The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session officially concluded at 11:15 p.m. on June 27, just two days before the constitutional deadline. With more than 3,400 bills introduced—nearly 20% of them placeholders—the session was packed with policy proposals, political maneuvering, and pivotal decisions affecting the future of Oregon’s economy and the day-to-day realities of doing business in McMinnville.

Throughout the session, your Chamber worked tirelessly to represent the local business community, protect our regional economic interests, and advocate for policies that promote a more competitive and sustainable business environment. Below is a comprehensive summary of what passed, what we helped block, and what still lies ahead.

Progress and Policy Wins for McMinnville

HB 5006 – McMinnville Ambulance Station Funding – PASSED
After stalling in committee earlier in the session, our request for capital funding to construct a new ambulance station in NW McMinnville was ultimately included in the end-of-session “Christmas Tree Bill.” The Christmas Tree bill is a funding or budget bill—that has many unrelated amendments or projects added to it, much like ornaments on a Christmas tree. These additions are usually inserted in the final days of a session to secure support from various lawmakers. This investment will improve emergency response times and enhance public safety as our community continues to grow.

Advanced Clean Trucks Rule Delay – SECURED THROUGH REGULATION
While legislation to delay implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule (HB 3119) did not pass, our advocacy—alongside a statewide coalition—resulted in meaningful adjustments through Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality. These changes will give businesses, especially in rural areas like ours, more time to transition to zero-emission vehicles without compromising economic stability or service delivery.

HB 3643 – Oregon Youth Suicide Awareness Day – PASSED
This bill, inspired by the legacy of McMinnville’s Mikalynn Morris, designates October 9 as Oregon Youth Suicide Awareness Day. It supports programming and events to reduce stigma, promote education, and connect youth with critical mental health resources. We are grateful to Mikalynn’s family, the bill sponsors, and the many local advocates who helped bring this important measure across the finish line.

Chemeketa Community College Bond – PASSED
We are proud to report that the Chamber-endorsed Chemeketa Bond Measure was approved by voters in both Marion and Yamhill counties, without raising taxes. This $140 million bond will modernize and expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs—adding facilities for health sciences, skilled trades, and early childhood education. This is more than just a capital improvement; it’s a generational investment in our local workforce and talent pipeline.

Bills We Opposed – and Why

SB 916 – Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers – PASSED (in scaled-back form)
This bill allows striking workers to access unemployment insurance benefits—an approach we oppose because it repurposes trust funds designed for involuntary job loss. Persistent opposition helped reduce the final version to a 10-week benefit (8 weeks during recessions), down from the initially proposed 26 weeks. While not ideal, this is a far more limited policy than what was originally on the table.

HB 3838 – Workforce Standards Board – DIED IN COMMITTEE
This bill would have created a board to set compensation and working conditions for home and community-based care providers—without providing sustainable funding. The Chamber voiced strong concerns that this would result in unfunded mandates that could disrupt a vital but already strained sector. We are pleased it did not advance but will remain vigilant if it resurfaces.

HB 3962 – Transient Lodging Tax Reallocation – DEFEATED
We successfully joined forces with the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association, local tourism partners, and fellow chambers to oppose this bill, which would have slashed the share of local lodging tax revenue dedicated to tourism from 70% to 40%. Passage would have undermined a vital funding source for economic development and damaged McMinnville’s thriving visitor economy and small businesses. Thanks to strong, coordinated advocacy, the bill died in the Senate.

Missed Opportunities and What’s Still Needed

HB 2025 – 2025 Transportation Package – FAILED
One of the most ambitious—and disappointing—aspects of this session was the collapse of the statewide $11.67 billion transportation funding package. The proposal, which included significant tax increases, lacked bipartisan support and faced stiff resistance from local governments after the revenue-sharing model was altered. While we supported the infrastructure goals—especially funding for the Newberg-Dundee Bypass—we could not support an approach that placed disproportionate burdens on rural Oregonians and small businesses.

The package failed despite last-minute attempts to revive it, and now the conversation shifts to a possible 2026 special session or new legislation next year. The Chamber will remain deeply engaged to ensure McMinnville’s priorities are reflected in any future package.

SB 5531 – Alpine Avenue & Hwy 18 Frontage Improvements – DID NOT ADVANCE
This funding proposal within the capital construction bill would have supported critical infrastructure upgrades in McMinnville, including the Alpine Avenue and Hwy 18 frontage redesign near Norton Lane.

Closing Thoughts

Our mission remains simple and clear: to be your voice, connector, and champion. Whether we’re at the Capitol, in committee meetings, or sitting across from decision-makers, we carry your stories, your challenges, and your vision for McMinnville’s future.

Thank you for your trust and your support throughout this session. Let’s keep moving forward—together.

See prior Chamber Legislative updates HERE