Spring 2026 Legislative Update

OREGON LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Protecting Oregon’s Budget

Oregon automatically follows parts of federal tax law. When Congress passed major tax cuts for wealthy people and corporations, Oregon lost hundreds of millions of dollars. SEIU members spoke up and urged lawmakers not to fix the budget by hurting workers.

Fighting for ODOT Workers and Safe Roads

Transportation funding was a major challenge in Oregon. Because transportation funding was referred to the ballot, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) faced a big budget hole. Up to 1,000 SEIU Union jobs were at risk.

✅ Emergency Funding Win

Lawmakers passed a $288 million in funding
Prevented layoffs of union members through 2027

SEIU members, including ODOT workers, went to the Capitol to share their stories. Their voices made a difference.

Even with this funding, road repairs and response times will still be slower. A long-term solution is still needed in 2027.

MAJOR WINS FOR IMMIGRANT JUSTICE IN OREGON

SEIU proudly worked with the Immigrant Justice coalition to pass strong new protections:

✅ HB 4114: Protect Your Door Act

Requires federal agents to identify themselves
Allows compensation for people whose rights are violated

✅ HB 4138: Oregon Mask Ban

Bans masks on law enforcement
Increases transparency and accountability

✅ HB 4079: ICE activity at schools, colleges, and universities

Improves communication to keep students and families informed when there is ICE activity at schools

✅ HB 4111: How courts deal with immigration status

Strengthens antidiscrimination protections
Stops retaliation based on immigration status

✅ SB 1587: Protect Oregonians’ Personal Data from Immigration Enforcement

Prevents companies from selling personal data to the federal government

✅ SB 1570: Health Care Without Fear Act

Protects workers who share immigration rights information
Requires hospitals to have clear policies for law enforcement

HOUSING WINS WITH MORE WORK AHEAD

SEIU worked with housing advocates to pass important tenant protections:

✅ HB 4123: Prevents landlords from leaking confidential information including immigration status

Protects tenant privacy
Limits what landlords can share without consent

✅ SB 1523: Landlords must provide nondigital payment options

Allows rent payments by check or other nondigital options
Makes housing access easier for everyone

❌ Setback

Lawmakers did not fund eviction prevention programs
Keeping families housed remains a top priority

DEFENDING PATIENTS AND HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Health care workers also made important progress:

✅ Stopped HB 4038, which would have weakened cost control rules
✅ Passed HB 4127 to support Planned Parenthood care
✅ Raised awareness about corporate responsibility in health care funding
✅ Passed the Health Care Without Fear Act Protects workers who share immigration rights information Requires hospitals to have clear policies for law enforcement

SEIU members reminded lawmakers that health care must be safe and welcoming for everyone. When patients are afraid, they delay care and that hurts communities.