Sen. Bruce Starr

Modifies exemption from the taxable estate for the value of natural resource property to accommodate interests owned through a trust or business entity. Adds detail to look-back and look-forward provisions as applicable to entities. Allows for replacement property. Applies to estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 2025. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Requires the Secretary of State to study changes to the United States Postal Service. Requires the secretary to analyze how any changes may impact Oregon's vote-by-mail system. Requires the secretary to submit a report to the Legislative Assembly. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.

] Provides that when offering a service with age restrictions, a private entity is allowed to swipe a driver license or identification card to verify a person's age, regardless of how old the person looks. Increases the amount a person may recover against an entity that swipes a driver license or identification card in violation of the law.

] [ Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the revenue of rural fire protection districts in this state. Directs the officer to submit a report to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to revenue no later than September 15, 2026. ] Requires the Department of the State Fire Marshal to establish an advisory committee to advise the department on funding for rural fire protection districts. Directs the advisory committee to conduct a review of specified topics and develop recommendations for funding rural fire protection districts to ensure adequate and sustainable services. Requires the advisory committee to report to the Legislative Assembly on or before December 31, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

] Modifies provisions relating to demands for correction or retraction of a [ published ] defamatory statement published in an electronic newspaper, magazine or other periodical .

Requires health benefit plans to cover autologous breast reconstruction procedures and related services with specific requirements related to out-of-pocket costs, cost-sharing, utilization review, reimbursement rates and network adequacy.

Maddy summaryHB 3643 designates October 9 of each year as Oregon Youth Suicide Awareness Day and declares an emergency effective upon passage. The bill directly affects Oregon youth and communities by establishing an annual day to focus attention on youth suicide prevention, citing that 109 Oregon youth died by suicide in 2022 and Oregon ranked 12th nationally in youth suicide rates. Its key mechanism is the annual observance date, supported by an emergency declaration to prioritize action on this issue. The bill became law on June 16, 2025, after passage by the legislature and governor's signature. It does not create new programs or funding but aims to raise awareness of a critical public health concern.

Maddy summarySB 1208 designates March as "Plastics Appreciation Month" in Oregon, with each day of the month dedicated to celebrating a specific type or use of plastics (e.g., March 1 for single-use plastics, March 2 for polypropylene). The bill contains no policy changes or regulatory provisions - it is purely ceremonial, highlighting plastics' roles in daily life, medicine, and industry through symbolic recognition. It does not affect any individuals, businesses, or environmental regulations. The bill was introduced in April 2025 and referred to committee.

Maddy summarySB 984 allows battery-powered electric fences on commercial and industrial properties within Oregon's urban growth boundaries that are not used as residences. The bill sets specific safety requirements, including a maximum 12-volt battery, compliance with IEC safety standards, a minimum 5-foot non-electric perimeter fence, and visible warning signs every 30 feet. It prohibits local governments from banning these fences or imposing additional permit requirements beyond standard alarm system permits for qualifying properties. This directly affects commercial and industrial property owners by standardizing fence regulations and preventing local restrictions on this specific fence type.

Directs Oregon State University to conduct a feasibility study on nuclear energy generation in this state. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.