The Oregon Legislature met from January 15-17 to prepare for the 2014 short-session. During this three day meeting, legislators considered several bills of interest to the higher education community and received a preview of higher education capital projects. Included among the projects under consideration are funds for urgent repairs to a UO utility tunnel and for the renovation of Chapman Hall, home the UO’s Robert D. Clark Honors College.

The Legislative Assembly will officially convene for the short session on Monday, February 3rd and adjourn the first week in March. During even numbered years, the legislature operates under extremely short deadlines. By February 13 – nine working days after the legislature convenes – Committees must complete their work on bills that were introduced in that chamber. Eight working days later, bills must be approved by the chamber of origin and out of the committees in the other chamber. While committee chairs will have some time to sort through bills prior to the start of the February session, the process essentially allows no time for members to work out complications or details.

The Office of Government and Community Relations will track bills closely during the session. If you are aware of legislative concepts that are of interest to you, please notify us now so that we do not miss any opportunities. Contact Nate Stice at stice@uoregon.edu or (541)346-3581.