Rep. Boomer Wright

Establishes the Early Childhood Education Workforce Development Fund and appropriates moneys in the fund to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to provide funding to community colleges and public universities in this state that offer [ early childhood education degrees and certificates ] on-the-job training for students enrolled in early care and education or related degree or certificate programs . Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2439 removes the phrase "gender identity" from 50 Oregon statutes, including those covering jury eligibility (ORS 10.030), discrimination claims (ORS 20.107, 30.860, 93.270), and real estate restrictions. The bill specifically deletes "gender identity" from lists of protected characteristics in these laws, such as the definition of "unlawful discrimination" and eligibility criteria for jury service. This is a textual amendment that changes the language of existing statutes without adding or removing new protections. The bill directly affects how these statutes are written but does not alter the legal framework governing discrimination or jury service.

Directs the Environmental Quality Commission to adopt by rule standards for certification of sewage treatment works operators from nonreciprocal states, provinces or other certifying entities. Directs the Oregon Health Authority to adopt by rule standards for the certification of potable water treatment plants and water distribution systems from nonreciprocal states, provinces or other certifying entities. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Requests the United States Department of Energy and the United States Congress to support the Bonneville Power Administration in providing cleaner, more affordable and more reliable energy to all consumers in the Pacific Northwest.

Maddy summaryHB 2430 increases the annual registration fee for electric vehicles (EVs) in Oregon from $115 to $200. This directly affects EV owners by raising their yearly registration cost. The bill directs the new revenue - $85 more per EV annually - to be split as follows: 50% to the state highway fund, 30% to counties based on EV registrations, and 20% to cities using the same registration-based formula. The fee change applies to registration periods starting after the bill's effective date.

Directs the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to establish a program to provide reinsurance against the risk of economic loss for insurers that issue policies of insurance against damage or loss caused by wildlife. Establishes the Wildlife Damage Reinsurance Fund, separate and distinct from the General Fund, for the department to use for reinsuring insurers that issue the policies. Appropriates moneys to the department for deposit in the Wildlife Damage Reinsurance Fund. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to remove the provision that disqualifies a member of the Legislative Assembly from holding office for the term following the election after the member's current term is completed if the member fails to attend 10 or more legislative floor sessions without permission or excuse. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Oregon law to require state agencies to waive all fees for public records requests made by members of the Oregon Legislative Assembly. It directly affects legislators who seek records from state agencies, eliminating cost barriers for their official inquiries. The key provision (added to ORS 192.324) mandates that agencies must not charge fees for such requests, while maintaining existing fee structures for other requesters. This change streamlines access to government records for legislative oversight without altering general public access rules.

Directs the Oregon Health Authority to establish and administer the Pregnancy Launch Program to provide certain services to specified persons. Prohibits the authority from contracting for the provision of program services with an organization that directly or indirectly promotes, refers for or assists pregnant persons in obtaining abortions. Directs the authority to establish a pregnancy resources hotline. Requires the hotline to automatically connect pregnant persons seeking abortions with organizations providing services through the Pregnancy Launch Program. Exempts specified records and information from public disclosure. Creates exceptions. Requires specified reports. Becomes operative January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Establishes the Oregon Empowerment Scholarship Program for the purpose of providing options in education to certain students of this state. Restricts the percentage of students from each school district who may enroll in the program for the first 10 years. Requires a student to demonstrate proficiency in specified Essential Learning Skills prior to the student being awarded a high school diploma or a modified diploma. Applies to diplomas awarded on or after January 1, 2026. Removes the requirement that a student must receive approval from the student's resident school district before enrolling in a virtual public charter school that is not sponsored by the school district if a specified percentage of students in the school district already are enrolled in virtual public charter schools that are not sponsored by the school district. Establishes the open enrollment process for school districts to allow students to attend schools in a nonresident school district with the consent of the receiving school district. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.