Bill > HB2876

This bill mandates that counties in Oregon will have a nonpartisan board of five commissioners elected by county voters, unless the county's voters choose to opt out through a specific county measure. Under the proposed law, each county must establish an ordinance or resolution that outlines the board's structure, defines any board districts, specifies election procedures, and determines commissioner compensation. The bill provides a mechanism for counties to exempt themselves from these requirements through a voter-approved measure, which can be initiated by petition or referred by the county's current governing body. The new provisions will become operative on January 1, 2027, giving counties time to prepare for the transition. Prior to the operative date, county officers and employees are permitted to take preparatory actions necessary to implement the nonpartisan board structure. This legislation aims to standardize county governance across Oregon by promoting a nonpartisan approach to local government leadership, while still allowing individual counties some flexibility through voter choice.

Military Affairs and Security

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2876