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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: House bill aims to increase diversity on publicly traded corporate boards

 (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)

The Oregon House passed a bill last week intended to make corporate boardrooms more diverse. 

THE ISSUE: The boards of publicly traded companies remain overwhelmingly male and white despite efforts to diversify the economy and the workforce. 

THE BILL: House Bill 3110 

WHAT IT DOES: Requires the boards of publicly traded companies in Oregon to have at least one female director and one member from an “underrepresented community,” which can include low-income people and members of racial minorities. 

WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: Proponents of the bill point to statistics showing that women make up small percentages of large publicly traded companies. They also say there is no shortage of women and people from underrepresented communities that are qualified to serve on these boards, and the bill is needed to make up for historical bias. Research has also shown that companies with more women on their boards are more profitable. 

HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED: 

State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Yes

State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Yes

State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: Excused 

State Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton: No

State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: No

State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Excused

Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: Yes

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The bill moves to the Senate for consideration. 

-Jake Thomas