Legislative Update: February 17, 2025
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce continues to track legislative developments and action alerts that impact local businesses. With a focus on policies that affect our members, the Chamber shares timely updates from a variety of sources, including the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) and Oregon Business & Industry (OBI).
Oregon’s Regulatory Environment
Regulatory reform that promotes efficient, transparent regulatory processes remains a priority for the Springfield Chamber. OBI testified in front of the House Committee on Rules last week in support of HB 2692 and HB 3382, which seek to improve consistency and public accessibility in Oregon’s complex rulemaking process. OSCC testified as well in support of HB 2692. With over 500 agency rulemakings proposed in just six months, small businesses are struggling to keep up. These bills would provide better oversight and increase opportunities for engagement in regulatory decisions.
Tax Policy Updates
On the tax front, OSCC is monitoring HB 2010, which maintains a 2% tax on commercial health insurance premiums to support the Oregon Health Plan. Meanwhile, efforts continue to raise Oregon’s estate tax exemption, with multiple bills under consideration. However, momentum appears slow for increasing the $1 million exemption for the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT), a key concern for small businesses.
Opposition to Senate Bill 916
The Springfield Chamber continues to closely track SB 916, a bill that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits, which the Chamber argues to be unfairly burdensome to small businesses while the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system is funded entirely by employers. Read the testimony to learn how the Springfield Chamber is standing on behalf of the local business community in opposition to SB 916.
Business groups, including OBI, League of Oregon Cities (LOC), and OSCC, strongly oppose the bill, arguing that it would shift the financial burden of labor disputes onto employers and make Oregon less competitive for business investment.
Your Chamber will continue advocating for policies that support a strong, competitive business environment in Springfield and beyond. Stay tuned for updates in The Bottom Line.
Read OSCC’s full Legislative Update from Monday, February 17, 2025, to learn more about their activity around these and other bills they are watching during the current legislative session.
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a trusted convener and provider of business resources. They recognize the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provide an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. They advocate for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members. Learn more about the Chamber’s Business Advocacy work.
