2011 Oregon Legislative Summary

The 2011 Legislative session was a historic session before it even began. This session was the first annual session of the Oregon Legislature, following voter approval last November. It was also the first time in Oregon's history that the House had been evenly divided with 30 Democrats and 30 Republicans, resulting in quite a balancing act for most bills being considered. Governor Kitzhaber began a historic third term as Oregon's Governor, and Senator Peter Courtney became the longest serving Senate President in Oregon history. The session also was plagued with the fiscal realities of the ongoing recession, and an estimated budget shortfall of $3.5 billion over the next biennium.

This session will be remembered not only for its historic firsts, but for beginning the transition to a healthcare system that incentivizes primary and preventive care, seeks to improve population health, and to limit overall costs. The largest reforms to our healthcare system this session were the creation of a Health Insurance Exchange and the establishment of Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs). We still have a significant number of challenges ahead, but progress is being made. The Oregon Public Health Association will continue working hard to advocate for public policies that improve the health of every Oregonian.  

2011 Legislative Highlights:

Obesity – Healthy Food & Physical Activity

• HB 2644: Sugar sweetened beverage tax - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 3223: Warning on sugary drinks - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 2800: Farm to School and School Garden Program - PASSED UNANIMOUSLY IN BOTH CHAMBERS

Tobacco

• HB 2231: HB 2533, HB 2110 Increase tobacco tax - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB2261: No smoking in cars with kids - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 2385: Lifts preemption on localities for tobacco tax - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 2726: Closes hookah lounge loophole for the Indoor Clean Air Act - PASSED

Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act

• HB 2350: Expands definition of "smoke shop", allows sampling of tobacco even if building is not "stand-alone" - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 2601: Modifies definition of "smoke shop", allows sampling of tobacco even if building is not "stand-alone" - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 3329: Revises definition of “smoke shop” for purposes of Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act. - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• SB 783: Provides that business primarily engaged in sale of tobacco products and smoking instruments on December 31, 2008, qualifies as smoke shop for purposes of Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act - DIED IN COMMITTEE

Creating Healthy Homes, Schools & Jobs

• HB 2960: Energy efficiency and improved air quality in schools (Cool Schools) - PASSED
• HB 3401: Creates task force/commission for work and family balance. - DIED IN COMMITTEE

Environment

• SB 695: Ban BPA from bottles, sippy cups, and water bottles -PASSED IN THE SENATE, DIED IN HOUSE COMMITTEE
• SB 536: Ban plastic bags for groceries - DIED IN COMMITTEE

Health Care

• HB 2236: Birth Anomaly Registry - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 2371: Vaccine Stewardship and Training - to improve storage and administration of vaccines. - PASSED
• HB 2368: Reduce unnecessary advanced imaging - establishes a work group to develop recommended strategies. - DIED IN COMMITTEE

Mental Health

• HB 2325: Protections against elder abuse - PASSED
• HB 2365: Suicide Prevention and School Liability - provides civil immunity to education providers to help suicidal teens. - DIED IN COMMITTEE

Other important bills to watch:

• HB 3510: Single payer healthcare system “Affordable Health Care for All Oregon Act” - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• SB 888: Affordable Health Care for All Oregon Plan - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 3098: Prohibits TANF Oregon Trail Card purchases of food/beverages containing high levels of refined sugar. - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 3222: Limit portion size to 12 oz for high-calorie beverages - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 2761: State Food Policy Council - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 2974: WIC – Farm Direct - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• SB 4: Physical Education in Schools - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• HB 2438: Teen dating violence - DIED IN COMMITTEE
• SB 825: Work and Family Task Force/Commission - DIED IN COMMITTEE

OPHA Policy History:

Active Positions
Inactive Positions