Legislative Update: Mid-Session Report, April 15, 2025
April 9 marked the halfway point of the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session. With key committee deadlines now passed, bills that did not advance are effectively “dead” unless otherwise exempt. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has been actively monitoring and engaging on legislation aligned with their 2025 State Legislative Agenda.
The summary below highlights key bills the Chamber has identified as either advancing Oregon’s economic competitiveness and strengthening the business climate—or, conversely, as eroding competitiveness by introducing new barriers to business operations and community growth. Each bill is noted as either still moving forward (alive) or no longer active (dead), providing a clear snapshot of where things stand at this critical midpoint in the session.
KEY POLICY UPDATES: Tracking our 2025 Legislative Priorities by Policy Area
Here is what is known of the bills on the Springfield Chamber’s Legislative Policy Agenda at this point.
BILLS THAT SUPPORT A STRONGER BUSINESS CLIMATE
Corporate Activity Tax Threshold Increase (SB 381, SB 490)
Alive ✅
Increases the CAT threshold to $5M, reducing burdens on small businesses.
Moving forward with strong Chamber and State Chamber support.
Concerns moving forward will be opposition looking for ways to keep any changes revenue neutral.
These bills currently reside in the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue.
Estate Tax Reform (HB 2301, SB 124)
Alive ✅
Would raise exemption thresholds and simplify the estate tax structure.
Moving forward with strong business community support.
While there seems to be bipartisan support for increasing the threshold, it’s yet unclear by how much we’ll be able to raise the exempted amount, and whether opposition will be looking to negotiate a revenue neutral outcome.
These bills currently reside in the House Committee on Revenue and the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue.
Advanced Clean Trucking Delay (HB 3119)
Dead ❌
Would delay implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucking (ACT) rule, prohibiting DEQ from implementing or enforcing the ACT regulations before 1/1/2027.
The ACT 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.
Liability Waiver Reform (HB 3140)
Dead ❌
Would relieve recreational small business exposure to egregious litigation claims, driving up costs, driving out insurance providers, and adversely impacting the business climate.
BILLS THAT CREATE NEW BARRIERS TO BUSINESS
Sensitive Use Restrictions Near Industrial Zones (HB 3062)
Dead ❌
Would require local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan.
This bill would severely impact economic development opportunities in key industrial areas of Springfield.
State Lodging Tax (TRT) Increase (HB 2977)
Alive ✅
Would raise the state lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.5%.
Revenues from the 1% increase would fund Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Opposed by key hospitality groups.
This bill has moved to the revenue committee.
Unemployment for Striking Workers (SB 916)
Alive ✅
Makes striking workers eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
Amendments to this bill create a 1 week waiting period before benefits kick in (for private employers) and allow public agencies to count any UI benefits received as wages received.
This bill passed out of the Senate and resides in the House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards.
Labor Standards Boards in Home and Community-Based Services (HB 3838)
Alive ✅
Establishes the Home and Community-Based Services Workforce Standards Board, creating an unelected body with broad authority to raise wages and amend working conditions.
This would be a new model of regulating entire industries in Oregon.
Referred to House Committee on Rules without recommendation as to passage.
Insurance Litigation Expansion (SB 174)
Alive ✅
Establishes the Home and Community-Based Services Workforce Standards Board, creating an unelected body with broad authority to raise wages and amend working conditions.
This would be a new model of regulating entire industries in Oregon.
Referred to House Committee on Rules without recommendation as to passage.
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.
State Lodging Tax (TRT) Flexibility (HB 3556)
Dead ❌
Would extend permissible uses of Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) revenue to include public safety services and certain costs related to “community infrastructure”.
This bill was strongly opposed by industry associations and Chambers who utilize TLT revenues for community promotion.
Transportation Funding Package
Alive ✅
The Chamber is monitoring the newly introduced $2B package includes several new and increased taxes and fees.
GET ENGAGED: Save the Date for These Upcoming Discussions
Beyond our formal policy agenda, we’re monitoring workforce, education, and community issues that impact Springfield. Here’s what’s coming up.
Springfield Chamber Roundtable:
Tuesday, April 22, 4:00 p.m.
Join the Springfield Chamber for “Washington Insights: A Briefing from the U.S. Chamber” with Chris Eyler, Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs, US Chamber of Commerce. Chris will share key updates on federal policy, legislation, and issues impacting the business community.
Read Chris Eyler’s bio here.
State of Business: SAVE THE DATE
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 a.m.
Join us for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Business Breakfast, where we’ll gather to discuss the current state of the economy and Oregon’s business climate. This event serves as a platform for business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community members to come together and gain valuable insights into the economic landscape and its implications for local businesses.
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 14, here.
- Read Oregon Business and Industry’s Capitol Connect newsletter from Monday, April 14, 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.
