Oregon House debates HB 39 91 as lawmakers warn of service cuts without new transportation revenue

The Oregon House reconvened after procedural delays to consider the second reading of House Bill 39 91, a transportation funding measure the reading clerk described as providing for revenue-raising that "requires approval by 3 fifths majority." Representative Tran urged colleagues to support the bill, saying it was "not perfect, but it is a critical step we must take to stabilize our system."

Tran, who identified herself in the transcript as chair of the House Committee on Emergency Management, said the state faces choices about transportation funding and warned that failure to act would force cuts to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews responsible for plowing mountain passes and filling potholes. "Without an investment now to cover the transportation funding gap, we will see major cuts to the positions that keep us safe," she said. She also noted that the gas tax "was never indexed to inflation" and described HB 39 91 as a way to restore ODOT's ability to maintain roads and bridges.

The reading clerk read the bill on the floor as "House bill 39 91 relating to transportation" and noted the bill's revenue-raising provision requires a supermajority. The transcript records robust floor statements in favor of stabilizing transportation funding but does not record a final vote or amendment on the bill during this session.

Supporters framed the bill in public-safety terms and warned of layoffs for ODOT workers if funding gaps persist. Representative Tran said that previous district roadshow meetings highlighted voter concerns about impassable passes and local potholes and urged colleagues to consider those priorities when weighing the bill.

Next steps were not recorded in the provided transcript. The House adjourned later in the session until 10:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2025; the transcript does not show a roll-call vote on HB 39 91 or a final disposition of the measure in this excerpt.