Large counties could lower vehicle registration fees in selected areas

Counties could adopt a local law reducing or removing county vehicle registration fees in selected areas. This option would cover counties with at least 700,000 residents that charge a county vehicle registration fee. Each area must have an estimated median household income below a cutoff, but that cutoff is blank. The local law must define each area's boundaries and the fee reduction. Counties must coordinate with state transportation and revenue agencies and report yearly on revenue given up. Any shared data must meet revenue agency confidentiality rules. If enacted, the act would take effect on the 91st day after the 2026 regular session adjourns. Reductions would apply to registrations on or after the local law takes effect.

Counties could publish plans directing a share of county registration fee money to projects benefiting selected areas. This option would cover counties with at least 700,000 residents that charge a county vehicle registration fee. Plans must define the share of money, area boundaries, and projects. Projects must meet the Oregon Constitution's rules for using this money. Counties must coordinate with state agencies and report yearly on money allocated and projects funded. Shared data must meet revenue agency confidentiality rules. Counties using the special funding rules for Willamette River bridges in Portland could distribute remaining money under those rules after accounting for fee reductions and area plans. If enacted, these provisions would take effect on the 91st day after the 2026 regular session adjourns.