Legislative Update: March 13, 2023
We’re monitoring Oregon’s 2023 legislative session for issues of impact and interest to our members. Here’s the latest update from our legislative counsel at the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC).
EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR BILLS
Employer Liability for Workplace Bullying (SB 851): On Tuesday morning, the Senate Committee on Labor and Business will hold a public hearing on SB 851 and the –1 amendment. OSCC opposes this measure, which would impose liability on employers for any personnel decision or workplace conflict between employees. If SB 851 were to pass, Oregon would be the first state to impart liability on employers in such a significant way, including a private right of action against an employer when an employee feels slighted or when they may disagree with a disciplinary decision that was made.
Expanded Right to Refuse Dangerous Work (SB 907): On Thursday morning, the Senate Committee on Labor and Business will hold a public hearing on a proposal to expand the existing right to refuse work law (federal OSHA and Oregon already provide that right) to allow employees to refuse work if they fear a potential hazard or danger. Those fears are more permissive under SB 907 and could include heat, cold, equipment, chemicals, animals, etc. SB 907 also allows employees who refuse work to take paid sick time to compensate for those hours. This bill poses many logistical issues and complicates workforce availability. OSCC opposes this bill.
Mandatory Pay Disclosures for Job Postings (SB 925): Again on Thursday morning, the Senate Committee on Labor and Business is holding a public hearing on a bill that would require employers to disclose pay range and employment benefits within a job posting or for a promotion. Failure to do so would subject an employer to a lawsuit or employment claim. OSCC is opposed to this bill.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY BILLS
Resilient Buildings (SB 868, SB 869, SB 870, SB 871): This week, the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment has scheduled a series of placeholder bills relating to resilient and energy efficient buildings. These bills are vehicles for legislation that is the result of the Rebuilding Task Force – which considered different policies to electrify and decarbonize infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gases. OSCC will be watching these public hearings to ensure that any amendments will do no harm to the natural gas or propane infrastructure needed to support business operations.
Elimination of Natural Gas in Residential Housing: HB 3152 is making another appearance this week for a public hearing in the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee.
HB 3152 is a bill that phases out the use of natural gas in the residential housing sector. It establishes that the policy of Oregon is to protect residential utility customers from risks of stranded fossil fuel assets and potential increases in energy burden while achieving state’s GHG emissions reduction goals.
HB 3152 prohibits, on or after January 1, 2026, use of funding from ratepayers to provide incentives or subsidies for the purchase or installation of gas appliances or devices for use by residential utility customers. It also prevents line extension allowances for new gas line extensions that support the use of gas in residential buildings.
Testimony to HB 3152 can be submitted HERE.
Testimony will be accepted until 3pm on Wednesday!
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce will be publishing the OSCC’s legislative updates weekly, or as received. Any opinions expressed or implied are those of OSCC and do not necessarily reflect those of the Springfield Chamber or its representatives. If you’d like more information, please visit our Advocacy & Elections Page.
