Civics Concept Lesson: Track a Bill (Oregon Legislature)

Each Oregonian is represented by a single Senator and a single Representative in the state legislature, which gathers in Salem, each January. Oregon’s legislative assembly consists of a 60-members House of Representatives and a 30-member Senate, serving for two and four year terms, respectively. Each of the 90 members must be United States citizens, at least 21 years old, and have lived in the legislative district from which they were elected for at least a year. The main duty of the Oregon Legislature is to “enact new laws and revise existing ones relating to the health, education and general welfare of Oregonians, and to make decisions that keep the state in good economic and environmental condition,” according to its website. The Legislature is also responsible for the state budget. This lesson takes students into the state lawmaking process and shows them how to follow and interact with this process, using a bill considered in the 2024 short session. We hope this lesson teaches students (and teachers) how to participate in their state government and make their voices heard beyond just voting.