Sam Dunaway | News Editor

Over 700 laws were passed in Oregon in 2017, many of which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. Read on for a few examples to become familiar with.

Increased tobacco age

The age at which an individual can purchase and use tobacco products has increased from 18 to 21 with the start of the new year. This law also prohibits the use of vape products, e-cigarettes and other inhalant delivery systems by anyone under the age of 21. Western remains a tobacco and vape-free campus and prohibits the use of these products campus-wide.

Move Over Law

Oregon’s previous Move Over Law required vehicles on the roadway to change lanes or slow down if there are emergency or roadside assistance vehicles on the shoulder of the road. On Jan. 1, this law expanded to include any vehicle that is pulled over with activated hazard lights. If a far lane is available, it is required for drivers to change lanes. If not, they must slow down to at least 5 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Drivers that do not move over or slow down can face a fine up to $400.

Bottle bill expanded

On Apr. 1, 2017, the deposit value of refundable beverage containers increased from 5 cents to 10 cents. But even more changes to Oregon’s Bottle Bill became effective with the new year. Now, the bill has expanded from only including water, beer, and soft drinks to including almost everything that comes in a container between 4 ounces and 1.5 liters. Exceptions include dairy, wine, distilled liquor, infant formula, and meal replacement drinks. Everything from energy drinks to coconut water is now refundable for a 10 cent deposit.

Process for changing name, sex on birth certificate

Before Jan. 1, individuals that wished to change their name and/or sex designation on their birth certificate had to obtain a court order to prove that they had completed sexual reassignment. Beginning in 2018, House Bill 2673 states that any individual born in Oregon can submit an application to alter their birth certificate to accurately reflect their name and gender identity.

Self-serve fuel

House Bill 2482, passed on June 6, 2017 and officially taking effect Jan. 1, 2018 allows individuals in low-population Oregon counties to pump their own gas. This law does not require gas stations to allow 24-hour self-service, but instead gives them the option to offer it. This policy change follows the 2015 law that stated that individuals in low-population counties – counties with a population of 40,000 or less – may self-serve fuel between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The law applies to counties in Eastern Oregon as well as Clatsop, Tillamook and Curry counties.

Visit oregonlegislature.gov for more information on bills passed in 2017.

Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu