Oregon 2025 Regular Session

Oregon Senate Bill SCR4

Introduced
1/13/25  

Caption

Requiring that a committee of the Legislative Assembly may adopt an amendment to a legislative measure only if the chief sponsor of the measure approves the amendment prior to its adoption by the committee.

Impact

The introduction of SCR4 is likely to alter the way legislative committees operate within the Oregon assembly. By mandating pre-approval from the chief sponsor, the bill may slow down the amendment process but could also lead to more thoughtful and deliberate changes. This change aims to prevent unvetted amendments that could detract from the bill's original intent, potentially leading to more cohesive and focused legislation. However, this new rule may also create friction if committee members feel restrained by needing to wait for the sponsor's approval before discussing potential changes.

Summary

SCR4, introduced in the Oregon Legislative Assembly, establishes a procedural rule that requires the approval of the chief sponsor of a legislative measure before any amendments can be adopted by a committee. This resolution emphasizes the importance of the chief sponsor's consent in the legislative process, thereby aiming to maintain the integrity of the original measure as it navigates through the committees. By implementing this requirement, the bill seeks to ensure that those intimately involved with the bill have a say in its amendments, thus fostering a more collaborative legislative environment.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR4 appears to be cautiously supportive among those who value the legislative process and want to enhance it, although there may be some apprehension regarding the potential for gridlock as committees navigate the new requirement. Advocates for the bill believe that requiring chief sponsor approval will protect the legislative intent and improve collaboration, while critics may worry that it could limit the committee's ability to respond effectively to issues that arise during discussions. Overall, it reflects a legislative philosophy that prioritizes sponsor engagement while attempting to strike a balance between flexibility and control.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding SCR4 could arise from its implementation. Critics might argue that requiring chief sponsor approval could lead to a bottleneck, especially if sponsors are unavailable or unresponsive during critical legislative periods. Furthermore, there might be concerns about how this new requirement could affect the willingness of committee members to propose amendments, potentially stifling innovative or necessary changes that could benefit the legislative measure as a whole. Ultimately, this resolution raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of legislative committees in adapting to new rules while still fulfilling their duties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OR HCR7

Establishing requirement that committee of Legislative Assembly may adopt amendment to legislative measure only if chief sponsor of measure approves amendment prior to amendment adoption by committee.

OR HCR206

Establishing deadlines for presession-filed legislative measures for the 2025 regular session of the Eighty-third Legislative Assembly.

OR HCR23

Establishing deadlines for completion of legislative measures for 2023 regular session of Eighty-second Legislative Assembly.

OR HCR38

Establishing limitations and deadlines for legislative measures for the 2024 regular session of the Eighty-second Legislative Assembly, and providing certain labor negotiation procedures.

OR HJR202

Proposing an amendment to the Oregon Constitution relating to the authority of the Legislative Assembly to conduct business.

OR SJR4

Proposing amendment to Oregon Constitution relating to sessions of the Legislative Assembly.

OR SJR24

Proposing amendment to Oregon Constitution relating to sessions of the Legislative Assembly.

OR HB2480

Relating to approval of state agency fees by Legislative Assembly.

OR HJR30

Proposing amendment to Oregon Constitution relating to authority of Legislative Assembly to conduct business.

OR SB660

Relating to approval of state agency fees by Legislative Assembly; declaring an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.