House vote sends legislation to the Senate to ward off potential legal challenges
The conversion of hotels and motels to emergency shelters and low-cost housing would be eased under a bill that is halfway through the Oregon Legislature.
The House voted 41-12 on Wednesday, March 31, to send the bill to the Senate.
House Bill 3261 would exclude the conversion of hotels and motels purchased for emergency shelters or low-cost housing from land use challenges in cities and counties. Lawmakers made federal money available for such purchases last year under Project Turnkey, which is overseen by the Oregon Community Foundation.
Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, said some projects have proceeded, but others have stalled despite community support.