Oregon Lawmakers Approve Bills on Housing, Consumer Privacy, and Job Protections

Oregon lawmakers finalized several new bills addressing some of the state’s critical issues that are set to take effect 90 days after the current legislative session ends.

New Oregon Laws To Take Effect Later This Year

Significant Democrat-sponsored bills that passed the House and will take effect 90 days after lawmakers approved them include:

SB 1086

Establishes a new path to apprenticeship programs for building inspectors by requiring the Department of Consumer and Business Services to help the Oregon Building Officials Association develop a proposal. Passed on June 6.

SB 1176

Requires a state agency to make an effort to teach people about the law to help them understand they must accept cash as payment for goods and services. Passed on June 6.

HB 3724

Limits youth exposure to marijuana advertising by prohibiting any marijuana items from being labeled or packaged in a way that makes minors want the marijuana items. Passed on June 6.

HB 3232

Seeks to expand affordable housing by facilitating property tax breaks for specific affordable housing developments with an exemption of property owned by a limited equity cooperative. Passed on June 11.

HB 3187

Restricts employers from asking job applicants about age-related information, attendance, or graduation dates, in an effort to prevent age discrimination. Passed on June 11.

HB 3875

Requires car makers to obey the state’s privacy laws when getting personal data, thereby strengthening consumer data privacy in vehicles. Passed on June 11.

SB 470:

Expands privacy protections for guests in short-term rentals and hotels by prohibiting recording them in private spaces where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, although cameras are still allowed in common areas like lobbies and hallways. Occupants can also now sue for unauthorized recordings. Passed June 20.

SB 150

Protects veterans from excessive fees for benefit services by banning anyone from getting money or an item of value to help someone get a veteran’s benefit except as federal or state law allows. Violations are punishable as an unlawful practice under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Passed on June 23.

More details on the bills are available on the Oregon State Legislature website.