Approve positions on specific bills for the 2026 Oregon Legislative Session. Ward(s): All Wards Councilor(s): All Councilors Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods Result Area(s): Good Governance; Natural Environment Stewardship; Safe Community; Safe, Reliable and Efficient Infrastructure; Strong and Diverse Economy; Welcoming and Livable Community.

The City Council is being asked to approve positions on several bills for the upcoming Oregon Legislative Session. The positions range from supporting bills that recognize water professionals (HB 4005) and fund affordable housing preservation (HB 4036, SB 1567), to opposing bills that could create unplanned financial burdens for the city (HB 4094) or preempt local control over autonomous vehicles (HB 4085).

Additionally, the council will consider supporting legislation that clarifies ethics laws for public officials regarding food, beverages, and merchandise (HB 4161), and updates public meeting laws to provide clearer definitions and protections for officials (HB 4177).

The council is also being asked to express support for a solution to the state's transportation funding crisis, emphasizing the need for a stable funding formula for local maintenance projects and highlighting the affordability challenges faced by Salem residents.