Oregon House Bill HJR16

Oregon 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/25
• Refer: 2/12/25

Caption

Proposing an amendment to the Oregon Constitution relating to the office of Lieutenant Governor.

Summary

HJR 16 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the office of Lieutenant Governor in Oregon. Under the measure, the Lieutenant Governor would be elected statewide, serve a four-year term, and be eligible for successive terms, with the first election for the office occurring in the November 2028 general election for a two-year initial term. The resolution also specifies that the office would have duties assigned by law, rather than by the constitution itself. The measure would also change Oregon’s gubernatorial succession rules by placing the Lieutenant Governor first in line to succeed the Governor if the Governor’s office becomes vacant. It further updates related constitutional language to reflect the new office and provides that the proposed amendment be referred to voters at the next regular general election for approval or rejection.

Impact

If approved by voters, HJR 16 would amend Article V of the Oregon Constitution to create a new statewide executive office and revise the line of succession for gubernatorial vacancies. It would shift the first succession position from the Secretary of State to the Lieutenant Governor, while leaving the rest of the succession order in place. The measure would also require implementing laws to define the Lieutenant Governor’s duties and election details, and it would affect constitutional provisions governing vacancy appointments and acting officers.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript, vote tally, or recorded opposition in the provided materials, so there is no documented legislative debate to gauge support or criticism. Based on the text alone, the measure appears procedural and institutional in nature, aimed at clarifying executive succession and creating a new elected office. Because it is a referral to the voters rather than an enacted statutory change, the ultimate sentiment will depend on the public campaign and election outcome.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the creation of a new constitutional office and the policy choice to place that office first in the gubernatorial line of succession. Supporters are likely to view the proposal as a way to strengthen continuity in state government and provide a clearer succession structure. Critics may question whether Oregon needs a Lieutenant Governor at all, whether the office would duplicate existing executive functions, and whether the change could alter political power within the executive branch. The bill text itself does not identify any specific opponents or amendments.