Public Hearing for "Right to Rest Act"

HB 3501 the "Right to Rest” bill will be heard on public hearing on May 4^th at 8 a.m.

Revitalize Portland Coalition is opposed to this bill and you can read our testimony in opposition to HB 3501.  This bill seeks to decriminalize camping in public places and establishes a series of "rights" for individuals in any public space including free use, resting, occupying a vehicle, camping, etc.   It also creates legal liability for cities and counties with the possibility of civil penalties and compensatory damages.  The bill would prohibit “harassment” which is defined in part as “seriously alarming.” It would also allow individuals to rest in public spaces so long as they do not “obstruct” pedestrians or vehicles.

For the public hearing on HB 3501, the public can participate in two ways:

1. Submit written testimony HERE to be included in the public record.   

2. Register to testify HERE if you want to address the legislature on this matter.

The links above will take you to the Oregon State Legislature's website where you can also find the bill's language and status.  

RPC opposes HB 3501 and believes adding the proposed language to the statutes is a mistake. Specifically,

• RPC is concerned that this bill will overly burden our cities and counties who are already struggling. 
• The proposed language is vague and will create many more problems than it might solve.  It is also not needed.  
• There is no need for these special protections from criminal prosecution as law enforcement and district attorneys are already exercising discretion in not arresting and prosecuting illegal campers. 
• The ambiguities in the bill are an invitation to ongoing lawsuits
• This legislature has already passed 2 pieces of legislation  to ensure that cities and counties comply with a series of recent federal court rulings. 

 

 

Update on Rent Control Bill - SB 611

Update: 4/14/23

SB 611, the 2023 Oregon rent control bill has passed out of the Senate Housing Committee and is sitting on the President’s desk.  As of right now, there are not the votes to pass this bill, but that could certainly change.  

The -4 amendment is 5% + CPI with a cap of 10%.  It is certainly accurate to say that the -4 amendment is better than the initial bill.  However, most economists agree that any rent control is bad public economic policy.  There remains a lot of time before sine die and the discussions continue.

SB 611 - "Rent Control 2.0" - which adds new provisions to rent control that will further inhibit investment in Oregon.  Establishes a 3% + CPI cap on rent increases, triples the relocation assistance payment, & cuts down 15-year exemption for new construction to 3 years.

OPPOSED by member Multi-Family Northwest.

For more, please see original post on this legislation.

HB 3039: Oregon and Opportunity Zones

HB 3039 effectively eliminates federal tax incentives for investment in Opportunity Zones in Oregon.  The bill, which is currently before the House Revenue Committee, has not been calendared for consideration.  Public hearing on the bill was held on 3/21/23. 

In 2018, Opportunity Zones (for long-term investment in historically disinvested areas) were created in designation zones across the country. Oregon Governor Kate Brown nominated 86 qualified opportunity zones in Oregon. The OZ program provides a significant tax incentive for investment in distressed and low-income areas and serves as a catalyst for economic development in those designated Zones.  

This legislation would significantly diminish positive economic development and jobs in areas of great need.   OZ projects often make possible the very transit-oriented, mixed-use, affordable housing, and commercial developments local communities desire.  Effectively the bill, as proposed will raise a 9.9% tax on capital gains for certain investments with none of those funds coming back to the state.

Testimony by Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty in opposition to the legislation.

Testimony by Oregon Business & Industry in opposition to the legislation.