Oregon legislative leaders to highlight accomplishments at Portland City Council

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Members of the Oregon legislature spoke before Wednesday morning’s Portland City Council meeting to highlight legislative accomplishments during the March session.

Sen. President Rob Wagner, newly elected House Majority Leader Rep. Ben Bowman, and Rep. Rob Nosse spoke at the “Pre-gavel Legislative Appreciation” event at 9:30 a.m.

Oregon bottle bill ‘not intended as cash for addicts’

During the legislative session, lawmakers passed several bills, including HB 4002, which was recently signed into law by Gov. Tina Kotek, and recriminalized small-quantity drug possession in Oregon. The changes won’t go into effect until September.

Amid recent crackdowns on fentanyl suppliers, while Portland is grappling with a declared emergency, city leaders seemed welcoming of HB 4002, which reforms aspects of the previously voter-passed Measure 110 in 2020.

“They made changes that I think are entirely appropriate,” said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. “They have restored law enforcement tools, which we need here at the local level in order to maintain civic order in our community.”

Oregon school districts have fourth-highest chronic absenteeism rate nationwide

Additionally, lawmakers passed a slimmed-down version of Gov. Kotek’s emergency housing production package, which will invest $376 million in emergency shelters, eviction diversion programs, homeless prevention services, and affordable housing.

Lawmakers also passed “historic” campaign finance reform after decades without campaign contribution limits.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.