AGP Executive Report

Oregon Tobacco Crackdown: Oregon expands its definition of tobacco products starting June 5, bringing nicotine pouches, gum, and lozenges under the same 21+ rules as cigarettes and vapes, aiming to curb youth addiction. Behavioral Health Funding Overhaul: Gov. Tina Kotek and the Oregon Health Authority say all 36 counties have signed updated County Financial Assistance Agreements, setting clearer expectations and accountability for mental health and addiction services. Drug Enforcement Reality Check: A new analysis challenges the “failed experiment” narrative around Oregon’s drug decriminalization, arguing the overdose story is more complicated than headlines suggest. Human Trafficking Prosecution Strain: Portland-area district attorneys say illicit massage business cases are hard to shut down because legal burdens, witness fear, and the ability to relocate keep storefronts popping back up. Health Insurance Shakeup: Providence plans to cut much of its insurance business, putting more than 100,000 Marion and Polk residents at risk of losing coverage by next year. Federal Courts & Voting Rights: A Cheyenne attorney’s voter-registration complaint heads to the Wyoming Supreme Court, seeking a mandamus order tied to alleged election-record sharing with DOJ. Climate Data Loss: Scientists warn the U.S. is dismantling major ocean monitoring sensors, threatening long-term climate and ocean ecosystem tracking—data that includes off Oregon’s coast.

Court Conflict in Wildfire Case: Oregon Court of Appeals Judge Anna Joyce is facing a push to be disqualified after plaintiffs argue her prior work for PacifiCorp makes her rulings unfair, raising fresh questions about judicial impartiality. Ballot Access & Tax Fight: An Oregon GOP-led referendum effort to let voters reinstate certain state tax breaks failed to qualify for the November ballot, a setback for anti-tax organizers. Tobacco Regulation: Oregon expands its tobacco law starting June 5 to cover nicotine pouches and other nicotine products, aiming to curb youth access. Coastal Industry Pressure: Coastal lawmakers are urging DEQ to pause or reconsider $3.2 million in wastewater fines against Pacific Seafood while the company appeals. Animal Rights Initiative: Initiative Petition 28, backed by animal rights activists, has moved closer to the ballot and would narrow exemptions for hunting, fishing, farming, and other animal-related practices. Public Safety & Local Government: Gresham promotes a 30-year veteran to assistant chief as the city reshapes senior command.

Transportation & Tax Policy: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek tapped Chris Warner as interim ODOT director, underscoring how the state’s road-funding squeeze is colliding with voters’ rejection of gas-tax hikes. Federal Power & Local Impact: Republicans in Congress are advancing a national vehicle tax that would push states to collect fees for EVs and plug-in hybrids—raising the stakes for Oregon’s transportation budget planning. Climate Science Under Pressure: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle a $368 million ocean monitoring system, with scientists warning it will create long-term data gaps off the Oregon coast. Public Health: Oregon’s kindergarten vaccine rate hit a “new low” at 90.2%, driven by record non-medical exemptions, including concerns in Clatsop County. Elections & Governance: Salem city officials are refusing to settle efforts to disqualify City Council candidate Betsy Vega, leaving a tight Ward 6 race unresolved. Wildfire Preparedness: Tri-county Portland-area emergency managers rolled out new evacuation mapping tools to speed routes out during fast-moving fire conditions. Legal/Justice: A federal case links an Oregon teen tied to Sweet Home to Ohio school “swatting” calls, with up to 10 years at stake. Education & Workforce: Universities nationwide are announcing layoffs and hiring freezes as enrollment and funding pressures mount.

Oregon ICE License Plates Fight: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon DMV to stop issuing undercover plates to ICE, saying ICE agents have repeatedly violated law and damaged public trust; the move follows a Trump administration lawsuit challenging Oregon’s refusal and comes amid a broader DOJ push against states over confidential plate access. Transportation Funding Pressure: After Oregon voters rejected a gas and payroll tax plan for roads, Gov. Kotek’s transportation workgroup met and leaned toward fixing messaging and public perception rather than solving the math, as ODOT’s funding crisis persists. ODOT Road Access for Cyclists: ODOT again warned cyclists not to use Highway 242’s snow gate during the closure period, citing ongoing debris-clearing work and liability concerns. Local Growth Planning: Sisters’ Urban Growth Boundary expansion review was delayed, with Deschutes County planners extending deliberations and keeping the record open for public comment. Crater Lake Newt Protection: A settlement could put the Crater Lake newt on the federal endangered list by October after a three-year legal fight. Regional Fisheries Oversight: NMFS addressed “bio-dry” and fishmeal rules at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Vancouver, Washington. Business/Industry Watch: Oregon Seed Association’s Seed Labeling Database has expanded to cover federal and state requirements across all 50 states and international markets.

Immigration Enforcement Clash: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon to stop issuing undercover license plates to ICE, escalating a fight after the DOJ sued the state over the mid-April pause; Kotek says masked ICE agents have “terrorized” communities and the state will follow sanctuary-law limits. Federal Courts & Public Safety: A judge restricted Oregon State Hospital admissions for people charged with certain misdemeanors and low-level felonies, tightening competency-restoration timelines after Oregon was held in contempt and fined. State Law Pushback on Federal Overreach: New Oregon laws take effect June 5, including minimum-wage protections for homecare and domestic workers, limits on data sharing with data brokers tied to immigration enforcement, and added safeguards around minors’ work and anti-profiling rules. Portland Policing Transparency: Portland City Council adopted the “Right to Know Who’s Policing You” ordinance, requiring visible officer identification and limiting facial coverings except for undercover or safety exceptions. Local Politics & Ballot Math: Oregon Republicans face signature trouble on a “No Tax Clawback” initiative aimed at restoring blocked tax breaks before the June 4 deadline. Public Health & Housing: Lane County begins gathering input on a potential 2027 public safety fee in unincorporated areas, as local funding debates continue. Wildlife Milestone: A California condor flew into Oregon for the first time since 1904, reaching near Medford after a 380-mile journey.

Immigration Enforcement & State Power: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon DMV to stop issuing undercover license plates to ICE, citing repeated alleged violations of state and federal law and arguing the move is needed to protect community trust and public safety. Public Safety: A domestic disturbance in Sandy escalated into a gunfight and hours-long standoff; multiple people were killed and one officer was wounded, with the suspect later taken into custody. Consumer Protection & Energy Policy: A new argument says access to real-time electricity data should be a basic consumer right as prices rise and households are asked to manage usage without the tools to do it. Education & Student Debt: A coalition of Democratic-led jurisdictions sued the U.S. Education Department over a policy that would cap federal borrowing for “professional” degrees. Elections & Trust: Judicial Watch highlighted alleged “ghost voter” problems in California ahead of the June 2 primary, filing a federal lawsuit over inactive registrations. Budget Watch: Oregon property tax revenue fell sharply in the latest quarter, down 50% from the prior quarter, while overall tax collections rose. Veterans Outreach: Oregon’s Veterans’ Affairs advisory committee launched a statewide survey to better capture women veterans’ needs and priorities.

Oregon Ballot Watch: Initiative Petition 28 (the PEACE Act) is pushing to ban hunting, fishing, and livestock farming in Oregon, with campaign claims of 126,115 signatures—above the 117,000 needed to qualify. Public Health: Oregon Health Authority data shows a record 10.9% of kindergarteners entered school without required vaccines on nonmedical grounds, raising measles outbreak concerns. Corrections & Parole: On a split vote, the Oregon Parole Board denied release of Adam Thomas, the last of the “Redmond 5,” keeping him in prison. Education Budget Cuts: Eugene’s 4J district approved its 2026-27 budget, ending South Eugene High’s Integrated Outdoor Program after layoffs. Wildlife & Infrastructure: Oregon is rolling out a dedicated “1.25% for Wildlife” hotel tax revenue stream starting June 5 to fund wildlife crossings. Federal-State Clash: DOJ sued Oregon and other states over refusing confidential license plates for ICE/DHS undercover operations. Local Governance: Lane County scheduled Deadwood Covered Bridge closures for painting, with detours during weekday daytime work. Violence: Sandy police reported multiple deaths and a seriously wounded officer after a domestic disturbance call turned into a shooting.

Oregon Ballot Fight Over Hunting/Fishing: A proposed Oregon initiative, IP-28, is moving closer to the November ballot and would effectively ban killing or injuring animals—raising alarms from ranchers, farmers, and meat producers that it could end hunting, fishing, and parts of livestock operations. Federal Immigration License Plate Lawsuit: The DOJ sued Oregon (along with Maine, Washington, and Massachusetts) over state policies refusing confidential license plates for federal immigration enforcement, arguing the approach is unconstitutional and discriminatory. Oregon Flood Funding Appeal: Gov. Tina Kotek appealed FEMA’s partial denial of hazard mitigation funding after December floods, saying the agency offered no explanation and warning communities could stay stuck in a damage-and-recovery cycle. Salem Homeless Shelter Safety After 2025 Attack: Salem continues to grapple with the June 2025 Union Gospel Mission stabbing that injured 12 people, prompting new security measures and the city’s “Safe, Clean, Healthy Salem” initiative. Counselor Discipline Reconsidered: Oregon’s counseling board withdrew discipline against Beaverton therapist Frank Canepa after a First Amendment challenge, with the punishment to be reconsidered. Workplace Rules Coming in June: New state employment laws taking effect in June include changes affecting Illinois, Oregon, and Washington, expanding worker protections and adding compliance duties for employers. Local Governance/Environment: Oregon’s new permit requirement for nonmotorized watercraft (HB 2982) is drawing pushback, with activists seeking a November repeal initiative. Elections Logistics (Lane County): Lane County says election results will be posted starting at 8 p.m. on Election Day, with mail-ballot deadlines and a June 25 certification date. Regional/Tribal Fisheries: Quinault officials met with federal, state, and tribal leaders to discuss expanding their fishery boundary, a move that could spark a major legal fight with other tribes. Media Watch: KLCC won two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, including Overall Excellence, for reporting tied to Oregon education, infrastructure, and conservation.

Federal-State Clash Over Undercover Plates: The U.S. Justice Department sued Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts and Maine after they paused issuing confidential undercover license plates to federal agencies, arguing the policies violate the Supremacy Clause and could endanger federal officers. State Health Policy: Gov. Tina Kotek is leading a multi-state pushback against a Trump Medicaid mandate, warning federal guidance is unclear and states risk losing coverage due to rushed system changes. Local Crisis Response: Salem and Marion County launched a REACH team to handle mental health and substance-use calls with on-scene behavioral health support instead of jail or hospital, with a budget decision looming. Public Safety: A motorcyclist led a nearly hourlong, multi-county chase across I-84 and I-5 before being arrested in Polk County. Housing & Budgets: Baker City officials warned rising PERS and health insurance costs could squeeze future budgets, especially for police and fire. Community & Services: MayDay in Baker County will resume domestic violence and sexual assault services June 1 after a March pause. Transportation: Amtrak’s new Cascades train arrived in Seattle for testing, with Oregon officials saying a public viewing opportunity may come before service begins this fall.

DOJ vs. Oregon on ICE plates: The Trump Justice Department sued Oregon, Maine, Massachusetts and Washington over policies blocking confidential undercover license plates for ICE and other federal agents, arguing the rules are unconstitutional and endanger agents while states say they’re trying to protect public safety. Portland faces federal-law fight: A separate report says Portland adopted a face-covering and clear-ID policy for law enforcement that critics argue targets federal officers and clashes with federal authority. Military targeted via location data: A Pentagon letter to Sen. Ron Wyden says commercial location data has been used to track and target U.S. service members, raising new pressure for safeguards. Energy crunch warning: A regional utility study warns the Pacific Northwest could face growing electricity shortages and blackouts without faster clean-energy timelines, more transmission, or temporary backup power. Local environment enforcement: DEQ fined a Prineville property owner $10,709 for unpermitted waste-tire storage after repeated warnings. Public health & safety: Portland and Plaid Pantry are distributing 5,000 free helmets for safer summer riding. Eastern Oregon community support: Welding students in Pendleton helped build a sunflower installation for Cason’s Place, a grief-support nonprofit.

Federal-State Clash Over Immigration Enforcement: The Trump administration sued Oregon, Washington, Maine, and Massachusetts over their refusal to issue undercover license plates to DHS/ICE, arguing the policies violate the Constitution’s supremacy clause and hamper federal enforcement. Homelessness Oversight: HUD opened an investigation into Multnomah County’s race-based homelessness programs, saying the points and “culturally specific” housing approach may violate the Fair Housing Act. Medicaid Fight: Gov. Tina Kotek joined a multi-state pushback against a chaotic federal Medicaid mandate, warning that states lack clear guidance and time to update eligibility and technology systems. Public Health & Schools: Oregon reported a record low compliance rate for kindergarten vaccine requirements, with nonmedical exemptions rising to 10.9%. Tribal & Natural Resources: Federal and tribal officials are set to meet on the Quinault push to expand fishery boundaries, drawing pushback from the Chinook. Local Government Watch: Lane County begins its outdoor burn ban May 31, with fines up to $1,000. Privacy & Data: Connecticut joined Oregon and other states in banning the sale of precise geolocation data.

DOJ vs. Oregon on immigration enforcement: The Trump administration sued Oregon (along with Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington) over the states’ refusal or limits on issuing undercover license plates to DHS/ICE and other federal immigration agents, arguing the policies are unconstitutional and endanger undercover operations—Oregon officials say the order is unlawful and that the state is defending Oregonians’ voting rights and rule of law. Elections fight in Oregon: Oregon’s AG Dan Rayfield and Secretary of State Tobias Read pushed back after a federal judge declined to block Trump’s mail-in voting executive order, saying Oregon will keep litigating. Waterways ballot push: A paddling group is seeking to repeal Oregon’s new waterway access permit requirement for non-motorized boats, arguing it restricts free access to waterways; it says it has 20,000 signatures and needs 120,000+ by July 2. Public safety and accountability: Oregon Police closed a faculty-student misconduct investigation at Oregon High School with no arrests or charges, but says more prompt district reporting is needed. Tribal development: Gov. Kotek joined the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for the groundbreaking of tumwata village near Willamette Falls, a major restoration and development milestone. National security and surveillance: A Reuters report, citing a letter from Sen. Ron Wyden, says U.S. forces in war zones have been targeted using commercial location data.

Election & Voting Rights: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield says a federal judge’s refusal to block Trump’s mail-voting executive order doesn’t end Oregon’s lawsuit, keeping pressure on proposed USPS rules and “participation” lists. Immigration Enforcement Clash: The DOJ sued Oregon and three other states over refusing confidential/undercover license plates for ICE, arguing the policies are unconstitutional and endanger officers; Oregon is named alongside Maine, Massachusetts and Washington. Ballot Measure Watch: The “PEACE Act” (Initiative Petition 28) says it has enough signatures for Oregon’s November ballot, aiming to expand animal cruelty protections and potentially affect hunting and fishing. State Infrastructure: Oregon’s Transportation Commission approved a major Interstate Bridge Replacement funding increase, boosting the STIP total toward $5.7 billion for early bridge projects. Public Safety & Courts: A Central Point raid targeted child sexual abuse material uploaded via Discord; meanwhile, a Romanian man who sold access to Oregon’s emergency network was sentenced to 4+ years. Local Politics: Baker County commission chair candidates raised a combined $22,577 ahead of the November runoff. Sports (Oregon angle): Southern Oregon law enforcement agencies host a May 29 recruitment event in Phoenix.

Portland Policing Transparency: Portland City Council passed the “Right to Know Who’s Policing You” ordinance, barring officers from wearing masks that conceal identity (with limited exceptions) and requiring visible name/badge/agency info during public interactions. Local Elections & Governance: Hermiston voters will decide in November on charter changes, including ward-based council elections and moving ward boundaries out of the charter; Roseburg’s filing period opens June 3 for mayor and four council seats. Ballot Fight Over Hunting/Fishing: Oregon’s IP 28/PEACE Act petition cleared the signature threshold for the November ballot, aiming to criminalize breeding, injuring, or killing animals in ways that would effectively upend hunting and fishing unless narrow exceptions apply. SNAP Administrative Shift: Starting June 1, Oregonians applying for or renewing federal SNAP benefits must complete state interviews again, ending pandemic-era interview waivers. Public Safety & Courts: A Central Point home was searched after investigators found child sexual abuse material uploaded to Discord. Energy/Environment & Disaster: Washington’s Longview paper mill tank rupture has turned from rescue to recovery, with officials confirming at least two deaths and nine missing presumed dead. Housing: Wilsonville opened Vuela, an affordable transit-oriented development at the transit center with 121 units and community services.

Salem Public Safety: Salem Police arrested a juvenile after a May 20 downtown shooting that injured a 17-year-old; the suspect turned himself in and faces charges including first-degree assault and unlawful weapon use. City Hall Security: Salem City Council discussed adding security guards, metal detectors, and possibly banning firearms at council meetings after recent tense public sessions; staff estimated metal detectors could cost about $18,000. Public Health & Safety: Astoria officials say barriers have slowed bridge safety upgrades after a recent Astoria Bridge death sparked renewed suicide-prevention debate. Local Crime: Union County Sheriff’s Office arrested a La Grande woman for alleged credit card fraud tied to wallet thefts in early March. Federal Courts & Cybercrime: A Romanian man was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison for selling access to an Oregon state government network and other cyber intrusions. Energy & Cost of Living: A Reuters analysis says Trump’s Jones Act fuel waivers haven’t meaningfully lowered U.S. gas prices, with shipping rates and limited volumes doing most of the damage. Oregon Policy Watch: Oregon’s Commission on Historic Cemeteries and Oregon Heritage Commission will hold online grant meetings May 27 with public comment.

Chemical Safety Crisis: A chemical tank imploded at a Washington pulp and paper mill in Longview, killing at least one person and injuring nine, with nine still missing as hazmat teams search an “extremely dangerous” site. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Over Memorial Day weekend, ICE highlighted arrests of people convicted of murder, child sexual abuse, and kidnapping—while anti-ICE activists and sanctuary politicians protested outside a New Jersey detention facility. Court Fight Over Water Fluoride: A federal appeals panel rejected a San Francisco judge’s order that would have forced the EPA to revisit fluoride limits, saying the judge improperly took over the case. Oregon Recycling Rollout: Hermiston and Boardman will start curbside recycling with new 95-gallon carts delivered in late June and service beginning July 6, with a $8 monthly rate (Hermiston low-income households get a discount). Local Safety & Security: Salem city council is set to discuss adding security screenings at council meetings, including possible metal detectors and decorum rules. Transportation Politics: Rep. John Ley warns Interstate Bridge Replacement tolls could be far higher than forecast.