They Deal with Redistricting, Approving Revenue Measures, Abolishing the Kicker
The 2025 Oregon legislature will consider an unusually large number of proposed state constitutional amendments. Most of the 50 draft amendments won’t make it to the November 2026 general election ballot.
In legislative action last week, the House on a bipartisan vote approved renewal of hospital and insurer assessments that are critical funding vehicles for Oregon’s Medicaid program. Quick Senate action is expected as Congress considers sizable Medicaid funding cuts in its pending budget and tax cut measure.
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Commentator Randy Stapilus writes, “Some of the proposals are new this session, but others have been tried and failed before. Many would involve a reduction or expansion of one side’s governing leverage.”
For example, two Senate resolutions address redistricting by calling for creation of a state redistricting commission to reduce partisan influence over drawing lines for congressional and legislative districts. One of them, Senate Joint Resolution 14, offers a new twist by increasing the number of state Senate seats from 30 to 36. That could run afoul of the single-subject rule for Oregon ballot measures.
Several proposals deal with passing legislation. A Democratically sponsored amendment would make it easier to pass revenue measures. Several Republican proposals would make it harder to pass bills in the legislature., including Senate Joint Resolution 7 that would require a two-thirds majority to pass any bill with an emergency clause that goes into effect right away.
Other proposals hone in on even-year legislative sessions. One measure would require two-thirds majorities to pass any bill in the short even-year session. Another would remove authority to hold annual sessions, a provision the late Senator Peter Courtney promoted and voters approved in 2010.
Republicans have submitted proposals to constrain legislative budget-writing and limit time spans for emergency declarations. Senate Joint Resolution 31 would prevent the governor or a state agency from mandating vaccinations. Other proposals would require legislative approval for some gubernatorial pardons and for new or increased state fees.
Democrats have proposed reducing the quorum requirement for the House and Senate to vote on bills, which is intended to further discourage legislative walkouts. Senate Joint Resolution 15 would abolish kicker refunds.
Three proposed amendments would change the rules for petitioners to place measures on the ballot. A measure introduced by Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, would disqualify candidates for Oregon elected positions who are 72 years old or older when they enter office. Senate Joint Resolution 16 would officially outlaw the death penalty in Oregon.
A number of proposals seek to establish or confirm constitutional rights including the right to fish and hunt, a parental right to choose where their children attend school, the right to a concealed firearm and the right to a “clean, safe and healthy environment”.
Latest Revenue Forecast
Lawmakers received good news from the latest quarterly revenue forecast indicating they have an additional $350 million to spend in the next biennium. However, state economists warned of a potential variance of up to $500 million in either direction, depending on economic trends such as slowing inflation and low unemployment on one hand or the impact of new tariffs and federal job cuts on the other hand.
The economists predicted Oregon income taxpayers filing returns next year will reap the benefit of a $1.7 billion kicker refund.
The next and most critical revenue forecast will come in May and set revenue baselines to finalize state spending in the 2025-2027 biennium.
Image courtesy of Multnomah County
Other Legislative Activity
The House Committee on Housing held hearings last week to address Oregon’s homelessness and housing challenges. House Bill 3644, spearheaded by Governor Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, proposes a comprehensive statewide shelter program to transition unsheltered people into stable housing. The bill seeks a $219 million investment to bolster and diversify shelter infrastructure.
House Bill 3031 would authorize a $100 million investment in loans and grants for essential services like water systems and transportation vital for new housing projects. The legislation also includes measures to ensure projects meet specific density and affordability criteria to prioritize affordable housing.
The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony from ODOT about a large budget error and status reports on large funding gaps for the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project and the I-205 Bridge Project. The committee also discussed changes to the weight-mile tax paid by truckers and an increase in public transit funding.
Senate Bill 916 drew sharp testimony on the proposal that would allow striking workers to claim unemployment benefits. Governor Kotek’s project labor agreement executive order drew sharp opposition from contractors and business groups who said it would increase project costs.
Lawmakers also considered regulations for how artificial intelligence tools are used in hiring decisions and public surveillance.
