This opening week of the 2022 Legislative Session saw a slate of new bills proposed. One of immediate concern to the sportfishing industry is HB 4079 and an -4 amendment that imposes a 3% sales tax on “luxury goods,”  which unfortunately includes recreational boats over $125,000, any new electronic device with a price greater than $2,000, all-terrain vehicles with a retail sales price over $7,500, etc.  The revenue generated from this tax would assist low-income former foster children and pregnant individuals (on medical assistance) by providing a monthly payment of $750.  This tax has a significant impact on boat builders in Oregon and NSIA is working to either kill the bill or get recreational boats removed from the tax.  NSIA will be submitting formal testimony to the House Committee on Human Services at the public hearing scheduled for February 8th, at 1:00pm.  NSIA members are encouraged to write the Committee and encourage a NO vote on the -4 amendment.  Please see details on how to testify below.

  1. Go to the OLIS website (https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/) and click on the Committees button (upper right corner of the screen).
  2. Navigate to and select the Committee in which the bill for which you will be submitting testimony is scheduled for a Public Hearing.
  3. On the Committee Overview page, click on the Click to Submit Testimony link.​

The text of HB 4079:

Proposed Amendments to HB 4079_2022