The House Committee on Rules convened on May 5, 2025, at 8:00 AM, with a full agenda focusing on several bills and resolutions, primarily introduced by Representative Paul Evans. The meeting began with a public hearing on House Bill 2870, which proposes the establishment of an eight-member Oregon Campaign Review Commission. This commission would be tasked with reviewing and investigating complaints regarding false statements made in political publications.

Representative Evans emphasized the need for such a commission, citing the increasing hostility and misinformation in political discourse. He argued that the commission would serve as a neutral body to adjudicate claims of falsehoods in political campaigns, aiming to restore integrity in political communication. The proposed structure includes three Democrats, three Republicans, and two members from minor parties or independents, ensuring bipartisan representation in decision-making.

During the discussion, Vice Chair Drazen expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the commission, questioning whether it could operate fairly and reliably. She shared personal experiences of facing false claims during her own campaigns, highlighting the challenges of addressing misinformation in politics. Evans acknowledged these concerns but maintained that even a flawed commission would be an improvement over the current lack of oversight.

The committee also discussed the timeline for processing complaints, particularly as elections approach. Evans noted that the bill outlines specific timeframes for submitting and addressing complaints, which may be adjusted based on the proximity to election dates.

The conversation further explored the commission's relationship with the Secretary of State's office, with Evans suggesting that the commission would function independently, serving as a referee in cases of egregious misinformation rather than handling routine campaign finance issues.

Following the public hearing on House Bill 2870, the committee moved on to discuss House Bill 3954, continuing the agenda with additional public hearings and work sessions on various legislative matters. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the proposed commission and its potential impact on Oregon's political landscape.