9 notable bills Kotek signed (among 100+ mostly fluff bills)

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

#1. SB 548. The bill increases the minimum age a person must be to get married to 18 years old.

#2. SB 599. The bill prohibits landlord determining whether someone can rent a house based on their immigration status.

#3. HB 3789 might more accurately be called the “Sue the Freedom Foundation Bill” because it gives unions sweeping new powers to sue their chief opponent.

#4. SB 558. The bill lets some marijuana licensees give samples and sell some things at events registered with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, as well as give samples of seeds and immature marijuana plants to permitted workers. The licensee also may provide samples of some marijuana items in specified amounts to permitted workers, among other things.

#5. SB 733. The bill expands the definition of the term “potentially dangerous dog” for dog control purposes to include a dog that inflicts serious injury on or kills livestock

#6. HB 3083. This bill directs schools to consider the use of a panic alarm system as part of a school safety plan.

#7. SB 97. The bill updates the law regarding funding for family law services, directing county treasurers and presiding judges to submit financial reports for conciliation and mediation accounts, and allows counties to increase fees for issuing marriage licenses.

#8. HB 2074. The bill extends the sunset date for a partial property tax break on vertical housing projects.

#9. SB 1108. The bill requires employers to allow workers to take up to four hours leave per calendar year without the loss of time, pay or benefits for the purpose of donating blood. The program that is facilitating the blood donation must be approved or accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks or the American Red Cross.

OTHER BILLS SIGNED BY KOTEK

SB 914
The bill requires billboards for the state lottery to have a phone number for a problem gambling helpline.

SB 830
The bill changes laws for the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants and to expand who qualifies for help.

HB 2307
The bill exempts lamps purchased by school districts from a ban on sales of some fluorescent lamps.

SB 827
The bill expands the Oregon Solar and Storage Rebate Program to offer rebates for energy storage systems that will be paired at the time of installation with previously purchased and installed solar electric systems.

HB 2706
The bill tells the Oregon Department of Transportation to give car dealers and dismantlers at least two days’ notice before going to see the dealer’s records. It also extends a dismantler certificate validity period by a year, as well as increases the fee for a certificate.

HB 3910
The bill will let a water supply district act as a sanitary district in more cases but require a public hearing first, as well as written consent from the sanitary district or other current provider of the service in the district.

HB 2269
The bill authorizes the Oregon State Capitol Foundation’s voting directors to appoint all remaining voting directors who have not already been appointed by the Senate President or House Speaker, among other changes.

HB 2916
The bill modifies the qualifications of the fire instructor representative member of the Fire Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training.

HB 2463
The bill gives a defendant more time to respond to a claim in small claims court, as well as clarifies the amount of a claim needed in order to request a jury trial in small claims court, which would include some interest, costs and fees.

SB 950
The bill allows a out-of-state licensed sign language interpreters to work in Oregon without needing a state license on a temporary basis.

SB 845
The bill allows the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to mandate the sale of a water utility that is unable to provide safe and adequate service. It also raised the cap on emergency repair funds from $5,000 to $100,000 per biennium, allowing PUC to address urgent issues in water utility infrastructure more effectively.

SB 904
The bill lets school districts apply to be exempt from the law that requires self-insured employers to submit proof that they will be able pay workers’ comp claims.

HB 3232
The bill eliminates the condition that properties owned by limited equity cooperatives must have been constructed or converted after the local governing body adopted the exemption program to qualify for the tax exemption.

HB 2594
The bill requires a dental laboratory to register with the Health Licensing Office.

SB 1191
The bill reaffirms that individuals cannot be criminally charged under certain statutes for merely informing others of their civil or constitutional rights. This includes obstructing governmental or judicial administration, refusing to asses a peace officer and interfering with a peace officer or probation officer.

SB 823
The bill authorizes the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to buy or contract for certain supplies and equipment.

SB 433
The bill increased the value threshold from $300 to $1,000 for self-service storage facility owners when disposing of personal property subject to a lien due to unpaid rent. If the owner’s experience suggests the property’s value is $1,000 or less, they may dispose of it at their discretion without a public sale. For property valued over that, the owner must advertise the sale once week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation or posted in places in the neighborhood.

SB 843
The bill removes the requirement that the Public Utility Commission provide a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly on the volumetric incentive rates pilot program.

HB 2698
The bill establishes a statewide homeownership goal and requires the Department of Housing and Community Services to track progress toward the goal.

HB 2077
The bill would extend the property tax break for low-income housing owned by a nonprofit.

SB 1062
The bill would allow each of the three cities of Bandon, North Bend and Reedsport set fees for water and wastewater services by a majority vote.

SB 228
The bill creates a right for residents at residential care facilities to organize and participate in resident groups such as an independent family council, and prohibits care facilities for interfering with the formation of groups or retaliating against residents for participating.

HB 2789
The bill prohibits the Oregon Health Authority from requiring a primary care provider to order to order a service provided by a registered nurse to a patient as a condition of care, in certain circumstances. In other words, registered nurses will be able to bill for certain services without needed an order from the patient’s primary care provider.

SB 1091
The bill defines what a transportation protection agreement for human remains is and is not.

HB 2530
The bill modifies a school bus stop arm camera law.

SB 5509
The bill creates a budget for the Construction Contractors Board.

HB 2119
The bill gives an association or organization standing in Oregon Tax Court.

SB 536
The bill allows a licensed physician associate or nurse practitioner to be a medical examiner. A physician who serves as a medical examiner must have a license.

SB 5510
The bill approves an increased fee adopted by the Construction Contractors Board.

HB 2013
The bill allows outpatient facilities to be counted as mental health treatment providers for insurance purposes if they have a certified substance use disorder program and employ certified drug and alcohol counselors.

HB 2668
The bill requires people who privately engage in search and rescue efforts for missing people to notify the county sheriff and the family of the missing person beforehand.

SB 85
The bill directs the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services and the State Fire Marshal to develop recommendations for community-based wildfire risk management.

HB 2741
The bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to maintain a state public health laboratory and a newborn bloodspot screening program.

SB 1148
The bill prohibits disability income insurers from requiring a person to use their other available benefits before being deemed eligible for the insurer’s benefits.

SB 761
The bill authorizes the Water Resources Department to approve applications by water districts in the Walla Walla basin to lease existing water rights for temporary conversion to in-stream water rights under certain conditions.

HB 2948
The bill allows school administrators or other staff to supervise a school nurse in context not related to nursing, but prohibits them from supervising or directing school nurses in the performance of their duties as nurses.

SB 810
The bill directs the Oregon Department of Human Services to work with the Department of Education to improve opportunities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are seeking employment. It requires the departments to make sure that employment services or vocational rehabilitation services for people with intellectual disabilities are not held in sheltered work settings.

SB 920
The bill directs the Oregon State University Extension Service to oversee a project to accelerate the promotion of behavioral health within the state.

SB 906
The bill requires all employers to provide all newly hired employees with a written explanation of the earnings and deductions shown on their pay stubs.

HB 2942
The bill requires the Oregon Health Authority and coordinated care organizations to reimburse pharmacies and pharmacists in the same manner as other health care providers do for certain services related to HIV treatment.

SB 179
The bill extends a temporary change made to Oregon’s landowner immunity laws last year, making the change permanent.

HB 2695
The law requires the OHSU board to allow campus union representatives to address the board upon request, and requires the board to include certain people on search and hiring committees for an OHSU president.

SB 1086
The bill requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services to help the Oregon Building Officials Association to create a proposal for an apprenticeship program for building inspectors.

HB 3218
The bill tells the Commission on Indian Services and the Department of Education to study the Tribal Alliance Promising Practices grant program and submit their findings to the legislature no later than Sept. 15, 2026.

SB 9
The bill directs Oregon Department of Transportation field offices in rural counties to prioritize request for drive tests from applicants who live in rural Oregon or within 50 miles of the office.

HB 3449
The bill allows funding for a pilot program to support foster child students to be used in other schools in the same school district.

HB 2078
The bill extends the sunset date for the property tax exemption for multiunit rental housing.

SB 1032
The Act says that an entity may not sell an aerosol duster that has Difluoroethane in it to a person who is under 18 or 21 years old. The penalty would be a maximum of 30 days’ imprisonment, $1,250 fine or both. Said aerosol duster must have a warning label.

SB 165
The bill changes the requirements for the State Land Board to claim title or assert a right to historically filled lands.

SB 907
The bill changes some requirements for someone who wants to be allowed to grow marijuana or psilocybin; the person must also notify must tell the Oregon Health Authority or the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission on where the person plans to grow, process or produce the marijuana or psilocybin, as well as who owns the site that the person plans to use. There are also some cases in which either agency cannot give permission to the person.

HB 2344
The bill requires the state’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs to keep the World War II memorial located in the Capitol Mall in Salem up to date, such as adding servicemembers’ names, as well as develop and maintain an educational tool as part of the memorial.

HB 3921
The bill approves ordinances from the city of Roseburg and Douglas County that amended the city’s urban growth boundary and the city and county’s comprehensive plan and land use regulations.

HB 3190
The bill limits the property tax special assessment program to commercial property, meaning only commercial properties can get a tax break for being historic properties.

HB 3761
The bill allows the Health Licensing Office to issue licenses to qualified applicants to practice art therapy as a provisional licensed art therapist, while also requiring the applicant to complete two years of supervised mental health practice.

SB 5535
The bill creates an agency budget for the Public Records Advocate.

HB 1109
The bill requires school boards and the boards of higher education institutions to video record and post their meetings, or

SB 817
The bill increases fees for filing a notice of intent to appeal (from $300 to $350) and a motional to intervene (from $100 to $200) with the Land Use Board of Appeals.

SB 757
The bill amends the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to include housing allowances as part of the taxable salary for chaplains at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). This means that when calculating a chaplain’s retirement benefits, their total compensation will include the housing allowance, potentially increasing their eventual retirement benefits.

SB 805
Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, the length of time that the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission is required to wait for verification that attempts were made to resolve a complaint reduces. It also adds civil penalties for individuals who engage in conduct that constitutes grounds for disciplinary action. he maximum civil penalty for a single violation is capped at $1,000.

SB 1129
The bill requires the Land Conversation and Development Commission to amend its rules relating to urban reserves.

HB 3211
The bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to develop and make available a nonopioid directive form. This allows individuals, or their designated health care representatives or advocates, to formally indicate their preference to avoid the administration or prescription of opioid medications. The directive must be made publicly accessible on the OHA website and incorporated into the individual’s medical record upon presentation to a health care provider. There are exceptions where a health care providers may administer opioids, such as in emergencies, during surgical procedures, to treat substance use disorder and in hospice care.

SB 870
The bill exempts an individual’s home address and phone number on some Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission permits from public disclosure.

SB 846
The bill modifies the requirements for how the Oregon Health Authority monitors the progress of coordinated care organizations in improving access to and the quality of health care for children and youth in the areas served.

HB 3874
The bill increases the threshold for mandatory state-level siting oversight by the Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) from 50 megawatts to 100 megawatts of average electric generating capacity. This change allows wind projects under 100 MW to bypass the EFSC site certificate process, streamlining development for mid-sized facilities.

HB 2632
The bill renames “specialty courts” to “treatment courts” and directs the Chief Justice to designate a case management system for maintaining treatment court record. It also directs treatment court programs to use the system for case management.

SB 945
The bill establishes medical assistance eligibility for individuals under age 26 who have aged out of foster care in Oregon or another state. It also requires the Oregon Health Authority to seek federal matching funds for the costs of medical assistance provided to individuals who aged out of foster care in another state.

SB 905
The bill eliminates reporting redundancies required under a Healthy and Safe Schools Plan, which is a statewide initiative that requires school district, charter schools and Education Service Districts to develop and publicly share plans to address environmental hazards in their facilities.

SB 731
The bill requires that a public employer in Oregon, as in cities, counties, school districts and other public services, provide for a pay differential for a public employee’s use of bilingual, multilingual or sign language in performing assigned duties.

SB 74
The bill authorizes the Department of State Lands to assess the state’s interests in current submerged and submersible lands within the waterways. It also authorizes the department to negotiate with property owners that may be impacted by the assessment findings.

SB 860
The bill allows the State Fire Marshal and an agency to take actions for fire protections. This relates to changes made to the Governor’s Fire Service Policy Council.

SB 861
The bill instructs the Department of the State Fire Marshal to report on certain amounts and expenditures on or before March 31 of each odd-numbered year.

SB 831
The bill updates Oregon’s insurance regulations to align with national standards set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The legislation enhances oversight of insurance holding company systems to ensure financial stability and protect policyholders. It takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

SB 588
The bill reforms the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to enhance disability benefits for police officers and firefighters. It also redefines disability criteria for police and firefighters, where previously a member was considered disabled if unable to perform any qualified work. But under the bill, members are deemed disabled if they cannot perform the specific duties of their position at the time of disability, recognizing the specialized nature of their roles. It also broadens the definition of disability to include mental or physical incapacities.

SB 289
The bill changes, from quarterly to annually, the timing of the Department of Consumer and Business Services’ requirement to report certain information to the prescription Drug Affordability Board.

HB 2586
The bill allows in-state higher learning costs at public universities in Oregon and Oregon Health and Science University for students who are seeking asylum in the U.S.

SB 1122
The bill changes how a sex offender’s risk may be assessed by allowing it to be determined on how likely an individual is reoffending at the time of release, sentencing or discharge. It also authorizes the state to reassess or reclassify a person to align with this law.

SB 873
The bill ends an Oregon Medical Board license that let doctors from others state work in Oregon.

HB 3875
The law tells a car maker that must obey the state’s privacy laws when getting personal data from a person’s use of a car.

SB 865
The legislation clarifies licensing requirements, expands the definition of qualifying work and adjusts consumer protection provisions for landscape contracting businesses in Oregon. It also expands the definition of what’s determined to be qualifying work, which now includes backflow assembly testing, installation of irrigation control wiring and outdoor landscape lighting, and tree removal or pruning.

HB 3550
The bill amends Oregon’s labor laws to exempt certain minor baseball players from specific state employments condition statutes. Specifically, the bill adds these players to the list of exemptions, which delineates categories of workers not subject to certain wage and hour regulations.

HB 3653
The bill lets a state agency sign a contract to get energy savings and other benefits, but it must be with an approved company and get a guarantee of a certain level of savings.

SB 864
The bill standardizes bond requirements for landscape contracting in Oregon, amending legislation to establish a uniform bon or letter of credit amount of $20,000 for all applicants and licenses landscape contracting businesses. This replaces a previous tiered bonding system based on project costs.

HB 2814
This bill introduces significant reforms to the licensing framework for child care facilities in Oregon, including certain requirements to be waived for child care facilities upon showing a good cause. These waivers are only if the state’s Department of Early Learning and Care is satisfied that that appropriate conditions or safeguards exist to protect the welfare of the children and the consumer interests of the parents. Under the bill, the state’s Early Learning Council can adopt rules to adjust capacity limits on the age and number of children allowed in registered family child care homes.

HB 3604
The bill sets a legal framework for how animal shelters and rescues handle stray and unowned cats. The law came about after a cat owner sued what was then the Willamette Humane Society and argued the shelter adopted out their family pet. Under it, there’s certain steps shelters and rescues must follow upon taking possession of cat, including recording the transferor’s information, posting the cat’s description and photograph online within 24 hours and notifying local animal control agencies.

It also mandates cats without identification are held for at least three business days and cats with identification be held for at least five business days. The bill provides legal defense against theft charges and grants civil liability immunity to these animal agencies, if they comply with the specific procedures.

HB 2799
The bill raises and indexes the cap for witness fees, expenses and costs for a claimant who wins in a case brought against a denial of a workers’ comp claim.

SB 862
The bill makes changes related to rural fire protection districts, including instructing the Department of the State Fire Marshal to adopt a base fire prevention code.

SB 834
The bill prohibits state hospitals from providing inpatient services to individuals who are under 18 years of age, as well as directs the Oregon Health Authority to designate a licensed physician to serve as the chief medical officer of a state hospital, regardless of whether the superintendent of the hospital is a licensed physician. It also requires certain evaluations to be conducted by a certified evaluator.

SB 159
The bill says that owners of motorcycles and mopeds may also get veterans’ plates via the Department of Transportation if the owner qualifies.

HB 3605
The bill lets someone sue a seller that breaks the laws related to a seller’s offer to sell goods or services made at a place other than the seller’s place of business.

SB 295
The bill lets a pharmacist diagnose and treat some health conditions, including for COVID-19, as well as authorizes said pharmacist to prescribe and dispense certain drugs and devices.

HB 3478
The bill eliminates the need to buy a gallonage of fuel for nonretail cardlock users dispensing of motor vehicle fuel, as well as increases the cardlock facility licensing period from one year to three years.

HB 3588
The bill says that a state official may take a document for filing that has a commercial mail receiving agency as a person’s address if the person’s business address is the same as the commercial mail receiving agency address. It also states that the official must not allow the public to see the address if the person does not want that.

HB 3560
The bill expands the sites for a childcare facility, requiring local governments to update their land use laws to comply within one year after bill is implemented.

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