Lawmakers in Salem are considering a plan to potentially make money off the official seal of the state of Oregon.
The seal of the state of Oregon can be found on souvenir mugs, key chains, magnets and many more items. Senate Bill 803 would only allow the use of the seal if the manufacturer has signed a licensing agreement with the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. The agreement would allow the state to share in the proceeds, much like a sports team makes money when companies use their logo to sell caps and jerseys.
Sen. Mark Hass, D-Beaverton, was skeptical of the idea to make some cash from the state seal.
“I just think that’s kind of the brand of state government," he said. "There’s a reason that it’s special, and if we start loaning it out for commercial opportunities, we do it with some peril.”
The measure cleared a policy committee in April and will be considered by a budget panel this week.
