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Oregon bill would let state courthouse bond funds pay for renovations and expansions
Summary
House Bill 4,043 would allow Article 11Q general‑obligation bonds to finance renovations or expansions of existing courthouses — not just full replacements — giving smaller counties a new financing option for capacity and security upgrades.
Representative Pam Marsh introduced House Bill 4,043 on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee, saying the change would expand eligibility in the state courthouse bonding program to renovation and expansion projects when counties lack resources for full replacement.
"This bill simply expands eligibility to projects that propose renovation or expansion of an existing courthouse," Marsh said. She described a selection process managed by the Association of Oregon Counties and the Oregon Judicial Department that results in a prioritized list of projects for the Chief Justice to recommend for bond financing.
Jackson County Presiding Judge David Hoppe testified the measure is an access‑to‑justice and security issue for his district. He described increased judicial caseloads and said existing facilities need more courtrooms and upgraded security features, including additional screening checkpoints. "Anything we can do to enhance security will make people feel ... their cases can be heard, their controversies can be resolved," Hoppe said.
Kimberly McCullough, senior counsel for government relations with the Oregon Judicial Department, said current cash grant options — funded from the criminal fine account or general fund — are typically limited to about $2,000,000 and often do not cover needed renovation or expansion costs. She said HB 4,043 does not request immediate funding but creates another tool legislators can use in future capital decisions.
Supporters, including the Association of Oregon Counties, argued the change offers a practical alternative where full replacement is economically or logistically infeasible. Justin Lowe of AOC said the bill "provides a crucial alternative, enabling counties to leverage bond funds to expand or remodel their existing courthouses."
The committee heard no formal opposition and closed the public hearing on HB 4,043. The bill will remain available for further committee work and fiscal consideration.
