The Joint Committee on Ways and Means convened on June 18, 2025, to discuss several significant legislative measures impacting Oregon residents, particularly in the areas of utility assistance and housing finance.

The meeting commenced with a work session on House Bill 3148, which aims to expand the Oregon Lifeline Plan. This bill introduces a one-time benefit of $100 for eligible low-income customers to purchase internet-enabled computing devices, such as desktops, laptops, or tablets. Additionally, the bill removes the sunset date of January 1, 2030, for the Lifeline Plan. Funding for this initiative will be sourced from a monthly surcharge of up to 35 cents applied to retail subscribers of telephone and internet services. The committee recommended an amendment to increase the Public Utility Commission's expenditure limit by $2 million to facilitate this program, along with provisions for a permanent full-time position to oversee the implementation and auditing of the Lifeline Plan. The motion to pass the bill as amended was approved without objection.

Following this, the committee turned its attention to House Bill 3792, which focuses on consumer protection for utility rate payers. This bill proposes to double the annual minimum amount collected by electric companies for low-income electric bill payment and crisis assistance from $20 million to $40 million. The funds will be allocated for bill payment assistance and crisis relief, managed by the Housing and Community Services Department. The Public Utility Commission will also be tasked with setting rates to meet this increased threshold, with any excess collections above 2.5% needing to be reported to the legislature. The committee recommended passing this bill as amended, which also passed without objection.

The next item on the agenda was Senate Bill 48, which modifies the housing finance revolving loan fund program. This bill allows local governments to use general revenue or other acceptable sources to repay loans from the fund, thereby enhancing financing options for urban renewal areas. It also updates definitions and procedures for land use and housing development, ensuring that developers can adhere to regulations in effect at the time of their application. The fiscal impact on local governments is expected to be minimal, and the committee recommended passing this bill as well.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on Senate Bill 95, which relates to judicial positions, although detailed discussions on this bill were not captured in the transcript.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to enhancing support for low-income residents through utility assistance and improving housing finance mechanisms, with all discussed bills moving forward for further legislative action.