SALEM, OR – Oregon residents can anticipate a range of new legislative measures designed to bolster privacy rights, enhance consumer protections, safeguard youth, and strengthen support for veterans, with many laws enacted during the 2025 legislative session becoming effective in the coming months. These new statutes aim to create a more secure, equitable, and affordable environment for all Oregonians.
Enhanced Consumer Privacy in the Digital Age
A significant focus of the new legislation addresses the evolving landscape of data privacy. House Bill 3875, set to take effect around September 26, 2025, introduces robust privacy regulations specifically for the automotive industry. This law mandates that all motor vehicle manufacturers and their affiliates must adhere to Oregon’s existing privacy laws when controlling or processing personal data collected from vehicle usage. This ensures that data such as driving habits, location, and personal preferences are handled with greater transparency. Critically, HB 3875 grants Oregonians the explicit right to request the deletion of their personal data held by automakers, or to opt out of the sale or targeted advertising of such information.
Further strengthening digital privacy, House Bill 2008 amends the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act (OCPA), establishing stricter rules for the processing of minors’ data. Effective January 1, 2026, businesses will be prohibited from selling, using for targeted advertising, or profiling the personal data of consumers under 16 years old, provided the business has actual knowledge of the consumer’s age or willfully disregards it. This bill also prohibits the sale of precise geolocation data for any consumer, regardless of age. Additionally, a new provision, SB 1121, will create the crime of unlawful disclosure of personal information, criminalizing the knowing disclosure of sensitive data like Social Security numbers or photographs of children with intent to stalk, injure, or damage property, without consent. This law also takes effect on January 1, 2026.
Strengthening Financial Well-being and Consumer Protections
Several new laws aim to provide direct financial relief and enhance consumer rights. The FAIR Energy Act (HB 3179) and the POWER Act (HB 3546), along with an expanded Energy Assistance Fund (HB 3792), are designed to stabilize utility costs and assist low-income households. House Bill 3178, effective January 1, 2026, introduces greater fairness to car financing by requiring dealers to either void a sale or adhere to original terms if financing cannot be secured within ten days, and enhances protections for trade-in vehicles.
Consumers will also benefit from measures to combat hidden fees and medical debt. Senate Bill 430, taking effect January 1, 2026, mandates that online sellers advertise the total price of goods and services, thereby ending deceptive ‘junk fees’ and ‘drip pricing’ practices. Senate Bill 605, also effective January 1, 2026, removes medical debt from credit reports, prohibiting its inclusion in credit reporting and protecting individuals from the financial repercussions of unexpected healthcare costs.
Safeguarding Youth and Community Safety
In an effort to protect younger Oregonians, House Bill 3724, with amendments operative January 1, 2026, revises regulations for the cannabis industry. This measure shifts the focus from prohibiting marijuana product marketing that is merely “attractive to minors” to specifically prohibiting advertising and packaging that is “likely to cause minors to unlawfully possess or consume” cannabis products. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission is tasked with defining objective criteria for such marketing, aiming to reduce underage exposure while respecting adult consumption rights.
Expanding Veteran Benefits and Support
Oregon is also enhancing support for its veteran community. Senate Bill 808, effective January 1, 2026, expands the state’s veterans’ preference in public employment hiring and promotion to include current and former Oregon National Guard members. Other legislative actions include the establishment of a Veterans Waiver Program for medical assistance to low-income veterans beginning in 2026 (HB 2537) and increased property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses (HB 3287).
Addressing Housing Affordability and Development
In parallel, significant legislative efforts are underway to address Oregon’s housing shortage and improve affordability. Bills passed during the 2025 session aim to expedite permitting processes, encourage the development of middle housing, invest in necessary infrastructure, and promote modular housing production. Some measures related to design standards are effective September 26, 2025, while others, like those focused on housing goals and infrastructure, will facilitate long-term development strategies.
Collectively, these new laws represent a comprehensive legislative agenda designed to create a more secure, fair, and prosperous future for all Oregonians, demonstrating a commitment to addressing critical issues from personal data privacy to economic stability and community well-being.
