State & Regulatory Issues
State Advocacy
 ORLA represents lodging industry members on a wide range of legislative issues protecting the business interests of the lodging industry. Working in coalitions and on its own, ORLA aggressively lobbies the Oregon legislature to ensure enactment of its initiatives. The following are current legislative priorities of the association.
AED Requirement: Legislature passed law requiring artificial external defibrillator (AED) devices be present at commercial buildings, including lodging facilities with at least 50,000 total square feet. ORLA will be working with legislators in the February session for clarification of liability protection. Since lodging facilities may have significant risk of liability, we recommend you consult with an attorney to discuss this issue. Check ORLA's Allied Directory for a list of legal service providers. Click here to read full story.
RV Notices: Effective January 1, 2010, for month to month tenancies, a 30-day notice without cause may be given to terminate the tenancy only within the first year of the tenancy; after the first year, a 60-day notice without cause may be given to terminate the tenancy. There is an exception if the unit is purchased or sold. Click here to view the new law (SB 771). OLA members have access to the Oregon RV Park Manual for additional information on statutes and government regulations relating to RV Parks.
Employee Meetings: SB519 is a new law (effective January 1, 2010) that prevents companies from taking action against employees who do not participate in employer sponsored meetings where religious, political or union matters are discussed. The required notice on employee rights is not yet available through BOLI. Click here to read more on the new law and interim posting options provided by Dunn Carney Allen Higgins & Tongue, LLP.
Regulatory Representation
State agency's rule making authority can have as much, or more, impact on businesses beyond statutes created by the Legislature. ORLA works with state regulatory agencies enhancing the ability of the lodging industry to conduct their operations without unreasonable restrictions.
Smoking Law Sign Requirements - OLA introduced HB 3219 in order to revise the rule adopted by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that required lodging facilities to post provisions of the smokefree law on all exterior doors and windows. In lieu of the legislation, we were able to gain agreement from DHS to revise the rule to reflect the changes outlined in our bill. ORLA is working with DHS to change sign requirements - notification will be provided at check-in and the placement of stickers and signs on every door or window is no longer the standard.
Smokefree Workplace Law
Oregon Revised Statute and Oregon Administrative Rules
Taxes on Fees - ORLA continues to monitor this issue. Last fall, OLA submitted a letter to the Oregon Department of Revenue objecting to the Department's imposition of transient room taxes on additional fees that historically are not, and should not, be subject to the transient room tax (i.e., pet fees and other incidentals).
Casino Legislation
View Archive - 2009 Legislative Session
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