Rep. Yunker wins free-speech victory

House Conduct Committee Dismisses Complaints Against Rep. Dwayne Yunker
By Oregon State Representative Dwayne Yunker,

SALEM, Ore. – Today the Oregon House Conduct Committee dismissed all complaints filed under Legislative Branch Personnel Rule 27 against Representative Dwayne Yunker (R–Grants Pass).

Representative Yunker called the outcome a clear affirmation of constitutional protections for political speech in the Legislature and a wake-up call for needed reform in Salem.

“This isn’t just a victory for me,” said Representative Yunker. “It’s a victory for every Oregonian who believes their elected representatives should speak freely, without fear of punishment for their viewpoints.”

The complaints arose from two speeches Representative Yunker delivered on the House floor in March, one opposing Senate Bill 1098 and the other expressing concerns about House Bill 3014.

“This whole ordeal shines a light on the broader issue,” said Representative Yunker. “Rule 27 needs to be reformed, and the Legislative Equity Office needs to be eliminated.”

“Rule 27 has been weaponized to chill debate,” said Representative Yunker. “If we allow that to stand, we’re telling legislators they can be hauled into investigations simply for saying something unpopular.”

According to information obtained via a public records request, the Legislative Equity Officer earns $329,534.52 per year in pay and benefits. The Legislative Equity Office budget for the 2025-27 biennium is $2,151,556.

Background

Representative Yunker’s August 4,2025 letter to the House Conduct Committee