By Darrell W. Fuller | Lobbyist [CLICK TO WHERE eNEWS LEFT OFF]
The 82nd Assembly of the Oregon Legislature began on January 9, 2023. As we rush into “Spring” (I used quotation mark since it is still snowing, after all), committees are soon to face their first big deadline of the session. And this deadline is a biggie.
On or before St. Patrick’s Day, most committees must post final Work Sessions on all bills originating in that chamber. Work sessions are meetings where bills can be amended, and/or moved from the committee to the floor of that chamber for a final vote. If a bill is not on the schedule by March 17, it is dead for 2023. This deadline will dramatically reduce the number of bills under consideration this year.
The posting deadline is followed rapidly by the last day to hold a work session on bills from the chamber of origin (Work Sessions on House Bill in House Committees and Work Sessions in Senate Committees on Senate Bills). That deadline is April 4th. Starting April 5th, Senate Committees may only work on House Bills and House Committees may only work on Senate Bills.
This is government, so there are a myriad of exceptions to each of these rules.
PLSO PRIORITY BILLS (SO FAR)
On behalf of PLSO, I follow bills which will, or may, have an impact on land surveyors. I also track bills with a general impact on business in Oregon. Below are links to both the industry-specific bills I am tracking, and the general businesses bills I am tracking (so far). Here is some information on just a couple of the major bills of interest:
House Bill 2029 / Bill Information
Summary: Increases minimum type size for instruments presented for recording to county clerk. Relating To: Relating to instruments presented for recording to county clerk.
Status:
THIS BILL HAS PASSED THE SENATE AND HOUSE AND IS ON ITS WAY TO THE GOVERNOR FOR FINAL APPROVAL.
3/6/23 H - Speaker signed.
3/1/23 S - Third reading. Carried by Manning Jr. Passed.
2/28/23 S - Carried over to 03-01 by unanimous consent.
2/27/23 S - Second reading. 2/27/23 S - Recommendation: Do pass.
2/21/23 S - Work Session held.
2/16/23 S - Public Hearing held.
2/3/23 S - Referred to Rules.
2/2/23 S - First reading. Referred to President's desk.
1/31/23 H - Third reading. Carried by Nosse. Passed.
1/26/23 H - Second reading.
1/25/23 H - Recommendation: Do pass.
1/24/23 H - Work Session held.
1/17/23 H - Public Hearing held. 1
/11/23 H - Referred to Rules.
1/9/23 H - First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk
House Bill 2057 / Bill Information
Summary: Makes contractor liable for unpaid wages, including other benefit payment or contributions of employee of subcontractor at any tier. Permits third party owed payment or contribution made as part of employee compensation to bring action against contractor on behalf of employee for unpaid wages. Requires subcontractor to provide certain payroll records and other information to contractor upon request. Permits contractor to withhold payment to subcontractor for failure to comply with request for records.
Relating To: Relating to wages.
Status:
3/8/23 H - Public Hearing scheduled.
1/11/23 H - Referred to Business and Labor.
1/9/23 H - First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk
(Do you know any of the committee members?)
House Bill 2213 / Bill Information
Summary: Changes minimum contract price at which prevailing rate of wage applies to public works projects from $50,000 to amount Commissioner of Bureau of Labor and Industries specifies by rule. Provides that commissioner shall set contract price at $100,000 for year ending on December 31, 2024, and each year by March 31 must specify new contract price that reflects percentage change in U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for previous calendar year. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Relating To: Relating to an increase in the contract price at which the prevailing rate of wage applies to a contract for public works; creating new provisions; amending ORS 279C.810; and prescribing an effective date.
Sponsors: Rep Smith DB, Rep Morgan
Status:
1/11/23 H - Referred to Business and Labor.
1/9/23 H - First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
House Bill 3362 / Bill Information
Summary: Allows city or county to validate unit of land that had been approved for creation or recognition that was later revoked after sale to innocent purchaser.
Relating To: Relating to validation of unit of land acquired by innocent purchaser; amending ORS 92.176.
Status:
2/28/23 H - Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.
2/21/23 H - First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
Senate Bill 304 / Bill Information
Summary: Establishes Task Force on Occupational Licensing. Directs task force to study value of occupational licensing regulatory agency. Permits task force to presession file legislation. Requires task force to report to Legislative Assembly. Sunsets December 31, 2024. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Relating To: Relating to a task force on occupational licensing; and prescribing an effective date. Sponsors: Sen Dembrow, Sen Jama
Status:
3/7/23 S - Public Hearing and Possible Work Session scheduled.
2/7/23 S - Public Hearing held.
1/31/23 S - Public Hearing held.
1/13/23 S - Referred to Labor and Business, then Ways and Means.
1/9/23 S - Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
Senate Bill 848 / Bill Information
Summary: Extends provision relating to indemnification provisions in construction agreements to all types of damages. Provides that extent of obligation of person providing certain services to defend, indemnify or hold harmless another may be determined only after person's liability or fault is determined by adjudication or alternative dispute resolution or otherwise resolved by mutual agreement.
Relating To: Relating to construction agreements; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 30.140.
THE PUBLIC HEARING ON MARCH 1ST WAS VERY PRODUCTIVE. THE CHAIR OF COMMITTEE IS HOLDING AN INFORMATION WORK GROUP HOPING TO FIND A COMPROMISE THAT CAN MOVE FORWARD THIS SESSION.
Status:
3/1/23 S - Public Hearing held.
2/23/23 S - Public Hearing Cancelled.
2/3/23 S - Referred to Judiciary.
2/2/23 S - Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
WRAP UP FOR NOW
The politicians now have a full head of steam. Keep your eyes open for monthly updates. In the meantime, please stay tuned. PLSO will send urgent updates if your help is needed in Salem. Your email, or phone call, could be pivotal in the success or failure of legislation. If you would like to visit with me, just reach out.
Darrell Fuller has been a lobbyist in Salem since 1996. He can be reached by phone at 971-388-1786 and by email at fuller_darrell@yahoo.com.
DON’T FORGET: THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF HAVING AN IMPACT IN SALEM
Do you know who your State Senator and State Representative are in Salem? You can input your address and find out here. Your business location may be represented by a different Senator and Representative, meaning you can have twice the impact. You should know who represents you, and how to reach them during the Legislative Session.
Do you personally know any State Senator or State Representative (even if they don’t represent you)? Do you attend the same church? Are you members of the same Rotary Club? Do your kids go to school together, or play on the same team? An established relationship with a legislator can be extremely valuable. If you have that kind of relationship, will you please let me know ASAP? Thanks, my contact information is at the end of this report.
If you want to testify (in person or virtually) in support or opposition to any proposal at the Capitol, you can learn how by clicking here. If you would like to submit written testimony, you can learn how by clicking here. If you have questions or problems, feel free to contact me directly (my contact information is at the end of this report).
If you would like to offer your perspective or expertise to PLSO on any of the proposals, please send your input to the PLSO office by emailing Aimee at execdirector@plso.org, or contact your Chapter Legislative Chair.
You can also register to track specific bills so you will know if they are scheduled for action. You can learn more about that process here.
