The 2026 short legislative session is officially underway, and the pace in Salem is already accelerating. With compressed timelines and early committee deadlines, many bills are moving quickly—often with limited opportunity for public input unless the business community is paying close attention and engaging early.
As your Chamber, we are actively monitoring legislation that impacts employers, economic development, land use, taxation, workforce conditions, and the overall competitiveness of our region. Our goal is to ensure that the voice of McMinnville’s business community is represented in these conversations, and that policy decisions being made at the state level reflect the real-world challenges and opportunities faced by local employers.
Below is a focused update on the key bills we are prioritizing right now, including measures we support and measures we oppose.
Chamber SUPPORT
SB 1586 – Economic Development and Advanced Manufacturing
SB 1586 is a major economic development package that expands Oregon’s ability to attract and grow advanced manufacturing and high-tech investment. The bill modifies and extends tax credits for semiconductor research, creates and updates enterprise zone incentives, and strengthens programs supporting regionally significant industrial development. It also requires state agencies to establish and publish clear permitting timelines, helping improve transparency and predictability for businesses navigating the regulatory process.
This is the type of forward-looking legislation Oregon needs if we want to compete nationally for jobs, industrial investment, and long-term economic opportunity.
HB 4153 – Farm Stores and Agri-Tourism Expansion
HB 4153 would allow counties to approve “farm stores” (not just farm stands) as a permitted nonfarm use on land zoned for exclusive farm use. The bill supports value-added agriculture by expanding opportunities for farmers to sell products, host educational experiences, and grow local agri-tourism in a structured and regulated way.
This bill strengthens rural economies, supports local producers, and encourages entrepreneurship in Oregon’s agricultural sector—especially important in communities like ours that rely heavily on agriculture and tourism.
SB 1514 – Homelessness Policy and Local Control
SB 1514 would repeal ORS 195.530, the statute established under House Bill 3115 (2021), which set a statewide standard (“objective reasonableness”) for city and county laws governing public property use related to homelessness.
The Chamber supports this bill because local communities need flexibility to respond to homelessness in ways that balance compassion, public safety, and economic stability. Local governments must have the ability to protect public spaces that businesses, residents, and visitors rely on.
Chamber OPPOSITION
HB 4015 – Connection to Federal Tax Law
HB 4015 updates Oregon’s connection (“tie date”) to the federal Internal Revenue Code and other federal tax provisions, moving the state’s reference date forward to December 31, 2025.
While tie-date bills are often presented as technical housekeeping measures, they can carry major tax implications depending on which federal changes are incorporated into Oregon law. The Chamber is opposing HB 4015 due to concerns about unintended consequences, potential tax exposure, and the lack of clarity around how updated federal provisions may impact Oregon employers.
Oregon businesses depend on stability and predictability in tax policy. Any change that introduces uncertainty—especially during a short session—should be approached with caution and transparency.
Closing Thoughts
This short session will move fast, and many bills will be decided in a matter of weeks—not months. That is why it is so important for the business community to remain engaged and informed.
The Chamber will continue working closely with statewide partners, local stakeholders, and legislators to advocate for policies that support economic growth, strengthen local employers, and keep McMinnville competitive.
As these bills advance, we will provide additional updates and action alerts when member engagement is needed. When lawmakers hear directly from employers about real-world impacts, it makes a difference.
Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber and for helping ensure that McMinnville’s business voice is represented at the Capitol.
