Election: Nov. 6, 2018 (General)
Outcome: Failed
Categories:
Legislative BranchResult of "Yes" Vote: "Yes" vote expands "bills for raising revenue," which require three-fifths legislative majority, to include (beyond taxes) fees and changes to tax exemptions, deductions, credits.
Result of "No" Vote: "No" vote retains current law that bills for raising revenue, which require three-fifths legislative majority, are limited to bills that levy/increase taxes.
Summary: The Oregon Constitution provides that "bills for raising revenue" require the approval of three-fifths of each house of the legislature. The constitution does not currently define "raising revenue." Oregon courts have interpreted that term to include bills that bring money into the state treasury by levying or increasing a tax. Under that interpretation, a bill imposing a fee for a specific purpose or in exchange for some benefit or service is not included. Nor is a bill that reduces or eliminates tax exemptions. Proposed measure amends constitution and defines "raising revenue" to include any tax or fee increase, including changes to tax exemptions, deductions, or credits. Measure expands three-fifths legislative majority requirement to also apply to such bills.