Mia Maldonado - Oregon Capital Chronicle
Mia Maldonado began working at the Oregon Capital Chronicle in 2025 to cover the Oregon Legislature and state agencies with a focus on social services. She began her journalism career with the Capital Chronicle's sister outlet in Idaho, the Idaho Capital Sun, where she received multiple awards for her coverage of the environment and Latino affairs. She has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and international political economy from the College of Idaho. Born and raised in the West, Mia enjoys hiking, skiing and rockhounding in her free time.
After walkouts, budget woes and tensions over Trump, Oregon lawmakers wrap for 2026 session
The 2026 short session that began in early February ended on Friday, March 6, in a flurry of final votes that will impact Oregonians in every corner of the state.
Oregon lawmakers propose deal to acquire Abiqua Falls in Santiam State Forest
A bill would set aside $2.1 million for the state to purchase 200 miles of the Abiqua Creek area, including the waterfall. The plan is championed by State Sen. Fred Girod, who represents the Santiam Canyon.
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Republican petitioners sue Oregon over law rescheduling gas tax referendum
Republican leaders of a successful petition to pause gas tax and transportation fee hikes until a citizen vote are suing the state, saying a new law moving the referendum to May violates Oregonians' constitutional rights.
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Oregon bill to move gas tax referendum heads to governor’s desk
Once signed into law, Senate Bill 1599 would move the date Oregonians can vote on gas tax and transportation fee hikes. Five Democrats voted with Republicans against the move, including Rep. Lesly Muñoz of Woodburn.
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Secretary of state warns Oregon lawmakers for missing gas tax referendum bill deadline
Democratic lawmakers didn’t meet a recommended Wednesday deadline to pass a law rescheduling a gas tax referendum to May, but they’re still moving forward with the effort despite warnings from the state’s top election official that doing so could limit voter input.
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Oregon Senate passes bill to regulate ICE in hospitals
A bill passed by the Oregon Senate would require hospitals to designate which areas are closed to the public and prohibit hospitals from disclosing a person’s immigration status unless required by a court order or to ensure continued care.
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Oregon Senate passes bill that would criminalize threats against public officials
The Oregon Senate passed a bill Tuesday that could hand people who threaten public officials, including city councilors and county commissioners, a prison sentence.
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Oregon Senate Republicans end one-day walkout ahead of transportation referendum vote
Both chambers on Thursday gaveled in with enough Republicans in attendance to reach a quorum, despite a majority of Republicans in the House and all of the Senate GOP not showing up Wednesday afternoon.
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Oregon lawmakers want to build on immigration protections. Here’s where those bills stand
At least 13 immigrant protection bills have been introduced in Oregon Legislature this session.
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Democratic Oregon lawmakers advance bill to move transportation tax referendum to May
Gov. Tina Kotek would have to sign a bill by Feb. 25 to move the referendum date for a controversial tax proposal.
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