Bill > HB3530

This bill requires public bodies in Oregon to remove the term "squaw" from highway names and other public property names, reflecting a broader effort to eliminate a derogatory term historically used to refer to Native American women. The bill defines key terms such as "highway" (using the definition from ORS 366.005), "Indian tribe" (as defined in ORS 97.740), "public body" (as defined in ORS 174.109), and "public property" (as defined in ORS 131.705). When changing names that contain the term "squaw", public bodies are encouraged to consider replacement names that use language from an Indian tribe. There are two specific exceptions to this requirement: if federal law mandates the use of the term "squaw", or if the highway or public property is a geographic feature named by a federal agency using the term "squaw". The bill aims to promote respect for Native American communities by removing offensive terminology from official place names.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3530