The Senate Committee on Housing and Development convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss key legislative proposals affecting renters in Oregon. The meeting featured public testimony, with a focus on House Bill 2134, which aims to provide tenants with a fairer process for terminating their leases when they receive a non-renewal notice.

Alexis Ames from the Community Alliance of Tenants testified in support of HB 2134, emphasizing the bill's importance for renters facing challenges such as rising rents and unsafe living conditions. Ames highlighted that the proposed legislation would allow tenants to exit their leases with a 30-day notice without penalties, which she described as a significant improvement for those already under pressure to move. She argued that this change would promote fairness and dignity for renters, allowing them to manage their transitions without damaging their credit or rental history.

The committee did not receive additional public testimony on this bill, leading to a swift conclusion of the hearing. Following this discussion, the committee moved on to consider House Bill 3378, with further introductions planned for the next segment of the meeting.

The discussions in this meeting underscore ongoing efforts by Oregon lawmakers to address housing stability and tenant rights, reflecting a growing recognition of the challenges faced by renters in the state. The committee's actions and the support for HB 2134 may signal a shift towards more equitable housing policies in Oregon.