February 13, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

On Thursday, a party-line committee vote advanced Senate Bill 1599 which would move the vote on a transportation tax referendum to the May 2026 primary ballot.

A release from the Oregon Senate and House Republican leaders said the referendum has already been certified for the November 2026 general election by the Oregon Secretary of State.

House Republican Leader Representative Lucetta Elmer of McMinnville said, “Oregonians gathered almost four times as many signatures as were needed for a referendum on the November ballot. That is an extraordinary accomplishment that the Legislature should respect by upholding this process.” Elmer said, “Moving this vote from November to May changes the rules, sends a message that those in power know best, and sets a dangerous precedent that weakens trust in state government”.

Senate Republican Leader Senator Bruce Starr of Dundee said, “When the Legislature takes actions that fly in the face of what the vast majority of voters have clearly said, we risk eroding public trust in the institution and undermining our role as an effective and representative branch of government”.

Starr said he believes the issues will ultimately be decided in the courts. Star said, “The Constitution and our referendum process are clear, and Oregonians followed that process exactly as it was laid out”. Starr said, “We will see whether this political maneuver withstands judicial scrutiny”.

Then bill now heads to the Oregon Senate for a vote.