New Oregon laws taking effect January 1, 2024
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM — Beginning New Year’s Day, dozens of new laws go into effect in Oregon..
Despite some disruption of this year’s legislative session, which included a six-week long walkout by Republicans in the state Senate, lawmakers were able to pass more than 650 bills and resolutions.
Here’s a list of several notable bills that will take effect beginning the new year:
Wildfire Insurance Protection
- Senate Bill 82 shields homeowners in Oregon from premium hikes and policy denials based on the state’s wildfire risk map.
- Insurance companies are compelled to educate homeowners on wildfire mitigation strategies to potentially reduce premiums.
Overdose Prevention Measures Strengthened
- Clinics and drug treatment facilities mandated to provide two doses of opioid overdose reversal medication upon patient discharge.
- Legal protections extended to individuals administering opioid overdose reversal medicine in emergency situations.
Enhanced Addiction Treatment
- Voter-approved Measure 110 bolstered by House Bill 2513 to expedite addiction treatment funding and bolster staffing.
Stricter Penalties for Organized Retail Theft
- Harsher penalties for organized retail theft established by Senate Bill 340.
- Prosecutors are empowered with increased flexibility in addressing shoplifting incidents.
Expanded DUII Laws
- House Bill 2316 expands Oregon DUII laws to include the influence of any impairing drugs — including alcohol, cannabis, psilocybin, and other controlled substances.
Crisis Line for First Responders
- House Bill 3426 requires 9-8-8 crisis hotline centers to train staff on serving firefighters and other first responders,
- Lawmakers note those professions face some of the highest rates of suicide in Oregon and across the U.S.
Zoning Flexibility
- House Bill 2984 mandates cities and counties to allow the conversion of commercial buildings into residential housing without zone changes or permits.
State-Based Child Tax Credit
- House Bill 3235 pioneers Oregon’s first fully refundable child tax credit, benefiting low-income families starting in tax year 2023.
- Eligibility for families earning $30,000 or less, with a potential state tax credit of up to $1,000 per child aged 5 or younger.
Expanded Coverage for Breast Cancer Screenings
- Commercial insurance plans required by Senate Bill 1041 to cover breast cancer diagnostic imaging tests, eliminating patient deductible or copay fees.
- Emphasis on improved accessibility and affordability for necessary screenings
Inclusivity in Domestic Partnerships
- House Bill 2032 removes the same-sex requirement from Oregon’s registered domestic partnerships law.
- All Oregon adult couples are now able to register as legal domestic partners, regardless of gender.
