Sen. Suzanne Weber

Maddy summaryHB 2446 prohibits new massage facilities from being located within 1,000 feet of public or private schools, including prekindergarten/kindergarten programs, public elementary/secondary schools, and private/parochial schools teaching children. The law applies to permits issued or facilities relocated after the bill's effective date, requiring new locations to comply with the buffer zone. Existing facilities already operating near schools before the effective date may continue unless their permit is revoked. The bill modifies licensing rules for massage facilities under Oregon law, adding this location restriction while allowing relocation through a fee-based process.

Adds mental health professionals, naturopathic physicians, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technicians to the types of providers eligible for the tax credit allowed to rural medical care providers. Removes the requirement of hospital consulting privileges applicable to an optometrist claiming the credit. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Maddy summaryHB 2034 removes legal restrictions that previously prevented public charter schools in Oregon from having religious affiliations or being religion-based. The bill deletes provisions requiring charter schools to avoid violating the Establishment Clause or being "religion based" (previously in ORS 338.115(4)). This change allows charter schools to partner with religious institutions or operate with religious elements, while maintaining other requirements like non-profit status. The bill directly affects Oregon public charter schools seeking to establish or operate under new affiliation rules.

Directs the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to [ enter into a contract with ] distribute moneys to the Oregon Association of Water Utilities to provide technical assistance, or enter into a contract with a third party to provide technical assistance, to address the needs and vulnerabilities of small and very small community water systems, construct and equip a water utility training center and employ three staff to provide related support and resources. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the department to carry out the [ contract ] Act . Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2396 automatically qualifies individuals with a valid concealed handgun license to obtain a firearm purchase permit in Oregon, eliminating the need for additional background checks or fingerprinting for this group. The bill amends ORS 166.505 to state that holding a valid concealed handgun license (under ORS 166.291-166.292) satisfies all eligibility requirements for a purchase permit, including background checks. This directly affects licensed concealed carriers, streamlining their process to purchase firearms without repeating the standard application steps required of others. The change does not alter other requirements like safety courses or fees for non-licensed applicants.

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.

Imposes additional personal income tax. Adjusts the rate of the tax annually for inflation. Transfers the proceeds of the new income tax, less the amount of the new income tax credits allowed to taxpayers, to the State Wildlife Fund. Directs specific percentages of the proceeds to various programs of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Creates a credit against personal income taxes for the purchase of a license, tag or permit under the wildlife laws. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and before January 1, 2032. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

] Appropriates moneys to the [ Oregon Ocean Science Trust ] Department of State Lands for deposit in the Oregon Ocean Science Fund for the purpose of providing competitive grants. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Requires a county clerk to cancel the registration of an elector if the elector registers to vote in another county, surrenders the elector's driver license upon being issued a license in another state or is excused from jury duty for not being a United States citizen.

Repeals the changes made by House Bill 3124 (2021) to the statutes governing local removal of homeless individuals from established camping sites. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.