LOC News
Action Needed on Labor Relations and Public Records Bills
The LOC testified or lobbied legislation impacting public records, labor relations and behavioral health this week. These bills are assigned to the LOC’s General Government portfolio, which includes issues related to human resources, public health and safety and government operations.
Specifically, the legislation the LOC lobbied on included:
- SB 916, which would allow workers involved in a labor dispute to receive unemployment insurance. The LOC is asking city leaders to contact their state senators today and urge a NO! vote on this bill. The League testified in opposition to the bill, as it would likely lead to labor strikes. SB 916 would also be costly to cities as most public employers replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance Fund, dollar for dollar instead of paying unemployment insurance taxes.
- HB 2533, which will extend the attorney/client privilege for public agencies and officials to 50 years. An adverse court ruling in 2022 cut the public sector privilege to 25 years, placing agencies at a disadvantage in litigation and leading to the release of sensitive legal advice. The League and the city of Portland testified in favor the bill and the LOC encourages city leaders to contact their legislators and ask them to support the measure.
- HB 5025 is the budget bill for the Oregon Health Authority, which funds behavioral health services among other things. Of particular interest to the LOC, the budget bill will fund behavioral health workforce development, civil commitment services and jail diversion programs. Enhancing services to Oregonians needing behavioral health care is a top priority for the League as voted on by its membership. While the LOC was unable to testify on the bill this week, additional opportunities will be available.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist - swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 2/7/25