Rep. Ricki Ruiz

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that rail fixed guideway public transportation systems (like light rail or streetcar systems operated by mass transit districts) are not considered "commercial motor vehicles" under Oregon law. It amends the Oregon Vehicle Code to explicitly exclude these systems from regulations that apply to commercial trucks, buses, or hazardous materials transport. This directly affects Oregon's mass transit districts (e.g., TriMet) operating rail systems by removing unnecessary commercial vehicle compliance requirements. The change ensures rail transit systems are regulated under transportation-specific rules, not commercial vehicle standards.

Prohibits certain food and beverage items sold to students in public schools from including Red Number 3, potassium bromate or propylparaben. Takes effect on July 1, 2027.

Requires the Public Utility Commission to study utilities. Directs the commission to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.

Removes a provision that excluded certain temporary agricultural workers from grant eligibility. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Appropriates moneys to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, out of the General Fund, for deposit in the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Fund. Establishes a maximum limit for payment of expenses by the board from the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Fund. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

] Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to a nonprofit [ groups ] group for purposes related to interpretation of indigenous languages. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Provides that priority may be given to students in specified courses of study to participate in a pilot program to enhance the hiring of public university students by eligible nonprofit organizations. Provides for the reimbursement of eligible nonprofit organizations that participate in the pilot program up to 100 percent of the amount the organizations have paid in wages to participating students. Removes the requirement that eligible nonprofit organizations must have an annual budget of $5,000,000 or less. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to administer a grant program to fund basic needs programming. Appropriates moneys to the commission to establish the program and award grants for basic needs programming. Sunsets the grant program on January 2, 2027. Establishes the Task Force on Student Housing to review and make recommendations on policy changes regarding barriers that students in higher education face in accessing affordable housing. Sunsets the task force on January 2, 2027. Directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide affordable housing support to low-income students in higher education in this state. Appropriates moneys to the commission for purposes of awarding the grants. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Requires the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to establish a grant program for the purpose of supporting organizations to expand the scope and community reach of college access and success programs. Details the eligibility criteria to receive a grant and the factors the commission must consider when awarding grants. Appropriates moneys to the commission for purposes of the program. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Maddy summarySB 705 modifies Oregon's workers' compensation rules for workers with multiple jobs who suffer temporary total disability. It creates a new process where insurers can pay supplemental benefits based on combined earnings from all jobs (instead of just one job), but must then be reimbursed by the state Workers' Benefit Fund for the amount exceeding what would have been paid for a single-job worker. This directly affects injured workers with multiple jobs and their employers/insurers, ensuring the state covers the extra cost of these supplemental payments. The law applies to benefits payable starting January 1, 2026, and clarifies that these supplemental benefit costs won't impact insurance rate calculations.