Oregon's legislative session approaches, nearly 300 bills proposed
January 31, 2012
SALEM, Oregon: The Oregon legislative session starts tomorrow, February 1st, and already nearly 300 bills have been filed for consideration during the 35 day session.[1]
The 2012 legislative session in the state of Oregon marks the first annual session. In past years, lawmakers have met every other year.[2] According to reports, Oregon lawmakers will primarily be tackling several budgetary issues but other issues on the table include health care, education, tax credits, spending on infrastructure, foreclosures and more.[3]
Two legislatively referred constitutional amendments have already been certified to appear on the upcoming November 2012 ballot but the window remains open for more certifications.
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LRCA | Measure 77 | Admin of gov't | Revision to responses to catastrophic disasters; requires approval by a 2/3rds majority |  |
| LRCA | Measure 78 | Admin of gov't | Changes terminology in the state Constitution for the three state gov't branches | |
| CICA | Measure 79 | Taxes | Would ban real estate transfer taxes. | |
| CISS | Measure 80 | Marijuana | Would create a cannabis commission to regulate the cultivation and sale of cannabis. |  |
| CISS | Measure 81 | Animal rights | Bans Columbia River commercial salmon fishing with gillnets by non-tribal persons, allows seine nets instead. | |
| CICA | Measure 82 | Gambling | Authorizes establishment of privately-owned casinos. | |
| CISS | Measure 83 | Gambling | Authorizes Multnomah County casino. | |
| CISS | Measure 84 | Taxes | Phases out estate and inheritance taxes. | |
| CICA | Measure 85 | Taxes | Allocates corporate income/excise tax "kicker" refund to additionally fund K through 12 public education. | |
Like legislative proposals, citizen initiatives are abundant. The deadline for filing signatures for the November 2012 ballot is July 6, 2012.[4]. According to the Oregon Secretary of State a total of 43 initiatives have been filed as of January 1, 2012.
See also
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References
- ↑ Portland Business Journal, "Oregon lawmakers post 2012 bill lineup," January 30, 2012
- ↑ Statesman Journal, "Attempts at annual legislative sessions date to '70s," January 29, 2012
- ↑ Associated Press, "Oregon lawmakers have busy agenda, just 35 days to tackle budget, health care, education," January 28, 2012
- ↑ Confirmed with Oregon SOS-Elections Division via phone on 1-21-2011
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