Oregon Legislature Concludes 2026 Short Session With Bipartisan Housing Bill and Budget Measures
Oregon lawmakers ended their 2026 legislative session on March 6, passing Governor Kotek's senior housing bill with bipartisan support and addressing immigration enforcement, budget shortfalls, and infrastructure funding.
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Oregon lawmakers concluded their 2026 legislative session on March 6 at approximately 4:17 p.m., after addressing housing policy, immigration enforcement, budget adjustments, and infrastructure spending during the abbreviated session.
The session's marquee achievement was the passage of Governor Tina Kotek's housing bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. The legislation allows bypassing certain land-use laws to build more housing for seniors. State Senator Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City, introduced the Democratic governor's priority bill on the Senate floor, describing the measure as promoting "more local control, less regulatory red-tape and more housing options."
Budget and Infrastructure Measures
Legislators addressed a projected budget shortfall through several measures, including Senate Bill 1601, which repurposes funding from infrastructure improvement projects that have not yet begun and reduces funding for marine and aviation projects. The House also passed Senate Bill 5701, allocating $2.1 million to acquire 200 acres of the Abiqua Creek area, including the 92-foot Abiqua Falls, to maintain public access to the 0.8-mile hiking trail.
The session included approval of major public spending to renovate the Moda Center, along with other significant budget allocations. Lawmakers also moved forward a vote on a gas tax referendum as part of their transportation-related legislation.
Immigration and Public Safety Legislation
Responding to President Trump's immigration enforcement policies, legislators passed several bills designed to provide state-level protections. The approved measures allow people to sue federal agents, restrict mask requirements on agents, establish protections for immigrants in hospitals, and require confirmation and alerts when immigration authorities are present on school campuses.
Republicans highlighted their success in passing legislation aimed at improving public safety and healthcare access. The session also addressed Oregon's voter-approved gun control law, though lawmakers ultimately moved the measure's effective date back to 2028 pending Oregon Supreme Court review.
Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, D-Portland, concluded the session by stating, "Oregonians sent us here to stand up for them," while Republican leaders emphasized their focus on reducing taxes and regulations affecting working Oregonians.
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Democratic leaders emphasized their success in addressing housing shortages, protecting immigrants from federal enforcement actions, and maintaining public services through strategic budget adjustments. Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama highlighted the legislature's role in standing up for Oregonians against federal policies they view as harmful to immigrant communities.
Republican legislators celebrated bipartisan cooperation on housing policy and their success in passing public safety and healthcare improvements. They emphasized efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and taxes on working Oregonians, with Senator Dick Anderson noting the housing bill represented "more local control" and "less regulatory red-tape."
Sources
This article was synthesized from 12 sources.