Astoria, OR – Starting in January 2025, several new laws will go into effect across Oregon, affecting everything from school safety to healthcare access and public transportation. The sweeping legislative changes aim to improve the quality of life for Oregonians, enhance public safety, and promote environmental responsibility.
One of the most notable changes comes in the form of increased school bus safety. Beginning in January, Oregon schools will be allowed to install cameras on school buses to capture footage of drivers who fail to stop when the bus’s safety lights are flashing. This move is designed to reduce the number of drivers who violate the law by not stopping for children entering or exiting the bus, a practice that has been difficult to enforce. The footage recorded by these cameras will be made available to local police, who will be able to issue citations to drivers who break the law.
In addition to the safety cameras, new transparency requirements for school boards will also take effect. Public schools, community colleges, and public universities must now record their meetings and post the recordings on their websites or social media channels. If broadband is unavailable, the meetings must be recorded in audio format. Furthermore, these meetings will have to allow for remote testimony, ensuring that members of the public can participate even if they cannot attend in person. The law applies to any public school with more than 50 students, further promoting accountability and public involvement in education.
Oregon is also making strides in improving healthcare access, particularly for those who require prescription medications. House Bill 4113 will ensure that amounts paid for prescription drugs count toward an individual’s out-of-pocket maximums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing obligations. This change is expected to help reduce financial barriers for Oregonians who rely on prescription medications.
Another key piece of legislation, House Bill 4012, addresses concerns about pharmaceutical restrictions. This law prohibits health insurers and other providers from requiring certain prescription drugs—such as chemotherapy drugs—to be purchased from specific pharmacies. The move aims to make it easier for healthcare providers to administer these drugs without the risk of delays or complications caused by restrictive pharmacy requirements.
In an effort to promote sustainability and consumer rights, Oregon has introduced a “right to repair” law that will give Oregonians the ability to fix their own electronic devices. The law requires manufacturers of consumer electronics, such as smartphones, to provide owners and independent repair shops with the same documentation, parts, and tools available to authorized repair providers. By making repairs more accessible, the law hopes to reduce e-waste and encourage the repair of devices rather than the purchase of new ones. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $1,000 per day.
Oregonians who use public transportation will also see changes. Senate Bill 1553, which takes effect in January, makes drug use on public transit a misdemeanor. This includes any act of ingesting, inhaling, injecting, or otherwise consuming illegal substances while on public transit, such as TriMet buses and trains. Individuals found guilty could face penalties of up to one year in jail or fines as high as $6,250. The new law is part of an ongoing effort to make public transportation safer and more comfortable for riders, many of whom have expressed concerns about feeling unsafe due to aggressive behavior and drug use.
Lastly, Oregon is taking a bold step toward environmental responsibility with the passage of House Bill 4083, which bars the state treasurer and the Oregon Investment Council from investing in coal-related companies. The law requires the state to divest from these companies unless they are actively transitioning toward clean energy. This move is part of Oregon’s broader commitment to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The law is expected to result in the divestment of approximately $1 billion in coal stocks from public pension funds, a significant shift in the state’s investment strategy.
These new laws reflect Oregon’s ongoing commitment to creating a more transparent, equitable, and sustainable state. From improved school safety to healthcare access and environmental responsibility, the changes set to take effect in 2025 are expected to have a significant impact on the lives of Oregonians for years to come.
