Legislative Update: May 13, 2025
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce invites its members and community to contact their legislators directly in opposition to Senate Bill 426, which is scheduled for a vote on Wednesday.
Keeping this update short and sweet, the Springfield Chamber has one action alert for the week and remains watchful of other pieces of legislation as they move through various stages. Tomorrow, May 14th, will be an important day to watch as the state revenue forecast is set to be finalized.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK: SB 426 – General Contractor Liability
A bill that continues to be worrisome for Chambers across the state, Senate Bill 426, holds property owners and general contractors liable for any unpaid wages at the subcontractor level. Aligning with business advocates, the Springfield Chamber warns that this broad liability shift could discourage partnerships with small and emerging subcontractors, increase construction costs, and create additional challenges for businesses already complying with wage laws.
**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
General Contractor Liability (SB 426)
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has voiced its OPPOSITION to Senate Bill 426, citing concerns over unintended consequences for businesses, contractors and workers.
READ THE CHAMBER’S PREVIOUS LETTER OF OPPOSITION HERE.
SB 426 is scheduled for a committee vote on Wednesday, May 14.
The comment period is now closed on the bill, so all communication will need to be directed to individual legislators – specifically all House Democrats and Republican Greg Smith (R-Heppner).
KEY POLICY UPDATES: Tracking our 2025 Legislative Priorities
Legislative developments impacting the Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Policy Agenda, are unfolding.
State Transportation Funding Package
The Springfield Chamber continues to watch as the Transportation Package conversation plays out in the legislature.
Recently, some Oregon House Republican lawmakers came out with a response to the package, suggesting the state cut or repurpose “more than $730 million in state funding currently reserved for things like public transit, bicycle projects and agency staff,” (read more of this proposal in an April 30 article from Oregon Public Broadcasting here).
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.
Add your voice to 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.
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, May 12 here.
- Read Oregon Business and Industry’s Capitol Connect newsletter from Monday, May 12 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.
