Rules Committee advances time-zone bill and adopts three honorary resolutions, including T‑bone state steak

The Senate Committee on Rules on Feb. 24 moved four measures out of committee: Senate Bill 1038, which would keep standard time year-round in the Pacific time zone under certain conditions; Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, designating the T‑bone as Oregon’s official state steak; Senate Concurrent Resolution 12, honoring Union County Clerk Robin A. Church; and Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, honoring long-serving Independence Mayor John McCardell. Each measure was reported to the Senate with a recommendation to advance.

Why it matters: SB 1038 would change how time is observed in Oregon if neighboring states act the same and if Congress authorizes a permanent daylight saving time. The three concurrent resolutions are honorary measures recognizing agriculture and public service; SCR 13 drew testimony from cattle producers and industry associations and touches on the state’s agricultural economy.

Senate Bill 1038 (time observance) Senate Bill 1038 would have the part of Oregon in the Pacific time zone maintain standard time year‑round if California and Washington do the same within 10 years; it would permit year‑round daylight saving time if Congress authorizes it and California and Washington adopt it within 10 years. Leslie (committee staff) summarized the measure for the committee and said the fiscal impact statement shows no revenue impact. The committee voted to return the bill to the president’s desk for referral to another committee without a recommendation as to passage.

Action (SB 1038): Motion: "Chair John, I move Senate Bill…