Oregon Legislature faces record 3,391 bills this session

The Oregon Legislature is facing a significant challenge due to an overwhelming number of bills being filed this session. With 3,391 bills already submitted, this marks a record high, surpassing the previous record set in 2001. During a recent public hearing, about 60 people wanted to share their thoughts on three bills related to Oregon farmland. Senate committee chair Jeff Golden had to limit public testimonies to just 90 seconds for each person, which was not well received. He explained that there are more bills and public interest than the legislative process can handle effectively. Many lawmakers and officials are discussing the need to limit the number of bills that can be filed. House Speaker Julie Fahey highlighted that the current volume makes it nearly impossible for many proposals to receive a public hearing. She suggested introducing limits for future sessions to manage this issue better. There are also ongoing discussions about restricting non-legislators, such as agency leaders, from proposing bills. At least 266 of the current bills have come from these branches, adding to the legislative burden. Some legislators, like Rep. Paul Evans, have filed over 300 bills, while others, like Sen. David Brock Smith, have submitted around 240. They argue that filing many bills is essential for representing their constituents' voices. However, observers note that many bills are duplicates covering similar topics, such as ending daylight saving time or changing the estate tax. This redundancy contributes to the overwhelming number of bills being processed. Veteran lawmakers have expressed concerns about the impact of proposed limits on bill filings, emphasizing that it is their duty to address various community issues. They believe that capping the number of bills could hinder democracy and restrict their ability to serve their constituents effectively.