Sen. Bruce Starr

Directs the Secretary of State to presession file a proposed legislative measure for consideration during the 2027 regular session of the Legislative Assembly that sets forth the recommendations of the secretary for changes to campaign finance limitations presently being implemented in this state. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Maddy summarySB 1565 increases Oregon snowmobile registration and renewal fees from $10 to $30 per vehicle. It directly affects all snowmobile owners in Oregon who register or renew their registrations under state law. The bill amends Oregon Revised Statute 821.320 to set these new fees, which take effect 91 days after the 2026 legislative session ends. The change applies only to fees imposed after the effective date and does not alter other snowmobile regulations.

] Exempts sales to purchasers with facilities totaling more than one million square feet from a prohibition on sales of certain fluorescent lamps until January 1, 2030. Exempts residential care facilities and long term care facilities from the requirement to submit for review plans to replace light fixtures designed to use prohibited fluorescent lamps. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Provides that an operator may require an adult person who engages in a sport, fitness or recreational activity in various ways to release the operator from claims for ordinary negligence. Directs the Oregon Business Development Department to study recreation commerce and report to an appropriate committee or interim committee of the Legislative Assembly no later than December 15, 2026. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Allows a person to operate an autonomous vehicle with the automated driving system engaged without a grant of driving privileges if certain conditions are met. Requires an automated driving system to be able to achieve a minimal risk condition or issue a request to intervene. Requires an autonomous vehicle to operate in compliance with state vehicle laws and comply with federal safety standards. Provides for exemptions. Allows the Department of Transportation to grant an autonomous vehicle that operates exclusively by an automated driving system and without an onboard driver an exemption to any state equipment requirement. Requires a person operating an autonomous vehicle that is involved in a collision that results in damages to property to perform certain duties. Exempts a person operating an autonomous vehicle from other certain duties of a driver. Prescribes financial responsibility requirements for a person operating an autonomous vehicle. Authorizes a person to operate an autonomous vehicle for the purpose of transporting persons or property for hire if the person provides certain information to the department and provides a first responder interaction plan. Prescribes that authorization does not expire unless suspended or revoked. Exempts autonomous vehicles and on-demand autonomous vehicle networks from provisions related to motor carriers. Prohibits local governments from regulating, imposing a tax or fee on or requiring a license or permit for on-demand autonomous vehicle networks. Prohibits local governments from prohibiting or regulating the operation of autonomous vehicles or on-demand autonomous vehicle networks.

Maddy summaryHB 4112 increases funding for Oregon's outdoor school program by $6 million, raising the biennial allocation from $48 million to $54 million for the 2025-2027 budget period. This funding supports outdoor education programs that provide hands-on environmental learning experiences for students, directly benefiting schools and educational organizations participating in the program. The bill also declares an emergency to allow immediate implementation upon passage, though the emergency declaration does not alter the funding amount or program structure.

Expands the rural health care income tax credit to include pharmacist services performed in rural communities. Directs the Office of Rural Health to establish criteria for certifying pharmacists as eligible for the credit. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Digest: The Act would change the tax credit for semiconductor research. The Act would set up and change some tax breaks for advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. The Act would direct certain state agencies to set up deadlines to process applications for permits and to make the deadlines public. The Act would make those agencies, no later than 60 days after the date on which the Act becomes law, publish a list of the permits that they issue. Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. Adds rural reserves in Washington County to Metro to be used for high-technology and advanced manufacturing purposes. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Maddy summarySB 1560 requires Oregon counties to permit places of worship (like churches and mosques) to conduct customary activities such as worship services, weddings, funerals, meal programs, and child care. Counties may only restrict these uses if they prove inadequate public facilities (e.g., transportation or water systems) or health/safety risks. The bill explicitly clarifies that parochial schools (K-12) may still be sited under existing zoning rules. This directly affects how counties regulate religious properties statewide.

Maddy summarySCR 206 is a concurrent resolution honoring the late Oregon State Senator Aaron Lionel Woods, who died in office on April 19, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, career, and service - including his work on technology access, STEM education, and community leadership in Oregon - and expresses the legislature's gratitude for his dedication. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes his legacy as a public servant. The resolution was introduced in the Oregon Legislature on February 2, 2026.