Legislative Update: April 29, 2025
As the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session moves into its second half, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor activity that could impact the region’s business community. While the pace has remained relatively slow, lawmakers are focused on the upcoming May 14 revenue forecast, which will shape final budget decisions and determine which policy proposals can move forward.
The Chamber remains watchful, committed to advocating for a stable and predictable business climate, and will continue sharing timely updates with members as developments unfold.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK: Workforce Standards Boards for Home Health Care Sector (HB 3838 – Oppose); Unemployment for Striking Workers (SB 916 – Oppose); Clean Truck Rules (Asking for delay)
This week, there are three opportunities for members of the business community to make their voices heard, two of which are time sensitive– House Bill 3838 and Senate Bill 916– which are accepting testimony now. Read on for more about the Chamber’s position on these two bills and how to take action. The Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rules decision also remains open to public comment with an extension until May 7.
**Please note that scheduled hearings, sessions, and votes are all subject to change. The Springfield Chamber will work to update information as changes occur.**
ACTION ALERT – SUBMIT TESTIMONY TODAY!
Workforce Standards Boards in Home
Health Care (HB 3838)
The Springfield Chamber OPPOSES House Bill 3838. 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.
READ THE CHAMBER’S LETTER OF OPPOSITION HERE.
The House Committee on Rules is taking public comment until WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 at 8:00 a.m.
ACTION ALERT! – SUBMIT TESTIMONY TODAY!
Unemployment Benefits for Striking
Workers (SB 916)
The Springfield Chamber has identified Senate Bill 916 as one of the most important labor bills in the current session, and therefore has submitted testimony OPPOSING the bill.
READ THE CHAMBER’S TESTIMONY HERE.
The purpose of SB 916 is to allow unemployment benefits to striking workers, which the Chamber argues to be unfairly burdensome to small businesses while the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system is funded entirely by employers.
The House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards will have a public hearing on SB 916 on Wednesday, April 30 at 3:00 p.m.
ACTION ALERT!
Advanced Clean Trucking Rules – Tell the DEQ to DELAY
The Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule is a DEQ rule that mandates manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty vehicles must sell a growing percentage of zero-emission trucks each year beginning with the 2025 model year.
Along with over 15 other Chambers, the Springfield Chamber SUPPORTED HB 3119 that would have delayed the mandate for another two years, but the bill did not continue past the first half of the session.
However, there is still time to submit comment to the DEQ to DELAY the rules, which pose an unfair and costly burden on businesses in virtually every industry.
Public hearing 1: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 2 p.m.
Join via Zoom
Join by phone:
888-475-4499, toll-free in the U.S.
Meeting ID: 863 6333 0868
Passcode: 993906
Public hearing 2: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 2 p.m.
Join via Zoom
Join via phone:
888-475-4499, toll-free in the U.S.
Meeting ID: 868 0025 2323
Passcode: 184168
The comment period closes on MAY 7, at 4:00 p.m.
GET ENGAGED: Help the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce build a thriving business climate
Beyond our formal policy agenda, we’re monitoring workforce, education, and community issues that impact Springfield. Here’s what’s coming up.
Take the Business Climate Survey!
The purpose of the Business Climate Survey is to track trends and issues affecting businesses. Business decision makers are surveyed to identify emerging issues that may be addressed by the Springfield Chamber. Aggregate data will be shared with community stakeholders, elected officials, and used by the Chamber for developing our advocacy and program priorities. Include your email at the end of the survey to receive a copy of the final results. Your name and organization will remain confidential.
Don’t delay, take it today– preliminary results will be shared at the 2025 State of Business Program on May 13.
Register for the 2025 State of Business
Program
Join us for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Business Program, a timely and engaging conversation on Oregon’s economic outlook, business climate, and policy landscape. This year’s program brings together leading voices from the economic and advocacy arenas to share data-driven insights and actionable perspectives.
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 Oregon State Chamber of Commerce’s updates in their newsletter from Monday, April 28 here.
- Read Oregon Business and Industry’s Capitol Connect newsletter from Monday, April 28 here.
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.
