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Back to Legislative Report Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/5 Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Cybersecurity and Privacy Ethics Issues Campaign Finance The June 8 House Rules Committee finally saw some CFR action, starting at ~1:20 in the video. Speaker Rayfield’s staff explained some history, concepts, and complications of crafting a CFR bill. He admitted there were small group consultations earlier in the session (not including the League) and that stakeholder groups had not changed their (conflicting) positions. Also, given the complications in the Senate, no CFR bill will go forward during this long session. Discussions to continue during interim will be used to hopefully bring back a bill in next year’s short session. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected, but more donations are needed. Cybersecurity and Privacy By Rebecca Gladstone We posted a thumbnail list of the 52 bills currently waiting on the Senate floor, see Facebook and Twitter , June 8. This wide assortment of policies and budgets affects all Oregonians. Discussion and conjecture abound amid courtesies and the hollow procedural counts confirming quorum failure. We met with other activists to consider what can happen next, not in order of likelihood: the session ends soon with many bills dying in the Senate. Or, R’s return and process some bills as limited remaining time allows. A single special session could address a limited few urgent bills, or split special sessions could hear urgent budget and policy bills separately. An issue popularity contest could suffocate lower profile but very important policy bills, inviting “why didn’t anyone tell us?” Please keep reading. Awaiting Senate quorum: These League priority bills are listed by bill #. All dates are subject to change (again): HB 2049 A : This Cybersecurity Center of Excellence bill passed 22 to 0 from full W&Ms, June 9, to the Senate floor. See Rep Nathanson’s Spring 2023 newsletter: “Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to be jointly operated by PSU, OSU, and UO to grow the workforce pipeline (there are now over 7,000 unfilled, high paying cybersecurity jobs in Oregon) and help local governments, school districts and other public and private entities prepare for and defend against cyberattacks. The “teaching hospital” model of learning would allow students to learn on the same equipment they will use after completing the program and entering the workforce. Read more about it in my Jan.-Feb. Newsletter .” HB 2052 A : This AG Data Broker Registry bill could have Senate floor first reading, June 13. League testimony in support was filed before the current -7 amendments. HB 2107 See earlier reports for this Oregon Health Authority extension of automatic voter registration, further rescheduled for Senate floor reading, June 13. HB 2490 : This cyber omnibus bill awaits second and third Senate floor readings, June 13 and 14. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). HB 2806 relating to public meetings and cybersecurity, further re-scheduled for June 13 and 14. See our testimony . HB 3073 A passed from the House floor, May 31, 55 to 1, awaiting first Senate reading, June 13. See our Feb 16 estimony supporting candidate and incumbent home address privacy. HB 3127 : We are following this “TikTok” bill, relating to the security of state assets. Currently further rescheduled for June 12 and 13. SB 166 A awaited third Senate reading on June 13, to address privacy and harassment concerns. There is now a proposed limit to directly address dark money concerns, of $100 cash “physical currency” annually, for aggregated campaign contributions. See our March 14 testimony and previous extensive reports, predating amendments. SB 619 : This larger bill from the AG’s consumer data protection task force got rescheduled Senate floor reading dates of June 13 & 14. See our testimony . Ethics Issues By Chris Cobey HB 2038 B : Requires statement of economic interest to include certain information about sources of income for business in which public official or candidate, or member of household of public official or candidate, is officer, holds directorship or does business under if source of income has legislative or administrative interest and 10% or more of total gross annual income of business comes from that source of income. Prohibits candidate or principal campaign committee of candidate from expending campaign moneys for professional services rendered by certain businesses required to be listed on candidate's statement of economic interest. Creates exceptions. 6/9: JW&Ms passed it 21-0. SB 168 B : Expressly prohibits public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. 6/7: House passed it 48-0 with 12 excused. SB 168 B must go back to the Senate for concurrence or other process . SB 661 Enrolled : Prohibits lobbyist from serving as chair of interim committees, or certain legislative work groups, or legislative task forces. Provides exceptions. 6/2: Effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

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Back to Legislative Report Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 4/3 Jump to a topic: Climate Coastal Issues Land Use/Housing Elliott State Research Forest Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire Natural Resources By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team The next policy bill deadlines are May 5 where bills in the second chamber must have a work session scheduled or the bill is dead. May 19 is when a bill must have completed its work session in its second chamber, or it is dead. Of course, the exceptions still apply: sending to Rules, Revenue, or a Joint Committee keeps the bill alive. The number of bills moved to Rules in each chamber seems extraordinary, most without recommendation from the originating policy committee. Budgets/Revenue On March 30, the League provided testimony with comments on the Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) budget ( HB 5018 ). The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ) was heard April 4-6, with public testimony on the 6th. The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ) is scheduled for April 12 and 13 with public testimony on the 13 th . Expect agency budgets for small agencies to see Work Sessions next: Marine Board, LUBA, Columbia River Gorge Commission (Washington State legislative session ends April 23 and the Oregon budget allocation needs to match equal funding for the Gorge Commission.). The JW&Ms Capital Construction met April 7 with an agenda that included HB 5046 , the Continuing Resolution bill that allows budgets adopted by the end of session (June 25) to begin being spent as of July 1! Public Universities and Community Colleges also presented their Capital Projects requests and there was another hearing on HB 5006 . A series of public meetings will provide Oregonians with an opportunity to share their priorities for the state budget and HB 5006 , Emergency Board funding and other funding for 2023-25. A virtual public meeting session has been added for Friday, May 5, 5-7 p.m. All oral and written testimony will become part of the legislative record and made publicly available on the Oregon State Legislature website. Plan on no more than 2 minutes each! We await the May 17 Revenue Forecast that will be the guide for the final balanced budgets for 2023-25. The League was disappointed that HB 3349 , with the - 3 amendment , was passed to Ways and Means. The amendment would provide $300,000 each to eight different entities to create “navigators” to help access federal funding. We believe that there are better uses for the $2.4 million in the Higher Education budget. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 3382 is a serious threat to our coastal planning and could reduce or remove the opportunity for coastal NOAA grants in the future. LWVOR is working with partners to explain the harm this bill would cause. We need your voices to tell your legislators to Just Say NO! The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) is considering the adoption of amendments to Part Three of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP), the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy. A draft of the proposed rules is available on DLCD’s website. LCDC is scheduled to consider adoption of the new amendments during their April 20-21 meeting. Please contact Casaria Taylor, Casaria.taylor@dlcd.oregon.gov for further information. Address written comments to the Chair LCDC, care of Casaria Taylor via email. If you have questions, contact Andy Lanier at 503-206-2291, or email: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov . The agenda for LCDC’s April 20 meeting will be available on DLCD’s website . LWVOR has supported this work and may provide testimony before LCDC in April. Two years ago, the Oregon Legislature made a $1.9 million investment to fund research to help understand our changing ocean. Now, you can hear research progress and findings funded by House Bill 3114 at a free event in Newport on Friday, April 14. Space is limited and registration is required . The first Oregon Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (OAH) Symposium runs 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at the Hatfield Marine Science Center auditorium, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr. The passage of HB 3114 was an historic Oregon first in the fight against OAH and showed Oregon leaders' awareness of the importance of healthy oceans. LWVOR supported HB 3114 (2021) and have requested that monies not yet spent in this biennium be rolled over for 2023-25. Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch DEQ will host a community brainstorming session from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on April 12 to discuss the recently announced U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant opportunity for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings. An EPA information session related to this funding opportunity is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. PDT on April 10. More information about this funding opportunity and where to register for the EPA’s information session. The goal of this funding opportunity is to improve public health protection against smoke from wildfires by enhancing preparedness in community buildings. Dept. Of Geology And Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League follows this agency and supported SB 222 , a simple bill to allow (not require) that permittees could pay their permit application fees with a credit card—but would have to pay the card fee also. On April 5, the bill was voted on in the Senate chamber. When the vote was 15-14, Sen. Prozanski changed his vote to Nay so he could have the bill reconsidered when Sen. Sollman returned to the Capitol. She was in Hillsboro visiting the U.S. Commerce Secretary as a leader on the semiconductor issue. With Sen. Gorsek out recovering from heart surgery, any contentious bill that one party determines they want to try to kill risks jeopardy. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The ESRF website notes a next prospective Board meeting on April 10. Part of the meeting will discuss the financial viability modeling which is of interest to the League. Here is the agenda for the noon-4p zoom meeting. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony in opposition to SB 1051 with the -2 amendment , a bill to allow a property owner to request an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion of up to 200 acres outside of the current UGB process. The bill died in committee. HB 3414 with the -4 amendment was adopted to create a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD and also includes a Section 2 related to processing variances under certain circumstances. Variances are used to address exceptions to a code’s “clear and objective standards”. It is unclear how this provision will change a community’s control over residential development. The bill was moved without recommendation as to passage, referred to House Rules, and then to Ways and Means. SB 70 had a public hearing on Feb. 8 where the League provided testimony in opposition. The -1 amendment was adopted and the bill was moved without recommendation as to passage to Senate Rules. LWVOR still opposes it. The League was alerted to SB 1087 – a bill to allow restaurants, 25-car parking lots, and 5,000-square-foot seating areas on land designated for exclusive farm use (EFU land). It sets standards for the establishment of farm cafes on lands in Lane County zoned for exclusive farm use. It requires the Oregon Health Authority to review the land use compatibility statement before licensing a farm cafe. The bill also authorizes OHA to revoke, deny or suspend licenses upon certain violations of land use conditions. The bill had a hearing on April 6 in Senate Rules. The League is concerned with the precedent that would be set by allowing this activity in Lane County as other counties could ask for the same use on their EFU lands in the future. There are a number of bills related to siting solar in Oregon. HB 3179 with the -4 amendment passed out of committee to the House chamber. HB 3181 , a task force with specific members, with the -1 amendment , passed out of committee to Ways and Means. The measure appropriates $500,000 General Fund to ODOE and $2 million General Fund to DLCD, to provide financial and technical assistance; and also has blank General Fund appropriations for both agencies. DLCD and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are collaborating on a project to upgrade Oregon’s natural hazards risk assessment . The risk assessment provides the factual foundation for establishing mitigation goals and identifying and making strategic investments to reduce risks from natural hazard events throughout the state. DLCD and OEM have established a Risk Assessment Work Group to complete the project. The Work Group will meet next on April 11, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Register here , registration required. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd/Greg Martin SB 543 passed the Senate on April 3. The bill would prohibit the use of polystyrene foam containers and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sales of prepared food. SB 542-7 , the Right to Repair bill, passed out of Committee to the Senate floor on April 4. The House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee heard favorable testimony on SB 545A from Sen. Sollman and environmental witnesses on April 5. The Senate engrossed bill greatly simplifies the original bill, removing the detailed prescription of what the OHA rules must contain. The amended bill simply requires OHA to "adopt rules allowing for a restaurant to allow a consumer to fill a consumer-owned container with food." It also gives OHA an additional 6 months to adopt the rules (by June 30, 2024). ODA was removed from the rulemaking mandate since the department adopted changes to the Retail Food Code in February. The League provided testimony in support when it was heard in the Senate. DEQ will hold the fifth Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee meeting from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on April 11. DEQ will present the draft local government and producer responsibility organization obligation rules, the draft fiscal and racial equity statements, and will provide follow-up information regarding the topics presented during the previous meeting. To attend the meeting please register via Zoom . To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking web page at: Recycling Updates 2023 . Toxics By Paula Grisafi HB 3043 heads to Senate Energy and Environment, as its second chamber, having passed the House. SB 546 (toxic free cosmetics) passed out of committee unanimously after adoption of the -7 amendment and was sent to W&Ms although there was NO fiscal for the 2023-25 session because, although the measure takes effect January 1, 2024, all substantive portions of the bill are not operative until January 1, 2027. SB 426 (toxic free schools) moved out of committee with the -2 amendment and was sent to W&Ms without clarity on the fiscal impact. Water By Peggy Lynch A major water bill, HB 3124 , was moved to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. The bill is a $250 million Drought Relief and Water Scarcity package and includes some of the other bills we’ve seen this session. View the committee presentation here and Drought Relief and Water Security Slides and comprehensive explanations: Bipartisan Drought Relief and Water Security Package (BiDRAWS) . The League may engage with the bill and its various elements now that it is in House Rules. It will also need to be sent to W&Ms when the elements of the bill are agreed to by the Rules Committee. Other water bills that had action by April 4. HB 3207 , a bill that would require reporting to DEQ the results of well water tests during a real estate transaction, had a contentious hearing between DEQ and those wanting to have the data accessed by DEQ and the laboratory businesses who do the actual testing. A -2 amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to W&Ms where more clarity on the process may require further amendments. DEQ estimates that implementation of this measure will cost $306,554 in the 23-25 biennium. The League supported the bill and hopes it will pass the legislature so DEQ can access this data and determine if there are areas of the state in need of groundwater protection. HB 3163 with the -2 amendment , to renew the Place-Based Planning program with a Fund to help groups participate in this program, was sent to W&Ms. The League participated in a Work Group over last year to help develop program sideboards and provided testimony in support. HB 2238 would have authorized rulemaking to consider an increase in fees for the removal/fill program. The League supported the original bill. Instead the bill was amended and now just clarifies what DSL can do with personal belongings when they cleanup sites on their property. The League is disappointed. EPA announces $8,473,000 investment for water infrastructure upgrades in Oregon. The money is allocated to the Clean Water State Revolving Funds . In Oregon, that fund is housed at DEQ. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. California is looking better, but Oregon continues to have concerns. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations for the counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant and Deschutes. Wasco County has also requested a drought declaration. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers A work session was held April 3 on SB 80-4 , meant to improve and build on various components of SB 762, the original sweeping wildfire legislation passed in 2021. Primary issues in this bill include a focus on needed enhancements to the Statewide Wildfire Risk map, changing its name to Hazard Map, and the number of named risk zones, and the process by which it is to be completed. One major complaint with the previous map, and a large part of what led to its withdrawal shortly after release, was that it lacked public input. Initial input this time around will be coordinated with local partners, including counties, relevant state agencies, and the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council. In addition, before the final map is released there will be a public comment period. The intent is to improve the local level map accuracy by seeking said input, where it is supported by data and science. Other bill components deal with wildland urban interface (WUI) definition and direct the State Fire Marshal’s office to establish defensible space requirements in extreme and high risk zones of the WUI, establishes various funding mechanisms for defensible space in high and extreme risk zones, and a long list of other community level risk reduction and home hardening tools and programs. It was adopted and moved to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. LWVOR provided testimony in support of SB 80 with amendments. SB 872-4 was also adopted and sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, instructing the State Forestry Department to endeavor to partner with federal agencies to undertake certain activities in federal forests related to fire prevention and requesting that federal agencies fund activities. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is halfway over. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

< Back Blueberry Cheesecake Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes Serves: 4 Servings Level: Intermediate About the Recipe This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Ingredients ingredient 1 ingredient 2 ingredient 3 ingredient 4 ingredient 5 ingredient 6 ingredient 7 ingredient 8 Preparation Step 1 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Step 2 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Step 3 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Step 4 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Previous Next

CHRIS WALKER (he/him) LWVOR Off-Board Liaison and Youth Council Vice President Chris Walker is a Legislative Scholar advocating for more affordable higher education at the University of Oregon while majoring in Planning, Public Policy and Management, with a minor in Business Administration. Chris ran a nonprofit serving disadvantaged Oregon youth, has interned in Congress, and on Friday, February 10th, 2023 he was appointed to a ground-breaking role as a strong, influential voice as the League of Women Voters of Oregon Youth Liaison. Chris feels a definite stake in the commitment of our state and local Leagues to encourage youth leadership, and is mentoring a new LWVOR Youth Council inviting youth across Oregon to get connected and involved by emailing him at youthcrew@lwvor.org or messaging on their Instagram at @lwvoryouthcouncil youthcrew@lwvor.org

Back to Legislative Report Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/29 Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Cybersecurity and Legislative Delays Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing and are unlikely to be scheduled, considering the walkout in the Senate. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected, but more donations are needed. Cybersecurity and Legislative Delays By Rebecca Gladstone Oregon’s Cybersecurity put at risk by Senate walkout This is on the annual sine die t-shirt, “Sine Die 2023 It’s Hammer Time at the Capitol”: Hopes for breaking the Senate walkout logjam seem slim, now in the sixth week. The singular focus on HB 2002 is likely to kill many critical bills as processing time vanishes, including critical cybersecurity bills carried over from 2022. Delaying cybersecurity action is already exacting high prices for Oregon, asking for more trouble. Meanwhile, some bills are moving through W&Ms on short notice. SB 166 A addresses some privacy and harassment concerns, amended with a proposed cash “physical currency” annual aggregate limit of $100 for campaign contributions, to directly address some dark money concerns. This is the biennial Secretary of State bill to correct various election laws issues, supposed to be non-controversial. It passed the House on June 1 with no votes against. See our March 14 testimony and previous extensive reports, predating amendments. Sitting in W&Ms: HB 2049 A : This cybersecurity omnibus bill is now assigned to W&Ms Sub Education, referred March 3 Do-Pass with amendments, A-Engrossed. See our testimony in support. HB 2052 A : This AG Data Broker bill is now in the full W&M awaiting a work session. League testimony in support was filed before current -7 amendments. SB 619 : This larger bill from the AG’s bill consumer data protection task force had a work session in full W&Ms and passed unanimously. See our testimony . Waiting for Senate floor attention: HB 2107 further rescheduled for Senate floor reading on June 1, after passing in the House, 34 to 25. See earlier reports for this Oregon Health Authority automatic voter registration extension. HB 2490 : This cyber omnibus bill awaits second and third Senate floor readings, scheduled for June 1 and 5, subject to change. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). HB 2806 , relating to public meetings and cybersecurity, further re-scheduled for Senate readings 2 and 3, to June 1 and 5, dates subject to change ( our testimony ). HB 3073 A passed from the House floor, May 31, 55 to 1, awaiting first reading in the Senate. See our Feb 16 testimony in support of candidate and incumbent home address privacy. HB 3127 : We are following this “TikTok” bill, relating to state asset security. Currently further rescheduled for June 1 and 5, dates subject to change. SB 1073 A had no action since referral to W&Ms April 10, to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). See our supportive testimony including related bills and the hearing video , details in previous reports. Not yet assigned to a subcommittee. SB 510 Enrolled , for Public Records Advocate and Council funding, awaits the Governor’s signature. SB 417 , the related policy bill, for which we attended weekly workgroup sessions from February to May, will be receiving the awaited group amendment proposal, with no legislative action since the February 7 public hearing. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

HAI NGUYEN (he/him) Youth Events Chair We warmly welcome Hai Nguyen, currently a student at Clackamas High School with plans to continue in Global Studies or Political Science at University of Oregon and ultimately Law School. Hai is involved mainly in Speech and Debate (Policy Debate) and different youth advocacy groups such as Oregon School-Based Health Alliance and Communicare. Hai feels a definite stake in the rights and participation of Asian-Americans and serves on the Youth Council and Voting teams to increase polical participation of the minorities communities across our state and work with local Leagues to encourage youth civic engagement. Email him at youtheventschair@lwvor.org or message Youth Council Instagram at @lwvoryouthcouncil youtheventschair@lwvor.org

Federal Issues Freedom To Vote Learn about what the League is fighting for at the federal level. Read More

Back to Legislative Report Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/19 Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Highlights House and Senate Climate Notes House Committee for Energy & Environment Climate Emergency News Climate Litigation and Congressional Climate Resolution Volunteers Needed Climate Emergency Highlights LWVOR is disappointed that SB 1559 is not advancing this session. It was designed to increase the target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions - setting a goal of 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. See OPB: DEAD: Stronger greenhouse gas reduction goals Budget Omnibus Bill - The following issues are currently being considered by the Joint Ways and Means Committee (J W&Ms) : Healthy Homes, EV Rebate, Climate-Friendly Micro-mobility transport, and Environmental Justice-related Worker Relief funding Programs, all totaling $59 million. There is currently $7.5M in SB1530 for Healthy Homes. Funding for Environmental Justice refers to Oregon Worker Relief Funding $9M, related to lost wages when there are extensive heat and or air quality/smoke issues for agriculture outdoor workers. See also the Natural Resources and Social Policy sections in this Legislative Report. Other Climate Emergency Bills League testimony posted, or we are following and may have testimony: Off-Shore Wind: HB 4080 , League Testimony, See discussion in NR Leg Report. Clean Tech Leadership Bill HB 4112 Referred to J W&Ms. League Testimony . Funding is $20M. Right to Repair: SB 1596 See discussion in NR Leg Report, League Testimony HB 4155 Infrastructure funding study - Rep Gamba and Sen Golden – in J W&Ms. Fiscal $250K. League Testimony is being considered. HB 4083 Coal Act: Requires Oregon Investment Council and Treasury to divest from Thermal Coal investments. In Senate E&E with a 2/27 work session posted . We expect this bill to be voted in chamber, League Testimony . HB 4102 Funding mechanism for Natural and Working Lands Fund (carbon sequestration). Almost unanimous Affirmative House vote, now in the Sen NRW. Zero Fiscal. Natural Climate Solutions At the request of the Oregon Climate Action Committee , OCAC (formerly the Global Warming commission), SB1525 in HCEE, PH 2/26, work session 2/28. supports Oregon’s transition to clean energy. However, several of the dates in the 2023 legislations could not be met due to delayed funding and grant issues. The $10 million fund to carry out work promoting carbon sequestration on Oregon’s natural and working lands (OWEB, ODA, ODFW, ODF) needed to be moved out by a year. The OCAC overseeing implementation of the Natural and Working Lands bill felt more time was needed to complete three studies on Carbon Sequestration and Storage Inventory, Natural Climate Solutions Workforce, and its Carbon Sequestration Goal. House and Senate Climate Notes By Claudia Keith The House passed HB 4090 by a vote of 39-19. The bill would prohibit the Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) from exercising jurisdiction over or requiring a site certificate for an energy facility that is a renewable energy facility or transmission line, which is sited wholly within federal lands and is subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Several Reps opposed the carve-out allowing the EFSC to retain jurisdiction over nuclear power plants, saying we can’t achieve our “green” energy goals without nuclear power. Bill Chief Sponsor Rep. Gamba responded that the carve-out does not take nuclear off the table, but says the EFSC (which was created to address concerns about nuclear energy siting) must still be involved in the approval of such a project. The Senate passed SB 1596 A (Right to Repair) by a margin of 25-5 (Bonham, Hayden, Knopp, Linthicum, Robinson), League testimony . The House Business and Labor public hearing is 2/26. House Committee for Energy & Environment By Claudia Keith The committee voted 7-3 to move HB 4112-4 to the House floor with prior reference to Joint W&M. The bill directs DAS to adopt rules to govern procurements from CE technology manufacturing companies that DAS conducts on behalf of state agencies; creates the Oregon Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing Opportunity Fund, from which OBDD is to develop a program to award grants and make low-interest loans to attract and support CE tech manufacturing companies and foster job creation; and directs the Governor to establish a 15-member Clean Energy Technology Leadership Advisory Council. Fiscal note calls for $20 million GF in 2023-25 to OBDD for deposit into the new Opportunity Fund plus two new full-time analysts; $107K Other Funds in 2023-25 to DAS for a permanent part-time analyst and expenses; and $179K to DAS in 2025-27. During discussion, Rep. Owens said he would vote yes because CE technology can be an economic driver, but he is concerned about preferences for employers that agree to provide benefits for disadvantaged workers and businesses and to enter into community benefit agreements (project labor agreements or PLAs). He hopes in the future we can have more discussion about how this sort of program affects rural communities. Rep. Osborne objected to PLAs in principle saying they counteract good practice. Oregon DOT: Climate Reduction Program Department of Environmental Quality: Action on Climate Change Home: Action on Climate Change : State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality: Climate Protection Program: (CPP) State of Oregon. January Press Release . The League is considering joining a CPP coalition 2/27 sign on letter. Add hyperlink. Climate Emergency News Short-Term Energy Outlook - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) With limited resources, a small Oregon town plans for climate change – Oregon Capital Chronicle One of Oregon’s smallest utilities is suddenly among the state’s biggest polluters. Why? Amazon data centers - oregonlive.com Chicago sues oil companies for impacts of climate change| Scientific America,(Chicago has joined several other cities and states in suing oil companies. The effort seeks to hold fossil fuel producers financially accountable for the effects of climate change) How Kids Are Fighting Climate Change, One Lawsuit at a Time | Aspen Ideas Exclusive: US regulator drops some emissions disclosure requirements from draft climate rules | Reuters How Lawyers Hinder Climate-Related Risk Disclosure | The Regulatory Review Climate Litigation and Congressional Climate Resolution February 2024 Updates to the Climate Case Charts | Columbia University Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Oregon Cases – 73 as of Feb 2024 Congressional Children’s Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution: LWVUS’ Lobby Corps is currently having targeted Hill meetings on the Children’s Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution to continue bipartisan conversations about the climate crisis and resolution and maintain League visibility on this vital issue federally. LWVUS re-endorsed the resolution upon its reintroduction, and maintains a related Action Alert on the website so that folks can contact their Members of Congress Climate Emergency Team and Volunteers Needed Please consider joining the Climate Emergency portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: • Natural Climate Solutions, specifically Oregon Dept of Agriculture (ODA) • Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust • Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) • Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team • State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services • CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets • Climate Migration • Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with LWVOR Natural Resource Action Committee members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: Training for Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to Legislative Report Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team St. Patrick’s Day has passed. And so has the chance for many of the more than 2,800 bills and resolutions introduced to pass this session. Bills in most policy committees needed to be scheduled for a Work Session by end of day on March 17 unless they are in Revenue, Rules or a Joint Committee. Their next important date is April 4 when they must pass out of the policy committee. One last tip: Watch for the “relating clause” on bills. Any bill can be amended or proposed to be amended if the content of the amendment fits within the relating clause. That’s why LWVOR gets nervous when we see “relating to land use” or “relating to water”! Of course, whatever the content, it must pass both the Senate and House and be signed by the Governor before becoming law. Agriculture The Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) was heard this week. The Ways and Means ODA presentation provides a great deal of data around Oregon agriculture. Note on page 37 where our nursery and cattle industries continue to vie for top commodity. Budgets/Revenue Look for the Ways and Means Co-Chairs Budget Framework to be provided this week to guide the Subcommittees as they consider all the agency budgets. That Framework will provide the amount of money each Subcommittee should expect to spend for their assigned budgets and any policy bills that might be assigned to them. Of course, the May 17 Revenue Forecast will provide the final guide. The Columbia River Gorge Commission budget ( HB 5008 ) was heard March 13. The League provided testimony in support. The Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) was heard March 14-15. Public testimony was due on March 16. Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) budget ( SB 5509 ) is set for March 20-21 with public testimony on March 22. Dept. of Agriculture grant requests will be heard March 23. Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) budgets the week of March 27. Here’s the DEQ one-pager . Tentative date for the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ) is early April. Here is their one-pager . The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ) is tentatively scheduled the week of April 10. Legislators will need to assure that General Fund monies allocated in 2021-2022 drought and wildfire packages and awarded will be available for reimbursement if the projects go into 2023-25. That funding continuation was not included in the Governor’s budget for OWEB. On March 15, the biennial Harvest Tax bill, HB 2087 , had a public hearing. LWVOR provided comments expressing concerns but supporting if this bill is all that is available for helping fund forestry programs. A Budget Report was provided for HB 2001 that clarifies that some monies are coming from 2021-23 while most from the 2023-25 biennium. The same is true in the Budget Report for HB 5019 . Also, there is a Budget Note on pages 3-4 of the LFO Recommendation. SB 4 , semiconductor funding requests, has amendments and more public hearings and possible Work Sessions. SB 4 currently has a $210 million price tag but amendments could require sessions in House Revenue related to tax credits. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 3382 , a bill that would provide certain Ports with an exception from our land use planning system to allow dredging and other activities around these Ports without the current public process and federal consistency requirements had a public hearing in the Joint Committee on Transportation . State agencies that administer permits that could be affected by the legislation provided information on their processes and implications of the proposed legislation on certain state permits. The League provided testimony in opposition. This bill is a serious threat to our Coastal Zone Management Plan and we have joined with other coastal advocates to oppose this bill. The only filed testimony in support came from the bill’s sponsor, the Oregon Ports Association, although a number of legislators testified in favor as did former State Rep. Brian Clem who is an investor in a container ship proposal at Coos Bay. The League expects to be engaged in discussions around the main reason for the bill (Coos Bay) as the sponsors seek to find a solution to their wish to deepen and widen the Coos Bay channel. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) is considering the adoption of amendments to Part Three of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP), the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy. A draft of the proposed rules and fiscal statements is available on DLCD’s website. A first public hearing for this rulemaking is set for March 22 in Newport at 12:00PM at the Guin Library on the Hatfield Marine Science Campus. LCDC is scheduled to consider adoption of the new amendments during their April 20-21 meeting. Please contact Casaria Taylor, Casaria.taylor@dlcd.oregon.gov for further information. Address written comments to the Chair LCDC, care of Casaria Taylor via email. If you have questions about the proposed rules, contact Andy Lanier at 503-206-2291, or email: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov . The agenda for LCDC’s April 20 meeting will be available on DLCD’s website . LWVOR has supported this work and may provide testimony before LCDC in April. The Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST) has scheduled its next meeting for April 5 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, in-person only but open to the public at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Library Seminar Room – Guin Library,2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport. The meeting will focus exclusively on Strategic Planning. Oregon Ocean Science Trust/Oregon Department of State Lands webpage and Oregon Ocean Science Trust website . Dept. of Environmental Quality By Peggy Lynch SB 835 , a bill that seemed to require that DEQ or county public health, whichever is responsible for septic system permits, to approve the use of the septic system currently used by the primary residence to also allow an accessory dwelling unit to be connected to the same system. LWVOR provided testimony with concerns that seem to be addressed by the -1 amendment . The bill will have a Work Session on March 20. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony on a suite of bills with Work Sessions on March 20: SB 220 , SB 221 and SB 222 . You can find our testimony on the bills’ websites. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The prospective Board for the ESRF met on March 13 and heard a draft budget presentation. The League continues to follow the transition to a separate state agency, the ESRF Authority, but has concerns regarding the funding for this new agency. It is supposed to survive on minimum timber harvests, grants, federal funds and philanthropic donations. Right now the budget doesn’t pencil out. A new bill, SB 161 with the -1 amendment has been filed to address work to be done and changing a date from July to November. The ESRF website notes a next prospective Board meeting on April 10. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony in opposition to HB 3442 , a bill that would require local governments to allow development of certain affordable housing on certain lands within 100-year floodplain or subject to property development constraints under land use regulations related to natural disasters and hazards. Local governments have development codes that should address these issues and the state should not REQUIRE this action. Local governments have a better understanding of the hazards and mitigation that might be needed so housing is placed in safe places. A public hearing was held on March 16 with a Work Session scheduled for March 23. A new bill popped up that would create a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD: HB 3414 . A public hearing will be held March 23. The bill, filed late, has Speaker Rayfield’s name as one of the sponsors so we are certain that it will continue to be discussed. SB 4 that includes “supersiting” authority by the Governor for many acres of farmland “just in case” the semiconductor industry might want to build a new facility in Oregon is still alive. In the Joint Committee on Semiconductors, the committee can continue the work throughout the session. We provided testimony in opposition only to Section 10 of the bill. A number of amendments have been proposed and public hearings and possible work sessions continue. See above in the Budget/Revenue section of this Report for the status of last week’s housing bills and also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report for details. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd HB 3220 : Modifies provisions of the electronics recycling program. Expands definition of covered electronic device. Establishes criteria for electronics producer responsibility programs. Directs Environmental Quality Commission to establish fee calculated to cover costs to department of carrying out program. Passed the House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee with a unanimous vote. SB 545 -1 Directs Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules allowing restaurants to allow consumers to fill consumer-owned containers with food. Requires authority to adopt rules that take effect no later than June 30, 2024. The bill passed the Senate on March 15 per this press release . Toxics As a member of the Oregon Conservation Network, we were pleased to see the OCN Letter in support of HB 3043 , the Toxic Free Kids Act Modernization. LWVOR has engaged in this bill in past sessions. Water By Peggy Lynch The continued scarcity of water in Oregon is the focus of many bills being considered this session. It is unclear which bills listed in our last report will receive a Work Session and stay alive. At the writing of this report, we can share only one: HB 3208 that would expand the Environmental Quality Commission’s authority to annually adjust additional water quality fees up to 3% per year was heard and a work session on this bill is scheduled for March 16. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. California is beginning to look much better, but Oregon continues to have concerns. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Recent actions by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources relating to two wildfire bills, SB 509 and SB 82 , mentioned in the last LR, are detailed below. SB 509-2 , the community wildfire risk reduction bill, was amended to remove elements related to home hardening against wildfire risk, and move them to another bill, SB 80 (notice that it’s “relating to wildfire” and may well be moved to another committee since there is no hearing nor work session scheduled for this bill); and add a 20-year Strategic Plan to holistically address wildfire risk and mitigation. SB 509-2 was forwarded to W&Ms. Meeting details, including all supporting materials, may be found here . Discussing SB 509-2, Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple of the State Fire Marshal’s office (OSFM) outlined the tasks assigned to their office with this bill, which will include improved communications with the public and developing the 20-year Strategic plan to address wildfire risk mentioned above. In addition, a Neighborhood Protection Cooperative program will be developed, building on an existing Fire Protection Program, designed to help Oregonians reduce their risk, and focusing on communities, where previously the focus has been more on individual parcels. This was in response to having received much feedback from the public that artificial lines between areas hinder progress on resiliency. Also, Senator Golden pointed out the utility/necessity of setting standards for homeowner and community education on defensible space measures that will be recommended by future consultants who will receive training as part of this effort to reduce risk. OSFM is also directed to create a central consolidated website so the public, which has been vocal in its frustration with navigating the over-abundance of online wildfire information sites, may more easily access wildfire information of all types, including grant and educational opportunities, in one place. SB 82-3 addresses wildfire risk and how insurers operate in that space, was amended and forwarded to the chamber floor. Andrew Stolfi, Director/Insurance Commissioner, Department of Consumer Services, gave an overview of the amended bill. The bill gives definitions of terms to provide clarity and outlines a number of consumer protections. Among those, insurers will be required to improve notices they send to consumers that relate to cancellation, non-renewal or increase of premium on their homeowners’ policies, giving them more information about the data behind their decision, and actions homeowners might take to improve their risk and possibly reduce their premiums. In addition, insurers will be required to extend the timeframe in which homeowners must rebuild after wildfire, after much public outcry. Finally, the bill prohibits insurers from using any Wildfire Map created by the State as grounds for cancellation, non-renewal or increase of premium on homeowners’ policies. He mentioned that the insurance companies are in agreement with the measures outlined in the bill. On March 15, Senate Natural Resources held a Work Session on SB 644-4, which removes certain requirements relating to wildfire risk maps, in light of the current absence of a map, for development of accessory dwelling units on lands zoned for rural residential use. The bill was adopted and sent to the chamber floor. A Public Hearing was held on SB 1012 , which provides for a homestead rebuilt by the same owner on the same lot to replace a homestead destroyed by September 2020 wildfires to temporarily have frozen assessed value equal to destroyed homestead assessed value for 2020-2021 property tax year. HB 3446 was mentioned as a bill with similar aims. Next up was SB 839 which directs the State Forestry Department to establish a pilot grant program for the purpose of managing wildfire risk by promoting use of air curtains by persons that make biochar. This method could reduce smoke and particulates related to disposing of removed fuel by 80% according to Senator Brock Smith. The final wildfire bill related hearing was on SB 928 which instructs State Forester, or forest protective association or agency that is under contract or agreement with State Board of Forestry for protection of forestland against fire, and whose protection area is or may be affected by fire on nearby federal lands, to take certain actions to address fire. The aim of this bill is to bolster and improve wildfire response, by leveraging and improving upon existing processes for cooperation and collaboration between Federal and State Departments and Agencies, with direct actions and areas of cooperation outlined more clearly. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is almost halfway over. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

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Back to Legislative Report Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 4/10 Jump to a topic: Housing Criminal Justice Gun Safety Immigration Housing By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Governor Kotek recently announced funding amounts to address the state’s homelessness state of emergency tied to HB 2001 A . The bill requires specific goals to rehouse more than 1,200 households and create over 600 new shelter beds in emergency areas to reduce unsheltered homelessness by January 10, 2024. Each region submitted local plans for the Governor's Office to review and how they will meet specific goals to reduce unsheltered homelessness in their local area. The state is expected to provide technical assistance and partner with them to help them succeed. Listed below are funding amounts the state will award to regions within designated areas of Oregon's homelessness state of emergency. She also announced outcome measures each region is expected to achieve with this funding. Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County: $18.2 million to rehouse 275 households and create 138 shelter beds Eugene/Springfield/Lane County: $15.5 million to rehouse 247 households and create 230 shelter beds Central Oregon: $13.9 million to rehouse 161 households and create 111 shelter beds Salem/Marion, Polk Counties: $10.4 million to rehouse 158 households and create 79 shelter beds Medford, Ashland/Jackson County: $8.8 million to rehouse 133 households and create 67 shelter beds Hillsboro/Beaverton/Washington County: $8.0 million to rehouse 121 households and create 61 shelter beds Clackamas County: $4.4 million to rehouse 130 households. It also was announced that the funds appropriated for this companion bill in HB 5019 will be appropriated as indicated below. A total of $85.2 million will be allocated for local homelessness emergency plans. OHCS will reserve $3 million to ensure the goals of the emergency order are achieved. An additional $3 million will be used for a statewide landlord incentive, available to landlords participating in local rehousing efforts. However, the requests from all regions within the emergency order total $98.8 million, which is not enough funding to provide each region its full funding request. In addition, the early funding package included $33.6 million to help prevent homelessness for an estimated 8,750 households. This funding will be distributed statewide through existing eviction prevention programs. Recognizing that unsheltered homelessness impacts communities in every part of Oregon, the legislature also approved $26 million to address homelessness in counties that do not meet the emergency order threshold. OHCS is sending each region an announcement of its funding amount and will include an updated timeline for finalizing grant agreements with the goal of funding being available to communities by April 28, 2023. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the state housing agency (OHCS) have supported establishment of Multi-Agency Coordinating (MAC) groups to oversee the money in each region and deliver emergency care. They are made up of a wide range of individuals, from people who are part of public housing authorities, local homelessness agencies, shelter developers, and landlords associations. The Governor, after several meetings with city of Portland and Multnomah County officials, said she has a lot of questions. Despite her concerns, she tentatively approved state funding to the city of Portland and Multnomah County and promised to provide state help to address some of her questions and concerns. However, the Governor wasn’t convinced that Clackamas County had the ability to increase shelter beds, so the funding was denied. SB 976 : Mortgage Interest Deduction Reform: There is a lot of interest in this bill because if passed; the state’s largest housing subsidy would see some of the savings redirected away from higher earning homeowners and would instead benefit low- and moderate-income home purchasers. In addition, resources resulting from reducing the subsidy would be used for homelessness prevention. The League submitted testimony in support of the reform. Senate Finance and Revenue held a hearing on this bill on April 12. HB 3151 : Manufactured home parks are one of the largest sources of unsubsidized housing in the country and make up 16% of the state’s affordable housing stock. HB 3151 would institute several provisions related to manufactured home parks. It would limit the types of improvements or repairs a landlord could require in a rental contract and extend the sunset for the Manufactured and Marina Communities Dispute Resolution Advisory Committee and legal assistance grants for low-income facility tenants addressing disputes to January 2, 2027. It would also allow manufactured home park loan funds to be used for development of new parks and require local governments to allow siting of those parks in certain non-residential zones. A HB 3151 hearing took place in Senate Housing and Development on April 12. SB 702 : Appraiser Certification and Licensure Training: This bill would require training to be adopted by the Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board for real estate appraisers and appraiser assistants to comply with state and federal fair housing laws. At the present time, appraiser education requirements do not include provisions specifically covering racial bias or appraiser responsibilities under state or federal fair housing laws. Appraisal training can be completed online or in person. National studies have identified race-based disparities in appraisals. In 2022, the Legislature appointed the Joint Task Force on Addressing Racial Disparities in Home Ownership and proposed to amend ORS 674.310 to add language including these topics in appraiser education requirements. A Public Hearing on SB 702 was held in House Housing and Homelessness on April 13. Immigration & Refugee By Claudia Keith Bills we are supporting or following: HB 2957 A the -4 amendment Work Session was held 3/29 . It passed out of committee unanimously to JW&Ms, -4 Staff Measure Summary . Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Fiscal. League Testimony . HB 3176 A - 3 : ‘Welcome and Reception’ program for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Work Session was 4/3 . Passed out to JW&Ms with 9/1 vote. Staff Measure Summary . Public Hearing was March 8 . Fiscal . Bills moved from Policy Committee to JW&Ms: SB 627 : Funding for universal (legal) fees for non-documented individuals ($15M) Sen Lieber. Passed out of Sen Judiciary, DO Pass, Feb 7, sent to JW&Ms with partisan vote. The League has supported this policy/funding category in the past. Fiscal Analysis . Bills of Interest or possible League support: SB 849 A Public Hearing 2/28 with -1 amendment . Preliminary SMS -1 : Work session was 3/14. Now in JW&Ms. Fiscal $20M grant fund. Requires professional licensing boards to provide culturally responsive training to specified staff members, publish guidance on pathways to professional authorization for internationally educated individuals and waive requirement for English proficiency examination for specified internationally educated individuals. Basic Needs SB 610 -5: Work Session 4/3 . Moved to JW&Ms. Establishes Food for All Oregonians Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Fiscal , Staff Measure Summary . HB 2990A : Work session 3/27 . Moved to JW&Ms. Resilience Hubs. Directs Oregon Health Authority to develop and implement grant programs to support resilience hubs and networks in Oregon. Fiscal Statement Other Bills SB 216 Passed out of SCHC 3/1 , Now in House Behavioral Health and Health Care. PH 4/16 and WS 4/18 scheduled. Related to data collected by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), request of Governor Kate Brown. OHA set a goal of eliminating health disparities by 2030 including those based on race, ethnicity, language, or disability (REALD) and sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). HB 2905 : Now in Senate Education, expands the list of individuals whose histories, contributions and perspectives are required to be included in social studies academic content standards and in related textbooks and instructional materials. Passed House Committee by Unanimous Vote . Public Hearing SCE 4/25 SB 421 A Work session 3/30 moved to JW&Ms with 6/1 vote, establishes a youth advisory council. Prescribes youth standards advisory council membership and duties. ODE to establish a work group to establish member selection process. Staff Measure Summary , Fiscal SB 613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities. In Senate Rules. SB 612 Establishes Indigenous Language Justice Fund. Requires nonprofit organization in this state to serve as fiscal agent to receive disbursement of moneys for purposes related to supporting Indigenous languages interpretation in this state. In Senate RULES, WS 4/1 3 was cancelled. SB 911 Creates Commission for Original Peoples from South America, Central America and Mexico. In Senate Rules, WS was 3/28. Gun Safety By Marge Easley HB 2005 B , the omnibus bill that included a ban on undetectable firearms, an age restriction of 21 and over for purchase, and an expansion of public jurisdictions that can create gun-free zones, was scheduled for a House floor vote on April 12. However, the vote was postponed until May 2 and made a Special Order of Business, most likely to allow time for lengthy pro-con statements from members. Another firearms bill that has attracted attention is SB 393 A , which passed Senate Judiciary in a work session on April 4 and is headed to the Senate floor. A placeholder bill was amended to add clarity to the process by which a gun dealer completes a firearm transfer under the new permit-to-purchase regulations. After verifying that the purchaser has a valid permit, the gun dealer must receive a unique background check approval number from the Oregon State Police and allow 72 hours to elapse between receipt of the approval number and the transfer of the firearm. This amounts to a waiting period, which is strongly opposed by gun supporters. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley Senate criminal justice bills are now making their way to committee hearings in the House. The League is monitoring these bills that appear on upcoming agendas: SB 339 A had a public hearing on April 18. It adds harassment to the crimes that may require sex offender treatment and polygraph tests as a condition of probation, if recommended by the probation officer and if harassment involved touching of sexual or intimate parts of another person. On April 19, House Judiciary has a work session on SB 234 , which allows the Chief Justice to make rules for gathering non-identifying demographic information to evaluate disparities and impacts in the justice system. Also on the agenda is SB 306 A , which modifies statutes to allow for non-attorney associate members of the Oregon State Bar to practice law within a defined scope of practice. This is one of several bills this session to alleviate the shortage of public defenders in Oregon. On April 20, the following bills dealing with juvenile offenders will be heard: SB 902 permits those over 20 who are resentenced for a crime they committed when under 18 to continue temporary assignment to a youth correctional facility. SB 903 directs the Oregon Youth Authority to maintain demographic data, including race, ethnicity, and gender, of youth authority employees in order to evaluate how demographic disparities between youth and employees may affect the cultural appropriateness of programs. SB 904 A modifies the criteria for determining maximum allowable population levels for youth correction facilities.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 1/23 Education By Anne Nesse House ED Chair Neron is the chief sponsor of HB2739 written to form a Committee on more stable and sustainable educational funding…providing more accurate calculation of the biennial budget. The hearing was held 1/25. This bill attempts to solve many years of past problems associated with calculating fiscal expenditures needed for the Current Service Level (CSL) for educational costs all over our state. As Chair Neron pointed out, ‘post-secondary and private schools may raise their tuitions when costs go up, but the state needs to calculate the public schools budget without error, knowing all the facts and figures, as well as improvements we need to make. It is a complex math problem. And the differences of calculation have frequently been politicized, as Chair Neron points out, whereas this bill will attempt to create a knowledgeable committee that can make our educational budgets more accurate, and equitable, throughout the state, for all of our children. There was much support for this in the public hearing, including, COSA (Coalition of Oregon School Administrators), OEA (Oregon Education Association), Oregon School Board Association, and several others. HB2281 House ED held a public hearing on 1/23. Colt Gill reported there has been an increase in discrimination complaints (up 450%), requiring the need for some civil rights coordination within the Dept. of Education. The investigation itself will be done separately by qualified individuals. HB2280 was also presented, a modification of “consent” language in sexual assault cases. HB2275 , a better coordination of all grants that ODE manages, which are many, especially since the Corporate Activities Tax for education took effect. Senate ED met 1/24 and 1/26. SB531 was introduced by Sen. Dembrow and Sen. Gelser Blouin, to provide more stable funding for summer and after school learning programs, especially designed for students who would not normally receive such benefits, although many who testified recognized that more early planning in January has to occur for increased success. Several legislators have noted that we need to plan for increasing offerings for students with special needs. These programs were community based, and by data often benefitted low income families. All who testified for this bill spoke of the joy Oregon students experience when they are offered more hands-on learning. It was important to note how many non-profit organizations, like Boys and Girls Clubs to name just one, testified on the abilities of communities to help our students thrive in education. Senate education finished the week 1/26, with information on the Task Force studying underrepresented students in higher education. Senators Dembrow, Frederick, and Wagner spoke on the many difficulties students have working their way through school, without much assistance. At this point no bills are written to address these problems, yet we still hope that we can make some difference at the legislative level.

Back to Legislative Report Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/22 Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Cybersecurity and Legislative Delays Rights of Incarcerated People Ethics Issues Election Methods By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing and are unlikely to be scheduled considering the walkout in the Senate. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected, but more donations are needed. Cybersecurity and Legislative Delays By Rebecca Gladstone Sine die is technically imminent as the Speaker invoked House Rule 8.15(6) and the Senate President, Senate Rule 8.16 on May 23, a full month before the projected final session date, June 25. This reduces the 72-hour advance public hearing notice and 48 hours for all other meetings to 24-hours. It is hard to know what we can effectively influence with no news of the Senate walkout abating. We are standing by, watching carefully. Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support these bills for cybersecurity and election software updates ( outdated software is a security risk) : HB 2490 : This cyber omnibus bill awaits second and third Senate floor readings, scheduled and subject to change. The League urges maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). SB 167 includes election software updates. Outdated software is a cybersecurity risk. See our testimony in support, 2023 and 2019: “These aging computer programs are like the roof starting to leak. We see evidence of strain and do not want to wait further to begin remedial work from scratch in 2021” - League testimony , HB 2234 (2019). HB 2052 : This Attorney General’s Data Broker bill was assigned to W&Ms Transportation and Economic Development on May 22. League testimony in support was filed before the current -7 amendments. We are also concerned that these cybersecurity bills stopped for lack of a Senate quorum. HB 2107 A was re- rescheduled for Senate floor reading on May 30, after passing in the House, 34 to 25. See earlier reports for this Oregon Health Authority extension of automatic voter registration. HB 2806 , relating to public meetings and cybersecurity, was re- rescheduled to May 30 and 31, with dates subject to change. See our testimony . HB 2049 : is not yet assigned to a W&Ms subcommittee, referred March 3 Do-Pass with amendments, A-Engrossed. See our testimony in support. HB 3127 : We are following this “TikTok” bill, relating to the security of state assets. Was re- rescheduled for May 30 & 31, dates subject to change. SB 619 A : This Attorney General’s Data Broker bill had a May 24 work session in W&Ms Public Safety, no vote published. It passed Sen. Judiciary April 3, went to W&Ms April 12, with Do Pass with amendments by prior reference. See our testimony . SB 1073 A was referred to W&Ms April 10, to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). See our supportive testimony including related bills and the hearing video , details in previous reports. Not yet assigned to a subcommittee. __________________ SB 510 Enrolled : The Senate President has signed this Public Records Advocate and Council funding bill, after passing from the House floor May 23, 45 ayes, 1 excused, and the Senate floor April 17, 28 ayes, 1 excused. HB 2112 Enrolled is an updated public records law, with League support, see our testimony . SB 216 Enrolled : We are pleased to see enrollment of this bill to protect personal data in health care business with public agencies. CURRENT CYBER NEWS: Curry CO computer system ‘starting from scratch’ after ransomware attack , OPB, May 15, 2023 Oregon’s Curry CO determined to move forward after ransomware attack , OPB, May 19, 2023 Vermont Cybersecurity Council to Extend Protection Beyond State Gov , GovTech.com , May 15, 2023 Cyberattacks on City and Municipal Governments , Cyber Defense Magazine, May 17, 2023 Utah cyber audit finds shortfalls across state , Statescoop.com , May 19, 2023 Organizations reporting cyber resilience are hardly resilient: Study , CSO Online, May 18, 2023 Oregon leads $2.5 million multi-state settlement with EyeMed over data breach affected millions nationwide . KTVZ.Com May 17, 2023 A different kind of ransomware demand: Donate to charity to get your data back , Cyberscoop.com , May 18, 2023 Dallas says it 'will likely take weeks to get back to full functionality' after ransomware attack , City of Dallas, TX, The Record, May 18, 2023 Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley Adults in custody will now be afforded more educational opportunities with the House passage of SB 270 Enrolled on May 23. The bill authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to enter into agreements with any community college or post-secondary academic program to offer instruction to adults in custody, as long as enrollment is consistent with DOC administrative rules and federal Pell Grant regulations. Ethics Issues By Chris Cobey HB 2038 A : Requires statement of economic interest to include certain information about sources of income for business in which public official or candidate, or member of household of public official or candidate, is officer, holds directorship or does business under if source of income has legislative or administrative interest and 10 percent or more of total gross annual income of business comes from that source of income. Prohibits candidate or principal campaign committee of candidate from expending campaign moneys for professional services rendered by certain businesses required to be listed on candidate's statement of economic interest. Creates exceptions. 5/23: House Rules work session scheduled. SB 168 B : Expressly prohibits public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. 5/19: From House Rules work session 5/18; recommendation: Do Pass with amendments and be printed B-engrossed; 5/22: House second reading. SB 661 Enrolled : Prohibits any lobbyist from serving as chairperson of interim committees, or certain legislative work groups, or legislative task forces. Provides exceptions. 5/16: Passed House, 57-0-2-1; 5/18: Awaiting Governor’s signature.. Election Methods By Barbara Klein HB 2004 A (a Ranked Choice Voting bill) was scheduled for the 3 rd reading and voted on by the House members on May 23, 2023. The bill passed (35 yea, 25 nay), and was sent to the Senate. The details of the -2 amendment were summarized in the governance area of the previous LWVOR Legislative Report. The RCV coalition supporting HB 2004 A met with members and leadership of the Oregon Association of County Clerks on May 24. LWVOR took part in that meeting with praise for the clerks, and recognizing our shared interests in protecting the vote. LWVOR shared with the clerks our view that the RCV system protects the voice of voters in several ways. As Sine Die was declared imminent, and a walkout of Senate members continuing, it is unclear (but doubtful) if the bill will be voted on in this session. More input from the clerks was sought in consideration of a short-session bill early next year. Briefly discussed was the RCV initiative, IP 27 , which would expand the provisions and offices covered by the current bill above. Since our previous report, IP 26 (constitutional amendment by All Oregon Votes) received a certified title , “Amends Constitution: Changes election processes. All voters/candidates for certain partisan offices participate in same nomination procedure.” (This is similar to the certified ballot title for IP 16, which All Oregon Votes appealed to the Supreme Court, but which the Court approved without change. IP 16 is not yet listed as withdrawn. There is nothing further to report on two additional election reform ballot initiatives: IP 11 (measure on statewide STAR -Score Then Automatic Runoff voting) and IP 19 , from Oregon Election Reform Coalition (which is a Final Five Open Primary, using RCV or STAR in the general). LWVOR supports IP 19, now by way of a new League position on Open Primaries adopted by concurrence at our May 2023 convention. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to Legislative Report Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Clean Energy Clean Building Equity and Environmental Justice Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Priorities By Claudia Keith The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. Following are updates on those six topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB 530 . Public Hearing was 2/15/23 in SEN E&E . The League provided supportive testimony . Read Oregon Chapter American Planning Association testimony . Sen Dembrow and OGWC Chair MacDonald testified . Here are the meeting materials . Climate Change Solutions | Newsletter | EESI: “ It's farm bill season on Capitol Hill”. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report . The League is an active RB coalition partner. BR campaign guiding principles . SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 were posted 2/9. Find additional LR by Arlene Sherrett below. 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB907 was posted 2/15. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission" and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. League Testimony . PH was 2/21, highlights: Sen Dembrow’s “ OGWC Modernization Presentation “ and American Planning Association testimony. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions and new clean renewable energy (DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ), requesting additional agency requests that were not included in the Governor’s budget. Other CE Bills - Supporting By Claudia Keith HB 2763 Creates a State public bank Task Force with Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. The League provided testimony . Work Session was scheduled for March 9 w -1 amendment . Other CE Bills – May Support By Claudia Keith The League may support or just follow these bills. This is a preliminary list. Natural Working Lands: See Rep Pham’s urban forestry bill, HB 3016 , Rep Holvey’s severance tax bill, HB 3025 to replace the harvest tax, and ODF’s Regular Harvest tax bill, HB 2087 . SB 88 climate smart Ag increases net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands. Requested: Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery. See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Green Infrastructure: HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Public & Green Banking: SB501 Bank of the state of Oregon Sen Golden. Clean Energy By Greg Martin Senate E&E moves SB 852 The committee unanimously moved SB 852 to the Senate floor with subsequent referral to Joint W&M. The 11-line bill requiring ODOE to "establish a program to provide assistance related to energy projects and activities to environmental justice communities" carries a fiscal impact estimate of $390,315 for hiring one permanent, full-time Operations and Policy Analyst 3 as a "community navigator" who would reach out to connect local and tribal governments and community-based organizations with EJ communities and the technical and financial energy resources they need. Clean Buildings By Arlene Sherrett The House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee will hold work sessions this week on both HB 3166 and HB 3056. HB 3166 a whole-home energy savings program will offer rebates for installing various electric energy high-efficiency devices and will establish a one stop for much needed information on incentives and technical assistance. HB 3056 extends funding for the heat pump grant and rebate program. Resilient Buildings (RB) is a priority for the League and this week we saw draft text for SB 868 , 869 , 870 sent out on Feb 27, 2023. All the bills follow closely with the intent in the one-pagers sent out from Senator Lieber’s office the first part of February. Unfortunately, there is no place online to access the draft bills but information on the background of each bill is available at the Building Resilience website . Access to the task force mailing list is available through Nora Apter at noraa@oeconline.org and you can email me at arlenesherrett3019@gmail.com . I will be glad to forward them to you. SB 871 the State Building energy efficiency bill will come soon. The RBC coordinator estimates that the Senate Energy and Environment hearing will be in mid-March. Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report for background. Equity and Environmental Justice By Arlene Sherrett SB 852 will be up for a work session in Senate Energy and Environment this week. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a program especially for EJ communities to provide assistance with energy projects and activities. The bill had afirst public hearing Feb 21. The following bills include special provisions for Environmental Justice Communities but may not be exclusively targeted to the needs of those communities. HB 3196 HB 2990 Interstate 5 (I5) Bridge Project By Liz Stewart Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge project is estimated to cost approximately $6 billion and will be funded using federal and state funds from both Oregon and Washington, as well as tolling. To date, the final design has not been agreed upon. Information on the project and an FAQ can be found at Frequently Asked Questions | I-5 Bridge Replacement Program. The Executive Steering Group has no scheduled meetings at this time. The Community Advisory Group meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 4-6 pm. The next meeting is April 13. The Equity Advisory Group meets the 3rd Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 pm. The next meeting is the March 20. The community engagement calendar can be found here . There was a Public Hearing scheduled for February 28 at 5 p.m. on bills related to rail transportation in Oregon, and a Joint Committee meeting on transportation funding in Oregon on March 2 that may likely touch on the topic of the I-5 bridge as well. The Interstate Bridge Replacement Project is in its second round of assessment after the first plans received criticism from several sources . The latest proposal for the bridge is called the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative . Right now, the project is waiting on an environmental review and this LWVOR report will be updated as soon as anything comes out. Next steps from Program Administrator Gregory Johnson: 1. The program’s Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be available for public review and comment during a formal public comment period anticipated in 2023. 2. The program will refine and update the cost estimate and financial plan to reflect the key elements identified in the endorsed Modified LPA. 3. An updated financial plan is anticipated in early 2023. Sign up for email on IBR project website to find background on the project or get involved: IBR has several public groups formed to give input on the project. Find out about participation at public meetings here and here . Criticisms on the first proposal: Money: $ 5 -7.5 Billion Some legislators feel the work could be done in phases so costs could be spread out over time. Design: 4% slope is very steep for bikers, walkers and rollers. Height of passage under the bridge doesn’t meet what the coast guard sees as needed. Will light rail be included? Although IBR project leaders seem to agree on including light rail, other public figures have weighed in in dissent . Clark County residents did vote to exclude Light rail during the failed Columbia River Crossing Project a decade ago. Increasing GHG Emissions: More lanes, more GHGs. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. SEC Chair Responds to Questions on Potential Lawsuit on Climate Disclosure , Fast Paced Rulemaking | ThomasReuters. Legislators urge SEC chair to finalize climate disclosure rule | Financial Regulation News. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury / Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities - The NonProfit Times, Colorado’s green bank mobilizes $118 mil lion in clean energy projects and infrastructure statewide | EIN News HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment: The League provided supportive testimony for Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment: … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. Bill Calls for Oregon to Divest From Fossil Fuels | Chief Investment Officer CIO. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (March 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 62 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: How dangerous are they for businesses? |TBS. Oregon and PNW News Oregon State University researching method to trap carbon dioxide in building materials | News | kezi.com . Oregon Delegation Announces an Additional $6 Million for Major Energy Efficiency Upgrades at PDX | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon National & Global The Scientific Breakthrough That Could Make Batteries Last Longer – WSJ. Senator Whitehouse Puts Climate Change on Budget Committee’s Agenda - The New York Times. Yellen warns climate change may trigger losses in US | The Hill. The Climate Gap and the Color Line — Racial Health Inequities and Climate Change | NEJM. Short-distance migration critical for climate change adaptation – ScienceDaily. A climate education bill , spearheaded by teachers and students, gets a spotlight in Salem - oregonlive.com . Climate change: New idea for sucking up CO2 from air shows promise - BBC News Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Redistricting In Oregon About the Issue Redistricting, or community districting, is the process of creating representational district maps for states and local communities. By determining which neighborhoods are included in each mapped boundary, redistricting impacts how our communities are represented in the US and local government and determines how resources are distributed.​ We believe Oregon voters should choose their politicians. Politicians should not choose their voters. Learn more about the current People Not Politicians Independent Redistricting Commission campaign.

Childcare In Oregon About the Issue LWVOR's recently published study, Childcare In Oregon, is meant to inform our advocacy at the state and local levels. At Convention 2021, LWV of Washington County proposed a restudy of LWVOR's 1985 Childcare Position . The current pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated childcare issues and inequities.​ ​​ The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 23rd, 2023. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. Our advocacy position has not changed. You can find a downloadable version of the restudy here. ​ For more information, contact Kathleen Hersh .

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 1/16 Education By Anne Nesse If you are represented by any of these Representatives or Senators, feel free to contact them about your hopes for educational progress in the coming Legislative Session. Editor’s Note: Find Your District and Legislators is posted on OLIS. Senate Education Committee members this session are: Sen. Dembrow Chair, Sen. Weber Vice-Chair, Sen. Anderson, Sen. Frederick, Sen. Gelser Blouin, Sen. Robinson, Sen. Wagner. This committee will meet regularly Tues. and Thurs. 3-4:30 pm. (live or recorded on OLIS site) Sen. Dembrow opened the first meeting Jan. 17, with a positive statement about how education is the foundation of preparing our entire state to meet future needs, security, and success. The Committee voted to accept two possible bills LC3960 and LC2268, and they will be assigned for future discussion. Informational sessions were held on roughly how we used federal Covid relief funds (accounted in the Billions of dollars), 90% of which went to local authorities. Several success stories were noted by those testifying from ODE and school districts, as well as working towards the goal of improving mental health for all, and meeting the challenges of students with special needs. An important discussion was had on enrollment declines in Oregon public schools. This was reported to be the highest at kindergarten and younger grade levels, high school enrollment being relatively stable. In the 2020-2021 school year, the home schooling population increased by 13,000 students, although the number could be higher, because not all families registered with their school districts. It was also pointed out that we know nothing of how many families transitioned to private schools during this time. There was also an increase in virtual school offerings within the public school system. Sen. Dembrow commented that we need to have a better way to monitor these changes to best meet student needs all over our state, within the public school system. There was a public hearing on SB215 , composed of technical language fixes involving food programs, child abuse language, speech language programs, and media programs, etc.. Several testified and it was noted that the word “libraries, and librarians” had been omitted. More work on this bill seemed to be indicated. Early Childhood House Committee members are: Chair Rep. Reynolds, Vice-Chair Rep. Nguyen, Vice-Chair Rep. Scarf, Rep. Anderson, Rep.Cramer, Rep. Elmer, Rep. Hartman, Rep. Hieb, Rep. Nelson, Rep. Neron. This committee will meet regularly Mon. and Wed. 1-2:30 pm (live or recorded on OLIS site) Rep. Reynolds, a pediatrician, opened the first meeting by acknowledging that this committee will merge with the former Human Services Committee. A public hearing on HB2479 was held, with mostly positive testimony concerning the need to legally protect Child Abuse Children’s Advocacy Centers, (except for the trial lawyers association, who would prefer the committee change some legal wording in the bill). House Education Committee members this session are: Chair Rep. Neron, Vice-Chair Rep. Hudson, Vice-Chair Rep. Wright, Rep. Cramer, Rep. McIntire, Rep. Nguyen, Rep. Valderrama This committee will meet regularly Mon. and Wed. 3-4:30 pm (live or recorded on OLIS site) Rep. Neron opened the first meeting with an overview report from Director Colt Gill, of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), who is retiring at the end of this session. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) also presented an overview of their agency. Please write to us if you would like more information on coming education bills for Oregon in the 2023 long Session, as the 2 year budget will be decided. Anne Nesse .

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Back to Legislative Report Natural Resources Legislative Report - Sine Die Jump to a topic: Agriculture Air Quality Budgets Climate Coastal Issues State Agencies Elliott State Research Forest Fish and Wildlife Parks and Recreation Radioactive Waste Northwest Energy Coalition Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire Natural Resources By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team The League’s Natural Resources Team added volunteers Paula Grisafi (Toxics) and Carolyn Mayers (Wildfire) and sadly lost a member, Kathy Moyd, who worked on both Climate and Natural Resource issues and was a valuable former NASA engineer with a variety of expertise and willingness to attend meetings virtually, provide written and verbal League testimony using League positions and personal expertise. You will see others’ names listed below under the issues they covered. The League is a member of many coalitions. One of the most critical for Natural Resources is the Oregon Conservation Network , a group of now over 40 conservation and environmental organizations who declare "Priorities for a Healthy Oregon" each legislative session. They also provide an opportunity for the groups to share support or opposition for other legislation to legislators. Legislators saw LWVOR’s name on bills listed in the weekly Hotlist as we advocated for or against bills. This session, the Oregon Legislature introduced an impressive 2,970 measures — more than any other session in the last decade. After months of hard work, 653 of them passed— about 22% of the measures that were introduced. (From Rep. Gomberg’s newsletter) The Legislative Policy and Research Office provided this report on Natural Resource issues and this report on Energy and Environment. The League was engaged in some of the bills listed in these reports. The Governor provided letters with some of the final decisions she made to sign or veto bills. The following bills were accompanied by signing letters: HB 2010, HB 2426, HB 2772, HB 3561, HB 5026, SB 80, SB 283, SB 488, SB 1089, SB 1095 (explanation of line-item veto for emergency clause). Additionally, HB 3440 and SB 5535 will become law without the Governor’s signature. HCR 38 passed and sets the process for the February 2024 short session that runs Feb. 5 through March 10th. The legislative calendar is posted on the Oregon Legislature website . There will be interim legislative days in Sept., Nov., and January. Agriculture Much of the work under this section was done by the Climate Team. However, we provided a letter to the Oregon Board of Agriculture sharing our natural resource area priorities for 2023. And we provided a letter on HB 5002 , the Dept. of Agriculture’s budget. SB 530 , the Natural Climate Solutions bill, was included in HB 3409 , the omnibus climate bill, Sections 53-63. Air Quality By Kathy Moyd & Peggy Lynch LWVOR joined with others in support of HB 3229 . Under the Clean Air Act, funding must be from fees on permittees for this program. Per DEQ’s own testimony , without this funding, a critical part of their Air Quality program was in jeopardy. The bill was amended by the -2 amendment, passed the legislature and was signed by the Governor. It increases fees for polluters who require Title V permits 43% in 2023 and another 40% in 2024. Fees had not been increased for 13 years. DEQ is to review its permitting methodology and how it charges fees due to complexity instead of the amount of pollution emitted and report to the legislature by Dec. 2023. T he DEQ Budget ( HB 5018 ) includes POP 110 and authorized the 11 staff for the Title V program. HB 3229 was effective as of July 13. The Governor plans additional work on this issue in 2024. Although we did not provide written testimony on SB 488 , the Medical Waste Incinerator Bill (Covanta facility in Marion County), League members did engage. The bill was amended many times and was signed by the Governor, although she is concerned about sections of the bill related to limiting medical waste disposal. Budgets By Peggy Lynch Each long session the Governor provides a statewide budget with individual agency budget requests. Governor Kotek’s first biennial budget is here . For natural resource agency budgets, start on page 143 of the web document. The Governor’s budget was based on the December 2022 forecast when there was still a great deal of concern around a potential recession. The Governor proposes; the Legislature disposes. The League follows the Ways and Means Committee and Subcommittees. The Legislative Fiscal Office website provides a great deal of information on this process, the legislature’s involvement, research and reports on the state’s expenditures. They also coordinate fiscal impact statements on individual pieces of legislation as it moves through the legislature. The Ways and Means Committee always does a “rebalance” of the current (2021-23) budget after the March forecast and that was done again this year. T he Office of Economic Analysis also provided sobering data on Oregon’s population. Without an increase in young people—with in-migration--our need for a variety of long-term care services will explode without the incoming revenue to pay for those services! In late March, the Ways and Means Co-Chairs Budget Framework was provided to guide Subcommittees considering all the agency budgets. The Framework provides the amount of money each Subcommittee should expect to spend for their assigned budgets and any policy bills that might be assigned to them. A series of meetings around the state provided the public with opportunities to share their priorities with legislators. The Treasurer’s Office reported to the legislature in March on the state’s bonding capacity : General Fund debt capacity results in $1.94 billion issuance for each biennium, or $969 million annually ($320 million greater than 2021-23). The State’s Lottery Revenue debt issuance capacity for Lottery Bonds is $506.4 million in each biennium or $253.2 million annually over the forecast period ($9 million decline from 2021-23). Governor Kotek’s office then provided their 2023-25 bond proposal list . HB 5005 , the General Fund bonding bill, passed and was signed by the Governor. HB 5030 is the Lottery Bonds projects budget bill. HB 5046 is the Continuing Resolution bill that allows agencies to continue expending funds on July 1 based on their 2021-23 budgets until their new budgets for 2023-25 are signed by the Governor passed or until Sept. 15 th . The bill passed and was signed by the Governor. All agency budgets were signed by the Governor by the August 4 deadline, but some agencies needed to take advantage of HB 5046 until those budgets were signed. The League followed HB 3349 , with an amendment that would have provided $300,000 each to eight different entities to create “navigators” to help access federal funding. The League was disappointed that HB 3349 , with the 3 amendment , was passed to Ways and Means. We believe there are better uses for the $2.4 million in the Higher Education budget although we supported staffing in state agencies to facilitate federal funding. The bill did not pass. The May forecast declared an additional $1.96 billion available for the 2023-25 session that were used to balance the 2023-25 budget. Here are the Governor’s new spending requests . A new process around budget requests was used this session: Packages of policy bills were created to reduce the need for individual bill votes when they were sent to Ways and Means for funding. That practice also allowed controversial policies to be packaged with more benign policies to gain support and passage. (That practice may occur in the future.) Senate Republicans decided not to provide a quorum in the Senate chamber for a number of weeks so, in case they returned, it would be easier to move these packaged bills. See below under the water bills-- HB 2010 , HB 3409 under Climate, and HB 3395 for Housing . HB 3410-2 , another “package” bill, includes a variety of economic development funds/grant programs, mostly for rural Oregon. Sen. Dembrow provided climate and drought package spreadsheets. Expect a final 2023 session reconciliation by the end of August and the August 30 Revenue Forecast where the final “kicker” amount will be announced. ( T axpayers can use the credit on their 2024 tax returns—2023 taxes) Look for about $5.5 billion to be returned. (The 1979 Oregon Legislature passed the "Two percent kicker" law, which requires the state to refund excess revenue to taxpayers when actual General Fund revenues exceed the previous odd-year May forecast amount by more than two percent.) The League’s Natural Resource Team not only provided testimony on many of the 14 natural resource agency budgets, but encouraged the Governor and legislature to provide staffing, create new programs and provide matching funds for the many substantial federal programs made available by federal budgets, by the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. By August 4 the natural resource budgets had all been signed by the Governor. To learn more about their content, look for the LFO Recommendation posted for each budget. More info is listed below under each agency. The end-of-session bill had over $1.4 billion in funding items. Here is the 33-page list , called “ornaments'' as the bill, SB 5506 , is also called the Christmas Tree bill. The Oregon Capital Chronicle provided a summary . The Emergency Board met right after Sine Die to adopt rules for their work during the interim. They were provided $50 million to spend on emergencies until the next session, as well as a number of “special purpose appropriations” for expected expenses such as additional wildfire funding and salary increases. Otherwise, agency budgets are only changed by an act of the entire legislature. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team One bill included in HB 3409 (Sections 82 and 83 of the climate package) and followed by Natural Resources was HB 2647 A , which the League supported to continue to address harmful algal blooms, a public health issue. SB 530 , the Natural Climate Solutions bill, was included in HB 3409 , the omnibus climate bill, Sections 53-63. We encourage you to read both of the overlapping Climate Emergency Natural Resources sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 3382 B was amended to create a new exception to Goal 16 to allow deeper and wider Coos Bay channel dredging. It passed and was signed by the Governor. The League provided testimony in opposition. A number of sideboards were placed in the bill should any dredging take place. Only the Port of Coos Bay or recognized Oregon tribes can request the exception. The League is disappointed the bill passed, but worked hard to assure as many requirements as we could get would be in the bill. We encourage you to read the two-page bill . Of note is $20 million bonding for the Coos Bay Channel Modification project; it was included in a bonding bill and an additional $20 million is authorized for the project in the 2025-27 biennium. Coastal League members originally raised alarm about the bill. HB 3382 would have provided certain Ports with an exception from our land use planning system to allow dredging and other activities around these Ports without the current public process and federal consistency requirements. The League has shared our concerns with others. State agencies that administer permits that could be affected by the legislation provided information on their processes and the implications of the proposed legislation on certain state permits. See LWV Coos and LWVOR testimonies: March 14 , second , third . Coalition testimony , and LWVOR testimony . On May 14, LWVOR issued an Action Alert to oppose the bill. As a result of ours and others who did the same, many opposition testimonies were filed and a second public hearing was allowed on May 16 where more League members and others testified in opposition. The -7 amendment was negotiated on May 17 and posted by noon on May 18 for the night’s work session in the Joint Committee on Transportation. League members from across the state submitted opposition testimony. It made a difference. We took the opportunity to share our 2012 Coastal Study that explains the CZMA and other coastal issues with some legislators and staff. Informative, well researched League studies are a hallmark of League expertise. After many meetings and conversations, the League agreed to not oppose the -7 amendment to HB 3382 that limits the bill to ONLY the International Port of Coos Bay, places requirements around proof of financial viability and reporting on the number of jobs to be created, to be submitted with any actual project application. Only the Port and tribes would be qualified to submit an application. We don’t support the bill, but the votes seemed to be there so we worked to make it as narrow as we could. Any project application would be for a new Goal 16 exception and would go through the usual local land use processes for any Goal exception. Also, all the other federal and state agency permits would be required for any process. The bill was amended to clarify that no fossil fuel projects would be allowed approval. (Remember Jordan Cove?) The -7s “save” the Yaquina and Astoria estuaries, but could damage the Coos Bay estuary, even though the amendment requires no net loss of important environmental values. A major expansion of the navigation channel cannot help but do damage. To listen to the sausage making, go to the 1 hour mark here. Rumor has it that the Port of Coos Bay, on behalf of a container ship development, has again applied for federal funding. They were not approved for federal funding in 2022. Additionally, the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP) is continuing to be updated. The County file for this project is AM-22-005 . SB 5524 is the Oregon Business Development Dept. budget: LFO Recommendation includes $10 million for distribution to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay to support the continuation and final completion of the engineering and design work related to the deepening and widening of the Federal Navigation Channel at Coos Bay to support existing businesses and promote new business opportunities. The original appropriation of $15 million was provided to the agency in the 2022 legislative session. The League provided testimony in support of HB 2903 , to require Fish and Wildlife and State Lands to provide communications staff to help continue to implement and support Oregon’s marine reserves and new management areas. The bill did not pass nor were the requested staffing positions funded. League and partners will be back in 2024 or 2025. According to ODFW, “ a new survey shows that coastal Oregon’s recreational industry joins more conventional, store-front businesses in believing the state’s Marine Reserves do not negatively impact their bottom lines, continuing a vast shift in what businesses feared just before the first reserves were established more than a decade ago. ” Good news! OSU’s wave energy testing facility is ready to be tested off the coast of Newport per Oregon Capital Insider . The ocean test site will be on a sandy-bottomed stretch of the Pacific Ocean away from popular commercial and recreational fishing reefs about seven miles off the coast of Newport. The site will have four test berths, which combined can accommodate up to 20 wave energy devices at any one time, per Rep. Gomberg. See the League’s 2012 Coastal Study to learn more about wave energy. Columbia River Gorge Commission The League provided testimony in support of the Columbia River Gorge Commission budget ( HB 5008 ). Columbia River Treaty By Phillip Thor The League continues to follow the potential Treaty resolution/update. You can find a written copy of U.S. Government representatives' remarks at the top of the meeting by accessing this website: https://www.state.gov/columbia-river-treaty/ . Y ou can reach the team with comments or questions by emailing ColumbiaRiverTreaty@state.gov . The 18 th round of negotiations is scheduled for August. Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) The League provided testimony with comments on the Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) budget ( HB 5018 ). The Environmental Quality Commission received this legislative update on July 20. SB 1013 would have required counties to allow RVs to be sited on certain rural properties. League engaged with the sponsor and Sen. Hayden and was assured that appropriate sewer and water connections would be required for these special cases so we did not provide written testimony. The bill was amended to “allow” and not “require” counties to provide this use. The bill passed and signed by the Governor. Also, DEQ received monies to help assure that the sewer issue was addressed. The bill takes effect Jan. 1, 2024. The League provided testimony with concerns about SB 835 , a bill that would have required that a single septic system be used for both the main home and an accessory dwelling unit placed on a lot where a septic system is used. The bill was amended addressing our concerns, was passed and signed by the Governor, also effective Jan. 1, 2024. SB 931 allows DEQ to issue a permit to repair or replace a subsurface sewage disposal system or alternative sewage disposal system without regard to the availability of a community or areawide sewerage system under certain circumstances. Although the League did not engage, we are concerned that this bill perpetuates the use of septic systems that fail and pollute the groundwater when a sewer system is nearby. DEQ was provided funding for .88 FTE to do rulemaking for this and SB 835. The bill passed and was signed by the Governor. A League member participated in the 2023 Water Quality Fee Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) as in past years to provide a “public” voice to the RAC. Here is the WQ Fee RAC Meeting Summary link - May 5, 2023 . The EQC delegated authority to approve this rulemaking for 2023 to DEQ Director Feldon on May 19. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony on the Dept. of Geology and Mineral Services budget ( SB 5510 ). The LFO recommendation i ncludes two Budget Notes on the new e-permitting system being funded. The League provided testimony in support of SB 220 that would have provided a fee to pay for implementation of a new e-permitting system for mining interests instead of using $2 million in General Funds. However, the legislature chose to provide the $2 million in GF. We also provided testimony in support of SB 221 to provide ongoing funding for this new system and testimony on SB 222 to allow DOGAMI to accept credit cards and to add the credit card fee to the permittees choosing to use a credit card. SB 222 failed in the Senate. Another bill, SB 538 A , would have provided general authorization to agencies. That bill also died in committee. SB 221 passed and was signed by the Governor. The League continues to follow the Grassy Mountain Gold Project in Malheur County, using a streamlined permitting process. Dept. of the State Fire Marshal HB 5036 is the budget bill funding and spending authority for the recently established Department of the State Fire Marshal, taking the place of the Office of the State Fire Marshal that was part of the Oregon State Police. Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch HB 2238 allows for rulemaking to increase fees related to removal or fill permit applications, wetland delineation reports and general authorizations. We will work with the agency to increase processes for clearly identifying wetlands in urban growth boundaries to be sure lands that should be developed can be and those that can’t should be are removed from the buildable lands inventory. We support the bill which passed and was signed by the Governor with an effective date of Sept. 24, 2023. In August the League discovered that the issue of wetlands was being discussed in the Land Availability Work Group of the Governor’s Housing Production Advisory Council (HPAC). We expressed concern that no wetlands expertise had been consulted during the initial round of meetings. The League will monitor this Work Group as it considers providing unvetted proposals to the Governor. If you want to receive notices of HPAC meetings, click here . HB 2914 establishes the Oregon Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Program in DSL LFO Recommendation The League has consistently supported funding for this program outside of the Common School Fund. Funding for this program was included in the end-of-session bill, SB 5506 : $18,763,236 from the Monsanto Settlement Agreement per the Governor’s recommendation. The League provided testimony in support of the DSL budget ( HB 5037 ) , as did League member Christine Moffitt on behalf of the Friends of South Slough. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The League continues to engage in the ESRF, including attending their prospective Board meetings. The prospective ESRF Board met July 24th. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Additional meetings are set for August 16 (9a-5p in-person in Winchester Bay) and Sept. 22 nd 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on Zoom. They WEplan to meet again October 16, Noon to 4 p.m. and December 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meeting locations TBD. Meeting videos are posted to the Department of State Lands YouTube channel and meeting notes are posted to DSL's Elliott website here . Work is continuing on eventual adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan and a Forest Management Plan for the forest. Of concern to the League is how their plan can be financially viable without excessive timber harvest. SB 161 passed to change a date included in SB 1546 (2022) related to requirements in establishing the ESRF to December of 2023. The Governor signed with the bill’s effective date June 30, 2023. HB 5048 with the -2 amendment funds, starting Jan. 1, 2024, the new Elliott State Forest Research Authority Board staffing and expenses. LFO Recommendation . It is expected that the 2024 session will enhance this new agency’s budget and fiscal needs, but the 2023 funding provides for an Executive Director and two other positions. Public listening sessions on the HCP and Forest Management Plan (FMP) is scheduled for September 21: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Zoom links to join the listening sessions and more information about the forest management planning process can be found on the OSU College of Forestry website here . On June 2 OSU Board of Trustees met and received a Report and a Presentation as they considered approving their engagement on the ESRF, with a decision in October or December by the OSU Board on whether or not to accept a role in the ESRF. They will receive an update at their Aug. 25 and Oct. 19-20 meetings before a special OSU Board meeting in December. The State Land Board will meet Dec. 12 to provide a final decision on the ESRF going forward. The Shutter Creek former Oregon Dept. of Corrections facility was transferred by the federal government to the Dept. of State Lands in anticipation of the property being the home of the ESRF staff and research team. There is also discussion around a tribal role for the property. The property currently pays a significant fee for sewer to the City of Lakeside. Conversations with the city are on-going since that infrastructure is critical to keeping effluent out of Tenmile Lake where a significant number of failing septic systems also exist. Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) The League had no volunteer to follow the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife so we did not comment on their budget ( SB 5509 ) except to work with partners to assure staff for in-stream flows and water management would become permanent, in keeping with our support for water management across water agencies. Are you a fisherperson? High mercury levels detected in Oregon waters: Health advisories issued for summer fishing season addresses higher than healthy mercury and information on fish consumption in these waters. Forestry (ODF) We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Forestry budget ( HB 5020 ), expressing concern that staffing for climate change issues around forest management and urban forestry weren’t included in the Governor’s budget. Those positions were not included in the final budget. However, HB 3409 includes a provision that directs ODF to acquire and maintain an urban tree canopy assessment tool and to develop and implement program related to loss of tree canopy. DLCD was given over $7 million and 5 staff to create and award grants under a new Community Green Infrastructure Fund. State Forester Cal Mukumoto has decided not to renew the state’s wildfire insurance policy for 2023-24. The state would have to incur over $75 million before accessing the $25 million policy. As the Board of Forestry makes decisions on our state forests, including potential adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan and future harvest plans, we remind you that Oregon’s forests are managed for the greatest permanent value : “ healthy, productive, and sustainable forest ecosystems that over time and across the landscape provide a full range of social, economic, and environmental benefits to the people of Oregon.” LWVOR provided comments on the biennial Harvest Tax bill, HB 2087 , expressing concerns but supporting if this bill is all that is available for helping to fund forestry programs. The bill passed and was signed by the Governor on July 31. Governance By Peggy Lynch SB 42 would have required agencies to add even more factors related to business when calculating the costs of rulemaking and their consequences. The League provided testimony in opposition. SB 38 would have required certain agencies to process permits even if state or federal laws or rules changed during the permit processing. The League provided testimony in opposition. Neither bill passed this session. Hanford Cleanup Board By Marylou Schnoes The Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board meeting materials are available on their website . Per OPB , we are a long way from being safe as the cleanup continues. Rep. Mark Gamba has been appointed by the Speaker to join the Board. Oregon Department of Energy Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness Maxwell Woods and Hanford Hydrogeologist Tom Sicilia weigh in on the Dept of Energy blog, HISTORIC HANFORD CONTAMINATION IS WORSE THAN EXPECTED: OREGON EXPERTS WEIGH IN . Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) By Peggy Lynch Another League volunteer followed education this session but there were two areas under Natural Resources that we provided testimony. The League provided testimony on HB 5025 , the omnibus higher education budget, in support of the Oregon Consensus/Oregon Solutions programs at Portland State University. It is unclear if this funding was provided but the program will continue. The League provided testimony in support of funding for the Oregon Conservation Corps in HB 5025 , the omnibus Higher Education Coordinating Commission budget bill. $10 million was provided in the end-of-session bill, SB 5506 . Land Use/Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) & Housing By Peggy Lynch Land use and housing were front and center this session. The Governor came out early with a Housing Executive Order 23-02 . The l egislature followed up quickly with HB 2001 and HB 5019. A Budget Report was provided for HB 2001 that clarifies that some monies are coming from 2021-23 with most from the 2023-25 biennium. The same is true in th e Budget Report for HB 5019 . Also, there is a Budget Note on pages 3-4 of the LFO Recommendation. DLCD provided a helpful press release in understanding the land use nexus. The League provided testimony on SB 534 in support of a pilot $3 million fund to provide financing for the development of infrastructure and other costs, usable only for housing to remain affordable to moderate income households for at least 30 years. SB 534 was incorporated into HB 2001 , Section 51, and was passed and signed by the Governor on March 29. With the increase in staff of seven permanent positions at DLCD, they have created a new Housing Division under Senior Planner/Manager Ethan Stuckmayer. The League provided testimony on HB 5027 , the DLCD budget, and were disappointed that only the Housing Policy Option Packages were approved. Missing were positions for wildfire and climate planning. However, the agency received a number of positions related to housing and one surprise bill related to green infrastructure and another on solar siting: While HB 2727, Early Childhood Facilities, came with funds for DLCD to convene a Work Group to examine strategies for expanding early learning and care facilities in Oregon, the bill did not include any funding for positions. SB 5506 , Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Program (CFEC), granted DLCD one permanent position and $2.7 million in one-time grant funds. SB 5506, Green Infrastructure and Solar Siting (TREES), provided five limited duration positions and $6.5 million in Green Infrastructure grant funds. Four of these positions are associated with the TREES program. One is assigned work to identify ways to reduce conflicts for solar facilities in Eastern Oregon. HB 3395 was the housing package and included sections on the Residential Use of Commercial Lands, new Approval Procedures around residential structures in Urban Growth Boundaries, Emergency Shelter Siting, and Subdividing Affordable Housing Developments as changes to our land use system. HB 2889 : Establishes Oregon Housing Needs Analysis within the Housing and Community Services Department. The League provided testimony in support. The Governor signed on July 18. The League provided testimony on HB 2983 in support of manufactured dwellings and dwellings parks. Although HB 2983 did not pass, t here is money in the Oregon Housing and Community Services budget or other housing bills that should help with this housing issue. SB 70 amends the definition of high-value farmlands for residential rezoning of lands within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region from SB 16 (2021). LWVOR provided testimony in opposition, continuing to focus on water quality and quantity; however, the bill passed and has been signed by the Governor. SB 1013 , a bill that would allow a recreational vehicle to be sited on a rural property, was amended by the -4 amendment and was signed by the Governor with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2024. The League worked behind the scenes to be sure that water and sewer would be safely provided since the RV would likely be sharing the main residence's facilities. The League provided testimony in opposition to HB 3442 , a bill that would have required local governments to allow development of affordable housing on certain lands within a 100-year floodplain or subject to property development constraints under land use regulations related to natural disasters and hazards. The bill was amended to clarify those public safety concerns and passed. The Governor has signed. The League provided testimony with concerns on SB 835 , a bill that required that a single septic system be used for both the main home and an accessory dwelling unit placed on a lot where a septic system is used. The bill was amended addressing our concerns, was passed and signed by the Governor. The League was alerted to SB 1087 , a bill to allow restaurants, 25-car parking lots, and 5,000-square-foot seating areas for 250-300 people on land designated for exclusive farm use (EFU land). It set standards for the establishment of farm cafes on lands in Lane County zoned for exclusive farm use. It required the Oregon Health Authority to review the land use compatibility statement before licensing a farm cafe. The bill also authorized OHA to revoke, deny or suspend licenses upon certain violations of land use conditions. The League is concerned with the precedent that would be set by allowing this activity in Lane County as other counties could ask for the same use on their EFU lands in the future. The League did not provide testimony, but would have provided opposition testimony had the bill received a Work Session. The bill died in the Senate Rules Committee but could well return in 2024 or 2025. SB 4 , known as the CHIPS Act, includes $200 million in grants and loans with a commitment to provide a certain number of permanent full-time jobs to help semiconductor industries and would allow the Governor to “supersite” lands for this industry many acres of farmland “just in case” the semiconductor industry might want to build a new facility in Oregon. We provided testimony in opposition only to Section 10 of the bill. The bill passed and was signed by the Governor, but many sideboards were placed around the “supersiting” provision. With tax credits and other legislation, a total of $500 million was committed to this industry. On Aug. 1, the Governor approved $90 million to a proposed expansion of Intel at current facilities in Washington County. At this time, it doesn’t seem to include any “supersiting”. A total of 15 companies have applied for Oregon’s CHIPS Act funding. The League provided testimony in opposition to SB 1051 with the -2 amendment , a bill that would allow a property owner to request an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion of up to 200 acres outside of the current UGB process, but inside an urban reserve. The bill died in committee, but elements of the bill appeared in HB 3414 (see below) as did SB 1096 , HB 3620 and HB 3616 . HB 3414 with the -1 amendment would have created a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD and also included a Section 2 that says that local governments may not deny a variance under certain circumstances. Variances are used to address exceptions to a code’s “clear and objective standards”. It is unclear how this provision would have changed a community’s control over residential development. The insistence by the Governor to include a section in the bill that would have allowed private property owners to ask a city to add their lands (lands adjacent to current UGBs) for development was a non-starter for LWVOR and other land use advocates. Metro also had concerns that their role in the management of Metro’s UGB would be usurped by the Metro cities. The League provided verbal testimony based on our Nov. 2022 LCDC testimony , pointing out that it’s not more raw land we need; it’s funding for infrastructure and planning staff. The UGB section relates to SB 1096 , a bill that would “expand development into farmland” and was similar to SB 1051 which the League vigorously opposed and has since died. Although there are sideboards around what lands can be considered, the bill continued the false narrative that simply adding land to urban growth boundaries will solve Oregon's housing crises. HB 3414 B became the last drama of the 2023 session. OPB had a good article as did Willamette Week . Although it passed the House, it did not pass the Senate—by one vote. LWVOR appreciates that Senate members rejected the bill, but are also sad that the good portions of the bill were lost by the insistence that the UGB expansion sections be included. We look forward to a quick passage of a slimmed down version in 2024, although the Governor has indicated we will see the same bill. There were a number of bills filed ( HB 3180 , HB 3181 , HB 3179 and HB 2989 related to siting solar in Oregon. An Oregon Siting Table was formed to have conversations around potential conflicts among solar developers, the agricultural and environmental communities. The League engaged in meetings of the Oregon Siting Table, but did not provide testimony on any of these bills. HB 3179 was amended, passed and signed by the Governor. The bill doubles the maximum allowable acreage for solar photovoltaic power generation facility siting in the context of county land-use planning, allowing counties to approve more and larger solar projects while preserving existing protections for land use and wildlife. The amended bill now requires an applicant for a land use permit for a renewable energy facility to provide a decommissioning plan to restore the site to "a useful, nonhazardous condition," assured by bonding or other security. The Siting Table will continue and there may have been monies to continue conversations among the parties in other bills. As HB 2003 (2019) ( helpful DLCD website ) is implemented by cities, you might want to read pages 3 and 4 of Monmouth’s DRAFT Housing Production Strategy . (The cities of Milwaukie and Grants Pass have also completed a DRAFT—all of which can be commented on.) As cities are required to review their Housing every 6 (Metro) or 8 years, they are required to consider how to address their housing needs. You don’t have to wait until your city is required to do this exercise. You can begin the conversation now to help address your housing shortage. As part of the information on cost of housing, in January a presentation on Systems Development Charges (SDCs) was provided. The League supports state help with SDC costs and other infrastructure costs, especially for low-income housing, but also help for cities to provide infrastructure to create buildable lots within cities and to make urban growth boundary lands buildable. The Legislative Policy and Research Office provided this report on housing and land use. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) By Peggy Lynch The League provided support for the Land Use Board of Appeals budget ( HB 5028 ). Northwest Energy Coalition By Robin Tokmakian Our League representative worked on a resolution regarding gas utility decarbonization. LWVOR signed on to support the resolution . Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) The League provided testimony in support of the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ). Oregon Marine Board The League provided testimony in support of the Oregon Marine Board budget ( SB 5521 ). The League was pleased that the budget includes a focus on abandoned and derelict vessels. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) The League did not provide written testimony on the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ), but engaged during budget development and behind the scenes with legislators. Here is the July Director's Report on their budget and strategic plan. OWEB worked with others to review their 20 years of providing Operating Capacity Grants to Soil and Water Conservation Districts and others. Parks and Recreation The League provided comments on SB 5527 , the budget bill for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. Radioactive Waste By Shirley Weathers The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) continues its work to protect Oregon from acceptance, accumulation, and storage of hazardous levels of radioactive waste. For a quick recap, the current effort now going on three years was triggered in 2020 by discovery that almost 1,300 tons of such waste generated through fracking for oil and gas out-of-state had been illegally accepted by Chemical Waste Management (CWM) at their Arlington OR landfill between 2016 and 2019. That triggered the understanding that decades-old rules and statutes needed updating. During the interim after the 2020 Session, ODOE and the first Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) worked on aspects of OAR 435.029 (Notice of Violation, Civil Penalties, Revocation or Suspension) that didn’t require statutory changes. The resultant final rules provide significantly better prevention of illegal out-of-state dumping and provide the state with enforcement authority if and when it occurs. After successful passage in the 2021 Session of SB 246 , Radioactive Waste Disposal Definitions and Enforcement, another RAC embarked on changes to ORS 469.300 (Definitions) and 469.525 (Radioactive Waste Facilities Prohibited). The bill retains in full force Oregon’s commitment to stringent restriction of radioactive waste storage and emphasis on protecting the health and safety of the public. It called for review and necessary revision of technical provisions to reflect current-day science and federal standards where there were deviations, as well as rule changes pertaining to the classification, handling, and disposal of radioactive waste generated within the state, commonly as a byproduct of other operations. Medical and manufacturing waste figure importantly in discussions, but there are a number of other sources. Many of the technical issues arising from SB 246 are therefore beyond the expertise of many RAC members, including the League. Some member organizations have hired consultants to act on their behalf to interact on draft rules with ODOE staff. However, there are other important issues that can and need to be addressed by laypersons. In fact, a stark division in approach that surfaced with the first draft led staff and RAC members to agree to divide pertinent subsections into two parts (more below). Part I issues have resulted in three drafts, but RAC members will provide input by August 30 and likely the Energy Facility Siting Commission (EFSC) will consider a final draft in its September meeting. If accepted, a 30-day public comment period will be opened. It is hoped that more individuals and organizations with concerns about public health and safety and environmental issues will become involved. The Part II controversy stems from the cost of transporting out-of-state materials produced here but prohibited from disposal in Oregon. Charging that this is cost-prohibitive, some RAC members rejected the staff draft and instead collaborated with Chemical Waste Management on a proposal that would have allowed retention of bona fide radioactive waste in-state under certain conditions. However, the League was not surprised when the Oregon DOJ ruled that the proposal would violate ORS 426.525. That subsection has been shelved for now and further steps are unknown at this time. LWVOR has supported new legislation and held a seat on the two RACs involved to date and will continue to participate. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd/Greg Martin There were three “Zero Waste” bills related to polystyrene and plastics: SB 543 , prohibits food vendors from using polystyrene foam containers in sales of prepared food. LWVOR provided Testimony . The Governor has signed the bill which takes effect Jan. 1, 2024. SB 544 , directs the Environmental Quality Commission to establish a program for source reduction of single-use plastic food ware and single-use packaging and achieve 25 percent source reductions compared to 2023 levels by 2030. LWVOR provided Testimony ; however, the bill did not pass. SB 545 , directs the State Department of Agriculture and Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules allowing consumers to use their own containers for refilling with food at food establishments. The League provided testimony in support. The bill passed, was signed by the Governor on May 8 and is immediately effective. The Right to Repair bill, SB 542 , required original equipment manufacturers to make available repair information to owners of consumer electronic equipment or independent repair providers. The League provided testimony supporting the bill, but pointed out two areas where changes should be made: one dealing with clarifying what was included under the bill and the other dealing with the enforcement method. Preferred versions were included in the New York law. The bill did not pass this session but we expect a version to return in 2024 or 2025. DEQ is proposing rules to clarify and implement the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act of 2021. More information on this rulemaking, including the draft rules, can be found on the Recycling Updates 2023 Rulemaking Page . DEQ continues to hold Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee meetings. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking web page at: Recycling Updates 2024 . Toxics By Paula Grisafi HB 3043 , a bill that revises provisions relating to chemicals in children’s products, was signed by the Governor and is effective as of Sept. 24, 2023. As a member of the Oregon Conservation Network, we were pleased to see the OCN Letter in support of HB 3043 , the Toxic Free Kids Act Modernization. LWVOR has engaged in this bill in past sessions. SB 546 requires the Oregon Health Authority to adopt and maintain a list of designated high priority chemicals of concern used in cosmetic products and to periodically review and revise the list. The bill was amended and passed. LWVOR provided testimony in support of SB 426 , the Toxics Free Schools bill, but again it did not pass the legislature. Water By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony in support with comments on the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ). The budget includes a permanent staffer to follow the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS). The League has participated in the past two IWRS documents. That document is set to be updated again and OWRD is partnering with Oregon’s Kitchen Table (OKT) to provide outreach and engagement for the 2023 update to the IWRS. Here’s the latest Integrated Water Resources Strategy 2023 public engagement . Here's the agency’s full budget summary for 2023. A major water bill, HB 3124 , a $250 million Drought Relief and Water Scarcity pkg., was introduced and included some of the other bills we’ve seen this session . The League provided comments on the bill, including a list of our priorities, using our participation in the HB 5006 Work Group as our guide. The W&M Natural Resources Subcommittee used HB 2010 for the water package instead of HB 3124 , t he bill to which LWVOR provided comments . The -6 amendment was adopted and includes elements of: -Place-based Planning, a concept that the League has supported since its inception in 2014. We participated in the HB 5006 Work Group where members suggested updating that planning program. HB 3163 would have created a special Fund for these regional planning efforts. The League testified in support of the Fund. T he good news that the Place-Based Water Planning Fund, as described in HB 3163 , will become permanent with an initial $2,000,000 appropriation. See Sections 15, 16, 44, 57, 58,59, 60 & 61 of HB 2010 . - HB 3100 , a bill that updates requirements for the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) was included. See Sections 10 and 11 of HB 2010 . LWVOR testified on the original bill. -The League provided testimony in support of HB 2813 , the Safe Drinking Water bill that directed OWEB to provide grants to protect drinking water sources. See Sections 1-4 of HB 2010 . Here is the Drought Package Press Release . LFO Recommendation and the Budget Report that shares the many programs and agencies that will benefit from this bill. You might also note the amount of cross-agency cooperation and collaboration expected from this package. Sen. Dembrow provided spreadsheets for the climate and drought packages here. The League also provided testimony in support of HB 3125 to create a new Ratepayer Fund to help low income people pay for sewer and water bills. A study of this issue was funded in the Christmas Tree bill. The League has been a voice for the safety of domestic wells and provided testimony in support of HB 3207 , a bill that would have required reporting to DEQ the results of well water tests during a real estate transaction. The bill did not pass out of Ways and Means. HB 3208 that expands the Environmental Quality Commission’s authority to annually adjust additional water quality fees up to 3% per year passed. The League has participated in a rules advisory committee related to 3% fees for other water quality permits and has been invited to do so again this year. In 2021, the legislature provided funds for a contractor to provide a report on the Business Case for Oregon Water Investments. Here is the Executive Summary . There was also a requirement to engage the nine tribes. Here is the Tribal Water Task Force Summary Report. Statement from the EPA on Waters of the U.S. rule: “EPA and Army statement regarding intent to amend WOTUS rule in wake of U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision – On June 26, EPA and Army released the following statement regarding next steps for the agencies’ WOTUS rule: “The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army (agencies) are in receipt of the U.S. Supreme Court's May 25, 2023, decision in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. In light of this decision, the agencies are interpreting the phrase “waters of the United States” consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett.” Oregon is reviewing the effect of this decision on our own wetlands rules and laws. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. HB 3409 (Sections 82 and 83 of the climate package) included HB 2647 A . The League supported HB 2647 A to continue to address harmful algal blooms., a public health issue. “When in doubt, stay out.” V isit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations under ORS 536 for the counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Deschutes, Wasco, Harney, Sherman and Lake counties . On June 27, the Governor declared a drought emergency in Jackson County through Executive Order 23-15 , and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. Gilliam County has also submitted a request for a state declaration. In addition, many counties in eastern and southern Oregon have received Secretarial Disaster Designations from the US Department of Agriculture due to continuing drought conditions. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers SB 80 , one of the important wildfire bills passed this session, is detailed in this press release and this OPB article . LWVOR provided testimony in support of SB 80 with the -2 amendments. Senator Golden spoke at length in support of this overall bill, at one point calling it a refinement of certain aspects of SB 762 , the Omnibus Wildfire Legislation of 2021. Regarding the map, which, in part, this bill improved and refined, he said “ Senate Bill 80 simplifies the structure of the map and makes some changes to the way that reflects NOT the way that single homeowners maintain their property for fire readiness, but rather the hazard that wildfire presents to the wider landscape .” The League is hopeful that the new, required county collaboration on the map-making process will give Oregonians a better understanding that the map is to point out areas of fire HAZARD so that we all might help be better prepared for wildfires. “ We no longer have a fire season. We have a fire year .” - Mark Bennett, Chair, Wildfire Programs Advisory Council. Throughout the session, the League followed closely the work of the Governor’s Wildfire Programs Advisory Council , which makes recommendations regarding wildfire legislation to the Governor and the Legislature. Among the most consequential recommendations they made was to change the name of the Statewide Wildfire RISK Map to Hazard Map (the importance of which is mentioned in the previous paragraph) as is the practice in California, and to reduce the number of Hazard Zones from the previous 5, to 3, namely High, Moderate and Low. Their year-round, ongoing work is and will continue to be pivotal in the mission to inform future wildfire preparedness and mitigation legislation for the State and its residents. The League provided testimony in support of funding for the Oregon Conservation Corps in HB 5025 , the omnibus Higher Education Coordinating Commission budget bill. $10 million was included in SB 5506 , the end-of-session bill. The League monitored SB 82 , which enhances insurance carriers’ obligation to consider property owner’s efforts to reduce wildfire risk in rate-setting and policy coverage decisions and increases information available to policy-holders. It passed the Senate per this press release . State Forester Cal Mukumoto has decided not to renew the state’s wildfire insurance policy for 2023-24. The state would have to incur over $75 million before accessing the $25 million policy. This policy was for the state to help pay for the cost of fighting wildfires, not for personal fire insurance. Oregon has been the ONLY state to have this policy (Lloyds of London). The deductible of $75 million made it less useful to help the state pay for state fire fighting expenses. We also followed SB 509 , which would have required the Oregon Department of Forestry to study community-based programs for reducing wildfire risk, among other things, and would declare an emergency upon passage so that grant fundings and other program items would have begun immediately. LWVOR provided support for SB 509 A, which did not pass. However, there was some funding provided in the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s budget at the end of session. SB 872 , a bill to enable better cooperation between Federal agencies and Oregon Department of Forestry with regard to wildfire mitigation efforts during the non-wildfire months passed with the -4 amendment . It directs the Oregon Department of Forestry to endeavor toward further shared stewardship of federal forests through partnership with federal agencies to expand certain Good Neighbor Authority activities, and to request that the federal agencies fund these activities. In addition, a number of bills passed which dealt with housekeeping elements of the change of status of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, under the Oregon State Police, to an independent Department of the State Fire Marshal, a move that gives the State Fire Marshal’s office significantly more responsibility and autonomy, especially in the area of wildfire. The department will still be referred to as OSFM, for Oregon State Fire Marshal, as opposed to “Office of” the State Fire Marshal previously. Unfortunately, the funding requested for this new office fell well short of expectations and there remains much work to be done. Nevertheless, OFSM has launched a Defensible Space website , which provides a multitude of resources to help Oregonians make their home more resilient in the face of increasing wildfire risk, including the ability to schedule a home assessment based on entering your home address. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is over, but 2024 is just around the corner. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.