Table of Contents
Notice of Court Closures
The case management systems for the circuit courts and tax court will be offline from 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 4, to 8:00 a.m. Monday, October 7, to allow for upgrade installation. It is highly recommended that attorneys who have hearings on October 7, 8, or 9 submit all documents by Wednesday, October 2, to ensure that the court has timely access. The above-mentioned courts will also limit the types of hearings scheduled on October 7. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Sam DuPree at the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) at [email protected].
Additionally, the OJD will conduct a major update to the Odyssey Court Management System in October. To ensure a smooth transition, Chief Justice Meagan Flynn has issued CJO 24-015. This order closes all OJD courts on Tuesday, October 8, and extends the statutory time limit for filings pursuant to ORS 174.120(2)(c).
More information is available here.
Revenue Forecast
Oregon’s latest revenue forecast anticipates a personal income tax “kicker” of $987 million. Under Oregon’s unique kicker law, when income tax revenue exceeds the budget by 2 percent or more, the surplus is returned to taxpayers. Meanwhile, legislators expect $676 million more to be available for the 2025–2027 budget cycle. However, economists have urged caution, advising the state to consider liabilities against revenue expectations. Governor Kotek has also urged state agencies to be cautious when crafting their budgets, suggesting they limit increases to 1 to 2 percent and focus on core responsibilities, considering uncertainties like inflation and employment trends.
Legislative Days
The Oregon State Legislature held “Legislative Days” this week. This was an opportunity for invited testimony forecasting bills that are likely to be focused on during the upcoming 2025 legislative session. The Emergency Board also met to vote on urgent budget asks. The Unrepresented Crisis and the Oregon Public Defense Commission were notable topics in both the Joint Judiciary Committee and Emergency Board. Unfortunately, the number of unrepresented individuals has continued to rise. Much discussion also focused on the commission preparing for its transition to the executive branch, which is effective January 1, 2025. The Judiciary hearings included updates regarding the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Program, established by SB 1584 (2022), and from workgroups on topics such as the Uniform Parentage Act and civil commitments.
Celebrate Oregon Lawyers
Mark your calendars for the Celebrate Oregon Lawyers event on October 23, where the outstanding work of lawyers across the state will be recognized. Held at the Sentinel Hotel from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., this event will honor the Oregon State Bar Award winners, celebrate the Pro Bono Challenge recipients, and recognize the 50-year members of the bar. It’s a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and acknowledge excellence in the legal profession. Reservations can be made online, and any questions can be directed to Cathy Petrecca at [email protected].
Oregon State Bar Legislation Highlights
Each year, the bar produces a book detailing many of the more significant bills passed by the legislature during the recently completed session. Bill summaries are arranged by topic, allowing lawyers to easily review those that may be relevant to their practice. Summaries are authored by volunteer attorneys who are experienced in the area of law on which they are writing, and often include useful practice tips for lawyers who are working with the new laws. Legislation Highlights is available free online for bar members through BarBooks. Editions from previous years are also available and can be an invaluable tool for a lawyer researching past legislation. If you have any questions or need more information about the 2024 Legislation Highlights, please contact OSB Public Affairs.
Welcome to the new Public Affairs Legislative Attorney!
The Oregon State Bar is thrilled to welcome its newest addition to the Public Affairs Department, Avery Pickard!
Avery Pickard is excited to join the bar as its new Legislative Attorney. In recent years she has worked in government relations in the areas of economic development and small business. She is an alum of Lewis & Clark Law School and Rice University in Houston. In her spare time, Avery likes to read, hike, and see local bands.
Archives
Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.
2024 Oregon State Bar Officers and Public Affairs Chair
David Rosen, President, Oregon State Bar
Myah Kehoe, President Elect, Oregon State Bar
Lee Ann Donaldson, Immediate Past President, Oregon State Bar
Curtis Peterson, Chair, Public Affairs Committee, Oregon State Bar Board of Governors
For questions about articles, legislation, or the legislative process, please contact:
Susan Grabe, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer
Dominique Rossi, Director of Public Affairs