As the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2025, a series of new laws will officially take effect in Oregon, signaling significant changes in areas ranging from consumer rights to public safety and environmental policy. These measures, passed during the 2024 legislative session, aim to address pressing issues affecting Oregonians, including the right to repair electronic devices, school bus safety, drug use on public transit, and more. Here’s a look at some of the key laws that will shape the state’s future.
Right to Repair: Empowering Consumers
One of the most anticipated laws is the implementation of the Right to Repair legislation. This law requires manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair businesses with the tools, information, and parts necessary to fix electronic devices. By doing so, the law seeks to create a more affordable repair process, reducing reliance on manufacturers for expensive repairs. Advocates argue this will help extend the lifespan of products and offer a lower-cost alternative for consumers.
School Bus Safety: Addressing Dangerous Drivers
In a move to enhance the safety of students, a new law will allow school districts to install cameras on buses to capture drivers who illegally pass a school bus when its stop arm is deployed and its red lights are flashing. Despite strict laws requiring drivers to stop for buses, reports of vehicles ignoring the safety signals have become an ongoing problem. The new law will allow law enforcement to use the footage from these cameras to issue citations to violators, potentially improving student safety and discouraging reckless driving.
Drug Use on Public Transit: Stricter Penalties and Treatment Access
Oregon has also taken a firm stance on drug use in public spaces, particularly on public transit. Starting January 1, drug use on public transit will be classified as a Class-A misdemeanor, which carries potential legal consequences for those caught violating the law. The legislation also opens up access to state-funded treatment programs for individuals convicted of this offense. The bill was sponsored by Senator Tim Knopp, R-Bend, as part of a broader effort to address substance abuse issues in the state.
Prescription Drug Accessibility and Cost Reduction
In an effort to make prescription drugs more accessible and affordable for Oregonians, two new laws will take effect regarding pharmaceutical practices. House Bill 4012 prevents health insurance plans from requiring prescriptions to be filled at specialty pharmacies, providing patients and healthcare providers with greater flexibility. This law aims to ensure that physicians can easily adjust dosages and provide alternatives in the event of supply chain issues.
Additionally, House Bill 4113 requires insurers to count all amounts paid for prescription drugs toward the calculation of a patient’s out-of-pocket maximum, which will help reduce overall costs for patients who rely on expensive medications.
Worker Protection: Transparency on Quotas
Oregon workers in warehouse settings will benefit from increased transparency under House Bill 4127, which mandates that companies disclose their productivity quotas. The law also protects employees from being penalized or fired for not meeting quotas that were not clearly communicated. This move seeks to ensure fair working conditions and prevent unfair treatment of workers who are given unattainable or unclear performance expectations.
School Board Transparency: A Push for Open Government
In a move to increase accountability, House Bill 4111 will require public school boards and community college governing bodies to video record their meetings and upload them for public access. This legislation is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that decisions made by educational institutions are open to scrutiny. The law does not apply to executive sessions, which remain private, but it will help residents stay informed about the actions of their local educational leaders. Small districts with fewer than 50 students and those lacking internet access will be exempt or required to upload audio recordings instead.
Divesting from Coal: A Step Toward Clean Energy
Environmental advocates have celebrated the passage of House Bill 4083, which mandates the Oregon State Treasury and the Oregon Investment Council to divest from coal companies. The law requires that state investments in coal companies be removed without incurring financial losses. However, the law provides some flexibility, allowing continued investment in companies that are actively transitioning to clean energy in a reasonable timeframe.
A New Year, New Laws
As 2025 begins, Oregonians can expect these new laws to bring about significant changes that aim to improve consumer rights, enhance public safety, and promote transparency in both government and business practices. With each new law, the state continues its efforts to build a more sustainable, accountable, and equitable future for all residents.
