Senate Health Chair Bill Fisher, R-Roseburg, created a work group, which proposed that unpaid claims are subject to interest charges after 30 days. The prompt pay compromise is scheduled to be heard in Fisher's committee this week. The Oregon House will vote this week on House Bill 2436 that imposes restrictions to make it difficult for broadcasters to air tapes of 911 calls . Broadcasters say they voluntarily protect the privacy of 911 callers and contend the legislation goes too far. HB 2436 comes to the House floor from House Rules, which is chaired by Rep. Carl Wilson, R-Grants Pass, who owns and operates a radio station.
Customers still can select their own energy supplier in a competitive market.
Under his plan, public purpose charges will begin to be assessed this October to generate funding for conservation and renewable energy projects. Simmons offered his legislation to head off efforts to delay or repeal all of the plan's provisions. Governor Kitzhaber reportedly will head to Washington, D.C. this week to lobby Bush Administration officials for more flexibility in managing the Oregon Health Plan , which serves more than 300,000 low-income Oregonians. Kitzhaber also is continuing to jawbone with House and Senate GOP leaders on modifications and funding for the Health Plan. Chair Charles Starr reportedly has agreed to strip out provisions in the original measure that specified levels of care for autistic students and included a health care coverage mandate.