SALEM, Ore. — Oregon's legislative short session wrapped up Thursday evening, and with that, several bills are on their way to Gov. Tina Kotek's desk to be signed into law.
Adjourned three days before its constitutional deadline, the session focused largely on the issues of homelessness, housing affordability and drug addiction, including criminalizing the use of drugs on public transit.
Bills that passed included campaign finance reform, funding for summer learning programs, protection against unfair debt collection and the "right to repair."
The Senate also passed legislation to increase transparency for prescription drug costs, support childcare access and further develop the state's semiconductor workforce, as well as two bills regulating the use of artificial intelligence, particularly in elections and advertising. The Hillsboro Hops will also get their new ballpark funded.
Killed bills
Some bills, however, did not make it — for instance, the amended bill that would have kept Oregon on permanent standard time, if Washington and California adopted to do the same. The ban on banning book bans in schools and corporate health care were also killed on the last day by Republican delay tactics.
Taking credit
All in all, Kotek, as well as Senate and House leaders, praised the two parties coming together during this year's session.
“I commend lawmakers for a productive session with bipartisan successes and a strong focus on the top issues facing Oregonians," Kotek said in a statement.
Kotek confirmed that she will sign House Bill 4002, which partially rolls back Measure 110 by making drug possession a new kind of misdemeanor and toughening enforcement against drug dealers.
Some social justice advocates said the passage will disproportionately affect Black and Latino communities. In response, Kotek said Thursday that her office will "work closely with each implementing authority to set expectations, specifically in response to the Criminal Justice Center’s Racial Equity Impact Statement" that addressed those issues.
Republicans and Democrats alike touted their parties' progress made on housing, public safety and the drug crisis, with House Leader Rep. Jeff Helfrich, R-Hood River, highlighting "ending Measure 110."
"House Republicans came, we saw, we recriminalized hard drugs," he said in a statement.
Some Republicans also served their last terms, having been disqualified to run next term due to last year's walkout, the longest in state history.
House Speaker passes baton
House Speaker Rep. Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, also announced his resignation, anticipated due to throwing his hat in the ring for the state attorney general race. Rayfield has held the position since 2022, replacing Kotek, who was House Speaker at the time.
The House elected Rep. Julie Fahey, D-West Eugene and Veneta, as his replacement.
“Democracy requires hard work and commitment. What we do here in this building is unquestionably some of the most meaningful work any of us can do on behalf of Oregonians,” said Rayfield in a statement. “Looking back on the incredible progress we made this session on housing, addiction, and community safety, I leave the Speakership knowing our work will create positive ripples and opportunities for all families and communities across the state for years to come.”
Rayfield congratulated Fahey, calling her a "tireless advocate for her constituents for many years."
Fahey also praised Rayfield's tenure, hoping that the "culture of mutual respect and a genuine appreciation for each other’s humanity" will continue in future sessions.
Rayfield will serve out the rest of his term in the House, and Fahey will lead the chamber through the end of the legislative assembly, according to a press release from the Oregon Legislature.