Rep. Gene Whisnant

Requires snowmobiles and certain all-terrain vehicles to cross highway at intersection or more than 100 feet from intersection. Permits Oregon Transportation Commission to authorize person to operate all-terrain vehicle within portion of state highway right of way designated all-terrain vehicle highway access route. Establishes All-Terrain Vehicle Highway Access Routes Advisory Committee. Directs Oregon Transportation Commission to designate all-terrain vehicle highway access routes on state highways throughout state after consultation with advisory committee. Provides exemption from vehicle equipment requirements if person is crossing portion of highway right of way designated as all-terrain vehicle highway access route.

Restores availability of tax credit for employment-related child care expenses and extends credit sunset. Increases amount of available child care credit by doubling applicable percentage of taxpayer's child care expenses allowed as credit. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, and before January 1, 2022. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Establishes Whistleblower Commission. Directs commission to investigate complaints of government fraud, waste or corruption and to make public investigation findings. Authorizes commission to refer matters to Attorney General, Secretary of State or district attorney for further proceedings if warranted. Grants confidentiality to complainants and supplies complainants with immunity from criminal proceedings related to complaint. Exempts commission records from mandatory disclosure under public records law and exempts commission proceedings from public meetings law. Requires commission to prepare annual reports to Governor and Legislative Assembly outlining commission recommendations for reducing fraud, waste and corruption.

Voids agency rules filed with Secretary of State on or after effective date of Act and before January 1, 2018. Provides that final rule filed with Secretary of State on or after effective date of Act that is based on proposed rule for which rulemaking notice was given before effective date of Act is void and of no effect. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Directs Department of Veterans' Affairs to establish employment bridge program for veterans seeking to obtain certain professional and occupational licenses.

Requires committees and subcommittees of Senate and House of Representatives, and joint committees and subcommittees of Legislative Assembly, to accept remote testimony given by telephonic or electronic means. Requires Legislative Policy and Research Director to post on legislative website procedures witnesses may follow to testify remotely. Requires director to post procedures within seven calendar days of adoption of resolution.

Adds status as peace officer or firefighter to list of characteristics of victim of crimes of intimidation in the second degree and intimidation in the first degree.

Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution to provide that every legislative measure must be introduced at request of Senator or Representative. Prohibits committees from introducing legislative measures. Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at next regular general election.

Requires committees and subcommittees of Senate and House of Representatives, and joint committees and subcommittees of Legislative Assembly, to accept remote testimony given by remote videoconferencing link , if authorized by President of Senate and Speaker of House of Representatives . Upon authorization, requires committees to dedicate time to allow for video testimony on any agenda item. Suspends rules until Legislative Administrator reports that adequate technology and infrastructure are in place to allow witnesses to go to remote locations and testify via videoconferencing link at committee meetings.

Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution to vest power of impeachment of statewide elected Executive Branch officials in House of Representatives and power to try impeachments in Senate. Requires three-fifths majority vote of House of Representatives to deliver impeachment resolution to Senate and two-thirds majority vote of Senate for conviction. Limits judgment to removal from office and disqualification from holding other public office. Refers proposed amendment to people for approval or rejection at next regular general election held throughout this state.