Oregon House Votes to End Driver’s License Suspensions for Failure to Pay Fines

Bipartisan Vote Underscores Consensus for Reforms,
Makes Way for Senate Action

SALEM, Ore. – With a bipartisan vote of 42-16, the Oregon House of Representatives advanced key legislation to reform driver’s license suspension practices yesterday. The bill, HB 4065, will eliminate license suspensions for failure to pay fines – allowing thousands of Oregonians who depend on their cars to keep their jobs, continue driving their children to childcare and school, and take care of their families.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Representative Chris Gorsek (D-49) and Representative Ronald H. Noble (R-24) in successfully moving HB4065 out of the House of Representatives in this short legislative session. Suspending driver’s licenses for failure to pay, as opposed to offenses that pose a real public safety threat, negatively impacts thousands of Oregon residents who depend on their cars for work, childcare, education, and access to healthcare,” said Justice Action Network President and Executive Director, Holly Harris. 

HB 4065, sponsored by Representative Chris Gorsek (D-49), Representative Jeff Barker (D-28), Senator James Manning Jr. (D-7), Representative Janelle Bynum (D-51), Representative Ronald H. Noble (R-24), and Representative Carla C. Piluso (D-50), aligns Oregon with surrounding states, Idaho and California, that have similarly eliminated license suspensions for failure to pay fees in recent years. Like these other states, Oregon will maintain its ability to suspend licenses for individuals who pose a public safety threat. 

HB 4065 now moves to the Senate where it will hold a hearing on Thursday.