Category Government
Oregon bill would make landlords give back rent deposit or pay fee if home found defective
House Bill 3521, now headed to the governor's desk, would let Oregon renters get their security deposits back if the home they’ve applied to has mold, unsafe electrical wiring or other defects making it uninhabitable.
Oregon lawmakers scale back proposal for unemployment strike payments amid blowback
A watered-down bill extending unemployment benefits to striking public and private employees will need to once again clear both legislative chambers after a concurrence vote.
Environment, social justice groups withdraw support for governor’s key groundwater protection bill
A last-minute amendment neutralizes the power of a bill updating groundwater pollution regulations advocacy groups said.
Oregon lawmakers weigh increased oversight of state’s embattled transportation department
At a committee hearing Tuesday, legislators aiming to create a politically viable transportation package were met with calls for better oversight of the agency.
Mayor Julie Hoy wants more police downtown after stabbings at Union Gospel Mission
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy said she will direct Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack to produce a report on how his department could increase police patrols downtown in the wake of the mass stabbing at Union Gospel Mission on June 1. The request comes as downtown business owners call on the city to do more to address homelessness, safety and cleanliness.
City council restores some funding for safe parking program
Salem city councilors put $50,000 in city money for a Church at the Park program that gives homeless people places to sleep in vehicles, take showers, and connect with case workers to find jobs, housing and apply for health care.
Bill enacting nation’s strictest limits on corporate health care influence signed by Gov. Kotek
“We need to make sure that our health care providers and our delivery system stays local,” the governor told reporters Monday when explaining her decision.
Oregon ‘freedom to read’ library bill heads to governor’s desk
Senate Bill 1098 would prohibit schools and libraries from removing books on the basis of being by, or about, members of a protected class.
Salem city council to hold hearing on updated budget proposal, vote on new paid parking system
Salem City Councilors will hold a public hearing on Monday for the city’s 2026 budget, which has added jobs back to run city services like the library, parks and recreation and Center 50+.