Kotek Sets 2026 Legislative Priorities, Criticizes ICE Enforcement Surge

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek outlined priorities ahead of the state's 2026 legislative session, set to begin Feb. 2, 2026. Her agenda includes House Bill 4082, aimed at speeding affordable housing development for seniors and manufactured home communities, and House Bill 4083, intended to reduce regulatory barriers for behavioral health workers. Kotek said she is focused on making life more affordable, growing the economy, and protecting Oregonians from federal funding cuts. Separately, Kotek criticized a surge in immigration enforcement activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Oregon and nationwide, stating that the state legislature would address the issue during the upcoming session. Oregon Democrats have already announced several immigration-related bills, including proposals to prevent law enforcement officers from concealing their identities during enforcement actions and to allow Oregonians to sue federal agents. These measures are expected to be introduced alongside Kotek's other legislative priorities when the session convenes. As of the reporting dates, the bills remain proposals awaiting formal legislative action once the session begins. Specific details on how the immigration-related measures would be implemented, their sponsors beyond general attribution to Democrats, and the scope of legal liability for federal agents remain unspecified in available reporting. It is unresolved whether Kotek's housing and behavioral health bills and the immigration-related measures will be considered as part of a unified legislative package or as separate initiatives during the session.