Legislative Update: June 16, 2025
It is looking to be an eventful week as the session deadline of June 29th nears. Here is what the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is watching from their Policy Agenda.
In the TAKE ACTION section, the Springfield Chamber is supporting the re-introduced Senate Bill 1196, which restores liability waivers for Oregon companies engaging in outdoor sporting, recreation, and fitness activities. A public hearing takes place today, June 16 with public comment open until Wednesday at 1:00PM.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK: SUPPORT LIABILITY WAIVERS FOR FITNESS, RECREATION, AND SPORTS PROVIDERS (SB 1196); OPPOSE TLT FLEXIBLE USE (HB 3962)
**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!
Liability Waivers for Fitness, Recreation,
Sports (SB 1196)
The Springfield Chamber is pleased that this bill has re-emerged and gives another opportunity to restore liability waivers for Oregon companies that engage in outdoor sporting, recreation, health and fitness. As stated by the OSCC, SB 1196 “would put Oregon businesses back on equal footing with surrounding western states.”
Last week, the Springfield Chamber weighed in (along with OSCC, Bend, Salem, and Bay Area Chambers) with a letter in SUPPORT of SB 1196 – read the letter here.
Submit testimony in SUPPORT of this bill by WEDNESDAY at 1:00PM here!
ACTION ALERT!
Transient Lodging Tax Flexible Use
(HB 3962)
The Springfield Chamber OPPOSES the diversion of TLT revenue away from tourism as it was originally intended. Last week, the -14 amendment was adopted which reduces (by almost half) the amount of TLT revenue that must be used for tourism promotion and facilities from 70% to 40%.
Read the Springfield Chamber’s letter of opposition here.
This bill will go to a vote on the House floor sometime this week, so OSCC is urging the business community to reach out to their local legislators directly to OPPOSE this bill.
KEY POLICY UPDATES: Tracking our 2025 Legislative Priorities
Legislative developments impacting the Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Policy Agenda, are unfolding.
Transportation Package (HB 2025)
The Springfield Chamber is continuing to monitor the Transportation Package (House Bill 2025) after it went through three public hearings last week.
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.
ARTICLE
Vanishing Act: The Departure of Oregon Companies Speaks to a Bigger Problem for the State
A recent article published on June 13 from the Oregon Journalism Project, Vanishing Act by Steve Duin, explores the growing trend of major businesses relocating out of Oregon. The piece highlights how concerns over tax burdens, public service quality, and workforce readiness are contributing to this shift—and raises important questions about the long-term implications for the state’s economy, philanthropy, and civic institutions. Springfield Chamber members invested in Oregon’s business climate may find this a thought-provoking read.
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, June 16 here.
- Read Oregon Business and Industry’s Capitol Connect newsletter 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.
