Advocates unveil pro-consumer legislative priorities that safeguard the financial stability of all communities, root out policies and practices that give corporations too much power and wealth

Portland, Ore. —Amid growing threats to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — the federal agency dedicated to protecting everyday consumers against powerful corporate interests — Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) unveiled today a pro-consumer legislative agenda that advances state-level reforms to protect Oregonians from a range of deceitful and unfair business practices.

“Every Oregonian deserves the ability to make economic decisions that make sense for them, full stop. Together with consumers across the state, we're working to shift the balance back to consumers and push back on policies that don’t serve our families and communities,” said Chris Coughlin, Policy Director for OCJ. 

Coughlin noted that to truly support economic opportunities for every Oregonian, state lawmakers must continue to tackle discrimination and structural racism ingrained within U.S. financial and economic systems that harm communities of color the most, and perpetuate an ever-widening racial wealth gap.

OCJ’s 2025 legislative priorities are supported by the Consumer Alliance of Oregon. This broad group of community-based organizations, nonprofits, subject matter experts, and national advocacy groups works together to prioritize the needs of communities that have been, and continue to be, most harmed by predatory practices.

The 2025 legislative priorities call on lawmakers to implement reforms that build on Oregon’s progress to protect all consumers and safeguard the financial stability of all communities and include:

• Strengthen Consumer Protections in Oregon's Insurance Industry (Senate Bill 174): Adds the insurance industry to Oregon's Unlawful Trade Practices Act (UTPA), ensuring the same standard of accountability when consumers are harmed by deceptive or fraudulent business practices. Insurance is currently the only major industry not covered by the UTPA
• End Credit Reporting on Medical Debt (Senate Bill 605): Removes medical debt from credit reports, protecting Oregonians from being denied job opportunities, mortgages, and rental applications simply because we got sick.
• Eliminate Uncertainty About the Costs of Buying a Car (House Bill 3178): A car is often one of the most expensive purchases we ever make. Ensures car dealers will honor the loan terms agreed to at the time of purchase.
• Opt Oregon Out of Predatory Interest Rates (House Bill 2561): Protects consumers from predatory lending by closing a loophole in federal law that allows lenders to bypass Oregon's 36% interest rate cap by partnering with banks in other states.

In recent years, Oregon has taken steps to dismantle the policies and practices that lead to financial abuse, passing reforms that protect and defend Oregon consumers including the Family Financial Protection Act — a landmark victory over aggressive debt collectors secured in the 2024 Oregon Legislative Session.

However, gaps in Oregon’s consumer protection laws still exist and greater action is needed to advance equitable solutions to the challenges faced by consumers.

“Our agenda tackles the intersections of consumer protections that move us closer to a future where joy, good health, and economic opportunities are accessible to all Oregonians,” said Jagjit Nagra, Executive Director of OCJ. “Too many policies and practices make it harder for families to afford the basics, let alone recover from setbacks and get ahead. These circumstances aren’t by accident, but the result of deliberate decisions that for generations have prioritized industry profits over people.”

A recent report shows that Oregonians must now spend almost $10,000 more a year just to maintain the same standard of living they had five years ago. Nearly half of Oregon households struggle to afford the basics, and experience adverse impacts as a result of deceitful and unfair business practices. 

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