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Oregon House of Representatives

From Ballotpedia

Oregon House of
Representatives
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:   Democrat
Session start:   January 21, 2025
Session end:   June 29, 2025
Term length:  2 years
Term limits:   None
Redistricting:  Legislature-dominant
Salary:   $35,052/year + per diem
Members
Total:  60
Democrats:  36
Republicans:  24
Other:  0
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
Speaker:  Julie Fahey (D)
Maj. Leader:   TBD
Min. Leader:  Christine Drazan (R)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026

TheOregon House of Representatives is thelower chamber of theOregon State Legislature. Alongside theOregon State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Oregon state government and works alongside thegovernor of Oregon to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Oregon House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Oregon House of Representatives meets in the state capitol building inSalem, Oregon.

  • All 60 seats in the Oregon House of Representatives were up for election in2024. The chamber's Democratic majority increased from 35-25 to 36-24.
  • All 60 seats in the Oregon House of Representatives were up for election in2022. The chamber's Democratic majority decreased from 37-23 to 35-25.
  • Oregon has a Democratictrifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

  • This page contains the following information on the Oregon House of Representatives.

    Contents

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Oregon House of Representatives as of May 2025:

    PartyAs of May 2025
        Democratic Party36
        Republican Party24
        Other0
        Vacancies0
    Total 60

    Members

    Leadership

    The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body.

    Leadership and members


    OfficeNamePartyDate assumed office
    Oregon House of Representatives District 1Court BoiceRepublicanFebruary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 2Virgle OsborneRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 3Dwayne YunkerRepublicanDecember 27, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 4Alek SkarlatosRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 5Pam MarshDemocratic2017
    Oregon House of Representatives District 6Kim WallanRepublican2019
    Oregon House of Representatives District 7John LivelyDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 8Lisa FragalaDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 9Boomer WrightRepublicanJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon House of Representatives District 10David GombergDemocratic2013
    Oregon House of Representatives District 11Jami CateRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 12Darin HarbickRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 13Nancy NathansonDemocratic2007
    Oregon House of Representatives District 14Julie FaheyDemocraticJanuary 9, 2017
    Oregon House of Representatives District 15Shelly Boshart DavisRepublican2019
    Oregon House of Representatives District 16Sarah McDonaldDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 17Ed DiehlRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 18Rick LewisRepublican2017
    Oregon House of Representatives District 19Tom AndersenDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 20Paul EvansDemocraticJanuary 12, 2015
    Oregon House of Representatives District 21Kevin MannixRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 22Lesly MuñozDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 23Anna ScharfRepublicanJuly 12, 2021
    Oregon House of Representatives District 24Lucetta ElmerRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 25Ben BowmanDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 26Courtney NeronDemocratic2019
    Oregon House of Representatives District 27Ken HelmDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 28Dacia GrayberDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 29Susan McLainDemocraticJanuary 12, 2015
    Oregon House of Representatives District 30Nathan SosaDemocraticFebruary 1, 2022
    Oregon House of Representatives District 31Darcey EdwardsRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 32Cyrus JavadiRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 33Shannon IsadoreDemocraticSeptember 26, 2024
    Oregon House of Representatives District 34Mari WatanabeDemocraticJanuary 19, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 35Farrah ChaichiDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 36Hai PhamDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 37Jules WaltersDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 38Daniel NguyenDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 39April DobsonDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 40Annessa HartmanDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 41Mark GambaDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 42Rob NosseDemocraticJuly 7, 2014
    Oregon House of Representatives District 43Tawna SanchezDemocratic2017
    Oregon House of Representatives District 44Travis NelsonDemocraticFebruary 1, 2022
    Oregon House of Representatives District 45Thuy TranDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 46Willy ChotzenDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 47Andrea ValderramaDemocraticApril 1, 2021
    Oregon House of Representatives District 48Hoa NguyenDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 49Zach HudsonDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon House of Representatives District 50Ricki RuizDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon House of Representatives District 51Christine DrazanRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon House of Representatives District 52Jeffrey HelfrichRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 53Emerson LevyDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 54Jason KropfDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon House of Representatives District 55E. Werner ReschkeRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 56Emily McIntireRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 57Greg SmithRepublican2001
    Oregon House of Representatives District 58Bobby LevyRepublicanJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon House of Representatives District 59Vikki Breese-IversonRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon House of Representatives District 60Mark OwensRepublicanJanuary 31, 2020


    Salaries

    See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2024[1]
    SalaryPer diem
    $35,052/year$157/day

    Swearing in dates

    See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

    Oregon legislators assume office the second Monday in January following the election.[2]

    Membership qualifications

    See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

    According toArticle IV, Section 8 of theOregon Constitution, candidates for theOregon State Legislature must meet the following qualifications:[3]

    • Be a citizen of the United States,
    • Be at least 21 years of age,
    • Be an inhabitant of the district from which the Senator or Representative may be chosen for at least one year preceding the election (or from January 1 if a reapportionment year ),
    • Not be convicted of a felony (unless the sentence received for the conviction is completed prior to the date that person would take office if elected.)

    In 2022, Oregon voters approvedMeasure 113, which disqualifies legislators from seeking re-election if they accumulate more than 10 unexcused absences in a single legislative session.


    Historical party control

    Democrats won control of the Oregon House of Representatives in 2012. In2024, they won a 36-24 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Oregon House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    Oregon House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'24
    Democrats2826292527252731363034353538373536
    Republicans3234313433353329243026252522232524

    Trifecta history

    Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Oregon was under the following types of trifecta control:

    • Democratic trifecta: 2007-2010, 2013-2023
    • Republican trifecta: None
    • Divided government: 1992-2006, 2011-2012

    Oregon Party Control: 1992-2025
    Seventeen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year92939495969798990001020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
    GovernorDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
    SenateDDDRRRRRRRRSSDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
    HouseRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDSSDDDDDDDDDDDDD


    Elections

    Elections by year

    Oregon state representatives servetwo-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Oregon holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2026

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2026

    Elections for theOregon House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026.

    2024

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2024

    Elections for theOregon House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasMay 21, 2024. The filing deadline wasMarch 12, 2024.

    In the 2024 election, Democrats maintained their 35-24 majority with one vacancy remaining after the election.

    Oregon House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 5, 2024After November 6, 2024
        Democratic Party3536
        Republican Party2424
        Independent Party of Oregon10
        Vacancies00
    Total6060

    2022

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2022

    Elections for theOregon House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. The filing deadline was March 8, 2022.

    Heading into the 2022 election, Democrats held a 37-23 majority. Democrats lost two seats in the election, giving them a 35-25 majority.

    Oregon House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 8, 2022After November 9, 2022
        Democratic Party3735
        Republican Party2325
    Total6060

    2020

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2020

    Elections for the office ofOregon House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for May 19, 2020. The filing deadline was March 10, 2020.

    Heading into the 2020 election, Democrats held a 38-22 majority. Democrats lost one seat in the election, giving them a 37-23 majority.

    Oregon House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
        Democratic Party3837
        Republican Party2223
    Total6060

    2018

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2018

    Elections for theOregon House of Representatives took place in 2018. A closed primary election took place on May 15, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline wasMarch 6, 2018.[4]

    In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Oregon House of Representatives from 35-25 to 38-22.

    Oregon House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
        Democratic Party3538
        Republican Party2522
    Total6060

    2016

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2016

    Elections for theOregon House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on May 17, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was March 8, 2016. All60 seats in theOregon House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 35-25 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.

    Oregon House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
        Democratic Party3535
        Republican Party2525
    Total6060
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2014

    Elections for theOregon House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 11, 2014.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 34-26 majority. Democrats gained one seat in the election, giving them a 35-25 majority.

    Oregon House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
        Democratic Party3435
        Republican Party2625
    Total6060

    2012

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of Oregon House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on May 15, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was March 6, 2012. All60 seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, the chamber was tied at 30-30. Democrats gained four seats in the election, giving them a 34-26 majority.

    Oregon House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
        Democratic Party3034
        Republican Party3026
    Total6060

    During the2012 election, the total value of contributions to the 150 House candidates was $20,282,835. The top 10 contributors were:[5]

    2012 Donors, Oregon House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Building Trades Pac$1,740,000
    Promote Oregon Leadership$1,059,662
    Oregon Democratic Party$818,295
    Service Employees Local 530$653,056
    Oregon Education Association$413,934
    Oregon Health Care Association$356,438
    Friends of Bruce Hanna$298,174
    Oregon Transformation Project$263,964
    Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association$258,115
    Associated Oregon Industries$250,681


    The following table details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election.

    2012 Margin of Victory, Oregon House of Representatives
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 40Democratic PartyBrent Barton1.3%27,818Steve Newgard
    District 52Republican PartyMark Johnson3.4%27,751Peter Nordbye
    District 30Democratic PartyJoe Gallegos4.8%24,836Shawn Lindsay
    District 37Republican PartyJulie Parrish5.4%20,561Carl Hosticka
    District 51Democratic PartyShemia Fagan5.8%23,783Patrick Sheehan
    District 29Democratic PartyBen Unger7.2%21,100Katie Eyre
    District 22Democratic PartyBetty Komp7.5%14,002Kathy LeCompte
    District 12Democratic PartyJohn Lively7.8%22,655Joe Pishioneri
    District 49Democratic PartyChris Gorsek8.8%21,061Matthew Wand
    District 24Republican PartyJim Weidner10.9%27,065Kathy Campbell

    2010

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of Oregon House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on May 18, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2010. All60 seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 36-24 majority. Democrats lost six seats in the election, leaving the chamber with a 30-30 tie.

    Oregon House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
        Democratic Party3630
        Republican Party2430
    Total6060

    During the2010 election, the total value of contributions to the 140 House candidates was $14,996,656. The top 10 contributors were:[6]

    2010 Donors, Oregon House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Future PAC House Builders$1,818,536
    Promote Oregon Leadership PAC$628,525
    Oregon Education Association$462,227
    Oregon Public Employees Local 503$425,634
    Oregon Health Care Association$246,496
    Oregon Nurses Association$222,892
    Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association$200,280
    Oregon Lodging Association$194,027
    Oregon Victory PAC$175,000
    Oregon Trial Lawyers Association$170,068

    2008

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of Oregon House of Representatives consisted of a primary election date on May 20, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. All60 seats were up for election.

    During the 2008 election, the total contributions to House candidates amounted to $16,773,518. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

    2008 Donors, Oregon House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Oregon House Democrats$2,016,164
    Promote Oregon Leadership PAC$696,838
    Oregon Public Employees Local 503$406,998
    Oregon Education Association$374,450
    Oregon Victory Pac$320,000
    Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association$273,817
    Oregon Forest Industries Council$244,000
    Oregon Health Care Association / Oregon Center for Assisted Living$217,106
    Oregon Climate Pac$209,334
    Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association$207,417

    2006

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of Oregon House of Representatives consisted of a primary election date on May 16, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. All60 seats were up for election.

    During the2006 election, the total value of contributions to the 149 House candidates was $15,003,199. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

    2006 Donors, Oregon House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Oregon House Democrats$1,308,998
    Oregon House Republicans$740,435
    Oregon Victory Cmte$425,000
    Oregon Education Association$363,412
    Friends of Wayne Scott$349,597
    Speakers Pac$299,055
    Service Employees Local 503$254,981
    Associated Oregon Loggers$221,500
    Oregon Restaurant Association$201,893
    Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association$199,180

    2004

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of Oregon House of Representatives consisted of a primary election date on May 18, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All60 seats were up for election.

    During the2004 election, the total value of contributions to the 183 House candidates was $10,967,119. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

    2004 Donors, Oregon House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Oregon House Democrats$567,803
    Oregon House Republicans$560,459
    Oregon Education Association$387,284
    Oregon Victory Cmte$325,000
    Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association$247,051
    Service Employees Local 503$220,131
    Oregon Forest Industries Council$204,105
    Oregon Restaurant Association$175,049
    The Speakers Pac$139,407
    Oregon Health Care Association$134,234

    2002

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of Oregon House of Representatives consisted of a primary election date on May 21, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. All60 seats were up for election.

    During the2002 election, the total value of contributions to the 156 House candidates was $11,000,936. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

    2002 Donors, Oregon House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Oregon House Democrats$793,786
    Oregon Education Association$425,166
    Oregon House Republicans$414,492
    Oregon Victory Cmte$367,500
    Service Employees Local 503$230,361
    Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte$170,000
    Oregon Restaurant Association$158,849
    Associated Oregon Industries$155,500
    Oregon Forest Industries Council$152,000
    Friends of Karen Minnis$149,840

    2000

    See also:Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of Oregon House of Representatives consisted of a primary election date on May 16, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All60 seats were up for election.

    During the2000 election, the total value of contributions to the 146 House candidates was $11,077,518. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

    2000 Donors, Oregon House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Oregon House Republicans$800,162
    Oregon House Democrats$623,460
    Oregon Victory Cmte$422,500
    Oregon Education Association$376,574
    Oregon Forest Industries Council$222,100
    Hansen, Jim$193,769
    Service Employees Local 503$184,808
    Oregon Restaurant Association$181,612
    Oregon Republican Party$164,000
    Oregon Auto Dealers Association$151,664

    Vacancies

    See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in theOregon State Legislature, the board of county commissioners representing the vacant seat must select a replacement. This can only be done when the Legislature is in session or when the vacancy happens more than 61 days before the next scheduled general election.[12] The board must select a person from the political party that last held the vacant seat. The board must consider three to five candidates, nominated by the local county party that last controlled the seat. A replacement must be selected within 30 days of the vacancy. Persons selected to fill vacancies serve until the second Monday in January following the general election.[13]

    DocumentIcon.jpgSee sources:Oregon Rev. Stat. §171.051

    District map

    See also:Oregon state legislative districts

    The state of Oregon has 60 state House districts. Each district elects one representative.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.



    Redistricting

    See also:Redistricting in Oregon

    In Oregon, congressional and state legislative district lines are drawn by thestate legislature. District lines are subject to veto by thegovernor.[14]

    If the legislature fails to establish a redistricting plan for state legislative districts, it falls to thesecretary of state to draw the boundaries.[14]

    State law requires that congressional and state legislative districts meet the following criteria:[14]

    • Districts must be contiguous.
    • Districts must "utilize existing geographic or political boundaries."
    • Districts should not "divide communities of common interest."
    • Districts should "be connected by transportation links."
    • Districts "must not be drawn for the purpose of favoring a political party, incumbent or other person."

    2020

    See also:Redistricting in Oregon after the 2020 census

    Gov.Kate Brown (D) signed new state legislative maps into law on September 27, 2021. The maps were approved by theOregon House of Representatives, 31-18, and approved in theOregon State Senate 18-11.[15] These maps took effect for Oregon’s 2022 legislative elections.

    District map before and after 2020 redistricting

    Below are the maps in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

    Oregon State House Districts
    until January 8, 2023

    Click a district to compare boundaries.

    Oregon State House Districts
    starting January 9, 2023

    Click a district to compare boundaries.


    2010

    See also:Redistricting in Oregon after the 2010 census

    Oregon's population increased by 12 percent from 2000-2010, exceeding the national average of 9.7 percent. Gov.John Kitzhaber (D) signed the state's redistricting plan into law on June 13, 2011, six days after its original proposal. This was the first time Oregon enacted a redistricting plan without the involvement of the Secretary of State in 100 years.

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Oregon House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in Oregon by year

    2025

    See also:2025 Oregon legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

    In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2025, and adjourn on June 29, 2025.


    Click [show] for past years' session dates.

    2024

    See also:2024 Oregon legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions

    In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 5, 2024, and adjourn on March 7, 2024.

    2023

    See also:2023 Oregon legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions

    In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 17, 2023, and adjourn on June 25, 2023.

    2022

    See also:2022 Oregon legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions

    In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 1, 2022, and adjourn on March 4, 2022.

    2021

    See also:2021 Oregon legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions

    In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2021, and adjourn on June 26, 2021.

    2020

    See also:2020 Oregon legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions

    In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 3, 2020, and adjourn on March 5, 2020.

    Effect of coronavirus pandemic

    See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
    Covid vnt.png
    Coronavirus pandemic
    Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.


    Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. No modifications to state legislative activity in Oregon were made.

    2019

    See also:2019 Oregon legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions

    In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 22, 2019, through June 30, 2019.

    2018

    See also:2018 Oregon legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions

    In 2018, the legislature was in session from February 5, 2018, through March 3, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere.

    2017

    See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

    In 2017, the legislature was in session from February 1, 2017, through July 7, 2017.

    2016

    See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

    In 2016, the legislature was in session from February 1 through March 3.

    2015

    See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

    In 2015, the legislature was in session from February 2 through July 6.

    Major issues in 2015

    Major issues in the 2015 legislative session included raising the minimum wage, a transportation package to fix roads and bridges, environmental legislation on the state's low-carbon fuel standard, and funding education.[16]

    2014

    See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

    In 2014, the legislature was in session from February 3 through March 10.

    Major issues in 2014

    Major issues in the 2014 legislative session included marijuana, gun control, liquor in grocery stores, the environment, health, the budget, Oregon Lottery reform, and the Columbia River Crossing project.[17]

    2013

    See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

    In 2013, the legislature was in session from February 4 to July 9.

    Major issues in 2013

    Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included in-state tuition, driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, and background checks for guns.[18][19]

    2012

    See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

    In 2012, the legislature was in session from February 1 through March 6.

    2011

    See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

    In 2011, the legislature was in session from February 1 through June 30.[20]

    2010

    See also:Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

    In 2010, the Legislature did not hold a regular session. However, the Legislature was in special session from February 1st to February 25th.[21]


    About legislative sessions in Oregon

    TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[22] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    Article IV of the Oregon Constitution establishes when theOregon State Legislature, of which the House of Representatives is a part, is to meet. Section 10 of Article IV states that the Legislature will meet in regular session once every two years. The section goes on to establish starting dates for these sessions, but these dates have been changed by law (as the section allows).

    Section 10 of Article IV also requires the presiding officers of both legislative houses to convene an emergency session of the Legislature when a majority of the members of each house request an emergency session.

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Veto Override Graphic-No party.png

    See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Oregon are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

    Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 40 of the 60 members in theOregon House of Representatives and 20 of the 30 members in theOregon State Senate. Oregon is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

    How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

    Vetoes can be overridden in a special session or when the next regular session convenes.[23][24] A majority of members in both chambers must agree to call for a special session.[25]

    Authority:Article V, Section 15b of theOregon Constitution.

    "(1) Every bill which shall have passed the Legislative Assembly shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the Governor; if the Governor approve, the Governor shall sign it; but if not, the Governor shall return it with written objections to that house in which it shall have originated, which house shall enter the objections at large upon the journal and proceed to reconsider it.
    (2) If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of the members present shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and, if approved by two-thirds of the members present, it shall become a law."

    Role in state budget

    See also:Oregon state budget and finances
    OregononPublic Policy Logo-one line-on Ballotpedia.png
    Check outBallotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
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    The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[26]

    1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies inMarch.
    2. State agencies submit their budget requests to thegovernor inSeptember.
    3. Agency hearings are held betweenSeptember and November.
    4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature byDecember 1. For new governors, the deadline is thefirst day the legislature convenes.
    5. The legislature adopts a budget betweenFebruary and June. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The biennium beginsJuly 1.

    Oregon is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.[26][27]

    The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[26]

    Unexcused absences

    See also:Oregon Measure 113, Exclusion from Re-election for Legislative Absenteeism Initiative (2022)

    If a legislator is absent from 10 legislative floor sessions without permission or excuse, they are disqualified from holding office for the term following the election after their current term is completed.

    Committees

    See also:List of committees in Oregon state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Oregon House of Representatives has 19 standing committees:


    Constitutional amendments

    In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

    The methods in which the Oregon Constitution can be amended:

    See also:Section 1, Article IV, andArticle XII of theOregon Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in Oregon
    Cover of the 1857 Oregon Constitution

    TheOregon Constitution lays out four different paths, in two different articles, for how to go about changing the state's constitution.

    • An initiated amendment must be proposed "by a petition signed by a number of qualified voters equal to eight percent of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for Governor at the election at which a Governor was elected for a term of four years next preceding the filing of the petition."
    • The petition must include the full text of the proposed amendment.
    • The signatures must be filed "not less than four months before the election at which the proposed...amendment to the Constitution is to be voted upon."
    • Article IV containsseveral restrictions on the initiative process such asSection 1b, which prohibitspay-per-signature.
    • Amendments can be proposed in either house of the state legislature.
    • To earn a spot on the ballot, a "majority of all the members elected to each of the two houses" must vote in favor of a proposed amendment.
    • The Legislature can put any such referred amendments on a special election ballot.
    • If more than one amendment is proposed by the legislature, they must be voted on separately.
    • The constitution does not define how such a referendum is to be put before voters.
    • Possible ways might include acitizen-initiated question or a vote of the legislature.


    See also

    Elections Oregon State GovernmentState LegislaturesState Politics
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    External links

    Footnotes

    1. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
    2. Oregon Constitution, "Article IV, Section 4," accessed February 17, 2021
    3. Oregon State Legislature, "The Legislative Body," accessed February 10, 2023
    4. Oregon Secretary of State, "Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division Offices Open May 15, 2018, Primary Election," accessed September 1, 2017
    5. Follow the Money, "Oregon House of Representatives 2012 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    6. Follow the Money, "Oregon House of Representatives 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    7. Follow the Money, "Oregon House of Representatives 2008 Campaign Contributions"
    8. Follow the Money, "Oregon House of Representatives 2006 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    9. Follow the Money, "Oregon House of Representatives 2004 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    10. Follow the Money, "Oregon House of Representatives 2002 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    11. Follow the Money, "Oregon House of Representatives 2000 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    12. OregonLaws, "Oregon Revised Laws," accessed February 15, 2021(Statute 171.051, (1) (a)-(c))
    13. OregonLaws, "Oregon Revised Laws," accessed February 15, 2021(Statute 171.051, (2)-(6))
    14. 14.014.114.2All About Redistricting, "Oregon," accessed April 28, 2015
    15. Oregon State Legislature, "SB 882 Enrolled," accessed September 28, 2021
    16. Oregon Live, "Oregon Legislature by the numbers: What to watch for in 2015," accessed February 2, 2015
    17. oregonlive.com, "2014 Oregon Legislature: 35 days for guns, pot, booze and a zombie bridge," accessed February 3, 2014
    18. Statesman Journal, "Immigration issues back in spotlight at Oregon Legislature," January 27, 2013
    19. Daily Tidings, "Immigration issues on agenda for Ore. Legislature," February 1, 2013
    20. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed June 6, 2014(Archived)
    21. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed July 28, 2014(Archived)
    22. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    23. National Conference of State Legislatures, "The Veto Process," accessed June 22, 2017
    24. The Oregon Legislature, "How an Idea Really Becomes a Law," accessed July 3, 2017
    25. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Special Sessions," May 6, 2009
    26. 26.026.126.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    27. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
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