Beaver State News

February 14 marked both Valentine’s Day and Oregon's 166th birthday. The state became the 33rd in the union on February 14, 1859. This week, several legislative developments unfolded in Oregon.

The Senate Committee on Labor and Business is set to reschedule an information meeting on SB 916, initially canceled due to snow, for February 18. The bill proposes allowing unemployment benefits for striking workers. Anthony Smith from the NFIB argues that “allowing UI benefits for workers who voluntarily leave their jobs to go on strike would not only add cost to the system, but it would also tip the balance in favor of unions during contract negotiations.” He further states that it would “unfairly” shift financial responsibility onto employers.

In estate tax news, discussions are underway regarding reforming what some consider Oregon's unfavorable estate tax policy. The House Committee on Revenue has reviewed two bills aimed at modifying this policy. Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue has held hearings on five additional bills. These proposed changes include raising exemption thresholds and creating exemptions for family-owned businesses.

A controversial bill resurfacing is HB 3187, which seeks to expand age discrimination definitions under Oregon law by including salary or length of service as potential proxies for age. This proposal could lead employers into complex legal challenges when making hiring decisions. A public hearing is scheduled for February 19 in the House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards, with NFIB planning to oppose it.