Oregon legislators have reintroduced a bipartisan measure that would raise the state’s transient lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75% directly affecting campgrounds, RV parks, hotels and short-term rentals across the state.
House Bill 4134 would channel new revenue toward conservation efforts for 321 imperiled wildlife species identified by state officials, a figure that has grown from 294 since the last count in 2015.
If passed during the current short legislative session, the tax increase would take effect January 1, 2027, providing outdoor hospitality operators approximately one year to prepare for implementation.
Chief sponsors include Rep. Ken Helm, along with Rep. Mark Owens of Crane and Sen. Todd Nash of Enterprise, both Republicans. The unusual coalition reflects a cross-party effort to establish a dedicated funding stream for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, specifically targeting non-game species that generate no revenue through hunting or fishing licenses.
The bill is currently under consideration in the House Committee on Revenue during a five-week session focused primarily on budget adjustments.
The bill also renames the Oregon Conservation Strategy Subaccount to the Recovering Oregon’s Wildlife Fund Subaccount. This change reflects the state’s focus on supporting wildlife recovery and conservation efforts through dedicated funding.
Revenue generated from the tax increase will be allocated to multiple purposes. A portion will go to the Oregon Tourism Commission to support tourism-related initiatives. Another portion will be directed to the Recovering Oregon’s Wildlife Fund Subaccount to fund wildlife protection and restoration.
Smaller amounts will be distributed to state agencies for natural resource management, including enforcement against poaching and control of invasive species.
In addition, invoices for transient lodging will now be required to identify the portion of the tax related to conservation as a “nature conservation fee.”
The bill will take effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die, giving businesses time to update billing systems and inform customers of the new tax structure.