Advocacy in Action: What We’re Working on in Salem
The 2026 Legislative Session is in full motion, and the Washington County Chamber is actively engaged on policies that shape our region’s economic future. From economic competitiveness and permitting reform to housing clarity and employer liability, decisions being made in Salem right now will directly impact how businesses operate, hire, and invest in Washington County.
Our advocacy is ongoing and strategic. In partnership with Proxy, who are in Salem every day representing our interests on the ground, we are monitoring legislation, meeting with lawmakers, coordinating coalition efforts, and ensuring that the voice of our member businesses is part of the conversation at every stage of the process.
SB 1586 – Oregon Jobs Act
Our top priority this year is SB 1586. This is a bold bill spearheaded and shepherded by Senator Janeen Sollman.
In simple terms, this bill helps Oregon compete for large-scale advanced manufacturing projects by preparing a specific site in North Hillsboro for that use only. It does not allow stand-alone data centers or warehouses, and it includes guardrails to protect our land use system.
We are working hard to ensure lawmakers understand what the bill actually does — and what it does not do.
Over the past several weeks, the Chamber has:
- Met directly with legislators and staff
- Coordinated with chambers and business organizations across the state
- Helped build a broader coalition of support – One Pager
- Published and shared a fact sheet to correct misinformation
- Encouraged members to submit testimony and real-world business perspectives
- Want to add your voice to the conversation? Submit testimony on this bill by Thursday, February 19 – Register Here (Select 2/18 hearing in the drop-down menu with SB 1586 as the bill number)
- Submitted an Op-Ed to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, co-authored by Chamber CEO, Josh Tompkins
- Feb. 19, 2026 Update on SB 1586:
A third public hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 23, at 8:00 a.m. Community members and businesses are encouraged to participate by testifying virtually, in person, or submitting written testimony. Click here and follow the link at the top of the page to register and share your perspective.
There has been confusion and misinformation surrounding this bill. We have made it a priority to provide clear, factual information so lawmakers can focus on the economic realities: site readiness matters, and Oregon is competing with other states for high-wage job investment.
As the session continues to unfold, we are engaged on a range of additional bills that impact regulatory timelines, housing development, agricultural businesses, tax policy, and employer liability. Our work in Salem is ongoing, and we are tracking these measures closely.
Supporting Practical, Business-Smart Legislation
We are also supporting several bills that provide clarity and common-sense updates:
- HB 4102 – Streamlines permitting timelines at DEQ while maintaining full environmental protections.
- HB 4153 – Modernizes farm store regulations while keeping agricultural land in active production.
- HB 4060 – Provides realistic compliance timelines for large facility lighting upgrades.
- SB 1566 – Clarifies prevailing wage rules to reduce delays in affordable housing development while preserving worker protections.
These bills may sound technical, but they all address a common need: clear rules and predictable timelines so businesses can plan, invest, and grow
Protecting Employers from New Costs and Liability
Bills We Oppose
We are also actively opposing proposals that increase employer risk, tax complexity, or insurance costs:
- HB 4089 – Expands criminal liability standards for employers.
- Referred from the House Committee on Labor and Workforce Development to the House Committee on Rules, without recommendation and with -4 amendments.
- HB 4098 A – Expands the Unlawful Trade Practices Act in ways that could increase litigation and insurance premiums.
- View Coalition Letter
- Passed out of the House Commerce Committee with amendments and a “Do Pass” recommendation
- SB 1507 – Reduces tax predictability by moving away from federal tax conformity.
- View Coalition Letter
- Referred to the House Committee on Revenue; public hearing scheduled for February 18.
- SB 1541 A – Creates a broad new climate liability framework with significant cost implications.
- View Coalition Letter
- Referred to Natural Resources and Wildfire, then Ways and Means.
Our advocacy ensures lawmakers understand how these proposals affect real businesses — from payroll decisions to insurance costs to long-term investment planning.
Our role is not simply to react, but to ensure lawmakers understand how these policies affect real businesses – payroll, expansion decisions, insurance costs, and long-term planning.
We’d Love for You to Engage
Your perspective carries weight.
If a bill affects your operations, your workforce, or your future investment plans, consider submitting testimony or contacting your legislators. Even a short statement explaining real-world impact makes a difference.
We will continue providing updates and opportunities to engage as the session progresses.
Find your legislator here. View the Washington County State Legislative Delegation here.
When businesses speak clearly and consistently, policymakers listen.
Have public policy and advocacy questions?
Contact Jen Little, Vice President of Public Affairs at the Chamber, to learn more about how you can advocate for bills that matter to you and your business.
Jen can be reached at jenl@wcchamber.org or 503-726-2149 with any questions or feedback.
