Oregon legislation · 2026 Legislative Measures
Oregon HB4021: Relating to administrative rules; and prescribing an effective date.
Status: Chaptered, April 13, 2026
Digest: The Act changes the effective date and notice given for some agencies' rules. The Act tells some agencies to let people know where to ask questions about the agencies' rules. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.5). Modifies effective date and notice requirements for certain permanent rules adopted, amended or repealed by certain agencies. Requires certain agencies to make available on the agency's website contact information for questions about each rule adopted, amended or repealed. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, March 5, 2026:
83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2026 Regular Session House Bill 4021 Introduced and printed pursuant to House Rule 12.00. Presession filed (at the request of House Interim Committee on Rules for Representative Ben Bowman) CHAPTER ................................................. Relating to administrative rules; and prescribing an effective date. Whereas state agencies routinely adopt administrative rules that impose new compliance obligations or expose regulated entities to penalties for noncompliance; and Whereas under current law, most administrative rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State unless a later effective date is specified; and Whereas the immediate effectiveness of new rules may not provide regulated entities sufficient time to understand, implement and comply with new requirements after they have been finalized; now, therefore, SECTION 1. Sections 2 and 3 of this 2026 Act are added to and made a part of ORS chapter 183. SECTION 2. (1) This section applies to the following agencies: (a) The Environmental Quality Commission. (b) The Oregon Transportation Commission. (c) The State Land Board. (d) The Department of State Lands. (e) The governing board of the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. (2) Notwithstanding ORS 183.355 (3), a permanent rule adopted, amended or repealed by an agency listed in subsection (1) of this section that creates or modifies compliance requirements for persons regulated by the agency may take effect …