HB 4143
Authorizes the Governor to direct state agencies to withhold moneys owed to the federal government if federal funds are being withheld from the state in contravention of a valid court order.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
49%
Oppose
51%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows the Governor, with the Attorney General and State Treasurer’s approval, to instruct state agencies to withhold payments to the federal government if the federal government is unlawfully withholding funds from the state, as determined by a court order. Any withheld funds would be held in a dedicated state account, and the state would be required to protect its officials from liability related to compliance with this law. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
James Manning Jr.
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 4143 advocate for legislation that would allow the state of Oregon to withhold federal funds in cases where the federal government unilaterally withholds payment in violation of a court decision. This measure aims to protect essential services, uphold social contracts between states and the federal government, and ensure continuity of funding despite federal overreach. By providing a lawful tool for the state to defend itself, proponents believe HB 4143 addresses devastating impacts on families and vulnerable communities resulting from federal fund withholdals, while also promoting accountability in the federal-state relationship and safeguarding taxpayer interests.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of House Bill 4143 express strong opposition to the measure, citing concerns about punishing all Oregonians for the state's non-compliance with federal laws and policies they disagree with. They argue that the bill's provisions, such as withholding qualified payments from the federal government and establishing a Federal Moneys Holding Account, are unconstitutional and overly broad. Many the legislation undermines the state's sovereignty and imposes federal ideologies on Oregonians, rather than addressing actual issues or promoting effective partnership with the federal government. Furthermore, some argue that the bill could have negative consequences for Oregonians, including financial uncertainty and escalated intergovernmental tensions, and that it prioritizes individual congressional power over the well-being of the state.
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