Oregon Secretary of State Reed updates on House Bill 4024 campaign finance reforms

The House Committee on Rules convened on June 25, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to House Bill 4024, a key piece of legislation aimed at reforming campaign finance in Oregon. The meeting began with the introduction of a dash 5 amendment, which proposes to replace the existing measure and adjust various operative dates and deadlines outlined in Chapter 9 of the Oregon Laws 2024.

The amendment specifically extends the operative dates for several critical components, including campaign contribution limits, disclosure and reporting requirements for independent expenditures, and the investigation of complaints. It also addresses civil penalties and the development of a web-based campaign finance dashboard. Additionally, the amendment extends deadlines for incumbent filing and the Secretary of State's rule development and reporting.

Tobias Reed, the Secretary of State, addressed the committee, emphasizing the importance of House Bill 4024 as one of the most ambitious bipartisan campaign finance reform efforts in Oregon's history. He expressed the commitment of his office to implement the law in a manner that promotes transparency, fairness, and public trust in elections. However, Reed cautioned that without legislative action, the law could inadvertently hinder Oregonians' participation in democracy and erode trust in government, which contradicts the original goals of the bill.

The meeting underscored the urgency of the proposed amendments, which declare an emergency and are effective upon passage. The discussions highlighted the committee's role in ensuring that the implementation of campaign finance reforms aligns with the intended objectives of enhancing democratic participation and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.