A significant wave of new Oregon laws is set to take effect, bolstering consumer privacy, enhancing public safety, particularly for minors, and addressing the state’s ongoing housing affordability challenges. Many of these legislative changes are designed to go into effect on September 26, 2025, signaling a proactive approach by the state to improve the daily lives of its residents.
Strengthening Consumer Privacy Protections
Oregon is significantly updating its consumer privacy landscape with several key legislative measures. House Bill 3875, effective September 26, 2025, expands the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act (OCPA) to encompass motor vehicle manufacturers and their affiliates. This law subjects these entities to OCPA privacy obligations concerning personal data collected from a consumer’s use of a vehicle or its components, regardless of the usual threshold requirements.
Further enhancements to privacy, particularly concerning minors and location data, come with House Bill 2008, which becomes operative on January 1, 2026. This bill prohibits businesses from selling the personal data of consumers under 16 years of age, and also bans the sale of precise geolocation data for all Oregonians. Additionally, Senate Bill 1121, effective October 1, 2025, introduces a new criminal offense for the unlawful disclosure of personal information when done with the intent to stalk, injure, or cause damage to another person.
Enhancing Public Safety and Youth Protection in Cannabis
A notable piece of legislation aimed at public safety, especially for children, is House Bill 3724. This bill directs the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) to update its rules on regulating and prohibiting the advertising, packaging, and labeling of marijuana items. Taking effect on January 1, 2026, HB 3724 shifts the focus from prohibiting advertisements merely “attractive to minors” to preventing marketing and packaging that is “likely to cause minors to unlawfully possess or consume” cannabis products. The law mandates the OLCC to establish objective criteria for packaging, which will include prohibiting the use of imagery or characters primarily associated with minors that could encourage underage use. This measure seeks to strike a balance between protecting youth and upholding adult rights in the legal cannabis market.
Bolstering Savings Through Affordable Housing Initiatives
Oregon continues its commitment to addressing the housing crisis with a series of new laws focused on affordability and savings for residents. Several measures, many effective January 1, 2026, aim to expand housing options and support. Senate Bill 1086 seeks to bolster the workforce needed for housing by creating an apprenticeship program for building inspectors. House Bill 3232 simplifies access to property tax exemptions for affordable housing projects by removing restrictions tied to when the housing was built, thereby helping to keep rents lower.
Other housing-related legislation includes Senate Bill 973, which tightens regulations for landlords exiting affordability programs, providing greater tenant protection. House Bill 2134 will allow tenants to terminate leases early without penalty under specific non-renewal notice conditions, while House Bill 3378 mandates landlords provide tangible key access alongside app-based systems. The state is also expanding rental assistance programs under Senate Bill 814 and investing in innovative modular housing development through House Bill 3145. Furthermore, Senate Bill 684 aims to support builders with low-interest loans for projects that include units for lower-income renters, while House Bills 3589 and 3506 focus on incentivizing housing development for older adults and people with disabilities.
Additional Legislative Updates
Beyond privacy and housing, several other laws taking effect on September 26, 2025, will impact Oregonians. Senate Bill 163 grants children conceived from donor sperm, eggs, or embryos the right to access information about their donors, establishing a state registry. House Bill 2563 requires insurance providers to offer clearer explanations for premium increases on renewed homeowner and personal insurance policies.
These comprehensive legislative updates underscore Oregon’s focus on creating a more secure, private, and affordable environment for all its residents. The new laws reflect an ongoing effort to adapt to evolving societal needs and technological advancements, aiming for tangible improvements in public well-being and financial security across the state.
