This report describes the outcome of my own major efforts in Salem this year – just a fraction of what the Legislature accomplished. Writing a two-year budget and updating a shelf-sized set of laws requires collaboration and division of labor. All 90 legislators are involved, each with their own priorities and interests. These following priorities reflect my committee assignments, constituent requests, and personal interests.

This session came with some unique and even historic challenges – an unprecedented budget shortfall and a surprise power-sharing agreement in the House. Early on in session, I narrowed my focus to bills with bipartisan support and little to no impact on the state budget.  I would have liked to see many bills pass that did not have a shot due to fiscal impact (like legislation creating energy performance certificates for Oregon buildings) or due to partisan logjams (like a bill banning BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups). Those, and others, will have to wait until next time.

Bottle Bill Update

HB 3145 modernizes Oregon’s iconic Bottle Bill to move it into the 21^st century. The bill will encourage the development of a robust system of redemption centers, improving the redemption experience while maintaining consumer convenience, and expand the system to include containers for most juice, tea, and sports/energy drinks. This is a much needed change in the recycling system, keeping Oregon a pioneer of sustainable initiatives.

Buy Oregon

In 2009, Rep. Brian Clem and I co-sponsored a bill that permits, but does not require, public agencies to spend up to 10 percent more in order to purchase local agricultural products. This year, we collaborated again to pass HB 3000, extending the “Buy Oregon” concept to additional goods and services.

Neighborhood Greenways

HB 3150 allows cities to lower speed limits on residential greenways to reduce the flow of traffic, reduce accidents and promote safe travel. It would improve road safety by encouraging Oregonians to ride their bikes on these residential streets, reducing bike traffic on arterial streets, and generally increasing the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles.

Peer-to-Peer Car-Sharing

HB 3149 establishes standards for personal car sharing programs, making occasional access to a car a possibility for Oregonians. Currently, Oregon laws are unclear about whether renting ones car is commercial use of a vehicle or not.  Since most personal auto insurance policies do not cover commercial uses of a vehicle, the proposed changes would define the process and ensure that the vehicle is adequately insured at all times. Those who make their car available to a carsharing company would earn money through this transaction and those who use carsharing to get around can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on vehicle ownership costs each year. Car-sharing families also drive demonstrably less than car-owning families — and less driving means less congestion and less pollution.

Health Insurance Exchange

SB 99  establishes Oregon’s own health insurance exchange, a portal for small businesses and individuals to compare health care plans. This exchange, if done right, can help to control costs while increasing choice, transparency, and access to information for Oregon’s consumers. The bill is first step, with further legislation expected over time in order to craft the best possible marketplace for health insurance.

Improving the Expanded Options Program

In 2005, the Legislature enacted SB 300, the Expanded Options Program, allowing students to earn high school and college credits simultaneously – without having to pay tuition. HB 3601 makes the idea of achieving a college education a reality for more Oregon students. In the past, some school districts chose to waive out of the Expanded Options program because they offered alternatives, like Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes. HB 3601 tightens up the waiver process and also ensures that at-risk students are moved to the front of the line in participating in the Expanded Options program, meaning they can jump-start their path to higher education.

Residential Solar Fix

HB 3516 encourages the installation of solar panels on residential and commercial buildings by fixing two obstacles faced by owners who wish to install solar panels. The bill allows the sale of electricity to the grid from rooftop solar installations and allows local governments to recover fees for building inspections to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the installation – without the excessive permitting costs incurred if you live in, for example, a conservation or historical district.

National Voter Registration Act Compliance

HB 2880, championed by Rep. Jefferson Smith, creates a National Voter Registration Act (NRVA) State Compliance Council to assess federal guidelines, identify barriers, and ensure compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. This will ensure an increase in voter registration, a protection of the integrity of the political process and accurate and current voter registration numbers.

Voters’ Pamphlet Signatures

HB 3148 changes the signature requirement to have information published in the voters’ election pamphlet, fixing an unintended result of a previous bill. It reduces the number of signatures required (in lieu of paying a publishing fee) to 200 signatures but requires that those signatures be gathered in the district in which the candidate is running for office.