We’ve reached the midpoint of the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session — at a critical time when American democracy and the rule of law are under coordinated federal attack.
National anti-democracy actors – aided and abetted by ultra-conservative politicians in Oregon too – are attacking our basic constitutional rights and freedoms. They are pushing unfair, chaotic, and inhumane tactics to criminalize our immigrant and refugee neighbors. They are targeting LGBTQ+ people – including trans people – with harassment and discrimination. They are weaponizing our criminal system to kidnap people and send them to prisons in Louisiana and torture camps in Guantanamo and El Salvador.
In response, the ACLU of Oregon is standing as a safeguard — defending our state against anti-democracy threats and ensuring that Oregon remains a state that values the U.S. and Oregon constitutions, the people, and freedom and fairness.
OUR COLLECTIVE WINS SO FAR
Thank you to the over 2,000 Oregonians who sent messages in support, affirming students’ right to read, learn, and share ideas. Your voices ensured the passage of this bill in the Senate. Onwards to the House Education Committee!
Preventing the Expansion of Domestic Terrorism Laws — HB 2851
When this bill emerged at the last minute, your rapid response through testimony and outreach to lawmakers helped block the bill from proceeding beyond the House Judiciary Committee. This is a critical win for democracy during a time when terrorism laws are being increasingly weaponized, especially by the federal government, to evade our basic constitutional rights.
Fighting for Full Funding: No One Left Behind
HOW YOU CAN CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR WORK:
There’s still critical work ahead, and your voice is essential.
1. Freedom to Read: A hearing is coming up in the House Education Committee for SB 1098. We need you to submit written or verbal testimony to help stop discriminatory book bans. Your advocacy got it through the Senate — now let’s win in the House.
2. Send an email to your house and senate representatives to oppose two harmful bills. (You can find your legislators here!):
- Stop Police from Using Drones to Invade our Privacy: Despite strong opposition, SB 238 passed the Senate with only minor changes. As amended, it still authorizes law enforcement to surveil everyday Oregonians via drones with little court oversight.
- Don’t Silence Truth Tellers: SB 1121 introduces a vague new crime — “unlawful disclosure of private information” — that risks silencing vulnerable voices, journalists, and whistleblowers. It has passed the Senate Judiciary and is moving to the floor, and we need you to contact your senators to stop this bill.
Thank you for working alongside the ACLU of Oregon for greater justice, equity, and care across our state. This work is only possible because of community members like you — who show up, speak out, and refuse to let injustice go unchallenged. The road ahead may be tough, but I’m proud to be in this fight alongside you.