Oregon’s legislators went into high action this legislative session. Governor Tina Kotek signed 144 bills into law. The laws range from big budget items like homelessness to changing a letter font. It has been tough every step of the way with Republican legislators protesting. But, much has been done by the Dems to pass a large amount of bills into law with the governor’s signature.
A number of law that made it including a law that allows couples of any sex to register as domestic partners. This was only before allowed by same sex couples. This allows basically anyone living together to benefit from each other’s benefits. Taxes, insurance and a number of other legal benefits only married couples and partners were qualified to enjoy before.
The standarg document font is no longer 8 point. It has been raised to 10 point font with the stroke of the governor’s pen. The county clerk will only accept 10 point as the legal minimum for documents. But, there was also the $200 million to tackle homelessness in Oregon.
The Republicans’ walkout has kept them from enjoying g much of the bills into law party but their leader Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) said that they will return June 25, the last day of the session, to pass the two-year state budget. They are standing firm on what they called the rights of parents. They also walkout in protest to stop the expansion and access to abortion and gender-affirming care.
Still the minority leader sponsored a bill that was signed into law that speeds the process of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) approval. ADUs are smaller, independent residential dwelling units located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family in rural areas.
It may not seem a big deal but the Oregon Health Authority must develop rules for restaurants to let people use their own takeout containers. Also law now is not having pay a ticket if the parking meter is malfunctioning – unless the sign has been posted.
All said and done, Gov. Kotek placed a light next to the housing and semiconductor legislation that provided received a significant amount of funds.
