11 new fees, 13 new laws in 2026

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

VEHICLE FEE INCREASES:

• Electric vehicle fee increase: Oregon is transitioning from gas taxes to road usage charges (RUC) for EVs, with a mandatory per-mile fee (around 2.3¢/mile) or a flat fee ($340/yr) starting for new EVs in 2028, phasing in for hybrids later, replacing old surcharges.

• ~~15% gas tax increase~~ — Would have been enacted 1/1/26 but suspended by gas tax referendum. Referred to November 2026 ballot for public vote.

• ~~DMV fee increases 20% to 300%~~ — Would have been enacted 1/1/26 but suspended by gas tax referendum. Referred to November 2026 ballot for public vote.

• ~~Transit wage tax increase 100%~~ — Would have been enacted 1/1/26 but suspended by gas tax referendum. Referred to November 2026 ballot for public vote.

OVERNIGHT CAMPING FEES

For stays starting May 1, 2026, Oregon will implement a “dynamic pricing model” for its 29 busiest state parks.

• Peak Pricing: At high-demand parks, rates will increase to the top of their current ranges for visits from May 1 through September 30, and year-round on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

• Tent Sites: Up to $29 per night.

• Full-Hookup RV Sites: Up to $52 per night.

ALTERNATIVE LODGING:

• Rustic Yurts: $72 per night. Deluxe Yurts/Cabins: $129 per night. Rustic Cabins: $81 per night.

OTHER OVERNIGHT FEES:

• Primitive/Overflow Camping: Increasing from $10 to at least $15 per night.

• Boat Moorage: Increasing from $15 to $20 per night.

• Out-of-State Surcharge: Non-residents are charged a 25% surcharge on all overnight reservations.

PARKING AND DAY-USE PERMITS

Major changes to parking permits took effect January 1, 2026.

• 12-Month Parking Permit: Oregon Residents: Doubled from $30 to $60. Out-of-State Residents: Increased to $75 (due to a new surcharge).

• 24-Month Parking Permit: Discontinued as of January 1, 2026 (existing permits will be honored until expiration).

• Daily Parking: Remains $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents at 46 designated parks, though the director now has the authority to raise this up to $25 for peak days at busy parks.

NEW ADDITIONAL FEES

• Waterway Access Permits: Starting in 2026, all human-powered boats (including paddleboards, kayaks, and rafts of any size) require a permit. The cost is $20 for one year or $35 for two years.

• Dump Stations: OPRD plans to introduce fees for using dump stations that were previously free. Specific costs will be announced in spring 2026.

• Eliminated Free Days: Parking fees are no longer waived for Green Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) or First Day Hikes (New Year’s Day).

*** NEW OREGON LAWS EFFECTIVE IN 2026 ***

CONSUMER AND CREDIT LAWS

• Telemarketers: Telemarketers will be limited to making calls or sending texts only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., tightening existing restrictions on unsolicited sales contacts.

• Ticket sales: New regulations will also tackle deceptive ticket resales and practices involving hidden fees, as outlined in the 2026 consumer protection package.

• Medical debt and credit rating: Medical debt will not be reported to consumer reporting agencies, meaning credit bureaus cannot include it on your credit report (SB 605).

• Rate reviews: New regulations for health insurance rate reviews will mandate clearer, consumer-friendly summaries in rate filings (HB 2564).

• Hidden fees tenants: Further protections against hidden fees for tenants and other consumers are part of the 2026 legislative changes summarized by lawmakers.

• Rate increases: The Public Utility Commission can now condition rate increases for investor-owned electric utilities based on achieving certain targets, such as cost reductions and lower greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of low-income customers (SB 688).

HEALTH LAWS

• Health coverage: State-regulated health plans must provide coverage for a wide range of FDA-approved therapies for symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, which includes hormone therapy and treatments for osteoporosis (HB 3064).

• Pre-natal: The Oregon Health Plan and commercial insurance providers will now cover expanded perinatal services such as doulas and lactation consultants (SB 692).

• In-network care: Access to in-network care must improve under health benefit plans, featuring enforceable standards that cater to the needs of diverse communities (SB 822).

EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR

• Pay cheat-sheets: Starting January 1, 2026, employers are required to provide employees with a straightforward “cheat sheet” that outlines payroll codes, pay periods, pay rates, and deductions for benefits and other purposes in or accompanying pay statements (SB 906).

• Benefits for striking workers: Additionally, striking workers in both the private and public sectors will be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, effectively lifting the previous restriction on benefits during strikes (SB 916, effective Jan. 1, 2026).

HOUSING

• Tenant locks: From 2026 onwards, landlords who utilize electronic or digital locks must also provide a physical access alternative, such as a key, fob, card, or any other non-app-based option.

• New housing: A variety of housing-related measures established in the 2025 session will simplify processes for middle-housing, adjust siting and design standards, and introduce “home start” designations for specific developable lands, with many provisions coming into effect in 2026.

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