Beaver State News

The Oregon Legislature has reached the midpoint of its 2025 session on the 81st day of a planned 160-day session. Anthony Smith, the State Director, reports that after the April 9 deadline for first chamber bills, the number of bills tracked by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has been reduced to 196. Many bills still on the tracking list were moved to committees with no deadlines.

Among these are bills such as HB 2548 and HB 3838, advocating for industry-specific labor standards boards, now with the House Committee on Rules. Similar bills, including HB 2746 and HB 2688, are before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, where they face various funding priorities. Smith notes a promising position as they prepare for important legislative deadlines on May 9 and May 23.

NFIB's Small Business Day is scheduled for April 23, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with state legislators. The event, which is free of charge but requires registration, includes lunch.

A new transportation tax package, introduced on April 3 by Sen. Chris Gorsek and Rep. Susan McLain, proposes raising new taxes and fees estimated at nearly $2 billion per biennium. Measures include an increase in the state’s gas tax, imposition of sales tax on vehicles, and a road usage charge, among others. House Republican Leader Rep. Christine Drazan criticized the proposal, stating, “The Democrats’ tone-deaf proposal throws more money at a system that has repeatedly failed to recognize that its core mission is to provide safe and reliable roads and bridges.”

Another legislative development is SB 426, which could impose liability on property owners and contractors for unpaid wages of subcontractors. NFIB has issued a "Small Business KEY VOTE" alert against the bill, believing it unjustly holds businesses accountable for others' actions without knowledge of illegal activities.

HB 2957, addressing workplace discrimination cases, proposes extending the period for employees to sue following a Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) investigation. Opponents argue this would disproportionately impact small businesses unable to sustain lengthy legal defenses. NFIB has expressed opposition to the bill, which passed the House on a party-line vote on April 2.

Detailed prior legislative activities and positions on issues such as incentivizing litigation, unemployment insurance tax, and age-discrimination are also provided by NFIB.