Committee hears supporters urge attestation ban on contractors aiding deportation transports

The House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection opened a public hearing on HB 4,150 on Feb. 5. The bill would add an attestation requirement to procurement contracts and awarded grants, requiring contractors, subcontractors or grant recipients to assert they will not work with a federal agency to conduct deportation transportation activities except when ordered by a federal court.

Sponsor Rep. Lamar Wise said the bill is about aligning how Oregon spends public dollars with the state's existing sanctuary laws, which he described as reflecting state values of due process and civil rights. "Oregon public money should not subsidize deportation efforts," Wise said, and added the measure does not regulate the federal government but governs how the state uses its purchasing power.

Supporters offered local examples. Tom Anderson and other lawmakers cited Avelo Airlines' past contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to operate deportation flights as a motivating incident that prompted local protests and eventual withdrawal of Avelo's service from some Oregon airports. Innovation Law Lab's Isa Pena and community advocates said immigrant and refugee communities face increased fear and family separation when private contractors participate in deportation activities, and they urged proactive contracting standards.

Supporters said HB 4,150 is narrowly tailored to state procurement and grant programs and would provide clarity and accountability for public agencies. Several legislators framed the measure as a moral use-of-funds policy that would protect community trust and public safety by ensuring public dollars are not used to facilitate deportation activities.

The committee did not take a vote and closed the hearing for the day with additional written testimony requested from those not heard in person.