By Darrell W. Fuller / Lobbyist [CLICK TO WHERE eNEWS LEFT OFF]
The 82nd Assembly of the Oregon Legislature began on January 9, 2023. On day one, 1,814 bills were introduced for consideration. Since then, another 402 were added for a total of 2,216 so far. The Legislature generally considers just under 4,000 bills during the session, which will end in late June.
A handful of those bills could have a direct impact on PLSO members. I’ll list a few of the “highlights” below. But first, a couple of things to keep in mind:
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.
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. See Legislative Page here.
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.
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; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 205.232.
Status:
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.
Awaiting referral by the Senate President to a Senate Committee
House Bill 2057 / Bill Information
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.
In the House Committee on Business and Labor
(Do you know any of the committee members?)
House Bill 2213 / Bill Information
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.
In the House Committee on Business and Labor
(Do you know any of the committee members?)
Senate Bill 304 / Bill Information
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.
In the Senate Committee on Labor and Business
(Do you know any of the committee members?)
Senate Bill 848 / Bill Information
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.
In the Senate Committee on Judiciary
(Do you know any of the committee members?)
WRAP UP FOR NOW
The politicians just got to town. They will be around for another five months. I will offer 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.
