Redistribution of Transient Lodging Tax
Oregon lawmakers have approved a bill that could change how lodging taxes are used in communities like Florence. House Bill 4148 passed the Oregon House 40 to 12 and cleared the Senate 23 to 6. The measure would allow cities and counties to spend a larger share of transient lodging tax revenue on services beyond tourism promotion. Current law requires at least 70 percent of the tax — collected from hotel and short-term rental stays — to support tourism marketing or related facilities. The new bill would lower that requirement to 50 percent, allowing the rest to be used for services such as police, fire protection, infrastructure and other local needs tied to tourism. Lodging taxes would still remain in the communities where they are collected, meaning revenue generated in Florence would stay local. Supporters say the change helps cities manage the impacts of visitor traffic, while tourism groups warn it could reduce funding for marketing coastal destinations. The bill now awaits action from Governor Tina Kotek.
Schools to Implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans
Oregon schools will soon be required to have cardiac emergency response plans under a new law signed by Governor Tina Kotek. House Bill 4160 sets statewide standards to ensure K-12 schools are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. Dr. James Bishara with the Oregon Pediatrics Society says sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any time, and many young people don’t realize they’re at risk until it happens. The law requires schools to develop response plans, install automated external defibrillators, conduct practice drills, coordinate with emergency medical services, and train key staff in CPR and AED use. Supporters say faster recognition and response could more than double survival rates. School districts must have plans in place by the start of the 2027-2028 school year.
Florence City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council will meet Monday night with several presentations and action items on the agenda. The meeting will include awards for the 2026 “If I Were Mayor” contest, recognition of local first responders by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a regional award from Lane Council of Governments for Outstanding Economic Enhancement. Councilors will also consider establishing an ad-hoc advisory committee for the Florence Mobility Hub Feasibility Study and Project Development. Other action items include a resolution to enter into the Managing Oregon Resources Efficiently intergovernmental agreement and discussion of the recruitment process for 2026 city committee vacancies. The consent agenda includes a recommendation to approve a new full on-premise liquor license for Happy Taco on Laurel Street. Public comment will also be taken during the meeting.
