New Oregon Laws in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, several new laws will take effect in Oregon, addressing issues such as public drug use, consumer rights, prescription drug access, environmental concerns, and education transparency. Here are some of the key laws:

Drug Use on Public Transit

Senate Bill 1553 expands the crime of interfering with public transportation to include drug use on public transit. Individuals who knowingly consume controlled substances unlawfully while on public transit will face a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $6,250 fine, or both. This law aims to enhance safety for transit riders.

Right to Repair

Senate Bill 1596, known as the Right to Repair bill, requires original equipment manufacturers to provide repair tools and information to consumers and independent repair providers. This legislation empowers consumers to fix their electronic devices, promoting sustainability by reducing electronic waste.

Prescription Drug Access

House Bill 4012 prohibits health insurers from mandating that physician-administered drugs, such as chemotherapy treatments, be dispensed exclusively through specialty pharmacies. This ensures that healthcare providers can manage dosages effectively and reduces potential delays in patient care.

Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

House Bill 4113 requires that all amounts paid toward prescription drugs count toward an enrollee’s out-of-pocket maximum. This measure is designed to make it easier for Oregonians to reach their out-of-pocket maximums, thereby lowering prescription drug costs.

Coal Divestments

House Bill 4083 mandates the divestment of an estimated $1 billion in public pension investments from coal stocks. It also directs the state treasurer to cease new investments in thermal coal and requires annual reports on divestment progress. The law seeks to incentivize emission reductions by requiring divestment from emitters unless they are transitioning to clean energy within a reasonable timeline.

School Bus Safety

House Bill 4147 permits schools to install cameras on school buses to record drivers who fail to stop for bus safety lights when students are boarding or disembarking. Authorities can issue citations based on these recordings, enhancing student safety.

School Board Transparency

Senate Bill 1502 requires public education boards, including those of school districts, community colleges, and universities, to video record their meetings and post them online for public access. Exemptions apply to districts with fewer than 50 students and boards lacking internet access, which may upload audio recordings instead. This law aims to increase transparency in educational governance.

These laws reflect Oregon’s commitment to public safety, consumer rights, environmental responsibility, and transparency in education.