Sen. David Smith

Prohibits the Department of Corrections, Oregon Youth Authority or Oregon Health Authority from paying for or providing, directly or indirectly, gender-affirming care to individuals in the custody of a correctional facility in this state.

Maddy summarySB 888 prohibits Oregon local governments from banning or restricting residential natural gas use for energy. It directly affects homeowners and cities/counties that might have considered such restrictions. The bill allows local governments to enforce building codes, fire codes, or state/federal requirements as exceptions. This is a policy change that prevents local ordinances from limiting natural gas access in homes, while maintaining safety and compliance standards.

Makes in-person voting on the date of an election the standard method for conducting an election. Allows an elector to request a ballot that may be voted by mail if the elector is unable to vote in person on the date of the election. Retains vote by mail as the primary method for conducting elections for military and overseas electors and for electors who have a mailing address outside of Oregon. Requires electors to present valid government-issued identification when appearing in-person to vote or when requesting a ballot be sent by mail. Requires all ballots to be returned by the date of an election. Removes a requirement that the state pay postage for ballots returned by mail. Refers the Act to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election.

Increases the penalties for unlawfully causing fires. Punishes a first violation by a maximum of 30 days' imprisonment, a $1,250 fine, or both. Punishes a second violation by a maximum of six months' imprisonment, a $2,500 fine, or both. Punishes a third violation, or a first violation that proximately causes human injury, loss of human life or property damage of $10,000 or more, by a maximum of 364 days' imprisonment, a $6,250 fine, or both.

Maddy summarySB 883 prohibits Oregon state agencies from enforcing any rules requiring people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. It directly affects state agencies (like health departments or education bodies) and anyone subject to their rules. The bill’s key provision bans such vaccination mandates, and it declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon passage. This is a procedural measure focused solely on removing existing state-level vaccine requirements, with no new programs or funding.

Requires the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission to study the interstate commerce of cannabis. Directs the commission to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to economic development no later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.

Separates the possession, delivery and manufacture of fentanyl from general controlled substance offense statutes into separate statutes. Establishes a mandatory minimum sentence for the delivery of fentanyl to a person under 18 years of age. Beginning July 1, 2033, prohibits optional probation or a downward departure as a sentence for the manufacture or delivery of fentanyl if a person has a previous conviction. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to provide a grant to Heard Farms to expand wastewater treatment infrastructure. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Directs the Attorney General to assist a person in recovering damages from the federal government when smoke from a wildfire on federal lands causes damages to the person's wine grape growing.

Allows the siting and operation of a small modular reactor energy facility without requiring that there be a licensed repository for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste.