Oregon lawmakers seek May vote on transportation funding bill

(Update: Adding quotes from Governor Tina Kotek)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)-- House Speaker Julie Fahey and Senate President Rob Wagner announced today they will introduce legislation to set the date of the referendum on House Bill 3991 for May 19, aligning the vote with Oregon’s statewide primary election. The goal is to let voters weigh in on the transportation funding package as soon as possible, giving lawmakers, cities and counties more certainty about transportation dollars this biennium.

Legislative leaders note that the Oregon Constitution allows the Legislature to set election dates for initiative and referendum measures, and say transportation policy discussions will continue throughout the year as the state plans for long‑term funding needs. Wagner said voters have made clear they want a say on the bill, and that state and local officials need to understand the funding landscape so “meaningful conversations can continue.”

Governor Tina Kotek responded to the announcement saying, “Two weeks ago, I was clear with Oregonians about transportation: we must redirect, repeal, and rebuild.”

The Governor added, "The legislature and the constitution will determine how and when repeal occurs. My responsibility remains the same: keep our roads safe, our economy moving, and help deliver a bipartisan long-term transportation solution.”

The May timeline mirrors the last time a transportation funding package was referred to voters, when legislation from the 1999 session went to the ballot in May 2000. Fahey said that in a time of uncertainty, leaders are focused on governing, not politics, and acting quickly to avoid disruptions to Oregon’s transportation system and to protect roads and bridges that connect people to work, school and emergency services.

Legislative attorneys have reaffirmed that Oregonians have the right to weigh in through the referendum process and that lawmakers can set the election date; a recent legal opinion also indicates the Legislature likely retains the power to repeal a referred law, which could make a referendum unnecessary, although leaders are currently moving toward a public vote. The 2026 legislative session is set to begin Feb. 2, and lawmakers are expected to use the results of the May referendum to help determine Oregon’s transportation funding future.