HB 2985 Oregon House · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to the Public Utility Commission.

HB 2985 modifies Oregon's administrative procedures for the Public Utility Commission (PUC). It exempts the PUC from standard hearing officer requirements under ORS 183.464 and excludes its final orders from public record accessibility rules under ORS 183.471. These changes streamline the PUC's internal administrative processes without altering utility rates or services. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on how the PUC conducts its administrative proceedings.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill updates how the Public Utility Commission (PUC) handles contested cases and final orders. It clarifies that judicial review of PUC orders can only be sought by parties directly involved in the case, and it requires agencies to maintain final orders in digital format with specific preservation standards.

Scope change

The bill specifically modifies the applicability of administrative procedure laws to the PUC and adds digital record-keeping requirements for all agencies issuing final orders in contested cases.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement that judicial review of PUC orders in contested cases may only be sought by parties to the case, limiting who can challenge commission decisions.

Requires agencies to maintain final orders in digital format that preserves pagination and formatting, and allows the Oregon State Bar to request electronic copies of these orders.

ELIGIBILITY

Clarified that certain administrative procedure provisions do not apply to the PUC, Energy Facility Siting Council, and other specific agencies.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 28, 2025

Lower · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

lower

Apr 15, 2025

Committee

Referred to Ways and Means by order of Speaker.

lower

Apr 15, 2025

Lower · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means.

lower

Jan 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to Climate, Energy, and Environment.

lower

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

2 primary · 1 co-sponsor