|
Dear OSCC Members & Colleagues –
The big news of the past week was the release of the Joint Transportation Committee framework around a potential transportation package to fund a nearly $2 billion shortfall in Oregon’s road maintenance and transportation system.
OSCC has long felt that the magnitude of the problem would lend itself to a sort of “vapor lock” in the legislature – as the sheer volume of taxes needed to raise $2 billion would be politically very difficult.
Oregonians were awakened to the shock of what a comprehensive transportation package might look like, as it contained a variety of new taxes and increased fees – some of them very significant. You can review the framework here: Oregon TRIP 2025
It should be noted that the framework is a starting point for discussions and will be a priority topic as we head into the second half of the 2025 session.
We have three days left before all policy bills need to be moved out of the first chamber policy committee in order to beat the April 9th deadline. That is the main buzz of this week, as legislators are working feverishly to get last minute votes or amendments to try and move their bills.
There is still a major pile-up of “deadline sensitive” issues that OSCC is watching for further action and advocacy, including:
-
Delay of Advanced Clean Truck Rule (HB 3119) Although HB 3119 itself is dead, we believe another identical bill will start moving – be on the lookout for a new bill number to emerge. OSCC will report further developments.
-
Workplace Marijuana Accommodation. (Senate Bill 176 ) OSCC is very concerned about SB 176, which would force Oregon employers to accommodate medical marijuana use among its workers in Sections 34-35 of the bill. As of now, OSCC believes the bill will be amended to reflect OSCC’s position that there should be no employment accommodations.
-
‘Bad Faith’ Insurance Lawsuits. (SB 174) SB 174 is being opposed by OSCC, the insurance industry, and business community at large as it will drive up insurance premiums for commercial property and casualty policies.
-
Age Discrimination Lawsuits. (HB 3187) This would expand the scope of Oregon’s age discrimination laws to create new claims for older workers by allowing salary, experience, and retirement status to serve as “proxies” for age discrimination. OSCC believes this bill will be modified significantly to reflect our concerns.
-
Job Posting Requirements. (HB 2746) This bill dictates what information an employer must include in a job posting. Proponents want to use the bill to compel employers to disclose precise salary and benefit information in job postings.
-
Farm Workforce Standards Board. (HB 2548) OSCC is very concerned about an emerging trend that would establish new industry regulatory boards that would determine employment and wage law for specific industries. This is a grave threat to Oregon employers as the “Standards Board” concept can be applied to any industry.
-
TLT Diversion. (HB 3556) OSCC is activated on this bill that would divert the use of Transient Lodging Tax revenues from local tourism promotion to also pay for ‘tourism impact services.’ We have heard from many Chambers of Commerce that this would really hurt local chambers, many of whom administer local tourism programs.
-
Property Owner & Contractor Liability. (SB 426) OSCC has watched this bill – which would hold property owners and general contractors liable for any unpaid wages at the subcontractor level – and has seen that it has gotten entirely too much momentum. The bill directly punishes the wrong parties for wage theft at the subcontractor level.
-
“Clean Environment” Constitutional Referral. (SJR 28) This amendment to the Oregon Constitution would establish a fundamental right to a clean, safe and healthy environment. The bill allows an individual to sue against state action or inaction that allows harm or the threat of harm to public safety and health interests. The bill is aimed at industrial activity.
-
Expansion of Paid Leave Oregon (HB 3491): This “gut and stuff” of a ‘placeholder’ bill with the -1 amendment requires the Employment Department to determine how to allow incremental leave to be part of Paid Leave Oregon. Incremental leave would be paid by the hour. Incremental paid leave becomes very hard to manage and is often abused.
-
90-Day Notice to Sue (HB 2957): This bill eliminates the 90-day notice to sue requirement, extending the timeline that an employment claim can be filed after BOLI concludes there is no evidence to support a claim. Current law gives people a time limit of 90-days to sue an employer after BOLI concludes its investigation and finds in favor of the employer.
-
Alcohol Taxes (HB 3197; HB 3940): OSCC is watching legislation that would add an alcohol sales tax (HB 3197) and add an additional beverage deposit (HB 3940) to fund wildfire mitigation efforts. Both bills would require a 3/5 “supermajority” in order to pass into law.
-
Restrictions on Industrial Sites (HB 3062): OSCC regards this bill as the most harmful to traded sector job creation, as it requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. Requires, before allowing the development of industrial sites, the study and mitigation of impacts on sensitive uses within 1,000 feet of the proposed site. Sensitive uses include public or private parks, schools, child care facilities, hospitals or residential care facilities.
| 
