LOC News
2026 Legislative Session Underway: City Voices Needed
The first week of the legislative session is wrapping up in Salem. The LOC lobby team has seen action on LOC priorities, reviewed hundreds of bills, and advanced amendments to lessen the impact of state action on cities. As anticipated, the general government portfolio has seen a high volume of bills.
Cities – we need your help to support two bills and oppose one:
ACTION ALERT: The LOCAL Act (House Bill 4148) creates flexibility for how cities use their transient lodging tax revenue to support tourism and manage the impact of tourism in their communities. This one-pager includes more information about the bill, which will receive a public hearing on Monday, February 9, at 3 p.m., in the House Committee on Revenue. LOC members can sign up to testify on Monday or submit written testimony until Wednesday, February 11, at 3 p.m.
ACTION ALERT: Senate Bill 1585 reduces matching fund requirements for state grants to cities for capital construction and municipal infrastructure (population not greater than 20,000). Many small cities lack resources to even get in line for state help, and the LOC is in support of this measure. SB 1585 will receive a public hearing on Monday, February 9, at 8 a.m. in the Senate Committee on Commerce and General Government. LOC members can sign up to testify on Monday or submit written testimony until Wednesday, February 11, at 8 a.m.
ACTION ALERT: The House Committee on Transportation is considering House Bill 4085, which creates a statewide framework to introduce autonomous vehicles and local rules on the operations of this new technology. The LOC is opposed to the bill as drafted. HB 4085 will receive a public hearing on Monday, February 9, at 8 a.m., and it’s important legislators hear from city leaders. LOC members can send their logo for this sign on letter or act by submitting testimony (find links under measure history, additional instruction available here). Written testimony will be accepted until Wednesday, February 11, at 8 a.m.
The first major bill deadline is Monday, February 9. If a bill is not scheduled to be voted out of its committee by the end of the day, the bill can no longer advance through the legislative process. Many of the 280+ bills introduced in this session will likely be removed from consideration by Tuesday.
Stay tuned to the Friday LOC Bulletin, and join the LOC lobby team for a legislative update webinar each Friday at noon during the short session to keep up on the latest developments at the Legislature.
Contact: Nicole Stingh, Legislative Director – nstingh@orcities.org
Last Updated 2/6/26