Governor Kotek’s Vetoes, Here’s the List

On Friday, Governor Tina Kotek disclosed her list of bill and line-item budget vetoes from the 2023 legislative session.  

“I am grateful to the Legislature for advancing hundreds of bills that will improve the everyday lives of Oregonians, and I look forward to the work ahead to ensure effective implementation,” Governor Kotek said. “After a thorough deliberation, including conversations with lawmakers, proponents, my advisors and legal team, I am moving forward on vetoing the list of bills and budget items I provided notice for last week. Additionally, I am sharing several signing letters with legislators and the public that raise specific concerns and affirm my values as we move forward on implementation.”

Following the conclusion of the legislative session, Governor Kotek had 30 business days to consider pending legislation. Friday marked the final day before the deadline.  

Bills Vetoed

• HB 2079: Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer (LRO) to study potentially implementing a tax credit and direct grant program to encourage preservation of historic property. Reason for possible objection: The Governor believes studies such as this can and should be done without statutory direction.

• HB 2763: Creates the State Public Bank Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding the establishment of a state public bank. Reason for possible objection: While the Governor supports exploring the creation of a state bank, this bill has several logistical challenges, including directing the Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD), which already manages over 80 programs, to manage a new task force, establish an RFP process, and finalize a substantive report on an abbreviated timeline.

• SB 1095 (line-item veto of emergency clause): Adjusts membership of certain boards and commissions whose governing body membership is based on congressional districts now that Oregon has a sixth congressional district. Reason for possible objection: Removing the emergency clause will allow for the additional time needed to recruit and vet additional members to the impacted boards and commissions.

Line-Item Budget Vetoes 

• SB 5506, Section 32: $100,000 to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) for a study on the advantages and disadvantages of decriminalizing prostitution. Reason for possible objection: While there is value to this study, particularly as it relates to understanding disproportionate impacts on communities of color, the Governor believes it can and should be privately funded.• SB 5506, Section 74: $250,000 to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) for distribution to Cherriots in order to collaborate with state agencies and other entities to study the feasibility of developing a rail streetcar system in the City of Salem. Reason for possible objection: The Governor does not believe this study is a top priority for the state at this time.• SB 5506, Section 300: $500,000 to the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Public Health to perform a public health study on the effects of current laws and policies on people in the sex trade in the state of Oregon. Reason for possible objection: While there is value to this study, particularly as it relates to understanding disproportionate impacts on communities of color, the Governor believes it can and should be privately funded.• SB 5506, Section 312: $1 million to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) for distribution to the Willamette Career Academy to fund regional career and technical education programs provided by the Willamette Career Academy. Reason for possible objection: The Governor supports career and technical education programs, but technically the funding should be distributed through a local school district or education service district.The following bills were accompanied by signing letters: HB 2010, HB 2426, HB 2772, HB 3561, HB 5026, SB 80, SB 283, SB 488, SB 1089, SB 1095 (explanation of line-item veto for emergency clause). Additionally, HB 3440 (relating to county property sales) and SB 5535 (relating to the financial administration of the Oregon Racing Commission) will become law without the Governor’s signature.

  The full list of letters provided to the Legislature on Friday can be found here. Every bill from the 2023 session that the Governor signed, including accompanying signing letters, can be found here.