Oregon · 2025 Regular Session · Bill
HB 3538: Relating to civics; declaring an emergency.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 3538 is a bill introduced in the Oregon House on February 11, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Relating to civics; declaring an emergency. Primary sponsor: Paul Evans (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (June 28, 2025): In committee upon adjournment.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Establishes the Secretary of State as the chief civics officer of this state and establishes the Division of Civic Engagement within the Secretary of State office. Directs the division to establish civics education in public schools and develop programs and outreach for adults to enhance civic engagement. Establishes the Civics Action Benchmarks Task Force to study and make recommendations on the steps to be taken to enhance the participation of Oregonians in civic affairs. Establishes the Commission on Political Rhetoric. Directs the commission to receive complaints alleging that a candidate for public office has made false statements with purposeful malice or reckless intent. Provides that if a supermajority of the commission determines that the subject of a complaint made false statements with purposeful malice or reckless intent, the voters' pamphlet and other publications containing the candidate's statements must also contain a warning statement specified by the Act. Appropriates moneys to the Secretary of State and Commission on Political Rhetoric to fund the programs established in the Act. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Evans | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 20 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- In committee upon adjournment.
- Referred to Rules.
- First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.