Legislative Branch

a cable-stayed bridge across the Willamette River — The Tilikum Crossing transit bridge over the Willamette River in Portland. (Oregon State Archives Scenic Images collection)

Oregon’s Provisional Legislature first met formally in 1845 in Oregon City. It was a unicameral body that operated on an uncertain schedule. The present bicameral system (two houses with senators and representatives) was adopted upon statehood in 1859. Today’s legislators meet annually in Salem and deal with complex matters by passing bills and appropriating funding. This section introduces the members of the Legislature and describes how the Legislature is organized.