Legislative Update: March 18, 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).
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK: SB 426, HB 3556
Two bills on the Springfield Chamber’s policy agenda watchlist have seen movement this week. The Chamber has submitted one letter of opposition on SB 426, which approaches the issue of wage theft by placing undue liability on law-abiding businesses in the construction industry.
Additionally, OSCC and Travel Lane County have submitted their own testimonies on HB 3556, which would divert Transient Room Tax (TRT) dollars away from local tourism promotion. This bill is scheduled for a public hearing on Thursday, March 20 at 1:00PM.
ACTION ALERT!
General Contractor Liability
(SB 426)
In alignment with OSCC and a coalition of other statewide business advocates, the Springfield Chamber OPPOSES Senate Bill 426, citing concerns over unintended consequences for businesses, contractors and workers. While the Chamber supports efforts to prevent wage theft and ensure fair compensation, it argues that the bill’s approach places undue liability on law-abiding businesses in the construction industry.
The Springfield Chamber is urging policymakers to focus on targeted enforcement measures that address wage theft without penalizing law-abiding businesses. The full letter of opposition, submitted to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, is included below.
READ THE SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER’S LETTER OF OPPOSITION HERE.
The next work session for this bill is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19 at 3:00PM.
ACTION ALERT!
Transient Room Tax Revenue Diversion
(HB 3556)
The Springfield Chamber has been monitoring HB 3556, which would would divert Transient Room Tax (TRT) revenues away from local tourism promotion to fund ‘tourism impact services,’ such as public safety and infrastructure.
As stated by the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, “while these services are important, this shift would come at the expense of tourism marketing, which fuels local economies and supports small businesses.”
The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce is OPPOSING this legislation alongside tourism agencies such as Travel Lane County.
READ TRAVEL LANE COUNTY’S TESTIMONY HERE.
A public hearing of HB 3556 is in the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans on Thursday, March 20 at 1pm.
SIGN UP TO TESTIFY HERE.
SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY HERE.
KEY POLICY UPDATES: Tracking our 2025 Legislative Priorities
Legislative developments impacting the Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Policy Agenda, are unfolding. Stay informed on the latest actions and how they align with our advocacy efforts.
Farm Workforce Standards Boards
(HB 2548)
The Springfield Chamber has been monitoring HB 2548, which would end “employment at will” and empower an unelected board to set hours, working conditions and wages for agricultural workers.
The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce is OPPOSING this legislation alongside a coalition of agriculture and small business organizations.
READ OSCC’S TESTIMONY HERE.
The most recent hearing for this bill took place on March 13.
Home and Community-Based Services
Workforce Standards Boards
(HB 3838 and SB 1138)
A second Workforce Standards Boards bill, House Bill 3838, is on the Chamber’s watch list this session. This bill would empower an unelected board to set hours, working conditions and wages for residential care facilities, long-term care, support services for people with disabilities, and various types of in-home care.
The most recent hearing for this bill took place on March 17 and written testimony is still being accepted until Wednesday, March 19 at 3:00PM.
UPDATE 3/19 at 4:00PM: Read the Chamber’s Letter of Opposition here!
An identical bill (SB 1138) will also be presented to the Senate Committee on Labor and Business; Oregon Business and Industry (OBI) plans to testify in opposition.
OTHER POLICY UPDATES: Issues That Matter to Business & Community
Beyond our formal policy agenda, we’re monitoring workforce, education, and community issues that impact Springfield. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.
Rest Break Fix
(SB 1044)
SB 1044 from Oregon Business and Industry (OBI)’s Oregon Competitiveness Agenda is being heard today, March 18.
OBI states SB 1044 “would protect employers from costly penalties incurred when employees voluntarily cut meal periods short. BOLI and Oregon courts have imposed strict liability on employers whenever employees fail to take their full, 30-minute breaks. This is particularly problematic because courts and BOLI can impose penalties equivalent to 30 days of full-time wages. This is a longstanding problem OBI has been working to resolve.”
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is monitoring all this legislation closely as part of its advocacy for policies that support a stable and predictable business environment. The 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.
View OSCC’s updates in their newsletter from Monday, March 17, here. Read OBI’s Capitol Connect from Monday here 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.
