Search Results

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 1/23 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance Reform Redistricting Election Methods Elections Rights of Incarcerated People Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Transparency Volunteers Needed Campaign Finance Reform There have been no new bills filed and no activity for CFR. Redistricting By Chris Cobey and Norman Turrill The People Not Politicians coalition, in which the LWV of Oregon is a leader, has now decided to circulate only IP 14 (only legislative redistricting) and to begin collecting petition signatures probably in February. Four bills related to redistricting have been filed in the Legislature, detailed in the last LR. Election Methods By Barbara Klein Another Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) bill ( HB 3107 ) is on tap. It is a committee bill sponsored by House Rules and filed at the request of Rep. Julie Fahey, also a sponsor of HB 2004 . It is at the Speaker’s desk, awaiting referral. The description says the bill would establish RCV as the voting method for selecting the winner both for the primary nomination and final election to nonpartisan state offices and county and city offices except where home rule charter applies. It also establishes RCV for primary and general elections for federal and state partisan offices. Important note : This includes state senators and representatives (Sections 2 - 2.d and 3.d). Other than that, it is quite similar to HB 2004 , which is currently in House Rules. Chief sponsors are Rep. Rayfield, Fahey, Reynolds, Marsh, and Sen. Sollman; and regular sponsors are Rep. Pham K, Sen. Dembrow, and Golden. Elections By Tom Messenger SB 499 moves the Presidential Primary to Super Tuesday and eliminates the precinct committee person (PCP) positions (internal political party positions) from the ballot. Status: The bill has been introduced, and Tom Messenger is working on getting a hearing for SB 499 in Senate Rules. This week the LWVOR Action Committee approved bill support. For the bill to have a chance at success, many voices have to be heard supporting the bill. If you would like to be one of those voices, please contact Tom Messenger ( tom_messenger@hotmail.com ) for more information to craft a support letter or make a supporting phone call. If the bill gets a hearing, you can testify in favor of the bill. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley SB 579 , which restores voting rights to incarcerated citizens, appears again this session at the behest of the Oregon Justice Resource Center. The League testified in support at a January 26 hearing in Senate Judiciary. We base our support on the League principle that voting is a fundamental right of citizenship. It is also a recognition that the disenfranchisement of incarcerated individuals is a relic of the Civil War era–a way to withhold power from black citizens. We believe it is time to correct this historic injustice and allow Oregon to join Maine, Vermont, Puerto, and Washington, D.C. in giving incarcerated citizens the right to vote. Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Transparency By Becky Gladstone Overall LWVOR advocacy is already intense with testimony and logo-sharing for numerous bills and collaborations. Read here for the confluence of Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Public Records across portfolios. We will watch for public hearings, working on testimony in advance. Data Privacy HB 2052 : We testified in support of an Oregon Data Broker Registry, a priority this session. SB 619 : This detailed consumer data bill, now in Senate Judiciary, addresses many issues we raised in our Privacy and Cybersecurity work , including consumer access to rectify personal data inaccuracies. Sen. Prozanski and Rep. Holvey are sponsors. Senate Judiciary now meets Monday-Thursday, sure to raise other relevant topics. Cybersecurity HB 2049 : This committee cyber omnibus calls for a Cybersecurity Advisory Council, is currently in the Joint Information Management and Technology (JCLIMT) committee. HB 2490 : Exempts cybersecurity plans, devices and systems, etc., from disclosure, in the House Emergency Management, General Governance, and Veterans, sponsors Reps. Nathanson and Neron. Campaign Finance Transparency These campaign finance transparency studies are single paragraph bills, may be placeholders: HB 2106 : From the SoS, in House Rules, to focus on contribution reporting. HB 3104 : From Speaker Fahey, in House Rules, requires the SoS to study how to improve this reporting. SB 170 From the SoS, how to improve the campaign finance system. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org to connect with us.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - November Interim Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance and Redistricting County Elections challenges, EPAB-Broadband Equity, SCR, and Capitol update Election Methods Election Signs for Sale By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance and Redistricting By Norman Turill The LWV of Oregon has endorsed and is actively circulating IP 9 on Campaign Finance and IP 14 on Redistricting. Petitions can be downloaded, printed*, signed and returned by mail from the Honest Elections website for IP 9 and the People Not Politicians website for IP 14. Both initiative petition filings are due to the Secretary of State by July 5, 2024. *Be sure to print both sides! County Elections challenges, EPAB-Broadband Equity, SCR, and Capitol update By Rebecca Gladstone Legislative efforts reported here tend to be large projects better addressed in long sessions, so short sessions are often for urgent needs or to adjust and implement the Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) into Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR). Elections manuals are up for review and multiple election rulemaking hearings are set for December. Recent interim news includes: Oregon’s county elections staffing study Recommendations to House Rules included improving support with direct communications between the Elections Division, the Oregon Association of County Clerks (OACC) and the clerks themselves. As law enforcement i nvestigated elections office threats around the country, including in Lane County, House Rules heard a county elections staffing study presentation that found county elections working intensely for at least 8 months in even years, with inadequate and uneven funding to address more complex rules, technology, and safety efforts. Unusually heavy public records requests accompanied abuse, threats, and harassment. Retirements and unusually high resignation rates make understaffing worse. Pay is low for the stress and public scrutiny in the antagonistic political environment, “…the In-N-Out Burger across the street can out-pay me”. LWVOR has called for local Leagues to reach out in appreciation to their county election offices and is inquiring to LWVUS advocacy, as they discuss pushing the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to increase support to protect elections workers . This LWVOR testimony includes lists of earlier support: SB 166 , ( testimony ) to protect elections workers SB 167 , ( testimony ) elections procedural updates HB 3073 , ( testimony ) home address privacy HB 3111 , ( testimony ) personal information privacy HB 4144 , ( testimony ) home address privacy HB 3047 , ( testimony ) doxing, harassment and injury SB 293 , ( testimony ) elevate state government privacy, confidentiality and data security The House Rules meeting materials included experts we consulted for our LWVOR Elections Methods studies. See the updates in 2023 , 2016 , and the 2008 in our archives. Oregon Data Literacy Framework Work Group update From the Dept of Administrative Services (DAS), the data literacy framework and final report is open to accept comments until January 31, 2024. The Chief Data Officer and Oregon Data Literacy Work Group and Chair will review comments to inform future implementation, expansion, and/or adjustments to the overall framework. SCR, Senate Commemorative Resolution for Alice Bartelt Senate President Rob Wagner requested League support in compiling and processing a resolution commemorating Alice Bartelt, our recently deceased LWVOR President. The draft was submitted to Legislative Counsel and will be presented during the 2024 session. The Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance, and Safety (CAMS) Project An update was presented to the Joint Legislative Administration Committee, describing completed work, what should be done in time for the 2025 session, and work continuing on after the 2025 session. For the 2024 session: Both chambers will be in use and accessible from the wings as during the 2023 session. Hearing Rooms A-F, 170 & 174 will be in use for committees. All three entrances on State Street and both garage entrances will be available. EPAB, Oregon Digital Equity Plan The Oregon Electronic Portal Advisory Board ( EPAB ) November quarterly meeting included a broadband equity report. The Oregon Broadband Office (OBO) has issued a Oregon Digital Equity Plan Report , with Strategy 1–Put People First, to identify Oregonian’s digital government needs and to continue updating the Oregon.gov platform. OBO welcomes all to submit comments on the draft via the OBO Public Comment Portal by 5pm PST, December 16, 2023. The draft Oregon Digital Equity plan: Addresses Oregon’s digital equity challenges. Will be submitted for implementation funding to the National Telecommunication & Information Administration (NTIA), with multiple E-Government Program and EPAB references. Describes the program services scope. Includes statewide Accessibility Guidance for Oregon.gov websites. Is an Enterprise accessibility testing/quality assurance tool for websites. Is a collaboration with PSU Hatfield School of Government to study online needs for Oregonians (2022) and the state’s communities of color (2023). BACKGROUND: OBO maintains an online, interactive map of Oregon broadband availability , created in 2009 with a new version launched in 2019. Data layers include service providers, broadband technologies, service speeds, service availability reported by providers to the FCC, population density, and anchor institutions. Oregon has funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and with OSU partnership, the map will be upgraded to include an application portal, dig once map, and data submission portal. The map has several information layers to enable OBO to support Oregon’s Digital Equity Plan. New upgrade layers include a map of maximum available download speed, locations lacking service, and separate layers for each of the following community anchor institution categories: community support (government and non-government), library, hospital, fire station, law enforcement, school (K-12), higher education, inclusive of a covered population layer. EPAB advises the State Chief Information Officer about Oregon’s web services, websites and e‑commerce. Rebecca Gladstone is the appointed public member. The Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance, and Safety (CAMS) Project An update was presented to Joint Legislative Administration, describing completed work, what should be done in time for the 2025 session, and work continuing on after the 2025 session. For the 2024 session: Both chambers will be in use and accessible from the wings as during the 2023 session. Hearing Rooms A-F, 170 & 174 will be in use for committees. All three entrances on State Street and both garage entrances will be available. Election Methods By Barbara Klein No bills were taken up during this interim legislative session that relate to election systems. There were rumors of some efforts to oppose Ranked Choice Voting via legislation or the ballot, but as of yet, it is unclear whether this will materialize. Due to the decision of the legislature in June 2023, Ranked Choice Voting will be on the 2024 general ballot (for implementation in 2028). Election Signs for Sale The LWV of Umpqua Valley has 3 different kinds of signs. They are double-sided, printed on sturdy paper, coated to make them rain-proof, and 18 inches by 12 inches (not self-standing). See LWV Umpqua Valley for more information and photos of the signs: 1) End Gerrymandering Now and on the back #Fair Maps 2) Vote411 and on the back Register to Vote 3) Voting is People Power and it’s blank on the backside The signs are $5 each plus UPS shipping. Contact them at info@lwvuv.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - December Interim 2024 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Governance Campaign Finance (CFR) Oregon Open Primary Act Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. Senate Rules met Dec. 10 to consider various executive appointments and introduced three placeholder bills. House Rules met Dec. 12 to hear testimony about election integrity and to hear an update from the Legislative Oversight, Effectiveness, and Accountability Workgroup . They then introduced a bill to establish a Legislative Audit Officer (LAO) within the legislative branch. Campaign Finance (CFR) A CFR workgroup called by Rep. Fahey that began in June is still working to identify technical adjustments needed to ensure successful implementation of HB 4024 (2024) , to recommend legislative fixes for 2025, and to consider broader policy improvements for future sessions. The workgroup includes representatives from the legislature, business, labor and Honest Elections that negotiated on HB 4024. Since such a technical fix bill would likely be introduced by the House Rules committee, it could happen at any time during the coming legislative session. Oregon Open Primary Act By Barbara Klein Working with the same coalition we signed on with last year, LWVOR has helped OERC (Oregon Election Reform Coalition) produce the Oregon Open Primary Act LC #1109 . This proposal is for “open” primaries (one ballot for all voters), but the section adopting ranked choice voting for general elections was removed. Rep. Gamba (D/I/WFP) and Sen. Aaron Woods (Veterans Caucus, (D/WFP)) have agreed to introduce the bill, being joined by Co-Chief Sponsors Rep. Lively (D/I/WFP), Rep. Paul Evans (D/I/WFP) and Rep. Susan McLain (D/I/WFP). At this point, there are no Republican sponsors, although we have reached out to several. We look forward to a multi-partisan effort. One Republican, Rep. Wallan from southern Oregon, is interested in parties opening their own primaries to non-affiliated voters (NAVs), but not primaries using one ballot.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 4/24 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Elections, Public Records, Police Body Cams Rights of Incarcerated People Government Ethics Election Methods Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance By Rebecca Gladstone IP 9 petition cover and signature sheets are being prepared for signature gathering. The League supports IP 9 as a Chief Petitioner. The Oregon Supreme Court denied objections and certified the Attorney General’s ballot title: “Limits campaign contributions; political advertisements identify largest contributors; campaigns disclose true funding sources; other provisions.” From OPB: Campaign finance limits could come up short in Oregon Legislature — again . Redistricting By Norman Turrill There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Elections, Public Records, Privacy and Police Body Cams By Rebecca Gladstone Bills continue to move with enrollments. HB 2095 Enrolled : This traffic cams in cities bill has been enrolled, passing in the Senate 20 to 9, on partisan lines. HB 5032 A : Awaiting enrollment. We support this Public Records Advocate funding ( our testimony ). These have scheduled hearings: SB 1 1 : This access and transparency bill has strong bipartisan support, requiring virtual public state meetings to record and promptly publicize recordings. We will look for data retention rules. SB 510 : This companion funding for SB 417, below, to improve efficiency, cost estimates and budgeting, and sustainable funding for the Public Records Advocate Commission (PRAC). See our testimony in support . SB 417 : The Public Records Task Force, meeting since March 7, hopes to complete policy discussion and final edits this week, to propose an amendment; see our testimony . HB 2490 May 2 Work session scheduled in Sen Vets, Emerg Mgmt, Fed and World Affairs. It addresses Oregon’s growing cybersecurity vulnerability, to protect our defense plans, devices, and systems from public disclosure, also echoing our call to balance public records disclosure transparency and privacy. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). Awaiting committee scheduling: SB 166 : We hope scheduling delay implies amending to address our privacy and harassment concerns, our testimony . This three-part bill would codify that actual voting on ballots is not revealed (never has been). It only addresses protecting elections workers, offending substances shall not be thrown at them, and elections should have cybersecurity plans. We recommend further amending, citing extensive references to our earlier relevant testimony. Technical harassment definitions should be expanded, as we note, for example to doxing, with extensive privacy issues, and extended to protect all involved in elections, even voters, from harassment and intimidation, as reported last fall on OPB . We anticipate having these protections in place before the 2024 elections. We link our other testimonies’ support for elections as critical infrastructure, for cybersecurity, and for protecting our cyber defense plans, as mentioned in the bill below. Referred to House Rules March 7. SB 167 : The SoS elections bill could replace candidate filing software (top of our list), add numerous efficiency improvements, address some privacy and cybersecurity issues, with efficiency tweaks. See League testimony in support. SB 614 : We’re watching this police body cam, personal data retention and disclosure bill, after passing the Senate 18 to 10, on not entirely partisan votes. See the April 17 LR for details. SJM 6 : This DC statehood congressional memorial was unanimously referred from the Senate floor on April 13 to Senate Vets, EM, Fed & World Affairs, with two R votes flipping to support. It has not been scheduled there. Taxation without representation is a fundamental democratic value, and we will support this. Awaiting W&Ms scheduling: SB 510 This SB 417 companion funding bill passed unanimously to W&Ms without recommendation, to improve efficiency, cost estimates and budgeting, and sustainable funding for the PRAC. See our testimony in support . SB 1073 passed from JIMT April 5, to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). See our testimony for the related bills and the hearing video , details in previous reports here. SB 619 was recommended do pass with amendments by prior reference. LWVOR strongly supports this AG’s consumer privacy bill ( our testimony ), now with a coalition letter. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley SB 529 , passed out of House Judiciary on April 25 with a do pass recommendation and is headed to the House floor. The bill establishes a structured and comprehensive drug treatment plan for incarcerated individuals and acknowledges that: Substance use disorders negatively impact adults in custody at a significantly greater frequency than non-incarcerated individuals in the community. Substance use disorders should be considered chronic illnesses for which effective treatment is available. Diverting sentenced offenders from a traditional correctional setting into structured programs that provide treatment for substance use disorders or cognitive restructuring has been proven to reduce criminal recidivism in this state. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey SB 292 passed the Senate 26-0. It narrows , on a temporary basis, the applicability of the requirement that district school board members must file verified statements of economic interest to only those members of districts with specified number of students or districts that are sponsors of virtual public charter schools . Expands applicability of requirement to all members of district school boards in 2026. Directs Oregon Government Ethics Commission to provide training on filing of verified statements of economic interest to members of district school boards. 4/19: passed Senate 26-0-4, to House. See Malheur Enterprise article on Entire school boards quit over ethics rule, but reappointments expected . Ethics Commission history shows that most conflicts of interest occur in smaller jurisdictions. HB 2422 : Directs Legislative Administrator to pay costs of reasonable accommodation of member of the Legislative Assembly who is afforded rights and protections as person with disabilities under specified federal and state law. Directs Legislative Administration Committee to adopt an interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations entitled to payment. Appropriates moneys to Legislative Administration Committee to fund payments. House Rules: 4/25: work session, "do pass" recommendation on party-line vote. HB 5021 A: Limits biennial expenditures from fees, moneys or other revenues, including miscellaneous receipts and reimbursements from federal service agreements, but excluding lottery funds and other federal funds, collected or received by Oregon Government Ethics Commission. 4/24: from JW&Ms "do pass" recommendation; 4/26: scheduled for Senate third reading. SB 168 A: Expressly prohibits public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. 4/27: House Rules public hearing scheduled. SB 207 : Authorizes Oregon Government Ethics Commission to proceed on its own motion to review and investigate, if the commission has reason to believe that the public body conducted meetings in executive session that were not in compliance with laws authorizing executive sessions. 4/20: House Rules work session held, unanimous "do pass" recommendation, House second reading. SB 661 A : Prohibits any lobbyist from serving as chairperson of interim committees, or certain legislative work groups, or legislative task forces. Provides exceptions. 4/25: House Rules public hearing. Election Methods By Barbara Klein No further developments this week. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/20 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Cybersecurity and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone Numerous promising bills mentioned in hearings will probably pop up for first public hearings shortly. Watch the legislative calendar for bill processing deadlines . Reporting will continue for bills with our filed testimony. I’ll add other bills and also testify to amendments as they warrant further attention. Some 28 bills referred here for relevant League testimony will probably fail to move this session. HB 2049 : The League supports this cybersecurity omnibus committee bill, returning from last session. Governments seeking help, the private sector offering it, and academia, K-20 to work, are together here. This bill can modernize our IT, boost our current and long-term workforce, and improve public awareness. A fourth informational hearing was held for invited speakers, adding time for public testimony. This bill’s concept passed unanimously out of committee last session and no testimony in opposition has been filed yet this session. See our testimony and the collaborative support letter LWVOR endorsed . SB 417 : Senate Judiciary Chair, Sen. Lieber, agreed to our request for a Task Force to work on this public records fee bill. It has been held for input and we will meet on Feb. 27 to work on it. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley The bill that gives adults in custody the right to vote appears to be on the move. A work session on SB 579 has been scheduled for March 2 in Senate Judiciary. We will keep you updated on its progress. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Election Methods Cybersecurity and Public Records Rights of Incarcerated People Government Ethics By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Election Methods By Barbara Klein Another Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) bill was added to the March 16 House Rules hearing. This bill, HB 3509 , is sponsored by Rep Farrah Chaichi and appears to be an augmentation of bill HB 2004 below. The official summary of HB 3509 is that it “ Establishes ranked choice voting as voting method for selecting winner of nomination for an election to nonpartisan state offices and county and city offices except where home rule charter applies. Establishes [RCV] as a voting method for selecting winner of nomination by major political parties for federal and state partisan offices .” HB 3509 is listed as “may have fiscal impact.” The bill’s sponsor may be hoping to take advantage of the same monies noted by supporters of HB 2004. Namely, this is $2 million allocated by a previously passed bill (SB 5538 in 2021 regular session) to provide grants to counties to modernize their election offices, technology and equipment (including updating voting machines and purchasing new processing equipment). For any scenarios in which HB 3509 would eliminate the need for a runoff, it could save money. As of this writing, the League has not determined the need for weighing in on HB 3509. However, based on established positions LWVOR would have no reason to oppose this bill, and currently supports the HB 2004 RCV bill. Before the March 16 House Rules hearing, LWVOR provided testimony and encouraged members (as individuals) to write their legislators in support. Cybersecurity and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone SB 166 We support with comments, our testimony . This three-part bill would codify that actual ballots votes are not revealed (never have been). Elections workers would be protected ( offending substances shall not be thrown at them ), and elections should have cybersecurity plans. We recommend further amending, with extensive references to our earlier relevant testimony for related bills, including current ones. Technical harassment definitions should be expanded, as we note, for example to doxing, with extensive privacy issues, and extended to protect all involved in elections, even voters, from harassment and intimidation, as reported last fall by OPB . We anticipate valuing having these protections in place before the 2024 elections. We link to our other testimony supporting elections as critical infrastructure, for cybersecurity, and for protecting our cyber defense plans, as mentioned in the bill below. HB3201 We have supportive testimony prepared for this federal funding broadband bill, public hearing scheduled for March 15. A diverse, inclusive work group has been negotiating for this since last summer, posting two amendments. A surprise amendment appeared March 14, negating the content of the earlier -1 and -2 amendments, without consulting the sponsors or advisory group, a concerning omission. Numerous updated amendments have followed it. We have signed a coalition letter in support of the original bill and have written to relevant legislators with process concerns. SCR 1 This bill calls for election worker support and applause, passed the Senate on partisan lines, scheduled for a March 14 work session in House Rules. It lacks any action in statute. We urge again, our 2023 testimony for expanding election privacy and harassment protection, citing our League 2022 testimony from HB 4144 Enrolled (2022) . HB 3111 Passed from the House with no opposition votes, and was scheduled for a public hearing March 16 in Sen Rules. This privacy protection bill exempts some personal information for some public employees, focusing on retirees. As we advocated for SB 293 Enrolled (2021), we urge for less piece-meal privacy protection. See our HB 3111 testimony in support, repeating our previous calls for improvements. HB 2112 A Passed from the House floor and Rules unanimously, and was scheduled for a March 14 work session in Sen Rules. This public records bill updates technical and inclusive terms, particularly for our tribes. The League supports ( our testimony ). HB 2490 This bill was scheduled for a work session on March 16 in House Emergency Management, General Governance, and Vets. It addresses Oregon’s growing cybersecurity vulnerability, by protecting our defense plans, devices, and systems from public disclosure, also echoing our call to balance public records disclosure transparency and privacy. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). SB 417 The Task Force convening to review this public records request fee bill had a third meeting, including public records staff from the Attorney General. We hope to complete technical review with Legislative Counsel and propose an amendment in the next week. See League testimony in support. Watch for upcoming budgets and other bills and progress in W&Ms: SB 1073 to be heard in J Information and Technology, directs the State Chief Information Officer and state agencies to appoint Chief Privacy Officers. It directs the Secretary of State and Treasurer to adopt privacy requirement rules. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley A bill to reduce the time a person in custody can remain in “segregated housing” was heard on March 14 in House Judiciary. The League submitted supportive testimony on the -1 amendment to HB 2345 , which authorizes a reduction of time that adults in custody can be confined in “segregated housing” (solitary confinement) and sets a limitation of 14 days. It also appoints a committee to study the implementation of this new Department of Corrections (DOC) policy. The League strongly supports ongoing DOC efforts to humanize and change the culture of the prison environment, consistent with the 2015 United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey SB 207 : Authorizes the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to proceed on its own motion to review and investigate, if the commission has reason to believe that a public body conducted meetings in executive session that were not in compliance with laws authorizing executive sessions. The bill was reported out of Senate Rules with a "do pass" recommendation on a 4-0-1-0 vote. Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. Redistricting By Norman Turrill There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 19 petitions downloadable from its website. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/3 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Social Policy, Immigration, Hate Crimes Government Ethics Election Systems Social Policy, Immigration, Hate Crimes By Becky Gladstone We are following numerous bills relating to immigration, discrimination, bias and hate crimes, including as they relate to privacy. We are following national executive orders and memos that relate to our December action alert, anticipating developments. See the LWVOR alert and the LWVUS press release . HB 2341 : The League’s was the only testimony filed. We supported adding email address access for certain veterans and service member correspondence, based on “efficiency in government”. The bill passed unanimously in work session, from H Comm On Emergency Mngmt, Gen Gov, and Veterans . SJM 1 : We are preparing testimony on this bill, urging Congress to protect rights of armed forces and their families. It mentions bias and hate crimes. A work session is scheduled in Sen Comm On Vets, Emergency Management, Fed and World Affairs on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 1pm to return the bill to the Senate President for committee reassignment. SB 5535 : Time allowing, this DAS agency budget bill may be addressed, public hearing Wed, Feb. 5. New LWVOR Action Committee volunteers have joined to work on artificial intelligence and other cyber issues. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey The House Rules Committee heard five bills from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) on Jan. 27. The OGEC Director Meyers said that these bills are “simply efforts to clean up inconsistencies and eliminate confusion with respect to the application of the statutes.” HB 2923 specifies some business roles that must be included on a Statement of Economic Interest disclosure form. HB 2927 permits the OGEC to prolong an investigation into alleged ethics law or lobbying violations by no more than 60 days. The current 30 days allowed is ineffective since it would not extend to the next OGEC meeting. HB 2928 removes the prohibition on offering gifts in excess of $50 per calendar year to a public official, candidate, or to a relative or member of their household. This is the OGEC’s most controversial proposal since they justified it with a 2009 court case that overturned this statute. However, later written testimony said that a 2020 court case “abrogated” the 2009 decision. See Oregonian, Should special interests get to offer Oregon officials luxury gifts? Four people opposed this bill, and the League will also likely oppose it. HB 2930 applies conflict of interest laws to people who live in the same house as a public official. The only two witnesses (OGEC executive director and another OGEC employee) were in favor of the bill. Two public comments were received (one from Dan Meek on behalf of the OR Progressive Party), both in support of the bill. HB 2932 allows a public official to get paid for teaching at certain schools, even when related to their public office. Election Systems By Barbara Klein A bill related to Open Primaries ( HB 3166 ) on which LWVOR has been working, has not yet been amended. The anticipated amendments may change LWVOR support (or no support) status. It has been moved to the Rules committee. HB 2876 seeks to conform all county election structures statewide, making every county commission a nonpartisan board of five (5) commissioners (unless voters of the county choose not to do so). It is currently in Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/3 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance and Elections Courts and Privacy Government Ethics Revenue Campaign Finance and Elections Portland auditor seeks to soften city’s voter-approved campaign finance law to align with state . The League and Honest Elections oppose the Portland Auditor’s efforts which would set back many years of reform effort. Courts and Privacy By Becky Gladstone HB 5012 : The League was invited again to speak to this Oregon Judicial Department budget bill. League testimony in support was presented. HB 5012 appropriates monies from the General Fund to the department for the Oregon Law Commission, the Council on Court Procedures, conciliation and mediation services in circuit courts, law libraries and the Legal Services Program. HB 2299 , which increases the penalty for unlawful dissemination of intimate image, was heard this week in the House Judiciary committee. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2454 authorizes the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to appoint a Legislative Audit Officer and to direct the officer to perform specified duties, including investigating, reviewing activities of and oversight of executive branch agencies, taking in and investigating complaints of members of the public concerning executive branch agency programs, conducting performance audits of executive branch agencies and reporting to the committee on work undertaken by the officer. The only witnesses were Reps. Bowman and Wallan. This new legislative branch audit office (LAO) may be redundant with the Secretary of State audits division and the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO). Revenue By Natalie Briggs On March 26, the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue heard the March Economic and Revenue Forecast by Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna and Senior Economist Michael Kennedy. The Macro Forecast At the time of this report, U.S. inflation adjusted growth is 2%, while inflation is holding steady at 2.8% (above the federal reserve’s target of 2%). Unemployment is 4.2%, though it is too early to observe the impact of tariff discussions and federal job cuts. Federal job cuts will not be included in Oregon’s economic statistics until the 1st or 2nd week of March. In 2025, 2% growth is targeted, and economists anticipate a broader set of risks to economic outcomes. Implementation of tariffs could harm or help the Oregon economy, which is sensitive to trade due to the geographic and industrial characteristics of the state – manufacturing and export are higher in Oregon than other states, and Oregon may be impacted more heavily by changes to pacific trading partners, due to geographic location. Oregon Outlook/Economy Oregon GDP growth has slowed over the last year, with GDP growth reaching 1.2%. Decrease in GDP is likely tied to state-specific industries, and does not necessarily reflect national GDP trends. At the time of this report, Oregon GDP is below the US average by 1.5%. Should this deviation from national GDP trending continue, a U.S. GDP growth of 2% in 2025 would contrast with Oregon GDP growth of 0.5%. Despite Oregon’s 1.2% growth over the last 4 quarters, GDP growth over the previous two quarters was 2.9%, up markedly from -0.6% in the two quarters prior. This growth of 2.9% could indicate improvement in GDP to come. Jobs Oregon has a high percentage of labor force participation compared to the rest of the country, though hiring has slowed. Oregon employment remains at a historic high (since 2000), at 81.9%, with wage growth relatively flat and some recent indication of an upward slope. The number of unemployed Oregonians who have exhausted unemployment benefits is beginning to increase somewhat compared to 2024. Areas with the most job creation include private education, health care, and service industries. Job losses have been observed in areas including construction and manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs are down 2,500 between December 2023 and December 2024, as noted in the previous revenue report, though some signs of manufacturing improvement have been observed recently. Overall, no broad-based gains in employment were observed, and jobs trends do not appear to differ dramatically from national trends. Interest rates remain a challenge for certain industries in Oregon (automotive, housing), and are reflected in the Oregon labor market. These challenges are not unique to Oregon, and other states see similar patterns, such as migration to neighboring states where housing costs are lower. Outcomes The Oregon economy is increasingly connected to national trends, in part due to the existence of industries that are impacted by the national economy. As a result, one possible outcome for the Oregon economy is that of a soft landing – a term applied at the national level that refers to slowing of growth post-inflation rather than a transition to recession. The baseline outcome for the Oregon economy is that of a soft-landing. Other outcomes include that of a recession (downside), and continued growth (upside). Revenue Update The latest Oregon revenue projection for 2023-2025 has decreased by $89 million compared to prior forecasts, and appropriations have increased by $110 million. 2025-2027 revenue projections have increased to $551 million, and available resources have increased to $350 million. The decrease by $89 million for 2023-2025 is a result of updated information on income taxes, where Oregon personal tax refunds have accounted for $275 million more than in prior projections. Corporate income tax is also lower than expected, due to reconciliation from prior years. The variance in these forecasts may be up to $500 million. Looking forward to the next 10 years, slower growth is expected for Oregon, due to a combination of demographic changes, including an aging population and out migration of high earners, as well as slow capital gains growth. Biennial growth is expected to slow for 2025-2033, to 10.7% (down from 15.1% for 2021-2025). The current budget reserves for Oregon are 10.5% of 2025-2027 general funds. The legislature will use this Feb. 26th forecast to do a final rebalance of the 2023-25 budget. Then the May 14th forecast will be the basis for the legislature to determine the 2025-27 state budget. Oregon receives substantial funding from the federal government, so the legislature is watching closely as the March 14th deadline for a federal budget to be passed again looms. Congress also needs to address raising the federal debt limit to authorize paying for bills we’ve already incurred. The federal budget is annual and runs Oct. 1-Sept. 30. Currently there is only a federal budget until end of day March 14. Additionally, the firing of federal employees who live in Oregon is beginning to affect both large and small communities in Oregon—not only the jobs they were hired to do, but economies with the loss of those employee wages to the communities. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Privacy and Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Election Policy Access Government Ethics Privacy and Cybersecurity By Becky Gladstone Bills addressed: SB 470 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this privacy bill. We respect to necessarily comprehensive legal rosters describing the terms used, we simplified the gist to : If you are staying in a motel, the folks there may not take an audio or video of you, any place where you would expect privacy. And you can sue, if they do. There was a thoughtful discussion, and the bill may be amended. HB 2570 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this privacy bill. It would make a new [non]disclosure law to keep PII (personally identifiable information) confidential for employees working with OSHA investigations or inspections. Thoughtful discussion included concern for retribution impeding communications, both from fearful employees and employers. HB 2581 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this bill to coordinate resiliency services with the State Resiliency Officer (SRO). It would replace the word “seismic” with hazards, to include storms with flooding and slides, COVID, and wildfires, in 2024 expanding to extreme heat, further drought, the fentanyl crisis, and a tsunami warning. The SRO testified and included the importance of cybersecurity in protecting our infrastructure. HB 2341 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this bill to add veterans’ email addresses to shared information in providing services. These would be covered by the same privacy protocols as other personal information and could help to efficiently expedite services. We are researching these upcoming bills for when public hearings are scheduled: SB 826 was brought by the Oregon Dept of Emergency Management, to make sure that public safety systems are compatible. Artificial Intelligence We are watching for AI and further cybersecurity and privacy bills, welcoming two new volunteers who will have AI bill reports soon. Note this from the National Conference of State Legislatures: AI 2024 Legislation . In 2024 legislative sessions, at least 45 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., introduced AI bills, and 31 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands adopted resolutions or enacted legislation. We are watching numerous other bills that haven’t yet been scheduled for hearing. Election Policy We have been invited to collaborate on HJR 9 , a referral for recall timing. HB 3012 would allow 16- or 17-year-olds, who are registered to vote, to vote in school board elections. HB 3384 League testimony was written and held for discussion for this election bill. It would require that initiative and referendum petitions not be processed from 75 days before an election until 35 days afterwards. It was submitted at the request of the Oregon County Clerks Association. We will consider supporting this bill at a future hearing. Access HB 5017 is the State Library budget bill. We are asking for more specific information. HB 3382 , brought to House Rules by Oregon Business and Industries, asks the Secretary of State to make an online system about administrative rules, telling state agencies to make most rules data accessible online. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2727 further limits what lobbying a legislator can do after leaving office. It will be heard in House Rules Feb. 10. The League will likely support this bill. HB 3130 would allow district school board members, who are not paid, to not file statements of economic interest (SEIs) with the Government Ethics Commission. It will be heard in House Rules Feb. 10. The League will likely oppose this bill.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 1/15 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Senate and House Rules Committees AI and Elections, EPAB (Electronic Portal Advisory Board) Election Methods Campaign Finance and Redistricting By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Senate and House Rules Committees The Interim Senate Rules and Executive Appointments Committee met 1/10/24 and introduced three legislative concepts (LCs) for the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC) to study public records requests fees charged ( LC 196 ); make youth sporting events grants available ( LC 195 ); and to make many changes in an election law clean-up bill ( LC 194 ). The Interim House Rules Committee met 1/11/24 and introduced many LCs: LC 22 proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require the Legislative Assembly to impose by law a state property tax to fund public safety and define taxable property. LC 46 sets the convening date and time of electors of the President and Vice President of the United States and sets procedures. LC 47 requires all notary public applicants to complete a course of study. LC 251 requires the Governor to fill a vacancy in the office of U.S. Senator by appointment within 30 days until a special election can fill the vacancy. LC 266 requires the Oregon Health Authority to study Oregon’s addiction crisis. (Placeholder relating to addiction.) LC 267 requires the Oregon Health Authority to study access to behavioral health treatment in this state. (Placeholder relating to behavioral health.) LC 268 requires the Secretary of State to study how best to improve Oregon’s campaign finance system. (Placeholder relating to campaign finance.) LC 269 directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to study the deterrent effect of different sentences on the use of controlled substances in public places. (Placeholder relating to community safety.) LC 270 requires the Secretary of State to study how to improve Oregon’s voter access. (Placeholder relating to elections.) LC 271 requires the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to study Oregon’s government ethics laws. (Placeholder relating to government ethics.) LC 272 requires the Oregon Health Authority to study access to health care in this state. (Placeholder relating to health care.) LC 273 requires the Housing and Community Services Department to study housing (Placeholder relating to housing.) LC 274 requires the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to study public meetings. (Placeholder relating to public meetings.) LC 275 requires the Public Records Advisory Council to study public records. (Placeholder relating to public records.) LC 301 removes the requirement that the word “incumbent” appear on the ballot with the name of incumbent candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, and circuit court. AI and Elections, EPAB (Electronic Portal Advisory Board) By Rebecca Gladstone No developments yet on our Senate Commemorative Resolution (SCR) for Alice Bartelt from Sen Wagner. The Electronic Portal Advisory Board (EPAB) met in November, 2023, highlighting the Oregon Digital Equity Plan draft; see consolidated documents . Expect several Artificial Intelligence (AI) bills this session. In mid-November, Sen. Woods’ staff asked us to work on an elections AI bill (LC 132), paraphrasing highlights here: AI means digital technology used to create an image, audio or video recording of an individual’s appearance, speech or conduct that a reasonable person would believe depicts a real individual but that did not actually occur. The bill requires disclosing any form of AI use in campaign ads and communication. A filing officer believing an election law or rule violation has occurred shall proceed promptly as though they had received a complaint. Time periods in the bill range from 3 days to 5 years. Circuit courts are directed to prioritize these restraining orders, prohibitions, or injunctions, which may be issued without proof of injury or damage to any person. Civil penalty enforcement is not to exceed $10,000. Being effective on passage could impact Oregon 2024 campaigns. Notwithstanding ORS 260.005 (10)(c)(B)(i), a campaign communication may involve aggregate expenditures of any amount. States’ legislation underway: Thanks to Joint Committee Information Management and Technology Admin. Sean McSpaden, for renaming our HB 2049 group to the AI group, sending ongoing reading, some here: Governor’s Kotek’s Executive Order (EO-23-26) – to establish a State Government AI Advisory Council. News Release (November 29, 2023) Racing to Keep Up: Consumer Data Privacy and AI Advancements , National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) (November 28, 2023). Forecast ’24: Privacy and broadband access are ongoing concerns for 2024 legislative sessions, but breakthroughs in artificial intelligence are outpacing lawmakers’ ability to respond. NCSL Artificial Intelligence 2023 Legislation (Updated September 27, 2023). In 2023 legislative sessions, at least 25 states, Puerto Rico and DC introduced AI bills, and 15 states and Puerto Rico adopted resolutions or enacted legislation. NCSL Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Elections and Campaigns – November 7, 2023. AI Background: Sen. Woods notes that AI is not new, cites Alan Turing, “the Father of AI,” and the 1950 Turing Test, to test a machine’s ability to convincingly carry-on human conversation. From The Guardian, Dec 7, 2023, Eliza, a 1960s computer program, beat the viral AI chatbot ChatGPT at the Turing test, designed to differentiate humans from artificial intelligence, by 27% to 14%. But OpenAI’s GPT-4 chatbot tricked study subjects more than Eliza did, succeeding 41% of the time. AI’s vast AI scope See the Dec 4, 2023 New Yorker on the AI Revolution: Human beings “think linearly. You give instructions to someone on how to get from here to Starbucks, and you give them individual steps,” he said. “You don’t give them instructions on how to get to any Starbucks location from anywhere. It’s just hard to think that way, in parallel.” Election Methods By Barbara Klein On 1/11/24 the Joint Committee On Ballot Measure Titles and Explanatory Statements held a work session and public hearing on HB 2004 (a Ranked Choice Voting bill from 2023 that the LWVOR supports). Currently it is known as Legislative Concept 60 (LC 60). See LWVOR testimony . This same committee is preparing ballot titles for two other legislative referrals: ( LC 59 ) would set up a process for the Oregon House of Representatives to impeach statewide elected public officials and for the Senate to convict impeached officials. ( LC 58 ) would create a commission to determine the salaries of state level public officials. Campaign Finance and Redistricting LWVOR has endorsed circulating petitions. They can be downloaded, printed, signed and returned by mail from Honest Elections for IP 9, Campaign Finance Reform, and People Not Politicians for IP 14, Redistricting. Initiative petition signature filing is due July 5, 2024. Watch for legal status updates.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/30 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection Elections Artificial Intelligence Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill In the last few days of the legislative session, we saw extraordinary machinations on campaign finance reform. We have been saying for months that HB 4024 (2024) needed some technical fixes to complete the historic deal that was made during the last session among Honest Elections, legislative leaders, business leaders and union leaders. It was said that HB 3392 was the bill that would be stuffed with these technical fixes. However, a last-minute deal was apparently made behind the scenes to allow Minority Leader Drazan to propose a -5 amendment to HB 3392 to delay implementation of HB 4024 by four years! House Rules held a public hearing on the amendment 6/25 . The Secretary of State sent a six-page letter and testified for half an hour that the delay was necessary and that Oregon has a history of failed large computer projects. All other in-person testifiers (including the League) and all 96 written testimonies were against the delay. For the House Rules meeting, the League and several other organizations had issued action alerts. Several news outlets also wrote about the situation including OPB , Oregon Capital Chronicle , and Oregon Live . House Rules had scheduled a work session on the bill for the same meeting, but they adjourned without opening the work session. We then saw House Rules reschedule the work session five times(!) that day and then cancel the work session altogether. The bill was dead for the session! It is clear that we dodged a bullet on CFR and that powerful political interest groups do not want CFR in Oregon. However, HB 4024 is still part of Oregon statutes because Oregonians demanded it. It will still take effect in part on January 1, 2027. Some technical fixes will still be needed and could perhaps be adopted in a special legislative session or during next year’s short legislative session. Bill wrap: Cybersecurity, National Guard, ethics, privacy and safety, partner agency budget By Becky Gladstone Relevant to this portfolio, this issue was raised last week at EPAB , the Oregon Electronic Portal Advisory Board, June 26, 2025. Note that this follows our reporting on cyber-attacks forecast on the Pacific Northwest power grid in the near future, from JCIMT earlier this session. “We now live in an era of retroactive insecurity where vast amounts of sensitive and encrypted data, government communications, defense secrets [and] critical infrastructure telemetry are being silently intercepted, stored by foreign adversaries. This is known as ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ “. Stakeholders highlight urgency to House panel of moving quickly with implementing post-quantum cryptography , Inside Cybersecurity , June 25, 2025. HB 3954 , for the Adjutant General to prevent the Oregon National Guard from being called to active service except in certain circumstances, was the only bill pending in this portfolio in the final week of the 2025 session. HB 3954 had passed from the House on a 31 to 16 vote. Senate Rules stopped shy of holding a public hearing despite League testimony in support . It was revived for a first (late date) hearing and work session, after a League letter was sent. This bill became more relevant with the California National Guard being called to action by the President in Los Angeles, overriding the Mayor and California Governor. One letter in opposition to HB 3954 believed that passing the bill would put Oregon in a position to lose critical federal funding for the Oregon National Guard. The issue turned from National Guard activation to hinge on support of the President. Republicans block attempt to prevent federal overreach with Oregon’s National Guard , Oregon Live, June 30, 2025. HB 2930 Enrolled has the Governor’s signature, for conflict of interest of public officials’ household members. League testimony supported this bill brought by the Oregon Ethics Commission. SB 224 Enrolled , has the Governor’s signature, to keep from posting campaign committee addresses on the SoS website, with League testimony in support. This is sadly more relevant with the recent killing of a senior Minnesota legislator and her husband . Minn. legislator killed in ‘politically motivated‘ shooting, Washington Post, June 14, 2025. HB 3569 Enrolled has the Governor’s signature, to invite a sponsoring legislator, committee chair or designee onto the bill’s Rules Advisory Committee, as a non-voting member. Our testimony opposed for a myriad of reasons. HB 5017 Enrolled , has the Governor’s signature, for the State Library budget. League testimony remained the only one filed, supporting our partnership for League Voter Service information. They share our Voters’ Guides in the Talking Books and Braille Library . Elections By Barbara Klein A public hearing for HB 3390 A was held on 6/24, a work session was on the agenda for later in the week but was removed without comment. 100% of the vast submitted testimony was in opposition. The League submitted testimony opposing this bill, in part because it minimizes the minority party voice more, and also gives greater power to the legislature for ballot issues than to the people. We stated “the normal process based in the offices of the Secretary of State and Attorney General has greater impartiality than this proposal grounded in the legislative branch. The latter (under HB 3390-2) could more likely jeopardize transparency and understanding for voters.” Several legislators indicated that this measure was related to the transportation bill (and how it might be described on the ballot if it became a referendum petition). As that effort was scrapped, the League assumes that is why the HB 3390 A was no longer active. [Summary – the bill prescribes the method for creating a ballot title and explanatory statement by a joint legislative committee for any amendment to the Oregon Constitution that passes both houses of the Legislative Assembly during the 2025 regular session and is referred to the people by the Legislative Assembly and for any Act that passes both houses of the Legislative Assembly during the 2025 regular session if the Act is referred to the people by either the Legislative Assembly or by referendum petition.] HB 3687 Enrolled will establish in law that counties and cities cannot demand a supermajority vote to change their charter (most do not). To best allow local government to function for the people, only simple majorities to a CHARTER change would be allowed. This does NOT relate to any ballot measure on taxes, fees, fines, etc. This bill would make it easier for a community to adopt new election systems in local cities and counties. Currently, only one county in the state requires a supermajority for such changes. A public hearing was held 6/23 in Senate rules; work session 6/24; and on 6/26 the third reading passed the senate 17 to 12. On 6/27, the House Speaker and Senate President signed the bill. HB 3908 Enrolled was signed by House Speaker 6/23 and Senate President 6/24. Filed at the request of the Independent Party of Oregon (IPO), the bill increases the percentage of state voters from 5 to 10 percent required for a party to obtain major political party status. Other minor parties wrote in support of HB 3908. The League did not testify on this measure. Artificial Intelligence By Lindsey Washburn HB 3592 A , which would have established the Senator Aaron Woods Commission on AI with the Dept. of Justice, remained in Ways and Means when the Legislature adjourned. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/22 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Cybersecurity and Legislative Delays Rights of Incarcerated People Ethics Issues Election Methods By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing and are unlikely to be scheduled considering the walkout in the Senate. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected, but more donations are needed. Cybersecurity and Legislative Delays By Rebecca Gladstone Sine die is technically imminent as the Speaker invoked House Rule 8.15(6) and the Senate President, Senate Rule 8.16 on May 23, a full month before the projected final session date, June 25. This reduces the 72-hour advance public hearing notice and 48 hours for all other meetings to 24-hours. It is hard to know what we can effectively influence with no news of the Senate walkout abating. We are standing by, watching carefully. Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support these bills for cybersecurity and election software updates ( outdated software is a security risk) : HB 2490 : This cyber omnibus bill awaits second and third Senate floor readings, scheduled and subject to change. The League urges maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). SB 167 includes election software updates. Outdated software is a cybersecurity risk. See our testimony in support, 2023 and 2019: “These aging computer programs are like the roof starting to leak. We see evidence of strain and do not want to wait further to begin remedial work from scratch in 2021” - League testimony , HB 2234 (2019). HB 2052 : This Attorney General’s Data Broker bill was assigned to W&Ms Transportation and Economic Development on May 22. League testimony in support was filed before the current -7 amendments. We are also concerned that these cybersecurity bills stopped for lack of a Senate quorum. HB 2107 A was re- rescheduled for Senate floor reading on May 30, after passing in the House, 34 to 25. See earlier reports for this Oregon Health Authority extension of automatic voter registration. HB 2806 , relating to public meetings and cybersecurity, was re- rescheduled to May 30 and 31, with dates subject to change. See our testimony . HB 2049 : is not yet assigned to a W&Ms subcommittee, referred March 3 Do-Pass with amendments, A-Engrossed. See our testimony in support. HB 3127 : We are following this “TikTok” bill, relating to the security of state assets. Was re- rescheduled for May 30 & 31, dates subject to change. SB 619 A : This Attorney General’s Data Broker bill had a May 24 work session in W&Ms Public Safety, no vote published. It passed Sen. Judiciary April 3, went to W&Ms April 12, with Do Pass with amendments by prior reference. See our testimony . SB 1073 A was referred to W&Ms April 10, to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). See our supportive testimony including related bills and the hearing video , details in previous reports. Not yet assigned to a subcommittee. __________________ SB 510 Enrolled : The Senate President has signed this Public Records Advocate and Council funding bill, after passing from the House floor May 23, 45 ayes, 1 excused, and the Senate floor April 17, 28 ayes, 1 excused. HB 2112 Enrolled is an updated public records law, with League support, see our testimony . SB 216 Enrolled : We are pleased to see enrollment of this bill to protect personal data in health care business with public agencies. CURRENT CYBER NEWS: Curry CO computer system ‘starting from scratch’ after ransomware attack , OPB, May 15, 2023 Oregon’s Curry CO determined to move forward after ransomware attack , OPB, May 19, 2023 Vermont Cybersecurity Council to Extend Protection Beyond State Gov , GovTech.com , May 15, 2023 Cyberattacks on City and Municipal Governments , Cyber Defense Magazine, May 17, 2023 Utah cyber audit finds shortfalls across state , Statescoop.com , May 19, 2023 Organizations reporting cyber resilience are hardly resilient: Study , CSO Online, May 18, 2023 Oregon leads $2.5 million multi-state settlement with EyeMed over data breach affected millions nationwide . KTVZ.Com May 17, 2023 A different kind of ransomware demand: Donate to charity to get your data back , Cyberscoop.com , May 18, 2023 Dallas says it 'will likely take weeks to get back to full functionality' after ransomware attack , City of Dallas, TX, The Record, May 18, 2023 Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley Adults in custody will now be afforded more educational opportunities with the House passage of SB 270 Enrolled on May 23. The bill authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to enter into agreements with any community college or post-secondary academic program to offer instruction to adults in custody, as long as enrollment is consistent with DOC administrative rules and federal Pell Grant regulations. Ethics Issues By Chris Cobey HB 2038 A : Requires statement of economic interest to include certain information about sources of income for business in which public official or candidate, or member of household of public official or candidate, is officer, holds directorship or does business under if source of income has legislative or administrative interest and 10 percent or more of total gross annual income of business comes from that source of income. Prohibits candidate or principal campaign committee of candidate from expending campaign moneys for professional services rendered by certain businesses required to be listed on candidate's statement of economic interest. Creates exceptions. 5/23: House Rules work session scheduled. SB 168 B : Expressly prohibits public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. 5/19: From House Rules work session 5/18; recommendation: Do Pass with amendments and be printed B-engrossed; 5/22: House second reading. SB 661 Enrolled : Prohibits any lobbyist from serving as chairperson of interim committees, or certain legislative work groups, or legislative task forces. Provides exceptions. 5/16: Passed House, 57-0-2-1; 5/18: Awaiting Governor’s signature.. Election Methods By Barbara Klein HB 2004 A (a Ranked Choice Voting bill) was scheduled for the 3 rd reading and voted on by the House members on May 23, 2023. The bill passed (35 yea, 25 nay), and was sent to the Senate. The details of the -2 amendment were summarized in the governance area of the previous LWVOR Legislative Report. The RCV coalition supporting HB 2004 A met with members and leadership of the Oregon Association of County Clerks on May 24. LWVOR took part in that meeting with praise for the clerks, and recognizing our shared interests in protecting the vote. LWVOR shared with the clerks our view that the RCV system protects the voice of voters in several ways. As Sine Die was declared imminent, and a walkout of Senate members continuing, it is unclear (but doubtful) if the bill will be voted on in this session. More input from the clerks was sought in consideration of a short-session bill early next year. Briefly discussed was the RCV initiative, IP 27 , which would expand the provisions and offices covered by the current bill above. Since our previous report, IP 26 (constitutional amendment by All Oregon Votes) received a certified title , “Amends Constitution: Changes election processes. All voters/candidates for certain partisan offices participate in same nomination procedure.” (This is similar to the certified ballot title for IP 16, which All Oregon Votes appealed to the Supreme Court, but which the Court approved without change. IP 16 is not yet listed as withdrawn. There is nothing further to report on two additional election reform ballot initiatives: IP 11 (measure on statewide STAR -Score Then Automatic Runoff voting) and IP 19 , from Oregon Election Reform Coalition (which is a Final Five Open Primary, using RCV or STAR in the general). LWVOR supports IP 19, now by way of a new League position on Open Primaries adopted by concurrence at our May 2023 convention. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 1/30 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Campaign Finance Reform Redistricting Elections Rights of Incarcerated People Public Records Volunteers Needed By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance Reform There have been no new bills filed and no public activity for CFR. Redistricting By Chris Cobey and Norman Turrill The People Not Politicians coalition, in which the LWV of Oregon is a leader, now has an office in Wilsonville and a campaign manager. It will circulate only IP 14 (only legislative redistricting) and will begin collecting petition signatures probably in February. Four bills related to redistricting have been filed in the Legislature, detailed in a previous LR. Elections By Tom Messenger SB 804 by Senator Manning emerged as a companion to SB 499 by Senator Weber to move the Presidential Primary to Super Tuesday. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley On January 30, the League delivered testimony in Senate Judiciary in strong support of SB 579, which would restore the right to vote to over 13,000 people in Oregon’s prisons and jails. The response to the many individuals who delivered persuasive testimony was heartening, as was the fact that a work session on the bill was scheduled for February 2. However, instead of a work session the bill was sent to Ways and Means, which means it may or may not resurface later in the session. The League has added our name to the Guaranteeing the Right to Vote’s endorsement list for the bill, and we will continue to work for its passage. Public Records Law By Rebecca Gladstone The League positions balance privacy and transparency needs. At an Oregon Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC) meeting last fall, we heard that a public records request denial might be considered in the public interest if it presents a conflict of interest for workload. We will be evaluating as the SoS budgets ask for increased staffing in response to this. We have always supported Elections Division staffing budget requests, based on services, not on defense from efforts “to complicate or undermine their work.” Last fall, as Oregon hit 3 million registered voters , Oregon election offices got unprecedented numbers of public records requests , mirrored nationally. Last week, the PRAC shared a wide-ranging roster of 33 proposed bills affecting public records law . Some, for example, may affect elections and League Vote411.org access to candidate and ballot measure filing information. We will be watching these for relevant League action, in some cases addressed in previous session versions. Extensive 2017 public records law work passed with our support: SB 2101 for exemptions ( our testimony ), SB 481 for public records access policy (our testimony ), and SB 106 for a Public Records Advocate and Council ( our testimony ). VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/13 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Election Methods Voter Registration Public Records Law By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Election Methods By Barbara Klein The Oregon Election Reform Coalition has filed an initiative by the same name (now IP 19). It’s an open primaries proposal using a ‘Final Five’ system similar to the Alaska model, as well as other reform features. The LWVOR action committee supported the idea of an identical bill, and LWVOR will review this as a ballot measure. See the full text . Members of the League were involved in developing this initiative. Work is still behind the scenes, and no hearings have yet been scheduled for the three Ranked Choice Voting bills ( SB 506 , HB 2004 and HB 3107 ) nor for the STAR (Score then Automatic Runoff) bill ( HB 3107 ). Voter Registration By Marge Easley The League delivered testimony on HB 2107 to House Rules on February 14. This bill extends automatic voter registration to the Oregon Health Authority when eligible individuals have provided pertinent information to the Oregon Health Plan. Current law only provides for the automatic process through the Department of Motor Vehicles, so this is a welcome expansion that will facilitate an opt-out voter registration process for more citizens, especially those who are low income, homeless, or disabled. HB 2107 originally included the establishment of a pilot program at Powder River Correctional Facility for automatic voter registration of incarcerated individuals upon release, but the Secretary of State asked that this provision be removed. Public Records Law By Rebecca Gladstone HB 2821 may relate to recent articles in the Malheur Enterprise, SPECIAL REPORT: Smith pledges scrutiny of Nyssa rail project budget, can’t produce one , and this follow up, Findley blocks access to records on his rail funding efforts, invoking immunity . Note, author Les Zaitz has agreed to be LWVOR Convention Keynote Speaker, May 19-21. We are watching, marked for public records, open meetings, and budget concerns. A hearing has not been scheduled. After Sen Rules Chair Lieber requested a Work Group, we assembled a roster and began outreach for bill collaboration networking. A meeting is set for Feb 20. See last week’s LR. Thanks to committee admins for help with managing testimony presentations since numerous bills came up during concurrent hearings this week. HB 2585 : We strongly oppose (our testimony ) this bill to repeal Motor Voter. HB 3073 : We support this bill ( our testimony ) to protect candidate and incumbent personal information, with comments, again urging for a more efficient coverage in statute, not just for some data, for some Oregonians. HB 2806 : We support this bill to update statute for open meetings, public safety and cybersecurity law. See our testimony . Next week, or soon after, we expect to speak to these bills: HB 2049 : We will support this cybersecurity omnibus bill, with a Feb 22 public hearing. HJR 4 : Testimony is ready for this same-day voter registration referral, follow up to HJR 11 (2021) and a companion to HJR 20 . We will post testimony when the hearing is scheduled. HB 3201 : We have supportive testimony for this broadband bill, awaiting hearing scheduling. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/15 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Oregon Legislature Paralyzed; Stand by to Act Ethics Issues Election Methods Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. However, there has been some movement behind the scenes about what could be passed during this session. Given the Republican walkout in the Senate, a deal to permit only certain bills to come to the Senate floor may be necessary. Such a deal is unlikely to include CFR, let alone HB 2003 , but the League is hopeful and working with other good government groups. There has been some suggestion that using Washington State’s contribution limits might be a better starting point for negotiations than HB 2003. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected, but more donations are needed. Oregon Legislature Paralyzed; Stand by to Act By Rebecca Gladstone We are extremely concerned about critical budget and policy bills sitting in a logjam with hundreds of bills as time ticks away for lack of a Senate quorum. The Senate is hogtied with paralyzed partisan positions over guns and access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, making negotiations fruitless. Now ten Senators’ “walkouts” have invoked M 113 (2022). Voters passed the measure, 68% to 32%, to disqualify legislators from re-election at the end of their terms if they are absent for 10 legislative floor sessions without permission or excuse. ** Action Needed : Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support and prioritize these three, details in previous reports** Please stand by for League action alerts on short notice for these priority governance bills. The cybersecurity omnibus bill and the Attorney General’s Data Broker bill died mysteriously last session, despite unanimous passage from committee with do pass recommendations. Funding the SoS budget is imperative for2024 election security and efficiency, including replacing ORESTAR. No bills we are following have moved in the past week. HB 2049 -2 : This cybersecurity omnibus bill was referred to W&Ms March 3 with a unanimous Do Pass recommendation. See our testimony . SB 619 We strongly support this AG’s consumer privacy bill went to W&Ms April 12 by prior reference, with a Do Pass with amendments recommendation. See our testimony , now with a coalition letter. SB 167 : This SoS elections bill would replace candidate filing software, add efficiency improvements, address some privacy and cybersecurity issues, with efficiency tweaks. See League testimony . Ethics Issues By Chris Cobey HB 2038 : Requires statements of economic interest to include certain information about sources of income for any business in which public official or candidate, or member of household of public official or candidate, is officer, holds directorship or does business under, if the source of income has legislative or administrative interest and 10 percent or more of total gross annual income of business comes from that source of income. Prohibits candidate or principal campaign committee of candidate from expending campaign moneys for professional services rendered by certain businesses required to be listed on candidate's statement of economic interest. Creates exceptions. 5/16: House Rules public hearing held. HB 5021 A : Limits biennial expenditures from fees, moneys or other revenues, including miscellaneous receipts and reimbursements from federal service agreements, but excluding lottery funds and other federal funds, collected or received by Oregon Government Ethics Commission. 5/8: Signed by the Governor. SB 168 A : Expressly prohibits public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. 5/18: House Rules work session scheduled. SB 207 : Authorizes Oregon Government Ethics Commission to proceed on its own motion to review and investigate, if the commission has reason to believe that the public body conducted meetings in executive session that were not in compliance with laws authorizing executive sessions. 5/8: Signed by the Governor. SB 292 B : Narrows, on temporary basis, applicability of requirement that members of district school board must file a verified statement of economic interest to only those members of districts with specified number of students, or districts that are sponsors of virtual public charter schools. Expands applicability of requirement to all members of district school boards in 2026. Directs Oregon Government Ethics Commission to provide training on filing of verified statements of economic interest to members of district school boards. 5/11: House Rules public hearing held. SB 661 A : Prohibits lobbyist from serving as chairperson of interim committees, or certain legislative work groups, or legislative task forces. Provides exceptions. 5/16: Passed House, 57-0. Election Methods By Barbara Klein HB 2004 A work session was held May 16, at which time the -2 amendment was explained via PowerPoint by Blair Bobier (from the HB 2004 coalition). The LWVOR is one of 39 coalition organizational members and has been active in considering the amendment items. (Highlights of those amendment changes are listed below.) The bill (with the -2 amendment) received a “Do Pass” recommendation out of committee to the floor for a chamber vote. The bill passed along partisan lines (with Democrats in support). However, one important comment from Rep. Kim Wallan (District 6, southern Oregon) should be reported. She wanted to remind everyone that despite the vote from the committee, RCV “is not a partisan issue.” The League previously provided written testimony in support of this bill and another (HB 3509). We also continue to participate in the RCV coalition meetings with individual legislators to promote HB 2004. Four ballot initiatives on election methods are being watched by LWVOR, P 11 , from STAR Voting for Oregon, has secured a certified ballot title with the submission of 1,000 signatures. The title (or caption) for this measure on STAR (Score then Automatic Runoff) voting is: “Establishes new voting system; voters score candidates from zero to five stars.” IP 26 (basically the same as previously filed IP 16) known as All Oregon Votes, has collected its first 1,000 signatures. The verification of sponsorship signatures is completed, but a certified title is not yet posted as of this writing. IP 19 has no reportable movement, from Oregon Election Reform Coalition, which is a Final Five Open Primary, using RCV or STAR in the general. LWVOR supports IP 19. IP 27 is a new RCV initiative, expanding terms and offices covered by HB 2004 bill above. Summary HB 2004 -2 amendment. The HB 2004 coalition asserts that the -2 amendment moves an RCV policy forward that better reflects the perspectives of voters, election officials, community organizations, and elected leaders. Removes judges for now – saving ballot real-estate for election officers. Clarifies tabulation processes, gives explicit authority to county clerks to set key policy decisions, and prioritizes using RCV in races with historically crowded fields. Lifts the 5-limit ranking, especially important for new Portland races. This empowers election officials to create an implementation framework that works for all counties across Oregon. Maintains BOLI elections using RCV, but voted on with the primary ballot. Moves effective date of implementation from 2026 to 2028 (giving election officials and county clerks more time to transition to RCV). Refers the measure to the ballot to the Nov 2024 ballot, giving voters the final choice on using RCV in Oregon. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 1/10-1/17 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Campaign Finance Reform Redistricting Election Methods Cybersecurity and ORMAPs Rights of Incarcerated People Volunteers Needed Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance Reform SB 162 : Establishes Small Donor Elections Program to enable candidates for state Representative and state Senator offices to receive 6-to-1 match on small dollar contributions. (at the request of Secretary of State Shemia Fagan) SB 170 : Requires Secretary of State to study how best to improve Oregon's campaign finance system. (at the request of Secretary of State Shemia Fagan) SB 500 : Prohibits candidates for state office from accepting contributions in excess of amounts specified and from sources not specified. (Chief Sponsor: Senator Golden) HB 2003 : Establishes limits on campaign contributions that may be accepted by candidates and political committees; providing that this Act shall be referred to the people for their approval or rejection. (Chief Sponsors: Rep. Rayfield, Holvey, Valderrama) HB 2106 : Requires Secretary of State to study how best to ensure transparency through reporting of campaign contributions and independent expenditures. (at the request of Secretary of State Shemia Fagan) HB 2695 : Requires paid-for-by tagline on political communications by candidate to identify top five large donors to candidate's principal campaign committee. (Chief Sponsor: Rep. Rayfield) HJM 1 : Applies to Congress to call convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution that address campaign finance reform. (Chief Sponsor: Rep. Rayfield) The Honest Elections Oregon coalition, of which the LWV of Oregon is a part, has filed two initiatives for the 2024 general election ballot. Both IP 8 and IP 9 are in the long ballot title process and have received certified ballot titles from the Attorney General’s office. These are now on appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court. Redistricting By Chris Cobey and Norman Turrill The People Not Politicians coalition, in which the LWV of Oregon is a leader, has now received certified ballot titles for its two initiatives for the 2024 general election ballot, IP 13 and IP 14 . The coalition will now decide which of these to circulate and begin collecting petition signatures, probably in February. Several related bills have been filed in the Legislature: SB 173 : Requires Secretary of State to study how to best improve the process for conducting state legislative and congressional reapportionment in this state. Directs the secretary to submit findings to interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to elections not later than September 15, 2024. (at the request of Secretary of State Shemia Fagan) SJR 9 : Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution establishing Citizens Redistricting Commission to adopt redistricting maps for Senate, House, and US Congress. Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at the next general election. (Chief Sponsor: Senator Bonham) This bill is similar to PNP’s IP 34 (2021). SJR 10 : Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution establishing Citizens Redistricting Commission to adopt redistricting maps for Senate, House, and US Congress. Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at the next general election. (Chief Sponsors: Senator Thatcher, Golden, Hansell, Representative Lively, Smith G ; Regular Sponsors: Senator Weber, Representative Cate, Hieb, Levy B, Mor gan, Owens, Scharf ) This bill is similar to PNP’s IP 34 from 2021. SJR 25 : Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution establishing independent redistricting commission to adopt redistricting maps for Senate, House, and U.S. Congress. Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at the next general election. (Chief Sponsor: Senator Girod). This bill would create a 36 member commission, one from each county, appointed by county commissioners. Election Methods By Barbara Klein SB 506 : Senator Jeff Golden continues to support Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) by introducing SB 506, which permits counties to adopt RCV for conducting county elections. It further requires the Secretary of State to create and staff the division to assist counties that adopt RCV in purchasing compatible computers, voting machines and vote tally systems. HB 2004 : Promoting RCV on another bill are chief sponsors Representatives Rayfield, Fahey, Reynolds, Marsh, Senator Sollman; and regular sponsors Representative Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Golden. HB 2004 establishes RCV as the voting method for selecting the winner of election to U.S. President, U.S. Senator, Representative in Congress, Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Attorney General. Authorizes cities, counties, metropolitan service districts and local government and local service districts to elect to use RCV to nominate or elect candidates for relevant offices. Moves election for Commissioner of Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) to general election, where election is also conducted using RCV. NOTE : this bill does not establish RCV for state legislative offices for representatives or senators. Cybersecurity and ORMAPs By Becky Gladstone This work continued over holidays with the DoR (Dept of Revenue) ORMAP’s Land Information System OAR and Cybersecurity Working Group. See earlier reports for previous intersession work including the AG’s data privacy progress and numerous elections bills. See upcoming reports as the session proceeds. HB 2049 : Work on this cybersecurity omnibus committee bill has been nonstop since HB 4155 failed to progress after unanimous committee passage in 2022, with League support . Specific recent work addressed processes to administer federal grant funding. OAR 150-306-0130 : My appointment to the ORMAP Advisory Group extended to appointment through the governor’s office to the RAC, Rules Advisory Group, to review “Oregon Land Information System Fund and the ORMAP Project”. Several members joined my appeal to push for rule language to facilitate data sharing (in compatible formats), a long-standing roadblock. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley The League will be keeping a close eye on SB 579, introduced by request of the Oregon Justice Resource Center, that allows incarcerated people to register to vote, update voter registration, and vote in elections. It is the third try for the enfranchisement of incarcerated individuals in Oregon. The League supported the two previous bills in 2021 and 2022. Passage of the bill would restore voting rights to 12,000 to 15,000 individuals and allow Oregon to join Maine, Vermont, and D.C. in allowing convicted felons in correctional facilities to vote. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/2 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection Elections Campaign Finance and Initiatives By Norman Turrill The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is asking the public for feedback on draft administrative rules that would implement HB 4025 (2024). It has also appointed a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to work on these new administrative rules. General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection By Becky Gladstone This week included new testimony on two bills and updates on others. HB 2006 places limits on long session bill requests to legislative counsel. This contentious bill got a May 29 first public hearing, League supporting testimony written and presented. HB 3569 A to invite a sponsoring legislator, committee chair or designee onto the bill’s Rules Advisory Committee, as a non-voting member. This was bounced in Senate Rules, rescheduled twice. We oppose for myriad reasons, see our testimony, presented and filed. SB 430 B passed 35 to 15, 7 excused, from the House floor May 29, to the Senate for a concurrence vote. League testimony in support addressed extensive business transparency amendments for consumer protections. SB 470 A : passed on the House floor with 29 ayes, 7 excused, on May 29. This bipartisan-supported bill got unanimous House and Senate Judiciary and Senate floor support. League testimony supported the original bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos. SB 473 B received a Do Pass with Amendments, to be printed B-Engrossed, from a House Judiciary work session, to create a crime of threatening a public official, with amendments to include those elected, appointed, or filed to serve an established office, adding numerous judicial branch roles. See League testimony, in support. HB 5017 , the State Library budget bill, had a second work session on May 23 in Ways & Means, yielding a Do Pass with amendments, to be printed as A-Engrossed, with a vote of 21-0. League testimony is still the only one filed and is in support of our partnership for League Voter Service information. They share our Voters’ Guides in the Talking Books and Braille Library . SB 952 A got a Do Pass recommendation from House Rules, rules suspended to carry over for a third House floor reading, to consider interim US Senator appointments, League testimony in support. SB 1121 B got a Do Pass with amendments to be printed B-Engrossed from House Judiciary, almost unanimously, to create a new Class B misdemeanor crime of unlawful private data disclosure. League testimony was filed and presented, supporting the bill, including the amendment relating to data broker issues. This is from the dissenting Legislator, lightly edited: There is already a civil response not being used, already laws criminalizing harms described in statute. Law enforcement officers basically argued it's too hard as is and making bigger crimes is the solution. In my office, criminalizing actions like this is viewed with skepticism because it does not solve the problem and contributes to the unrepresented crisis. The bar is high for me to say yes in that scenario. The property destruction component was just the deciding factor. Find language relating to property damage in the adopted -5 amendments to the A-Engrossed SB 1121 which will now go back to the Senate for consideration. Thanks for your advocacy, Rep Chaichi. HB 3382 passed a May 28 work session in House Rules unanimously, after the February 12 public hearing, directing the Secretary of State to maintain an online Rulemaking Information system. We are watching HB 3382 based on Sen Sollman asking about a central state rulemaking site in the context of the HB 3931 coordinated state portal Task Force proposal presented here earlier, League testimony . Elections By Barbara Klein HB 3908 provoked interesting discussion in the House Rules hearing during a 5/29 work session. The bill, related to party membership and registration requirements, was filed by the Rules Committee at the request of the Independent Party of Oregon (IPO), and had a public hearing on 3/31. The bill increases the percentage of voters in the state required for a party to be a major political party from five percent to 10 percent. This would make the development of a new major party more difficult. The LWVOR did not address this bill. The thought-provoking part of the conversation at the work session was due to a -1-amendment introduced by Rep Drazen. She explained that she doesn’t support the concept of HB 3908 as believes the Independent Party should now (under current rules) be considered a major party. (A reminder that it is the IPO who wants to remain a minor party.) In her explanation, the dash -1 would encourage minor parties to want to be major parties, providing incentive. The amendment allows for cross-nominations only for major parties. She wants to stop “coattail” parties, as she called them. She thinks “fusion” doesn’t serve Oregonians and the amendment would allow “fusion” voting (or cross nominations) only from one major party candidate to another major candidate. Chair Bowman strongly opposed the -1 amendment. He sees value in fusion with a minor party endorsing a major party candidate. He believes it “tells voters more about candidates” and that fusion is one way to help avoid the spoiler effect. The -1 amendment failed. Rep Drazen added that she doesn’t believe that the legislature should support fewer major parties only to save the state money when running elections. She also believes the bill is simply a “political calculation.” The motion without the amendment passed. HB 5032 was at the request of the Oregon Dept of Administrative Services and relates to the financial administration of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). It was heard in a work session on 5 /23 in Ways & Means. The act creates an agency budget, appropriating monies from the General Fund for DPSST. Its limits were listed as “limits biennial expenditures from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by the department. It also limits biennial expenditures by the department from federal funds.” During the 5/23 hearing, most Legislators were complimentary of DPSST changes, improved training schedule and successes. The bill represents an increase of 1.7% from state general funds. DPSST provided much information under the testimony section of the bill. At the 5/23 hearing it passed with adopted -2 amendment sections which include details of purposes, funding sources and amounts for related DPSST needs. The amendment noted $7,967,812 established (for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025), as the maximum limit for payment of expenses from federal funds collected or received by DPSST. On 5/28, A-Engrossed (with amendments) was recommended with a do-pass. On 5/29 it had a second reading in the House. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/10 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Initiatives Courts and Privacy Government Ethics Initiatives HJR 3 (require signatures in every county) and HJR 11 (greatly increase the number of signatures required) were both heard in House Rules 3/10. Either of these constitutional amendments would have to be voted on in a general election. However, either would destroy the initiative process as we know it by making it much, much more difficult to get an initiative on the ballot. The legislature would, in effect, be insulating itself from being second-guessed by the voters. However, the whole purpose of the initiative process is for voters to have a say in issues that the legislature has failed to deal with. The League strongly opposes both these bills. Courts and Privacy By Becky Gladstone This week’s Joint Legislative Council Public Records committee hearing had more background for panelists, noting that cybersecurity and IT support are like plumbing, you don‘t think about them unless they don’t work. Tuesday’s Future of FEMA: Perspectives from the Emergency Management Community , hearing video highlighted an additional 800 in staffing cuts projected on top of 300 already cut. Anticipate urging to protect FEMA. HB 3012 calls for 16 and 17 year olds who are registered to vote, being able to cast ballots soley for their school districts. The League lacks a position for a specific optimal voting age. We have Strongly supported learning to vote, both with repeated legislative advocacy and for decades with our Mock Elections and Civics Education curriculum. See League COMMENTS filed , including in the hearing video , at time stamp: 1:14:49 to 1:15:58. Verbal testimony was limited to one minute. HB 2581 to coordinate expanded resiliency services with the State Resiliency Officer (SRO), is scheduled for a Senate side work session after passing a House floor vote last week, League testimony . HB 2341 , to add veterans’ email addresses to shared information, has a Senate side public hearing scheduled, after passing a House floor vote with 58 in favor, two excused, League testimony . SB 470 is scheduled for a work session, League testimony filed and presented in support. This bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos, seemed likely to generate amendments from discussion in the public hearing but none have been recorded. Upcoming SB 414 is an AI bill, making disclosing fake intimate images a crime. It was slated for a public hearing, removed and rescheduling is anticipated, with League support. HB 5537 We anticipate speaking to this SoS budget bill, during the week of April 7. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey SB 983 to be heard 3/17 in the Senate Education committee, would allow a local public official to discuss, debate and vote on a local budget that includes compensation for the public official or their relative after announcing an actual conflict of interests. This would be a major change in ethics laws . Small local jurisdictions are where most of the conflicts of interest arise. HB 2330 would create a task force to come up with ideas to address fraudulent schemes that target the elderly. The bill passed out of House Commerce and Consumer Protection to the House floor with a 10 to 0 vote. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/1 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Walkouts, Resignation, and Bills Waiting Rights of Incarcerated People Walkouts, Resignation, and Bills Waiting By Rebecca Gladstone Republican Senators walked out (press ), citing bill summary readability; see the Flesch Kincaid Calculator . The walkout prevents a required quorum and delays progress for divisive gun safety and healthcare bills. It could provide litigation grounds against Measure 113 ( press ), a constitutional amendment voters passed last fall by a wide majority to prevent legislative work halts from walkouts. League election bill positions are not affected by the SoS resignation. Here’s a status update on bills we’re watching: HB 5032 Enrolled : We supported this Public Records Advocate funding bill ( our testimony ). Work sessions scheduled: HB 2490 work session was rescheduled for May 9 in Senate committee for this cybersecurity vulnerability bill. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defense of our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). Still awaiting work sessions: The May 5 agenda posting deadline for second chamber committee work sessions does not apply to bills followed here, since most are in Rules and Joint committees. SB 11 : This access and transparency bill has strong bipartisan support, requiring virtual public state meetings to record and promptly publicize recordings. We will look for data retention rules. SB 417 : This public records bill is important to the League for timely access to candidate filing information for Vote411.org and for concerns of excessive elections records requests ( press ). We have attended the Task Force since March 7, now focused on agencies bearing the burden of proof for defending staff review assignments, for choosing the most cost-effective staff records review before public release. The bill aims for the lowest records delivery cost by the lowest salaried employee. High-level legal review is necessary for 90% of requested records. Staff could redact basic data like SSNs and birth dates. But experienced attorneys could quickly include those in a single review with complex issues that could help avert much more expensive appellate litigation referrals. See our testimony , predating this work. SB 166 : We hope the scheduling delay, referred to House Rules March 7, implies amending to address privacy and harassment concerns. See our testimony and previous extensive reports. SB 167 : See League testimony in support of this elections bill to replace candidate filing software, add efficiency improvements, address some privacy and cybersecurity issues, with efficiency tweaks. SJM 6 : This DC statehood action has not moved since the April 13 unanimous referral from the Senate floor on April 13. Taxation without representation is a fundamental democratic value we support. SB 614 : We’re watching this police body cam, personal data retention / disclosure bill, after passing the Senate, 18 to 10, on not entirely partisan votes. See details, April 17 LR. Awaiting further scheduling (mostly W&Ms): HB 2049 A : This cybersecurity omnibus bill was referred to W&Ms March 3 with unanimous do pass recommendation. The League strongly supports in previous reports ( our testimony ). HB 2052 relates to SB 619 and was referred JW&Ms on Feb 13. We support the AG’s data broker registry bill ( League testimony ). HB 2806 A : This bill passed unanimously May 2 with a Do Pass to update statute for open meetings, public safety and cybersecurity. It awaits transfer to the Senate President’s desk. See our testimony . HB 3127 A : An April 27 work session for this “TikTok bill” awaits transfer to the Senate President’s desk, with a Do Pass recommendation. SB 619 : Sent to W&Ms April 12, with Do pass with amendments by prior reference. LWVOR strongly supports this AG’s consumer privacy bill ( our testimony ), now with a coalition letter. SB 510 : This SB 417 companion funding bill passed unanimously to W&Ms on May 1 without recommendation, to improve efficiency, cost estimates and budgeting, and sustainable funding for the PRAC. See our testimony in support . SB 1073 A : Referred to W&Ms April 10, to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). See our supportive testimony including related bills and the hearing video , details in previous reports. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley A House floor vote on SB 529 was scheduled to take place on May 4. The bill, a priority bill of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), acknowledges that addiction is a chronic disease affecting many incarcerated individuals and creates more comprehensive drug treatment programs in correctional institutions. Another DOC priority this session is a close examination of the use of segregated housing units in Oregon’s correctional facilities. There will be a Senate Judiciary work session on May 8 for HB 2345 A , which mandates the establishment of a publicly accessible data dashboard detailing race, age, misconduct status, duration in the unit, level of misconduct causing a return to the unit, and the allowable amount of time outside of a cell. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/24 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Reform Federal Concerns and Privacy Government Ethics Campaign Finance Reform No movement this week. Federal Concerns and Privacy By Becky Gladstone We are following unsettling national issues affecting Oregon at a rapid pace, here are only a few. From LWVUS, t ell your members of Congress to oppose the SAVE Act . The "Save Act" would require voter registration names to match birth certificates, making voting harder (not entirely impossible) for women who changed their surnames when marrying, as many have. From Oregon’s Garrett Epps, constitutional law professor, “I share your frustration, but it's worth knowing that the Constitution explicitly authorizes Congress to pass regulations of federal elections as conducted in the states. Art. I § 4 ck 1: "The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chousing Senators." From the Campaign Legal Center, What You Need to Know About the SAVE Act, . Monitoring Federal Changes and Any Impacts on Oregon , Oregon Health Authority. Greater Idaho movement wants a seat at the table is LWVOR commentary in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle , and other local versions of what was Pamplin Media. Watch for two bills, SJM 7 (inviting ID to begin border talks), and HB 3488 (a task force to document processes), neither scheduled for hearings yet. Privacy concerns appeared in several bills this week, in three similar bills to provide privacy. Campaign committee workers could have the same protections as candidates and public servants for home addresses and phone numbers. We testified in support of HB 2710 , which enables child abduction victims to enroll in Oregon’s Address Confidentiality Program. We did not testify to extending these protections for certain Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission permittees but did mention the similarities in our testimony in support of SB 224, which prohibits posting campaign committee addresses on the SoS website. Legislative Counsel noted that standards have not been adopted “for drafting measures that establish exemptions from disclosure of public records.” The League urges again for statute clarification during this legislative session. We need consistent privacy protections observing standardized personal information categories, adaptable to technological advances. We have supported numerous similar bills since 2017, all enrolled, each for a single type of public service or individual, amid growing concern from increasing harassment, doxing and personal threats. HB 2710 , puts victims of child abduction onto the list of those able to join the Address Confidentiality Program ( League testimony submitted and presented in support). SB 224 , keep from publicly posting campaign committee workers’ home addresses ( League testimony submitted and presented in support). Most of the bills reported earlier here have not progressed yet. These are moving: HB 5017 , the State Library budget bill, heard Feb 11, League testimony submitted and presented in support, as one of the 39 organizational partners listed. HB 2581 , to coordinate expanded resiliency services with the State Resiliency Officer (SRO), passed a House floor vote 49 to 9, League testimony . HB 2341 , to add veterans’ email addresses to shared information, passed a House floor vote with 58 in favor, two excused, League testimony . HB 5012 , A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27 for this Oregon Judicial Department budget bill. We are researching and will submit comments in support. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey No movement this week. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.