Transportation Bills to Watch in the Oregon Legislature

The 2024 session of the Oregon Legislature has officially commenced, and lawmakers face a 35-day sprint to pass new laws before the session concludes. While it is typically believed that only major bills from influential individuals receive attention in short sessions like this, the current session may be different. There are already hundreds of bills filed, indicating that many lawmakers are willing to take risks and push for change.

In terms of transportation, there are several bills to keep an eye on in this session. One of these is HB 4048, which aims to relax housing standards in Oregon. The bill would limit the power of Metro and the State of Oregon in enforcing development within the Urban Growth Boundary, transferring more control to local counties. It also allows local governments to adjust bicycle parking standards for residential units.

Another important bill to watch is HB 4067, which establishes the Task Force on Electric Micromobility. This task force would raise awareness of electric bicycles and other non-car e-micromobility vehicles by facilitating discussions and the development of new policies.

HB 4103, also known as „Trenton’s Law“, is another significant bill. It proposes changes to the legal standing of electric bikes in Oregon, allowing children under 16 to operate Class 1 e-bikes and prohibiting anyone under the age of 16 from operating Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes. The bill also introduces fines for unsafe electric bike riding.

HB 4110 seeks to allocate $6 million to the Port of Cascade Locks for the Bridge of the Gods project, which includes potential improvements for biking and walking.

In terms of Senate bills, SB 1512 is the Senate version of HB 4110, also providing funding for the Bridge of the Gods project. SB 1519 and SB 1543 both tackle issues related to weight-mile taxes for freight trucks, aiming to lower the taxes and limit spending by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on certain projects. SB 1556 requires ODOT to conduct a study on the conditions of Highway 30 between Rainier and Astoria and explore improvements. Lastly, SB 1559 proposes changes to the way ODOT handles transportation funding and investments.

As the session progresses, it will be fascinating to see which bills gain traction and ultimately become new laws. Stay tuned for updates on these transportation-related bills and their potential impacts on Oregon’s infrastructure and mobility options.

FAQ Section:

1. What is the main focus of the 2024 session of the Oregon Legislature?
The main focus of the 2024 session of the Oregon Legislature is to pass new laws within a 35-day timeframe.

2. Are there a significant number of bills being considered in this session?
Yes, there are already hundreds of bills filed, indicating that many lawmakers are willing to take risks and push for change.

3. What is HB 4048 about?
HB 4048 aims to relax housing standards in Oregon by limiting the power of Metro and the State of Oregon in enforcing development within the Urban Growth Boundary. It also allows local governments to adjust bicycle parking standards for residential units.

4. What is the purpose of HB 4067?
HB 4067 establishes the Task Force on Electric Micromobility, which aims to raise awareness of electric bicycles and other non-car e-micromobility vehicles by facilitating discussions and the development of new policies.

5. What changes does HB 4103 propose?
HB 4103, also known as „Trenton’s Law,“ proposes changes to the legal standing of electric bikes in Oregon. It allows children under 16 to operate Class 1 e-bikes and prohibits anyone under 16 from operating Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes. The bill also introduces fines for unsafe electric bike riding.

6. How much funding does HB 4110 seek to allocate to the Port of Cascade Locks?
HB 4110 seeks to allocate $6 million to the Port of Cascade Locks for the Bridge of the Gods project, which includes potential improvements for biking and walking.

7. What is the Senate version of HB 4110?
The Senate version of HB 4110 is SB 1512, which also provides funding for the Bridge of the Gods project.

8. What are the main focuses of SB 1519 and SB 1543?
SB 1519 and SB 1543 both focus on issues related to weight-mile taxes for freight trucks. They aim to lower the taxes and limit spending by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) on certain projects.

9. What does SB 1556 require ODOT to do?
SB 1556 requires ODOT to conduct a study on the conditions of Highway 30 between Rainier and Astoria and explore improvements.

10. What changes does SB 1559 propose?
SB 1559 proposes changes to the way ODOT handles transportation funding and investments.