[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6077570,"mediaKeyId","2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca","parentId",2964271,"title","House passes contested bill creating civil cause of action for false impersonation of union representatives","audioSeconds",3307,"startMs",11038365,"endMs",14346355,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca&start=11038&end=14346","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca/thumbnail_11038365.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6077570/Oregon/House-passes-contested-bill-creating-civil-cause-of-action-for-false-impersonation-of-union-representatives","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077570-5ab01fb72106ee6a3251c2dd47c9c616/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951263&Signature=U6AjEmkHr50uKzNBHg95ULpegp7Xsg5Dn2433t7IaJS1DYJxD3NEKajbWmhFenMOcXn28N-LlCXsJGYrWypaxYmJzwJZgPaDXRGIFO1H~I7HpL95mBpBO3vdpPCPSMrydkgnJeI5Njsy~SZKY3sR92tOQ9nnE7KhcxoSyqAD2sihlvi4ku9Y9I~iFj2mud~qJ1Ah2QbcSk2aGjpuap~kgLKlf7iDn7MpKLXbpvmpzSHcGoVu5AfsSuptlGP5b1qrhqHvE3uC-LWMzmJvzw5Csth1kk2BCKjsJpcThjqhxDspvEu3vq-5dS~QD6M9X-2iBi4FtRoZOKxwZBlBlbNj8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oregon State Legislature","date","2025-04-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Oregon House on April 10, 2025 approved House Bill 37 89, a measure that makes it unlawful to falsely impersonate a union representative and creates a private civil cause of action with liquidated damages for unions or union representatives who can show impersonation.

Sponsor Representative Pham (Representative) framed the bill as a worker-protection measure aimed at third-party actors who, she said, falsely present themselves as union representatives to persuade members to leave or opt out. \"No other than the leaders and representatives of labor organizations should be able to speak to members on behalf of the union,\" Pham said, adding the bill \"will empower and give all workers who fall victim to these practices the tools they deserve to hold bad actors accountable.\"

Wide debate and criticism: The bill prompted lengthy, high-conflict debate. Opponents said existing criminal and civil laws already prohibit impersonation and asked for evidence the problem is widespread. Several lawmakers and speakers, including Representative Deal and others, said committee testimony singled out one organization (the Freedom Foundation) without producing other examples or public-employee complaints. Critics warned HB 37 89 could chill speech, create a new avenue for politically motivated litigation, and give unions unilateral authority to decide who speaks on their behalf.

Legal and constitutional concerns: Multiple speakers raised First Amendment and due-process questions and referenced a legislative-counsel opinion that existing Oregon laws already reach impersonation. Opponents said the bill's private right of action and $6,250 liquidated-damages amount could be used as a tool of \"lawfare\" against critics and political opponents. Supporters replied the bill addresses a gap in the criminal statutes and provides a civil remedy targeted at organized impersonation of unions, not ordinary criticism.

Procedure and outcome: The House debated the bill extensively, rejected procedural motions to re-refer to committee and to the Rules Committee, and ultimately passed HB 37 89 on the floor; the clerk declared the bill passed. Debate on the floor included questions about evidence, the scope of the defined offense, whether the new remedy duplicates existing law, and whether the remedy could be misused in internal union elections or against rival unions.

Ending: The vote concludes a contentious floor debate; HB 37 89 now proceeds to the Senate. The floor record shows significant partisan division and several members urged further legal review before broader adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Chamber Convenes 04/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Oregon House approved House Bill 37 89, creating a civil cause of action and liquidated damages for false impersonation of union representatives, after extended floor debate and sharp disagreement over scope and constitutionality.","taxTitle","House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Oregon","taxId",17188,"location","Oregon","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6077574,"Oregon House approves bill letting employment director waive unemployment—waiting week during declared severe-weather emergencies",1355,1915855,3271305,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca&start=1915&end=3271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca/thumbnail_1915855.jpg","/articles/6077574/Oregon/Oregon-House-approves-bill-letting-employment-director-waive-unemploymentwaiting-week-during-declared-severe-weather-emergencies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077574-034b8b1d54a25e8ceee3df68f94ef618/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951263&Signature=TPkR9JRAyjxQcJHGuW6wI1LQ57N6Ds1luDdnacWAhzlJFjZGGXihEL2mqEbIhpHUcHx0PbipJnN29usxagHjAkAGxRXyazZmQORMhmXNIY0KxvzeG6xb83v~6otp~vyGYT1ak4-j6uCvMiZapKl9ybuO0diKsbGq9z8K5eCO5Ha90TONr4eHIe~4jHWiQEyVMFBTCYlPOfry5WmCh1foTM8xjyXOc6G2zCsCJvJwG81WlUYLEy6ZVRyWe3UDiLCjVaaSAWTXcO3EyZA8wdcQN2GY1t3Ei89--nsjkVKzWDHbEoQF3KVvRt-d2Z13HJn02XSjh6pRIrJ5v~BJUQphFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oregon House on final passage approved House Bill 2,125 on April 10, 2025, authorizing the director of the Employment Department to waive the state's one-week unpaid waiting period for unemployment insurance when the governor declares a severe-weather emergency.

Sponsor Representative Daniel Noss (Representative, House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards) told colleagues the measure \"authorizes the employment department director to waive the unpaid one-week waiting period that our state uses for our unemployment insurance program during severe weather events.\" He said the waiver can be used only when the governor declares an emergency and is intended to help workers who lose a few days of shifts because of storms or extreme heat.

Why it matters: supporters said the change would put modest, earlier relief into the hands of hourly workers affected by temporary closures and protect small-business employees facing short interruptions of work. Opponents cautioned the bill could raise costs for employers and the unemployment trust fund and warned it sets a precedent for expanding waivers to other situations.

Supporters: Representative Noss said the bill grew from small-business feedback after the 2024 \"snowpocalypse,\" when businesses and workers lost shifts and suffered short-term income loss. \"My goal for this bill was to help people who lose a few days of work to be able to get paid something,\" Noss said on the floor.

Opponents: Representative Elmer (Representative) challenged whether the bill would speed payment, saying the Employment Department told the committee the average time to receive benefits (about 21 days) would remain. \"I'm not convinced anything this bill does will get dollars into the hands of Oregonians faster,\" Elmer said. Representative Bossard Davis and other critics raised employer-side concerns, including the potential effect on employer experience factors used to set unemployment insurance rates.

Trust fund and eligibility: Noss and supporters repeatedly said Oregon's UI trust fund is among the nation's strongest and that employers and self-employed people who pay into the system could be eligible for the waiver if they meet the law's conditions. The bill limits waivers to severe weather emergencies and leaves the decision to the Employment Department director, not an automatic entitlement.

Outcome and next steps: The House voted to pass the bill; the clerk declared House Bill 2,125 passed after the vote. The measure goes to the Senate for consideration.

Ending: Backers characterized the bill as a narrowly tailored, emergency-only tool. Critics asked for more cost and implementation detail; supporters said the bill could be revisited later if a broader approach were warranted.","The Oregon House on final passage approved House Bill 2,125 on April 10, 2025, allowing the state's Employment Department director to waive the usual one-week unpaid waiting period for unemployment insurance during governor-declared severe-weather emergencies.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6077572,"House passes bill requiring utilities to evaluate grid-enhancing technologies in transmission plans",1500,7832725,9332920,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca&start=7832&end=9332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca/thumbnail_7832725.jpg","/articles/6077572/Oregon/House-passes-bill-requiring-utilities-to-evaluate-grid-enhancing-technologies-in-transmission-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077572-9922f1eff7e428a40b167e4285d2c2d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951263&Signature=jEVG6PzaoOflQkT688yNFh18rTO4yVc3HEVltGINz0mDJtWHW~SgvvV7TvXGFM16BMFqjDeBeJAdd6-A3PNB5xox1JJALE3G4kXuwdxkBigUwxd15e9amCmqI-p4XSqWwYvDVI3BA7LccwJO1yucQGnU9E0gPxYm1WE5kiD82nRME2YOgFuC3AYILJxm1ZoNX31EJHY5Ib6T906yVkwcisU-PPb15-iAQAnIuBi3w9d~Aye3BSXpd-xneQZO1M3iTy3FcG9Dn37m76OWNlYzmj74MigEOIwxBsruoDx7Ej0waB~~DgOTM-yBH9wvw1EEznftS53GpOd0mnyiQlobVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oregon House passed House Bill 33 36 on April 10, 2025, directing electric companies regulated by the Public Utility Commission to include analysis, strategic planning and periodic updates for grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) in their transmission and clean-energy filings.

Sponsor Representative J. Gamba (Representative) said the state faces growing electricity demand and a backlog of clean energy projects awaiting transmission capacity. \"These are low-cost, low-impact measures that can increase capacity and reliability and can be deployed far faster than building new lines,\" Gamba said.

What the bill does: HB 33 36 requires a cost-effectiveness analysis of GETs when utilities file resource or grid investment plans, mandates a strategic plan for GET deployment as part of each utility's integrated resource plan and clean energy plan, and requires public updates every two years. The bill directs the Public Utility Commission to define \"cost effective\" and set criteria for GET deployment. A target execution deadline in the bill requires implementation no later than January 1, 2030, for plans first filed after the act's effective date.

Supporters' arguments: Representatives said GETs' dynamic line rating, advanced power-flow controls, topology optimization and other hardware/software approaches' offer faster, smaller-footprint ways to increase transmission capacity and reduce curtailment of renewable resources. Representative Edwards described missed economic opportunities when developers were told required transmission upgrades would take years.

Opponents and concerns: Some members warned about potential cost impacts on ratepayers and the utilities' incentive structure. Representative Sosa and others said regulatory rules that tie utility revenue to capital investment can disincentivize low-capital GETs. Representative Bossard Davis said the bill also references the state's clean-energy targets; she objected to affirming statewide emission goals embedded in statute and voted against the measure for that reason.

Outcome: The House approved HB 33 36; the clerk declared it passed. Sponsors described the bill as the first of several measures to tackle transmission constraints.

Ending: Backers framed the bill as a pragmatic, interim tool to squeeze more transmission efficiency from existing lines while longer-term transmission projects move through permitting and construction.","The Oregon House approved House Bill 33 36, which requires utilities regulated by the Public Utility Commission to analyze and plan for grid-enhancing technologies as part of their resource and transmission filings.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6077564,"House passes omnibus education bill; some lawmakers oppose language on demographic diversity",501,4769770,5271685,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca&start=4769&end=5271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca/thumbnail_4769770.jpg","/articles/6077564/Oregon/House-passes-omnibus-education-bill-some-lawmakers-oppose-language-on-demographic-diversity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077564-2e315f340ab351f7ea27bdef6ca71003/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951264&Signature=g6Mt~wwujYHnyfEjpQKJ7X-pplkcmROrkOM~sdOhNvoIzatRJYJJMQtZqYNEaXY1KCafkvsMwykjqPPTUInWA172YO1v3r6slCnCDFKkCJuX6-2~1fQ79~ifTsecTQc-fRU~b-wOtDSr9tjpGF-HsmaKc5FTx1SWcas7gAlRZ8-D7Hi9-V605Oz6gQSOVm0FL1DQGDzhygQoYinOj~9lPjlWxUqY~QkKd7O3GuNYDWOVmyFMT6Z85NUGxzteJnPw~W5RgDYI7kCtFeNsZo2ZFeFXWoVCM5C4U9ubxOZjVdnro47yHS3ahLR23JX3vdVLv47aAWRMrqN9lBujK5T4Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House approved House Bill 30 38 on April 10, 2025, an omnibus education bill that updates multiple statutes affecting STEM grants, career and technical education funding, recovery school chartering, school emergency plans and drill language, and related technical clarifications.

Sponsor Representative Wright (Representative) said the package is designed to create clarity for districts and the Oregon Department of Education: it updates how STEM investment grants are distributed and clarifies eligible applicants for STEM hub funds; allows recovery schools that operate as public charters to function as intended; consolidates emergency-plan references; and aligns emergency-drill language with common response protocols.

Concerns and opposition: Several representatives announced no votes on the floor because of statutory language requiring the STEM investment council to weigh \"demographic diversity.\" Representative Harbeck and Representative Deal argued the statutory phrasing risks discriminatory interpretation and could put federal funds at risk under Title VI and the Constitution. Representative Deal noted that current Oregon statutory language defines \"diverse\" in a way he said excludes some groups and urged statutory review to avoid putting federal funds at risk.

Supporters: Representative Wright said the bill is an omnibus technical package to remove confusion and help districts implement programs, and the measure was approved by the House education committee with bipartisan support. The sponsor emphasized the bill does not itself appropriate funds and called it an effort to clarify existing programs.

Outcome: House Bill 30 38 passed the House, though several members recorded opposition. The bill was described on the floor as clarifying and housekeeping in nature but drew objections tied to policy language in statute.

Ending: Sponsors and opponents urged follow-up work to review statutory language for unintended effects on federal funding and to ensure equitable program implementation.","House Bill 30 38, an omnibus education measure covering STEM hubs, charter recovery schools, emergency plans and drills, and other technical changes, passed the House. Several members publicly opposed the bill, citing language referencing demographic diversity and concerns the wording could jeopardize federal funding or appear discriminatory.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6077567,"House passes bill allowing DEQ to permit mixing zones for bacteria in seafood-processor wastewater with safeguards",831,13267810,14099105,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca&start=13267&end=14099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2964271-80ee3754ea59330d907c714b23d693ca/thumbnail_13267810.jpg","/articles/6077567/Oregon/House-passes-bill-allowing-DEQ-to-permit-mixing-zones-for-bacteria-in-seafood-processor-wastewater-with-safeguards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6077567-5d80f5fd76097398400a803ea1878a97/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951264&Signature=Y9G07YOj~XYKFSYer8AtZlwQtceYZF~2pAXaMLqgi7f2cJKQtgZo39MazabZRlhHT9InCeM4wHyMu59DbtHo2IvTAi50wY~4WorWGL109zEDzfq~QH34VVbXI~i7c2TXHfE6wU2vieOPwBp51swaLJIwYA~-TZ9dx0hooirl3XTn0-ZuvO1bidcY8OZ8xhjfGG0Q3yM~qHfOtfOiBjmto1xLu1MDzMxjMFyVYcWZdvN6f8r7aQNeVu0CWHMEGWNz5MDiWQFYa8ZgMa1n6c9fgXfHEz40b~nQ4iZeNsYsB3v~Se7KALt-nOD-QIvzXokOTt-bg3emgYtahAH3Qz4rNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oregon House approved House Bill 38 14 on April 10, 2025, providing a permitting pathway for seafood processors to obtain limited mixing zones for bacteria criteria in wastewater discharge permits when site-specific science shows public health will not be endangered.

Sponsor Representative Gomberg (Representative) described the bill as a technical, science-based fix. He said seafood processors produce wastewater containing naturally occurring biological material that differs from human-sourced bacteria targeted by current standards, and that without a permitting path for mixing zones some processors could be unable to obtain workable permits. \"House bill 38 14 aims to address a current and unattended gap in Oregon law regarding this processed byproduct,\" Gomberg said.

Key provisions: the bill authorizes DEQ, \"notwithstanding any other provision,\" to allow a portion of the receiving waterbody to serve as a mixing zone to meet bacteria criteria if DEQ determines that public health would not be adversely affected. Permittees must implement best-management practices targeted by site-specific investigations, and DEQ's decision must be based on documentation that demonstrates no adverse public-health impact. The bill preserves other Clean Water Act and DEQ monitoring requirements.

Supporters' rationale: Representative Bobby Levy and other backers said coastal communities depend on seafood processors for jobs and that many of the processors already implement mitigation and monitoring. Levy said without flexibility the plants risk closure and the loss of family-wage jobs in coastal counties.

Opposition and safeguards: Supporters noted the measure was negotiated with environmental groups and DEQ; the sponsor thanked the Surfrider Foundation and DEQ for compromise language. The bill requires quantitative analysis and monitoring and allows DEQ to require strict conditions.

Outcome: The House passed HB 38 14; the clerk declared the bill passed. Proponents described the bill as narrowly drawn and science-based to preserve industry operations while protecting public health.

Ending: The measure moves to the Senate. Backers said the bill balances environmental protections with the economic reality of rural coastal processors.","House Bill 38 14 allows the Department of Environmental Quality to authorize limited mixing zones for bacteria in wastewater permits for seafood processors if DEQ determines public health will not be harmed and best-management practices are implemented. The measure aims to keep coastal seafood processing plants operating where conventional","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House passes contested bill creating civil cause of action for false impersonation of union representatives

Oregon House approves bill letting employment director waive unemployment—waiting week during declared severe-weather emergencies

House passes bill requiring utilities to evaluate grid-enhancing technologies in transmission plans

House passes omnibus education bill; some lawmakers oppose language on demographic diversity

House passes bill allowing DEQ to permit mixing zones for bacteria in seafood-processor wastewater with safeguards