Oregon Governor limits legislative measure requests from state agencies and departments

House Bill 2006, introduced in the Oregon State Legislature on April 16, 2025, aims to streamline the legislative process by imposing limits on the number of legislative measures that can be requested from the Legislative Counsel by various state agencies and officials during odd-numbered year sessions.

The bill establishes a cap of 400 total legislative measures that the Governor and state agencies can request, while specific limits are set for other officials: the Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries are each restricted to 25 requests, and the Judicial Department is limited to 100. These measures are intended to enhance efficiency and manage the workload of the Legislative Counsel, which assists in drafting legislation.

Notably, the bill allows for exceptions; the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House can authorize additional requests beyond these limits if deemed necessary. This provision has sparked discussions among lawmakers regarding the balance between maintaining legislative efficiency and ensuring that all necessary measures can be addressed.

Supporters of HB 2006 argue that the proposed limits will prevent legislative overload and promote a more focused approach to lawmaking. Critics, however, express concerns that such restrictions could hinder the ability of state agencies to respond to urgent issues or emerging needs, potentially stifling important legislative initiatives.

The implications of this bill extend beyond procedural changes; it reflects ongoing debates about the efficiency of government operations and the capacity of state agencies to address complex challenges. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its potential impact on the state's governance and legislative responsiveness will be closely monitored by both supporters and opponents.

Next steps for HB 2006 include further discussions and potential amendments as it moves through committee reviews and debates in the full legislature. The outcome could set a precedent for how legislative measures are managed in Oregon, influencing future sessions and the overall legislative landscape.