Category Legislature
West Coast needs to move together on time change, legislators decide
SALEM — Oregon may not go it alone on switching to daylight saving time year-round. In the latest legislative proposal, Oregon would only stop “falling back” in November if neighboring California and Washington do likewise. Washington lawmakers approved the idea this month. They still need…
Fill ‘er up? Rural lawmakers want to see changes at the pump
(Pamplin Media Group file photo) SALEM — A bill introduced in the House would allow more gas stations to offer self-service pumps. Oregon and New Jersey are the only two states in the Union that don’t allow self-service gas stations statewide. Oregon lawmakers started chipping…
Plan to pack duplexes, town houses into neighborhoods faces opposition from Oregon cities
SALEM — Cities remain wary of a legislative proposal that would require many of them to open the way for townhouses and small apartment buildings in neighborhoods filled with single-family homes, even after changes meant to ease them into it. Gov. Kate Brown and House…
Oregon may make new move to limit money going to candidates
SALEM — Many political observers around Oregon were surprised late last October when the most prominent third-party candidate for governor dropped out of the race and endorsed Gov. Kate Brown for re-election. Patrick Starnes, nominee of the Independent Party of Oregon, said he decided to…
Witnesses say children need to be readied for life after big Oregon quake
SALEM — Oregon is earthquake country, and students across the state practice duck-and-cover drills just the same as they practice fire evacuations, learning to protect themselves in the event of a damaging quake. Now, some legislators and emergency management officials are zeroing in on a…
Legislators try to catch up with Oregon’s burgeoning marijuana market
State lawmakers are considering more than two dozen bills that could affect Oregonians who consume recreational and medical marijuana. Oregon voters approved legalizing recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 and older in 2014. Since then, legislators have been shoring up the state’s system to…
Local governments say they need more time to learn to obey year-old records law
State Rep. Karin Power is leading the push for additional reforms to Oregon’s public records law. (File/Pamplin Media Group) SALEM — Oregon’s local governments have misgivings about a proposal that could lead to fines for cities, counties, special districts, school districts and state agencies that…
Courtney breaks medical leave, apologizes to those harassed at Capitol
Senate President Peter Courtney presides over a floor session on Thursday, March 14. (EO Media/Claire Withycombe) SALEM — More than a year after sexual harassment at the Capitol came into public view, Senate President Peter Courtney publicly apologized to victims in an emotional floor session…
Plan could mean you never change a clock again in Oregon
Whether they’re for standard time or daylight saving time, Oregonians are tired of changing their clocks twice every year. That’s the message state senators considering a time change in Oregon received this week. More than 50 people submitted written testimony or addressed the Senate Business…