Coverage
Oregon lawmakers gear up for budget fixes, federal fights
Several key immigration bills clear the Oregon Legislature. Here’s what they’ll do
“I think that there are immigrants in every single community in Oregon who will feel safer and be safer because of the meaningful changes in Oregon law that we have passed,” said Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland, who sponsored some of the bills.
Oregon lawmakers want to build on immigration protections. Here’s where those bills stand
Immigration status protections in court: House Bill 4111 would prohibit data about a party’s or a witness’s immigration status from being used in a civil case.
Rep. Willy Chotzen will introduce a bill building off Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield's work in court to safeguard federal funds for the state.
‘We are fighting back:’ State Dems unveil bills to rebuff Trump ‘attacks’ on Oregon values
“We value the freedom to live without fear, and we believe diversity is a strength, not a threat,” [Rep.] Chotzen said. “We will not tolerate unconstitutional attacks on our neighbors or allow hate to take root in our state. That is why we are fighting back.”
Oregon lawmakers approve bill to keep license plate data away from federal immigration officials
"If some sort of city or county wants to go further, then the requirements we're setting forth, they're more than free to do so," [Rep. Willy] Chotzen said during a Thursday floor speech in support of the measure.
Lawmakers advance bills responding to immigration action in Oregon
“House Bill 4111 is unapologetically pro-immigrant and pro-access to justice,” said Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland, after its passage. “At a moment when legitimate fear of the federal administration is keeping people from fully participating in their workplaces, our courts, and their communities, Oregon has a responsibility to make sure everyone feels safe, protected, and able to access the systems they need."
Oregon bill would let state withhold payments to feds amid sanctuary funding threats
“What my bill does is it only applies in a situation where a federal court has already determined that the president needs to send funding into Oregon and the president refuses to do so,” said Rep. Willy Chotzen (D-Portland), the bill's sponsor. “The president is violating a court order.”
“The Trump administration … often is not willing to play by the rules and not willing to follow the law,” [Rep. Willy] Chotzen said. “I was concerned about what would happen if they continue to withhold money, if we continue to sue and win…We do this all the time in businesses. The basic idea is that if one party in this case, the federal government, owes Oregon money, then it would be unfair for Oregon to keep paying the federal government. There’s a debt owed to Oregon. … The idea is that we’re just offsetting debts just like two businesses do.”
Oregon Lawmakers Signal Aggressive Short Session Focus on Affordability and Federal Conflicts
Rep. Willy Chotzen said the legislature intends to defend access to healthcare, food assistance, reproductive rights, and privacy.
Legislature passes bill to help Oregonians convicted on 'junk science'
“As a former public defender in Portland, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply flawed forensic testimony can shape the outcome of a case and how difficult it can be to undo that harm once a conviction is secured,” [Rep.] Chotzen said.
Bill banning Oregon from helping privatize federal lands passes
“Amidst growing federal overreach, it’s critical we fight to protect our public lands the same way we’re fighting to protect our Civil Rights – by ensuring what makes Oregon special is accessible to everyone, not reserved only for the wealthiest,” said Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland. “Oregon’s natural beauty is one of our greatest assets, and SB 1590 will prevent our lands from being auctioned off.”
Oregon transportation tax hike one step closer to landing on May ballot following key vote
“Are we going to spend those precious six months (between May and November) lobbying partisan attacks at each other?” asked Rep. Willy Chotzen, a Portland Democrat on the committee. “I’m going to choose more time to get everyone to the table to solve problems over more partisan politics.”
Oregon’s 2026 legislative session: What you need to know
A proposal from Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland, would allow the state to withhold tax payments to the federal government, if the federal government unlawfully withholds funds from the state.
What Oregon lawmakers will discuss in the 2026 legislative session
"Oregon families and Oregon values are under attack," said Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland.
Oregon lawmakers want to fend off Trump from deploying National Guard again
Rep. Willy Chotzen, a Democrat from Southeast Portland and another chief sponsor of the bill, said that many “reddish” states have long had such laws. That includes Texas, Idaho and North Dakota, he said. “This isn’t a partisan issue,” Chotzen said.
Oregon House Republicans test rule barring political donations during session
“My constituents have never asked me to make it easier for us to campaign during the 35 days of this year that we have to create legislation,” said state Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland. “My constituents want us to avoid any appearance of conflicts of interest. They want us to be above approach.”
Oregon could pause federal payments in battle with Trump administration under new bill
Democratic lawmakers blast Homeland Security’s gang claims about 2 wounded in Border Patrol shooting
State Rep. Willy Chotzen, D- Southeast Portland, noted that lawmakers have “a laser focus on holding federal immigration enforcement accountable for the ways it is harming Oregonians.”
