Oregon Moves Statewide Transit Tax Initiative Election

Oregon enacted legislation moving the election for a ballot initiative addressing tax measures, including an increase in the statewide transit tax rate, to the May 19 primary elections instead of the 2026 general elections.

The bill moving the election date from Nov. 3 is SB 1566, which was signed by Gov. Tina Kotek (D) March 2 and took effect immediately.

The initiative will have state voters decide on HB 3991, which would increase the statewide transit tax rate to 0.2% instead of 0.1%. The increase was to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, for two years, but Oregon’s revenue ...