The Oregon House Conduct Committee has dismissed all complaints filed under Legislative Branch Personnel Rule 27 against State Representative Dwayne Yunker (R–Grants Pass), concluding an investigation that stemmed from two speeches Yunker delivered on the House floor earlier this year.
The complaints, reviewed by the committee, originated from remarks Yunker made in March. One speech opposed Senate Bill 1098, while the other expressed concerns about House Bill 3014. The content of those speeches prompted the Legislative Equity Office (LEO) to initiate a review under Rule 27, which outlines procedures for addressing workplace harassment, discrimination, and related conduct within the legislative branch.
Following the committee’s decision to dismiss the allegations, Yunker characterized the outcome as a significant affirmation of constitutional protections for political speech within the legislature. He said the ruling underscored the need for reform in Salem, particularly regarding how Rule 27 is applied.
“This isn’t just a victory for me,” Yunker said in a statement issued through his office. “It’s a victory for every Oregonian who believes their elected representatives should speak freely, without fear of punishment for their viewpoints.”
Yunker has been a vocal critic of the Legislative Equity Office, arguing that the office has been “weaponized to chill debate” and that its role should be eliminated. “If we allow that to stand, we’re telling legislators they can be hauled into investigations simply for saying something unpopular,” he stated.
According to documents obtained through a public records request, the Legislative Equity Officer earns $329,534.52 annually in pay and benefits. The Legislative Equity Office’s budget for the 2025–27 biennium is $2,151,556. Critics, including Yunker, have pointed to these figures as part of a broader conversation about government spending and accountability.
Rule 27, which was implemented as part of a series of workplace conduct reforms in recent years, has been defended by its supporters as a necessary safeguard to ensure that all individuals in the Capitol can work in an environment free from discrimination or harassment. Proponents say it helps address misconduct while maintaining a respectful workplace for legislators, staff, and the public.
Opponents, including some lawmakers, have raised concerns that the rule can be misused for political purposes, potentially leading to investigations that inhibit open debate on contentious issues. Yunker has argued that his case is an example of that misuse.
The dismissal of the complaints comes amid ongoing political tensions in Salem, where partisan divides have frequently shaped both policy debates and procedural disputes. While the committee’s decision resolves the specific allegations against Yunker, it is likely to continue fueling the broader discussion about the balance between maintaining workplace standards and protecting free speech in the legislative process.
The Oregon House Conduct Committee’s action effectively closes the matter against Yunker, but the underlying debate over Rule 27’s scope and the role of the Legislative Equity Office appears far from over. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are expected to revisit the policy in future sessions, weighing whether changes are needed to ensure that legislative rules both uphold workplace protections and preserve robust political discourse.