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Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 2/20 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio Senate Education introduced an “omnibus” Bill SB 283 to begin to solve the workforce shortage problems in education throughout our state. Senator Dembrow reminded us shortages of professional teachers, teacher classified workers, food service workers, and school bus drivers, were being felt, even before the pandemic started, and are being felt nationwide. The Oregon Employment Department (OED) has stated, “schools simply compete for workers with many other industries which provide lower-stress, or lower-risk environments.” And for professional teachers, a Bachelor’s Degree, or Masters Degree is not well rewarded financially. This “omnibus” SB 283 with -3 amendments, includes several sections and was introduced on 2/14 in a public hearing, attempting to raise wages of all classified staff (currently sometimes below minimum wage based on the number of hours allowed). The entire Bill is based on input from a committee of educators and educational group representatives to help solve our educational workforce problems, especially in special education. I participated in one of the committees. It also includes many other possible statewide solutions, a number of which will cause funding issues. Several educational association representatives were hesitant, and testified as neutral, on sections of this large “omnibus” bill. They suggested more precise language for the definition of classified staff and did not want a mandate created statewide, without sufficient State Budget funds. The Bill will go to W&Ms to assess final adoption. Listen to the entire hearing . House Education met on 2/13 for public hearings involving school safety and preparedness and the vulnerability of some student ethnic groups on 2/15. Rep. Gomberg introduced HB 2908-2 on 2/13, to provide instruction on preparing for and recovering from fires, earthquakes, safety threats, and natural disasters. This directs the Department of Education to work statewide. Rep. Levy and Bowman introduced HB 3101-1 , requiring public and private schools to have some kind of “panic alarm”, either a software app, or hard wired, to decrease emergency personnel response time. On 2/15 the public hearings focused on the vulnerability of certain groups of students within the educational system , including African/ Black Americans, Latino, Indigenous Peoples, and LGBTQ. Several students testified to add Hawaiian Islander to this HB 3144 list. HB 2905 adds Jewish descent to the list of individuals whose histories and contributions are required to be included in social studies academic content standards and in related textbooks and instructional materials, along with African, Asian, Pacific Island, Chicano, Latino, and Middle Eastern. Several Jewish students testified in support. HB 2275 A work session was held in House Education, 2/15. Requiring applicants for Student Investment Account Grants to take into consideration recommendations of Advisory Groups formed by the Department of Education on diversity, in relation to statewide education plans.The original Advisory Committees were created by the Student Success Act, and intended to establish greater equity in funding throughout the state, including correctional facilities. However as ODE Director stated, in answer to questions, the results of forming these Advisory Committees is yet to be shown. This measure was voted out of Committee with a “Do Pass Recommendation to the Floor”, with one vote opposing. SB 531 , with -2 amendments. Speaking of increasing representation throughout our educational system, Senate Education held a work session on summer and after school learning programs, 2/16. This money will come from the General Fund, in yet unspecified amounts, encouraging community involvement. Perhaps you fellow LWV members know of community organizations where you live that could help? It was voted to JW&Ms with a “Do Pass” recommendation. The final bills heard in public hearing on 2/16 were on University Governing Board Representation, both for Oregon Health Sciences University, a public corporation board, and other public University Boards. Sen. Dembrow stated he had worked with the committees which initiated these Bills and testimony was made by a number of representatives of thousands of workers, that representation on these boards was important for them: SB 423 and SB 273 with -1 amendment.

League of Women Voters Member since 1998 League of Women Voters U.S,- Ruth S. Shur Membership and Leadership Fellow 2011-2013 Founder Yellow Rose Events-Women's History Celebrations, 2010 to present 1st Vice President, League of Women Voters of Butte County, CA President, League of Women Voters El Dorado County, CA Events Chair, League of Women Voters of Oregon Events Chair, League of Women Voters, Marion-Polk Counties, OR Eileen Burke-Trent Events Chair League of Women Voters Member since 1998 League of Women Voters U.S,- Ruth S. Shur Membership and Leadership Fellow 2011-2013 Founder Yellow Rose Events-Women's History Celebrations, 2010 to present 1st Vice President, League of Women Voters of Butte County, CA President, League of Women Voters El Dorado County, CA Events Chair, League of Women Voters of Oregon Events Chair, League of Women Voters, Marion-Polk Counties, OR

The LWVOR Board adopted a completed restudy of the Pesticides and Other Biocides position on January 19th, 2023. Pesticides and Other Biocides 2021 About the Study The LWVOR Board adopted a completed restudy of the Pesticides and Other Biocides position on January 19th, 2023. Pesticides and Other Biocides Position - Study Completed 2021 - Position Adopted 2023 The League of Women Voters of Oregon affirms that pesticides and other biocides should be managed as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems, and their use should be controlled in order to preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of ecosystems and to protect public health, and that agriculture policies should promote farm practices that are environmentally sound and sustainable. LWVOR Supports: • Initial pesticide and biocide testing for registration has proven insufficient for preventing harm. We recommend increased testing by governmental agencies and third parties. We must identify and weigh benefits that balance safety versus toxicity, protecting food security while safeguarding public health and the environment. • Decisions for testing should be based upon a timeframe between 5 to10 years, or as new scientific data dictates. Varying weather conditions can greatly influence pesticide drift, impacting nearby bodies of water, schools, and communities including agricultural workers. The registrant of the Pesticide or Biocide currently bears the burden of proof for safety however the current regimen of tests is insufficient. • When approving the use of a Pesticide or Biocide we must consider: Risk to humans, animals, the environment, economic harm, cost to business, impact on food security, and the spread of invasive species and disease. • Pesticide labels should be improved to include: Regulations restricting use, hazards of use, best practices of use to minimize harm. Labels should be clearly written and easy to see and understand in multiple languages and use graphics to clarify explanations. • Federal and state agencies bear the responsibility for pesticide policy, based on research by pesticide manufacturers. These government agencies should also contribute to pesticide research with support from other groups. • We support using adaptive pesticide management, focusing on continual observation of current regulatory practice outcomes. As scientific advances reveal environmental and health impacts, as well as impacts on food security, the system should include the ability to rapidly react to new risk assessment data. Pesticides and Other Biocides Pesticides and Other Biocides Study (PDF opens in new window, 73 pgs) Read the whole study here (PDF opens in new window, 73 pgs) Downloadable copy of the Pesticides and Other Biocides position Previous Next

Jean was introduced to the League in 2008 after she retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Her first experience was serving on the national League’s study committee which developed the Federal Role in Public Education position. She headed the equity part of the study. After that experience, she joined the LWV of Illinois Issues and Advocacy Committee, which she chaired from 2014-2023. In 2023 she moved to Oregon, joining the Washington County Unit and the LWVOR Action Committee. Currently, Jean serves as Chair of the Action Committee for the state League. She is the Coordinator of Social Policy, with a focus on Education issues. Jean Pierce 2nd Vice President and Action Chair Jean was introduced to the League in 2008 after she retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Her first experience was serving on the national League’s study committee which developed the Federal Role in Public Education position. She headed the equity part of the study. After that experience, she joined the LWV of Illinois Issues and Advocacy Committee, which she chaired from 2014-2023. In 2023 she moved to Oregon, joining the Washington County Unit and the LWVOR Action Committee. Currently, Jean serves as Chair of the Action Committee for the state League. She is the Coordinator of Social Policy, with a focus on Education issues.

Diana was born and spent her early years in Colorado. She then lived in many different Western states, attending three different high schools, before earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington. A few months after graduation Diana was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps, where she served as Air Defense Control Officer and Administrative Officer. She married a Marine Naval Aviator (AV-8B Harrier) and became an FAA Air Traffic Controller, working in tower and radar facilities on both coasts and overseas. After their two children graduated from high school, the couple moved aboard a 42-foot Hunter sailboat in the San Francisco Bay area. Then, in addition to becoming a sailor, Diana transitioned to federal law enforcement. After retiring from government work and moving back to the Pacific Northwest, Diana became interested in learning more about elections and joined LWV of Clackamas County. She is currently serving as LWVCC Membership Chair. Her latest League roles are LWVOR Membership Chair and LWVOR Youth Outreach Co-Chair with Mimi Alkire and Elizabeth Kirby. The threesome works as a team to support the civic engagement of young and future Oregon voters. Diana is building on her extensive past volunteer experience as an adult literacy tutor, school PTA Secretary, HOA and Yacht Club Board Director, and after school athletic youth coach. The outdoors has always been her favorite place, and she can often be found in the mountains or on trails in the Pacific Northwest. Diana DeMaria (Interim) Membership and Youth Outreach Chair Diana was born and spent her early years in Colorado. She then lived in many different Western states, attending three different high schools, before earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington. A few months after graduation Diana was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps, where she served as Air Defense Control Officer and Administrative Officer. She married a Marine Naval Aviator (AV-8B Harrier) and became an FAA Air Traffic Controller, working in tower and radar facilities on both coasts and overseas. After their two children graduated from high school, the couple moved aboard a 42-foot Hunter sailboat in the San Francisco Bay area. Then, in addition to becoming a sailor, Diana transitioned to federal law enforcement. After retiring from government work and moving back to the Pacific Northwest, Diana became interested in learning more about elections and joined LWV of Clackamas County. She is currently serving as LWVCC Membership Chair. Her latest League roles are LWVOR Membership Chair and LWVOR Youth Outreach Co-Chair with Mimi Alkire and Elizabeth Kirby. The threesome works as a team to support the civic engagement of young and future Oregon voters. Diana is building on her extensive past volunteer experience as an adult literacy tutor, school PTA Secretary, HOA and Yacht Club Board Director, and after school athletic youth coach. The outdoors has always been her favorite place, and she can often be found in the mountains or on trails in the Pacific Northwest.

Barbara was born and grew up in the northeast. Step by step, living in many states, she’s made her way around the nation to land in southern Oregon. After becoming interested in election systems in 1999, she joined the League and has continued that work. This included co-chairing the passage of the 2020 LWVUS Voter Representation/Electoral Systems position. Her latest League role is as LWVOR VP. She is also Action Chair for LWV Rogue Valley, and serves on the LWVOR action committee. Formerly, she was a long-serving VP and then state president of LWV Arizona, as well as co-president of LWV Metro Phoenix. She has served on numerous study committees, including one for National, and was a member of both LWV United States task forces on National Popular Vote and Redistricting. Currently, she is a volunteer with OLLI at SOU, a core team member of several groups working to promote proportional representation and often organizes and speaks on voting topics. Previously, she was the chairperson of FairVote AZ. Barbara’s education and professional career are varied. She taught music and special ed, was trained as a music therapist, was a “qualified mental health professional” in NY state where she worked as a probation officer. Her masters was in health care and hospital administration and her doctorate in chiropractic medicine. Barbara is a published author and currently writes a blog entitled AgingWithPizzazz.com and runs the fitness app, PizzazzEE-25.com Barbara Klein 1st Vice President and Communications Chair Barbara was born and grew up in the northeast. Step by step, living in many states, she’s made her way around the nation to land in southern Oregon. After becoming interested in election systems in 1999, she joined the League and has continued that work. This included co-chairing the passage of the 2020 LWVUS Voter Representation/Electoral Systems position. Her latest League role is as LWVOR VP. She is also Action Chair for LWV Rogue Valley, and serves on the LWVOR action committee. Formerly, she was a long-serving VP and then state president of LWV Arizona, as well as co-president of LWV Metro Phoenix. She has served on numerous study committees, including one for National, and was a member of both LWV United States task forces on National Popular Vote and Redistricting. Currently, she is a volunteer with OLLI at SOU, a core team member of several groups working to promote proportional representation and often organizes and speaks on voting topics. Previously, she was the chairperson of FairVote AZ. Barbara’s education and professional career are varied. She taught music and special ed, was trained as a music therapist, was a “qualified mental health professional” in NY state where she worked as a probation officer. Her masters was in health care and hospital administration and her doctorate in chiropractic medicine. Barbara is a published author and currently writes a blog entitled AgingWithPizzazz.com and runs the fitness app, PizzazzEE-25.com

Natural Resources Read Our 2025 Priorities Here 2026 Legislative Priorities SUPPORT NATURAL RESOURCES agencies that address water, land use and wildfire, retaining important staff expertise and data collection. Support policies that protect and enhance Oregon's land, sea and air, especially from threats from new federal government actions. In 2025, your natural resources volunteers addressed issues around agriculture, wildfire and water, as well as agency budgets. We worked with our coalition partners at the Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) on both policy and budget bills. OCN provides legislators with a “Hot List” of bills OCN groups are following—supporting, opposing or having concerns. A new group, the Oregon Ocean Alliance , provided a coordinated voice for ocean and coastal issues. We are a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance , where the natural resources volunteers follow land use, infrastructure and environmental policies while our Social Policy volunteers follow other housing issues. The League determines our Priorities at the beginning of the session. The Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO) provided a 20-page review of Natural Resource legislation for 2025. Below are summaries of the work our volunteers have done this session. But the work continues between sessions as we follow natural resource boards and commissions and follow rulemaking to implement the policies passed during the session. You can find their meeting schedules on each agency’s website. LWVOR Advocacy Positions Air Quality— All segments of society (government, industry, agriculture and individual citizens) must share responsibility for improved air pollution abatement practices. Offshore and Coastal Management— Responsible and responsive government management of the public’s coastal and nearshore natural resources shall be based upon: A complete environmental assessment, cumulative impact analysis, and baseline data specific to Oregon. Recognition of coastal states and local government’s rights, jurisdictions, and responsibilities to preserve and protect marine and coastal environment and economy. Energy Conservation— LWVOR supports long-range planning for conservation and wise development of energy sources. The League believes the public should have an opportunity to influence decisions. Nuclear Energy— The nuclear power program must be managed to protect current and future generations and to maintain an environment beneficial to life. Forests— All benefits of the forests—ecological, human and economic—are inextricably interconnected Hard Rock Mining— LWVOR recognizes society's need for key minerals, and also the potential harmful environmental, health, and human impacts that mining for these minerals can produce. Land Use— Citizen participation, education, communication and ongoing reevaluation are essential elements in the comprehensive planning process. LWVOR supports a system of local government based upon constitutional home rule for metropolitan districts, counties, and cities. Statewide Planning —LWVOR supports policies that promote both conservation and development of land as a natural resource, in accordance with Oregon’s land use goals. Parks— A park’s system is an appropriate function of state government Pesticides and Other Biocides— Pesticides and other biocides should be managed as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems, and their use should be controlled. Seismic Risks— All levels of government share the responsibility of coordinating, implementing and funding an effective program to mitigate Oregon’s earthquake and tsunami hazards. Priority must be given to mitigation that protects human life and safeguards critical life support systems. Water Policy – Quality and Quantity— Water is a resource that should be managed for the benefit of the public and as sustainable habitat for all life forms. The League supports comprehensive long-range planning for conservation and management of ground and surface water and the improvement of water quality. Water Resources of the Columbia River and the Columbia River Task Force— In order to meet the present and future water needs within the Columbia River Basin, comprehensive planning is essential. League Natural Resource Positions can be found here: Issues for Action (LWVOR): Air Quality Off Shore and Coastal Management Energy Conservation Nuclear Energy Forests Hard Rock Mining Land Use Parks Pesticides and Other Biocides Seismic Risks Water Policy – Quality and Quantity Water Resources of the Columbia River and the Columbia River Task Force Impact on Issues (US League) Resource Management page 107 Environmental Protection and Pollution Control – page 110 Transfer of Federal Public Lands – page 124 Climate Change - page 125 Public Participation – page 128 Federal Agriculture Policies – page 130 Previous Legislative Reports Next

League of Women Voters of Deschutes County since 2003 and on the local league board since 2017, as Event Chair and Program/Study Chair until present. Leader for LWVDC Study on Affordable Housing, completed in February 2021. Volunteered as LWVOR Interim Program/ Research Study Chair in October 2022 and was elected as Issues Positions Chair at State Convention in May 2023 (Term May 2023 to May 2025). Elected to Nominating Committee Chair in May 2025 (Term May 2025-May 2027) Annie relocated to Bend in 2002 and worked part-time as a long-term care assessment nurse and ran a bed and breakfast for 17 years. One of the primary reasons she moved to Bend was to become involved in and supportive of the community in a small town. She has volunteered with neighborhood associations and city committees. Annie has lived in Milwaukee, Denver, Washington DC, and New York City and has founded several businesses. She is an entrepreneur and community activist to the core! Annie is mom to three grown children and Granny Annie to five grandchildren living in Brooklyn, LA and Denver. Annie’s life joy is visiting with family as often as possible. Annie Goldner Nominating Committee Chair League of Women Voters of Deschutes County since 2003 and on the local league board since 2017, as Event Chair and Program/Study Chair until present. Leader for LWVDC Study on Affordable Housing, completed in February 2021. Volunteered as LWVOR Interim Program/ Research Study Chair in October 2022 and was elected as Issues Positions Chair at State Convention in May 2023 (Term May 2023 to May 2025). Elected to Nominating Committee Chair in May 2025 (Term May 2025-May 2027) Annie relocated to Bend in 2002 and worked part-time as a long-term care assessment nurse and ran a bed and breakfast for 17 years. One of the primary reasons she moved to Bend was to become involved in and supportive of the community in a small town. She has volunteered with neighborhood associations and city committees. Annie has lived in Milwaukee, Denver, Washington DC, and New York City and has founded several businesses. She is an entrepreneur and community activist to the core! Annie is mom to three grown children and Granny Annie to five grandchildren living in Brooklyn, LA and Denver. Annie’s life joy is visiting with family as often as possible.

We are working to defend democracy from escalating cyber-attacks and disinformation. Policy debates are determining the future of our democracy, the internet, and privacy. Privacy and Cybersecurity 2020 About the Study We are working to defend democracy from escalating cyber-attacks and disinformation. Policy debates are determining the future of our democracy, the internet, and privacy. U.S. state and national policymakers have joined the global debate over digital protection of personal information, mined for multi-billion dollar advertising revenues. Experts now characterize media manipulation as ‘information disorder.' The impact of artificial intelligence on MDM, mis-, dis, and mal- information deserves intense scrutiny going forward. Read our 2020 study for an overview, analysis and comprehensive references to contemporary technology, global policy development, the history of privacy, and our key findings. LWVOR Privacy and Cybersecurity positions were adopted in January 2020, in LWVOR Issues for Action, on p. 16 . Privacy and Cybersecurity Position- Adopted: January 2021; Amended January 2021 Cybersecurity is the prevention of damage to, protection of, and restoration of computers, electronic communications systems, electronic communications services, wire communication, and electronic communication, including information contained therein, to ensure its availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and nonrepudiation. This position statement addresses Elections, Information Security, Personal Information Protection, and Electronic Business and Social Media. Elections Security The election process is the foundation of our representative form of government. Election integrity, accuracy, transparency, and trustworthiness require vigilance to ensure security protections. Security requirements include and are not limited to: verifiable ballots; ballots that can be recounted and audited; up-to-date hardware and software, supported by vendors, tested, and secure; protected voter registration databases; election staff/volunteers with cybersecurity expertise; cyber-damage contingency plans; risk-limiting audits; attention to disinformation and misleading ads. Protect voters’ ability to exercise an informed opinion on electoral matters. Explore limiting the unfettered electronic circulation and amplification of election misinformation (e.g., targeted disinformation campaigns, manipulated media, anonymous disinformation, and algorithmic and robotic disinformation campaigns). Information Security Government, individuals, and organizations (including the private sector and critical infrastructure), all require strong cybersecurity protections and effective deterrents to assure national security, economic and social stability, and personal information integrity. Create consistent information privacy laws and regulations across all organizations (government, private, for-profit, and non-profit) that eliminate gaps, inconsistencies, and overlaps. Regulate all technology-enabled organizations (e.g., internet platforms, online intermediaries, business-to-consumer platforms), not shifting sectors, so that organizations are subject to a uniform set of laws and regulations. Regulate all categories of information in the same way, regardless of the type of organization or sector that collects that information. Apply a baseline set of regulations to all types of information, regardless of the type of organization or sector collecting that information. Apply regulatory requirements to organizations according to their size and complexity, the nature of data covered, and the risk posed by exposing private information. All information (including third-party data transfers) needs sufficiently flexible protections to address emerging technologies and scientific evidence while serving the common good by balancing the demands of stakeholders and vested interests. The ubiquitous information and communication technologies (ICT) of today’s pervasive digital services, platforms, and marketplaces require a global governance perspective to address their societal and economic impacts: Harmonize laws and regulations across jurisdictions to protect individuals and assure the trustworthy flow of information across all boundaries—government, organizations, industry sectors, states, and countries. Aim to develop flexible regulatory structures that can quickly adapt to social and scientific realities and technical and economic policy challenges. Use forward-looking, collaborative mechanisms such as experimentation and learning, test-and-evolve, and post-doc effectiveness reviews. Incentivize specific outcomes that facilitate anticipating and adapting to rapid changes. State laws that become inconsistent with future comprehensive federal privacy standards may be preempted, while more stringent laws may remain. At a minimum, citizens' information protection rights should be comparable to those of citizens around the world—both current and future protections that may be established. Current European Council personal information protections include the ability to: be informed of what personal information is held and why access information held by an entity request updating or correcting of information request manual processing in lieu of automated or algorithmic processing request transfer of information to another entity withdraw prior consent to process data or object to specific situation consent request deleting personal information. Personal Information Protection Uniform privacy rights need to protect personal privacy and prevent known harm. Establish uniform information protections for personal and behavioral data that can be linked to an individual or devices. Prevent harmful uses of personal information by all information processors who collect, store, analyze, transfer, sell, etc. Expand the legal definition of “harm” to include physical, monetary, reputational, intangible, future, or other substantial injuries and to provide individuals the right to legal remedy. Assure that personal information collection, use, transfer, and disclosure for economic or societal purposes is consistent with the purpose for which individuals provide their data, and does not cause them harm. Shift the focus of information protection from individual self-management when submitting data (e.g., opt-in, obscure notice, and choice disclosures) to organizational stewardship in protecting individuals’ personal privacy. Expand personal information privacy definition to address rapidly changing information and communication technologies, accelerated networking between businesses, and automated collection and dissemination of data, which together subvert personally identifiable information, de-identification, re-identification, and data anonymization. Electronic Business and Social Media: Cybersecurity Responsibilities Organizations conducting electronic business and social media commercializing personal information both bear the responsibility for protecting information and must be liable for failure to protect individuals from harm. All organizations--including third-party receivers: Must protect individuals’ transferred information across multiple organizations to ensure end-use accountability. Have a duty to safely collect, use, and share personal, sensitive information. Should use comprehensive information risk assessments, take proactive measures to implement information security measures, and be held accountable for fulfilling these risk management obligations. Are held accountable for misuse of personal information by strengthening both state and federal laws, rule-making, and enforcement powers. We support the right of free speech for all. The digital tools of information and communication technology (such as algorithms and artificial intelligence) can selectively distort or amplify user-generated content. The resulting disinformation, digital manipulation, false claims, and/or privacy violations may endanger society or harm others. Compel private internet communication platforms (applications, social media, websites, etc.) to be responsible for moderating content. Define liability for damages and provide for enforcement for failure to moderate content. Privacy and Cybersecurity Today LWVOR Privacy & Cybersecurity Study , PDF, 61 pages Many bills passed in final 2023 legislative session days after the 43-day Senate walkout. See our Sine Die Legislative Report for links to our testimony, including references to our work over several sessions and future ongoing effort; all reflect privacy and cybersecurity. Elections SCR 1 : Condemning Election violence. SB 166 : Election Worker Protections. HB 3073 : Candidate and Incumbent Data Privacy Protection. HB 2107 : Automatic Voter Registration expansion. HB 2585 : Oppose ending “Motor Voter” voter registration. HB 5035 : Software, Risk-Limiting Audits and Election Security in the SoS’s Budget. Cybersecurity HB 2049 : Establish the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. HB 2490 : Defend our cybersecurity plans from Public Disclosure. HB 2806 : update cybersecurity and privacy statute for critical infrastructures, etc. Privacy SB 619 : Protect Consumers’ Personal Data. HB 2052 : Data Broker Registry, First in the Nation. SB 5512 : the Judicial Department budget, for Citizen Participation and Access. HB 3201 : Broadband Assistance. Public Records HB 3111 : State Employees, Volunteers, and Retirees Information Privacy SB 510 : Public Records Advisory Budget. HB 5032 : Public Records Advocate funding. Previous Next

Social Policy Bills in 2026 Session Bill number Summary LWVOR Testimony Chamber / Current Committee Status Criminal Justice SJR 203 A Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting Secret Police Support Senate Rules SB 1515 A Wrongful Convictions Support Passed Both Chambers HB 4045 A Search Warrant Response Time Limits Support Passed Both Chambers HB 4114 A Rules for Operations of Federal Agents or Agents from Another State in OR Support Passed Both Chambers HB 4138 A Requires ID and Prohibits Face Coverings for Law Enforcement Agents Support Passed Both Chambers Education SB 1538 A Education for Immigrants Support Governor Signed HB 4079 A Public Schools Must Inform When ICE is Present on the Campus Support Passed Both Chambers HB 4149 A Directs School Districts to Enroll and Provide Services for Homeless Students Support Passed Both Chambers Gun Policy HB 4145 A Modifies permitting for Measure 114 Support Passed Both Chambers Healthcare SB1527 A Provides Access to Follow-up Testing After an Abnormal Pap Support Governor Signed SB 1570 A Safety for Healthcare Providers and Patients Support Passed Both Chambers SB 1598 Insurance Coverage of Required Immunizations Support Passed Both Chambers HB 4054 Transparency when AI downcodes Support Joint Info Mgmt & Tech Reproductive Health HB 4088 A Privacy in Healthcare Support Passed Both Chambers HB 4127 Payment for Reproductive Healthcare Support Passed Both Chambers Social Policy Read Our 2025 Priorities Here 2026 Legislative Priorities SUPPORT HEALTHCARE/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH. Protect accessibility to all healthcare services during federal support reduction. Preserve healthcare decision rights for patients and providers. Advocate for bills that ensure that every Oregonian has access to cost-effective, clinically appropriate and affordable health care as a fundamental right. SUPPORT HOUSING STRATEGIES that keep people housed by preventing evictions and displacement, providing affordable permanent housing and support services, preserving existing low-income housing and increasing the supply of new units. Maintain shelter beds where needed. Provide state support for infrastructure and pre-development expenses for affordable housing projects. SUPPORT FUNDING FOR EDUCATION. Provide adequate & equitable funding for early childhood, child care, K-12, after-school and summer care, as well as higher education. Advocate for coordination and transparency in funding. PROMOTE PUBLIC SAFETY and a more equitable and effective criminal justice system through violence prevention/reduction programs, rehabilitation and reentry programs for adults and juveniles in custody, and common-sense gun laws. L WVOR Positions League Social Policy Positions can be found here: Issues for Actio n (LWVOR): Adult Corrections Child Care Children at Risk Farmworker Issues Adult Mental Health Mental Health Services for Children and Youth Homeless Youth Juvenile Justice Public Postsecondary Education Impact on Issues (LWVUS) Criminal Justice – page 137 Equality of Opportunity – page 140 Federal Role in Public Education – page 152 Fiscal Policy – page 154 Health Care – page 157 Immigration – page 167 Meeting Basic Human Needs – page 170 Child Care – page 176 Early Intervention for Children at Risk – page 177 Violence Prevention - page 178 Gun Policy – page 179 Urban Policy – page 181 Death Penalty – page 183 Sentencing Policy – page 184 Human Trafficking – page 185 Previous Legislative Reports Next

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection Elections Artificial Intelligence Rulemaking and Audits Campaign Finance and Initiatives By Norman Turrill We are still waiting for urgently needed technical amendments to HB 4024 (2024) on campaign contribution limits, which are expected to be amended into HB 3392 . Since we are nearing the end of the session, we fear that this will not happen or will happen haphazardly. Discussions are happening among Honest Elections, the Attorney General’s staff, the Secretary of State’s staff and the Democratic majority staff. No input has been received from other stakeholders, the business community or unions. SB 686 A requires online websites, when news stories are copied, to pay digital journalism providers or donate to the Oregon Civic Information Consortium. Senate Rules recommended the bill Do Pass with a partisan 3-2 vote. However, a Minority Report was also filed for the bill, so both reports went to the Senate floor. The Senate then referred the bill back to Senate Rules by a voice vote. That may kill the bill for now, since there is little time left in this session. The League has not taken a position on this bill but is generally sympathetic in support of local journalism. General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection By Becky Gladstone Bills are progressing more quickly, standing by for late-breaking action at this point. HB 3954 tells the Oregon Adjutant General not to allow the Oregon National Guard to be called to active service, except for certain reasons, timelier now with the California National Guard in the news. HB 3954 had a May 5 public hearing, but no subsequent work session. We wrote a commenting letter and sent it to the Governor's staff, the Attorney General, Chair and House Rules Committee members, and bill sponsors, to urge action on this bill, considering amending if it is needed. We compared work done in other states, included in our letter’s end notes, as recommended by House Rules staff. The chief and another bill sponsor have written back, including that the bill’s language was advisedly chosen over Washington state’s “Defend the Guard” bill, HB 1321 , signed by Governor Ferguson in April. We are standing by as requested, for updates. The Impact Project Map is now GLOBAL, showing the impact of “federal changes and their localized effects”. This dynamic map is relevant in Oregon, showing layoffs, program cuts, building closures and “disposals”, “contracts terminated for convenience”, funds frozen or paused under review, etc. The loss of federal support and fear of federal overreach has global stability impacts for Oregon and our trading partners, buying from us and selling to us, and for our family and friends who live around and outside of Oregon. Bills We are Watching SB 430 Enrolled The Governor has signed this bill for comprehensive business transparency to protect consumers. League testimony in support addressed extensive amendments. This may indeed be one of the top most important bills of the session. HB 3766 Enrolled passed on the Senate floor unanimously. Amended League testimony addressed quantifying defendant age and limiting damages to $10,000, with earlier League testimony in support to allow civil action against an adult who, unbidden, digitally sends intimate images (cyber-flashing) intending to harass, degrade or humiliate. We recommend reading Criminalising Cyberflashing . HB 3569 A is on the Senate floor, would invite a sponsoring legislator, committee chair or designee onto a bill’s Rules Advisory Committee, as a non-voting member. Our testimony opposes for myriad reasons, presented and filed. HB 5012 , which is Oregon Judicial Department budget bill, had a work session on June 13 and got a Do Pass recommendation in the full Ways and Means. The League was invited again to speak to this. League testimony in support was written and presented. The Ways and Means Committee members expressed a desire to see increased salaries for our judiciary and encouraged the Co-Chairs to consider additional funding in the end-of-session bill. SB 224 A in support of privacy for campaign committee staff home addresses, passed a House Rules work session unanimously, then passed the House floor unanimously. League testimony supports. SB 1014 to allow political party statement translations in online voters’ pamphlets, passed unanimously from House Rules, and is on the House floor. League testimony in support. SB 1121 B to create a new Class B misdemeanor crime of unlawful private data disclosure, passed the House 54 to 2. It is now in the Senate for consideration of House amendments. League testimony was filed and presented, supporting the bill, including the amendment relating to data broker issues. Elections By Barbara Klein SB 580 A-Eng. The bill has passed both chambers. The purpose of the bill is to provide more timely transparency to voters showing declarations or withdrawals of candidates. With concessions for various counties, it requires filing officers in each county and city to make publicly available on their websites certain election documents that are filed with the officers within a specified period, other than for precinct committeepersons. The League submitted testimony on this bill based on the needs of our work producing League Voters’ Guides and Vote411 publications. HB 5017 A-Eng . Since passing out of the House and reaching the Senate, on June 12th the bill had its third reading and passed 25-2. It appropriates monies from the General Fund to the State Library for biennial management expenses. The League submitted testimony in February on the bill. Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) analysis can be viewed here . (The increase in the budget chiefly represents levels of inflation only.) HB 3908 relates to party membership and registration requirements. It was filed by the House Rules Committee at the request of the Independent Party of Oregon (IPO). The bill increases the percentage of state voters from 5 to 10 percent required for a party to be a major political party. There was strong opposition to this bill, primarily by Republican members. On June 10th a motion was made to substitute a Minority Report Recommendation . In brief, the minority report would have allowed only candidates of major parties to cross nominate other major party candidates. Under the minority recommendation, minor party candidates could only be cross-nominated by other minor parties; minor parties could not cross-nominate a major party candidate. On the House floor, the motion to substitute the minority report failed 22 to 35. The main bill then passed the House 31 to 26. In the Senate the bill was referred to Senate Rules. On June 16th and 17th, a public hearing and subsequent work session are scheduled. Staff reports have been posted (6/12) and show no fiscal impact. The Oregon Working Families Party, Pacific Green Party and Oregon Progressive Party have all given their support to this effort led by the Oregon Independent Party. The LWVOR did not address this bill. Artificial Intelligence By Lindsey Washburn HB 3936 A Enrolled prohibits any hardware, software or service that uses artificial intelligence from being installed or downloaded onto or used or accessed by state information technology assets if the artificial intelligence is developed or owned by a “covered vendor”. Passed the Senate 27-0. HB 3592 A establishes the Oregon Commission on Artificial Intelligence to serve as a central resource to monitor the use of artificial intelligence technologies and systems in this state and report on long-term policy implications. A 6/11work session in House Information Management and Technology amended the bill and then referred it to Ways and Means without recommendation. HB 2299 Enrolled modifies the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image to include the disclosure of digitally created, manipulated or altered images. Will go into effect as law on January 1, 2026. Chapter 116 (2025 Laws) Rulemaking and Audits By Peggy Lynch HB 3569 , a bill that would require a Chief Sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee (RAC) for legislation they had a hand in passing, passed the House. The League provided testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill. The bill passed Senate Rules on June 5 and now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. The League continues to have discussions with Legislative Leadership and the Governor’s office on these RACs bills, explaining our concerns. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. The League joined others in sharing concerns about this bill to members of House Rules. It was pulled from the scheduled work session on May 28th. The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking ( SB 437 , SB 1006 , SB 370 , SB 483 ) and SB 411 , SB 895 also in Senate Rules. HB 2454 passed House Rules with the -1 amendment and was sent to Ways and Means. The bill creates a new Audits Officer (with possible additional staff). The Jt. Audits Committee would hire the Officer. From Leader Bowman’s office: “ HB 2454 changes the statutory authority related to audits and audit reviews from the Legislative Fiscal Office to the Legislative Audit Officer (LAO) and authorizes the LAO to hire necessary staff to carry out assigned functions. The LAO and his/her staff will be housed under the new Legislative Performance Oversight and Government Accountability Office. The bill does substitute LFO for the LAO on a number of responsibilities. LFO will continue fiscal analyses and other duties, while audits and oversight will be housed under the LAO.” We are concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. A work session was held May 28 where the -2 amendment was adopted to delay the web work and the bill sent to Ways and Means. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies: This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Stephanie Haycock is a global media and entertainment technology executive with over 18 years of expertise in product strategy, team leadership, and digital transformation. During her tenure at Disney, she orchestrated the launch of Disney+ across 202 countries in 16 languages, architected enterprise content planning systems, and managed multi-million dollar technology portfolios. As a world traveler with experience in 50+ destinations, she brings a unique global perspective to product development, emphasizing customer empathy and cultural inclusion in creating seamless user experiences. Drawing from two decades of Disney magic-making, she recently founded Wonder Works Consulting, a company that transforms technical challenges into compelling narratives for businesses through social media technology, website development, and comprehensive technical services. Her mission is to help every business tell their story brilliantly, creating "wow" experiences that captivate audiences and drive success in today's digital landscape. Stephanie Haycock Issues and Positions Chair Stephanie Haycock is a global media and entertainment technology executive with over 18 years of expertise in product strategy, team leadership, and digital transformation. During her tenure at Disney, she orchestrated the launch of Disney+ across 202 countries in 16 languages, architected enterprise content planning systems, and managed multi-million dollar technology portfolios. As a world traveler with experience in 50+ destinations, she brings a unique global perspective to product development, emphasizing customer empathy and cultural inclusion in creating seamless user experiences. Drawing from two decades of Disney magic-making, she recently founded Wonder Works Consulting, a company that transforms technical challenges into compelling narratives for businesses through social media technology, website development, and comprehensive technical services. Her mission is to help every business tell their story brilliantly, creating "wow" experiences that captivate audiences and drive success in today's digital landscape.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio Senate Education held hearings on an educational plan to begin curriculum design for climate change study, within all subjects, grades K-12, available for the entire state. Justice and saving lives was also in the forefront. This curriculum for climate education Bill, SB 854 , was well represented on 3/9 by Co-Sponsors Sen. Patterson, and Sen. Manning. The purpose of this Bill was quite clearly stated: this is about our species survival on a healthy planet, and it represents an important vote. Several members of the Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) were also interviewed that day on the front page of the Oregonian. LWV submitted written testimony in support here . A recording of the hearing includes the introduction of the Bill here by Senators, and OECE members included with student testimony here . There were well over 100 written testimonies in support of this Bill. Senate Education also heard Sen. Campos introduce SB 600 , a $4.8 M Bill to resolve legal problems, like eviction, and domestic violence for low income clients, utilizing mediation. Law students, advisory attorneys, and low income clients testified to the life saving justice this can provide. SB 551 , was introduced on 3/7 in Senate Education, by Sen. Sollman, a bill that hopes to bring some additional education to parents and students on safer gun and medication storage. This information would be placed on the school district’s website, and social media sites, and take effect throughout the state. LWVOR wrote testimony by Marge Easley, here , and I added some virtual testimony, on Oregon statistics from 2022, showing a significantly higher rate of youth suicides, compared to national statistics. Oregon has unusually higher statistics on this kind of data, year after year. The average rate for youth suicide deaths nationally in 2022 was 14.2 youth per 100,000, while Oregon’s youth suicide death rate was much larger at 18.5 youth per 100,000, sourced from americahealthrankings.org , therefore increasing the need for this kind of education on websites, throughout our state. SB 238 was introduced by Sen. Gorsek, asking the Oregon Health Authority, and State Board of Education and Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to collaborate on developing curricula supplements related to synthetic opioids dangers, including fentanyl or any substituted derivative of fentanyl, and counterfeit, and fake drugs. This hearing was very emotional, as it began with a family who had lost a son to one dose of fentanyl, hidden within what he thought was a medication that might help his chronic anxiety symptoms. listen here to the overwhelming support this Bill had. Senate Education also heard SB 48 -2, on 3/7, sponsored by Sen. Findley and Rep. Mannix. This Bill will develop a successful process for dealing with chronic truancy in our public schools, now reaching an unfortunate 36.1%. It was agreed by many on the committee that actually enforcing consequences helped the student and the family deal with this problem, as was proven in the past, when a better Oregon law was in place. Also presented by Rep. Mannix was SB 49 , a study Bill to explore funding means throughout the state for competition-size swimming pools at every high school. It was stated that Oregon ranked the 13th highest in the nation for drownings. And testimony was given that we simply were not investing statewide in early swimming education for Oregon children. On 3/6 House Education heard HB 3031 , (identical to SB 414), to assess and study all state school ventilation systems, as well as CO2 monitors, to determine if they meet health standards. It was testified by experts in the state that the end result of this Bill would likely have little fiscal impact, and possibly even a net increase in revenue. The Bill would likely provide career opportunities for installation of HVAC systems, federal funding, look towards reduction of operating costs of schools, decrease energy costs, and eventually have an effect on increasing attendance in schools. Rural contractors can do this, and it is required that workers hired for this purpose will make a living wage. A companion bill, HB 2638 , requires goals for air conditioning, heating, and cooling requirements, with HVAC in all schools statewide, by 2029. Class size in negotiation of contracts with teachers in all districts, statewide HB 2703 , was also discussed in House Education. Currently it was agreed by law that only the Title 1 schools were given special consideration because this was where the highest degree of need was. Morgan Allen, COSA Director, and OSBA Director were opposed, based on making sure the greatest need schools were served first. They both stated, it is always possible for other school districts to include class size as a part of contract negotiation. A number of teachers and OEA supported the Bill. House Education heard several Bills on 3/8. HB 3288 -1 on requiring ODE and school districts to collect data on race, ethnicity, languages, sexual preferences, and disabilities, in standardized manner throughout the state, so that legislative decision making can be improved. HB 3068 allows a student, with parental approval, and has received a certificate for passage of the General Educational Development (GED) exam, who is 16 yrs. old and in grades 11 or 12, to receive a high school diploma. The testimony for this Bill was presented by Tom Holt. It will serve students who know what they want to study in post-secondary education or career goals, allowing them to move out of high school towards their goals. HB 3204 -1 attempts to change the timelines for when a student can receive approval to enroll in a virtual public charter school, not sponsored by the local school district, (and subject to the 3% cap), from several weeks to a shorter timeline. Morgan Allen, from COSA, testified that the deadline of 5 business days, as stated in the law, would be difficult to meet.

LILY YAO (she/her) LILY YAO (she/her) Youth Council President Lily attends South Eugene High School where she is actively involved in student government, competes in Speech and Debate, and plays varsity tennis and club Ultimate. As an environmental advocate, Lily has served as a regional leader intern with Our Future, a project of Partners for Sustainable Schools that has aimed to create a statewide, student-led climate justice network since 2022. At the same time, in roles as a City of Eugene Sustainability Commissioner and member of the Eugene Youth Advisory Council, she seeks to educate herself and others about the climate while becoming more civically aware. Similarly, as a founding member of the Lane County delegation of the Oregon YMCA Youth and Government program, she has had the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience advocating for policy solutions and participating in government simulations of the legislative process, which has further sparked her interest in civics education. Alongside her commitment to environmental issues, Lily is passionate about disaster preparedness. In her role as a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10 Youth Preparedness Council, she has educated youth in her local community and collaborated with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to promote disaster resilience. Her experience includes presenting at the 2024 Oregon Prepared: Emergency Preparedness Workshop, hosted by OEM, and as a panelist with Resource Tap Disaster Support Services at the 2024 Public Interest Environmental Law Conference, the largest and oldest conference of its kind. In addition to her advocacy work, Lily believes in promoting cultural diversity and understanding. In addition to English, she speaks both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese and is involved in various efforts to foster inclusivity and celebrate cultural heritage. This has included acting as a Mainstage Production Assistant for the Oregon Asian Celebration. Her commitment to bridging cultural gaps, as well as her passion for S.T.E.M., are demonstrated by her selection as a 2024 TechGirls Finalist. This year, Lily is taking on the role of Co-Voter Strategist with the League of Women Voters of Oregon Youth Council. She is dedicated to empowering young voters and increasing voter turnout among young people. In serving on the Youth Council, Lily hopes to learn more about the civic process, reach out to her community, and advocate for voters across Oregon. youthpresident@lwvor.org

CHLOE ACOSTA (she/her) CHLOE ACOSTA (she/her) Youth Legislative Communications Director Chloe Acosta is the Legislative Communications Director for the League of Women Voters of Oregon Youth Council. She is passionate about issues facing youth and health equity. Chloe has been working with the Oregon School-Based Health Alliance since 2021. She was previously a Student Health Advocate, Legislative Advocacy Intern, and an Events and Programming Intern. Chloe was recently unanimously voted into the Board of Directors and continues to advocate for school based healthcare. Chloe is also a part of Next Up Oregon’s Community Action Team where she focuses on voter education and community events. She is also a member of the Next Up Oregon’s Participatory Budgeting Committee and the Candidate Endorsement Committee. Chloe is honored to use her advocacy skills in her local community of rural Southern Oregon with the Jackson Youth Systems of Care Network. In this role, she collaborates with 80 local community professionals on accessible, effective, community-based services and supports for youth’s health and wellbeing. Chloe Acosta is a communications and political science major at Southern Oregon University. She plans to continue working in legislative advocacy and grassroots organizing after receiving her degree. Chloe is excited to be working with the League of Women Voters of Oregon to deepen advocacy skills, especially for young rural Oregonians. youthcommunications@lwvor.org

Governance Read Our 2025 Priorities Here 2026 Legislative Priorities PROTECT DEMOCRACY by protecting privacy and voting rights - including automatic registration. Fund and implement secure, efficient election software, supporting ranked choice voting. Protect against mis-, dis , and mal-information, including from artificial intelligence. Ensure cybersecurity. Defend and support implementation of HB 4024 (2023) on campaign finance. LWVOR Advocacy Positions Note: these are condensed versions. See the complete positions in Issues for Action . Constitutional Provisions— The Oregon Constitution should be a basic framework of state government, free of obsolete material and statutory detail. It should · guarantee basic democratic rights · provide for a legislative assembly, an executive branch, and a judicial system. · be revised by constitutional convention, initiative amendment, or legislative amendment. Privacy and Cybersecurity— This position statement addresses Elections, Information Security, Personal Information Protection, and Electronic Business and Social Media. Economic Development Revenue Bonds LWVOR supports the authority to issue Economic Development Revenue Bonds by the state, ports, and cities with more than 300,000 population. 2. In addition to the Economic Development Revenue Bond program, LWVOR supports other state and local economic stimulants Election Laws— Election procedures and voter information are critical elements to an informed and participating electorate. Election Methods— LWVOR does not believe that plurality voting is the best method for promoting democratic choice in all circumstances. For single-winner systems, the League supports ranked-choice voting; we do not support range or approval voting. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports election systems that elect policy-making bodies that proportionally reflect the people they represent. Emergency Board— An appointed Emergency Board should provide fiscal adjustment between legislative sessions. Fiscal Policy Evaluating Taxes —any tax proposal should be evaluated with regard to its effect on the entire tax structure. Fiscal Responsibility —local government should have primary responsibility for financing non-school local government. Local services mandated by the state should have state funding. Income Tax—i ncome tax is the most equitable means of providing state revenue. The income tax should be progressive, compatible with federal law and should apply to the broadest possible segment of Oregonians. Sales Tax— A sales tax should be used with certain restrictions Property Tax —local property taxes should partially finance local government and local services. Exemptions to the general property tax include: a. Charitable, educational and benevolent organizations, etc. b. School District Financing. The major portion of the cost of public schools should be borne by the state, which should use a stable system to provide sufficient funds to give each child an equal, adequate education. Initiative, Referendum and Recall Position— LWVOR supports constitutional provisions for initiatives, referendum, and recall. The League discourages amending the Oregon Constitution by the initiative process. Oregon State Courts— The State of Oregon should provide access to its courts Judges must be free to decide cases based upon the facts of the particular case and the applicable law, independent of the influence of public opinion and political and partisan pressures. Adequate and stable funding is needed to perform the Department’s core functions and critical services; The League encourages the development of specialty courts and problem-solving courts. Open Primaries— LWVOR supports more open primary elections, either through party primary elections or individual candidate-based primary elections. Redistricting— The Oregon legislative and congressional redistricting system should be efficient, adequately funded, based on well-defined criteria, subject to a reasonable and effective timetable, and have an open and public process. Previous Legislative Reports Next

The LWVOR K-12 study is a set of three reports examining different aspects of K-12 education. K-12 Study About the Study The LWVOR K-12 study is a set of three reports examining different aspects of K-12 education. The LWVOR K-12 study is a set of three reports examining different aspects of K-12 education. The purpose of these reports is to provide background information so that League of Women Voter members in Oregon can reach consensus on issues regarding: Exceptional Learners School Safety Career and Technical Education The ultimate goal is to create positions which the League can use to advocate for or against legislation in the state. K-12 Exceptional Learners K-12 Exceptional Learners PDF K-12 Exceptional Learners Video K-12 Safe and Healthy School Resources K-12 Safe-and-Healthy Schools PDF K-12 Safe-and-Healthy Schools Video K-12 Exceptional Learners K-12 Exceptional Learners Consensus Form (Click on the link to download the Word document) K-12 Exceptional Learners Video K-12 Safe and Healthy School Resources K-12 Safe and Healthy Schools Consensus Form (Click on the link to download the Word document) K-12 Safe and Healthy Schools Consensus Statements K-12 Safe and Healthy Schools Video Previous Next

The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on February 10th, 2023. You can find the downloadable copy of the study here.  Election Methods Study Update 2023 About the Study The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on February 10th, 2023. You can find the downloadable copy of the study here. At Convention 2021, LWV of Portland proposed a restudy of LWVOR's 2016 Election Methods Study. It would examine the STAR voting system and would last one year or less. The goal would be to inform League members about the benefits and limitations of the STAR voting option that is being promoted by a group of advocates. It would also be to determine whether or not the League could support or should oppose the adoption of STAR voting in Oregon. The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on February 10th, 2023. You can find the downloadable copy of the study here . In May 2023, LWVOR issued a statement regarding STAR (Score Then Automatic Runoff) Voting. Election Methods Position - Adopted 2017 The League of Women Voters of Oregon recognizes that election methods affect how voters participate in our democracy, who can run for office, and who can get elected. Therefore, the League supports election methods that: Encourage voter participation and voter engagement. Encourage those with minority opinions to participate. Are easy to use. Are verifiable and auditable. Promote access to voting. Promote competitive elections. Promote sincere voting over strategic voting. Discourage negative campaigning. Prevent political manipulation (e.g. Gerrymandering). Are compatible with vote-by-mail elections. The League of Women Voters of Oregon does not believe that plurality voting is the best method for promoting democratic choice in all circumstances. For single-winner systems, the League supports ranked-choice voting; we do not support range or approval voting. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports election systems that elect policy-making bodies–legislatures, councils, commissions, and boards–that proportionally reflect the people they represent. We support systems that promote stable government, but we do not support systems that protect the two-party system. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports enabling legislation to allow local jurisdictions to explore alternative election methods. If an alternative election method is adopted, then funding for startup and voter education should be available. The League of Women Voters of Oregon does not support nonpartisan elections for state legislators. (Previous position) Adopted 2009 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that any election method should be evaluated on its ability to: Promote voter participation. Be simple and easy for voters to understand. Be verifiable and auditable. Promote access to voting. Promote competitive elections. Prevent political manipulation. Be compatible with vote-by-mail elections. The League supports enabling legislation to allow local jurisdictions to explore alternative election methods, e.g. instant runoff or fusion voting. If a local jurisdiction adopts an alternative election method, that jurisdiction should bear the costs of startup and voter education. Only after experience and evaluation at the local level should the state consider alternative election methods for statewide adoption. The League does not support nonpartisan elections for state legislators. Election Methods Study Update Election Methods Study Update , PDF, 52 pages Positions From Other Leagues – Election Methods Update (7 pgs; pdf) 2008 – Election Methods Executive Summary (3 pgs; pdf) Previous Next

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/23 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here. Jump to a topic: Governance Artificial Intelligence Campaign Finance Reform Privacy, Protections, and More Elections Governance Rebecca Gladstone The editorial board of the Oregonian featured the League opposition to HB 4018 8, which revokes campaign finance reforms, “ Editorial: A complete betrayal on campaign finance”, Feb 22, 2026. See Campaign Finance below. See the EPAB report and HB 5204 for possible software funding news. The session’s third week again saw a parliamentary delay request to read bills in full. We note that the Senate Conduct Committee will convene, opening with discussing rules. See the Statesman Journal on a Senate floor walkout and delayed vote on SB 1599 . This bill to reschedule the election date for a transportation funding referendum is increasing partisan tension. We could use volunteers to cover Transportation and Revenue. Contact us at lwvor@lwvor.org . Training is provided. Only a couple of the governance bills we tagged have failed to progress. See our reports for details, thank you for reading, and watch your email etc. for likely action alerts, including for federal issues. We saw discouraging governance progress for HB 4018 8, revoking campaign finance reforms, lacking software funding provisions. See the EPAB report and HB 5204 for possible software funding news. Only a couple of the governance bills we tagged have failed to progress. See our reports for details, thank you for reading, and watch your email etc. for likely action alerts, including for federal issues. Artificial Intelligence/Cybersecurity Lindsey Washburn SB 1546 Notice of Artificial Output requires AI companion and platform operators to disclose that users are interacting with artificial output, implement safety protocols to detect and prevent suicidal ideation, and provide special protections for minors. The bill has been referred to House Behavioral Health. HB 4103 Senator Aaron Woods Commission on AI and Chief AI Officer establishes the Senator Aaron Woods Commission on Artificial Intelligence to monitor AI use statewide, report on policy implications, make legislative recommendations, and be supported by a Chief AI Officer hired by the Department of Administrative Services. It passed a February 20 work session unanimously in the Joint Committee On Information Management and Technology , referred to Ways and Means. Campaign Finance Norman Turrill HB 4018 A The League characterizes this campaign finance bill as a complete betrayal . In 2024, extensive 4-way negotiations between the Honest Elections Oregon (HEO) coalition, including the Oregon League, legislative leaders including Speaker Fahey, labor union lobbyists, and business lobbyists, agreed to withdraw campaign finance reform (CFR) Initiative Petition 9, in exchange for passage of HB 4024 , agreeing to work on technical fixes without policy changes. This week, the League sent a members’ action alert, to urge legislators to vote no on HB 4018 8. House Rules passed the gutted and stuffed 8 amendment in a Feb 17 work session, forwarding to Ways and Means. The bill now includes many complex policy changes, essentially removing campaign contribution limits on large special interest organizations, while still limiting individual contributors. It delays HB 4024 election law changes for 4 years, substantially eroding financial disclosure requirements. The amendment was apparently written by labor union and business lobbyists with House leadership, excluding opposition. The governor’s staff has been involved. The rushed work session gave scant time for opposition from Honest Elections Oregon (HEO), League testimony , Common Cause and the Campaign Legal Center , national campaign finance experts. Read Campaign finance reform suffers the risk of ‘a deal that has yet to be real , commentary from Tim Nesbit, a former union leader, in the Oregon Capital Chronical. Look for a Sunday Oregonian editorial. This is likely to be one of the most important bills during the current short legislative session. League members and voters should contact legislative leaders and their legislators ASAP to oppose it. Privacy, Protections, and more… Rebecca Gladstone The EPAB , the state Electronic Portal Advisory Board, held the 2026 first quarterly meeting last week. Discussion included results of a public perception survey . Notably, 86% agree or strongly agree to feeling confident they can find information on state websites. For trust in making transactions, including for data protection, we urged that clear notices be added for website security status. We urged increased visibility for user tracking & Privacy options. See documents, including the agenda. We asked about the SoS RFP for ORESTAR (candidate registration and finance software) replacement. The spokesperson for the state website corporate partner, Tyler Oregon, believed they are participating. HB 4091 this Oregon National Guard activation and authority bill passed from the House floor, largely on partisan lines, no amendments, referred to Sen Vets. See supporting League testimony , relating to last session, see League HB 3954 testimony . HB 4123 A This landlord-tenant privacy bill passed from the House floor, adopting a -1 amendment with fixes to allow sharing contact information to admit maintenance workers, for example. A public hearing and work session are set on Feb 24 th in Sen Housing. League testimony, in support. HB 4143 addresses fund payments between federal and state accounts , with sponsor, Rep Chotzen echoing our characterization of using a “foundational financial tool” [the “right to offset”]. It passed on partisan lines from the House floor, sent to Sen Judiciary for a public hearing on Feb 23, work session on the 25 th . The -1 adds unemployment, medical leave, and overtime to payroll taxes as exclusions. It would sunset in 10 years to evaluate if the tool is no longer needed. See our earlier LR and League testimony , urging to consider options and possibly amendments, given our revenue volatility. SB 1530 would expand aggravated harassment to include threatening public officials , and increase penalties with the companion bill, SB 1516 . It was heard in Senate Judiciary, passing on partisan lines to a Senate floor vote on Feb 23. See League testimony in support. And following these: HB 5204 This bill has not been scheduled but is assigned to Joint W&Ms Capital Construction, to make biennial budget changes, including for SoS software needs. HB 4024 , which prevents event ticket resale unless the seller has or can get tickets , passed unanimously from the second chamber’s Senate Labor and Business. No amendments have been filed. All testimony is in support and the League will file in support also, if need be. See League testimony , in support of Senator Prozanski’s SB 430 Enrolled (2025) consumer protections, foundational for HB 4024. Elections Barbara Klein SB 1509 A-Engrossed ( Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act) . This bi-partisan committee sponsored bill is progressing with League support, written and verbal testimony (minute 16:10). The bill to further protect Oregon's voters from being disenfranchised by faithless presidential electors, had a Senate Rules hearing on February 9 th , work session on Feb 11 th , referred to House Rules, Do-Pass with sponsor supported amendments on Feb 17 th . We described the bill in more detail in past weeks, to allow Oregon to join other states with strong laws . SB 1574 ( 1 st Time Voters Act ) allows 17-year-olds to vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the time of the general election has been pulled from agenda, despite referral to Senate Rules hearing planned for Feb 18 th. Unresolved controversy was addressed to the campaign, which had more than 20 organizational sponsors, including the League. The question was whether those 17 years old (to be 18 years old in less than 6 months) should be treated as “secret voters” with names or information redacted from public roles, or whether they should be treated as all other consenting voters for matters of data capture. As these soon-to-be voters would technically still be minors, more research was needed. Some states with similar laws already enacted treat the new voters as minors, other states simply as new voters. Sen Chris Gorsek , the bill sponsor, agreed to meet with our Youth Council members who had hoped to testify verbally. We will continue to follow this. The following members of our League Youth Council submitted testimony: Brooklyn Carr Heuer , Marwa Daher, Olivia Han, and Elizaveta Rott . HJR 201 proposed amending the Oregon Constitution to require that primary elections are ‘open’ to all voters using the same ballot . It was heard in House Rules on Feb 5, 2026 and was not scheduled for a work session, is no longer active. The proposal was a “Top Two” system that our League does not support, despite our strong endorsement of “Open Primaries .” League testimony was Neutral. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 25th, 2023. The position was updated in 2025. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our  1988 - Childcare In Oregon  publication. Childcare Methods Study Update 2023 About the Study The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 25th, 2023. The position was updated in 2025. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. At Convention 2021, LWV of Washington County proposed a restudy of LWVOR's 1985 Childcare Position . The current pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated childcare issues and inequities. The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 25th, 2023. The position was updated in 2025. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. You can find a downloadable version of the restudy here. LWVOR's position on Child Care: First adopted March 1989 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that child care is a social and economic issue that reaches beyond the family into the community. Quality child care needs to be available, accessible and affordable to all families for children of all ages and with differing needs. The League of Women Voters supports a diverse child care system to accommodate different parental choices and needs. Such a system may include day care centers, group homes, and family day care homes. The State of Oregon should establish appropriate standards to ensure that high quality care exists in all settings. For centers and group homes: these standards should address facilities, staff qualifications, and number of children served. Program, parent/care giver communication, administration and transportation should be included for centers and may also be considered for group homes. There should be flexible guidelines for family day care homes because of the unique character of these facilities. The State of Oregon should enforce mandatory regulations by funding a sufficient number of inspectors. The State of Oregon should set requirements for adequate training for care givers and ensure those training opportunities are available. This could include state provision of training and/or state incentives for others to provide training. City and county governments should participate in enforcing health and fire standards. Affordable child care should be available and accessible for children with differing needs and in various age groups. While parents have the primary responsibility for choosing child care, a coordinated effort between parents and government, together with providers, employers, and private groups is necessary to deliver quality child care at an affordable price. The State of Oregon should: Provide financial assistance for child care expenses to low- and middle-income families based on need. Such assistance could include tax credits for parents with a ceiling based on income. Support resource and referral programs. Encourage employer involvement in the child care system. Encourage development of school-age child care programs. Parents in job training, in school, with special-needs children and/or needing respite care services should be eligible for financial assistance for child care based on demonstrated need. Child caregivers should be awarded recognition commensurate with their responsibilities. The State of Oregon should take a leadership role in elevating the professional status of child caregivers and ensuring adequate compensation. National Position (adopted in 1988): “Support programs, services, and policies at all levels of government to expand the supply of affordable, quality child care for all who need it, in order to increase access to employment and to prevent and reduce poverty.” Caring For Our Children Caring For Our Children Study , PDF, 28 pages LWVOR's 1985 Childcare Study LWVOR's 2023 Childcare Re-Study Previous Next