The Oregon State Capitol. (Saphara Harrell/Salem Reporter)
The Oregon House on Wednesday considered a bill that concerns hotels, motels, emergency shelters and the state’s land-use laws.
THE ISSUE: Oregon needs affordable housing and shelter space for people fleeing wildfires.
THE BILL: House Bill 3261
WHAT IT DOES: Requires local governments to allow hotels and motels to be converted into affordable housing or shelters.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: State Rep. Pam Marsh, an Ashland Democrat who sponsored the bill, says that hotels and motels have seen less business during the pandemic. While many of these buildings might be better used as housing, land-use laws stand in the way.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Paul Evan, D-Monmouth: Excused
State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: No
State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Excused
Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: No
State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Yes
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The bill moves to the Oregon Senate for consideration.
-Jake Thomas
