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Oregon’s special legislative session will resume on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

 

This two‐week delay was approved because Senator Chris Gorsek of Gresham, a Democratic senator whose vote is vital for passing the transportation funding bill, is still recovering after surgery. Governor Tina Kotek also pushed ODOT layoffs from their original September 15 date to October 15 to give lawmakers time to act once the session resumes.

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• Resumption date: September 17, 2025

• Reason: Allow for key senator’s return so the Senate can vote

• Layoff delay: Now set for October 15, instead of September 15

 

Visit the Official OLIS Website

Overview of the Oregon Legislative Assembly

The Oregon House of Representatives and the Oregon Senate together form the Oregon Legislative Assembly, a bicameral body responsible for creating and enacting state laws.

What is a Bicameral Legislature?

A bicameral legislature consists of two separate chambers:

• House of Representatives (Lower Chamber)

• Senate (Upper Chamber)

Key Features of a Bicameral Legislature:

• Two Chambers: Each chamber has distinct roles, powers, and membership requirements.

• Checks and Balances: Both chambers must approve a bill before it becomes law, ensuring thorough debate and review.

• Balanced Representation: One chamber typically represents population (House), while the other may represent geographic regions (Senate).

• Deliberate Legislative Process: Helps prevent hasty decisions and ensures fair representation.

The Oregon Legislative Assembly mirrors the U.S. Congress, which also has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS)

OLIS is a user-friendly platform for tracking and understanding Oregon’s legislative process, promoting public transparency and engagement.

Key Features of OLIS:

• Access to Legislation: View and track bills, amendments, and reports.

• Committee & Hearing Info: Access schedules, agendas, and video recordings of hearings.

• Bill Tracking: Monitor a bill’s progress, voting records, and committee actions.

• Public Engagement: Submit testimony and comments on legislation.

• Legislator Information: Contact and track the activities of Oregon's legislators.

Structure of the Oregon Legislature

Oregon House of Representatives

• 60 Members elected to two-year terms

• Key Representative for Yamhill County:

  • Lucetta Elmer (R), District 24 - McMinnville, Yamhill, Carlton, Sheridan, Grand Ronde Community

    • 📞 503-986-1424

    • 📧 Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov

  • Anna Scharf (R), District 23 - Amity, rural Yamhill County, parts of Polk, Benton, Marion, Washington Counties

    • 📞 503-986-1423

    • 📧 Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov

  • Courtney Neron (D), District 26 - Wilsonville, Sherwood, Tigard, Bull Mountain, Parrett Mountain

    • 📞 503-986-1426

    • 📧 Rep.CourtneyNeron@oregonlegislature.gov

Oregon Senate

• 30 Members elected to four-year staggered terms

• Key Senators for Yamhill County:

  • Bruce Starr (R), District 12 - Yamhill & Polk Counties (Dallas, McMinnville, Newberg)

    • 📞 503-986-1712

    • 📧 Sen.BruceStarr@oregonlegislature.gov

  • Aaron Woods (D), District 13 - Clackamas, Washington, and Yamhill Counties (Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville)

    • 📞 503-986-1713

    • 📧 Sen.AaronWoods@oregonlegislature.gov

Legislative Sessions

The Oregon Legislature meets annually:

• Odd-numbered years: Regular session (up to 160 days)

• Even-numbered years: Short session (up to 35 days)

• Special sessions: Can be called by the Governor or by a two-thirds vote of both chambers

How a Bill Becomes Law

1. Introduction: Sponsored by a legislator or committee.

2. Committee Review: Public hearings and amendments.

3. Chamber Vote: House or Senate votes on the bill.

4. Second Chamber Approval: The other chamber reviews and votes.

5. Governor’s Action: The Governor may sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without signature.

6. Veto Override: A two-thirds vote in both chambers can override a veto.

Key Leadership Roles

• Speaker of the House: Presides over House sessions, assigns bills to committees.

• President of the Senate: Oversees Senate operations.

• Committees: Handle specific policy areas (e.g., Education, Health Care, Transportation).

Public Involvement

Oregonians can engage in the legislative process by:

• Testifying at Committee Hearings: In-person or online.

• Contacting Legislators: Emails, calls, and letters.

• Tracking Legislation: Using OLIS to follow bills, votes, and hearings.

For more information, visit the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).