Bill > HB3687

This bill modifies existing Oregon state law regarding how county and city charters can be adopted, amended, revised, or repealed by clarifying that these actions can now be decided by a simple majority vote, regardless of existing charter provisions. Specifically, the bill amends two sections of Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 203.720 and 221.210) to explicitly state that county and city charter changes will require only a simple majority (more than 50%) of votes cast, removing any previous higher voting thresholds. The bill also includes an important caveat that allows cities and counties to independently establish higher voting requirements (such as supermajority or double majority) specifically for measures related to imposing or increasing fees, taxes, assessments, fines, penalties, or other revenue-generating mechanisms. This change makes it easier for local governments to modify their charters by lowering the voting threshold, while still preserving local flexibility for revenue-related decisions. The bill is set to take effect on the 91st day after the adjournment of the 2025 regular session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly.