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Bills passed in brief Oregon legislative session include prompt payment victory
The Oregon Legislature brought its first 35-day session to a close on Monday, a day before its deadline. The construction industry celebrated the passing of House Bill 4034, which encourages prompt payments to contractors working on public projects.
Adams responds to Oregon Sustainability Center funding failure
In the wake of the news that the Oregon Sustainability Center will not move forward this year as its supporters hoped, Mayor Sam Adams announced that the city of Portland is not ready to give up on the project.
Oregon Sustainability Center appears doomed without legislative approval for funding
The proposal to build the Oregon Sustainability Center, a planned $61.7 million green building showpiece, may be dead in the water. As the short state legislative session comes to a close, it is all but certain that the requested state bonds 鈥� which cover more than half of the project costs 鈥� will not be approved.
Tracking the toll of Oregon’s 2012 legislative session
Winners and losers already are emerging in the first regular session of the Oregon Legislature to take place during even-numbered years. With the session slated to end March 6, Legislative Lowdown writers Howard Rubin and Don Stait take a look at which bills are still standing and which have fallen by the wayside.
Prompt payment bill clears Oregon House, goes to governor
House Bill 4034, which disallows contractors from using paperwork changes as a reason not to pay subcontractors promptly, received unanimous support in Senate on Monday and now is going to Gov. John Kitzhaber鈥檚 desk for approval.
Southern Oregon counties seek legislative land-use fix
Three southern Oregon counties are hoping to change the way their forest and agricultural lands are classified.
Oregon House passes prompt payment bill
The Oregon House of Representatives on Monday voted 59-0 to pass House Bill 4034, which includes provisions to encourage prompt payment on public improvement contracts. The bill creates new penalties for public agencies that fail to pay on time and restricts the ability of owner-groups to change payment schedules.
Volunteers help with unfunded Oregon seismic safety plan
Oregon officials are poised to make 2012 a year of statewide earthquake preparedness, although the latest legislative directive does not account for funding.
State funding for trade education programs still on hold
A 2011 Oregon bill opened the door for secondary schools to initiate programs for career and technical education, but money was held because of the state's budget crunch.
State funding for psychiatric hospital up in the air
Preliminary construction work could begin on Junction City鈥檚 long-awaited state psychiatric hospital this summer, but a tight state budget may delay the Oregon Legislature from approving the necessary $29 million allocation during the short February session.
Wheeler introduces economic reform package for Oregon
On Monday State Treasurer Ted Wheeler unveiled plans for a reform package called the Oregon Investment Act. House Bill 4040 will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session and would regroup money for economic development under one state umbrella.
Commission: State should hold off on debt addition
Citing revenue shortfalls, the State Debt Policy Advisory Commission has recommended that 鈥渘o net increase in general fund-backed debt be authorized鈥� for the remainder of the biennium. That could spell trouble for groups seeking state-funded capital financing.
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
