A new year brings new laws in Oregon

(JANUARY 4, 2024) In 2023, Oregon had many urgent problems. So lawmakers made important rules to deal with these issues. Here are some that began January 1, 2024:

More places in Oregon can now use special cameras to catch people driving too fast. Before, only 10 cities could use these cameras. Now, every city can use them if they pay for it. 

Another rule changed the laws about driving under the influence. People usually think this means "drunk driving" after drinking too alcohol. However, now includes more substances like kratom. The rule also lowered fines for people riding bicycles under the influence, unless they have high alcohol levels or use e-bikes. 

There are also new rules that give tax credits to help poor families with young children. Some families now receive tax credits. Other rules make it easier to punish repeat shoplifters, encourage turning commercial buildings into homes, and stop insurance companies from using wildfire maps to make decisions about homeowners' insurance. (People didn't want the companies to use the maps to raise the prices of insurance.)