Tina Kotek in OR legislative records


On Abortion: Supported requiring coverage for all for reproductive health

Legislative Summary:HB3391: Reproductive Health Equity Act: Requires health benefit plan coverage of specified health care services, drugs, devices, products & procedures related to reproductive health. Allows exemption for plans sold to religious employers.

ACLU analysis:Restrictions on reproductive health care can have profoundly harmful effects on our health and well-being, particularly for those who already face significant barriers to accessing high-quality care, such as low-income women. HB3391 ensures that Oregonians, regardless of income, citizenship status, gender identity or type of insurance, have access to the full range of preventive reproductive health services, including family planning, abortion, and postpartum care.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 33-23-4 on Jul/1/17; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Jul/5/17; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Aug/15/17

Source: ACLU analysis of Oregon HB3391 voting records Jul 1, 2017

On Abortion: Public funding for stem cell research

HB 2801, "Exploration of Public Funding for Stem Cell Research" Legislative Outcome:State Rep. Tina Kotek voted YES; Bill Failed, 29-30.
Source: Oregon State Legislative Voting Records: HB 2801 Jun 21, 2007

On Civil Rights: Ban the LGBTQ Panic Defense for second degree murder

SB704: Provides that discovery of victim's actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation does not constitute reasonable explanation for extreme emotional disturbance for purposes of affirmative defense to murder in the second degree.

Basic Rights Oregon Summary: On May 13, the Oregon House passed Senate Bill 704, which will ban the use of the LGBTQ panic defense in Oregon! Then, on May 21, Governor Kate Brown signed it into law.

What does this mean for our community?

It means sending the message that violence against LGBTQ people is never acceptable.

It means showing up for Black, Indigenous, and Latinx transgender women who experience disproportionately high rates of violence.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 29-1-0 on Apr/14/21; Passed House 54-0-6 on May/13/21; State Rep. Tina Kotek co-sponsored and voted YES; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on May/21/21.

Source: BasicRights.org on Oregon Legislature voting records SB704 May 13, 2021

On Crime: Ban use of chokeholds by police with few exceptions

HB4301: Provides that peace officer or corrections officer may not use force that impedes normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure on throat or neck except in specified circumstances.

Oregon Public Broadcasting Summary: The bill further tightens the rules around chokeholds. Under the new bill, police are prohibited from using the holds except for instances when they are trying to defend themselves or another person. The bill also folded in new rules for when police can use physical force--which under Oregon law includes the use of pepper spray or a stun gun--or deadly physical force.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 55-2-3 on Aug/10/20; State Rep. Christine Drazan voted YES; Passed Senate 22-5-3 on Aug/10/20; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Sept/1/20

Source: OPB on Oregon State Legislature voting records SB582 Aug 10, 2020

On Civil Rights: Oregon Equality Act: sexual orientation is a civil right

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon: To protect their health, safety and morals from the consequences of intergroup hostility, tensions and practices of discrimination of any kind based on sexual orientation: The Legislative Assembly intends to provide:However, this section shall not be construed to prevent a bona fide church from preferring an employee of one religious sect or persuasion over another. Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 21-7 on March 21; passed House 35-25 on April 17; State Rep. Tina Kotek voted YES; signed by Governor Ted Kulongoski on May 9, 2007.
Source: The Oregon Equality Act (SB 2): state voting records Apr 17, 2007

On Drugs: Voted YES on retail medical marijuana establishments

HB 3460: Authorizes Retail Medical Marijuana Establishments; Concurrence Vote Passed House, 31-28; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES:
  1. The Oregon Health Authority shall establish by rule a medical marijuana facility registration system to authorize the transfer of usable marijuana and immature marijuana plants from a marijuana grow site to the medical marijuana facility.
  2. The registration system must require documentation that demonstrates the medical marijuana facility meets the state qualifications
  3. To qualify for registration, a medical marijuana facility:
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: HB 3460 Jul 6, 2013

On Drugs: Support marijuana trade between states when federal laws end

Legislative Summary:SB582: Authorizes Governor to enter into agreement with another state for purposes of cross-jurisdictional coordination & enforcement of marijuana-related businesses and cross-jurisdictional delivery of marijuana items.

Craft Cannabis Alliance analysis:Senate Bill 582 allows Oregon's governor to enter into agreements with other states for the licensed interstate transfer of cannabis as soon as the federal government indicates that such transactions would no longer be subject to prosecution under federal law. "Oregon's bill is a sensible fix for a myriad of issues that arise when you have a thriving legal market bumping up against the remnants of a failed federal prohibition," said the executive director of the Craft Cannabis Alliance.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-9-2 on May/15/19; Passed House 43-16-1 on Jun/11/19; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on Jun/20/19

Source: Craft Cannabis Alliance on Oregon SB582 voting records Jun 11, 2019

On Energy & Oil: Wean Oregon off coal and boost renewable sources

Oregon's most consequential energy bill in decades--a nationally ambitious plan to wean the state off coal and boost renewable sources--has become law. Gov. Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 1547 [House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES], handing Democrats a coveted political victory that comes despite lingering concerns the legislation might raise costs for utility customers.

The measure requires Oregon's two largest utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, to stop paying for out-of-state coal power by 2030. It also says utilities must serve half their customers' demand with renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2040.

"Knowing how important it is to Oregonians to act on climate change, a wide range of stakeholders came to the table around Oregonians' investments in coal and renewable energy," Brown said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign a bill that moves Oregon forward, together with the shared values of current and future generations."

Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB1547 Mar 10, 2016

On Energy & Oil: Voted YES on electronic energy efficiency standards

SB 692: Requires Certain Electronics to Meet Energy Efficiency Standards: The following minimum energy efficiency standards for new products are established:Legislative Outcome: Passed State Senate 19-9-2 on April 16; Passed House 40-19-1 on May 30; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Governor John Kitzhaber signed on June 13, 2013
Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: SB 692 May 30, 2013

On Energy & Oil: Require 1.5% solar energy technology in public construction

Excerpts from Oregon state legislative records for HB 2620: Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate, 24-6-0 on May 29; passed House 41-17-2 on May 7; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Signed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski 6/11/2007.
Source: Oregon legislative voting records: HB 2620 May 7, 2007

On Energy & Oil: Voted YES to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Governor's press release:I strongly support SB 324's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is difficult to deny that we are seeing the effects of a warming planet. This year, 85% of our state is experiencing drought, with 33% experiencing extreme drought. This directly impacts 1.5 million Oregonians, hitting our rural communities the hardest.

Legislative Summary: Repeals sunset on provisions related to low carbon fuel standards. Allows reinstating requirements to comply with low carbon fuel standards. Extends target date for meeting certain emission goals under phased implementation of low carbon fuel standards. Requires Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules for managing and containing costs of compliance with low carbon fuel standards. Prohibits fuels that contain biodiesel from being considered alternative fuels unless certain standards are met. Adds certain exemptions to low carbon fuel standards. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Source: Oregon.gov press release on SB324 legislative voting record Mar 12, 2015

On Environment: Voted YES on prohibiting motorized mining in riverbeds

SB 838: Prohibits Motorized Mining:
    The Legislative Assembly finds that:
  1. Prospecting, small scale mining and recreational mining are part of the unique heritage of Oregon
  2. Prospecting & small scale mining provide economic benefits to Oregon and local communities and support tourism, small businesses and recreational opportunities
  3. Exploration of potential mine sites is necessary to discover the minerals that underlie the surface and inherently involves natural resource disturbance
  4. Mining that uses motorized equipment in the beds and banks of rivers can pose significant risks to Oregon's natural resources and water quality
A moratorium is imposed until 2021 on mining that uses any form of motorized equipment for the purpose of extracting precious metals from the beds or banks of the waters of this state.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 17-13-0 on July 3; Passed House 33-27-0 on July 7; Speaker Kotek voted YES; Gov.John Kitzhaber signed on Aug. 14, 2013

Source: Oregon legislative voting records: SB 838 Jul 7, 2013

On Immigration: Expand state college aid to undocumented students

Excerpts from The Oregonian:
  • A party-line vote approved legislation that would expand state college aid to undocumented students.
  • SB932 marks another step toward "tuition equity" in Oregon, allowing immigrants brought to the US by their parents to pay in-state tuition rates when attending Oregon colleges.
  • Under SB932, those students would be eligible for state tuition grants worth about $2,000 a year.
  • State officials estimate up 350 undocumented students, often from low- income families, will be able to receive grants & attend college. SB932 adds funding for 13,000 more students overall to qualify for state tuition grants.
  • The vote was acrimonious: opponents pointed to a ballot referendum that would have issued driver's cards to residents without proof of immigration status. Oregonians voted down the measure in droves.Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate, 17-12-1; passed Assembly 34-25-1; Speaker Kotek voted YES; Signed by the Governor 8/12/2015
    Source: Oregon legislative voting records: SB932 Jul 22, 2015

    On Immigration: Voted YES on driver's licenses for non-resident aliens

    SB 833: Authorizes Drivers Licenses for Individuals Without Legal Proof of US Residence. Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 20-7-3 on April 23; Passed House, 38-20-2 on April 30; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Signed by Governor John Kitzhaber on May 1, 2013
    Source: Oregon legislative voting records: SB 833 Apr 30, 2013

    On Gun Control: Require criminal background checks for gun purchases

    Legislative Summary:SB941: Requires private person to complete transfer of firearm by appearing with transferee before gun dealer to request criminal background check or shipping or delivering firearm to gun dealer.

    The Oregonian analysis:SB 941 requires background checks for most gun transactions involving private parties to prevent sales to people legally prohibited from owning firearms, including felons and those committed for mental health treatment. The measure includes several exemptions, including for transfers among family members and for people who lend guns for hunting and for use at firing ranges.

    Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 17-13-0 on Apr/14/15; Passed House 32-28-0 on May/4//15; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on May/11/15

    Source: Oregon legislative voting records: SB 941 May 11, 2015

    On Civil Rights: Let transgendered privately change name/sex on vital records

    Legislative Summary:HB2673: Creates alternative process for persons seeking to change name on vital record for purpose of affirming gender identity. Eliminates requirement for courts to publicly post court orders changing name or gender identity.

    NBC News analysis:Gov. Kate Brown has signed a bill that will make it easier for transgender people in Oregon to shield any updates they make to their birth certificates, a process typically conducted through the court system without privacy from public view. The measure makes Oregon the second state after California to adopt laws specifically designed to help mitigate potential discrimination against transgender individuals from employers, landlords or anyone else who is otherwise able to dig up birth-record changes through public record.

    Legislative Outcome:Passed House 37-23-0 on Mar/15/17; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; Passed Senate 23-6-1 on May/10/17; Signed by Governor Kate Brown on May/18/17

    Source: NBC News analysis of Oregon HB2673 voting records Mar 15, 2017

    On Crime: Voted YES on reducing sentences for non-violent offenses

    HB 3194: Reduces Prison Sentences for Certain Crimes:Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 19-11-0 on July 1; passed House 40-18 on June 27; House Speaker Tina Kotek voted YES; signed by Governor John Kitzhaber on July 25, 2013.
    Source: 2013-2014 Oregon legislative voting records: HB 3194 Jun 27, 2013

    On Gun Control: Signed law banning undetectable "ghost guns"

    HB2005: Punishes manufacturing, importing, offering for sale or transferring undetectable firearms by maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both.

    Oregon Capital Chronicle summary May 2, 2023: The state House passed a firearms bill that would ban untraceable guns, raise the minimum age from 18 to 21 to purchase powerful firearms like semiautomatic weapons and allow local agencies to ban firearms on government property. Democratic lawmakers and supporters of House Bill 2005 said the measure would help law enforcement and keep communities safe while respecting the rights of firearm owners.

    Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 17-3-10 on Jun/15/23; passed House 34-14-12 on Jun/21/23; Signed by Governor Tina Kotek on Jul/13/23.

    Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle on Oregon voting record HB2005 Jul 13, 2023

    The above quotations are from Legislative voting records for Oregon House and Senate.
    Click here for other excerpts from Legislative voting records for Oregon House and Senate.
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    Page last updated: Sep 02, 2025