Legislative Update: June 23, 2025
As the 2025 Oregon legislative session approaches its constitutional adjournment date of Sunday, June 29, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor several key bills with potential impacts on the business community. While the 48-hour public comment window technically remains in place following a public hearing, bills can advance rapidly to a floor vote before that period concludes. The Springfield Chamber strongly encourages those wishing to submit testimony on open bills to do so as early as possible.
Over the course of the session, the Springfield Chamber has activated on a number of issues and will continue to reach out this week to legislators when possible, urging the business community to do the same. At this time, the following are bills that remain on the Chamber’s watchlist:
- HB 2977 – Oppose: Increases the statewide Transient Lodging Tax (TLT). With cost pressures mounting for employers and consumers alike, we are concerned about new taxes that could hinder tourism-related investment and recovery.
- HB 3962 – Oppose: Reduces the required municipal spend on tourism promotion from 70% to 40%, diverting resources away from essential economic development efforts.
- HB 3971 and HB 2005 – Oppose: Portions of these bills include a “super siting” element. These bills would allow Lane County to override local land use laws for specific projects. We’re concerned about the erosion of public process, local control, and long-term planning integrity.
- HB 3838 – Oppose: Establishes a labor standards board with broad regulatory authority over the home care sector. While we recognize the workforce challenges facing this industry, the proposed structure lacks clear accountability and raises concerns about regulatory overreach. Importantly, it does not address the underlying funding and reimbursement constraints that prevent providers from sustainably increasing wages.
- SB 174 – Oppose: Would drive up insurance costs and reduce access to coverage. The bill significantly expands the scope of litigation over insurance claims, shifting disputes from an administrative process to the courts. This will lead to prolonged delays in claim resolutions, higher legal costs, and increased premiums, as seen in states like California and Washington that have enacted similar policies.
- SB 1196 – Support: Reestablishes the enforceability of liability waivers, offering important legal clarity and risk protection for employers.
TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK: OPPOSE Expanded Litigation Over Insurance Claims (SB 174) and Flexible Use of Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Dollars (HB 3962); SUPPORT Liability Waivers for Fitness, Recreation, Sports Industries.
**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!
Expanded Litigation Over Insurance Claims
(SB 174)
The Springfield Chamber OPPOSES SB 174, which would significantly expand the scope of litigation over insurance claims, driving up costs and reducing coverage for Oregonians.
The bill was heard this morning at 8:00AM by the House Committee on Rules.
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. The -14 amendment reduces (by almost half) the amount of TLT revenue that must be used for tourism promotion and facilities from 70% to 40%.
The bill was heard today at 1:00PM in the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue.
ACTION ALERT!
Expanded Liability Waivers for Fitness, Recreation, Sports (SB 1196)
The Springfield Chamber (along with OSCC, Bend, Salem, and Bay Area Chambers) SUPPORTS SB 1196, which will relieve small businesses from egregious litigation claims that drive up costs, deter insurance providers, and negatively impact our local business climate.
OSCC recommends contacting Oregon State Senators at this time to advocate in support of this bill that helps keep costs down for small businesses in the field of outdoor recreation, sports, and fitness.
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 Transportation Package (House Bill 2025) was presented on Friday at nearly $15 Billion in revenue. After a dramatic session on June 20, Oregon State Chamber of Commerce and Oregon Business and Industry have both indicated opposing the bill as it stands. Both organizations also predict the bill not garnering sufficient votes by the end of the legislative session to move forward.
Updated 6/24: Oregon transportation bill heads back to committee, co-chair resigns
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 newsletters 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.
