Kotek signs transportation package into law
By Griffin Beach on Monday, November 10th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has signed the Emergency Transportation Package, House Bill 3991, into law. The package funds state highway and road maintenance and avert pending layoffs of transportation staff. The $4.3 billion package was passed by the Oregon Legislature after a vote in the Senate on Sept. 29.
Several of the state’s Republican lawmakers accused Kotek of delaying the signing of the bill to make it more difficult for voters to start a petition to put the package on the ballot. Under state law a chief petitioner would have to submit the required number of verified signatures no later than 90 days after the legislature adjourns sine die.
The bill increases the gas tax from $0.40 to $0.46, an increase of $139 on base title fees for nearly all vehicles, and a $42 increase for an annual registration fee. The new fees will go into effect on Jan. 1.
“This bill will help us keep state highways and local roads safe and open to traffic while preserving transit service and halting the pending layoffs of essential transportation staff,” Kotek said in a release. “I am grateful to the legislature for stepping up to keep our state moving, alongside a broad coalition of cities, counties, workers, truckers, businesses, and the AAA.”
