The Capital Construction Subcommittee of the Oregon Ways and Means Committee on May 16 adopted the -1 amendment to Senate Bill 5,546 and voted to send the amended measure to the full committee with a due-pass recommendation.

The amendment, described in committee materials posted on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS), replaces the original measure and provides 2025–27 budget authority for agencies that do not have a signed budget bill by July 1, 2025. The measure also declares an emergency and takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Committee co-chair moved adoption of the -1 amendment and a roll call was taken to ensure the amendment was recorded. Members recorded as voting “aye” or “yes” in the roll call included Senator Lieber, Senator Frederick, Co-Chair Geraud, Representative Nathanson and Representative Crowe; Senators Wagner and McLean and Representatives Smith and Draisen were recorded as excused. After adoption of the amendment, the subcommittee voted to refer SB 5,546 as amended to the full Ways and Means Committee with a due-pass recommendation.

The continuing resolution language is intended to provide temporary spending authority for state agencies that would otherwise face interruptions if a budget bill is not enacted by the July 1 start of the biennium. The committee recorded the formal motion to move SB 5,546 as amended to the full committee; no public testimony was taken on the amendment during the brief work session.

The procedural action was completed within the subcommittee meeting; the bill will next be considered by the full committee, and committee staff indicated a likely House floor carrier would be Representative Sanchez.

The subcommittee opened and closed a public hearing and work session on SB 5,546 during the meeting on May 16 before adjournment.