Category Government
Salem Airbnbs could get more expensive as city eyes expanding tourism fee
Dozens of short-term rental operators came out against a city proposal to charge them a fee to fund Travel Salem’s tourism promotion work, submitting written testimony ahead of Monday’s council meeting.
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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 Legislature votes to round pennies after lack of federal guidance
Under an emergency declaration, vendors would be able to immediately round cash purchases if Gov. Tina Kotek signs the bill.
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Oregon lawmakers increase lodging tax to boost wildlife funding
A new measure is expected to bring in roughly $37 million per year for wildlife conservation by raising Oregon's lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75%. It received some Republican support for a provision to compensate ranchers whose livestock are killed by wolves.
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Oregon Senate waters down controversial gun control bill, winning Republican support
Oregon state senators on Thursday gutted this year’s legislation to bolster the rollout of a 2022 voter-approved gun control law currently being litigated, despite Democrats expending significant political capital to push a wide-ranging firearm safety bill through the House.
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Oregon Senate moves to penalize landlords divulging citizenship status, private information
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle moved to strengthen existing protections for immigrants without permanent legal status that the Oregon Legislature enacted last year.
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Honorary page program returns to Oregon Legislature during short session
Page programs that allow middle and high school students to see the legislative process up close, serving on the floor of the House or Senate for a single day.
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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’s largest teachers union will not endorse any current candidates for governor
The Oregon Education Association Political Action Committee, which has historically backed Democratic candidates for governor, voted not to endorse anyone currently running including Gov. Tina Kotek.
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