On Monday, the Oregon Legislature convened in Special Session to address a number of bills and explore the feasibility of annual sessions. I spent most of Monday and Wednesday in Salem to check on bills that involve cycling and meet with legislators and other lobbyists (by definition, I am a lobbyist… don’t hate me). My goal for the month-long session is to introduce myself and chat with every member of the legislature. While I know a lot of them already from my previous life as an elected official, it is always good to reconnect.
There is only one bill, HB 3623, that deals directly with bicycling. It is a reintroduction of a bill submitted in the ’07 session by Rep. Krummel (R-Wilsonville) directing the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain memorial roadside signs for pedestrians or bicyclists killed in motor vehicle accidents under certain circumstances. It requires an application by an immediate family member and payment of a fee. This bill suffered some political hiccups in the ‘07 session but should sail through this time.
The BTA is also interested in HB 3610 sponsored by the Committee on Elections, Ethics and Rules at the request of the House Interim Committee on Energy and the Environment. This bill is being spearheaded by Rep. Dingfelder (D-Portland). It requires certain state agencies to report greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to the Oregon Global Warming Commission. This bill will make agencies like the Department of Transportation consider greenhouse gas emissions in the conduct of their business. This is a good bill and worthy of passage.
I’ll be heading down to the capital several times a week this month to accomplish my above stated goal. The few meetings I’ve had have been encouraging. Both D’s and R’s are aware of cycling’s importance and many are supportive of our work. I’ll keep you informed of how things go.
