Where Policy Meets People

A Trusted Voice at the Capitol

Throughout the session, Andrea Meyer, AARP Oregon’s Lobbyist and Director of Government Relations, was a steady presence at the Capitol. She met with lawmakers, testified in committee hearings, tracked fast-moving bills, and worked closely with partner organizations. “When we started session, funding of long-term services and supports was at risk, but we are pleased to report that the final budget for programs serving our most vulnerable older Oregonians was protected,” said Meyer.

Meyer carried the voices of more than 500,000 AARP members across Oregon into those conversations. That matters more than ever. As of last year, older adults outnumber children, now making up about 20 percent of Oregon’s population, but in many rural communities, older adults represent closer to 50 percent of the population. Laws and policies that ignore that reality leave too many people behind.

But Meyer was not the only voice lawmakers heard.

The Power of Volunteer Advocacy

Behind the scenes, AARP volunteers and activists across Oregon helped make advocacy personal. Volunteers wrote emails, made phone calls, attended town halls, and shared their own experiences with lawmakers.

“During the 2026 session, AARP legislative advocacy volunteers were essential in showing up collectively to influence our elected officials and ensure our voices were heard on what matters to Oregonians age 50 and their families,” said AARP Oregon’s Legislative Advocacy Volunteer (LAV) Lead Volunteer Miki Herman. AARP volunteers are not professional lobbyists. They are renters, caregivers, retirees, veterans, and workers. These conversations happen in the district and the capital. This year AARP held a lobby day where LAV volunteers joined staff in Salem to share their stories and visit elected officials. When a legislator hears from a constituent who explains how a rent increase could force them to move or how a high-interest loan nearly drained their savings, it changes the conversation.

“By sharing authentic, human stories as constituents, we helped bring real-life experiences into the policymaking process and contributed to a successful session for AARP Oregon priorities,” said Herman.

In addition to volunteering, AARP ignites a network of tens of thousands of activists from across the state to lift up the voices of people 50+, asking legislators to support aging services, caregiving, and consumer protection. During this short session alone, hundreds of AARP activists took action. Their engagement strengthened every conversation and helped keep older adults’ needs front and center.

What Passed and Why It Matters

“With the help of our volunteers and activists, AARP Oregon had another successful legislative session advancing legislation that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of Oregonians 50+ and their families,” said Meyer.

Several bills AARP Oregon supported moved forward this session, each addressing everyday challenges faced by older adults including financial security, housing stability, and long-term care and aging services:

Closing the Door on Predatory Lending (HB 4116)

House Bill 4116 closed a loophole that allowed some lenders to charge interest rates above Oregon’s 36 percent cap by operating through out-of-state online banks. This helps protect consumers from high-cost loans that can trap borrowers in cycles of debt.

Stronger Consumer Protections (HB 4029)

House Bill 4029 added consumer protections when working with solar energy contractors. As more homeowners consider energy upgrades, this bill helps ensure clearer rules and fairer treatment.

Fairer Rental Application Systems (SB 1523)

Senate Bill 1523 reduced barriers created by online-only rental systems. It allows tenants to use paper applications, make payments without online portals or credit cards, and access buildings and common areas without relying on personal electronic devices.

Protecting Tenant Privacy (HB 4123)

House Bill 4123 limited when landlords can share sensitive tenant information, including income, tax, and medical details. This added protection is especially important for older renters.

Protecting Vulnerable Patients (SB 1575)

AARP Oregon also supported Senate Bill 1575, which strengthens oversight of new hospice facilities by requiring additional background checks and licensing requirements. The goal is to protect patients and families from fraud and abuse.

More Accessible Housing Options (SB 1576)

Advocates estimate that less than 0.3 percent of Oregon’s housing stock is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Senate Bill 1576 allows Oregon to require more fully accessible Type A units in new state-funded multifamily housing, helping more people age safely in their communities.

Expanding Housing Options for Older Adults (HB 4082)

Governor Tina Kotek testified in support of House Bill 4082, which allows temporary expansion of urban growth boundaries to support manufactured and prefabricated housing, and housing for older adults. The bill emphasizes affordability and accessibility.

Work Still Ahead

Not every priority crossed the finish line. House Bill 4098 would have updated Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act to include insurance products and services. Andrea Meyer testified in support of the bill, explaining that older adults deserve meaningful protection when insurers act unfairly. While it did not pass this session, the advocacy laid important groundwork for the future.

AARP Is in Your Corner

Advocacy is rarely about a single win. It is about consistency, partnership, and showing up year after year. Throughout the session, AARP Oregon worked alongside housing advocates, consumer protection groups, and aging-focused coalitions to advance policies that matter to people as they age. “AARP is in your corner,” says AARP Oregon State Director Bandana Shrestha. “We are here to make sure no one is navigating aging alone, and that lawmakers plan for Oregon’s future with people at the center.” That promise is reflected in the work happening in Salem, in the voices of volunteers across the state, and in policies that help people stay housed, avoid financial exploitation, and age with dignity. As Oregon continues to age, AARP Oregon remains committed to centering older adults in policymaking every session and in the work between sessions.