HB 3530
Directs public bodies to change the name of highways that use the term "squaw" in the name.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires Oregon public bodies, such as the Department of Transportation, to change any highway names that currently use the word "squaw." It directs them to replace these names with alternatives suggested by local Native American tribes. There are exceptions if federal law mandates the use of the term or if the highway name reflects a pre-existing U.S. government designation.
Key provisions
- Requires public bodies to remove the term "squaw" from highway names.
- Directs public bodies to use a term or phrase from an Indian tribe as a replacement.
- Defines key terms like ‘highway,’ ‘Indian tribe,’ and ‘public body’ for clarity.
- Excludes situations where federal law requires the use of ‘squaw’.
- Excludes situations where the highway name is based on a pre-existing U.S. government designation.
Who is affected
- Oregon Department of Transportation
- Local governments responsible for highway naming
- Native American tribes in Oregon
- Oregon residents who use highways
Notable changes
- Replaces offensive terminology with culturally appropriate alternatives.
- Establishes a process for renaming highways.
- Provides guidance on selecting replacement names in consultation with tribes.
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