Oregon FamilyInstitute
Oregon Family Institute

2026 Legislative & Policy Update

What Oregon Families Need to Know

The governor's race, abortion policy and funding, religious liberty and parental rights, and spending, homelessness and crime. Plus Oregon 101: how the Capitol works, who holds power, which committees decide the issues families care about, and a history of the bills that shaped our state.

Informed families · Engaged citizens · A stronger Oregon

Prepared for "An Evening Introducing Oregon Family Institute" | Jacksonville, Oregon | October 23, 2026 | Current as of October 15, 2026

Contents Download the PDF

Contents

Each section opens with the big picture, then the facts, then what to watch.

  1. —Oregon at a GlanceThe numbers every Oregon family should know
  2. 01The Governor's Race: Kotek vs. DrazanCandidates, records, where they stand, polls, ratings, key dates
  3. 02Abortion Policy & FundingOregon's legal landscape, the 2026 session, data, courts, what's next
  4. 03Religious Liberty & Parental RightsOregon cases, U.S. Supreme Court rulings, schools and sports
  5. 04Government AccountabilitySpending, transportation taxes, audits, homelessness, crime
  6. 05Oregon 101: Frequently Asked QuestionsSessions, party split, leadership, how a bill becomes law
  7. Committees: who decides what, and where our issues go
  8. A history of controversial bills and ballot measures
  9. 06How You Can Make a DifferencePray, learn, speak up, serve, give

A note on this packet

Oregon Family Institute is a nonprofit educational organization. This packet presents public records, votes, court rulings, and candidates' own stated positions so citizens can decide for themselves. It does not endorse or oppose any candidate or party. Every fact is footnoted to a public source listed at the end of its section.

Oregon at a Glance

Nine numbers that tell the story of Oregon in 2026.

44 yrssince Oregon last elected a Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh, 1982)[1]
37–23Democratic majority in the Oregon House (18–12 in the Senate)[2,3]
10,495abortions in Oregon in 2025, the most since 2009[4]
$141Btotal two-year state budget after the 2026 session[5]
83%of voters rejected the gas-tax and fee increase (Measure 120, May 2026)[6]
+18.9%rise in homelessness, 2024 to 2025, to more than 27,200 people (HUD count)[7]
$7.5M+in state dollars approved in Nov 2025, with about $9M more through HB 4127, to replace federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood[8]
0statewide measures on the Nov 2026 ballot, a first since 1902[9]
160 / 35maximum days of the long (odd-year) and short (even-year) sessions[10]
Oregon House (60 seats)37–23
Oregon Senate (30 seats)18–12

Democrats Republicans

Party control of the 83rd Legislative Assembly. Democrats gained a 37th House seat when Rep. Cyrus Javadi switched parties in September 2025.[2]
Sources for this section
  1. OPB: OPB poll shows race virtually deadlocked (Sept 30, 2026).
  2. Wikipedia: 83rd Oregon Legislative Assembly.
  3. Street Roots: What to expect with 100 days before lawmakers convene (Oct 7, 2026).
  4. LifeNews: Oregon abortions in 2025 reached highest rate since 2009 (Sept 17, 2026).
  5. Legislative Fiscal Office: 2025-27 Budget Highlights Update (2026 session).
  6. Statesman Journal: Measure 120 election results (May 19, 2026).
  7. Oregon Capital Chronicle: Central Oregon sees a drop in homelessness (June 30, 2026).
  8. Jefferson Public Radio: Governor signs laws to backfill Planned Parenthood funding, strengthen shield law.
  9. Jefferson Public Radio: Election 2026, what to know in Oregon.
  10. Oregon Blue Book: Legislative branch.

01 · The Governor's Race

01

The big picture. For the first time in a generation, Oregon's race for governor is a genuine toss-up. Ballots went out October 14 and are due by 8 p.m. on November 3.[1,2]

Meet the candidates

Gov. Tina Kotek (D)Sen. Christine Drazan (R)
Current roleGovernor since January 2023; seeking a second termState senator (Canby), appointed October 2025; term ends January 2027
BackgroundFormer Speaker of the Oregon House (2013–2022)Former House Republican Leader; served in the House 2018–2022 and was re-elected to the House in 2024
Path to NovemberIncumbent nomineeWon the Republican primary with about 41%, ahead of Ed Diehl and Chris Dudley
HistoryDefeated Drazan in 2022 by about 3.4 pointsSecond run for governor

Also on the ballot: Brett Smith (Pacific Green), polling 3–6%.[1,3]

Where they stand, in their own words and records

IssueKotek: record and agendaDrazan: stated plan
LifeSigned HB 4127 (state payments to Planned Parenthood) and HB 4088 (expanded "shield law") in March 2026; her campaign makes abortion access a central theme.[4,1]Describes herself as pro-life and is endorsed by Oregon Right to Life; says she would not seek to ban abortion.[1]
Taxes & cost of livingSigned the 2025 transportation package (HB 3991) raising gas taxes and vehicle fees, later rejected by voters as Measure 120.[5]Pledges to veto new taxes, protect the "kicker" tax refund, repeal the Climate Protection Program, and issue a Day One affordability executive order.[6]
Homelessness & addictionDeclared a homelessness emergency in January 2023 and has renewed it each year; reports a 6.4% drop in unsheltered homelessness in comparable counts.[7]Would audit homelessness spending, prioritize treatment and recovery, and declare an addiction and mental-health emergency.[6,8]
Schools & parentsSecond-term agenda includes universal preschool.[1]Expand parents' school choice and focus on early literacy.[6]
AccountabilitySecond-term agenda includes a new Department of Commerce and data-center regulation; her administration has faced turmoil at the Youth Authority, Health Authority, and ODOT.[1]Would create an Office of Government Accountability and overhaul land-use rules.[6]

What the polls say

PollDatesSampleKotekDrazanNotes
DHM for Grow OregonSept 3–960041%43%Kotek approval 37% / disapproval 59%; 58% say Oregon is on the wrong track[9]
OPB / DHMSept 17–2791544%46%8% undecided; 60% view Kotek unfavorably[10]
The Oregonian / DHMSept 24–Oct 154946%44%7% undecided[3]
Kotek campaign (internal)Early Oct—46%42%Partisan poll[3]

Reading the polls

Every public poll shows a race within the margin of error. National forecasters Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball both moved the race from "Likely Democratic" to "Lean Democratic."[10] The candidates met in three debates, in Eugene (Oct 1), Medford (Oct 7), and Bend (Oct 13). None was held in Portland.[11]

Also on your ballot

  • U.S. Senate: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D) vs. state Sen. David Brock Smith (R).[2]
  • The Legislature: All 60 House seats and 15 of 30 Senate seats are on the ballot. The next Legislature will decide every issue in this packet.[2]
  • No statewide measures: For the first time since Oregon adopted the initiative in 1902, there are no statewide measures on the November ballot. A proposed abortion-rights constitutional amendment did not go forward.[2,12]

Why the Legislature matters as much as the governor

Democrats hold exactly the three-fifths "supermajority" needed to raise taxes without any Republican votes: 18 of 30 senators and 37 of 60 representatives (36 needed). A shift of one Senate seat or two House seats would end that supermajority. Whoever becomes governor will work with the Legislature you elect.[13,14]

Sources for this section
  1. Statesman Journal: Drazan, Kotek, Smith run for governor (Oct 14, 2026).
  2. Jefferson Public Radio: Election 2026, what to know in Oregon.
  3. OPB: New polls suggest Kotek may lead (Oct 8, 2026).
  4. Jefferson Public Radio: Governor signs laws to backfill Planned Parenthood funding, strengthen shield law.
  5. Wikipedia: 2026 Oregon elections (Measure 120).
  6. Statesman Journal: Drazan announces plan for Oregon (Aug 25, 2026).
  7. Office of Gov. Kotek: Unsheltered homelessness down 6.4% in comparable counts.
  8. OPB: Drazan promises voters better days ahead (Aug 25, 2026).
  9. OPB: Governor's race poll, Sept 15, 2026.
  10. OPB: OPB poll shows race virtually deadlocked (Sept 30, 2026).
  11. OPB: Kotek, Drazan square off in final debate (Oct 13, 2026).
  12. Oregon Secretary of State: Current election.
  13. Wikipedia: 83rd Oregon Legislative Assembly.
  14. Oregon Blue Book: Legislative branch.

02 · Abortion Policy & Funding

02

The big picture. Oregon has some of the most expansive abortion laws in the nation, and in 2026 it became the first state to pass a law using state money to replace federal Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood.[1]

Oregon's abortion laws today

What the law says

  • No gestational limit. Oregon law does not restrict abortion at any stage of pregnancy. In 2025, 228 abortions took place at or after 23 weeks.[2]
  • A statutory "right." HB 2002 (2023) declared a fundamental right to make reproductive decisions, including abortion, and lets people sue public bodies that interfere.[3]
  • Minors. Under HB 2002, a girl under 15 can obtain an abortion without a parent's knowledge if one provider, with a second provider's agreement, finds that involving a parent would harm her or not be in her best interest.[3,4]
  • Mandated coverage. The Reproductive Health Equity Act (HB 3391, 2017) requires most health plans to cover abortion.[5]

What happened in 2026

  • HB 4127 created a state payment program for Planned Parenthood after Congress cut off federal Medicaid payments. It followed $7.5 million approved by the Emergency Board in November 2025, added about $9 million more, and runs until January 2, 2028.[1,6]
  • HB 4088 expanded Oregon's "shield law" for abortion and gender treatments. It bars public employees from helping out-of-state investigations and limits extradition.[7,1]
  • Born-alive protections blocked. Bills requiring care for babies who survive an abortion (HB 4087 and SB 1554) were never given a hearing. Motions to bring them to the floor failed on party-line votes.[8,9]

Key 2026 floor votes on life issues

HB 4127 House (Planned Parenthood funding) 34 yes20 no
HB 4127 Senate 18 yes11 no
HB 4088 House (shield law) 34 yes22 no
HB 4088 Senate 18 yes12 no
SB 1554 Senate motion (Born Alive) 12 yes18 no
Floor votes on HB 4127, HB 4088, and the motion to withdraw SB 1554 from committee.[6,7,9]

The numbers

Oregon recorded 10,495 abortions in 2025, the most since 2009 and 96,623 over the past decade. Out-of-state patients made up 13.8% of the total, down from 18.9% in 2024. In Malheur County on the Idaho border, 90% of abortions were for out-of-state residents.[2]

In the courts

Oregon Right to Life v. State of Oregon

In April 2026, U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai ruled that forcing Oregon Right to Life, a pro-life employer, to cover abortion in its employee health plan under the Reproductive Health Equity Act violates the Constitution as applied to the group. Gov. Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield are appealing.[5]

Where abortion bills go in the Capitol

  1. IntroducedBill filed in House or Senate
  2. Health Care CommitteeHouse or Senate Health Care holds the hearing, or doesn't
  3. Ways and MeansBills that spend money (like HB 4127)
  4. Floor vote31 of 60 House, 16 of 30 Senate
  5. GovernorSigns, vetoes, or lets it become law

Pro-life bills usually die in the Health Care committees when the chair declines to schedule them. The only way out without a hearing is a floor "motion to withdraw," which needs a majority vote, as with SB 1554.[9,8]

What to watch in 2027

  • Whether HB 4127's Planned Parenthood payment program is extended past its January 2028 sunset
  • The state's appeal in the Oregon Right to Life case
  • Whether the Legislature refers an abortion-rights constitutional amendment to voters
  • Born-alive, parental-involvement, and pregnancy-center support bills, and whether they get a hearing
Sources for this section
  1. Jefferson Public Radio: Governor signs laws to backfill Planned Parenthood funding, strengthen shield law.
  2. LifeNews: Oregon abortions in 2025 reached highest rate since 2009 (Sept 17, 2026).
  3. Oregon DOJ: HB 2002 (2023) abbreviated summary.
  4. OLIS: HB 2002 C staff measure summary (Senate Rules, 3-2 vote).
  5. LifeNews: Pro-life group defeats bid to make it fund abortions (Apr 15, 2026).
  6. The Oregonian bill tracker: HB 4127 (2026).
  7. The Oregonian bill tracker: HB 4088 (2026).
  8. LifeNews: Oregon Democrats defeat bill to care for babies who survive abortions (Feb 18, 2026).
  9. The Oregonian bill tracker: SB 1554 (2026).

03 · Religious Liberty & Parental Rights

03

The big picture. The U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts are restoring protections for parents and people of faith, while Oregon's laws and agencies often move the other way. The courts and the Legislature are now on a collision course.

Oregon families in the courts

Jessica Bates: free to adopt

Oregon's Department of Human Services denied a Christian mother's application to adopt because she would not promise to affirm a child's gender identity. The Ninth Circuit ruled for her 2–1 in July 2025. In a September 2026 settlement, the state agreed it may not deny her application over her beliefs or force her to use pronouns, and she was named the prevailing party. The settlement applies only to her.[1,2]

The Calaway family

A federal lawsuit filed in July 2026 challenges the state's removal of a teenager from her Christian family in 2024 and a "mental injury" finding against the parents over their beliefs about gender. The family seeks expungement and more than $5 million in damages.[3]

Sweet Cakes by Melissa

Aaron and Melissa Klein lost their Gresham bakery after Oregon's labor bureau fined them $135,000 for declining to design a cake for a same-sex wedding. The U.S. Supreme Court has twice thrown out Oregon's rulings against them (2019 and 2023), sending the case back for reconsideration. It has been in litigation for more than a decade.[4]

What the U.S. Supreme Court decided, and what it means for Oregon

CaseWhat the court heldWhat it means here
Mirabelli v. Bonta
March 2026		Blocked California school policies that hid a child's gender transition from parents: "parents—not the State—have primary authority."[5]Strengthens parents' claims against secret-transition practices in Oregon schools.
Chiles v. Salazar
March 2026, 8–1		Laws banning counselors' talk therapy on sexuality and gender must meet "strict scrutiny" under the First Amendment.[6]Puts Oregon's 2015 ban (HB 2307) under serious legal doubt.
West Virginia v. B.P.J. & Little v. Hecox
June 2026, 6–3		States may limit girls' and women's sports teams to biological females.[7]Does not change Oregon law by itself; state law and OSAA policy still allow participation by gender identity.[8]
Mahmoud v. Taylor
(2025)		Parents have a right to opt their children out of instruction that burdens their religious beliefs.Basis for opt-out requests in Oregon districts.
United States v. Skrmetti
(2025)		States may restrict puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors.Oregon instead requires insurance coverage of these treatments (HB 2002).[9]

In Oregon schools

  • The U.S. Department of Education opened Title IX investigations into Portland Public Schools and the Oregon School Activities Association (2025) and the Oregon Department of Education (July 2025) over girls' sports and facilities.[10]
  • SB 1098 (2025) restricts local school boards from removing books from school libraries.[11,12]
  • Republican bills on parental consent, school choice, and removing "gender identity" from statutes were introduced in 2025 and did not advance.[13]

Where these bills go in the Capitol

TopicHouse committeeSenate committee
Schools, curriculum, library books, girls' sportsEducationEducation
Foster care, adoption, child welfare (ODHS)Human Services / Early ChildhoodHuman Services
Gender treatments for minors, insurance mandatesHealth Care / Behavioral HealthHealth Care
Civil rights law, shield laws, free speech and conscienceJudiciaryJudiciary
Fast-tracked or high-profile billsRulesRules
Sources for this section
  1. Statesman Journal: Oregon Christian mom free to adopt after settling case (Sept 14, 2026).
  2. Christian Post: Oregon mother can adopt without accepting LGBT ideology.
  3. Pacific Justice Institute: PJI challenges Oregon child welfare actions.
  4. First Liberty: Sweet Cakes by Melissa case page.
  5. Education Week: Supreme Court backs parents in school gender-disclosure fight (Mar 2026).
  6. Cornell LII: Chiles v. Salazar, No. 24-539.
  7. SCOTUSblog: States can exclude transgender athletes from girls' and women's teams (June 2026).
  8. KGW: What the Supreme Court ruling on transgender athletes means for Oregon.
  9. Oregon DOJ: HB 2002 (2023) abbreviated summary.
  10. U.S. Department of Education: Title IX investigation of Oregon Department of Education.
  11. Oregon House Democrats: 2025 session results.
  12. OPB: Legislature adjourns 2025 session (June 27, 2025).
  13. Oregon Legislature: 2025 session bill list.

04 · Government Accountability

04

The big picture. Oregon is spending more than ever. Families are entitled to ask what that money is buying in housing, safety, and basic services.

Spending

Oregon's two-year state budget keeps growing

Total funds General Fund

The General Fund grew 11.8% ($3.9B) in 2025-27. 2023-25 figures are back-calculated from those growth rates. Source: Legislative Fiscal Office.
  • The 2025–27 budget adopted in 2025 totals $138.9 billion, including a $37.3 billion General Fund, which is up 11.8% from the previous budget.[1]
  • After the 2026 session, the total stands at about $141 billion, with a General Fund of $37.5 billion and an ending balance of only about $371 million.[2]

Transportation taxes and Measure 120

In a September 2025 special session, lawmakers passed HB 3991, which raised:

  • the gas tax by 6 cents, to 46 cents per gallon
  • the registration fee from $43 to $85
  • the title fee from $77 to $216
  • the transit payroll tax from 0.1% to 0.2%

Citizens gathered about 250,000 signatures to refer it to voters. On May 19, 2026, 83% voted no. ODOT now faces a shortfall of nearly $300 million.[3,4]

Measure 120 (May 19, 2026)
Gas-tax and fee increase referendum

What the auditors found

Duplicate Medicaid payments

A September 2026 Secretary of State audit found the Oregon Health Authority made an estimated $232,000 to $4.1 million in duplicate Medicaid payments across 645 potential duplicates.[5]

Measure 110 drug program

A 2025 audit found the state's Measure 110 addiction-treatment system "lacks stability, coordination, [and] clear results."[6]

Homelessness and public safety

MeasureWhat the data show
Statewide homelessness (HUD)Up 18.9% from 2024 to 2025, to more than 27,200 people[7]
Governor's comparable countsUnsheltered homelessness down 6.4% in 35 counties; 6,286 shelter beds added and 5,539 people rehoused[8]
Multnomah County8,797 people unsheltered in January 2026[9]
Portland policing809 officers in 2025, or about 1.28 per 1,000 residents[9]
Portland crime, 202552 homicides (down 24%); vehicle thefts down sharply from the 2022 peak; shoplifting up 4%[10]
Drug possessionMeasure 110 (2020) decriminalized possession. HB 4002 (2024) made it a misdemeanor again starting Sept 1, 2024. Through Dec 2025 there were 3,084 "deflection" events but only 480 completions.[11]
Gun-control Measure 114HB 4145 (2026) delays the measure to Jan 1, 2028 while the Oregon Supreme Court considers it[12]

Questions every citizen can ask

  • How many people moved from the street into permanent housing and recovery, and what did each outcome cost?
  • Why did the budget grow by double digits while ODOT, schools, and public safety report shortfalls?
  • What has the state done to recover duplicate and improper payments?
Sources for this section
  1. Legislative Fiscal Office: 2025-27 Budget Highlights.
  2. Legislative Fiscal Office: 2025-27 Budget Highlights Update (2026 session).
  3. Wikipedia: 2026 Oregon elections (Measure 120).
  4. Statesman Journal: Measure 120 election results (May 19, 2026).
  5. Oregon Secretary of State: Audit 2026-26, Oregon Health Authority duplicate payments.
  6. Oregon Secretary of State: Audit 2025-29, Measure 110.
  7. Oregon Capital Chronicle: Central Oregon sees a drop in homelessness (June 30, 2026).
  8. Office of Gov. Kotek: Unsheltered homelessness down 6.4% in comparable counts.
  9. Washington Post: Portland crime, drugs, police and safety (Oct 6, 2026).
  10. East PDX News: East Precinct sees crime reduction gains.
  11. Oregon Criminal Justice Commission: 2026 HB 4002 drug possession report.
  12. OPB: Oregon lawmakers end 2026 session, what you need to know (Mar 6, 2026).

05 · Oregon 101

05

Frequently asked questions about how Oregon's Capitol works, who holds power, and how a citizen can be heard.

When does the Legislature meet?

Every year. In odd-numbered years the "long session" begins in January and can last up to 160 days. In even-numbered years the "short session" begins in February and can last up to 35 days. The 2026 session ran from February 2 to March 6. The 2027 session convenes January 12, 2027.[1,2,3]

What happens between sessions?

During the "interim," committees meet on periodic Legislative Days to study issues and prepare bills. The Joint Emergency Board can spend money between sessions. It approved $7.5 million for Planned Parenthood in November 2025.[4]

How big is the Legislature?

There are 90 lawmakers. The House has 60 representatives, elected every two years. The Senate has 30 senators, elected to four-year terms with half up every two years. Each Senate district contains two House districts.[1]

How is power split between the parties?

Democrats control both chambers: 37–23 in the House and 18–12 in the Senate. Democrats also hold every statewide office, including governor, Secretary of State (Tobias Read), and Attorney General (Dan Rayfield).[5,1]

Who are the leaders?

Senate: President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego); Majority Leader Kayse Jama; Republican Leader Bruce Starr. House: Speaker Julie Fahey (D-Eugene); Majority Leader Ben Bowman; Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville). The Speaker and the Senate President appoint every committee chair and decide which committee gets each bill.[1,6]

How many votes does it take to pass a bill?

A majority of all members: 31 in the House and 16 in the Senate. Tax increases require three-fifths, or 36 in the House and 18 in the Senate.[1]

What is a "walkout"?

Oregon requires two-thirds of members to be present to do business. When the minority leaves, the chamber stops. After walkouts in 2019, 2020, and 2021, voters passed Measure 113 (2022), which bars lawmakers with 10 or more unexcused absences from serving the next term. After the 42-day Senate walkout over HB 2002 in 2023, the Oregon Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of 10 senators.[7]

What does the governor do with bills?

The governor can sign or veto a bill, or let it become law without a signature, and can veto individual spending items. Lawmakers can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

Can citizens overturn a law?

Yes. Through a referendum, citizens who gather enough signatures within 90 days of the session's end can send a new law to voters. That is how Measure 120 reached the ballot. Lawmakers can block a referendum by attaching an "emergency clause." Citizens can also propose laws by initiative: about 117,000 signatures for a statute or 156,000 for a constitutional amendment.[8,9]

How do I testify or contact my legislator?

Every bill, hearing, and video is posted on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS). You can register to testify in person or remotely, or submit written testimony online. Find your legislators at oregonlegislature.gov, or call the Capitol toll-free at 1-800-332-2313.[10,11]

How a bill becomes law in Oregon

  1. 1 · IntroductionBill filed and given a number (HB or SB)
  2. 2 · ReferralSpeaker or President sends it to a committee
  3. 3 · Hearing & work sessionPublic testimony; amendments; committee vote
  4. 4 · Ways and MeansIf it spends money
  5. 5 · Floor votePasses one chamber, then repeats in the other
  6. 6 · GovernorSign, veto, or law without signature

Most bills die quietly at step 2 or 3: a chair who never schedules a hearing or vote decides a bill's fate without a recorded vote. That is why committee assignments matter so much.

Capitol vocabulary

Sine die
The final adjournment of a session.
Work session
The committee meeting where members amend and vote on a bill. A hearing alone does not move a bill.
Engrossed (A-Eng., B-Eng.)
A bill reprinted with amendments. Each letter marks another round of changes.
"Gut and stuff"
Replacing a bill's entire text with new content through an amendment, often late in the session.
Emergency clause
Makes a law take effect immediately and blocks citizens from referring it to the ballot.
Minority report
An alternative version from committee members in the minority, which the full chamber can vote to adopt.
Motion to withdraw
A floor motion to pull a bill out of a committee that refuses to act. It needs a majority vote.
Joint resolution (HJR/SJR)
Sends a proposed constitutional amendment to voters without the governor's signature.
Kicker
Oregon's personal income-tax rebate, paid when revenue exceeds forecasts by 2% or more.
Emergency Board
Lawmakers who approve spending between sessions.
Sources for this section
  1. Oregon Blue Book: Legislative branch.
  2. OPB: Oregon lawmakers end 2026 session, what you need to know (Mar 6, 2026).
  3. Street Roots: What to expect with 100 days before lawmakers convene (Oct 7, 2026).
  4. Jefferson Public Radio: Governor signs laws to backfill Planned Parenthood funding, strengthen shield law.
  5. Wikipedia: 83rd Oregon Legislative Assembly.
  6. Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS): Committee list.
  7. AP: Oregon high court says 10 GOP senators can't run for reelection (Feb 1, 2024).
  8. OPB: Proposed initiatives and the November ballot (June 29, 2026).
  9. Wikipedia: 2026 Oregon elections (Measure 120).
  10. Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).
  11. Oregon State Legislature.

Committees: Who Decides What

Committees are where bills are heard, amended, and most often stopped. Here are the committees of the 83rd Legislative Assembly.[1]

Senate

  • Commerce & General Government
  • Conduct
  • Early Childhood & Behavioral Health
  • Education
  • Energy & Environment
  • Finance & Revenue
  • Health Care
  • Housing & Development
  • Human Services
  • Judiciary
  • Labor & Business
  • Natural Resources & Wildfire
  • Rules (& Executive Appointments)
  • Transportation
  • Veterans, Emergency Mgmt., Federal & World Affairs

House

  • Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources & Water
  • Behavioral Health
  • Climate, Energy & Environment
  • Commerce & Consumer Protection
  • Conduct
  • Early Childhood
  • Economic Development, Small Business & Trade
  • Education
  • Emergency Management & Veterans
  • Health Care
  • Higher Education
  • Housing & Homelessness
  • Human Services
  • Judiciary
  • Labor & Workforce Development
  • Revenue
  • Rules
  • Transportation

Joint (both chambers)

  • Ways and Means (the budget)
  • Emergency Board (spending between sessions)
  • Legislative Audits
  • Transportation
  • Public Education Appropriation
  • Legislative Policy & Research
  • Information Management & Technology
  • Others

Bold = committees where life, family, faith, and parental-rights bills most often land.

Where our issues go

IssueUsual committee pathRecent examples
Abortion & lifeHealth Care, then Ways and Means if money is involvedHB 4127 and HB 4087 (2026); SB 1554 (2026)[2,3]
Shield laws, civil rights, conscienceJudiciaryHB 4088 (2026)[4]
Sweeping, high-stakes billsRules (fast track, few deadlines)HB 2002 (2023) passed Senate Rules 3–2[5]
Schools, parents, sports, booksEducationSB 1098 (2025)[6]
Foster care, adoption, ODHSHuman Services / Early ChildhoodBates and Calaway issues
Taxes & budgetsRevenue, Finance & Revenue, Ways and MeansHB 3991 (2025), SB 1507 (2026)[7]
Crime & drugsJudiciary, Behavioral HealthHB 4002 (2024)[8]

Who chairs the key committees

CommitteeChairVice chair(s)
Senate Health CareDeb Patterson (D)Cedric Hayden (R)
Senate JudiciaryFloyd Prozanski (D)Kim Thatcher (R)
Senate Human ServicesSara Gelser Blouin (D)Diane Linthicum (R)
Senate EducationLew Frederick (D)Suzanne Weber (R)
Senate RulesKayse Jama (D)Bruce Starr (R)
House Health CareRob Nosse (D)Ed Diehl (R), Travis Nelson (D)
House Behavioral HealthHai Pham (D)Darcey Edwards (R), Cyrus Javadi (D)
House JudiciaryJason Kropf (D)Willy Chotzen (D), Kim Wallan (R)
House EducationZach Hudson (D)April Dobson (D), Emily McIntire (R)
House RulesBen Bowman (D)Hai Pham (D); Republican vice chair seat vacated when Drazan moved to the Senate
Joint Ways and MeansSen. Kate Lieber (D), Senate co-chair

Senate assignments are from the 2026 session. House assignments are from the 2025–26 interim. New assignments will be announced for the 2027 session.[9,10,11]

Sources for this section
  1. Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS): Committee list.
  2. The Oregonian bill tracker: HB 4127 (2026).
  3. The Oregonian bill tracker: SB 1554 (2026).
  4. The Oregonian bill tracker: HB 4088 (2026).
  5. OLIS: HB 2002 C staff measure summary (Senate Rules, 3-2 vote).
  6. Oregon House Democrats: 2025 session results.
  7. Wikipedia: 2026 Oregon elections (Measure 120).
  8. Oregon Criminal Justice Commission: 2026 HB 4002 drug possession report.
  9. Oregon Senate: 2026 Session committee appointments memo.
  10. Oregon House: 2025-26 interim committee appointments memo.
  11. OLIS: Committee assignments by member.

A History of Controversial Bills

Three decades of decisions on life, marriage, conscience, and family in Oregon, and where each one was decided.

  1. 1994

    Measure 16: Assisted suicide Ballot

    Voters made Oregon the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. A 1997 repeal effort (Measure 51) failed.

  2. 2004

    Measure 36: Marriage amendment Ballot

    Voters defined marriage as between one man and one woman in the state constitution. A federal court struck it down in 2014.

  3. 2006

    Measure 43: Parental notification Ballot

    It would have required notice to parents 48 hours before a minor's abortion. It failed, 45% to 55%.[1]

  4. 2007

    Oregon Equality Act & domestic partnerships Judiciary

    Added sexual orientation and gender identity to state civil-rights law (later the basis for the Sweet Cakes case) and created domestic partnerships.

  5. 2013–15

    Sweet Cakes by Melissa BOLI / Courts

    The state labor bureau fined Christian bakers $135,000. The case has twice been vacated by the U.S. Supreme Court.[2]

  6. 2015

    HB 2307: Counseling ban Health / Judiciary

    Banned licensed counselors from offering therapy to minors aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity. It is now in doubt after Chiles v. Salazar.[3]

  7. 2017

    HB 3391: Reproductive Health Equity Act Health Care → Ways and Means

    Required most insurance plans to cover abortion at no cost to the patient. A federal court ruled it unconstitutional as applied to Oregon Right to Life in 2026.[4]

  8. 2018

    Measure 106: No public funds for abortion Ballot

    A citizen amendment to end taxpayer-funded abortion. It failed, 35.8% to 64.2%.[5]

  9. 2020

    Measure 110: Drug decriminalization Ballot

    Decriminalized possession of hard drugs; later criticized by state auditors.[6]

  10. 2022

    Measure 113 & Measure 114 Ballot

    Measure 113 penalizes walkouts. Measure 114 requires gun permits and limits magazines; its implementation is delayed until 2028.[7,8]

  11. 2023

    HB 2002: Abortion and gender treatment Behavioral Health & Health Care → Senate Rules

    Created a right to abortion, allowed abortions for minors under 15 without parental consent in some cases, and mandated coverage of gender treatments. It sparked the longest walkout in state history (42 days).[9,10,7]

  12. 2024

    HB 4002: Measure 110 rollback Judiciary / Behavioral Health

    Made drug possession a misdemeanor again, starting September 2024.[11]

  13. 2025

    Abortion funding; pro-life bills stopped Health Care, Education, Ways and Means

    HB 5025 added $10 million plus $2.5 million for abortion providers. Pro-life bills HB 2047, 3248, 3621, and 3805 and parental-consent bill SB 1026 did not advance. SB 1098 limited the removal of school library books.[12,13]

  14. 2025–26

    HB 3991 gas tax, then Measure 120 Transportation

    A special-session tax package was referred to voters by citizens and rejected 83% to 17%.[14]

  15. 2026

    HB 4127, HB 4088, and born-alive bills Health Care, Judiciary, Ways and Means

    State payments to Planned Parenthood and an expanded shield law were enacted. Born-alive bills HB 4087 and SB 1554 died without a hearing.[15,16,17]

The pattern

Major life and family policy in Oregon has been made in two places: at the ballot box, where citizens have both won and lost, and in a small number of committees (Health Care, Judiciary, Rules, and Ways and Means) whose chairs decide what gets a hearing. Knowing those committees and their members is the first step to being heard.

Sources for this section
  1. Wikipedia: 2006 Oregon Ballot Measure 43.
  2. First Liberty: Sweet Cakes by Melissa case page.
  3. Cornell LII: Chiles v. Salazar, No. 24-539.
  4. LifeNews: Pro-life group defeats bid to make it fund abortions (Apr 15, 2026).
  5. Wikipedia: 2018 Oregon Ballot Measure 106.
  6. Oregon Secretary of State: Audit 2025-29, Measure 110.
  7. AP: Oregon high court says 10 GOP senators can't run for reelection (Feb 1, 2024).
  8. OPB: Oregon lawmakers end 2026 session, what you need to know (Mar 6, 2026).
  9. Oregon DOJ: HB 2002 (2023) abbreviated summary.
  10. OLIS: HB 2002 C staff measure summary (Senate Rules, 3-2 vote).
  11. Oregon Criminal Justice Commission: 2026 HB 4002 drug possession report.
  12. Oregon House Democrats: 2025 session results.
  13. Oregon Legislature: 2025 session bill list.
  14. Statesman Journal: Measure 120 election results (May 19, 2026).
  15. The Oregonian bill tracker: HB 4127 (2026).
  16. The Oregonian bill tracker: HB 4088 (2026).
  17. The Oregonian bill tracker: SB 1554 (2026).

06 · How You Can Make a Difference

"Help make Oregon a state in which God is honored, freedom flourishes, families thrive and life is cherished."

Pray

for Oregon's leaders, families, and churches, and for wisdom in Salem.

Learn

Read this packet, check the sources, and share it with your family, church, and neighbors.

Vote

Return your ballot by 8 p.m. on Nov 3. Research every race, including the Legislature.

Speak

Testify on bills through OLIS, and call or write your legislators. Toll-free: 1-800-332-2313.

Serve

Join OFI's statesman training and consider serving on a school board, city council, or in the Legislature.

Give

Help OFI educate voters and train leaders across Oregon.

An Evening Introducing Oregon Family Institute

Friday, October 23, 2026 · 5:00 p.m. · Jacksonville, Oregon (address provided on RSVP)
Dinner and conversation, with no charge to attend. RSVP: david@oregonfamily.org

Stay connected

Web: oregonfamily.org
Email: info@oregonfamily.org

Give

Gifts are received through our partner, Family Policy Alliance: donate.familypolicyalliancefoundation.com/OregonFPC

Oregon Family Institute is a nonprofit educational organization affiliated with Family Policy Alliance. It does not support or oppose any candidate for public office or any political party. Candidate information is drawn from public records, news reporting, and the candidates' own statements, and is provided for voter education. Information is current as of October 15, 2026. Please consult the linked sources for updates.