It also requires a refund of certain past collections. Oregon law generally requires voter approval for property taxes, and allows voters to refer other taxes. Fees and charges generally are not subject to voter approval. Voter approval of new and increased taxes, fees and charges can be given only at the biennial general election or at an annual election if the legislature permits approval of statewide initiatives at that election. However, simple majority approval is required to renew certain police, fire, and 911 levies and for state gas tax increases.
Affected charges range widely from photocopy fees, to parking fees, to sewer and water charges.
This measure permits the state to impose temporary charges for not more than one year without voter approval. The measure permits local government emergency taxes for not more than one year if the Governor declares a local emergency, the local governing body approves the tax by a three-fourths vote, and the tax is approved by voters as the measure requires within 90 days after the declaration of emergency. This measure prescribes procedures for tax elections, ballot title review, the refund of unlawfully collected taxes and court challenges.