Oregon Bill to Speed Up Gas Tax Vote Faces Backlash

Testimony against Senate Bill 1599 has so far overwhelmed support, with opponents warning of legal challenges and political consequences.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Oregon lawmakers heard overwhelming opposition Monday to a Democratic proposal that would speed up a vote on gas taxes and other road fees. The bill, Senate Bill 1599, would move the vote on the recently passed transportation bill's tax and fee increases from the November general election to the May primary. While the taxes are broadly expected to meet defeat whenever the vote occurs, supporters of the bill argue getting certitude sooner will help the state chart a new course. However, the vast majority of those who testified insisted that Democrats leave the initial vote in place, accusing the party of cynically attempting to avoid running for reelection on the same ballot as an unpopular tax.

Why it matters

The debate over SB 1599 has become a flashpoint in Oregon's 2026 legislative session, with Republicans keen to seize any political advantage they can from the gas tax vote appearing on the general election ballot when Gov. Tina Kotek and most legislative Democrats will be up for reelection. The outcome could have significant implications for the state's transportation funding and infrastructure plans.

The details

SB 1599 would move the vote on the recently passed transportation bill's tax and fee increases, including a six-cent-per-gallon gas tax hike, big increases to vehicle registration and titling fees, and a temporary doubling of a tax that funds public transit, from the November general election to the May primary. Supporters argue this will provide certainty sooner, but opponents accused Democrats of a cynical political maneuver to avoid running for reelection on the same ballot as an unpopular tax.

  • The public hearing on SB 1599 was held on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • A successful signature gathering campaign led by Republicans put the fate of the transportation bill's tax and fee increases on the November 2026 ballot.
  • In 2000, the last time a statewide gas tax hike was referred to Oregon voters, lawmakers ensured that vote would be held in May instead of November.

The players

Tina Kotek

The Governor of Oregon.

Will Hobson

A representative of the Libertarian Party of Oregon who testified against SB 1599.

Felisa Hagins

The director of the Service Employees International Union State Council, which represents state transportation workers, and one of the few people who testified in support of SB 1599.

Nick Stark

The executive director of the Oregon Freedom Coalition, a group that helped refer the transportation bill's tax and fee increases to the ballot, and who testified against SB 1599.

Catherine Caudle

A Redmond resident who testified that she planned to submit a statement opposing the taxes to the Oregon voters' pamphlet, and that she would likely get an injunction if the vote were moved to May.

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What they’re saying

“Oregonians have spoken. Stop undermining their choice.”

— Will Hobson, Representative, Libertarian Party of Oregon

“The longer the question remains unsolved, the longer [the Oregon Department of Transportation] is forced to delay decisions, pause investments and operate in limbo.”

— Felisa Hagins, Director, Service Employees International Union State Council

“The voters know what's best for their pocketbooks, not the Salem politicians. Heed my warning: Whether May or November, voters will not forget the attempts to be silenced by this bill.”

— Nick Stark, Executive Director, Oregon Freedom Coalition

“I did talk to a lawyer and he said that I would have a case and I would most likely get an injunction.”

— Catherine Caudle

What’s next

A hearing on the Oregon Department of Transportation's budget is set for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as lawmakers work to find funding to fill the $242 million hole left by the blocked tax and fee increases.

The takeaway

The debate over SB 1599 highlights the politically charged nature of transportation funding in Oregon, with both parties jockeying for political advantage. The outcome could have significant implications for the state's infrastructure plans and the political fortunes of key elected officials.