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83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2025 Regular Session
Senate Bill 715
Sponsored by Senator GORSEK, Representative RUIZ; Senator PHAM K (Presession filed.)
SUMMARY
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject
to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the
measure as introduced.The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability
standards.
Digest: The Act creates a high speed rail task force. Tells the task force to study, research and
make reports about high speed rail in Oregon. (Flesch Readability Score: 88.9).
Creates the Cascadia High Speed Rail Task Force. Specifies the membership of the task force.
Directs the task force to submit progress reports and a final report.
Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to the Cascadia High Speed Rail Task Force; and prescribing an effective date.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
SECTION 1. (1) The Cascadia High Speed Rail Task Force is established.
(2) The Governor shall appoint to the task force members who represent each of the
following:
(a)Metro;
(b) Employers of large businesses;
(c) Community-based organizations;
(d) Housing development organizations;
(e) Higher education, including community colleges, universities or workforce entities;
(f) An environmental organization;
(g) A building trades organization;
(h) The Department of Transportation;
(i) A city within Metro;
(j) A county within Metro;
(k) A transit agency that operates within Metro; and
(L) A disadvantaged business enterprise.
(3) At the option of tribal governments, as defined in ORS 181A.940, the task force may
include a tribal government representative.
(4) The task force shall:
(a) Explore the possibility of investing in high speed rail in the Portland Metro area;
(b) Develop goals, visions and outcomes to guide early scenario planning study for high
speed rail in Oregon including concept-level investigation of potential corridors and station
areas;
(c) Identify actions necessary to procure funding;
(d) Engage community partners in a process to understand the effects of new
infrastructure, address past harms and future potential burdens and identify opportunities;
and
NOTE:Matter in boldfaced type in an amended section is new; matter [italic and bracketed] is existing law to be omitted.
New sections are in boldfaced type.
LC 963 SB715
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(e) Study and make recommendations on any other matters pertaining to high speed rail
in Oregon.
(5) The task force may:
(a) Research actions necessary to develop high speed rail in Oregon;
(b) Research what current and future land uses drive economic development and
ridership;
(c) Research the potential community benefits of high speed rail;
(d) Research potential economic benefits of high speed rail;
(e) Evaluate and analyze the results of the research described in paragraphs (a) to (d)
of this subsection; and
(f) Include in a report required under subsection (12) of this section a concept-level cost
estimation and planning for high speed rail.
(6) A majority of the members of the task force constitutes a quorum for the transaction
ofbusiness.
(7) Official action by the task force requires the approval of a majority of the members
of the task force.
(8) The task force shall elect one of its members to serve as chairperson.
(9) If there is a vacancy for any cause, the appointing authority shall make an appoint-
ment to become immediately effective.
(10) The task force shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the chairperson
or of a majority of the members of the task force.
(11) The task force may adopt rules necessary for the operation of the task force.
(12) The task force shall submit reports in the manner provided in ORS 192.245, and may
include recommendations for legislation, to an interim committee of the Legislative Assem-
bly related to rail transportation:
(a) On the progress of the task force, no later than January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028;
and
(b) A final report, no later January 1, 2029.
(13) Metro shall provide staff support to the task force.
(14) Members of the task force are not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for
expenses and serve as volunteers on the task force.
(15) All agencies of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111, are directed to assist
the task force in the performance of the duties of the task force and, to the extent permitted
by laws relating to confidentiality, to furnish information and advice the members of the task
force consider necessary to perform their duties.
SECTION 2. Section 1 of this 2025 Act is repealed on January 2, 2029.
SECTION 3.This 2025 Act takes effect on the 91st day after the date on which the 2025
regular session of the Eighty-third Legislative Assembly adjourns sine die.
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