Oregon Passes Housing Reform, Senate Overrides Veto

Oregon lawmakers passed House Bill 2138, expanding access to lower-cost housing by allowing more townhomes and triplexes in an effort to address the state's housing shortage. In a separate action, the Oregon Senate overrode Governor Tina Kotek's veto of Senate Bill 875, aiming to strengthen legal rights for foster youth, such as sibling contact and protection of personal belongings. The Senate override, the first in over a decade, reflected bipartisan support and advocacy from legislators like Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin. Despite this, the House of Representatives tabled the foster youth bill, likely ending its chances for the session. Governor Kotek had voiced concerns that the bill could create confusion within child welfare policy, while supporters argued it was necessary for clarifying foster youth rights. These legislative moves underscore ongoing debates over housing and child welfare reform in Oregon.