Home
Bicycle Bills in the 2009 Oregon Legislature
Government Web Sites
Pictures
Bike Links

Vehicular Cycling
Second Class Status of Cyclists
Bike Lanes vs Shoulders
Slow Vehicles



Selected Transportation Bills in the 2009 Session of the Oregon Legislature

Updated June 15, 2009

For the latest information, click on these links

Text and Action History of Each Bill

Committee Agendas
(Use your browser's search method to see whether a bill has been scheduled for a committee hearing)
History of all Senate Bills
History of all House Bills
Search Bills by Keyword
(Search for bills introduced since I updated this page)

Audio Archives
(Listen to any hearings you missed)


The deadline for passing bills out of their ccommittees was 4/28.

Three bills are still under consideration.

HB 2001--Medium-speed electric vehicles
Among many other provisions this bill establishes medium-speed electric vehicles (sections 12 to 14).
Section 19 requires that design standards "incorporate maximum flexibility in application of standards that reduce the cost of project delivery while preserving and enhancing safety and mobility." This might be a good justification for reducing the tendency to build bike lanes everywhere, even where they are especially dangerous.

HB 2554--Vulnerable users
Adds drivers of motorcycles and closed cab tractors to list of vulnerable roadway users.

SB 546--Motorcycle questions on driver test
Requires training for motorcycle endorsement on driver license, and requires driver license test contain at least 2 questions pertaining to safe operation of a vehicle around motorcyclists.

HB 2040--Slow down for emergency vehicles
Adds roadside assistance and tow vehicles to the list of vehicles for which drivers must slow or change lanes. Ambiguously requires slowing to at least five mph under the posted speed limit.

HB 2377 retains ban on cell phone use by drivers under 18, and limits adult drivers to hands free phones.
There are no suspension provisions and no limitations on citing drivers.




The following bills died in committee.

HB 3008--Bicycle Registration
Requires that adult-owned bicycles be registred for $54 every two years. Establishes Bicycle Transportation Improvement Fund to pay for bike facilities. The registration fees all go to this fund, and none cover the administrative costs of bicycle registration.

SB 635--Authorizes lottery money for bike/ped projects (This bill is identical to HB 2902 below)
Establishes Nonmotorized Vehicle Transportation Fund which would be spent on bike an pedestrian facilities. Strongly implies that the purpose of bike facilities is to get cyclists out of motorists' way.

HB 2902--Authorizes lottery money for bike/ped projects (This bill is identical to SB 635 above)
Establishes Nonmotorized Vehicle Transportation Fund which would be spent on bike an pedestrian facilities. Strongly implies that the purpose of bike facilities is to get cyclists out of motorists' way.

SB 292--Bicycle bill would require 2% spending (This bill is identical to HB 2971 below)
The 1971 Bicycle Bill required allocating 1% of state highway funds for footpaths and bicycle trails. This bill increases it to 2%.

HB 2971--Bicycle bill would require 2% spending(This bill is identical to SB 292 above)
The 1971 Bicycle Bill required allocating 1% of state highway funds for footpaths and bicycle trails. This bill increases it to 2%.

HB 3137--Transportation Priorties and 2% to be spent on bike/ped projects
Priortizes spending of transportation money by general purposes of projects.

HB 2120--Bicycle bill would require 1.5% spending. Also establishes medium-speed vehicle.
The 1971 Bicycle Bill required allocating 1% of state highway funds for footpaths and bicycle trails. This bill increases it to 1.5%. Also legalizes, but limits use of, a 4-wheel medium speed vehicle. A 3-wheel medium speed vehicle is already legal and has no restrictions.

HB 2542--Establishes medium-speed vehicles
Legalizes 4-wheeled, electric vehicles with maximum speeds of 35mph. Bans them from roads with speed limits greater than 45mph.
Although this bill has died in committee, the medium-speed vehicle provisions of it have been added to HB 2001 which may still have a chance of passage???

HB 2492--Golf Carts
Mainly adds "or substantially similar vehicle" to the golf cart laws. Also allows cities to allow golf carts on any 25mph road, not just those in golf neighborhoods.

SB 420--Electric assisted bicycles
Definition and equipment for electric assisted bicycle. Includes an amendment to the law about lighting equipment on trailers.

HB 3399--Vehicular homicide
Creates felony of vehicular homicide when driver is impaired, unlicensed, or uninsured.

HB 3164--Transportation Choices Fund
Uses some income tax to create fund to promote commuting by mass transit, bicycle or walking.

SB 291--Reporting bicycle and pedestrian accidents
Requires reporting of all bicyclist accidents and all ped/vehicle accidents, not just those with injury, death, or more than $1500 in damages, as now required.

SB 267--Bike/Ped questions on driver test (This bill is identical to HB 3252 below)
Requires at least 15% of driver license test questions pertain to safe operation of a vehicle around cyclists and pedestrians. Also creates an open book test for license renewals.

HB 3252--Bike/Ped questions on driver test (This bill is identical to SB 267 above)
Requires at least 15% of driver license test questions pertain to safe operation of a vehicle around cyclists and pedestrians. Also creates an open book test for license renewals.

HB 2690 Stop signs as yield signs
Allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs.

HB 2681 Bike traffic signals
Legalizes the use of bicycle traffic signals.

HB 2538--Headlights and windshield wipers
Requires using the headlights whenever using the windshield wipers. Retains ban on using more than four headlights at one time and on having a headlight mounted higher than 54 inches.


The following four bills affect cell phone use while driving.
Current law prohibits cell phone use by anyone under 18 and has no restrictions on adults.

HB 2038 retains ban on cell phone use by drivers under 18, and limits adult drivers to hands free phones.
Second conviction results in 30 day suspension, and third conviction results in 90 day suspension.
Under 18's using hands free phones cannot be cited unless stopped for something else, first. There is no limitation on citing anyone for using a hand held phone.

SB 319 allows hands free phone use by all drivers.
There are no suspension provisions and no limitations on citing drivers.

HB 2526--Text Messaging Ban
Removes all restrictions on all ages for talking on a phone, but bans all ages from text messaging.


SB 352--Sobriety checkpoints statute
Provisional bill that would establish driver sobriety checkpoints if the proposed constitutional amendment in SJR 7 (following) passes.

SJR 7--Sobriety checkpoints constitutional amendment
Would submit to the people a proposed constitutional amendment to allow police to set up sobriety checkpoints on roads.






HB 2001--Medium-speed electric vehicles
Among many other provisions this bill establishes medium-speed electric vehicles (sections 12 to 14).
Section 19 requires that design standards "incorporate maximum flexibility in application of standards that reduce the cost of project delivery while preserving and enhancing safety and mobility." This might be a good justification for reducing the tendency to build bike lanes everywhere, even where they are especially dangerous.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 4/15 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 4/15 Transportation with subsequent referral to Revenue, then Ways and Means
Public hearings held 4/20


4/22


4/23


4/24

Audio file
?? to ??

Audio file
?? to ??

Audio file
?? to ??

Audio file
?? to ??

Work sessions held 4/27


4/28

Audio file
?? to ??
Audio file
?? to ??
Recommendation 5/4 Passed without recommendation as to subsequent passage
Public hearing and work session held in Revenue Committee 5/19 Audio file
0:00 to 0:57:10
No discussion of medium-speed vehicles
Referral to Ways and Means rescinded. Referred to Special Joint Committee On Transportation 5/19
Public Hearing held in Special Joint Committee On Transportation 5/21 Audio file
0:1:50 to 2:11:04
Work session held in Special Joint Committee On Transportation 5/22 Audio file
0:00 to 0:55:34
Recommendation 5/22 Do Pass
Second reading 5/26
Third reading 5/27 Passed. Ayes, 38; Nays, 22--Cameron, Cannon, Clem, Freeman, Garrard, Gilliam, Hanna, Harker, Huffman, Kennemer, Krieger, Maurer, Nolan, Olson, Richardson, Smith J., Sprenger, Thatcher, Thompson, Weidner, Whisnant, Wingard.
First reading in Senate 5/28
Referred to committee 5/28 Special Joint Committee On Transportation
Public hearing/work session None held since bill was already heard by this joint committee as part of the house procedure
Recommendation 5/29 Do Pass
Second reading 5/29
Third reading 5/29 Passed. Ayes, 24; nays, 6--Atkinson, Boquist, Ferrioli, Girod, Kruse, Whitsett



HB 2554--Vulnerable users
Adds drivers of motorcycles and closed cab tractors to list of vulnerable roadway users.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/4 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/5 Transportation
Work session held 2/18 Audio file
0:24:50 to 0:27:05
Recommendation 2/23 refer to Judiciary Committee
Public hearing held 3/16 Audio file
0:00:00 to 0:08:05
Work session held 4/3 Audio file
1:04:25 to 1:06:25
Orginal bill did not list motorcyclists. The committee added them in the dash-one amendments.
Recommendation 4/10 Do Pass with the motorcyclist amendment
Second reading 4/14
Third reading 4/15 Passed. Ayes, 58
Nays, 2--Greenlick, Kahl
First reading in House 4/16
Referred to committee 4/22 Business and Transportation
Public hearing and work session held 5/7 Audio file
0:15:25 to 0:28:40
0:19:50, Senator George objects to including motorcyclists because he thinks the determining factor is the low speed and the inability of bicycles, tractors, etc. to get out of the way quickly enough to avert a crash. He objects to four-wheeled motorists being assesed a greater fine for hitting two-wheeled motorists than for hitting other four-wheeled motorists.
Second work session scheduled/held 5/14 Audio file
?? to ??
Recommendation 5/15 Do pass with amendments
Second reading 5/18
Third reading 5/19 Passed. Ayes, 29; excused, 1--Carter
House Concurrance of amendments 5/21 Repassed. Ayes, 56; Nays, 4--Bailey, Galizio, Matthews, Riley



SB 546--Motorcycle questions on driver test
Requires training for motorcycle endorsement on driver license, and requires driver license test contain at least 2 questions pertaining to safe operation of a vehicle around motorcyclists.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/16 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/23 Business and Transportation
Public hearing held 4/2 Audio file
0:8:55 to 0:16:55
0:43:40 to 1:01:45
1:00:20 to 1:00:01, Very brief description of training course
No discussion of motorcycle questions on the driver test.
Work session held 4/16 Audio file
0:00:00 to 0:26:35
They called it a work session, but they listened to public testimony
There was objection on the grounds that it doesn't accept a competing, national safety course.
Recommendation 5/1 Do pass with amendments that remove the proposed license fee increase and that remove the provision that allows for dismissal of an unendorsed driving citation by taking a motorcyclist improvement course
Second committee referal 5/1 Ways and Means
Subcommittee referal 5/5 Transportation and Economic Development
Public hearing held 5/14 Audio file
?? to ??
Work session held 5/9 Audio file
?? to ??
Returned to full committee 6/9 (Presumably to the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development
Work session held 6/11 Audio file
?? to ??
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2040--Slow down for emergency vehicles
Adds roadside assistance and tow vehicles to the list of vehicles for which drivers must slow or change lanes. Ambiguously requires slowing to at least five mph under the posted speed limit.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/12 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/12 Transportation
Public hearing held 2/18 Audio file
0:00:00 to 0:08:45
Work session held 2/23

3/11

Audio file
0:35:25 to 0:42:20
AAA testified about specifying slowing down by 5mph.
Audio file
0:52:15 to 0:57:30
Recommendation 3/17 Do Pass
Second reading 3/19 Motion to re-refer to Transportation carried.
Ayes, 55
Excused, 5--Jenson, Kennemer, Roblan, J. Smith, Thatcher
Work session held 3/25 Audio file
0:41:15 to 0:43:55
Recommendation 3/30 Do Pass
Third reading 4/1 Passed. Ayes, 59
Excused, 1--Jenson
First reading in Senate 4/2
Referred to committee 4/9 Business and Transportation
Public hearing and work session held 5/7 Audio file
0:12:00 to 0:15:25
Recommendation 5/13 Do pass
Second reading 5/13
Third reading 5/14 Passed. Ayes, 25 Excused, 5--Bonamici, Carter, Devlin, Metsger, Nelson
Governor signed 6/2 Chapter 198, (2009 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2010



HB 2377 retains ban on cell phone use by drivers under 18, and limits adult drivers to hands free phones.
There are no suspension provisions and no limitations on citing drivers.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/12 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/12 Transportation
Public hearing held 2/20 Audio File
Joint hearing with HB 2038.
Entire 1:24:16 session
Work session held 4/20 Audio file
0:00:00 to 0:28:55
They are up to dash-four amendments--Now it is a primary offense for anyone, not just drivers under 18
More emergency persons have been added to the excepwions.
"Activating" and "deactivating" the device is allowed. There was much discussion about whether that includes allowing dialing a number.
Recommendation 4/23 Do Pass with amendments
Second reading 4/27
Third reading 4/28 Passed. Ayes, 38 Nays, 22--Barton, Bentz, Berger, Bruun, Cameron, Edwards D., Freeman, Gilman, Hanna, Huffman, Kennemer, Krieger, Maurer, Olson, Richardson, Smith G., Sprenger, Thatcher, Thompson, Weidner, Whisnant, Wingard.
First reading in Senate 4/29
Referred to committee 5/1 Consumer Protection and Public Affairs
Public hearing and work session held 5/14 Audio file
?? to ??
Work session held 5/21


5/28

Audio file
?? to ??
Audio file
?? to ??
Recommendation 6/2 Recommendation: Without recommendation as to passage but w/amendments and requesting referral to Rules
Second reading
Third reading









HB 3008--Bicycle Registration
Requires that adult-owned bicycles be registred for $54 every two years. Establishes Bicycle Transportation Improvement Fund to pay for bike facilities. The registration fees all go to this fund, and none cover the administrative costs of bicycle registration.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 3/5 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 3/10 Transportation with subsequent referral to Ways and Means
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



SB 635--Authorizes lottery money for bike/ped projects (This bill is identical to HB 2902 below)
Establishes Nonmotorized Vehicle Transportation Fund which would be spent on bike an pedestrian facilities. Strongly implies that the purpose of bike facilities is to get cyclists out of motorists' way.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/25 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/26 Business and Transportation, then Ways and Means
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2902--Authorizes lottery money for bike/ped projects (This bill is identical to SB 635 above)
Establishes Nonmotorized Vehicle Transportation Fund which would be spent on bike an pedestrian facilities. Strongly implies that the purpose of bike facilities is to get cyclists out of motorists' way.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 3/3 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 3/5 Transportation with subsequent referral to Ways and Means
Public hearing held 4/6 Audio file
0:04:40 to 1:35:38
Rep Bailey wants to remove "vehicle" from the name, making it the Nonmotorized Transportation Fund
0:28:35 to ???, Someone??? talks about Portland's classification of cyclists--fearless, reg, concerned. Claims there is evidence that building facilities will increase bike usage.
0:44:15, Scott Bricker says that some jurisdictions are seeking funding for non-motorized facilities for transportation and for recreation. He says that there is currently no funding mechanism for these facilities and notes that the constitution prohibits spending highway funds for them.
1:08:30, Rep. Berger notes people are now talking about trails, and no longer talking about paths. She seems to think that they are two different things. Then she talks about '70s and '80s bike lanes that are no longer being maintained, for example the Oregon Coast trail. She seems te have no understanding of facilities terminology. She also thinks that bicyclists and pedestrians are incompatible and should not be on the same facilities.

At least two committee members expressed concerns about the cost and funding for maintaining and policing all the trails that could be built with this fund.

Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading

SB 292--Bicycle bill would require 2% spending (This bill is identical to HB 2971 below)
The 1971 Bicycle Bill required allocating 1% of state highway funds for footpaths and bicycle trails. This bill increases it to 2%.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/16 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/23 Business and Transportation, then Ways and Means
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2971--Bicycle bill would require 2% spending (This bill is identical to SB 292 above)
The 1971 Bicycle Bill required allocating 1% of state highway funds for footpaths and bicycle trails. This bill increases it to 2%.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 3/5 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 3/10 Transportation
Public hearing held 3/18

3/25

Audio file
1:26:15 to 1:40:09 (end)
Audio file
0:00:00 to 0:40:50
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 3137--Transportation Priorties and 2% to be spent on bike/ped projects
Priortizes spending of transportation money by general purposes of projects.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 3/9 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 3/11 Transportation
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2120--Bicycle bill would require 1.5% spending. Also establishes medium-speed vehicle.
The 1971 Bicycle Bill required allocating 1% of state highway funds for footpaths and bicycle trails. This bill increases it to 1.5%. Also legalizes, but limits use of, a 4-wheel medium speed vehicle. A 3-wheel medium speed vehicle is already legal and has no restrictions.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/15 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/21 Transportation with subsequent referral to Revenue, then Ways and Means.
Public hearing held 3/2


3/4


3/6

3/2 Audio file
Entire 1:27:27 session, but very little discussion of bicycle spending or medium-speed vehicles.
3/4 Audio file
Entire 1:51:56 session, but very little discussion of bicycle spending or medium-speed vehicles.
3/6 Audio file
Entire 1:56:52 session, but very little discussion of bicycle spending or medium-speed vehicles.
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Public hearing in Revenue scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Public hearing in Ways and Means scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in Senate
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2542--Establishes medium-speed vehicles
Legalizes 4-wheeled, electric vehicles with maximum speeds of 35mph. Bans them from roads with speed limits greater than 45mph.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/3 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/5 Transportation
Public hearing held 3/11 Audio file
0:09:35 to 0:52:17
Rep. Schaufler commented on the illogic of allowing slow bicycles on any road and banning medium-speed vehicles from high speed roads.
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2492--Golf carts
Mainly adds "or substantially similar vehicle" to the golf cart laws. Also allows cities to allow golf carts on any 25mph road, not just those in golf neighborhoods.

1/29
ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/29 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/3 Transportation
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



SB 420--Electric assisted bicycles
Definition and equipment for electric assisted bicycle. Includes an amendment to the law about lighting equipment on trailers.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/2 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/3 Business and Transportation
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 3399--Vehicular homicide
Creates felony of vehicular homicide when driver is impaired, unlicensed, or uninsured.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 3/12 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 3/13 Referred to Judiciary with subsequent referral to Ways and Means
Public hearing held 4/3 Audio file
0:00:00 to 0:28:20
0:7:50 to 0:15:40, Scott Bricker, Mary O'Donnell, and Ray Thomas testify in favor.
0:16:15 to 0:26:23, Several people objected because the bill criminalizes a result even if the driver is not at fault. In fact, a driver could be convicted even if the victim caused the collision. Being unlicensed or uninsured or impaired is sufficient for conviction. Bad driving isn't necessary for conviction, and bad driving won't result in a conviction if the driver is licensed, insured, and unimpaired.
0:26:30, Dick Schouten testifies in favor and mentions amendments that may address the driver fault objections.

Everyone concentrated on motorists killing cyclists or pedestrians. No one mentioned motorists killing other motorists or passengers.

Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 3164--Transportation Choices Fund
Uses some income tax to create fund to promote commuting by mass transit, bicycle or walking.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 3/10 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 3/12 Referred to Transportation with subsequent referral to Revenue
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



SB 291--Reporting bicycle and pedestrian accidents
Requires reporting of all bicyclist accidents and all ped/vehicle accidents, not just those with injury, death, or more than $1500 in damages, as now required.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/16 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/23 Judiciary
Public hearing held 2/3 Audio file
0:43:40 to 1:04:30
Karl Rhode testifies on behalf of BTA
0:48:25 Senator Boquist asks what sort of accidents would have to be reported.
0:50:20 Senator Boquist asks what level is the reporting threshhold. Mr. Rhode says that there are state guidelines for injury. Even minor injuries such as skinned knees would have to be reported.
0:57:15 DMV spokesman sees no threshhold limiting reporting. Thinks every accident, even minor ones would have to be reported.
DMV doesn't like being required to take reports on private property accidents because they have a database for pinpointing accident locations, but only on public roads. They want the bill to have some language establishing a minimum level of injury and limiting reporting to accidents occuring on public highways.
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



SB 267--Bike/Ped questions on driver test (This bill is identical to HB 3252 below)
Requires at least 15% of driver license test questions pertain to safe operation of a vehicle around cyclists and pedestrians. Also creates an open book test for license renewals.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/16 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/23 Referred to Business and Transportation, then Ways and Means
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 3252--Bike/Ped questions on driver test (This bill is identical to SB 267 above)
Requires at least 15% of driver license test questions pertain to safe operation of a vehicle around cyclists and pedestrians. Also creates an open book test for license renewals.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 3/11 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 3/13 Transportation
Public hearing held 4/17 Audio file
0:41:10 to 1:27:30
0:56:38, Doug Parrow mentions few people knowing about last term's law about safe passing of cyclists on roads with a speed limit of more than 35mph. Ironically he demonstrates his point by misstating the law--it has to do with the speed of the passing vehicle, not the speed limit of the road.
???Time?? DMV representative points out that the renewal questionaire provision doesn't actually require getting any of the answers correct.
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2690 Stop signs as yield signs
Allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/17 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/20 Transportation
Public hearing held 3/18 Audio file0:4:50 to 0:8:05 and 0:00:00 to 1:26:15 (automatic rollover to second file)
0:6:00, Rep. Bailey
0:4:00, Rep. Kahl
???, Rep. who? leery of bill
0:7:35, Karl Rhode of BTA. Mentions Jason Meggs Study in Idaho. Thinks that stop signs in neighborhoods were installed to make the roads less convenient for motorists.
0:15:10, the committee member who asked about the source of the language is leery of the bill. 0:16:20, Karl Rhode again
0:18:05, Rhode claims the bill has a 50% increase in the fine for running a stop sign.
0:19:00, Rep. Edwards is leery. Cites the uncertainty of knowing what to expect of cyclists.
0:21:00, Rep Weidner is leery of having two sets of rules--one for motorists and one for cyclists.
0:33:30, Reep. Bailey thinks the bill is good because it is hard to cross an intersection quickly from a dead stop.
0:35:20, Ray Thomas
0:37:45, Thomas also says the fine is increased by 50%.
0:47:25, Thomas talks about bikes sharing the lane and says that if a cyclist is slowing down cars, he must move to as far right as practible and that if a cyclist is clogging a road he is breaking the law.
0:50:50, Bob Mionski
0:56:20, Chris Warlow describes how the loss of a leg makes it extremely difficult for him to stop.
1:02:30, Evan Manvel
1:05:25, Bob Russell of the Oregon TRucking Association, opposes the bill
1:11:10, Matt Jaffe of Portland Bureau of Transportation is neutral
1:14:00, Brock Howell of Environment Oregon
1:17:15, Scott Winkels of the League of Oregon Cities opposes the bill

Overall many people thought it would attract new cyclists. Some also thought it would increase safety by getting cyclitst through intersections faster, by cyclists not having to unclip or by preventing rear end collisions by someone who didn't expect a cyclist to stop.

Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2681 Bike Traffic Signals
Legalizes the use of bicycle traffic signals.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/17 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/20 Transportation
Public hearing held 3/18 Audio file
0:00:00 to 0:4:50
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2538--Headlights and windshield wipers
Requires using the headlights whenever using the windshield wipers. Retains ban on using more than four headlights at one time and on having a headlight mounted higher than 54 inches.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/3 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/5 Transportation
Public hearing held 3/11 Audio file
0:00:00 to 0:09:35
Rep. Bailey, who says he rides a bicyle, commented that it is appropriate safety to have headlights on at all times.
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2038 retains ban on cell phone use by drivers under 18, and limits adult drivers to hands free phones.
Second conviction results in 30 day suspension, and third conviction results in 90 day suspension.
Under 18's using hands free phones cannot be cited unless stopped for something else, first. There is no limitation on citing anyone for using a hand held phone.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/12 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/12 Transportation
Public hearing held 2/20 Audio File
Joint hearing with HB 2377.
Entire 1:24:16 session
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



SB 319 allows hands free phone use by all drivers
There are no suspension provisions and no limitations on citing drivers.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/16 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/23 Judiciary
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



HB 2526--Text Messaging Ban
Removes all restrictions on all ages for talking on a phone, but bans all ages from text messaging.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 2/3 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 2/5 Transportation
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



SB 352--Sobriety checkpoints statute
Provisional bill that would establish driver sobriety checkpoints if the proposed constitutional amendment in SJR 7 (following) passes.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/19 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/26 Judiciary, then Rules
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



SJR 7--Sobriety checkpoints constitutional amendment
Would submit to the people a proposed constitutional amendment to allow police to set up sobriety checkpoints on roads.

ACTION DATE DETAILS
First Reading 1/19 HTML PDF
Referred to committee 1/26 Judiciary, then Rules
Public hearing held 4/2 Audio file
0:1:10 to 1:03:40
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading
First reading in House
Referred to committee
Public hearing scheduled/held
Work session scheduled/held
Recommendation
Second reading
Third reading



COMMITTEE MEMBER
House Transportation Terry Beyer, Chair, Springfield
Nick Kahl, Vice Chair
George Gilman, Vice Chair
Jules Bailey
Cliff Bentz, Ontario
Vicki Berger
Debbie Boone
David Edwards
Mike Schaufler
Jim Weidner
Senate Business & Transportation Rick Metsger, Chair
Bruce Starr, Vice-Chair
Joanne Verger
Larry George
Martha Schrader
House Judiciary Jeff Barker, Chair
Judy Stiegler, Vice-Chair
Gene Whisnant, Vice-Chair
Brent Barton
Kevin Cameron
Chris Garrett
Wayne Krieger
Andy Olson
Chip Shields
Jefferson Smith
Senate Judiciary Floy Prozanski, Chair
Brian Boquist, Vice-Chair
Suzanne Bonamici
Jackie Dingfelder
Doug Whitsett




For an explanation of the process from proposal to law, see:

Audio file of a workshop called "How to Participate in the Legislative Process� (1:10 long)

How a bill becomes a law

Flow Chart of How a bill becomes a law

Citizen's Guide to the Oregon Legislative Process





If you know of any other bills I should add to this page, e-mail me at

kat_iverson at comcast.net




Top of Page


Kat's Home


WashCo BTC's Home




Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1