In a historic move, the Oregon state legislature has passed a bill allowing consumers to pump their own gas, a practice previously prohibited since 1951. The self-service gas bill passed the state Senate with bipartisan support, 16-9, following its approval in the House in March, where it garnered a 47-10 victory. The bill now awaits the signature of Gov. Tina Kotek.
The proposed law, House Bill 2426, seeks to strike a balance between modern consumer preferences, business realities, and job security for service attendants. It mandates that gas stations retain attendants at half of their pumps, with self-service and attended-service provided at identical prices.
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“The bill finds a sweet spot between varied consumer preferences, business requirements, and labor considerations,” said Sen. Janeen Sollman, a Democrat from Hillsboro, and the main sponsor of the bill. She underscored the bill’s potential in offering consumers a choice while ensuring accessible services for the elderly and disabled.
Before the bill was passed in the state House in March, supporters argued that it would expedite gas lines and mitigate staffing shortages
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