Briefs
US Supreme Court LGBTQ case resembles one in Oregon – with different outcomes
The decision in the U.S. Supreme Court case involving a designer who refused to create wedding websites for same-sex couples resembles one decided by the Oregon Court of Appeals last year – but the rulings couldn’t be more different. The Oregon case, dating to 2013, involved bakery owners in Gresham who refused to make a […]
With legislative session over, Kotek eyes passed bills – and what remains
Sometimes, Oregonians don’t get everything they want from the Legislature, even after a 160-day session. And sometimes, not even a governor can convince enough legislators to pass a bill. Now, Gov. Tina Kotek is mapping out a future strategy after the Senate killed her proposal on changing the land-use law so cities can extend their […]
Federal authorities allocate nearly $700 million to Oregon for high-speed internet
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has earmarked nearly $700 million for high-speed internet service in areas of Oregon that lack service. The money is part of $42.5 billion allocated nationwide as part of a broadband equity program in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure law. Oregon leaders hailed the announcement. “Access to quality internet in 2023 […]
Senate passes bill to rein in paramilitary activity
The Senate on Saturday passed a bill that would clamp down on paramilitary activity and give law enforcement and private citizens tools to combat illegal intimidation, including through civil actions. House Bill 2572 has the goal of preventing armed activity that interferes with law enforcement or infringes on a person’s constitutional rights, such as voting. […]
Democratic opposition to housing bill could thwart Kotek priority
Plans at the state Capitol to end the legislative session early on Saturday are quickly dissipating, as lawmakers and lobbyists navigate a new conflict over a land-supply bill. The House and Senate initially intended to head to the floor at 10 a.m. but repeatedly postponed their plans. By 2 p.m., House Democrats were cloistered in […]
Lawmakers pass bill requiring more accountability from OHSU Primate Center
The Oregon National Primate Research Center would have to be more transparent about the nearly 5,000 primates in its care under a bill headed to Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk. House Bill 2904 would require Oregon Health & Science University, which runs the center, to annually publish online information including the number of primates in the […]
Oregon self-service gasoline bill heads to governor’s desk
Oregonians may soon have the right to pump gas into their vehicles on their own throughout the state, under a bill that cleared the Legislature on Wednesday with approval in the Senate. The measure, which passed the Senate with a 16-9 bipartisan vote, would allow Oregonians to pump their own gas or continue to get […]
Internet outage hit Oregon agencies, Legislature delayed
UPDATE at 12:30 p.m.: Internet service has been restored at the Capitol. The House and Senate plan to resume at 1 p.m. Multiple state agencies are experiencing internet outages, hindering employees from doing their jobs and blocking the Legislature from making progress on hundreds of bills. An email sent to state employees Wednesday morning by […]
Oregon group launches PAC targeting only Republican lawmaker who supports abortion rights
Oregon’s leading anti-abortion organization and a Lane County resident are launching an effort to unseat the only legislative Republican who supports abortion rights. The political director of Oregon Right to Life and a former Springfield school board candidate filed paperwork Tuesday to create the Charlie Conrad You Are Out PAC, with a purpose of “educating […]
Fish and Wildlife Service asks Oregonians about return of threatened sea otters
Federal officials want Oregonians and Californians to weigh in on the potential return of threatened sea otters to their historic home. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is holding eight open houses along the Oregon Coast this week to share a proposal for reintroducing southern sea otters — one of three subspecies of sea otter […]
Lawmakers forge bipartisan compromise on opioid overdose bill
Oregon lawmakers reached a compromise on a bill that would make medication that reverses opioid overdoses more widely available. Most of the proposal stays intact. House Bill 2395 would make naloxone – the lifesaving medication that stops overdoses from progressing – more widely available in different settings, including public schools and public buildings. First responders […]
Legislators propose child tax credit in early childhood budget plan
Oregon legislative leaders are proposing a $1,000-per-child tax credit as part of their broader early childhood budget plan. The tax credit is aimed at helping families meet rising costs of living and child care expenses, Democratic legislative leaders said in a Friday release. The tax credit, Oregon’s first, would cost $75 million, just less than […]