Legislative Update: June 3, 2025
The Oregon Legislative Session is approaching its final few weeks. Here is what the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is watching from their Policy Agenda.
In the TAKE ACTION section, find two ways to make your voice heard this week on important bills on the Springfield Chamber’s watchlist: Senate Bill 916 (Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers) and House Bill 3962, -2 amendment (Transient Lodging Tax Flexible Use).
Unfortunately, Senate Bill 426 (General Contractor Liability) passed in the House this week– a disappointing resolution for a bill Chambers of Commerce statewide strongly opposed.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK: SB 916 – Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers; HB 3962 – Transient Lodging Tax Flexible Use
**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!
Unemployment Insurance for
Striking Workers (SB 916)
Senate Bill 916 is expected to have a floor vote on Wednesday, June 4– every voice matters!
The Springfield Chamber, along with Oregon State Chamber of Commerce and many other Chambers in Oregon, OPPOSE SB 916 as it unfairly burdens employers paying into the unemployment system when workers choose to strike.
The comment period is now closed on the bill, so OSCC recommends all communication will need to be directed to individual legislators- emails provided below:
ACTION ALERT!
Transient Lodging Tax Flexible Use
(HB 3962, -2 amendment)
This week, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce submitted written testimony OPPOSING HB 3962 and the -2 amendment, due to concerns that room taxes will be inappropriately diverted away from tourism development as they were intended.
Read the Springfield Chamber’s letter of opposition here.
This bill sits in the House Committee on Revenue and opposition should be directed to those legislators, whose contact information is below:
Rep. Nancy Nathanson (D-Eugene, Committee Chair)
Rep.NancyNathanson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep. John Lively (D-Springfield)
Rep.JohnLively@oregonlegislature.gov
KEY POLICY UPDATES: Tracking our 2025 Legislative Priorities
Legislative developments impacting the Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Policy Agenda, are unfolding.
General Contractor Liability (SB 426)
As did Chambers of Commerce across Oregon, the Springfield Chamber strongly OPPOSED Senate Bill 426, which could potentially hold property owners and general contractors liable for unpaid subcontractor wages and/or punish the wrong parties for wage theft. Unfortunately, the House passed the bill last week with the minimum of 31 votes.
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.
Business Climate Survey
DEADLINE: JUNE 20
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.
The Chamber is thankful to all who have completed the survey and shared it among their peers and colleagues. If you have yet to take the survey, don’t delay! The survey closes on Friday, June 20. Don’t miss the chance to contribute your input.
National Business Leaders Survey
DEADLINE: JUNE 30
The National Association of State Chambers, in collaboration with the Siena College Research Institute, is inviting business leaders to share their voices through the National Business Leaders Survey. This survey is open to businesses of any size and in any industry. This survey is designed to gather real insights into how businesses are feeling about today’s economic climate — both across the country and right here in Oregon.
Take the survey here: http://www.siena.edu/scri/NASC2025
The deadline to complete the survey is June 30th.
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 2 here.
- Read Oregon Business and Industry’s Capitol Connect newsletter from Monday, June 2 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.
