Looking to Salem: NWKC’s 2026 Oregon Legislative Priorities

With the convening of Oregon’s 35-day legislative session on February 2, the Northwest Kidney Council (NWKC) is turning its attention to Salem to advocate for policies supporting kidney dialysis patients and providers.

A primary focus for NWKC is on two closely aligned bills—SB 1529 and SB 1559—both of which direct the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to conduct a comprehensive study of Oregon’s health care system. These bills call on OHA to evaluate current structures, identify gaps in care, and report findings to legislative health committees by September 15, 2027.

For people living with kidney disease and those who provide lifesaving dialysis care, thoughtful, data-driven policymaking matters. A deeper look at how Oregon’s health care system functions, especially for kidney dialysis patients managing chronic and complex conditions, can inform smarter, more coordinated approaches to care delivery, access, and affordability.

NWKC supports both SB 1529 and SB 1559 because strong health policy starts with understanding what’s working, what’s not, and where patients are falling through the cracks.

As session continues, NWKC will remain engaged with lawmakers, share patient and provider perspectives, and work to ensure kidney health remains part of Oregon’s broader health care conversation in 2026 and beyond. View NWKC’s full list of legislative priorities here.