Rep. Boomer Wright

Requires an electric company to first acquire a replacement resource of reliable or dispatchable electricity prior to retiring an electric power generating facility that provides reliable or dispatchable electricity. Requires the Public Utility Commission to seek a waiver to, or if unable to obtain a waiver, seek an injunction against, any federal regulations or requirements that impose increasing costs to the maintenance or operation of an electric power generating facility such that an electric company seeks to retire the electric power generating facility. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Creates a property tax exemption for the owner-occupied principal dwelling of seniors who are at least 65 years of age, have resided in the dwelling for at least 10 years and have a household income not greater than $150,000 per year. Provides an exemption of the assessed value of the homestead in annually increasing increments of five percentage points. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Maddy summaryHB 2048 requires food cart operators in Oregon to have a licensed commissary (a kitchen facility) as their base of operations before receiving a license from the Oregon Health Authority. This directly affects food cart businesses that currently operate without a dedicated licensed kitchen facility. The bill amends existing licensing rules by adding Section 4 to ORS 624.320, explicitly prohibiting the Health Authority from issuing licenses to mobile units lacking this licensed commissary. The policy change mandates that all food carts must source food, beverages, and supplies from a licensed commissary, ensuring a centralized food safety base.

Prohibits a mail-order, specialty or online pharmacy from transferring prescription drugs intended for dispensation to a patient to a pharmacy located in this state unless the pharmacy has agreed to receive the prescription drugs. Prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from requiring a pharmacy to receive transfers of prescription drugs intended for a patient from a mail-order, specialty or online pharmacy. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Permits a person to operate Class I, Class III and Class IV all-terrain vehicles on highways that are not interstate highways if the all-terrain vehicle meets vehicle equipment standards and the all-terrain vehicle is registered. Directs the Department of Transportation to permit optional registration for Class I, Class III or Class IV all-terrain vehicles if the applicant provides satisfactory proof that the all-terrain vehicle meets equipment standards for highway use.

Requires the State Department of Energy to study nuclear energy, including [ nuclear waste disposal ] legal pathways for the disposal of nuclear waste produced from nuclear energy. Requires the department to consult with the Public Utility Commission and the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council and to engage with the federally recognized Indian tribes in this state, relevant state agencies and stakeholders. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committee of the House of Representatives on climate, energy and environment not later than [ September 15, 2026 ] January 31, 2027 . Sunsets January 2, [ 2027 ] 2028 .

Maddy summaryHB 3203 requires Oregon's Department of Education to create an advisory committee focused on improving school attendance, particularly for students facing language barriers. The committee, including representatives from education, human services, school boards, and educator associations, will gather current practices (like family coach programs) and communication methods to help develop new attendance policies. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage. It directly affects Oregon public schools and students with language barriers by directing state-level action to address attendance challenges. The bill does not change existing laws but initiates a process to develop new guidance.

Prohibits the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission from collecting a late application fee for the renewal or reinstatement of a substitute teaching license. Takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Limits pretrial release of defendants charged with a felony or Class A misdemeanor to security release. Requires the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to reimburse counties for the costs of pretrial incarceration of persons charged with felonies. Appropriates moneys to the department for the reimbursement.

Requires at least one member of the Research Vessel Council to be a trained scientist from the University of Oregon. Appropriates moneys to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for distribution to the Oceangoing Research Vessel Program and the University of Oregon for purposes related to the University of Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.