SB 783 is supported by Associated Oregon Industries and the Oregon University System. Both sides are bracing for a major fight, as opponents claim they have 15 votes to defeat it. House Transportation will vote this week on legislation to create a Fuel Tax and Road User Fee Task Force to explore ways to finance transportation improvements other than increasing the gas tax. Health care insurers and providers neared agreement last week on a contentious bill to impose new requirements on insurers to pay provider claims more quickly. Doctors and other providers claim insurers intentionally delay payments.
Insurers say providers have manipulated data to trump up their case.
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.