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AG Frey Joins Coalition Condemning DOJ Coercion Against Minnesota

Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in condemning the Department of Justice's use of armed federal agents to coerce Minnesota officials into turning over protected resident data including Medicaid, SNAP, and voter information. The coalition, led by New York AG Letitia James, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on January 29, 2026, asserting the demands intrude on state sovereignty and conflict with ongoing court-ordered protections. The attorneys general warned they will continue to defend state sovereignty and resident rights against unlawful federal interference.

HB4134 Increases State Transient Lodging Tax for Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed HB4134 into law on April 9, 2026, increasing the state transient lodging tax on short-term accommodations. The Act renames the Oregon Conservation Strategy Subaccount to the Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund Subaccount and prescribes how tax revenue attributable to the increase must be distributed. The tax increase applies to transient lodging charges occurring on or after January 1, 2027, with the Act taking effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die of the 2026 legislative session.

Secretary McMahon Tours Oregon Aviation Programs

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Oregon on April 20, 2026, as part of her Returning Education to the States Tour covering all 50 states. At Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Secretary McMahon toured helicopter and airplane facilities and met with campus leadership to discuss aviation training programs and regional workforce needs. She also visited Crook County High School and Crooked River Elementary to observe career-pathway programming. The tour aims to compile best practices from successful workforce training models to distribute to states. This is a press release announcing an informational tour; no regulatory obligations, compliance deadlines, or penalties are created.

PacifiCorp Residential Rates Rise $4.29 Monthly

The Oregon Public Utility Commission has approved rate adjustments for PacifiCorp residential customers effective April 1, 2026. The combined effect of the 2024 power cost adjustment and other routine filings is expected to increase the typical residential customer's monthly bill by about $4.29, or 2.9%. Residential rate changes were delayed until April 1 under House Bill (HB) 3179, the FAIR Act, which prevents residential rate increases during the winter heating season (Nov. 1-March 31).

AG Brown Leads 22-State Coalition Securing Federal Court Order Blocking Healthcare Threats

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, alongside the Attorneys General of Oregon and New York, led a coalition of 22 states that secured a federal court order permanently blocking an attempt by the Trump administration to threaten healthcare providers for treating youth with gender dysphoria. The court issued its opinion and judgment on April 20, 2026, resulting in a permanent injunction against the federal action. Healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care to youth in the 22 participating states may continue operations without federal coercion, though similar legal challenges may continue in other jurisdictions.

Federal Court Vacates Kennedy Declaration on Transgender Healthcare

On April 18, 2026, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon granted summary judgment for 22 Plaintiff States and vacated the Kennedy Declaration in its entirety. The court held that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. lacked authority to unilaterally declare transgender healthcare for minors unsafe and to threaten providers with exclusion from all federal healthcare programs. The court permanently enjoined HHS and OIG from implementing the Kennedy Declaration or any materially similar policy against any provider in the Plaintiff States.

I-95 Ramp Closures at Front Street Through May 21, South Philadelphia

PennDOT announced that two I-95 ramps at Front Street in South Philadelphia will be closed 24/7 through approximately Thursday, May 21, 2026, as part of a $56.1 million high-priority bridge and ramp repair project. The ramp from Front Street to northbound I-95 and the ramp from southbound I-95 to Front Street will both be affected, with PennDOT coordinating temporary lane reopenings around high-volume events at the Sports Complex. IEW Construction Group, Inc. of Hamilton, N.J., is the general contractor on the project, which is financed with 100 percent federal funds. Motorists are advised to use Oregon Avenue and Columbus Boulevard for northbound I-95 access, and Broad Street (Route 611) and Packer Avenue for Front Street access from southbound I-95.

Oregon SBA Drought Disaster Loans Deadline May 22

The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Oregon of the May 22, 2026 deadline to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning July 29, 2025. Eligible applicants may receive loans of up to $2 million at interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits, with terms up to 30 years. The disaster declaration covers nine Oregon counties and two Washington counties. A 60-day grace period applies after the application deadline.

Explore BLM Public Lands, Recreation Opportunities Across America

The Bureau of Land Management maintains a public-facing webpage listing recreation opportunities across its managed lands in 21 states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The site allows visitors to search by location, activity type, and keyword, with activities ranging from hiking and camping to rockhounding, wildlife viewing, and off-highway vehicle use. The BLM provides this portal to enable individuals and communities to achieve desired social, economic, and environmental outcomes through public land access.

MARAD Awards $13.28M Across 11 U.S. Marine Highway Projects in Seven States

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration invested $13,280,351 in 11 marine highway projects across seven states through the U.S. Marine Highway Program. The funding supports public and private partners in developing supply chains on marine highway routes, including waste transportation in Oregon and barge dock improvements in Pennsylvania. Recipients must comply with and implement all requirements of the 'Buy America, Build America' provisions under the Trump Administration's America First agenda.

Joshua Christopher Kuchenmeister Consent Order Case INS-25-0091

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation posted a new consent order entry for Joshua Christopher Kuchenmeister (Case INS-25-0091) on April 21, 2026, an enforcement action in the insurance sector. The page entry was inserted into the agency's Notices and Orders table alongside other enforcement actions including Allstate Insurance Company, Andrew Mason/Blue Ocean Capital LLC, and Anssi Viljanen/Ironside Claims LLC.

Virtual Measles Briefing, Oregon, 1 p.m. April 17

Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University physicians will provide an update on measles during a virtual media briefing at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Speakers include Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA's Public Health Division, and Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU's Doernbecher Children's Hospital. They will discuss latest measles data, recent OHA advisories on exposure locations, work with local public health authorities on case investigations, and wastewater surveillance data.

Renewal, Growth of Spring a Great Time to 'Rethink the Drink'

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on April 16, 2026, issued a public awareness announcement recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month in April, encouraging Oregonians to reflect on the role alcohol plays in their daily lives. The announcement highlights that more than one in five Oregonians drink excessively, contributing to approximately 3,000 alcohol-related deaths each year. OHA directs residents to its Rethink the Drink initiative for resources on healthier drinking habits.

Virtual Measles Briefing With OHA, OHSU Physicians, April 17

Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University physicians will host a virtual media briefing on measles at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Speakers include Dean Sidelinger, M.D., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA's Public Health Division, and Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU's Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Reporters can join via Zoom while a public livestream will be available via YouTube.

Board of Sign Language Interpreters Meeting April 20, 2026

The Oregon Health Authority's Board of Sign Language Interpreters has scheduled a public meeting for Monday, April 20, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. The notice warns that the meeting may be canceled if one or more new SLI Board members are not appointed before the meeting date, or if the requisite number of sign language interpreters have not confirmed availability and attendance within 48 hours of the meeting. Information on public attendance is available through the HLO Public Meetings page.

Direct Entry Midwifery Legend Drugs and Devices Proposed Rules Comments Due April 30

The Oregon Health Authority Health Licensing Office and Board of Direct Entry Midwifery have filed proposed administrative rules governing legend drugs and devices for direct entry midwives. The proposed rules require applicants to pass a written examination plus three skills examinations covering injection administration, intravenous therapy, and suturing before licensure. Currently licensed direct entry midwives must retake both the written and skills assessment examinations every three years for license renewal. Comments will be accepted through April 30 2026 at noon with a public hearing scheduled for April 29 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon. Permanent rules are scheduled to become effective July 1 2026.

Nebraska Public Power District v. Hogan - Motion to Intervene Granted

On April 8, 2026, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado granted Nebraska Public Power District's Motion to Intervene under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 24(a)(2), finding all four requirements for intervention as a matter of right were satisfied. The case was initiated on March 3, 2026, when petitioners including Oregon-California Trails Association, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and others filed a Petition for Review challenging the permit held by the District. Respondents took no position on the motion, and petitioners did not oppose it.

Oregon HB 4116 Bans Out-of-State Banks From Exceeding 36% Interest Rate on Consumer Loans

Oregon HB 4116 was signed by Governor Tina Kotek on April 7, 2026, prohibiting out-of-state FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks from making consumer finance loans of $50,000 or less to Oregon borrowers using interest rates exceeding Oregon's 36% cap. The law takes effect June 5, 2026, and applies to anyone originating, brokering, or facilitating consumer loans to Oregon residents by mail, telephone, or the Internet. Oregon becomes the fourth jurisdiction to opt out of DIDMCA, following Puerto Rico, Iowa, and Colorado, though national banks remain unaffected.

Juan Serratos Named Director of Paid Leave Oregon

The Oregon Employment Department has named Juan Serratos as the new Director of Paid Leave Oregon, effective immediately. Serratos previously served as acting director since July 2025 and joined the program as deputy director in January 2022. In 2025, the program served 103,000 people and their families and paid out more than $783 million in benefits.

AG Brown Wins Lawsuit Protecting Gender-Affirming Care

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a coalition of 22 states secured a federal court order blocking an HHS declaration that certain forms of gender-affirming care are unsafe and ineffective. The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon granted the plaintiff states' summary judgment motion, agreeing that Secretary Kennedy lacked legal authority and that HHS's actions were arbitrary and capricious. The ruling protects healthcare providers from threats of exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs simply for providing care to transgender adolescents.

Oregon OSHA Requires 811 Contact Before Excavation Projects

In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, Oregon OSHA, the Oregon Utility Notification Center, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission issued a joint media release reminding employers of existing excavation safety requirements. Oregon law requires employers to notify OUNC at least two working days before starting excavations, estimate the location of underground utilities, and protect or support underground installations while excavations are open. Nationally, an estimated 196,977 instances of damage occurred in 2024, with 17 percent caused by failing to contact 811 before digging.

Lane County Oregon Youth Conservation Services Grant, $20k-$175k, Closes May 21

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Portland District has posted a cooperative agreement opportunity for land stewardship and restoration services on USACE-managed lands in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. The program targets Lane County youth with active cases through the Department of Juvenile Justice, with recipients earning restitution, community service hours, high school credit, GED progress, and vocational training. Award amounts range from $20,000 to $175,000, with $155,000 in total program funding available; applications close May 21, 2026.

USTP Obtains $196,527 Judgment Against National Consumer Bankruptcy Firm for Code Violations

The U.S. Trustee Program obtained a judgment on March 17, 2026, from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon against Recovery Law Group APC (RLG), its owner Nicholas Wajda, and partner Grover Peters III. The firm must refund $196,527 in legal fees to dozens of clients, including fees paid by 98 Oregon clients for whom no bankruptcy case was filed. The judgment also bars RLG, Wajda, and Peters from advertising legal services or filing bankruptcy cases in the District of Oregon for 18 months. This marks the USTP's third enforcement action against RLG in approximately one year, following sanctions in Virginia and Michigan.

Attorney General Davenport Sues EPA Over Mercury Emissions Standards Repeal

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport joined a coalition of 18 states in filing a lawsuit challenging the EPA's repeal of standards limiting mercury and toxic pollutants from power plants. The states argue the repeal is unlawful because the EPA failed to provide a reasoned basis and did not adequately consider developments in pollution control technologies. The coalition is asking the court to determine the rule is unlawful and must be reversed.

AG Rayfield Vows to Defend Reproductive Health Equity Act After Court Ruling

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced plans to appeal a federal court ruling that found the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) cannot be applied to Oregon Right to Life, finding it violates the organization's religious freedom rights under the First Amendment. The ruling was issued by a federal judge on April 14, 2026. AG Rayfield stated the state's office will use every tool available to defend access to abortion and RHEA, including appealing the decision, while noting the impact appears limited to one organization's specific religious exemption claim.

Ruben Ledesma Hudson Securities Violations $250k Restitution Default Order

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation entered a Default Order against Ruben Ledesma Hudson and The Advancement Group Investment Fund LLC for securities violations including misrepresentations to Oregon consumer KB about fabricated investment projects totaling over $2.5 billion. Hudson solicited KB for a $250,000 investment in September 2023 with false promises of returns from projects including a chartered aircraft purchase, bank acquisitions, munitions manufacturing, and organic baby formula production. The Order assesses $250,000 in restitution plus civil penalties and bars Hudson from future securities activities in Oregon.

Trump Policy Challenges Courthouse Immigration Arrest Precedent

This ABA Legal News article examines the Trump administration's January 2025 directives facilitating civil immigration arrests in state courthouses by administrative warrant, departing from nearly 250 years of common-law precedent protecting courthouse grounds from such civil arrests. The article describes judicial pushback including federal court injunctions in New York and California, state legislation in multiple jurisdictions, and Oregon state court procedural rules limiting civil arrests in court facilities effective November 2019.

Marcus Sanfratello Sentenced to 20 Years for 1983 Homicide of Teresa Peroni

Marcus Sanfratello, 73, was sentenced to 20 years in Oregon prison for the 1983 homicide of Teresa Peroni after pleading guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree in Josephine County Circuit Court. The case went unsolved for more than 43 years before modern DNA evidence and witness re-interviews led to his 2025 indictment and extradition from California. Under the plea agreement, Sanfratello will serve a minimum of 10 years.

Oregon OSHA Adopts Comprehensive Amendments to Agricultural Labor Housing Rules

Oregon OSHA has adopted comprehensive amendments to its rules for agricultural labor housing and related facilities, effective March 31, 2025. These changes update specifications for manufactured dwellings and clarify the scope of application for labor contractors and housing operators.

Jack Kinsey 60-Day Suspension - Oregon Ethics Violations

The Oregon Supreme Court approved a stipulation for discipline suspending attorney Jack Kinsey for 60 days, effective April 13, 2026. The suspension stems from violations of six Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct including neglect, failure to communicate with clients, and dishonesty in client matters.

States Challenge EPA Rollback of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

Minnesota Attorney General Ellison co-led a coalition of 21 states and local governments in filing a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's repeal of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule, which had tightened emission limits on mercury, arsenic, lead, and other hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants. The coalition argues the repeal is unlawful because EPA failed to provide a reasoned basis and did not adequately consider advances in pollution control technologies, while continuing to give lignite coal plants a free pass from emissions standards. The action seeks judicial reversal of the rollback, which the states contend will increase dangerous emissions and harm public health and the environment.

AG Rayfield, 20 States Sue Over Mercury Pollution Rule Rollback

Attorney General Dan Rayfield and 20 other states and local governments filed a lawsuit on March 31, 2026 challenging the Trump administration's rollback of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule. The MATS Rule limits emissions of mercury, arsenic, lead, acid gases, and other toxic pollutants from coal and oil-fired power plants. The coalition argues the administration failed to provide a reasoned basis for the rollback and did not adequately consider developments in pollution control technologies. The lawsuit seeks a court determination that the rule reversal is unlawful and must be reversed. Mercury emissions from power plants contaminate waterways including the Columbia River and pose neurodevelopmental risks to pregnant women and children.

New Laws Restrict AI for Minors, Add Privacy Rights

Washington state has enacted a new law, effective January 1, 2027, that imposes restrictions on the use of AI for minors and introduces new privacy rights. The law defines 'companion chatbots' broadly and may impact companies using conversational AI for customer engagement, requiring compliance with governance mechanisms, design elements, and potentially facing private rights of action.

Oregon AG Files Contempt Motion Against NW Metals Owner

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a contempt motion in Multnomah County Circuit Court on April 6, 2026, seeking a contempt hearing for Moyata "Mo" Anotta, President of NW Metals Inc., for alleged violations of a 2021 permanent court injunction requiring the company to comply with Oregon's air quality, solid waste, and water quality laws. The contempt hearing has been set for April 29, 2026. If found in contempt, the state may seek monetary penalties, attorney fees, and court-ordered supervision of the facility. The DEQ had previously issued a $357,461 civil penalty to NW Metals for operating without required air, solid waste, and stormwater permits at its current N Commercial Avenue location and for illegal solid waste disposal at its former N Columbia Boulevard site.