OREGON - Oregon is also set for a significant legislative shift on January 1, 2026. The state legislature has passed a wide-ranging slate of bills focused on consumer transparency, medical debt protection, and the modernization of privacy laws.
Here are five of the most impactful new laws taking effect in Oregon this January.
1. The "Honest Pricing" Law (SB 430)
Oregon is taking a stand against "junk fees" with Senate Bill 430. This law requires that any price advertised or displayed online to Oregon residents include all mandatory charges up front.
- The Change: Businesses can no longer wait until the final checkout screen to add "convenience charges," "service fees," or other mandatory costs.
- Transparency: While taxes and actual shipping costs can still be listed separately, the base price shown to the consumer must represent the actual cost of the item or service.
2. Medical Debt Credit Reporting Ban (SB 605)
To protect residents from the long-term financial fallout of healthcare costs, Senate Bill 605 prohibits medical providers and debt collectors from reporting medical debt to credit bureaus.
- Financial Protection: Starting January 1, unpaid medical bills—including those on medical-specific credit cards—cannot be used to lower an Oregonian's credit score.
- Impact: This ensures that a health crisis doesn't prevent individuals from qualifying for housing, car loans, or other essential credit-based services.
3. Payroll "Decoder" Requirements (SB 906)
Oregon is introducing strict new transparency rules for employers regarding how workers are paid. Senate Bill 906 requires employers to provide a detailed written "decoder" to all new hires that explains every code and deduction on their paystub.
- New Disclosure: Employers must list all types of pay rates the employee is eligible for (such as shift differentials or commissions) and provide a clear definition for every payroll code used.
- Annual Updates: Companies are also required to review and update this information for all current employees by January 1 of each year.
4. AI Deepfake & Personal Safety (HB 2299)
Oregon is modernizing its "non-consensual intimate image" laws to keep pace with technology. House Bill 2299 expands legal protections to include AI-generated "deepfakes."
- The Law: It is now a crime to create or distribute sexually explicit AI-generated images of a person without their consent.
- Increased Penalties: The law elevates these offenses to felonies for repeat violations, providing a stronger legal shield for victims of digital exploitation.
5. Renter Protections for Deposits (HB 3521)
New protections for prospective tenants aim to make the competitive Oregon rental market fairer. House Bill 3521 requires landlords to refund a tenant's "holding deposit" if the tenant discovers serious habitability issues before signing the lease.
- The Change: If a prospective renter finds issues such as unsafe drinking water, a leaky roof, or inadequate heat during a final walkthrough, the landlord can no longer legally withhold the deposit if the tenant decides not to move in.
- Standard of Care: This puts the onus on property owners to ensure units meet basic safety standards before accepting money from applicants.
A Note on Oregon Minimum Wage
Unlike many other states that update their wages on New Year's Day, Oregon's minimum wage typically increases on July 1 each year. As of January 1, 2026, the rates remain at their July 2025 levels: $16.30 in the Portland Metro area, $15.05 for standard counties, and $14.05 for non-urban counties.