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April Dobson — Democratic State Representative for Oregon District 39 (official headshot)

April Dobson Voting Record & Scorecard | Christian Employers Alliance

OR Representative

District: 39 • Democrat

2025 Alignment:

49.12%

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Lifetime Ratings by Policy Category

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Rep. April Dobson (D-OR-39) earned a 49% Christian Employers Alliance score for 2025, showing limited alignment with biblical business policy positions. April Dobson voted on 29 of the 34 substantive bills scored by CEA in 2025. Highest category scores: Workforce Freedom (100%), Economic Freedom (53%), and Healthcare Freedom (33%). April Dobson represents the 39th District in the Oregon House of Representatives.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 2005House 20254x

Opposing Expanded Government Control Over Mental Health Treatment and Criminal Justice Procedures

Against CEA
This bill significantly expands the criteria and procedures for involuntary mental health treatment, including broad definitions of danger to self or others and inability to provide for basic needs. It modifies court processes related to fitness for trial, extends commitment periods, and mandates local governments to allow residential treatment facilities in more zones. The bill also appropriates state funds for mental health programs and public defense in civil commitment cases. The partisan vote was sharply divided, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposing, reflecting concerns about government overreach and individual liberties.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while compassion for those struggling with mental illness is vital, this bill expands state power at the expense of personal responsibility and liberty. Biblical principles call for stewardship of resources and respect for human dignity, but also affirm justice and accountability. Government intervention should be limited, protecting families and communities without unnecessarily infringing on individual freedoms or expanding bureaucratic control.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on those who issue oppressive decrees - regulations, mandates, and compliance requirements that crush businesses and deprive workers of opportunity. Operational freedom fights the bureaucratic oppression that kills small businesses, prevents entrepreneurship, and protects established interests at the expense of new entrants. When licensing laws, zoning restrictions, and regulatory burdens make it impossible for the poor to start businesses, government becomes the oppressor Isaiah condemns.
HB 2015House 20252x

Expanding Government Control Over Residential Behavioral Health Facilities Through New Studies and Regulations

Against CEA
This bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to conduct extensive studies and adopt new rules regarding residential behavioral health treatment facilities, including secure and transition-aged youth homes. It mandates assessments of staffing requirements, reimbursement methodologies, discharge and appeal processes, and funding mechanisms to address workforce challenges and operational barriers. The bill increases government oversight and regulatory burdens on these facilities, potentially limiting operational flexibility and increasing costs, while expanding the scope of state involvement in private health care services. The legislation passed with strong Democratic support and Republican opposition, reflecting partisan divides over government expansion in health care.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for wise management of resources and respect for individual dignity. However, expanding government control and regulation risks undermining personal responsibility, economic freedom, and employer rights. While compassion for those with behavioral health needs is vital, solutions should prioritize free market approaches and limited government interference to best serve vulnerable individuals and preserve liberty.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God questions spending on what fails to nourish or satisfy. Healthcare freedom means rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates that force individuals and employers into systems that violate conscience or fail to meet real needs. Leaders who protect healthcare choice allow families and businesses to pursue treatments, coverage, and providers aligned with their values - "eating what is good" rather than consuming what government prescribes.
HB 2024House 20252x

Supporting Behavioral Health Workforce Growth by Funding Recruitment and Retention Incentives

With CEA
This bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to award grants to eligible entities to foster recruitment and retention of behavioral health care providers. It allows grant funds to be used for scholarships, loan forgiveness, tuition assistance, and stipends to increase workforce capacity. The bill also mandates safety training for behavioral health workers and provides protections against unlawful retaliation. While the Senate vote was largely partisan, the House showed bipartisan support, reflecting recognition of the workforce challenges in behavioral health.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, caring for the vulnerable, including those with mental health and substance use disorders, is a biblical mandate. Supporting the dignity of work and ensuring safe, stable employment aligns with stewardship of God-given talents and promotes justice and compassion in communities.
Luke 10:34-35 – "He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."
Leadership Insight
The Good Samaritan modeled voluntary service and direct negotiation - he hired the innkeeper personally, set terms himself, and promised fair compensation. Workforce freedom protects this direct relationship between those who need help and those who provide it. When government mandates wages, unions control hiring, or regulations dictate staffing, the voluntary exchange that enabled this compassionate care becomes impossible. Workers and employers must be free to negotiate directly.
HB 2066House 20252x

Supporting Energy Innovation and Resilience by Establishing a Regulatory Framework for Microgrids

With CEA
This bill directs the Public Utility Commission to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to allow the ownership, deployment, and use of microgrids and community microgrids within electric company service territories. The framework includes interconnection standards, safety and performance requirements, accessible application processes, and compensation methodologies that recognize the value microgrids provide to the grid and communities. It also empowers local governments to designate microgrid zones and adopt compatible land use regulations, facilitating community energy resilience and innovation while maintaining utility oversight and system reliability. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support, reflecting broad legislative agreement on the importance of modernizing energy infrastructure.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship of creation calls for wise management of energy resources that promotes economic growth and community resilience. Encouraging innovation and local control over energy aligns with biblical principles of responsible stewardship, supporting families and communities by providing reliable, affordable power while respecting the proper role of government in protecting public safety and property.
Proverbs 31:16 – "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard."
Leadership Insight
The Proverbs 31 woman models entrepreneurial excellence and economic freedom. God honors women who steward resources wisely and create wealth through diligence. Leadership values capability over cultural limitations - competence creates opportunity.
HB 2072House 20252x

Growing Government Revenue by Extending and Increasing Forest Products Harvest Taxes

With CEA
This bill extends and increases multiple taxes on the privilege of harvesting merchantable forest products on forestlands in Oregon for the years 2026 and 2027. It raises rates on existing privilege taxes that fund forest resource research, fire suppression benefits, administration of the Oregon Forest Practices Act, and forestry education at Oregon State University. While framed as supporting forestry management and education, these tax increases represent expanded government revenue extraction from private industry, increasing costs that may be passed on to consumers and limiting economic freedom in the forestry sector. The partisan vote was sharply divided, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposing the bill, reflecting a typical partisan divide on tax increases and government expansion.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship of natural resources and wise management of public funds are important biblical principles. However, government should exercise restraint in taxation and avoid imposing excessive burdens on honest work and enterprise. Expanding taxes on forestry operations risks undermining economic freedom and the dignity of work, shifting costs onto families and businesses rather than promoting responsible stewardship and personal accountability.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2081House 20253x

Growing Government Control Over Public Pension Investments by Mandating Climate Risk Management

Against CEA
This bill directs the Oregon Investment Council and State Treasurer to actively manage climate change risks in the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERS), including reducing carbon intensity and favoring investments aligned with a "just transition" to a low-carbon economy. It mandates biennial reporting to the legislature on progress toward these climate-related investment goals. The bill expands government involvement in investment decisions by prioritizing political and environmental objectives over purely financial returns. The partisan vote was sharply divided, with Republicans overwhelmingly opposing and Democrats supporting, reflecting the bill's alignment with progressive climate mandates rather than limited government or economic freedom.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for responsible management of resources, but this must be balanced with prudence, economic freedom, and fiduciary duty to beneficiaries. Government mandates that prioritize ideological goals over sound financial management risk undermining the dignity of work and the responsible stewardship of assets entrusted to public officials. True stewardship respects God-given liberty and accountability without expanding government control into private economic decisions.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2138House 20253x

Weakening Property Rights and Expanding Government Control by Mandating Denser Middle Housing and Limiting Local Autonomy

Against CEA
This bill expands state mandates requiring local governments to allow denser middle housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhouses, on residentially zoned lots and parcels, extending these requirements to urban unincorporated lands. It restricts private covenants and planned community rules that limit housing density or accessory dwelling units, limits local government hearings and appeals on expedited land divisions, and requires adoption of state rules promoting housing development. The bill significantly increases government intrusion into local land use decisions, undermining property owners' rights and local control over community character and development.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to families includes the right to private property and responsible management of land. This legislation disrupts the biblical principle of respecting private ownership and the dignity of work by imposing top-down mandates that diminish local authority and personal responsibility. Protecting property rights and limiting government overreach aligns with justice, order, and the proper role of civil authorities under God’s design.
Leviticus 25:10 – "Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan."
Leadership Insight
The Year of Jubilee proclaimed economic liberty - restoration of property, cancellation of debts, and freedom from bondage. Economic freedom follows this biblical pattern: protecting property rights, enabling debt relief through bankruptcy rather than permanent servitude, and ensuring families can rebuild wealth across generations. Government policies that permanently trap families in poverty, extract generational wealth through death taxes, or prevent property ownership contradict Jubilee's vision of economic restoration.
HB 2183House 20251x

Reducing Training Barriers for Private Security Professionals by Recognizing Prior Law Enforcement Experience

With CEA
This bill directs the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training to adopt rules allowing individuals who are or were certified police officers to satisfy private security professional certification training requirements through a refresher course and examination. By recognizing prior law enforcement experience, the bill reduces redundant training burdens, facilitates workforce mobility, and supports private sector security employers in accessing qualified personnel. The unanimous bipartisan support reflects broad agreement on enhancing operational freedom and efficiency in security certification.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation honors the dignity of work and stewardship by removing unnecessary barriers that hinder honest employment. It promotes responsible use of God-given talents and experience, enabling individuals to provide for their families and communities while supporting justice and public safety.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."
Leadership Insight
Half-hearted effort dishonors a holy calling. Excellence is worship when done wholeheartedly for God’s glory. Leaders who give their all reflect His worth.
HB 2208House 20251x

Strengthening Community Health Planning by Coordinating Local Health Entities

With CEA
This bill requires coordinated care organizations to collaborate with local public health authorities, community mental health programs, local planning committees, and hospitals to conduct community health assessments and adopt comprehensive community health improvement plans. These plans must serve as the primary regional planning documents for health services and incorporate behavioral health plans as required by law. The Oregon Health Authority is tasked with aligning these plans with other reporting requirements to ensure coordinated and efficient health service delivery. While the bill enjoys bipartisan support, it expands government involvement in regional health planning and oversight.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, promoting community health aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and steward resources wisely. However, such coordination must respect individual liberty and avoid unnecessary government expansion. This bill encourages collaboration and shared responsibility in addressing health needs while emphasizing stewardship and compassion for those in need.
Isaiah 58:10-11 – "If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry... the Lord will guide you always... you will be like a well-watered garden."
Leadership Insight
Selfless service brings supernatural renewal. Those who pour out for others never run dry. God refreshes leaders who give from conviction, not convenience.
HB 2258House 20252x

Reducing Local Government Barriers to Residential Development by Authorizing Preapproved Building Plans

With CEA
This bill authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) to adopt rules requiring local governments to approve certain residential land use applications if the developments use building plans preapproved by the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). It applies to specified residential development types on eligible lots within urban growth boundaries, with size and environmental restrictions. The bill aims to streamline housing development approvals by limiting local regulatory discretion and promoting uniform standards, potentially reducing delays and costs for employers and homebuilders. Bipartisan support in both chambers reflects broad legislative agreement on addressing housing supply challenges.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation supports stewardship of resources by reducing unnecessary government barriers that hinder honest work and economic opportunity. Facilitating responsible development aligns with biblical principles of providing for families and communities while respecting the proper limits of government authority.
Proverbs 29:2 – "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Leadership Insight
Righteous economic leadership creates prosperity that lifts all people; wicked rulers impose taxation, regulation, and cronyism that make the people groan. Economic freedom flourishes under leaders who fear God and protect property rights. When government becomes extractive rather than protective, citizens suffer under the weight of policies designed to benefit the powerful rather than serve the productive.
HB 2338House 20252x

Protecting Economic Freedom by Establishing a Registered Tax Aide Certification

With CEA
This bill creates a new entry-level tax preparation professional certification called a registered tax aide (RTA). It establishes requirements for education, training, examination, continuing education, fees, and supervision by licensed tax consultants. The State Board of Tax Practitioners is tasked with overseeing certification and enforcement. By formalizing this certification, the bill aims to improve consumer protections and professional standards without imposing excessive barriers that would limit workforce entry or increase government overreach.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation supports stewardship and accountability by promoting integrity and competence in financial matters. It respects the dignity of honest work and encourages responsible service to others, aligning with biblical principles of justice and faithful management of resources.
Luke 16:10-11 – "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
Leadership Insight
Jesus connects economic stewardship to spiritual trustworthiness. Economic freedom is built on this principle: individuals who manage small resources faithfully should be trusted with more - not have government confiscate their increase through taxation or redistribute their success. When government punishes productive stewardship through progressive taxation, it contradicts Christ's teaching that faithful management of "very little" qualifies you for "much." Economic freedom rewards faithful stewardship.
HB 2342House 20252x

Hiking Costs on Wildlife Licenses and Commercial Fishing by Increasing Fees

With CEA
This bill increases fees for various wildlife licenses, tags, permits, and commercial fishing licenses in Oregon. It authorizes the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to create new fees, including ocean endorsements, and establishes a new Marine Fisheries Enhancement Fund Subaccount. The fee hikes apply to residents and nonresidents alike, raising costs for hunters, anglers, and commercial fishers. These increases expand government revenue through user fees but also impose higher costs on individuals and businesses engaged in outdoor activities, potentially restricting economic freedom and access.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for responsible management of resources without imposing undue burdens that limit honest work and enjoyment of God's creation. Excessive fee increases risk discouraging participation in outdoor stewardship and economic activity, undermining personal responsibility and the dignity of work. Government should seek to serve the public without expanding costs that hinder free enterprise and individual liberty.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on lawmakers who craft economic policies that oppress the poor through excessive taxation, regulatory barriers to entry, and cronyism that favors the connected over the capable. Economic freedom is justice for the poor - when the working class keeps more of their earnings, when small businesses can compete without crushing compliance costs, and when families can build wealth without government extraction. Unjust economic laws always hit the poor hardest.
HB 2370House 20252x

Growing Government Costs by Increasing Public Utility Commission Fees

Against CEA
This bill raises the maximum annual fee that the Public Utility Commission (PUC) may impose on public utilities to cover the commission’s operational costs. The increase shifts higher regulatory expenses onto utility companies, which often results in higher costs passed on to consumers and businesses. The fee hike expands government’s financial footprint in the utility sector, undermining economic freedom and increasing regulatory burdens on employers and consumers alike. The partisan vote was sharply divided, with Republicans overwhelmingly opposing and Democrats supporting, reflecting conservative concerns about expanding government fees and costs.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship of resources calls for prudent restraint in government spending and regulation. Increasing fees on utilities burdens families and businesses, limiting their ability to provide for their households and communities. Responsible governance respects the dignity of work and economic freedom, avoiding unnecessary expansions of government power that hinder honest enterprise and personal responsibility.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2385House 20252x

Protecting Pharmacy Access and Limiting Manufacturer Interference with 340B Drug Distribution

Against CEA
This bill prohibits drug manufacturers from directly or indirectly interfering with pharmacies or drug outlets acquiring, delivering, or dispensing 340B drugs to covered healthcare entities. It forbids manufacturers from requiring utilization review data as a condition for these transactions unless mandated by federal law. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $5,000 per day, enforceable by the State Board of Pharmacy. The bill passed largely along party lines, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposing, reflecting a partisan divide on regulatory intervention in pharmaceutical distribution.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, ensuring access to affordable medications aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and steward resources wisely. However, government-imposed mandates that expand regulatory burdens on manufacturers risk increasing costs and limiting economic freedom. Balancing compassionate access with limited government intervention is essential to uphold both stewardship and liberty.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on lawmakers who craft economic policies that oppress the poor through excessive taxation, regulatory barriers to entry, and cronyism that favors the connected over the capable. Economic freedom is justice for the poor - when the working class keeps more of their earnings, when small businesses can compete without crushing compliance costs, and when families can build wealth without government extraction. Unjust economic laws always hit the poor hardest.
HB 2453House 20252x

Reducing Government Control Over School Equity Committees by Removing Mandatory Board Advising

With CEA
This bill removes the requirement that educational equity advisory committees must advise school district boards, limiting their duties to advising the school district superintendent instead. The bill allows superintendents to act on committee recommendations without board approval and reduces direct board involvement in equity matters. This change reduces government oversight and bureaucratic layers in school districts, limiting the scope of government influence on educational policy decisions.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, limiting government control over education respects parental authority and local stewardship. Reducing bureaucratic mandates aligns with biblical principles of responsible governance, personal accountability, and protecting family integrity by preventing overreach into community and school affairs.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2508House 20253x

Growing Government Control Over Student Data by Mandating a Standardized Electronic Data System

Against CEA
This bill directs the Department of Education to develop and implement a standardized electronic method for creating, collecting, using, maintaining, disclosing, transferring, and accessing student data across school districts and education service districts. It mandates comprehensive data sharing, including sensitive health and individualized education program information, and establishes a technical advisory committee to oversee implementation. The bill expands government data collection and increases state control over student information, raising concerns about privacy, data security, and bureaucratic overreach. Despite bipartisan legislative debate, Republicans overwhelmingly opposed this measure, signaling its misalignment with conservative principles of limited government and individual privacy.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for protecting the dignity and privacy of individuals, especially children, by limiting unnecessary government intrusion. While education is important, expanding state control over personal student data risks undermining parental authority and the God-given right to privacy. Responsible governance respects these boundaries and prioritizes safeguarding families from overreach and potential misuse of sensitive information.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on those who issue oppressive decrees - regulations, mandates, and compliance requirements that crush businesses and deprive workers of opportunity. Operational freedom fights the bureaucratic oppression that kills small businesses, prevents entrepreneurship, and protects established interests at the expense of new entrants. When licensing laws, zoning restrictions, and regulatory burdens make it impossible for the poor to start businesses, government becomes the oppressor Isaiah condemns.
HB 2548House 20252x

Opposing Government Expansion by Mandating State-Funded Studies on Farmworker Labor Standards

Against CEA
This bill directs state funds to Portland State University and Oregon State University to conduct an extensive study on labor standards and working conditions of farmworkers in Oregon. It mandates multiple reports to legislative committees and requires integration of findings with a separate state-conducted study. While framed as research, this measure expands government involvement in private industry oversight and risks leading to increased regulation and mandates on employers in the agricultural sector. The partisan vote was strictly along party lines, with all Republicans opposing and Democrats supporting, signaling a clear ideological divide.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for limited government interference in honest work and economic enterprise. Expanding bureaucratic studies and regulatory oversight burdens employers and risks undermining the dignity of work and personal responsibility. True compassion flows from empowering families and businesses, not from expanding government control and dependency.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2558House 20252x

Increasing Fees and Expanding Regulation of Outfitters and Guides by Redefining Roles and Registration Requirements

With CEA
This bill modifies the definition of "charter guide" to specify that such guides carry no more than six passengers for hire on federally navigable waterways and possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard operator license. It also defines "crew member" as an employee assisting with angling or watercraft operation under direct supervision who must register with the State Marine Board. The bill increases registration fees for all outfitters and guides, effective November 1, 2025. These changes expand government oversight and regulatory burdens on outfitters, potentially increasing costs and administrative complexity for employers in the outdoor recreation industry.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, excessive regulation can hinder honest work and stewardship by placing unnecessary burdens on businesses and workers. Limited government that respects personal responsibility and economic freedom best allows individuals and communities to flourish while still prioritizing safety and accountability.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on lawmakers who craft economic policies that oppress the poor through excessive taxation, regulatory barriers to entry, and cronyism that favors the connected over the capable. Economic freedom is justice for the poor - when the working class keeps more of their earnings, when small businesses can compete without crushing compliance costs, and when families can build wealth without government extraction. Unjust economic laws always hit the poor hardest.
HB 2594House 20251x

Strengthening Oversight and Transparency of Dental Laboratories by Requiring Registration and Material Disclosure

With CEA
This bill requires dental laboratories operating in the state to register with the Health Licensing Office and provide material content disclosures to prescribing dentists. It defines key terms related to dental laboratories and technicians, mandates disclosure of the origin and materials used in dental prosthetic appliances, and authorizes disciplinary action for violations. While the bill passed with bipartisan support in the House but faced opposition from Republicans in the Senate, it establishes reasonable regulatory oversight without imposing excessive burdens on employers.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation promotes stewardship and accountability by ensuring transparency in health-related services. Protecting patients through clear disclosure and responsible oversight aligns with biblical principles of justice, care for the vulnerable, and honoring the dignity of honest work.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
Leadership Insight
Operational freedom begins with stewardship. God entrusts leaders with resources, influence, and people - not to control them, but to multiply them for His Kingdom. Faithfulness is Heaven’s metric for leadership success.
HB 2728House 20252x

Increasing Government Oversight by Mandating Overtime Disclosure in Public Employee Retirement Calculations

Against CEA
This bill requires the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to provide retiring members with detailed information about the use of overtime hours in calculating their final average salary. It establishes a formal dispute process allowing members to challenge the accuracy of this information within specified timeframes. While the bill aims to increase transparency in retirement benefit calculations, it adds administrative complexity and expands government oversight of employer-employee compensation arrangements. The partisan vote shows Democrats largely supporting and Republicans mostly opposing, reflecting a divide on expanding government involvement in retirement benefits.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for responsible management of resources and transparency in financial matters. However, increasing bureaucratic mandates and oversight risks expanding government control and reducing economic freedom. While accountability is important, policies should prioritize limited government and respect employer and employee rights without unnecessary regulatory burdens.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2800House 20252x

Clarifying Employer Responsibilities by Updating Terminology to Reflect Professional Employer Organizations

With CEA
This bill updates state law by replacing the term "worker leasing company" with "professional employer organization" (PEO) to accurately reflect modern business practices where PEOs and client employers share employer responsibilities for some or all client workers. It establishes licensing requirements for PEOs, clarifies workers’ compensation coverage obligations, and delineates distinctions between PEOs and temporary service providers. The unanimous bipartisan support indicates broad agreement on the need for clear, updated regulatory frameworks that protect employers and workers while accommodating flexible employment arrangements.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, clear and just laws that define employer responsibilities promote accountability and stewardship. Recognizing legitimate business arrangements respects the dignity of work and the God-ordained order in economic relationships, supporting both employer rights and worker protections within a framework of fairness and responsibility.
Proverbs 11:1 – "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him."
Leadership Insight
Integrity in business is not optional - it’s spiritual obedience. Every transaction reflects the character of the Kingdom. Honesty is Heaven’s currency for influence.
HB 2803House 20252x

Opposing Higher Water Fees by Expanding Government Charges on Water Use

With CEA
This bill increases numerous fees related to water permits, applications, protests, and dam hazard ratings administered by the Water Resources Department. The fee hikes affect a wide range of water-related activities, including appropriations, storage, changes to water rights, and dam inspections. By raising these fees, the bill expands government revenue collection and regulatory costs for water users, potentially burdening agricultural producers, businesses, and property owners who rely on water resources. The partisan vote was sharply divided with Republicans overwhelmingly opposing and Democrats supporting, reflecting conservative concerns about growing government fees and regulatory overreach.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for careful management of resources without imposing undue burdens on honest work and enterprise. Increasing fees on water use risks penalizing responsible caretakers of God’s creation and expanding government control beyond necessary limits. Protecting economic freedom and limiting government interference aligns with biblical principles of justice, stewardship, and respect for individual responsibility.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on lawmakers who craft economic policies that oppress the poor through excessive taxation, regulatory barriers to entry, and cronyism that favors the connected over the capable. Economic freedom is justice for the poor - when the working class keeps more of their earnings, when small businesses can compete without crushing compliance costs, and when families can build wealth without government extraction. Unjust economic laws always hit the poor hardest.
HB 2805House 20252x

Growing Government Costs by Permanently Allowing Annual Food Establishment License Fee Increases

Against CEA
This bill makes permanent the authority of the State Department of Agriculture to annually increase license fees for food establishments by up to three percent. This ongoing fee increase power expands government revenue at the expense of food businesses, raising operational costs and regulatory burdens. The partisan vote was strictly along party lines, with Republicans overwhelmingly opposing and Democrats supporting, indicating a clear conservative objection to this expansion of government fee authority.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for responsible management of resources and restraint in government expansion. Increasing fees on honest businesses undermines economic freedom and imposes unnecessary burdens on employers striving to provide for their families and communities.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2806House 20252x

Growing Government Costs by Permanently Allowing Increased License Fees on Commercial Weighing and Measuring Instruments

Against CEA
This bill makes permanent the authority of the State Department of Agriculture to annually increase license fees for commercial weighing or measuring instruments by up to three percent, with certain maximum limits. It also authorizes additional increases of up to 10 percent for two fiscal years. These fee hikes expand government revenue streams by raising costs on businesses that rely on commercial measuring devices, increasing regulatory burdens and reducing economic freedom for affected employers.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for prudent management of resources and limited government intervention. This bill expands government authority to impose fees on businesses, which can hinder honest work and responsible enterprise. Limiting government growth and protecting economic freedom align with biblical principles of justice and wise stewardship.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2808House 20252x

Hiking Costs on Well Construction by Increasing Fees

With CEA
This bill increases various fees related to well construction, alteration, abandonment, and conversion, including start card fees and licensing fees for water well constructors. The increased fees expand government revenue but impose higher costs on well contractors and landowners, potentially discouraging private investment and economic activity in water resource development. The partisan vote was sharply divided, with Republicans overwhelmingly opposing and Democrats supporting, reflecting concerns about government overreach and economic burden.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for prudent management of resources and limited government interference in private enterprise. Increasing fees burdens honest work and risks hindering the responsible use of natural resources, undermining economic freedom and the dignity of labor. Government should serve as a steward, not a barrier, to productive enterprise and family provision.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2809House 20251x

Hiking Costs by Increasing Pesticide Registration Fee Caps

Against CEA
This bill increases the maximum allowable fee that pesticide manufacturers or distributors must pay annually to register each pesticide or formulation with the state Department of Agriculture, raising the cap from $400 to $550. This fee hike expands government revenue but imposes higher costs on pesticide producers, which may be passed on to farmers and ultimately consumers. The legislation expands regulatory burdens and government scope over agricultural inputs without clear evidence of improved safety or efficacy.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship of resources calls for prudent management and limited taxation to avoid undue burdens on honest work and enterprise. Increasing fees on agricultural producers risks harming economic freedom and the dignity of labor, as higher costs may reduce productivity and raise food prices, contrary to biblical principles of justice and responsible stewardship.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2925House 20252x

Safeguarding Economic Freedom by Streamlining Ocean Shore Permitting Procedures

With CEA
This bill modifies existing permitting procedures for ocean shore improvements by authorizing the State Parks and Recreation Department to issue general authorization permits for limited, substantially similar activities with predictable effects. It establishes clearer timelines for application completeness determination, public notice, comment periods, and permit decisions, while allowing emergency permits for urgent erosion or hazard responses. The bill balances environmental stewardship with reducing bureaucratic delays, which benefits property owners and businesses by providing more efficient regulatory processes without expanding government control.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation promotes responsible stewardship of natural resources while respecting individual property rights and economic freedom. By streamlining government processes and preventing unnecessary delays, it honors the biblical principles of justice, accountability, and wise management of resources entrusted to us, enabling communities and families to flourish without undue government interference.
Leviticus 25:10 – "Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan."
Leadership Insight
The Year of Jubilee proclaimed economic liberty - restoration of property, cancellation of debts, and freedom from bondage. Economic freedom follows this biblical pattern: protecting property rights, enabling debt relief through bankruptcy rather than permanent servitude, and ensuring families can rebuild wealth across generations. Government policies that permanently trap families in poverty, extract generational wealth through death taxes, or prevent property ownership contradict Jubilee's vision of economic restoration.
HB 2932House 20251x

Protecting Public Officials' Ability to Teach Without Conflict of Interest Restrictions

With CEA
This bill creates an exception to the general prohibition against public officials using their official position for financial gain by allowing them to receive compensation for teaching courses at post-secondary institutions. It clarifies that such teaching income does not constitute improper financial gain tied to their public office. While the bill passed with bipartisan support, it carefully balances preventing conflicts of interest with enabling public officials to share expertise in educational settings without undue restrictions.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, this legislation supports the biblical principle of stewardship by allowing individuals to use their God-given talents and knowledge to serve others through teaching. It respects the dignity of work and the sharing of wisdom while maintaining accountability and integrity in public service, ensuring that public trust is preserved alongside personal responsibility.
1 Timothy 5:8 – “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Leadership Insight
Providing for family is not optional - it's a spiritual mandate. Leaders champion policies that enable work, strengthen families, and protect parental authority. Dependency on government undermines the biblical call to provide. Personal responsibility precedes public assistance.
HB 2982House 20251x

Hiking Boating Fees and Expanding Government Control by Funding Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

Against CEA
This bill increases various boating-related fees, including registration and waterway access permits, and directs the additional revenue into the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund. It also mandates a waterway access permit for operators of nonmotorized boats of any length, with limited exemptions. While combating invasive species is a legitimate environmental concern, the fee hikes and expanded permit requirements impose additional costs and regulatory burdens on boat owners and operators, expanding government control over recreational activities and economic freedom.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship of God’s creation is important, but this must be balanced with responsible use of resources and respect for individual liberty. Excessive fees and mandates risk burdening honest work and recreation, while limited government and personal responsibility better honor biblical principles of justice and stewardship.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2016House 20252x

Weakening Accountability by Limiting Public Access to Counselor Discipline Records

Neutral
This bill requires the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists to establish a schedule of violations and mandates removal of disciplinary information from publicly accessible websites and publications after three or five years, depending on the severity of the violation and discipline imposed. However, this information must remain available in a searchable electronic database for licensure verification. Permanent license denials remain fully public. The bill passed largely along party lines, with Republicans opposing and Democrats supporting, reflecting concerns over reduced transparency and accountability.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice and accountability are essential to protecting the vulnerable and maintaining trust in professions that serve the public good. Limiting access to disciplinary records undermines transparency and stewardship of community safety, weakening the responsibility to uphold truth and protect those in need.
Proverbs 21:15 – "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."
Leadership Insight
Justice is not neutral - it rewards righteousness and confronts evil. Leaders who execute justice faithfully create cultures where virtue thrives and corruption fears. Moral clarity strengthens societies; moral ambiguity weakens them.
HB 2321House 20252x

Opposing Expansion of Government Control by Mandating a Property Tax System Study

Neutral
This bill directs the Legislative Fiscal Officer to analyze and prepare a report on Oregon's current state property tax system and options to modernize it. The report must cover the impacts of past ballot measures, concerns from property owners and local governments, and present modernization options with their pros and cons. The bill establishes a temporary task force and requires submission of the report by December 2026, with the task force sunset in early 2027. While framed as a study, this measure signals potential expansion of government control over property taxes and increased regulatory complexity.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship of resources and respect for private property rights are biblical principles that caution against unnecessary government interference. Encouraging expansive studies and potential reforms risks growing government power, undermining economic freedom, and burdening families and businesses with higher taxes and regulations. Responsible governance should prioritize limited government and protect the dignity of honest work and property ownership.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 2649House 20251x

Expanding Economic Freedom by Allowing Universities to Set Tuition Rates for Certain International Students

Neutral
This bill permits the governing boards of select public universities to establish tuition rates for qualifying students participating in cooperative programs with certain East Asian countries. The tuition rate must match the average in-state tuition among these universities, and the boards may also set additional fees and qualification requirements without needing approval from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. By granting universities this flexibility, the bill supports economic freedom and institutional autonomy while fostering international educational and economic collaboration.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, empowering educational institutions to manage resources responsibly aligns with biblical stewardship principles. Facilitating cooperation in higher education and economic development promotes opportunity, mutual respect among nations, and the dignity of work and learning, all while respecting limited government and institutional freedom.
Leviticus 25:10 – "Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan."
Leadership Insight
The Year of Jubilee proclaimed economic liberty - restoration of property, cancellation of debts, and freedom from bondage. Economic freedom follows this biblical pattern: protecting property rights, enabling debt relief through bankruptcy rather than permanent servitude, and ensuring families can rebuild wealth across generations. Government policies that permanently trap families in poverty, extract generational wealth through death taxes, or prevent property ownership contradict Jubilee's vision of economic restoration.
HB 2680House 20252x

Growing Government Control by Mandating Certifications for Contractors Receiving Public Funds

Neutral
This bill requires contractors who install, repair, or remodel fenestration products or systems in public buildings funded by public agencies to hold national certifications as glazing contractors and to have a significant portion of their employees certified as architectural glass and metal technicians. The mandate applies to projects receiving $25 million or more for new construction or $5 million or more for fenestration work, excluding routine maintenance. This expands government regulation and certification requirements, increasing barriers for contractors seeking public funds and potentially limiting competition and economic freedom.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for responsible use of resources and respect for individual initiative. Excessive government mandates on certifications can hinder honest work and limit opportunities for families to provide for themselves. Upholding limited government and economic freedom aligns with biblical principles of personal responsibility and dignity of labor.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on lawmakers who craft economic policies that oppress the poor through excessive taxation, regulatory barriers to entry, and cronyism that favors the connected over the capable. Economic freedom is justice for the poor - when the working class keeps more of their earnings, when small businesses can compete without crushing compliance costs, and when families can build wealth without government extraction. Unjust economic laws always hit the poor hardest.
HB 2944House 20253x

Growing Government Control Over Public Employers by Imposing Civil Penalties for Collective Bargaining Violations

Neutral
This bill directs the Employment Relations Board to impose civil penalties on public employers who repeatedly fail to comply with certain requirements under the Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act. Penalties escalate with repeated violations, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with exceptions for natural disasters or catastrophic events. The bill expands government enforcement power over public employers, increasing regulatory burdens and potential costs, while limiting employer discretion and operational freedom.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship calls for limited government interference and respect for employer rights to manage their operations responsibly. Expanding punitive government mandates undermines personal responsibility and economic freedom, shifting power away from employers and taxpayers toward bureaucratic control, which can hinder honest work and faithful stewardship.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on lawmakers who craft economic policies that oppress the poor through excessive taxation, regulatory barriers to entry, and cronyism that favors the connected over the capable. Economic freedom is justice for the poor - when the working class keeps more of their earnings, when small businesses can compete without crushing compliance costs, and when families can build wealth without government extraction. Unjust economic laws always hit the poor hardest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rep. April Dobson's voting record?

Rep. April Dobson (D-OR-39) earned a 49% Christian Employers Alliance score for 2025, showing limited alignment with biblical business policy positions. April Dobson voted on 29 of the 34 substantive bills scored by CEA in 2025. Highest category scores: Workforce Freedom (100%), Economic Freedom (53%), and Healthcare Freedom (33%). April Dobson represents the 39th District in the Oregon House of Representatives.

How aligned is April Dobson with biblical business policy positions?

April Dobson earned a 49% Christian Employers Alliance score in 2025, showing limited alignment with biblical business policy positions.

What is April Dobson's CEA score?

April Dobson has a 49% CEA score for 2025.

Where does April Dobson serve?

Rep. April Dobson (D-OR-39) represents the 39th District in the Oregon House of Representatives as a Democrat.

What issue categories does April Dobson score highest and lowest on?

April Dobson's strongest categories on the Christian Employers Alliance scorecard are Workforce Freedom (100%) and Economic Freedom (53%). The lowest-scoring categories are Operational Freedom (31%) and Healthcare Freedom (33%).

Christian Employers Alliance — Faith. Family. Freedom.
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