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Oregon State Senate

From Ballotpedia
Oregon State Senate
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:  Democrat
Session start:  February 2, 2026
Session end:  March 8, 2026
Term length:  4 years
Term limits:  None
Redistricting:  Legislature-dominant
Salary:  $43,440/year + per diem
Members
Total:  30
Democrats:  18
Republicans:  12
Other:  0 (Independent of Oregon)
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
President:  Rob Wagner (D)
Maj. Leader:  Kayse Jama (D)
Min. Leader:  Bruce Starr (R)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026


TheOregon State Senate is theupper chamber of theOregon State Legislature. Alongside theOregon House of Representatives, 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 State Senate 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 State Senate meets in the state capitol building inSalem, Oregon.

  • Fifteen of the state Senate's 30 seats are up for election in2026.
  • Fifteen of the state Senate's 30 seats were up for election in2024. The chamber's Democraticsupermajority increased from 17-12 (with one independent) to 18-12.
  • 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 State Senate.

    Contents

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Oregon State Senate as of February 2026:

    Partisan composition, Oregon State Senate
    As of February 2026
    PartyMembers
    Democratic18
    Republican12
    Other0
    Vacancies0
    Total30

    Members

    Leadership

    The president of the Senate is the presiding officer of the body.

    Leadership and members


    OfficeNamePartyDate assumed office
    Oregon State Senate District 1David Brock SmithRepublicanJanuary 17, 2023
    Oregon State Senate District 2Noah RobinsonRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon State Senate District 3Jeff GoldenDemocratic2019
    Oregon State Senate District 4Floyd ProzanskiDemocratic2003
    Oregon State Senate District 5Dick AndersonRepublicanJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon State Senate District 6Cedric HaydenRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon State Senate District 7James ManningDemocraticJanuary 2, 2017
    Oregon State Senate District 8Sara Gelser BlouinDemocraticJanuary 12, 2015
    Oregon State Senate District 9Fred GirodRepublicanJanuary 30, 2008
    Oregon State Senate District 10Deb PattersonDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon State Senate District 11Kim ThatcherRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon State Senate District 12Bruce StarrRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon State Senate District 13Courtney NeronDemocraticMay 12, 2025
    Oregon State Senate District 14Kate LieberDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon State Senate District 15Janeen SollmanDemocraticJanuary 21, 2022
    Oregon State Senate District 16Suzanne WeberRepublicanJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon State Senate District 17Lisa ReynoldsDemocraticDecember 9, 2024
    Oregon State Senate District 18Wlnsvey CamposDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon State Senate District 19Rob WagnerDemocraticJanuary 30, 2018
    Oregon State Senate District 20Mark MeekDemocraticJanuary 9, 2023
    Oregon State Senate District 21Kathleen TaylorDemocratic2017
    Oregon State Senate District 22Lew FrederickDemocratic2017
    Oregon State Senate District 23Khanh PhamDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon State Senate District 24Kayse JamaDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon State Senate District 25Chris GorsekDemocraticJanuary 11, 2021
    Oregon State Senate District 26Christine DrazanRepublicanOctober 24, 2025
    Oregon State Senate District 27Anthony BroadmanDemocraticJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon State Senate District 28Diane LinthicumRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon State Senate District 29Todd NashRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025
    Oregon State Senate District 30Mike McLaneRepublicanJanuary 13, 2025


    Salaries

    See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2025[1]
    SalaryPer diem
    $43,440/year$178/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 conviction happened prior to winning the election and 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.

    Candidates must also be registered to vote.[4]


    Historical party control

    Democrats won control of the Oregon State Senate in 2004. In2024, they won a 18-12 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Oregon Senate 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 State Senate election results: 1992-2024

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'24
    Democrats1611101214151817181616181718181718
    Republicans1419201816151211121414121312121212
    Other00000000000000010


    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: 1992-2026
    Eighteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year9293949596979899000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526
    GovernorDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
    SenateDDDRRRRRRRRSSDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
    HouseRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDSSDDDDDDDDDDDDDD


    Elections

    Elections by year

    Oregon state senators serve staggered,four-year terms and half of the Senate is up for election every two years. Oregon holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2026

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2026

    Elections for theOregon State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isMay 19, 2026. The filing deadline for incumbents isMarch 3, 2026. The filing deadline for non-incumbents isMarch 10, 2026.

    2024

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2024

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

    Before the 2024 election, Democrats held a 17-12-1 majority and they increased their majority to 18-12 after the election.

    Oregon State Senate
    PartyAs of November 5, 2024After November 6, 2024
        Democratic Party1718
        Republican Party1212
        Independent Party of Oregon10
    Total3030

    2022

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2022

    Elections for theOregon State Senate 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 an 18-11-1 majority. Following the election, Republicans gained one net seat, giving the Democrats a 17-12-1 majority. On January 1, 2023, before the new Oregon Senate was sworn in, State SenatorDallas Heard (R) resigned, giving the chamber one vacancy.

    Oregon State Senate
    PartyAs of November 8, 2022After November 9, 2022
        Democratic Party1817
        Republican Party1112
        Independent11
    Total3030

    2020

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2020

    Elections for the office ofOregon State Senate 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 election, Democrats held an 18-12 majority. Democrats maintained their 18-12 majority in the election.

    Oregon State Senate
    PartyAs of November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
        Democratic Party1818
        Republican Party1212
    Total3030

    2018

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2018

    Elections for theOregon State Senate took place in 2018. Aclosed 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.[5]

    In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Oregon State Senate from 17-13 to 18-12.

    Oregon State Senate
    PartyAs of November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
        Democratic Party1718
        Republican Party1312
    Total3030

    2016

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2016

    Elections for theOregon State Senate 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. A total of16 seats out of the 30 seats in theOregon State Senate were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held an 18-12 majority. Democrats lost one seat in the election, giving them a 17-13 majority.

    Oregon State Senate
    PartyAs of November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
        Democratic Party
    18
    17
        Republican Party
    12
    13
    Total3030
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2014

    Elections for theOregon State Senate 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 16-14 majority. Democrats gained two seats in the election, giving them an 18-12 majority.

    Oregon State Senate
    PartyAs of November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
        Democratic Party1618
        Republican Party1412
    Total3030

    2012

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of Oregon State Senate 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. Atotal of 15 seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 16-14 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election.

    Oregon State Senate
    PartyAs of November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
        Democratic Party1616
        Republican Party1414
    Total3030

    During the2012 election, the total value of contributions to the 37 Senate candidates was $7,962,888. The top 10 contributors were:[6]

    2012 Donors, Oklahoma State Senate
    DonorAmount
    The Leadership Fund$959,638
    Senate Democratic Leadership Fund$393,062
    Oregon Democratic Party$314,886
    Oregon Health Care Association$238,484
    Doctors for Healthy Communities$174,225
    Douglas County Physicians Association$164,975
    Service Employees Local 530$160,763
    Coalition for a Healthy Oregon$128,841
    Oregon Small Business Association$108,533
    Nike$102,740

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

    2012 Margin of Victory, Oregon State Senate
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 25Democratic PartyLaurie Monnes Anderson9.3%42,952Scott Hansen
    District 5Democratic PartyArnie Roblan9.7%55,322Scott Roberts
    District 27Republican PartyTim Knopp18.4%59,797Geri Hauser
    District 12Republican PartyBrian Boquist20.3%56,573Annette Frank
    District 14Democratic PartyMark Hass23.7%53,530Gary Coe
    District 9Republican PartyFred Girod28.7%51,729Steve Frank
    District 2Republican PartyHerman Baertschiger, Jr.30.8%52,639Jim Diefenderfer
    District 17Democratic PartyElizabeth Steiner Hayward33.1%56,424John Verbeek
    District 29Republican PartyBill Hansell37.2%44,527Antone Minthorn
    District 18Democratic PartyGinny Burdick39%62,449Suzanne Gallagher

    2010

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of Oregon State Senate 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. Atotal of 16 seats were up for election.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held an 18-12 majority. Democrats lost two seats in the election, giving them a 16-14 majority.

    Oregon State Senate
    PartyAs of November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
        Democratic Party1816
        Republican Party1214
    Total3030

    During the2010 election, the total value of contributions to the 41 Senate candidates was $9,803,929. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

    2010 Donors, Oregon State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Oregon Senate Republican Leadership Fund$1,070,878
    Oregon Democratic Party$933,967
    Senate Democratic Leadership Fund$723,942
    Oregon Education Association$250,846
    Oregon Public Employees Local 503$241,151
    Oregon Health Care Association$192,361
    Oregon Trial Lawyers Association$181,900
    Doctors for Healthy Communities$110,995
    Coalition for a Healthy Oregon$102,830
    Douglas County Physicians$92,000

    2008

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of Oregon State Senate consisted of a primary election date on May 20, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. Atotal of 16 seats were up for election.

    During the 2008 election, the total contributions to Senate candidates amounted to $3,018,794. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

    2008 Donors, Oregon State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Senate Democratic Leadership Fund Of Oregon$251,711
    Oregon Senate Republican Leadership Fund$171,042
    Northwest Grocery Association$55,000
    Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association$53,572
    Oregon Soft Drink Association$51,500
    Oregon Education Association$49,522
    Oregon Health Care Association / Oregon Center for Assisted Living$48,700
    Oregon Association of Realtors$46,764
    Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association$43,307
    Ted Ferrioli Campaign Cmte$42,124

    2006

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of Oregon State Senate consisted of a primary election date on May 16, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. Atotal of 15 seats were up for election.

    During the2006 election, the total value of contributions to the 40 Senate candidates was $7,587,074. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

    2006 Donors, Oregon State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Senate Republican Leadership Fund$634,103
    Senate Democratic Leadership Fund$511,391
    Oregon Education Association$282,649
    Friends of Ted Ferrioli$204,850
    Service Employees Local 503$156,085
    Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association$122,607
    Oregon Health Care Association$122,500
    Oregon Forest Industries Council$110,000
    Westlund II, Bernard J (Ben)$104,153
    Monroe, Billie$93,600

    2004

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of Oregon State Senate consisted of a primary election date on May 18, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. Atotal of 17 seats were up for election.

    During the2004 election, the total value of contributions to the 36 Senate candidates was $7,490,951. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

    2004 Donors, Oregon State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Senate Democratic Leadership Fund$1,056,249
    Senate Republican Leadership Fund$623,155
    Oregon Education Association$314,612
    Oregon Victory Cmte$180,000
    Service Employees Local 503$141,119
    Roger Beyer for Senate$135,500
    Oregon Health Care Association$130,446
    Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association$129,901
    Northwest Grocery Association$116,844
    Oregon Restaurant Association$103,063

    2002

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of Oregon State Senate consisted of a primary election date on May 21, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. Atotal of 15 seats were up for election.

    During the2002 election, the total value of contributions to the 37 Senate candidates was $6,330,449. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

    2002 Donors, Oregon State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Senate Democratic Leadership Fund of Oregon$496,913
    Senate Republican Leadership Fund of Oregon$412,569
    Oregon Education Association$347,166
    Oregon Trial Lawyers Association$168,925
    Service Employees Local 503$144,409
    Oregon Restaurant Association$121,692
    Oregon Forest Industries Council$111,000
    Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte$110,250
    Associated Oregon Industries$104,000
    Oregon Victory Cmte$92,250

    2000

    See also:Oregon State Senate elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of Oregon State Senate consisted of a primary election date on May 16, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. Atotal of 15 seats were up for election.

    During the2000 election, the total value of contributions to the 30 Senate candidates was $5,255,383. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

    2000 Donors, Oregon State Senate
    DonorAmount
    Senate Democratic Leadership Fund of Oregon$602,496
    Senate Republican Leadership Fund of Oregon$414,678
    Friends Of Gene Derfler$257,246
    Oregon Education Association$256,098
    Oregon Forest Industries Council$139,350
    Oregon Victory Cmte$120,000
    Associated Oregon Industries$100,660
    Service Employees Local 503$100,242
    21St Century Fund$90,000
    Fahey, Pat$67,500

    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.[13] 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.[14]

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

    District map

    See also:Oregon state legislative districts

    The state of Oregon has 30 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

    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.[15]

    If the legislature fails to establish a redistricting plan for state legislative districts, it falls to thesecretary of state to draw the boundaries.[15]

    State law requires that congressional and state legislative districts meet the following criteria:[15]

    • 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.[16] 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 Senate Districts
    until January 8, 2023

    Click a district to compare boundaries.

    Oregon State Senate 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 State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House 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 27, 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.[17]

    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.[18]

    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.[19][20]

    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.[21]

    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.[22]


    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.[23] 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 Senate 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.[24][25] A majority of members in both chambers must agree to call for a special session.[26]

    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:
    BudgetsCivil libertiesEducationElectionsEnergyEnvironmentHealthcarePensions

    The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[27]

    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.[27][28]

    The governor is constitutionally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[27]

    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 State Senate has 13 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, "2025 Legislator Compensation," December 2, 2025
    2. Oregon Constitution, "Article IV, Section 4," accessed February 17, 2021
    3. Oregon State Legislature, "The Legislative Body," accessed May 23, 2025
    4. Oregon Secretary of State, "2020 State Candidate Manual," accessed May 29, 2025 (page 4)
    5. Oregon Secretary of State, "Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division Offices Open May 15, 2018, Primary Election," accessed September 1, 2017
    6. Follow the Money, "Oregon State Senate 2012 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    7. Follow the Money, "Oregon State Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    8. Follow the Money, "Oregon State Senate 2008 Campaign Contributions"
    9. Follow the Money, "Oregon State Senate 2006 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    10. Follow the Money, "Oregon State Senate 2004 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    11. Follow the Money, "Oregon State Senate 2002 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    12. Follow the Money, "Oregon State Senate 2000 Campaign Contributions," accessed May 23, 2014
    13. OregonLaws, "Oregon Revised Laws," accessed February 15, 2021(Statute 171.051, (1) (a)-(c))
    14. OregonLaws, "Oregon Revised Laws," accessed February 15, 2021(Statute 171.051, (2)-(6))
    15. 15.015.115.2All About Redistricting, "Oregon," accessed April 28, 2015
    16. Oregon State Legislature, "SB 882 Enrolled," accessed September 28, 2021
    17. Oregon Live, "Oregon Legislature by the numbers: What to watch for in 2015," accessed February 2, 2015
    18. oregonlive.com, "2014 Oregon Legislature: 35 days for guns, pot, booze and a zombie bridge," accessed February 3, 2014
    19. Statesman Journal, "Immigration issues back in spotlight at Oregon Legislature," January 27, 2013
    20. Daily Tidings, "Immigration issues on agenda for Ore. Legislature," February 1, 2013
    21. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed June 6, 2014(Archived)
    22. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed July 28, 2014(Archived)
    23. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    24. National Conference of State Legislatures, "The Veto Process," accessed June 22, 2017
    25. The Oregon Legislature, "How an Idea Really Becomes a Law," accessed July 3, 2017
    26. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Special Sessions," May 6, 2009
    27. 27.027.127.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    28. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
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