What We Do A group of advocates standing behind a large wooden desk, with Governor Tina Kotek, seated in the center holding up the ceremonially signed documents for SB 1595. They are in a formal room with flags and bookshelves in the background.

We are actively exploring policy solutions to tackle key issues that affect our daily lives. These span issues related to debt (e.g., medical debt, rent-a-bank schemes, high utility rates, and the costs of prison phone calls) and automotive and insurance practices (eg., financing, car safety, and business practices). Further, we're continuing to work on issues from past sessions: property tax foreclosures and the corporate practice of medicine. We are focused on creating effective community-centered policies that protect consumers.

Explore our past legislative history to learn about the victories we have achieved for Oregon consumers and the lessons we have learned along the way.

The conclusion of the 2024 legislative short session represented a momentous milestone in OCJ’s journey to expand and protect consumer rights in Oregon.

Three generations of women sitting together on a porch, smiling at the camera. Read the article

We championed a legislative agenda to pass essential consumer policies during the 2024 short session.

Smiling couple holding a baby outside in front of a brick wall. Read the article

The last two months of the 2023 Legislative Session saw important victories to benefit Oregon families. 

Woman in a grocery store aisle wearing a mask and using her phone. Read the article

Two months before the close of the 2023 Oregon legislative session, we shared an update on the progress of our legislative agenda.

Oregon State Capitol building framed by green trees. Read the article

This legislative session we supported targeted policies to advance consumer justice in Oregon.

Happy family of four sitting on a couch and smiling at each other. Read the article

Consumers feel confused navigating consumer protection topics; it gets very muddled. I’m glad you’re shifting into co-learning opportunities. This is where your organization is the most instrumental.

Headshot of Sol Mora
Cohort members and OCJ staff poise for a group photo during their retreat.
Active

OCJ brings together community-based organizations, nonprofits, subject matter experts, and national advocacy groups to collectively champion the rights and interests of Oregon consumers through pro-consumer legislative efforts.

Learn more
Active

OCJ is convening four community organizations, and joined by subject matter experts, to participate in a co-learning and community-guided policy development process to inform 2025 legislation. Together we are exploring the issues and possible solutions to the challenges consumers face when purchasing cars, addressing one of OCJ's priority issue areas as identified in our first strategic plan. 

Active

We are working with community partners to develop accessible educational materials about the rights consumers have to protect their data. By responding to the changes set out in SB 619, Oregon’s Consumer Privacy Act (OCPA), passed in the 2023 Legislative Session, we are supporting consumers with resources to support their rights.

Complete | FY 22-23

Eleven community organizations that received 2022 OCJ grant funding joined our inaugural policy cohort. Throughout the year, OCJ worked with these organizations to navigate the legislative session and statewide policy-making. We focused on sharing information and supporting staff in policy roles. At the cohort's close, we reflected with each participating organization.

Read our cohort reflections

The policy cohort has been a valuable access point to build relationships with other organizations, and that has been very important for my work.

Headshot of Malena Lechon-Galdos

We launched our policy intern program in the spring of 2023, recruiting primarily from law schools statewide. The program has grown to offer externships as well. All opportunities provide meaningful, paid, and hands-on experience in consumer justice policy and advocacy.

This effort has furthered our mission by expanding our capacity and offering valuable learning and networking building for future lawyers and advocates.

More on our interns Former intern, Taylor Westlund, in her graduation robes and a cap, wearing sunglasses, sitting in a yellow chair with an UO Law backdrop. There is a black Oregon Consumer Justice tote bag on the floor next to her.

Oregon and Beyond: Showing Up Nationwide

Consumer issues cut across state lines, and many complex challenges will require solutions at the national level. Beyond our work in Oregon, OCJ is maintaining a consistent presence at the federal level, establishing strong policy partnerships, and engaging in federal regulatory processes to advance better outcomes for all consumers.

Federal Policy Partnerships

Logo of Consumer Federation of America More on CFA Logo of National Association of Consumer Advocates More on NACA Logo of National Consumer Law Center More on NCLC Coalition for Sensible Safeguards logo, made up of the words in white and blue on a dark background. More on CSS

Federal Regulatory Engagement

OCJ's policy and advocacy efforts are guided by feedback from our statewide consumer survey. This research helps us incorporate the real experiences and insights of Oregonians into the pro-consumer policies we pursue and support.

Survey Findings

Reach out to connect with a member of OCJ's policy team. 

Contact the Policy Team