Limits the total term of commitment and conditional release for certain persons found guilty except for insanity to the sentence the person would have received under the sentencing guidelines or as required by a mandatory minimum sentence. Establishes a process by which certain persons found guilty except for insanity and subject to a total period of commitment or conditional release equal to the statutory maximum sentence for the offense may petition for post-conviction relief.
Requires the Public Employees Retirement Board to study retirement. Directs the board to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to general government not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.
Requires the State Court Administrator to study evidence and submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.
SB 888 prohibits Oregon local governments from banning or restricting residential natural gas use for energy. It directly affects homeowners and cities/counties that might have considered such restrictions. The bill allows local governments to enforce building codes, fire codes, or state/federal requirements as exceptions. This is a policy change that prevents local ordinances from limiting natural gas access in homes, while maintaining safety and compliance standards.
Makes in-person voting on the date of an election the standard method for conducting an election. Allows an elector to request a ballot that may be voted by mail if the elector is unable to vote in person on the date of the election. Retains vote by mail as the primary method for conducting elections for military and overseas electors and for electors who have a mailing address outside of Oregon. Requires electors to present valid government-issued identification when appearing in-person to vote or when requesting a ballot be sent by mail. Requires all ballots to be returned by the date of an election. Removes a requirement that the state pay postage for ballots returned by mail. Refers the Act to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election.
Increases the penalties for unlawfully causing fires. Punishes a first violation by a maximum of 30 days' imprisonment, a $1,250 fine, or both. Punishes a second violation by a maximum of six months' imprisonment, a $2,500 fine, or both. Punishes a third violation, or a first violation that proximately causes human injury, loss of human life or property damage of $10,000 or more, by a maximum of 364 days' imprisonment, a $6,250 fine, or both.
Increases to five percent the cap on the percentage of students from school districts who may attend certain virtual public charter schools without the approval of the school district.
Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to study waste management. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the environment no later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.
Requires the Department of Corrections to study correctional facilities. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary no later than September 15, 2026.
Creates an income tax credit for subscriptions to media news outlets and donations to certain journalism organizations. Prohibits a person from falsely advertising the availability of the tax credit. Allows the Department of Revenue to impose a civil penalty for violation. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2031. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Oregon's SB 718 establishes a statewide registry to collect data on Parkinson's disease and related conditions (like multiple system atrophy) from healthcare providers. Healthcare facilities, practitioners, and laboratories diagnosing these conditions must report cases to the Oregon Health Authority, though patients can opt out of data collection in writing. The bill requires strict confidentiality for all patient information, prohibits disciplinary action for good-faith reporting, and creates an advisory committee with patient and medical experts to guide the registry. The registry aims to track incidence and prevalence for public health research, without changing patient care or treatment protocols.
SB 883 prohibits Oregon state agencies from enforcing any rules requiring people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. It directly affects state agencies (like health departments or education bodies) and anyone subject to their rules. The bill’s key provision bans such vaccination mandates, and it declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon passage. This is a procedural measure focused solely on removing existing state-level vaccine requirements, with no new programs or funding.
