Governor Approves Increase in Witness Fees

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill to increase the maximum payments for witness fees, expenses and costs by $2,000, effective Jan. 1. Kotek on Monday signed House Bill 2799, by Rep. Ricki Ruiz, D-Gresham. The bill increases the limit on fees, expenses and costs to $3,500 from $1,500 unless the claimant establishes that extraordinary circumstances justify a larger payment. Additionally, the bill requires the cap on fees and costs to be adjusted each year based on increases in the state’s average weekly wage. The Senate voted 25-2 to pass the measure earlier in May. The state House o...