Feb 12. CLICK HERE for links to watch the proceedings.

SB 1582 Virtual Power Plants COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL
This bill is considered DEAD for this session.

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of customer-owned energy resources (such as battery storage systems, smart thermostats, electric vehicles, electric water heaters, and rooftop solar) that are coordinated to support the electric grid much like a traditional power plant, but at far lower cost, and with many other positive benefits. When installed at or close to homes and businesses, these resources can help balance electricity demand and supply, stabilize the electric grid, and lower system costs for all ratepayers. When demand for electricity is highest, participating customers will be compensated for sharing stored energy with the grid and/or briefly reducing demand in ways that have little or no impact on them.

When these devices are aggregated and coordinated, they can provide many of the same energy services (capacity, energy, ancillary services) as traditional power plants. Customers who agree to participate will get paid for providing these services, usually in the form of a substantial bill credit.

This bill had a public hearing on Monday Feb 9. CLICK HERE for a link to watch the recording.

Additional bills that may be of interest to you, but we aren't watching as closely as those listed above.

HB 4017 Authorizes campaign funds for security expenses COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

COIN Worksheet for more info

SUCCESS! The bill passed the House on Feb. 17 by a vote of 48-3 and passed the Senate unanimously on Mar. 2. It has been signed by Legislative Leaders and now awaits the Governor's signature!

HB 4160 Enrolled Mandates cardiac emergency response and training in schools COIN ENDORSES THIS BILL

We think this is a great bill but it looks like it'll be a slam dunk with huge bipartisan support, so we probably don't need to urge any action to help it pass.

SUCCESS! It passed the House by a vote of 53-1 on Feb 19 and the Senate on Mar. 3 unanimously. It has been signed by Legislative Leaders and now awaits the Governor's signature!