Oregon lawmakers pass COVID-19 relief in special session During a special session in Salem, lawmakers passed a list of bills aimed at keeping Oregonians in their homes while helping struggling landlords and businesses. Author: Maggie Vespa Updated: 6:26 AM PST December 22, 2020 SALEM, Ore. — Less than two weeks before tens of thousands of Oregon households were due to be evicted, state lawmakers came through. During a one-day special session in Salem, lawmakers passed a list of bills aimed at keeping Oregonians in their homes while helping struggling landlords and businesses stay afloat. Chief among them, Senate Bill 5731 and House Bill 4401. In short, an $800-million relief package for Oregonians impacted by the pandemic and this summers' wildfires.