Three bill drafts are out for the upcoming special legislative session, announced earlier today by Governor Kate Brown. It is not expected that any other legislation will be considered.

• LC 10 provides some regulations on the restaurant industry.
• Allows "to go" sales of liquor.
• Caps delivery charges at 10% of the price of the meal.
• LC 18 attempts to address the growing secondary crisis caused by the eviction moratorium.
• Distributes money to landlords to pay rents that have been unpaid from tenants.
• Extends the eviction moratorium until the end of June.
• LC 21 limits legal liability for public schools and colleges -- but not private schools -- from claims arising from COVID-19 related causes.

Persons wishing to provide testimony on these bills can do so on the Oregon Legislative Information Website. The session will be closed to the public -- at least in person.

Republican Legislative leaders sounded off on the upcoming special session -- each leader articulated a strong vision for the session.

“The third special session will give needed relief to hurting Oregonians. Proposed legislation includes COVID-19 liability protections for schools, a critical first step to get schools reopened, support for renters and landlords, as well as technical changes in the restaurant industry that will help hard-working Oregonians and small businesses.

“There is significant work to be done in the upcoming 2021 long session, and Republicans will continue to advocate for liability protections for our health care system in the coming weeks.” said Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod (R-Lyons) in a statement.

House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) also released a statement, saying that “A third special session will provide needed relief for Oregonians who have been impacted by COVID-19 and the governor’s executive orders. Proposed legislation prioritizes families and kids, restores jobs and takes our first steps to prevent frivolous lawsuits, while setting aside resources to balance our budget, fund wildfire recovery and support public health.

This special session is an opportunity for us to come together to support Oregonians. Our work remains incomplete until we successfully provide access to COVID-19 vaccines to Oregonians who want it, get our students back in the classroom, provide critical liability protections for businesses and our essential health care system, rebuild communities impacted by wildfires and recover jobs."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-12-15 08:43:35

Last Update: 2020-12-16 09:50:27