91视频

Here is what happened to state Senate bills the 91视频 has been tracking. Stay tuned for the fate of House bills.

Senate Bill 20

Subject: Radon mitigation

Synopsis: The bill would have enabled the director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to create design and construction standards for mitigating radon levels in new buildings, with especial consideration given to existing federal standards.

Its final fate: The bill died in the Senate Consumer Protection and Public Affairs Committee.

Senate Bill 79

Subject: Energy efficiency rating system

Synopsis: The bill directs the Oregon Department of Energy to adopt an energy efficiency rating system for residential and commercial buildings.

Its final fate: The bill was sent to Gov. Ted Kulongoski for his signature.

Senate Bill 80

Subject: Greenhouse gas emissions

Synopsis: The bill would have required the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission to set new limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

Its final fate: The bill died in the Subcommittee on Natural Resources.

Senate Bill 147

Subject: Landscaper definition

Synopsis: The bill broadens the definition of 鈥渓andscape construction professional鈥� to include a person who plans or installs fences, decks, arbors, patios, landscape edging, driveways, walkways or retaining walls, and maintains irrigation systems with the use of compressed air. The definition of 鈥渓andscape contracting business鈥� is defined as one that accepts bids to perform those services.

Its final fate: The bill was signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski on June 24.

Senate Bill 202

Subject: Defines chimney sweeps as contractors

Synopsis: The bill puts chimney sweeps under the jurisdiction of the Construction Contractors Board by removing the minimum contract amount provision for the definition of a general contractor. It also adds references to cleaning and servicing chimneys to the definition.

Its final fate: The bill was signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski on June 16.

Senate Bill 204

Subject: Contractor definition

Synopsis: The bill makes a sharper distinction between commercial and residential contractors. The difference basically affects how complaints against contractors are handled and divides the money paid for residential and commercial license applications.

Its final fate: The bill was signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski on June 4.

Senate Bill 206

Subject: Contractor confidentiality

Synopsis: The bill keeps contractors鈥� personal information provided to the Construction Contractors Board confidential. There are some exceptions, most notably if the contractor offers securities registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Its final fate: The bill was signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski on June 4.

Senate Bill 324

Subject: QB standards

Synopsis: The bill would have required Oregon鈥檚 colleges and universities to use the same Qualifications-Based Selection process already required for state and local construction projects. What that basically means is that public officials would not always be able to go with the low bid when hiring engineers, architects and land surveyors. The contractors would have had to rise to the level of QBS standards.

Its final fate: The bill died in Senate Business and Transportation Committee.

Senate Bill 479

Subject: Disabled veterans and contracting code

Synopsis: The bill prohibits interpreting the Public Contracting Code to discriminate against disabled veterans getting preferential consideration for awards of government contracts.

Its final fate: The bill was signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski on June 4.

Senate Bill 570

Subject: Metal theft

Synopsis: The bill prohibits scrap metal dealers from conducting business with people who don鈥檛 provide their name, address and telephone number at the time of the transaction. Payments for scrap metal must be mailed by check. Dealers are prohibited from buying metal wire when insulation has been removed by burning. Increased penalties include $500 for the first offense, $2,500 for the second offense and $5,000 for the third. Fines go up $5,000 for each subsequent offense.

Its final fate: The bill was sent to Gov. Ted Kulongoski for his signature.

Senate Bill 580

Subject: Bridge tolls

Synopsis: The bill would impose the tolls to help pay for a new 12-lane bridge (with light rail) along Interstate 5.

Its final fate: Gov. Ted Kulongoski vetoed the bill on June 24.

Senate Bill 675

Subject: Solar energy policy

Synopsis: The bill would have required Oregon counties, whenever possible, to provide space for solar panels on the south faces of public buildings during solar heating hours.

Its final fate: The bill died in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Senate Bill 894

Subject: Oregon Department of Transportation training

Synopsis: The bill directs one-half of 1 percent of the federal funds it receives for on-the-job training.

Its final fate: The bill was sent to Gov. Ted Kulongoski for his signature.

Senate Bill 895

Subject: Diversity pilot project

Synopsis: The bill would have created a Construction Diversity Oversight Board to promote greater involvement of women and minorities in the construction trades.

Its final fate: The bill died in the Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development.

Senate Bill 896

Subject: Diversity pilot project

Synopsis: The bill would have directed the Oregon Department of Transportation to create a pilot project using alternative methods to ensure more diversity among contractors.

Its final fate: The bill died in the Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development.

Senate Bill 915

Subject: Local building laws

Synopsis: The bill prohibits cities that enforce state building codes to impose criminal penalties for violating local building laws if the same violation on the state level would result in a civil penalty.

Its final fate: The bill was signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski on June 6.

Senate Bill 955

Subject: Economic loss doctrine

Synopsis: The bill would have reaffirmed the principle of Economic Loss Doctrine weakened by an Oregon Supreme Court case. The principle states that only parties involved in a contract can engage in litigation except when property damage and bodily injury is involved.

Its final fate: The bill died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Tom Henderson is a 28-year newspaper veteran who has worked as a reporter, editor and columnist in Oregon and Idaho. Contact him at 503-871-4520 or at [email protected].