Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/8 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Legislators’ Walkout Is Freezing Governance Rights of Incarcerated People Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team It appears to this reporter that the Oregon legislative session could effectively be over. Several Republican Senators will soon run out of their 9 allowed unexcused absences, but several others will alternate with them to deny a quorum in the Senate for a few more days or a week. Constitutional Sine Die is June 25, which is six and a half weeks away. However, the 25 Republican legislators in the House may now start denying a quorum in their chamber. The required House quorum is 40 members, so the absences of just 21 Republicans could stop all business in the House on a rotating basis for weeks. A deal between Democratic and Republican leaders could still allow some final budget and uncontroversial bills to be passed. We would also not rule out the Governor calling a special session. Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. We hope that the negotiations that they’re working on now lead to real progress. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected and more donations are needed. Legislators’ Walkout Is Freezing Governance By Rebecca Gladstone The ongoing Senate Republican walkout was in the ninth day as of this writing, with leadership agreeing not to hold Senate floor sessions for the remainder of this week, to allow weekend negotiations. That could avert invoking the 10-day walkout consequences that voters passed by a wide margin in November 2022. Meanwhile, bills continue to stack up, as the clock runs out pressing this now elapsing time. We hope negotiations will drop reading bills to regain that time. Most bills here are exempt from deadlines but are frozen by the walkout. We are especially concerned for responsible review and progress for bills that timed out in the 2022 session, for election security with new software in the SoS budget bill, the cybersecurity omnibus bill, the AG’s Data Broker bill, and the Chief Data Privacy Officer bill, all covered in earlier reports. Here's last week’s slim progress. HB 5032 A Enrolled : The governor signed this Public Records Advocate funding bill on May 8. ( our testimony ). HB 2490 : This cybersecurity vulnerability bill passed in a May 9 Senate committee work session, on a partisan vote for 3 in favor, 1 absent (excused for illness), and 2 absent, relating to the Republican walkout. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). HB 2806 , for public safety and cybersecurity, awaits transfer to the Senate President’s desk and scheduling for a Senate floor reading, rescheduled to May 15 and 16, with dates subject to change. See our testimony . SB 11 : This got unanimous support in a May 9 House committee, awaiting transfer to the President’s desk for signature. This access and transparency bill, with strong bipartisan support, requires virtual public state meetings to record and promptly publicize recordings. We will look for data retention rules. SB 417 : For this public records bill, we’ve attended weekly Task Force meetings since March 7, and it is forwarding findings with amendment recommendations. Intense legal discussions over careful wording distinctions had input on behalf of District Attorneys, the Society of Professional Journalists, Public Records Advocates, and others, including the League. See our testimony , predating this work. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley SB 529 , which enables the expansion and revamping of drug treatment programs within Oregon’s correctional system, passed the House on May 8 with a vote of 48 to 12. The bill affirms that addiction is a chronic disease, modifies program acceptance procedures, removes the old requirement that program participants engage in physical work and exercise, and includes a range of structured treatment services. SB 529 is a complementary bill to HB 2890 A , which directs a Corrections Ombudsman to support continuous quality improvement efforts and report back to the Governor and the Legislature within six months of appointment. The Ombudsman’s task is to “ensure all persons confined in Department of Corrections institutions have access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services during the entire period of incarceration, including access to evidence-based medication-assisted treatment options. The bill, championed by Rep. Maxine Dexter, passed House Judiciary on April 11 and was sent to W&Ms by prior reference. 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 All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of January 26 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Forestry (ODF) Hanford Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. (OPRD) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Regional Solutions State Land Board Transportation Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire Intro The Feb. 4 th Forecast will be the legislature’s guidance. See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report and sections of other Legislative Reports. The Natural Resource agencies have been implementing legislation passed in 2025 and previous legislative sessions. That means rulemaking where Oregonians can help clarify the intent of that legislation. Then we are all grappling with those potential budget cuts as shared in the last Legislative Report. Lastly, we cover some of the information from the recent Interim Legislative Days (Jan. 13-15). The House Interim Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee: 1/13/2026 Meeting at 11:30 AM heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on her recent Executive Orders. See more information about them and the proposed committee bills in the Meeting Materials . A recording of the meeting is also available. The same is true of all the committees, so please use this information as a guide for checking in on other committees of interest. The Salem Reporter provided a review of what to expect in 2026, including some areas of concern to the League related to permitting and land use. We want a vibrant economy with good jobs for Oregonians while also respecting the values Oregonians have supported for years. AGRICULTURE The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) accepted public comments on proposed rules for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. In an article by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, it was noted: In comments shared with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Board of Agriculture shortly before the new year, farm groups opposed to the rules told regulators they go too far, while others contended they don’t go far enough. The Oregon Health Authority since 2024 found that at least 634 domestic drinking water wells in the area contain unsafe levels of nitrate, some with nearly 10 times the federal limit for safe drinking water, and more than 420 show elevated levels that could lead to long-term health problems. BUDGETS/REVENUE Peggy Lynch Soon after the 2025-27 Oregon budget passed, Congress passed H.R.1 (see Summary), a collection of tax cuts and program cuts. (See the Revenue section for more detail.) As we await the Feb. 4 th Revenue Forecast, agencies were directed to reduce their spending as well as to provide a list of potential cuts of up to 5% per agency per revenue source (General Fund, Lottery Fund, Other Funds) and to provide a list of any new programs that were approved since 2021—all due to reduced revenue forecasts, federal legislation and actions. Here are the meeting materials submitted to the Legislative Fiscal Office by the 14 natural resource agencies. In the last few months, the Governor and legislators have been reviewing those lists and learning more about the impact of H.R. 1 on programs vital to Oregonians. Working in the natural resource world which is less than 3% of the state’s budget, each cut reduces the ability for Oregon to protect our air, land and water. See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information. We encourage you to read ALL sections. CLIMATE 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 Christine Moffitt The League of Women Voters of Coos County has been following the proposed Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) project in Coos Bay. (See their public website .) An article by the Oregon Journalism Project provides an outside review of the project: “ For the past couple of months, the Oregon Journalism Project has examined the PCIP’s claims and its goals. That reporting, along with interviews of economists and transportation and supply chain experts, yields a starkly different conclusion than politicians have reached. Coos Bay’s location and the highly competitive nature of transportation markets, experts say, make it unlikely the project can succeed.” A presentation was allowed by advocates of the PCIP to the Senate Interim Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs on Jan. 14. League members were disappointed that only one point of view was shared and we provided legislators with a response to an email sent earlier by advocates. The Ocean Policy Advisory Council will meet virtually on January 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A draft meeting agenda and materials will be posted online soon at https://oregonocean.info/ . Register for the meeting here or contact: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on Seven Rocky Habitat Management Plans: The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) are currently developing management plans for rocky habitats that were designated in 2024. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, and Port Orford. The new draft Plans can be found on the Oregon Ocean Information website . Please provide comments on or before February 2, 2026. The League supported the creation of these Rocky Habitats. Email comments to: tsp.comments@dlcd.oregon.gov with the title of the plan in the subject line. Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540. Read the Draft Plans:  Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Cape Blanco Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on: Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan. This work is the result of a multi-year proposal and planning effort to designate new rocky habitats on the Oregon Coast. Marine Gardens are any intertidal and subtidal area that the State designates to protect ocean resources through public enjoyment, learning opportunities, public access, and by supporting ecological integrity. Marine Conservation Areas are sites designated to conserve the ecological integrity of the habitat. Marine Research Areas are sites designated to support scientific research, preserve natural ecosystems, and limit the collection of marine plants and animals. Please reach out to Andy Lanier, Marine Affairs Coordinator, Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov with questions. More information is available at OregonOcean.Info/RockyHabitats . DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION The latest on the Grassy Mt. Gold Mine Project per the Dept. of Environmental Quality’s Director's Report : Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project: DEQ prepared four draft permits for the Grassy Mountain project, a proposed gold mine located in Malheur County approximately 22 miles south-southwest of Vale. Mining will be sub-surface, and gold will be extracted from the ore using a cyanide extraction process. DEQ permits regulate potential releases of contaminants to air, land, and water. DEQ has been working closely with the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and other state agencies to develop draft permits, following a consolidated permitting process that is unique to chemical process mining. DEQ is currently working with DOGAMI on draft permit conditions related to the protection of groundwater resources and solid waste management in response to preliminary comments from the applicant. DEQ expects to make draft permits available for public comment in early January 2026. DOGAMI and other state permitting agencies have issued draft permits for the Grassy Mountain gold mine project and will hold a public hearing for the draft permits on January 29 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm PST (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm MST) at the Vale Senior Citizens Center, 100 Longfellow St S, Vale, OR 97918. People can make comments in person at the hearing or submit written comments prior to February 6. DOGAMI is accepting public comments through February 6, 2026, as outlined in the public notice , including related documents. The League has followed this project—the first chemical processing gold mine proposed for Oregon. A new streamlined permitting process has been used for this application. OPB provided an article . More information can be found here . OPB also covered exploration of a lithium mine in Southeast Oregon. DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DWAC) Sandra U. Bishop The League has a standing seat on DWAC. Interactive GIS Maps for water system and source water protection have been improved. These maps are available to the public as well as water system operators and are maintained by the Oregon DEQ’s Drinking Water Protection group and may be accessed via the Drinking Water Services website . The next DWAC meeting is January 21. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The Board had a 3-day retreat on Nov. 12-14. And a meeting on Jan. 14. The next meeting is set for March 11. FORESTRY (ODF) Josie Koehne Public comment period on the proposed rule-making for the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan opened on Nov. 1 and will close at midnight on the Jan.31st. “The mission of the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan (FMP) and Implementation Plans (IP) project is to implement the social, economic and environmental values required of state forests. The comment period will include written comments as well as comments collected from Rule-making hearings. The proposed change to this rule will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan. The League submitted comments on December 24. ODF is reviewing obligations under the Governor’s Executive Order 25-26 related to climate resilience. HANFORD For those who follow the activities at Hanford, here is a US Dept. of Energy newsletter with multiple articles. The League has positions on Hanford and has had volunteers covering this important facility. LAND USE & HOUSING Peggy Lynch LCDC Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rules adopted at the LCDC Dec. 4 th mtg. They were statutorily due by Jan. 1, 2026. “ These rules shift Oregon’s housing planning framework from a narrow focus on land capacity toward a comprehensive system that emphasizes local actions to promote housing production, affordability, and choice. ” These rules are among the most significant changes in Goal 10, Housing, and Goal 14, Urbanization since the program’s inception. On Jan. 15, the Dept. of Administrative Services released OHNA Targets for 2026. The Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) is scheduling a webinar on Jan. 28 from 1 - 2pm on the Local Residential Development Process Improvement Study. You can access the project website here and the meeting here . On Jan. 14, the House Housing Committee included Housing Legislative Concepts (LCs) (to become bills) and presentations on other bill proposals. Another LC of interest in the land use area is LC 205 as a result of a SB 1537 (2024) Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Workgroup and the Governor’s LC 94 to provide expansion for senior housing and manufactured home parks. LC 222 is the Governor's Omnibus Housing bill with sections of interest to land use and to social policy. Included in Sen. Sollman’s Oregon Jobs Act (LC 237) as presented to the Senate Interim Committee On Commerce and General Government on Jan. 13, are many elements of concern to the League, including a substantial expansion of Hillsboro’s UGB. See the Meeting Materials for more expansive information on this LC and others. There is also tax policy and required rules and permit processing changes that could reduce revenue and place a substantial burden on Natural Resource agencies. OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OREGON JOBS ACT January 30, 2026 5:00 - 6:00 PM: There will be an informative session, speaking against Senator Sollman's bill, featuring brief introductions, individual presentations, and Q&A. Address : United Church of Christ, 2032 College Way, Forest Grove RSVP: https://www.friendsofsmartgrowth.org/rsvp 6:30 PM: Senator Sollman's Joint Town Hall (across the street)Senator Janeen Sollman hosts Reps McLain, Sosa, and AG Rayfield. Address : Pacific University’s McCready Hall (in the Taylor‑Meade Performing Arts Center), 2043 College Way, Forest Grove The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by LCDC on Oct. 24. There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone, including: Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025) and Rulemaking to clarify and allow housing and other needed development outside of wetlands. The rulemaking would create an optional, alternative compliance pathway for wetlands resources when a city is preparing bill annex lands from the urban growth boundary (UGB) to accommodate needed housing and economic development. See their Rulemaking page for more info on all the rules work being done by this agency. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. OREGON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW) Melanie Moon A new state transient lodging tax (TLT), HB 2977 , was introduced in 2025 to ensure regular and robust funding for wildlife conservation programs. The bill passed the House floor, but did not make it out of the Senate. HB 4134 will be introduced in 2026, now titled the 1.25% for Wildlife bill. LWVOR signed on to a letter in support . OPB provides an article on the legislation. Currently these are the bill’s sponsors: Chief Sponsors: Rep Helm, Owens, McLain, Walters; Sen Golden, Prozanski, Gorsek, Nash, Frederick Regular sponsors: Rep Grayber, Marsh, B Levy, Gamba, Munoz, Chotzen, Hai Pham, Finger McDonald, Nosse, Andersen, Fragala, Nelson; Sen Jama, Neron Misslin, Gelser-Blouin, Pham, Weber OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT (OPRD) Peggy Lynch The League is working with others to address the fiscal crisis at OPRD. Oregonlive provided an article on ways they are nibbling around the edges. But OPRD is responsible not only for our wonderful state parks, but also for historical sites. Many need infrastructure repairs. There is a conversation around getting some amount of bonding to help with this maintenance, but also setting up a Task Force to study new long term operational funding options. The League studied Oregon Parks in 1998: Oregon State Parks, Part 1 (PDF, 7 pgs) Oregon State Parks, Part 2 (PDF, 9 pgs) . OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB) The Oregon Environmental Restoration Council (OERC) held a virtual meeting on January 22. The agenda and meeting materials are available on OERC’s website. The state of Oregon has secured a historic $698 million dollar settlement against Monsanto for long term harm caused by the company’s polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) chemicals to Oregon’s land, water, fish and wildlife. In 2024, Governor Kotek signed Senate Bill 1561 into law, creating the Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund (OERF or Fund), which will invest the proceeds of the settlement in projects and purposes that benefit Oregon’s environment and its communities. The Interim Ways and Means Committee approved an Other Funds expenditure limitation increase of $35 million to be included in the 2026 budget reconciliation bill. REGIONAL SOLUTIONS The Regional Solutions Program : Within each of the 11 Regions, which are tied to Oregon’s federally designated Economic Development Districts, a Governor-appointed Advisory Committee sets Regional Priorities and a cross-functional Team of state agency staff works together to move projects forward. If you know anyone who may benefit from these publications, please direct them to this signup page . The public is welcome to attend virtually or in person. Go to the program website and to the region to find the agendas and meeting materials posted a few days before the meetings. Public Comment is usually scheduled. Upcoming Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) Meetings: Regional Solutions: Metro (Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties) January 30th from 11:00am-1:00pm Mid-Valley (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties) March 12th from 1:30-3:30pm South Valley/Mid-Coast (Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn Counties) March 26th from 1:00-3:00pm The Mid-Valley Regional Solutions RAC had a great set of presentations from a group of natural resource agencies at their Jan. 8 th meeting . See the meeting materials for Jan. 8 to see some of the presentations. STATE LAND BOARD Peggy Lynch The State Land Board met Dec. 3 rd ( agenda and meeting materials ). The League follows these meetings since the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer comprise the Board membership. Included in the presentations as seen on YouTube were the annual report on wetlands and a report on the Elliott State Research Forest. TRANSPORTATION (ODOT) Movement between parties to solve the ODOT funding is happening per an article in Oregonlive on Jan. 17. On Jan. 7, the Governor suggested reallocating current ODOT funds, repealing HB 3991 (passed in last Sept.’s special session and currently being sent to the voters in Nov. 2026 for repeal) in 2026 and work on long term funding in 2027: The Statesman Journal reported : The Oregon Department of Transportation faces a budget gap of $242 million for the 2025-2027 budget cycle. ODOT director Kris Strickler and incoming interim director Lisa Sumption wrote in an email to staff, "It’s a smaller gap, and while that’s good news, it’s still big enough to require service level cuts and future layoffs if we have to manage this on our own with existing revenue and within existing spending restrictions." A press release from ODOT on Jan. 14 reports: Impacts of Funding Gap Isn’t Addressed. In the upcoming short session, legislators will be looking at a $297 million funding target to support ODOT’s operations beyond June 30, 2027. Without new resources for the current budget cycle, the agency estimates it would need to reduce its workforce by more than 1,000 positions, including eliminating 570 vacant positions and laying off approximately 470 current employees. The House Transportation Committee shared their Committee LCs and the Senate Transportation Committee did the same for the 2026 session. KATU reminds Oregonians of the need for road maintenance. WATER Peggy Lynch League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in eight counties ( map ). Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “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. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WEATHER In a KOIN article : The days of La Niña are numbered. The climate phenomenon is expected to fade away in the next few months, making way for its counterpart to take over, national forecasters said on Thursday… Over the next few weeks or months, La Niña is expected to fade away. We’ll then be in a state that climate scientists describe as “ENSO neutral.” It’s not La Niña, it’s not El Niño – it’s La Nada. Whether we’re in a La Niña year, El Niño year, or neither is determined by sea surface temperatures near the equator over the Pacific Ocean. The temperature of the water and air above it can shift the position of the jet stream, which in turn impacts the types of weather observed on land. KLCC reports on our snowpack concerns: Nearly all of Oregon has less than 50% of its normal snowpack, with western and central Oregon having percentages largely in the 30s. That’s according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. December was the warmest on record in Oregon, Washington and California, while Idaho had its second-warmest December, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. WETLANDS Peggy Lynch Comments from Oregon state agencies were provided to the EPA and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers on the proposed changes to the Waters of the U. S. (WOTUS) rules . Upon reviewing this latest iteration of federal regulations proposing revisions to the definition of WOTUS, Oregon concludes this proposed rule is unnecessary and should be revoked. The existing “Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'; Conforming" that became effective on September 8, 2023, was revised to conform with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Sackett v. EPA. The Conforming 2023 rule is consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision and should remain untouched. See the December 1, 2025 Legislative Report for details on one of the most significant changes in federal rules being considered relating to Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). On Nov. 18 th , the EPA announced new proposed rules for implementing the Waters of the U.S., reducing 55 million acres of currently assumed wetlands—that protect drinking water and provide flood protection as well as giving a home to a variety of flora and fauna. WILDFIRE Carolyn Mayers The Oregon Legislature kicked off the week of January 12th with meetings offering a preview of what we can expect when the 2026 Short Session begins in earnest on February 2. The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire met January 14, and received updates from the Department of the State Fire Marshal (DFSM) and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Various officials recapped the 2025 wildfire season, relaying that while - from an acres burned perspective - it was better than expected, it was much worse than an average year in terms of structure losses. It was emphasized that this aligns with increasing trends toward more fires burning close to and in communities, and an accompanying increased risk of urban conflagrations. This amplifies the need to address mitigation measures in these areas in particular. At the January 14 meeting, DFSM officials emphasized progress on defensible space assistance for homeowners, noting that 357 inspectors have been trained to carry out defensible space inspections and make recommendations to mitigate risk to one’s residence. This work came as part of SB 762 , the 2021 wildfire bill which created a path toward comprehensive community wildfire preparedness and resiliency. It was noted that a voluntary Oregon Defensible Space Code is under development, which can be adopted at the local level. That Code is expected to be rolled out later this year. Other highlights of the meeting included a lengthy update on efforts between DFSM, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DBCS) and others following the passage of SB 85 during the 2025 session, aiming to tie homeowner and neighborhood level wildfire risk reduction work to factors insurance companies use to determine homeowner insurance rates. This Capital Chronicle article provides the details. This Legislative Concept, LC 182 , is modeled after a similar bill passed by the Colorado Legislature in 2025. In addition, Senator Sara Gelser-Blouin came before the committee to introduce her “Fire Hardened Homes Act”, LC 33 , which would prohibit Homeowner’s Associations from preventing residents within their jurisdiction from taking home hardening measures, such as replacing fences and siding with fire-resistant materials. Senator Golden appears to be poised to revisit the concept of a climate superfund bill, the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Act. This and similar bills in several other states aim to extract funds to help cover the losses suffered as a result of climate change driven catastrophic events such as wildfires and floods. In 2025 the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment Wednesday decided not to advance a similar bill, SB 1187 . Finally, the Governor’s Wildfire Program Advisory Committee, WPAC, met on Friday, January 16, and discussed most of the items described above and more. They also covered the new Consolidated Wildland Fire Service announced by the US Department of the Interior recently. The jury is out on whether this is a meaningful change, and there appears to be some concern in the wildfire community that it appears to be looking to focus on suppression at a time when it becomes ever more evident how important mitigation efforts are. More about this initiative may be found here . Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/9 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection Elections Artificial Intelligence Rulemaking and Audits Campaign Finance and Initiatives By Norman Turrill We are still waiting for urgently needed technical amendments to HB 4024 (2024) on campaign contribution limits, which are expected to be amended into HB 3392 . Since we are nearing the end of the session, we fear that this will not happen or will happen haphazardly. SB 686 A requires online websites, when news stories are copied, to pay digital journalism providers or donate to the Oregon Civic Information Consortium. Senate Rules recommended the bill Do Pass with a partisan 3-2 vote. However, a Minority Report was also filed for the bill, so both reports will go to the Senate floor. The League has not taken a position on this bill but is generally sympathetic in support of local journalism. SB 1077 would require the Public Records Advisory Council to study public records. However, the proposed -1 amendment would replace the bill with several updates to the public records law that were born of multiple years of drafting and negotiation amongst numerous stakeholders, first through the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC), which became SB 417 (2023) that did not make it out of session, and then via a two-year long workgroup gathered by Senator Lieber after concerns were raised by some public bodies during hearings on the PRAC bill. The amendment had a public hearing in Senate Rules 6/4. It adds a definition for the term "commercial requester." It amends the current fees, creates an allowable fee for commercial requesters, and establishes how the fees collected from commercial requesters will be distributed. It establishes a process for a requester to receive an explanation of the fees charged, and allows non-commercial requesters to request a waiver, or a substantial reduction, of fees, if it is in the public interest. The SB 1077 amendment was opposed in testimony from several local governments. It is supported by the PRAC, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and others. The League has not yet taken a position on the amendment but is generally supportive. General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection By Becky Gladstone SB 952 Enrolled , to consider interim US Senator appointments, League testimony in support, is headed to the Governor for signing. See the OPB article which quoted League testimony. “Without appointed representation, we could lack a US Senator’s voice from Oregon for months, election calendar timing varying,” the League of Women Voters of Oregon said in written testimony. “We deserve to be prepared for this.” SB 430 Enrolled for comprehensive business transparency to protect consumers is headed to the Governor for signing. League testimony in support addressed extensive amendments. SB 473 B Prohibits the possession of a firearm by a person convicted of menacing a public official. It is being sent from House Judiciary, with Do Pass with amendments, to be printed B-Engrossed, with a dramatically revised relating clause, back to House Rules. We await that further public hearing to submit testimony supporting the new relating clause. Our initial League testimony supported creating the crime of threatening a public official. Further interim amendments included those elected, appointed, or filed to serve an established office, adding numerous judicial branch roles. SB 224 A in support of privacy for campaign committee staff home addresses, has a House Rules work session scheduled for June 9, after passing in the Senate with just one dissenting vote. League testimony supports. HB 3569 A would invite a sponsoring legislator, committee chair or designee onto the bill’s Rules Advisory Committee, as a non-voting member. This was rescheduled twice in Senate Rules, passed 4-0, to be carried to the Senate floor. Our testimony opposes for myriad reasons. Elections By Barbara Klein SB 580 A-Eng. requires filing officers in each county and city to make publicly available on the county or city website certain election documents that are filed with the officers within a specified period. The goal of the bill is to provide more timely transparency to voters showing declarations or withdrawals of candidates. The bill was in House Rules for a public hearing on June 5th, at which time the League submitted testimony , based on the needs of our work producing League Voters’ Guides and Vote411 publications. There will be a work session on June 9th. As mentioned in a previous report, the amendment accommodated different issues within counties. Concessions were made to accommodate challenges between large/small, urban/rural counties. Candidacy declarations for precinct committee persons are exempt. HB3908 relates to party membership and registration requirements. It was filed by the Rules Committee at the request of the Independent Party of Oregon (IPO). The bill increases the percentage of state voters from 5 to 10 percent required for a party to be a major political party. This would make the development of a new major party more difficult. The LWVOR did not address this bill. On June 4th this bill proceeded to the House floor for a second reading scheduled for June 9th with a Minority Report Recommendation proposed. The minority amendment would allow “fusion” voting (or cross nominations) only between major party candidates. It states, “ An affiliation of electors may nominate for an office a candidate who has been nominated for the same office by another political party only if the affiliation of electors meets and maintains the major political party membership registration requirements under this section.” Minor party candidates could only be cross-nominated by other minor parties; minor parties cannot cross-nominate a major party candidate. Subsequent to the second reading (June 9th), a third reading on June 10th is scheduled for consideration of committee and minority reports as well as the final consideration. There was strong opposition to the original bill, and support for an amendment ( HB 3908 A-Eng), by the minority members. HB 5017 A-Eng . appropriates monies from the General Fund to the State Library for biennial management expenses. On June 2nd, the House floor passed the bill (49-5). June 3rd it was referred to Ways & Means. June 5th Recommendation: Do pass A-Engrossed bill and 2nd reading on Senate Floor; the Third reading is expected June 9th. Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) analysis can be viewed here . (Basically, there was an increase in budget representing levels of inflation only.) The League submitted testimony in February on the bill. In part, that testimony stated: “ The Oregon State Library lists partnerships with 39 organizations, the League of Women Voters being one of them. We have been partners for many years, supplying information about Oregon elections. The State Talking Books Library helps us provide voting information that is accessible to the Library’s registered clients.” Artificial Intelligence By Lindsey Washburn HB3936 A bans the use of AI on state assets if the AI is developed or owned by a covered (foreign) vendor. It has already passed the House 52 to 0. It is now scheduled for a final debate and vote on the Senate floor on June 9. Rulemaking and Audits By Peggy Lynch HB 3569 , a bill that would require a Chief Sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee (RAC) for legislation they had a hand in passing, passed the House. The League provided testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill. The bill passed Senate Rules on June 5 and now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. The League continues to have discussions with Legislative Leadership and the Governor’s office on these RACs bills, explaining our concerns. Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. The League joined others in sharing concerns about this bill to members of House Rules. It was pulled from the scheduled work session on May 28th. The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking ( SB 437 , SB 1006 , SB 370 , SB 483 ) and SB 411 , SB 895 also in Senate Rules. HB 2454 passed House Rules with the -1 amendment and sent to Ways and Means. The bill creates a new Audits Officer (with possible additional staff). The Jt. Audits Committee would hire the Officer. From Leader Bowman’s office: “ HB 2454 changes the statutory authority related to audits and audit reviews from the Legislative Fiscal Office to the Legislative Audit Officer (LAO) and authorizes the LAO to hire necessary staff to carry out assigned functions. The LAO and his/her staff will be housed under the new Legislative Performance Oversight and Government Accountability Office. The bill does substitute LFO for the LAO on a number of responsibilities. LFO will continue fiscal analyses and other duties, while audits and oversight will be housed under the LAO.” We are concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials, would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. A work session was held May 28 where the -2 amendment was adopted to delay the web work and the bill sent to Ways and Means. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies: This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/24 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Bottle Bills Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. Of State Lands (DSL) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Services Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Natural Resources Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Recycling State Land Board Water Wetlands Wildfire AIR QUALITY Bills we are watching: SB 726 requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR to support. The public hearing on this bill is set for Feb. 24 in the Senate Committee On Energy and Environment . Testimony is taken for up to 48 hours after the hearing. HB 3244 : Replaces the requirement that an owner or operator of a municipal solid waste incinerator conduct continuous monitoring or sampling of specified air contaminants with a requirement that the monitoring or sampling be conducted annually. LWVOR would oppose. The bill relates to the Reworld facility out of Keizer and League members have testified of their concerns in past years. AGRICULTURE By Sandra Bishop Chair Jeff Golden announced four specific Senate bills that will be considered by the committee: SB 78 : Replacement dwelling bill SB 77 : Home occupation reform bill SB 73 : Spot zoning reform SB 79 : Prohibits certain dwellings on resource lands. LWVOR will watch and may support with our strong positions on protection of Oregon’s valuable agricultural lands. Also, we are watching HB 3158 relating to photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on lands zoned for exclusive farm use. Allows certain photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on lands zoned for exclusive farm use to operate alongside farm or allowed nonfarm uses on a tract. LWVOR is watching this one before taking a position. The League is watching HB 2947 , a bill that would direct the Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University to study the distribution and occurrence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in biosolids applied to agricultural fields that do not produce crops intended for human consumption . A New York Times article shared a story about Johnson County, TX as they address the issue of harmful “forever chemicals”. BOTTLE BILLS By Sandra Bishop SB 992 originally introduced as an Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission study of how to modernize the beverage container redemption system is now being shaped as an omnibus bottle bill. A 28-page amendment was introduced in a public hearing on Feb 17th in the Senate Energy & Environment committee. There is a request from industry representatives to incorporate provisions from several other bills. LWVOR will wait for a settled version of the bill to determine whether or not to support. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 , tentative 3rd week of March. Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 , tentative 3rd week of March. Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 . DEQ: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget; DEQ Fact Sheet ; Public hearing tentatively set for mid-March. Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 ; info hearing 2/10; Meeting Materials ; public hearing 2/11. Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 ; info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11. Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 ; tentative public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2. Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . Tentative public hearings March 10-12. Department of Forestry / Department of the State Fire Marshal - Wildfire Funding Workgroup Work Session/report to be a part of the ODF budget presentation. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials ; LWVOR testimony ; Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR points out that KPM #4 , mine inspections have consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports SB 836 . Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 ; Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet ; Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials ; LWVOR testimony . Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 ; Public hearing Feb. 27. Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021 ; Public hearing Feb. 17; Meeting Materials Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 ; Public hearing tentative set for March 8. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 . Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 ; Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet ; Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget. Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here . Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: Support HB 2808 and HB 2803 . Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-26. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-26. Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024 . Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 . Office of the Governor: SB 5523 . Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 ; info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20. See more in the Wildfire section of this report. Dept. of Transportation: SB 5541 . Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 . Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 . Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : An average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Emergency Board: HB 500 . General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : An average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.). The next Revenue Forecast will be Feb. 26th at 8am in the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue ( agenda ). The legislature will use that forecast to do a final rebalance of the 2023-25 budget. Then the May 14th forecast will be the basis for the legislature to determine the 2025-27 state budget. Oregon receives substantial funding from the federal government, so the legislature is watching closely as the March 14th deadline for a federal budget to be passed again looms. Congress also needs to address raising the federal debt limit to authorize paying for bills we’ve already incurred. The federal budget is annual and runs Oct. 1-Sept. 30. Currently there is only a federal budget until end of day March 14. Additionally, the firing of federal employees who live in Oregon is beginning to affect both large and small communities in Oregon—not only the jobs they were hired to do, but economies with the loss of those employee wages to the communities. CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL LWVOR is following SB 504 , related to shoreline stabilization. Our coastal partners have been working with the sponsor, and a -4 amendment has been filed that focuses on “non-structural nature-based solutions” instead of “bioengineering”. A work session is scheduled for Feb. 25 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire . The League is pleased to see the bill numbers for kelp and eel grass conservation (HB 3580) and protection of Rocky Habitat (HB 3587). The League signed on to letters of support for both bills. We asked for funding for a staffer in the Dept. of Land Development and Conservation budget to continue to address rocky habitat, an element of the Territorial Sea Plan which the League has supported. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League has signed on to a letter in opposition to HB 2642 . HB 2642 is a bill that seeks to divest the authority to administer vehicle emission testing away from the Department of Environmental Quality, to the private sector. Emissions testing in Oregon began in the mid-1970s as a method of reducing air pollution from trucks and cars in order to ensure compliance with the landmark federal Clean Air Act of 1970. The League has been a voice in support of this program, not only because of the need to reduce pollution, but by reducing vehicle pollution, we can support industries who provide employment in these areas where the testing is required. We are asking legislators to vote no on HB 2642 and support DEQ’s authority to protect air quality by preserving their power to implement vehicle emission testing. The League supports SB 830 , a bill that modifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. A work session is scheduled for Feb. 25 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire . HB 2947 had a public hearing in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water on Feb. 10th related to treated sewage being used on farms. OPB provided great coverage of the concerns related to this usage. See also the New York Times article about this issue cited in the Agriculture section. Here is the Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking webpage . Because of the League’s work on SB 391 (2021) and additional bills in 2023, a League member is serving on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. There is a meeting set for Feb. 26. You are welcome to s ign up for email updates about this rulemaking via GovDelivery . The League will again serve on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases. A meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25th. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Water Quality Fees 2025 . DEPT. OF STATE LANDS (DSL) By Peggy Lynch The next State Land Board meeting is a special meeting in March (date still unknown), followed by a regular meeting April 8. See below for more information on the State Land Board. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony in support of SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) You can read the latest about the Elliott State Research Forest in their latest press release. Included is that t he Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is seeking comments on administrative rules for the Elliott State Research Forest. The comment period is open from February 3 - March 5 (closes at 5 p.m. Pacific). Then DSL is seeking comments on the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Operations Plan. Click here to view or download the proposed plan, project overview map, and appendices. Click here to view only the proposed plan (PDF) The 45-day comment period is open until 5 p.m. on March 31. Here is a more complete notice of the plan with opportunities for virtual public meetings. EMERGENCY SERVICES By Rebecca Gladstone HB 2581 : The League delivered oral and written testimony in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. A work session was held on Feb 6 in the House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans where the bill passed unanimously. It passed the House Floor (49/9/2) and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. FORESTRY (ODF) The Oregon Board of Forestry will hold a public meeting on March 5 at 8:30 a.m. The full agenda is available on the board’s webpage . See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. GOVERNANCE Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we often comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. On Feb. 19, the Governor provided expectations and guidance for state agencies related to rulemaking and customer service. LAND USE & HOUSING By Peggy Lynch We are pleased to learn that Business Oregon’s Infrastructure bill, HB 3031 with a -1 amendment to clarify the criteria to be used to access the proposed $100 million fund, will have a public hearing on Feb. 26 in the House Committee On Housing and Homelessness . Although there are a few issues yet to resolve, the League expects to support this important funding bill. Bills we are following: On Feb. 10th the House Committee on Housing heard testimony on the first three bills that the League believes would allow housing outside of cities. Some could violate Goals 3 and 4 of our land use system so we will follow these bills as the session progresses. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. These lands are currently a variety of state-owned lands scattered around the state. HB 2400 : Allows the owner of property outside an urban growth boundary to site an additional dwelling on the property for occupancy by a relative of the owner. HB 2422 : Requires that lands zoned to allow density of one or fewer dwellings per acre to be considered a rural use. HB 3013 : Details the process by which a permit or zone change that is based on provisions of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation that fail to gain. acknowledgment is voided and any resulting improvements or uses are removed or revoked. LWVOR supports with -1 amendment. A public hearing was held Feb. 3rd. HB 3062 : Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. A public hearing was held Feb. 20th. HB 2138 : Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands. LWVOR may have comments. Some provisions we support; others not so much. Amendments to the bill have not yet been posted on OLIS. We will wait to read them before making a decision on the bill. HB 3145 : Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund monies for factory-built housing. LWVOR should support. HB 2347 : Authorizes the Department of Land Conservation and Development to provide planning assistance for housing production to federally recognized Indian tribes and makes other technical changes to laws relating to land use planning. The bill passed unanimously on Feb. 19 with the -2 amendment. HB 2950 : A bill to update Goal One and Public Participation is being sponsored by Oregon’s American Planning Association. The League is interested in the bill, but has some concerns. We understand there will be an amendment proffered. A public hearing was held Feb. 12th in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . Because of the requirement to do rulemaking, the bill, if passing the Committee, will be sent to Ways and Means. SB 462 : Requires the Oregon Business Development Department to establish an education course for land use planners for local governments, special districts and state agencies. LWVOR supports educational efforts but there are other training opportunities, so this proposal might be redundant. A public hearing was held on Feb. 19 in the Senate Committee On Housing and Development . SB 525 : Amends expedited land division criteria and processes. LWVOR has concerns. May need to oppose. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. NATURAL RESOURCES HB 3173 : Establishing OregonFlora in statute. HB 3173 assed committee with a -3 amendment on Feb. 12th and was sent to Ways and Means. HB 3173 info sheet . The bill has widespread support statewide and the League hopes to see this program that supports many natural resource areas funded this session. OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB) By Lucie La Bonte The Natural Resources Ways and Means Subcommittee will meet to discuss HB 5039 , the agency’s budget bill, and the 6-Year Limitation bill HB 5040 (limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) on Feb. 25th with a public hearing on Feb. 26th. RECYCLING On Feb. 21, the Dept. of Environmental Quality announced approval of the Producer Responsibility Organization program plan and advanced the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The Act was supported by the League as it sees this as a major advancement to addressing plastic pollution in Oregon. STATE LAND BOARD (SLB) By Peggy Lynch The State Land Board will meet virtually on February 27 at 1 p.m . in a special 30-minute online meeting to discuss the Department of State Lands Director recruitment. Here is the meeting materials packet that includes information on how to provide testimony related to the job description. This agency and its director are extremely important to the League as the Board protects waters of the state and is responsible for the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve as well as the Elliott State Research Forest and Common School Fund lands. WATER By Peggy Lynch A major set of bills was heard on Feb. 19th in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . HB 3364 makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept. Testimony provided comments and concerns with agreement that all parties would continue to work on finding agreement on an amendment. HB 3419 is the major broad set of water policy changes described by the various amendments posted since this is really a “gut and stuff” bill! The committee Co-Chairs announced that more amendments are expected. But reading the currently-filed amendments would be helpful in understanding the various purposes of elements of the to-be-amended bill. On Feb. 17 in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water two bills of interest to the League had a public hearing: HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. HB 3526 would require well water test reporting in property sales. The League supported this concept in past sessions and did again this session. As we address drinking water well issues, a state report indicates concerns in Crook County per this OPB article . Other water bills we are following: HB 2988 : Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery. A public hearing was held Feb. 12th. HB 3108 : Requires the Water Resources Department to implement additional rules and requirements for the review of limited license applications for an aquifer storage and recovery permit HB 2803 : Increases certain fees related to water. LWVOR will support. Expect amendments. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD. HB 2808 : Increases fees related to wells. LWVOR will support. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD. HB 3106 : Oregon Water Data Portal funding. The Oregon Water Data Portal debuted Jan. 31st. The multi-agency effort to release a beta version of the pilot portal for the Oregon Water Data Portal project debuted on January 31. The pilot portal is accessible here . Users can provide feedback about the beta version of the pilot portal by completing a survey or emailing OWDP@deq.oregon.gov . We expect a hearing next week in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . The League supports. HB 3573 , a bill that addresses funding for a variety of water measurement strategies. We expect a hearing next week in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . The League supports. The Co-Chairs of the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water are working on a broad package of water-related bills, the 2025 Water Package . There is a Water Caucus raising awareness of the need to address Oregon’s water needs. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “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. WETLANDS The League testified in opposition to SB 511 , a perennial salmon tax credit bill filed by Sen. David Brock Smith that would create a new program to allow private property owners get a tax credit for salmon habitat on their property if allowed to be used by a developer to destroy wetlands in another area of Coos and Curry County. A bill of concern to the League related to our removal/fill program has been filed: SB 400 . As proposed, the League will oppose. Another wetlands-related bill we will be watching: HB 2054 . WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers The League learned on February 14, from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), of the appointment of a new Fire Protection Division Chief, Michael Curran. He has been with the agency for 20 years, most recently in the West Oregon District. Kate Skinner, who was previously serving as Deputy Chief Forester, is now Interim Chief Forester, stepping in after the resignation of Cal Mukumoto following the devastating 2024 wildfire season. February 17, the Oregon Capital Chronicle wrote about how Governor Kotek and the Legislature are pausing any further action on appeals to the Wildfire Hazard Map in the face of, once again, significant public opposition. Readers of last week’s Legislative Report are likely not surprised by this news. This action casts doubt on the future of the map, which was to be used to help with prioritizing areas of the State for programs and funding for wildfire mitigation and more. And, it comes in the face of calls by some in the Legislature to withdraw the map altogether, again, or even completely “undo” SB 762 , the 2021 Wildfire Bill, which led to the creation of the map and other measures that broadly address the wildfire crisis. There was a Public Hearing on HB 3089 on February 18 before the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. This bill “opens a discussion” of an idea to try and address rising homeowners insurance rates by separating out wildfire insurance from regular homeowners fire coverage. The thought is this could be done much in the manner flood insurance is handled through a federal program. On February 19 and 20, the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety heard from Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple of the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal regarding their budget requests for the upcoming biennium. Her main presentation may be found here . There was much discussion around a reduction of the Governor’s proposed budget for fire season upstaffing grants. Chief Ruiz-Temple informed the Committee that the reduction would mean a reduction in firefighters by 288, and that this would negatively affect wildfire response for the upcoming season, on top of the layoff of 10% of the United States Forest Services personnel, including firefighters and others working on mitigation. You may read more about that development here . Look for information from the Wildfire Funding Group on their recommendations regarding wildfire funding officially in presentations on March 5 and 6. More next week. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. 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. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

10 Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 1/30 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Natural and Working Lands Action Alert Climate Emergency Priorities Other Climate Emergency Bills Clean Energy Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Climate-Related Lawsuits State, Regional, National, and Global CE News Local League Climate Updates Volunteers Needed Natural and Working Lands ACTION ALERT SB 530 is expected to have a first hearing week, Feb 6 in Senate Natural Resources. Senator Dembrow, Representative Marsh, Senator Golden and Representative Neron are chief sponsors. The bill is based on the Global Warming Commission’s 2021 Climate Change and Carbon Proposal and last year’s SB 1534A which the League also supported. Climate Emergency Priorities 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 topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB530 . The legislation includes activity-based metrics and community impact metrics for net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands and establishes carbon sequestration and storage goals. The bill authorizes natural resource agencies to provide support to forest landowners, ranchers and farmers for voluntary techniques that not only increase carbon uptake and storage but provide secondary benefits of reduced water needs, increased output and overall improved water quality and quantity . It is designed to help leverage federal funding and private investments in natural climate solutions on natural and working lands. Assigned to: Senate Natural Resources, find Committee Bills HERE . The League continues to be an active NWL coalition partner. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB) : Refer to the Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings Dec 13 Report . It’s likely the bill(s) will be posted to OLIS in late Feb. by Senator Lieber and Rep Marsh. The League is an active RB coalition partner. On Jan 27, over 75 folks joined an RB kickoff meeting. The BR campaign guiding principals were shared. In the news: ‘Oregon lawmakers draft bills for more energy-efficient buildings ‘| kgw.com 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills are posted which address (support or oppose) new or on-going EJ topics. Find DEQ EJ work : Performance Partnership Agreement : Oregon Department of Environmental Qualityand U.S. EPA Region 10 Performance Partnership Agreement . In the news: ‘Farmworker advocate legislative priorities include language access’ | Statesman Journal. The League is following this topic and likely will support. 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. Find more about this Bill in Clean Energy LR below. 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 DOT 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 are HERE . One of the main funding problems 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. ‘Kotek proposes spending $765M from reserves on homeless , other crises’| statesman journal. It’s unclear at this point if the estimated > $80M in CE related state agency POPs and new Legislative funding. (* budget items will come from over 22 state agencies including 14 NR agencies, OHA, DAS, ODOT, ODOE, etc.) is reflected in Governor Kotek’s new 1/31 Budget. More specifics next week. It is expected some portion of the agency funding requests are related to addressing multiple federal grant opportunities . (see Congressional major new funding since 2020: IIJA, IRA, Chips and what’s left in the ARPA and Dec 2022 Omnibus compromise) Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith The League may support or just follow these bills. (This is a preliminary list; a number of bills are not yet posted to OLIS.) 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. Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment : HB 2601 Oregon 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. 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. HB2763 Create a State public bank Task Force, Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. Interstate 5 Bridge Legislation: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) factsheet ODOT and WDOT . 12 Things the Oregon Legislature Should Know About IBRP - Just Crossing Alliance. It is likely policy and or just funding bills will be heard and likely moved by this IBRP Legislative Joint Committee . The goal: ‘Replacing the aging Interstate Bridge with a modern, earthquake resilient, multimodal structure is a high priority for Oregon and Washington…. ‘ Clean Energy By Kathy Moyd Activity Last Week and Next Week LWVOR did not provide testimony for any Clean Energy bills last week. HB 2816 High Energy User Facilities Requires person who owns, operates or controls high energy use facility to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity used by high energy use facility are reduced to 60% below baseline emissions levels by 2027, 80% below baseline emissions levels by 2030, 90% below baseline emissions levels by 2035 and 100% below baseline emissions levels by 2040. Imposes civil penalty of $12,000 per megawatt-hour in violation for each day of violation. Excludes property that is or is part of high energy use facility from enterprise zone tax benefits unless amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity that high energy use facility uses complies with amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity permitted for high energy use facilities. LWVOR was in the process of writing testimony for the public hearing scheduled for February 1 but received notice that the bill had been removed from the schedule. We had a lot of concerns with the bill, so will wait to see if an amendment is submitted. No Clean Energy bills are currently scheduled for public hearings next week, may be later. Previously listed Priority Bills, Committee Bills, and Other Bills with no action last week or expected next week were described in the Legislative Report Week of 1-23. Additional Bills Being Followed By Kathy Moyd Priority HB 2713 Local Regulation of Fossil Fuels Provides that Legislative Assembly finds and declares that home rule cities and counties have constitutional authority to prohibit or limit use of fossil fuels in new buildings or installation of fossil fuel infrastructure. Permits cities and counties, whether home rule or not, to prohibit or limit use of fossil fuels in new buildings or installation of fossil fuel infrastructure. Declares emergency, effective on passage. Other Bills We are considering supporting these bills and expect public hearings in the near future. HB 2571 Rebates for Electric Bikes Establish program for providing rebates to qualifying individuals who purchase electric assisted bicycles or cargo electric bicycles and qualifying equipment. Appropriation of $5,000,000. HB 2718 Hydrogen-fueled Generators (Bipartisan sponsors) Program to provide grants to fund replacement of generators that use diesel or fossil fuels with renewable hydrogen-fueled generators. Appropriation of $5,000,000. HB 3016 Community Green Infrastructure Grant Program Establishes Community Green Infrastructure Grant Program and Fund. Directs State Forestry Department to acquire and maintain urban tree canopy assessment tool. Directs department to develop emerald ash borer assistance program. HB 3020 Commercial Community Solar Projects (Bipartisan support) Extends property tax exemption to commercial community solar projects first granted exemption for property tax year beginning on or after July 1, 2023. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The next Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast is scheduled for Feb 22. It is unclear how the very volatile security market, banking issues / risk will develop. The last State of Oregon quarterly forecast assumed a likely mild recession in 2023. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has never conformed to what is now recommended in the SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. SEC Plans to Finalize See supportive LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury / Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $20B Federal IRA funds which are contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. ‘'Green Banks,' Poised for Billions in Climate Funds , Draw States' Attention | The Pew Charitable Trusts. Additionally, the SEC new Climate risk guidelines will affect investing and reporting decisions. The SEC reveals 2023 priorities in new agenda | Reuters. ‘Upcoming SEC climate disclosure rules bring urgency to ESG data strategy planning’, | Reuters. It's concerning to the League how these major issues will affect Oregon’s economy. 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 , (Feb 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. A national perspective: ‘These four states are winning on climate . And they're not all the ones you'd expect’ |EDF. Our Children’s Trust: First hearing held in youth lawsuit against DOT over transportation pollution | News, Sports, Jobs - Maui News State, Regional, National, and Global CE News By Claudia Keith Affordable, reliable and sustainable: Report compares utility performanc e – Oregon Capital Chronicle. (Oregon ranked in the top 10 on affordability, environmental friendliness, and performance). Oregon politician calls for increased oversight of NW Natural | kgw.com . Oregon pins hopes on mass timber to boost housing , jobs – OPB. OSU wave power testing facility overcomes many “firsts ”. | KLCC. Native seeds, crucial to deal with climate change , are in short supply : NPR. New Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s first budget plan calls for big spending on housing , education and behavioral health – OPB The SEC reveals 2023 priorities in new agenda | Reuters. Congress' 'biggest fight' over climate ? It's the farm bill. - E&E News. The Most Famous Climate Goal Is Woefully Misunderstood - The Atlantic. With carbon capture on an industrial scale , Norway plans for a greener future - Microsoft News Centre Europe. Yes, we have enough materials to power the world with renewable energy | MIT Technology Review. Is climate change to blame for the extreme cold ? Researchers say there could be a connection. - The Boston Globe Local League Climate Updates By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA ODOT Transportation & DLCD/LCD Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities Efficient Resilient Buildings Public Health Climate Adaptation 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 Climate and Environmental Justice. 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.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 5/8 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Air Quality Budget/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Elliott State Research Forest Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team The League is scrambling to address good bills we want to pass and bad bills we hope will die. And some bills we want to amend to make them better or not worse! Deadlines are near—as is the end of session! We continue to wait for the May 17 Revenue Forecast. There are, of course, a slew of bills waiting for funding decisions in Ways and Means. Air Quality LWVOR joined with others in support of HB 3229 . The bill would modify federal air quality (Title V) operating permit program fees. The bill sits in Ways and Means without recommendation. SB 488 A , relating to the Covanta medical waste incinerator, sits in Ways and Means. Budgets/Revenue On May 10, the Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) budget, SB 5510 , was moved to FullW&Ms. The LFO recommendation includes two Budget Notes on the new e-permitting system being funded. The League provided comments on the DOGAMI budget. The League also provided testimony on SB 220 , a bill that would have required permittees to pay for the e-permitting system. But the budget provides $2 million of General Funds for the system. Also moved to Full Ways and Means was SB 221 , to require permittees to pay for the on-going upkeep of the new e-permitting system, as was recommended by LFO. The League had provided testimony in support. Missing is SB 222 , a policy bill to allow use of a credit card to pay fees. The League provided testimony in support. For now, the bill sits on the Senate floor where Sen. Prozanski provided a no vote on April 5 to allow it to be reconsidered since the vote would have failed. A separate bill, SB 538 A , would allow DOGAMI and other agencies the same opportunity. It sits in House Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans with a Work Session held on May 11. Last week’s budgets were considered in Full Ways and Means on May 12. We await the May 17 Revenue Forecast that will guide for the final 2023-25 balanced budgets. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team The Climate Emergency section overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch We continue to await a new proposed amendment for HB 3382 . A possible Work Session was scheduled for May 11, but no new amendment was available so the Committee asked for an update from the state agencies working with proponents on the bill. If an amendment is available, look for a Work Session on May 16. We believe this bill is a serious threat to our coastal planning and could reduce or remove the opportunity for future coastal NOAA grants. If an amendment is provided, we expect that it will not “blow up” the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) within the land use program--just a minor new change related to a new narrow “exception” on deep port dredging to Goal 16, that NOAA must unofficially sign off on the idea and the other state agencies (DLCD, DSL & ODFW--and maybe DEQ) are accepting of the concept. We understand that the local tribe wants "no net loss of eelgrass". We need your voices to tell your legislators to Just Say NO if these factors are not part of any amendment. The local LWV Coos County has been doing an update and study of their local Port: The International Port of Coos Bay. You might want to watch a 44-minute video of a recent history of activities around the Port: Study of International Port of Coos Bay | MyLO (lwv.org) . HB 2903 A , funding continuing work on marine reserves, is in W&M. LWVOR supports . Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) The Environmental Quality Commission will meet May 18 and 19, meeting agenda . SB 835 A as amended would require DEQ to adopt rules to clarify when a single septic system can be used for both a primary residence and an ADU. It sits in W&Ms. LWVOR provided testimony with concerns addressed by the amendment. Dept. of State Lands HB 2238 , originally to provide permission for robust rulemaking to increase fees for the removal/fill program is back! The bill was amended in the House to remove the fee increase and instead allows the Dept. of State Lands to get rid of personal property collected during cleanup of DSL-owned property after 30 days. A new amendment has been filed to bring back the bill’s original purpose. The League continues to support . A Work Session in Senate Natural Resources is scheduled for May 17. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch SB 161 was amended and passed out of the House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water Committee. The amendment increased a deadline for work being done on the transfer of the Elliott to the new Authority to Dec. 31, 2023. The bill adjusts some timelines as provided by the Dept. of State Lands’ April 25 testimony . Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch A new land use “expand into farmland” bill, SB 1096 , has been referred to Senate Rules. The bill, similar to SB 1051 which the League vigorously opposed and has died, is a topic of discussion. We are concerned that it could be used as a bargaining chip in the conflict between the parties happening with the Senate Republican walkout. The bill continues the false narrative that simply adding land to urban growth boundaries will solve Oregon's housing crises. Many surveys and studies have shown we have enough land zoned for residential use inside our UGBs - including thousands of acres recently added to UGBs - that are sitting empty because they need infrastructure investment. The bill puts at risk urban reserve planning and wildlife protections, increases the potential for development in high wildfire risk areas, exacerbates climate change through creating more impervious surfaces and housing farther away from core areas, and more. HB 3620 is an equally concerning bill. It authorizes certain cities with a demonstrated need for housing to add land to their urban growth boundary upon certain conditions. It also amends principles that the Land Conservation and Development Commission must consider in adopting rules regulating urban reserves. The Speaker assigned it to House Housing where it died And another one: HB 3616 would allow the owner of property outside an urban growth boundary to site additional dwelling on property for occupancy by a relative of the owner. Just another way to add more housing outside of areas intended for housing and breaking our land use planning program. The Speaker assigned it to House Housing where it died. HB 3414 would create a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD and also includes a Section 2 related to processing of 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 had a public hearing in House Rules where the Governor advocated for the -6 amendment while a number of cities advocated for the -5 amendment , but it was clear that more negotiations will occur, so we should look for yet another amendment. The League has concerns about the burden being placed on cities under the -6 amendment. Local governments need to provide findings to explain why they might want to deny the variance instead of the applicant proving the need for the variance. Your Oregon News has a good article on the cities’ concerns. Of note was mention of a -7 amendment that would deal with land supply advocated by the Homebuilders Association and the Oregon Realtors. No new news on SB 1087 , filed on behalf of a farm in Lane County where they want to add a “café” (with seating for 250-300 people) on their Exclusive Farm Use (EFU)-zoned property. The League opposes this overreach of our land use program. The bill is in Senate Rules and could be scheduled for a Work Session at any time, but not as of May 10. A public hearing was held in House Housing and Homelessness on SB 1013 . The League has worked with the sponsor and Sen. Hayden to assure that, should a recreational vehicle be allowed on a rural property, issues of sewage and clean drinking water would be addressed by the counties. A -2 amendment is being offered to change that counties “may” adopt this law vs. “shall”. A possible Work Session was scheduled for May 11. HB 3442 A , a bill to allow coastal communities to develop in hazard areas under certain conditions, passed to the Senate floor from Senate Housing and Development on May 10. The amended bill responded to League concerns on the original bill. SB 70 A would allow housing on acreage in Malheur County. The League provided testimony in opposition on Feb. 8. On April 3, the bill was moved without recommendation as to passage to Senate Rules. LWVOR still opposes it. HB 2983 A , to help with manufactured housing and housing parks, is in W&Ms. LWVOR supports . See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd/Greg Martin On April 25, the Senate voted 26-3 to refer SB 542 A (Right to Repair) to the Rules Committee. There it will sit until more amendments are made or until there are enough votes to pass it in the full Senate. The League provided testimony in support on Feb. 14. Toxics By Paula Grisafi HB 3043 A was amended by the A3 amendment and passed out of Senate Energy and Environment to the Senate floor. The bill revises provisions relating to chemicals in children’s products. SB 546 A (toxic free cosmetics) 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 A (toxic free schools) was sent to W&Ms without clarity on the fiscal impact. The bill’s advocates are working to assure that the fiscal impact statement is not over inflated by agency staff. Water By Peggy Lynch It’s time to engage in the Integrated Water Resources Strategy 2023 update. See the survey link on the webpage and meetings around the state, including a new May 31 virtual meeting opportunity. 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 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. A priority of the League is HB 3163A , 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 last year to help develop program sideboards and provided testimony in support. HB 3100 A , a bill addressing the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS), is in Ways and Means. The League provided testimony when the bill had its public hearing. Then we worked behind the scenes to provide guidance as the IWRS is updated and we support the bill. HB 3207 A , related to domestic well testing and data collection, is in W&Ms. LWVOR supports . HB 2813 A creates a grant program to protect drinking water sources, in W&Ms. LWVOR supports . HB 3125 would create a Ratepayer Assistance Fund to help low income people pay for sewer and water bills. It is in Ways and Means. LWVOR supports . 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. The League supports HB 2647 A to continue to address this public health issue. It sits in Ways and Means. Thanks to a substantial snowpack, our drought in many parts of Oregon has lessened. 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 and Harney counties. Lake County has now requested a drought 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 The League provided testimony in support of funding for the Oregon Conservation Corps in HB 5025 , the omnibus Higher Education Coordinating Commission budget bill. The bill is in W&Ms. SB 80 A , the omnibus Wildfire Programs bill, is in Ways and Means as is SB 509 A , which aims to scale out neighborhood collaboratives in order to help whole neighborhoods reduce risk. LWVOR provided support for SB 509 A. 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 to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of October 13 Revenue Team Coordinator: Josie Koehne Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Revenue Updates Revenue Updates By Peggy Lynch The legislature received the Aug. 27th Revenue Forecast by the Office of Economic Analysis and a Revenue Summary from the Legislative Revenue Office. Bottom line: The revenue forecasted in May is now down due to many factors, including federal actions. It is expected to continue to decrease unless federal actions around tariffs and budgets change. The personal kicker has also reduced to $1,410.4 million—to show as a credit on your 2025 Oregon taxes. Final calculations on the kicker will be done by November. Federal actions may mean that Oregon will likely bring in fewer tax dollars, spend more money on administrative tasks and receive billions less in federal funding. Per an Oct. 7 Town Hall by Rep. Owens, as of now, legislators will need to address what is a $915 million shortfall. Agencies are being asked to provide a 5% cut to their budgets. These budgets will go before each Ways and Means Subcommittee during the short session. This means people need to be engaging to help agencies when choosing their cuts list. Rep. Gomberg provided some concerning information about the potential loss of federal funding here in Oregon: Thrown into uncertainty was the Oregon Health Plan. State figures show 33.5% of Oregonians are on the state’s Medicaid program. About 14% of Oregon’s annual education budget comes from the federal government, amounting to more than $1 billion each year. And 17,500 preschool children are enrolled in Head Start . A March 28 th press release from Senate President Wagner shared more data on federal losses. Planning for 2026: The co-chairs left unspent about 22% of general obligation bond capacity and 15% of lottery revenue bonds, which theoretically leaves some flexibility for lawmakers to make investments in next year’s short session. However, any reduction in General Fund and/or Lottery Funds will mean this capacity will need to be adjusted down. During Interim Legislative Days, many legislative committees provided information on both the revenue and costs side of H.R.1., also known as “The Big Beautiful Bill” passed by Congress. Both Revenue Committees heard the revenue impacts to Oregon because of our rolling connection to the federal tax code. A tax disconnect bill passed the Oregon House but not the Senate in 2025. Currently, Oregon tax code mirrors the federal code, so if something is tax exempt at the federal level, it is at the state level as well. Expect a conversation around the loss of revenue and the additional costs Oregon might incur due to changes in federal programs. It IS possible to target disconnect provisions, and that may be politically easier than a full disconnect. It MAY be the topic for another Special Session before the 2026 session. Because any bill that “raises revenue” cannot have an Emergency Clause, it would not take effect for 90 days after passage to allow for a public referral/referendum so a Special Session on this matter is not likely. The Legislature COULD delay the April 15 filing date should they decide to address the disconnect in the 2026 session. They have taken that action in the past. The next Revenue Forecast is Nov. 19. We know that both the Legislative Revenue Office and Legislative Fiscal Office are having discussions with legislators in anticipation of further revenue reductions. Pay attention to both General Funds and Lottery Funds since natural resource agencies also rely heavily on Lottery Funds. Oregon is better suited to address a significant downturn in the economy than the last major downturn because of Oregon’s Rainy Day and Education Stability Funds. But there are criteria that must be addressed in order to access those funds. On top of all that, Congress was unable to agree on funding the federal government for the Oct. 2025-Sept. 2026 fiscal year. Jefferson Public Radio did a good job of covering potential consequences to Oregon. As of Oct. 7 th , the shutdown continues. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2026 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Behavioral Health Criminal Justice Education Gun Safety Healthcare Housing Behavioral Health Trish Garner HB 4028 was heard in the House Behavioral Health Committee. It relates to how insurers, the Oregon Health Authority and coordinated care organizations can conduct audits of behavioral health care providers. The bill delves into the details of the auditing process. It seeks to ensure these audits are conducted fairly and that everyone knows and follows the same rules. There are time limits for the completion of audits and health care professionals must review them. Providers cannot be charged for conducting the audit. A 5-year lookback period is prescribed. As might be anticipated, most of the providers testified in favor of this legislation; the auditing entities largely opposed them. Amendments may be forthcoming. HB 4069 and HB 4069-1 The House Behavioral Health Committee held a public hearing on this bill which mandates that residential treatment facilities, detoxification and sobering centers and mobile crisis intervention teams develop and implement written safety plans for workers and the built environment which will be filed with the Oregon Health Authority. If the facility uses individuals who work in a situations or locations without a colleague nearby or close supervision, it must include protections for them as well. HB 4083 and the HB 4083-1 . A public hearing was held in the House Behavioral Health Committee on this bill which arose out of Governor Tina Kotek’s Behavioral Health Talent Council, chaired by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, a former social worker. It is designed to “cut the red tape” for behavioral health worker licensure and to ease a bottleneck that has formed due to a lack of qualified clinical supervisors. It requires the Oregon Health Authority to create a uniform credentialing process for behavioral health providers, along with an accompanying internet portal. Coordinated care organizations are barred from adding any additional requirements. Another portion of the bill expands the types of behavioral health professionals that can provide supervision to social workers and licensed professional counselors. For example, social workers could now be supervised by psychologists, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors, and vice versa. Finally, the State Board of Licensed Social Workers is placed under the supervision of the State Mental Health Regulatory Agency, joining the Board of Psychology and the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. Most behavioral health care workers oppose the mutual supervisory provisions, arguing that the current process is working well and oversight should be conducted by the professionals familiar with their area of expertise. The number of people sending in testimony opposing the bill far exceeds its supporters. HB 4127 was heard in the House Committee on Health Care. A Work Session has been scheduled for next week (February 10 th ). It seeks to ensure that nonprofit reproductive health care providers who are not eligible to receive federal Medicaid funds or who are not enrolled in the Oregon medical assistance program will be reimbursed for covered services using state funds. Two providers meet the criteria here: Planned Parenthood affiliates of the Columbia Willamette and of Southern Oregon. HB 4127 represents an effort to stem the tide of anti-abortion efforts which coalesced in the passage of federal House Resolution 1, signed into law on July 4, 2025, and its one-year prohibition on Medicaid reimbursement for these providers. On July 29, 2025, several states, including Oregon, filed a complaint in federal court seeking an injunction against the prohibition on federal reimbursement to these prohibited entities. As of November 21, 2025, the prohibition remained in effect as the matter remained pending before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. SB 1532 was heard by the Senate Committee on Human Services and a Work Session on it is scheduled for next week (February 10 th ) . It modifies the authority of the Oregon Department of Human Services regarding residential and long-term care facilities, developmental disabilities services and children in care. Using specified criteria, ODHS is required to impose a license condition based on a preliminary or substantiated finding of “immediate jeopardy.” Immediate jeopardy takes place when a residential or long-term care facility fails to comply with an ODHS rule that has or is likely to cause serious injury, serious harm, serious impairment or death of a resident. A preliminary finding means one that is objective and based on the evidence available at the time the ODHS conducts its investigation. SB 1532 -1 and -2 require ODHS to pay providers of attendant care to clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities at different rates depending on whether they also reside with their clients . It also changes out of state placement requirements if the child is Indian or has an eating disorder. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley and Sharron Noone The Senate and House Judiciary Committees got off to a quick start by scheduling hearings on several important bills during the first few days. The League submitted testimony on SB 1515 , which establishes a new post-conviction process for wrongful conviction cases to correct flaws in the current system. The Oregon Attorney General must review a wrongful conviction petition within 180 days, and applicants may petition to have their cases reopened if convictions were based on discredited forensic science, including hair comparison, bite mark analysis, and comparative bullet lead analysis. Two bills related to the recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were on the agenda on February 3 in House Judiciary. Passionate public testimony made it clear that the lives of immigrant and non-immigrant communities throughout Oregon have been greatly impacted by the overzealous and often violent actions of ICE agents. League testimony on HB 4114 included this excerpt from a LWVUS statement issued on January 26: “The League of Women Voters condemns the escalating actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that put people at risk, deny individuals their constitutional rights, and undermine the democratic values meant to protect us all.” A -1 amendment narrowed the bill considerably by eliminating a requirement for ICE agents to give 48 hours’ notice to the Oregon Department of Justice before any actions within the state. The bill as amended relates only to 4 th Amendment rights by allowing an individual whose privacy and civil rights are violated by the warrantless actions of a federal or out-of-state law enforcement agent to file a civil suit against that agent. The League also submitted testimony on HB 4138 , which establishes identification requirements and places prohibitions on facial coverings for federal law enforcement officers. A -3 amendment changed the bill by requiring federal law enforcement agencies that operate in the state to maintain and post written policies regarding identification on uniforms and the wearing of facial coverings. These policies should affirm “the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust.” Education By Jean Pierce This week LWVOR submitted testimony supporting three education bills: SB 1538 prohibits discrimination in education related to immigration or citizenship. Currently, access to a public education is protected by a Supreme Court ruling from 1982. However, Oregon needs to ensure that right is guaranteed. In 2023, Oregon’s immigrants paid $2.1 billion in state and local taxes which help fund public education. LWVOR wrote testimony in suport. HB 4079 requires public schools to inform parents, students, and community members when ICE is present on the campus. This would assure immigrants that they have accurate information to base decisions protecting their children. LWVOR submitted testimony in support. HB 4149 directs school districts to enroll and provide services for homeless students. Currently, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act assures unhoused students of their right to a free, appropriate, public education, but that act is managed by the U.S. Department of Education, which has experienced severe staffing cuts recently. LWVOR submitted testimony in support. Gun Safety By Marge Easley HB 4145 , which makes modifications to Measure 114 (2022), was heard in House Judiciary on the first day of the session. Despite the short notice, supporters of the Second Amendment showed up in force to oppose it. This significant gun bill sets out in detail how the firearm permitting portion of Measure 114 will be implemented, dependent on a positive ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court on its constitutionality. The League delivered testimony in support of the bill, which we believe will make the permitting process work more efficiently and effectively. The bill does the following: Specifies where to apply for permits for those who live in both incorporated and unincorporated areas Defines permit eligibility requirements Provides that all records related to the permitting process are exempt from disclosure Extends the time limit from 30 to 60 days for a permit agent to either issue or deny a permit Sets limits on the fees charged by the permit agent and the Oregon State Police Establishes alternatives for the required firearm safety training course Provides civil and criminal liability exemptions where applicable Provides an exception to the permit requirement for current and retired law enforcement officers Requires that state court actions challenging the legality of the Act be filed in Marion County Circuit Court Healthcare By Christa Danielson Bills for which LWVOR submitted testimony: HB4054 bill addresses the area of AI downcoding. During a visit to a health care facility a billing code is generated by the healthcare provider. Sometimes AI technology is used by an insurance company to automatically change the billing code to a lower code with less reimbursement without informing the provider. This bill would require reporting of downcoding events by AI to the physician or other healthcare provider for transparency LWVOR submitted testimony supporting the bill. SB1527-1 bill would provide access to screening with colposcopy when there is an abnormal pap. The National Health Resources and Services Administration HRSA: Health Resources and Services Administration has agreed that further testing with colposcopy would be considered screening with an indeterminate or low-grade pap but that screening recommendation will not be in place until 2027. The Oregon Capital Chronicle published an article describing the bill . LWVOR filed testimony in support. The Senate Health committee is recommending DO PASS as amended. SB 1570-1 provides safety for healthcare providers and patients. It would require consistent established guidelines from administrative areas in healthcare about how to interface with Federal Immigration Services. LWVOR wrote testimony . Bills we are tracking: HB4040 This is a large bill attempting to fix many technical areas. It is generally well perceived. We will continue to track this bill as it does cover some aspects of getting people onto Medicaid faster while they're in the hospital. HB 4147 would require reporting by employers who have greater than 50 employees as to how many of their employees are on the Oregon Health plan. We are currently tracking this bill. Housing Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Now that the 2026 session is officially underway, the Senate and House Committees are meeting to review housing proposals during this short session. Committee agendas and bills are posted to meet the 35-day deadline. Information on the 2026 session is live ! The Housing Alliance, of which we are a member developed lists of priority bills selected by its membership. We are tracking housing bills and reporting on their status during the weekly sessions. House Interim Committee on Housing and Homelessness HB 4036 would preserve low-cost housing at risk of being lost due to expiring contracts or physical deterioration. Investing to maintain these properties is more efficient and cost-effective than building new units. During the next ten years 87 properties with nearly 3,000 units are at risk due to expiring federal project-based rental assistance. An investment of bond funds will protect tenants from losing their homes. A public hearing was held on Feb. 3 with a possible work session on Feb. 10. HB 4123 would add clear provisions to Oregon’s Landlord Tenant law regarding the disclosure of confidential information on certain personally identifying, financially sensitive and other private information. Landlord–tenant confidentiality laws establish rules governing how landlords and property managers collect, use, store, and disclose information about tenants and rental applicants. Under this proposal, private information may not be disclosed without the tenant’s written consent unless in response to a court order. A public hearing was held on Feb. 5 with a possible work session on Feb. 10. Senate Committee on Housing and Development SB 1576 would require the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to conform to the state building code so that it aligns with federal fair housing accessibility requirements and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. A key requirement is that in new, large multi-unit residential buildings at least 10% of units must be wheelchair-accessible. OHCS would not be authorized to fund new government-subsidized rental developments unless they meet the accessibility requirements. A Public Hearing was held on Feb. 5 and a work session is scheduled on Feb. 10. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Social Policy? You can help. Volunteers are needed. We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning Public Safety Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Revenue Team Coordinator: Josie Koehne REVENUE Patricia Garner, Josie Koehne, Peggy Lynch The short session is over. The Governor still has to decide if she’s signing the legislation. And the work is not done. There was not enough revenue to fund the 2025-27 budget without cuts and new legislation as shared below. The Feb. 4 Revenue Forecast guided the spending for the 2026 legislative session. Carl Ricidonna, Oregon’s State Economist, provided his report, along with Michael Kennedy, Senior Economist. See pages 17 and 20 for the important numbers. And the Legislative Revenue Office’s Forecast Summary . LWVOR participated with several other volunteer and non-profit organizations in the unofficial Oregon Revenue Coalition that worked together to find ways to preserve Oregon revenue in the light of lost federal income from Congress’s passage of H.R.1 which would cut major sources of funding for Medicaid, SNAP and many other services. ( Signed on to letter in January.) We focused on a bill to limit the damage caused by Oregon’s rolling connection to federal income tax law, since legislation to disconnect from the federal law failed in the 2025 long session. This session SB 1507 A passed (Senate (17-13) on Feb. 16 and House (34/21/4/1) on Feb. 25 ) that disconnected from certain sections of the federal code that the Legislative Revenue Office (LRO) reported would save Oregon $311.6 million in revenue this biennium and $313.9 million in the 2027-29 biennium, while providing increased funding for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at a cost of $26.2 and $52.7 million per biennium respectively. The League has long supported an increase in the EITC. Summaries of the 44-page bill and its amendments can be found here . LWVOR testimony in support. At least one legislator is considering collecting signatures to place portions of the bill on the ballot per this Oregonlive article. Of concern is that the referral process allows petitioners to select parts of the bill. In this case, they could leave off the increase in the EITC while only asking voters to stop the disconnect—which, in part, is expected to pay for that EITC increase. HB 5204 is the final bill that balances the budget as required by state law. In the bill, the legislature made over $128 million in cuts , mostly in agency services and supplies and by not filling vacancies and shifting remaining funds around to fill in some gaps. This was fewer cuts than anticipated at the start of the session. But they also funded or rebalanced some agency programs and staff. The -2 amendment was adopted . See the 4 Analysis documents for the budget additions and reductions, Budget Notes and final LFO recommendation. Passed the House and Senate Mar. 6. Oregonlive article and the Oregon Capital Chronicle addressed the 2025-27 budget rebalance. The Oregonian did a final budget review . SB 1601 was the Program Change bill. The -3 amendment was adopted and includes rebalance of ODOT’s programs in Section 11-23 and clarifies the 1% of lottery monies for county fair upgrades and repairs. Passed the Senate and House Mar 6. SB 5701 amends the limits established during the 2025 legislative session for the maximum amount of bonds and other financing agreements that state agencies may issue. The proceeds from the issuance of bonds are included as revenues in agency budgets. The -2 amendment and the LFO Recommendation includes increases in general obligation and lottery revenue bonds authorized. Bond sales are not anticipated until the spring of 2027. Passed the Senate and House Mar. 6. SB 5702 : Establishes and modifies limits on payment of expenses from specified funds by certain state for capital construction . Capital Construction 6-year limitation. -1 amendment LFO Recommendation Mar. 5 passed Senate. Mar. 6 passed House. SB 5703 : Modifies amounts allocated from the Administrative Services Economic Development Fund, Veterans' Services Fund, Criminal Fine Account, Oregon Marijuana Account and Fund for Student Success. Mar. 5 passed Senate. Mar. 6 passed House. HB 5203 : Approves certain new or increased fees adopted by state agencies. The bill includes the Dept. of State Lands Wetlands processing fees set forth during rulemaking for which the League engaged. Fee Ratification. LFO Recommendation Mar. 6 Passed the House and Senate. SB 1510 : Updates the terminology used to describe certain income earned by multinational corporations to reflect a change in the term used in federal law a bill. This omnibus bill, with amendments, would provide an opportunity to explore additional tax policy for consideration in the 2027 session. It is easier to understand the many provisions of SB 1510 by reviewing the summary provided by the Legislative Revenue Office of the bill and its -4 amendments . Feb. 24: Passed the Senate (28/1/1). Passed the House Mar. 4. HB 4014 : Establishes the Task Force on Taxation of International Income with the amendments. -2 amendment replaced the “study” bill. Staff Measure Summary . Due to this complicated tax policy, parties agreed to use the interim to consider impacts on this federal tax policy on Oregon revenue. Passed the House floor (32/26/2). On to the Senate floor at adjournment. Business interests want to have this conversation behind closed doors rather than an open public Task Force. The bill died but the conversation will continue. SB 1511 : A bill modifying the estate tax that would have increased the $1 million exemption to the estate tax to $2.5 million failed this session. The tax rates would have been greatly increased for the highest valued estates but fewer estates would pay an estate tax. For the first biennium, the revenue would have been about the same as our current estate tax SB 1511 . The revenue staff provided this analysis on the A -3 amendment that was approved by the Senate) with no expected revenue loss for this biennium, but $35 million by 2029-31. The bill did not pass out of House Revenue by end of session, but may be back in the long session. Two bills focused on increasing tax incentives for economic development faced intense debate and scrutiny, and one , SB 1586 , was withdrawn on March 3 due to much public outcry about tax breaks for data centers and the expansion of the Metro’s Urban Growth Boundary into land zoned as rural agricultural land, in violation of the 2014 Grand Bargain. OPB provided an article on this contentious bill. LWVOR testimony in opposition to the bill and additional testimony opposing the -7 amendment . The bill remained in Senate Finance and Revenue at the end of session, but is likely back in some form in 2027. The other economic development bill, HB 4084 A introduced by Governor Kotek, would fast track the permitting process for certain new business development t o be completed within 120 days, by means of a specially appointed Joint Permitting Council to oversee the each permitting agency’s permitting process. This section of the bill aligns with a federal program: Permitting Council’s FAST-41 Assistance for States. In addition, in the bill as introduced, all local property taxes abatements for Enterprise Zones were to be extended. This bill was also controversial because of these extensions since it would allow data centers which are hotly contested throughout the US, and which are the primary recipients of these tax credits, to not pay local property taxes for many years. After several amendments, three were incorporated into the final bill. LWVOR comments . The final bill included these provisions as summarized by LRO: Removes the $40 million General Fund appropriation to OBDD for deposit into the Industrial Site Loan Fund. (However, HB 5204 included $10 million for the Regional Infrastructure Fund, $5 million to support horse racing events at county fairgrounds, $5 million cash and $10 million bonds into the Industrial Site Loan Fund, and $10 million in lottery bond funds. The bonding bill provided targeted investments in sewer and water projects statewide to help with increased housing development demands.) Modifies SB 1507 (2026) to limit the tax credit for job creation to certain specified qualified industries. To qualify for the tax credit, a taxpayer must receive an attestation-based certification from Business Oregon, who will develop the tax credit application process, establish job creation determination methodology, and further define the term “qualified industry” through rulemaking. Excludes any qualified property of an authorized business in an enterprise zone with an operating data center from entering into a written agreement with the enterprise zone sponsor to 1) extend the period during which the qualified property is exempt from taxation beyond the allowable three years; 2) agree to flexible hiring timelines; and 3) approve alternative performance criteria. Prohibits data center properties from authorization as an eligible business firm prior to 90 days after the adjournment of the 2027 legislative session. An amendment was added at the end that puts this one-year moratorium on all new data center development certifications by Business Oregon, starting three months after the close of session. This allows the Governor’s Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee time to consider the various impacts of data center development on Oregon, and to report back to the Legislature with their recommendations. It also limits the existing Standard Enterprise (for urban areas) tax break to three years, but allows all other currently operating data centers, including those in rural areas of the state, to continue to receive tax breaks through the extended time periods as outlined in the bill. Oregonlive provided a great analysis of the impact of data centers. Oregonlive update on data centers in this legislation. Oregon data center operators will save nearly a half-billion dollars in local property taxes this year through three different incentive programs. Kotek’s legislation, House Bill 4084 , would expand the fastest growing of those three programs. HB 4148 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. The -7 amendment adopted that changes the percentage to 50/50 and passed the House floor Feb. 25 (40/12/4/4). Mar. 5 Passed the Senate (23/6/1). SJR 201 : Kicker Reform: Proposed an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require a portion of surplus revenue that would otherwise be returned to personal income taxpayers to be used for funding public kindergarten through grade 12 education, community colleges and wildfire prevention and suppression, if surplus revenue exceeds a certain threshold. OPB covered a story about the bill . T he League has long supported kicker reform but we also note that, with our new state economist, another kicker is not expected in the near term. The bill did not get a Work Session. HB 4136 : Disallows, for purposes of personal income taxation, a mortgage interest deduction for a residence other than the taxpayer’s principal residence , unless the taxpayer sells the residence or actively markets the residence for sale. The bill had one public hearing on Feb. 16 and died in committee. The League is hopeful that a version of this bill will return in 2027. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process — potential kicker reform. Public Hearing Feb. 2. The bill died in Committee . On Feb. 20, the US Supreme Court declared that President Trump does not have authority to impose widespread tariffs under a specific federal statute. Oregon’s Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, led the coalition of states arguing that the President did not have this authority. HB 4061 B passed that provides monies to help Oregon businesses hurt by these tariffs. Budget Report . The bill passed the House on Mar. 3 and passed the Senate Mar. 6. On Thursday Mar. 5, Rayfield and officials from 23 other states filed a lawsuit against the new tariff at the U.S. Court of International Trade, with Oregon again leading the way. “Budget aftershocks from the Trump cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will keep hitting Oregon in future years,” said Senator Jama. “Oregon lawmakers must continue working together to make resources stretch and to help families thrive.” As we await the May 20th Revenue Forecast, we watch for data that may change the forecast. Oregonlive reports that Oregon exports are down. Then we now have a war with Iran that, so far, has increased gas and diesel prices. That increases costs to state agencies, local governments, Oregon businesses and individuals. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain — supply more than a third of the world’s urea, an important nitrogen fertilizer, and nearly a quarter of another one, ammonia. And they all use the Strait of Hormuz to export their products. So that means less food production and an increase in food prices. The February national jobs report was not good (loss of almost 100,000 jobs) and the national unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. (In Oregon, we’re at 5.2%.) As we watch the U.S. and Oregon’s economy, we note the Oregon Capital Chronicle Jobs Report article , of special concern as Oregon is an income tax state. According to this Oregonlive article , Oregonians are working the fewest hours since 2010. Oregon workers are spending less time on the job, another indication that the state’s labor market continues to sag. The average Oregonian worked less than 33 hours a week in December, according to federal data. That’s the lowest number since 2010, when the state was still digging out from the Great Recession — even worse than the sharp decline that accompanied the pandemic. As we continue to be concerned about the economy, we note a study related to AI: Brookings Institution study on AI job losses and adaptability points out metros most at risk – Portland Business Journal Roughly 30% of workers displaced by artificial intelligence will struggle to find new jobs, according to a new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research and Brookings Institution. While 70% of highly AI-exposed workers would likely be able to transition to another job, the rest may have trouble adapting “due to limited savings, advanced age, scarce local opportunities, and/or narrow skill sets. ”What’s more, of the displaced workers in low-adaptive jobs, 86% are women. The League will continue to work with the Oregon Revenue Coalition and others as we address the need for increased revenue to pay for the services Oregonians need. The Ways and Means Co-Chairs warn of increased demand and federal funding cuts for the 2027-29 and 2029-31 biennia. It's time to work with state agencies as they develop their 2027-29 budgets. Here’s some budget guidance that agencies have received: 2027-29 Budget Guidance: Governor's Letter and CFO 2027-29 Budget POP Guidance . Bottom line: The Governor has asked state agencies to provide a “neutral” budget. If they want to add a program or staff, they need to find a program or staff to remove from their budget request. You can contact the agency you want to engage with as they work to provide proposals to the Governor around June. See other sections of the Legislative Report for information about specific agencies or areas of concern.

KYRA AGUON (she/her) KYRA AGUON (she/her) Youth Events Co-Chair youtheventschair@lwvor.org

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of January 26 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here. Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Reform AI, Cybersecurity, and Privacy Governance volunteers will be watching for these possible bills. If you don’t see your issues covered, please contact us to help; we provide training, lwvor@lwvor.org . For elections, systems, audits, and open primaries, redistricting, campaign finance reform and updating voting software, voting rights for the incarcerated Emergency management, including critical infrastructure threats around Oregon. We need volunteers to help, training is provided. Cybersecurity, Privacy, and AI. Immigration, DEIJ, hate and bias crimes Please see LWVOR Legislative Reports and subscribe to our weekly email LR summaries , starting again in February 2026. Campaign Finance Reform Norman Turrill HB 4024 was dramatically passed during the last hour of the 2024 legislative session. It is a complex set of campaign contribution limits and other reforms that Oregon has never had before, and Oregon is one of the last states to adopt. In the nearly two years since, the previous and current Secretaries of State have accomplished little to implement the bill’s provisions. ORESTAR needs an upgrade, since it uses decades-old technology. However, the contribution limits in HB 4024 do not require changes to ORESTAR. The SoS is still trying to include the costs of replacing ORESTAR as part of the computer system needed to implement HB 4024. An RFP (request for proposal, from vendors) is said to be issued for this computer development work in January. The deadline for implementation for the contribution limits in the bill is January 1, 2027; the remainder of the bill must be implemented by January 1, 2028. So, because of the delays, time is very short. Therefore, there is talk in the legislature about (further) delaying the implementation. Also, a “placeholder” bill has been submitted by the Interim Senate Rules committee for technical fixes that may be necessary for the bill. The SoS is also asking for more money for implementation without any good estimate of what will be needed. The Joint General Government committee has deferred a $25 million request until the short session. In spite of the delays, SoS Read maintains that he is committed to implementing HB 4024. AI, cybersecurity, and Privacy JCIMT Summary Stephanie Haycock and Rebecca Gladstone The Joint Committee for Information Management and Technology (JCIMT) will focus for the 2026 session on a comprehensive strategy to strengthen digital transparency and public infrastructure against evolving technological threats, by modernizing state AI and data security policies. The Oregon Cyber Security Center of Excellence (OCSCE) Biennial Report included successful workforce development. The presentation stressed critical election security funding is needed to protect from foreign interference, especially to rural counties. They note growing supply chain breach risks from third-party vendors . Nik Blosser, Oregon Chief Privacy Officer, outlined a roadmap to establish an enterprise-wide executive branch privacy program, to standardize how state agencies collect and protect personal information. The DoJ presented updated implementation and enforcement on the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act, SB 619 Enrolled (2023, see League testimony ). It includes new citizens’ rights to track their data and opt out of its sale. The Department of Justice noted that the privacy violations "cure period" has ended, signaling a shift toward formal enforcement against non-compliant businesses. The Oregon Dept of Consumer and Business Services presented an implementation update on HB 2052 Enrolled (2023) for Oregon’s Data Broker Registry with rulemaking, hiring, and enforcement progress. See League testimony . This mandates that third-party data brokers register with the state and disclose how consumers can opt out of data collection. JCIMT legislative concepts were introduced: • LC 300 (Downcoding): Aims to regulate health insurers using AI to automatically reduce provider reimbursements by requiring notification and an appeals process. • LC 301 (Cyber Security): Requires local governments and special districts to report cyber incidents to the State CIO within 48 hours to improve real-time coordination. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Youth Council < Back About the Issue LWVOR Youth Council is a youth-led nonpartisan network of young civic leaders focused on increasing political engagement among young Oregon voters. Youth Council offers: Membership at three levels! Includes LWV of the US, LWV of Oregon, and your local League Opportunities for participation as a national and state convention delegate or observer Participatory civic engagement and education Community service hours with Certificates of Recognition Find out more and join here !

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Sine Die - Week of 8/11 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection Elections Artificial Intelligence Other Governance Bills Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill In the last few days of the legislative session, we saw extraordinary machinations on campaign finance reform. We have been saying for months that HB 4024 (2024) needed some technical fixes to complete the historic deal that was made during the last session among Honest Elections, legislative leaders, business leaders and union leaders. It was said that HB 3392 was the bill that would be stuffed with these technical fixes. However, a last-minute deal was apparently made behind the scenes to allow Minority Leader Drazan to propose a -5 amendment to HB 3392 to delay implementation of HB 4024 by four years! House Rules held a public hearing on the amendment 6/25 . The Secretary of State sent a six-page letter and testified for half an hour that the delay was necessary and that Oregon has a history of failed large computer projects. (HB 4024 required extensive changes to ORESTAR.) All other in-person testifiers (including the League) and all 96 written testimonies were against the delay. For the House Rules meeting, the League and several other organizations had issued action alerts. Several news outlets also wrote about the situation including OPB , Oregon Capital Chronicle , and Oregon Live . House Rules had scheduled a work session on the bill for the same meeting, but they adjourned without opening the work session. We then saw House Rules reschedule the work session five times(!) that day and then cancel the work session all together. The bill and its amendment were dead for the session. It is clear that we dodged a bullet on CFR and that powerful political interest groups do not want CFR in Oregon. However, HB 4024 is still part of Oregon statutes because Oregonians demanded it. It will still take effect in part on January 1, 2027. Some technical fixes will still be needed and could perhaps be adopted by rule by the Secretary of State or during next year’s short legislative session. Cybersecurity, National Guard, ethics, privacy and safety, partner agency budget By Becky Gladstone HB 3954 , for the Adjutant General to prevent the Oregon National Guard from being called to active service except in certain circumstances, was the only bill pending in this portfolio in the final week of the 2025 session. HB 3954 had passed from the House on a 31 to 16 vote. Senate Rules stopped shy of holding a public hearing despite League testimony in support . It was revived for a first (late date) hearing and work session, after a League letter was sent. This bill became more relevant with the California National Guard being called to action by the President in Los Angeles, overriding the Mayor and California Governor. One letter in opposition to HB 3954 believed that passing the bill would put Oregon in a position to lose critical federal funding for the Oregon National Guard. The issue turned from National Guard activation to hinge on support of the President. The bill remained in committee at the end of the session. Republicans block attempt to prevent federal overreach with Oregon’s National Guard , Oregon Live, June 30, 2025. HB 3569 , a bill that would require a chief sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee (RAC) for legislation they had a hand in passing was signed by the Governor; however she also issued a signing letter that addressed some of the issues of concern to the League. League testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill. HB 2581 ( emergency services) : The League spoke and filed testimony in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. The bill has been signed by the Governor. HB 2930 Enrolled has the Governor’s signature, for conflict of interest of public officials’ household members. League testimony supported this bill brought by the Oregon Ethics Commission. SB 224 Enrolled , has the Governor’s signature, to keep from posting campaign committee addresses on the SoS website, with League testimony in support. This is sadly more relevant with the recent killing of a senior Minnesota legislator and her husband . Minn. legislator killed in ‘politically motivated‘ shooting, Washington Post, June 14, 2025. HB 5017 Enrolled , has the Governor’s signature, for the State Library budget. League testimony remained the only one filed, supporting our partnership for League Voter Service information. They share our Voters’ Guides in the Talking Books and Braille Library . Elections By Barbara Klein SB 580 Enrolled , signed into law (with an effective date of 9/26/2025), provides more timely transparency to voters showing online declarations of candidacy – or withdrawals – of candidates. (Concessions were made for the differences between various counties, big and small, rural and urban; and it exempted precinct committeepersons.) League’s testimony in support. HB 5017 Enrolled , signed into law (with an effective date of 7/1/2025). appropriates monies from the General Fund to the State Library for biennial management expenses (budget increases primarily inflationary only); analysis provided by Legislative Fiscal Office. League’s testimony in support. HB 3687 Enrolled , signed into law, establishes that cities cannot demand a supermajority vote to change their charter (most do not). To best allow local government to function for the people, only simple majorities to a CHARTER change would be possible, not including any ballot measure on taxes, fees, or fines. Communities will more easily be able to adopt new election systems with the majority vote. HB 3908 enrolled , signed into law, increases the percentage of state voters from 5 to 10 percent required for a party to obtain major political party status. Filed at the request of the Independent Party of Oregon (IPO); other minor parties wrote in support. The League did not testify on this measure. Failed Bills The following bills have failed via one process or another. Generally listed as “in committee upon adjournment,” indicating the matter is dead for the session. SB 210 may have been an effort to repeal vote-by-mail (VBM), although sponsors explained it as a ballot measure to have voters “reaffirm” their wishes. It included other requirements for voters as well, such as a valid government ID. Testimony (heated at times) received an extraordinary amount of testimony. League’s testimony in opposition. HB 3390 A . Bill would have allowed a joint legislative committee to create ballot title and explanatory statements for constitutional amendments during the 2025 session. League’s testimony opposing bill. SB 44 was election related. The amended bill, SB 44-4 would have changed statutes to establish rules for vote recounts, tallying or write-in votes when using Ranked Choice Voting, currently used in four Oregon jurisdictions. Another amendment changed language of voter registration “cards” to “applications.” League’s Testimony in support of SB 44-4. SB 1054 , would have required “ each county clerk in this state to provide a live video feed to be made available to the public through the Internet of rooms in which ballots are tallied and official ballot drop sites. ” League’s testimony was a comment, neutral to the bill, describing our interest in transparency but concern for costs, especially in smaller or rural counties. HB 3166-2 promoted an open-primaries system. While the LWVOR strongly supported its original form and had been active in working on that language (somewhat based on the Alaska model), the amended bill contained points we have historically opposed (specifically a top-two election system). Despite our strong support for a “unified” primary, due to the changes in the bill, the League’s testimony submitted a neutral comment. Artificial Intelligence By Lindsey Washburn HB 3936 Enrolled : Prohibits any hardware, software or service that uses artificial intelligence from being installed or downloaded onto or used or accessed by state information technology assets if the artificial intelligence is developed or owned by a covered vendor. Will go into effect as law on January 1, 2026.The League filed testimony opposing the bill. HB 3592 A : Establishes the Oregon Commission on Artificial Intelligence to serve as a central resource to monitor the use of artificial intelligence technologies and systems in this state and report on long-term policy implications. Was not passed and ended in Ways and Means upon adjournment. The League filed testimony in support of the bill. HB 2299 Enrolled : Modifies the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image to include the disclosure of digitally created, manipulated or altered images. Will go into effect as law on January 1, 2026. HB 3228 A : Directs the Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council to conduct assessments to address the reasons why public bodies in this state are unable to meet cybersecurity insurance coverage requirements. Was not passed and ended in Ways and Means upon adjournment. The League filed testimony in support of the bill. Other Governance Bills By Chris Cobey and Peggy Lynch HB 2341 Enrolled (cybersecurity): Adds a uniformed service member's or veteran's e-mail address to the information that the Director of Human Services, Early Learning System Director, Director of Transportation and Director of the Oregon Health Authority are required to provide to the Director of Veterans' Affairs. League testimony supporting. Failed bills HB 2250 (prison gerrymandering): Would have directed the Department of Corrections to determine the last-known address of adults in custody, if the address is readily known or available to an adult in custody, and submit information to the Portland State University Population Research Center. League testimony supporting. HB 2710 (cybersecurity): Related to participant eligibility in the Address Confidentiality Program. League testimony supporting. HB 2727 (ethics): Would have expanded restrictions on post-legislative service activities to prohibit receiving money or other consideration for advocacy on behalf of a public or private entity for changes in policy or funding for public or private sector programs or entities. League testimony supporting. HB 2692 was a bill that would create complicated and cumbersome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. League testimony in opposition. The bill did not pass. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 6/29 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Department of State Lands (DSL) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry (ODF) Governance Hanford Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Regional Solutions State Land Board Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire Intro The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that natural resources should be managed as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems. Resources should be conserved and protected to assure their future availability. Pollution of these resources should be controlled in order to preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of ecosystems and to protect public health. This April 5th opinion piece in the Oregonian points out how we can all work together to support the League’s vision. Timber wars. Salmon wars. Water wars. For decades, Oregon’s natural resources have been framed as a series of conflicts. They don’t have to be. In a state as geographically and politically diverse as Oregon, foundations, nonprofit organizations and communities can help us find our way out of conflict by working in the radical middle — the space where most Oregonians already agree. …90% of voters across political parties agree that we have a moral responsibility to protect natural areas and habitat for the plants, fish and wildlife. …77% agree that clean air, clean water and undeveloped open spaces are critical to keeping Oregon’s economy strong. The League can continue to be a voice for these voters—supporting the good work of various community groups AND our state agencies who help protect these values. Join us! Now is the time when these agencies develop their budgets and propose legislation for the 2027 session. Your voices are critical to helping realize the LWVUS vision. Oregonians appreciate the continuing work of LWVUS as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reverses a critical public policy: The Endangerment Finding: On February 12, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reversed its 2009 Endangerment Finding, which had allowed the agency to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is a devastating decision as GHG emissions are the leading cause of climate change. See the Governance section below, related to permitting processes and 4 agencies’ explanation of their processes for addressing permit applications. The Governor is focusing on resiliency and has a Plan for a Resilient Oregon. The League has engaged in these issues in the past and, with the multiple crises facing Oregon, a Plan is a great idea! See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report and sections of other Legislative Reports. AGRICULTURE The League continues to follow work on the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA). State agencies are increasing their monitoring and enforcement of state laws and rules. But a lot of work remains, according to the state’s first report on its progress. There are new nitrate monitoring rules per this March 19 OPB article . Here’s a March 31 st article from Your Oregon News (originally published by the Oregon Capital Chronicle) that “ Tech giant Amazon will pay $20.5 million to settle with northeast Oregonians living with contaminated groundwater in exchange for no admission of guilt in the polluting.” The June 17 Emergency Board approved expenditure limitation of $2 million to address groundwater data gaps in the LUBGWA area. The money comes from an EPA-awarded grant. BUDGETS/REVENUE Peggy Lynch Here are all 746 pages of the 2025-27 Legislative Adopted Budget. The document is searchable. The Natural Resources agencies section starts on page 494. The Emergency Board was allotted monies during the long session to deal with client changes and wildfire or other emergencies occurring between now and the 2027 session. They may also meet during the next Legislative Days. The League continues to work with state agencies and the Governor’s Office as they develop their 2027-29 budgets. Here’s some budget guidance that agencies have received: 2027-29 Budget Guidance: Governor's Letter and CFO 2027-29 Budget POP Guidance . Bottom line: The Governor has asked state agencies to provide a “neutral” budget. If they want to add a program or staff, they need to find a program or staff to remove from their budget request. The exception is if the request helps implement the Governor’s recent Executive Orders. You can contact the agency you want to engage with as they work to provide proposals to the Governor. Many agencies now have their draft budget documents on their websites. CLIMATE 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 The Department of Land Conservation and Development is asking LCDC to initiate a rulemaking process to develop new rules under Goal 16: Estuarine Resources, Goal 17: Coastal Shorelands, and Goal 18: Beaches and Dunes related to the use of coastal shoreline stabilization measures directed by Senate Bill (SB) 504 (2025). Agenda and materials for the Land Conservation and Development Commission Meetings June 25-26, 2026. Coastal shoreline stabilization rulemaking webpage . West Coast Offshore Wind needs better planning as reported in this article from Jefferson Radio. Update of the Territorial Sea Plan : The Department of Land Conservation and Development is asking the Land Conservation and Development Commission to initiate a rulemaking process to amend Parts One and Two of the Territorial Sea Plan.  The Territorial Sea Plan rulemaking webpage will host the information and materials in support of the LCDC rulemaking effort. Information will also be posted on the Oregon Ocean Information website as it pertains to OPAC meetings. Good news : The critical ocean monitoring system will continue after the federal government originally asked that the equipment be pulled and the system dismantled. The League of Women Voters of Coos County continues to follow the proposed Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) project in Coos Bay. (See their public website .) DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) The Environmental Quality Commission will hold its next regular meeting on July 9-10, in Astoria and via Zoom. Materials for the meeting, including links to staff reports, will be available closer to meeting date on the meeting agenda webpage . DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) Joan Fryxell What is DOGAMI? Great 5 minute video . Will there be a “Big One”? The Cascadia Seismic Imaging Experiment cruise in 2021provided a report released in Science Advances in late 2025, “ This is the first time we have a clear picture of a subduction zone caught in the act of dying.” See March 10 Oregonlive article that suggests “… the plate is ripping apart piece by piece, creating smaller microplates and new boundaries,”. The League continues to monitor the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine project outside of Vale. We will also continue following DOGAMI’s carbon sequestration project in NE Oregon. Because of the high federal interest in rare earth minerals, we expect that this agency will be busy in processing permit applications, particularly in Eastern Oregon. According to a June 22 article in the Statesman Journal: A Canadian mining company has resurrected plans for a copper, gold and silver mine located just outside the Opal Creek Wilderness and about 10 miles northwest of Detroit,…. Ameriwest Critical Metals , based in British Columbia, purchased mining claims known as the Bornite Project in November 2025 and is working through early stages of what could become an underground mine producing 1,000 tons of copper per day. The mine would sit along Cedar Creek and any pollution could flow into the Little North Santiam and North Santiam River — the drinking water source for Salem, Stayton and other towns. Bornite is a sulfide mineral, so acid mine water will be an issue, Here is the link to the LWVOR Hard Rock Mining Study, done in 2018. DEPT. OF STATE LANDS At the June 9 th State Land Board meeting, the agency presented a draft of their 2027-29 budget and Policy Option Packages. See page 126 of the meeting packet . DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DWAC) Sandra U. Bishop The League has a standing seat on DWAC. T he Environmental Protection Agency flags microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water per this OPB article . ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The ESRF Board met May 13. Click here to download the meeting agenda and materials . Here is the YouTube recording of the meeting. OPB provided an article May 28 th about progress on the Habitat Conservation Plan: A long-running effort to turn a coastal Oregon forest into a living laboratory took a major step forward this week, as federal officials approved two key wildlife protection plans tied to the Elliott State Research Forest. The Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors met virtually March 11. Click here to download the meeting agenda and materials . The Habitat Conservation Plan has been federally approved so the first timber sale (268 acres of thinning) was completed at the end of March. By thinning, this area will provide better habitat for endangered species and improve fire protection. The $1 million grant will move the Elliott toward a fiscally sustainable management system. FORESTRY (ODF) Josie Koehne Here is the proposed ODF 2027-29 Budget and POPS (Policy Option Packages) document. As of June 15, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. SB 1590 A : Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands. This was signed into law Nationwide, we are concerned about our public lands. This article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle shares what might happen under the Congressional Review Act. KPTV shared a story about potential increased logging in Oregon forests. Besides western Oregon lands, per KLCC , northeast Oregon federal forests are also a part of the discussion. Should timber sales go forward, there will be a need for federal staff and new capacity for Oregon mills to process the logs. GOVERNANCE Peggy Lynch LWVOR continues to follow permitting processes. On June 15 th , the House Rules Committee invited 4 agencies to share their permitting processes: Dept. of State Lands ; Dept. of Environmental Quality ; Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries . The League engages in these processes in our two-fold focus on public engagement and protecting the environment while supporting a positive economy. LWVOR provided Comments on HB 4020 (2026). HANFORD An article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle explains concerns around potential cuts to the Hanford Cleanup: Cuts that Republicans in the U.S. House are seeking to the nuclear cleanup at Washington’s Hanford site would go deeper than steep reductions the Trump administration proposed. Hanford’s fiscal 2026 budget is almost $3.3 billion. The Trump administration wants to chop that by roughly $400 million. The GOP-controlled House wants to subtract another $55 million. The Republican-dominated Senate has yet to unveil its proposal. The combined proposed cuts translate to a $2.77 billion Hanford budget for the 2027 federal fiscal year, which begins in October, according to the House Appropriations Committee’s proposed budget for the U.S. Department of Energy. Casey Sixkiller, director of Washington’s ecology department, said in a statement that the proposed cuts would “delay critical progress at our nation’s most complex nuclear cleanup site, threatening the Columbia River and communities across the region.” LAND USE & HOUSING Peggy Lynch On June 16, the House Interim Committee On Housing and Homelessness received an abbreviated report on the expanded ability of cities to swap Urban Growth Boundary lands that may have problems about development with lands more readily serviceable. The League warns of caution as cities consider this option. The Land Conservation and Development Commission will meet June 25-26 in Salem. agenda and meeting materials . Rulemaking, housing and data centers are on the agenda Here is a link to the data center Staff briefing . From the Capital Press March 10: A lawmaker is shelving a controversial proposal ( SB 1586 2026) to increase Oregon’s competitiveness in computer chip manufacturing by allowing the industrial conversion of farmland outside Hillsboro. Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, ..“decided not to advance the bill” during this year’s short legislative session, but said there’s still a need to boost employment in the state and will “look forward to continuing that work.” The League submitted strong testimony in opposition. Data Centers have become a major political issue in Oregon and around the U.S. Governor Kotek has established a Data Center Advisory Committee . League members are monitoring, not just how they are related to land use, but water and energy use and tax consequences. Look for legislation in 2027. Building homes near jobs, stores and transit saves public dollars, a paper by Pew Trust partners. This is a view that LWVOR continues to support and why Oregon’s land use planning program is so valuable. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. OREGON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW) Melanie Moon On April 9, Oregon signed into law the historic HB 4134 , increasing Oregon’s statewide transient lodging tax by 1.25% (from 1.5% to 2.75%) to create a dedicated, long-term funding source for wildlife, conservation, and habitat programs. HB 4134 is projected to generate roughly $37 million to $38 million in revenue per year. Oregon Fish & Wildlife proposes in their 27-29 budget that the new revenue be directed towards a variety of environmental, recreational, and coexistence programs including: Recovering Oregon’s Wildlife Fund: Roughly $27.4 million goes directly toward implementing the state’s science-based State Wildlife Action Plan to conserve at-risk species and their habitats. Wildlife Coexistence Protection: Approximately $4.3 million is allocated to enforce anti-poaching laws, manage invasive species, fund wildlife rehabilitation centers, and compensate ranchers who experience livestock losses due to wolves. Community-Based Conservation: Nearly $5.8 million supports outdoor stewardship programs, wildfire risk reduction through the Oregon Conservation Corps, and the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Grants Fund. ODFW presents the budget to the Governor on June 26, 2026. Here is the ODFW Budget webpage . The Governor will consider the agency’s budget proposal before submitting her budget to the legislature. News from ODFW: The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) has been approved by the federal government. The League provided comments on the SWAP before it was adopted by ODFW. On June 18, ODFW learned of a sudden loss of funding for the Columbia River SAFE Program . OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT (OPRD) Jim Buck The 2026 session provided funds to purchase Abiqua Falls : As the Oregon Legislature wrapped up its short session earlier this month, a bipartisan group of lawmakers celebrated a small win: securing the funds to buy Abiqua Falls . The 92-foot waterfall, found just outside Silverton, has for nearly a century been owned by the Mount Angel Abbey, a local Benedictine order that in February put the land on the market . But while the abbey has allowed public access for hikers, it hasn’t been maintaining the area. Both the road and the trail to the waterfall are notoriously treacherous. The cost to make this a safe state park will be a challenge, especially since our State Parks Dept. is facing funding challenges without this addition. The League is working with others to address the fiscal crisis at OPRD. Oregonlive provided an article on ways they are nibbling around the edges. The League studied Oregon Parks in 1998: Oregon State Parks, Part 1 (PDF, 7 pgs) Oregon State Parks, Part 2 (PDF, 9 pgs) . Partners are serving on a Work Group with the hope of some solutions in 2027. OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB) As shared in the last legislative report,the Oregon Environmental Restoration Council (OERC)—a part of OWEB--has the OERC’s website. The state of Oregon has secured a historic $698 million dollar settlement against Monsanto for long term harm caused by the company’s polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) chemicals to Oregon’s land, water, fish and wildlife. The Ways and Means Committee approved an “Other Funds” expenditure limitation increase of $35 million which was included in HB 5204. Administrative Rules have been adopted. Here are the next meeting dates where the first round of allocations will be considered. Part of the guidance being used is implementation of the Governor’s Executive Order 25-26 . The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board website is hosting the natural resource agencies’ website . Towards the bottom of the page is a link to the background memo for workshops held in March. REGIONAL SOLUTIONS The Regional Solutions Program : Within each of the 11 Regions, which are tied to Oregon’s federally designated Economic Development Districts, a Governor-appointed Advisory Committee sets Regional Priorities and a cross-functional Team of state agency staff works together to move projects forward. To receive their reports, use this signup page . The public is welcome to attend virtually or in person. Go to the program website and to the region to find the agendas and meeting materials posted a few days before the meetings. Public Comment is usually scheduled. Upcoming Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) Meetings: STATE LAND BOARD Peggy Lynch The State Land Board meets regularly. Their next meetings (tentative) are October 13, and December 8. Watch a livestream of the meeting or recordings of past meetings on their YouTube channel. Here’s the agenda from the April 14 th meeting where the Board adopted new rules related to Waterway Leases, etc. although the new pricing won’t go into effect until July 2027. They also received the annual report om the South Slough. League members are actively involved in this first national estuarine reserve and LWVOR has supported this facility since its inception. Here’s the agenda for the June 9 th meeting. Among the issues were approval of the sale of Hayden Island filled lands to ODOT and approval of the Department of Forestry budget request. The Department of State Lands (DSL) budget for 2027-29 was presented. The Land Board authorized the DSL Director to submit and certify an Agency Request Budget since the Governor also has a voice and vote on the DSL budget submission to the legislature in her Governor’s Budget. Also of note was approval to initiate Division 95 rulemaking between the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and DSL under the State Agency Coordination program. Most Agency Coordination agreements have not been renewed since the 1990s, and this is the first of many of these agreements to be considered between agencies and with the leadership of DLCD. WATER Drought 2026: 10 simple tips to save water at home this summer. On June 17, the Joint Emergency Board met and approved grant requests and reports per the list of Meeting Materials . Among the funding approvals was a request for $1 million for the Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund (WARRF). In 2025, the Department received an additional $1.18 million and re-opened the WARRF program in fall 2025. Between December 3, 2025, and May 11 , 2026, the Department received more than 50 applications, awarded over $640,000 to 21 homeowners, and is processing an additional 18 applications. The average WARRF cost is $28,500 per well. At the current pace, all funds are expected to be fully committed by the end of May 2026. LWVOR supported this Fund and was pleased to see the E-Board’s actions. The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) needs to update some rules due to statute change but we are considering other improvements to Division 250 (water distribution), 260 (civil penalties in other than well construction) (exempt uses) and 300 (definitions—really the overlapping definitions with the other rules). We are interested in what suggestions you and others have in terms of how the rules could be improved for clarity and consistency in application. Website for this potential rulemaking . A Rules Advisory Committee may begin work this fall. You can contact OWRD if you are interested in serving. Here is a paper on the Waste of Water. And another with definitions of waste in other Western States. On June 15, the House Interim Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water received presentations from the Oregon Climatologist , OWRD , OWRD (2) and DEQ (reuse). Also on June 15, the Senate Interim Committee On Energy and Environment received two reports : (1) Addendum: (2) from Anders Carlson, President, Oregon Glaciers. The focus of the report from 2003-2023. Some of us have 50-year memories. The loss is extensive and very sad. This is the latest OWRD Water and Drought Report—June 15. They do a report every week. You can sign up to receive it. The Water Resources Commission met June 11-12. Here are the staff reports including a report on the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS), Drought, Geologic Carbon Sequestration issues and a 2027-29 budget and legislative update. Per an April 9 Oregonlive article : The state recorded its lowest amount of liquid water in snowpack ever measured on April 1, joining seven other Western states in a crisis that experts say will worsen throughout spring and summer. Need for water by data centers is a concern in many commu nities. Oregonlive on April 6 covers needs by Google in The Dalles. ***The Deschutes County League provided comments to OWRD on the Deschutes groundwater mitigation program and a proposed Legislative Concept for the 2027 session. Oregon Water Caucus : The Oregon Legislature's Water Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group of state legislators and staff committed to fostering a secure and resilient water future for all. T o learn more about the Water Caucus and its work, please contact Harmony Burright at 541-846-8863 or Harmony.Burright@OregonLegislature.gov . You can also subscribe to receive email updates from the Water Caucus . The Caucus is holding in-person meetings in Salem before the 2027 session to develop an agenda for the 2027 session. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in seventeen counties and the Burns Paiute Tribe in 2026 ( map ) with Wasco and Josephine counties under consideration . Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) , as of 6/9, 84% of Oregon is in some form of drought, with 44% of the state in severe (D2) to extreme drought (D3). Current drought conditions on the USDM are being driven by above-normal temperatures, persistent short- and long-term precipitation deficits, below-normal streamflow conditions, and well-below-normal snowpack. The expansion and introduction of extreme drought in Oregon reflects severe long-term moisture deficits in Oregon. To date, 17 Oregon counties and the Burns Paiute Tribe have received state drought declarations under ORS 536. Josephine and Wasco counties have recently requested declarations. Per a notice from OWRD on June 3rd: The Oregon Water Resources Department contracted with Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to undertake a Drought Vulnerability Assessment that examines drought frequency, intensity, and impacts across the state, along with policy and water justice considerations. The Assessment consists of four reports authored by researchers from the three universities. You can access the Assessment on the OWRD website. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms ( HABs) . “When in doubt, stay out.” With the heat and drought, the danger is serious. 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. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WEATHER Extreme heat events are defined as any period of two or more consecutive days with unusually hot weather that is far above the average for that time and place. Oregon’s Five-Year Averages: 2006–2010: 12 Days 2021–2025: 22 Days From an Our Oregon News article of May 20: The Pacific Northwest has the best chance among all U.S. regions of having a hotter-than-average summer, the National Weather Service said May 21. Oregonlive article of April 20: “Since last April, the state of Oregon is in its fifth driest 12-month period on record, going back to 1895,” O’Neill said. “So it’s not just the snowpack we have to worry about. It’s that these drought conditions have been building.” Oregonlive April 13 article : After a weak La Niña winter in Oregon, odds are up for an El Niño summer . There’s a 61% chance El Niño conditions will emerge in May through July, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center . In the Pacific Northwest, that typically means a warmer, drier season. It could also mean a low snowpack this coming winter. Oregon Capital Chronicle April 6 article : Forecasters predict, prepare for increased drought and wildfire risk after NOAA climate outlook :While the Pacific Northwest west of the Cascades is known for its seemingly constant rain, much of Oregon is preparing for drought conditions and increased wildfire risk for the summer. Fish, wildfires, farmers and ranchers all are worried about the upcoming summer. Statesman Journal of March 9: This winter was tied for the warmest on record in Oregon, according to data released this week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. December, January and February — meteorological winter — brought an average temperature of 38.7 degrees, which tied 1934 for the warmest season in records that date back to 1896. Oregon’s average winter temperature is 32.4 degrees. This season was barely warmer than 2015, which was 38.6 degrees. The record-warm temperatures help explain why there is historically little snow in the mountains. Currently, Oregon's snowpack is 29% of normal and essentially tied with 2015 for the worst snow season since 1981. Here’s a short video explaining El Nino. WETLANDS Pew research explains the value of coastal wetlands. WILDFIRE Carolyn Mayers Remember that 70% of wildfires are human caused. Be careful! On June 16, the Senate Interim Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire heard from the new State Forester KC Kacey and Chief Ruiz Temple, the State Fire Marshal, who presented the following information: 3/4 of Oregon is projected to be at an elevated risk of potentially significant wildfire for July. In addition, the entire northwest is also under the same scenario which means help from other states will be less predictable, available. Extreme El Niño possible. Expect earlier and longer fire season. Compared to both 2015 and 2018. The Oregon Water Resources Dept. provided a report on drought. Oregon Dept. of Forestry provided this report . As of June 15, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. The Governor declared a state of emergency due to wildfire threats on June 16. Forecasters remain concerned that persistent dry conditions will lead to a peak Western wildfire season that starts early and stays busy despite recent precipitation. “Lack of snowpack and abnormal warmth over winter is a big concern because it could start us off early and rather quickly,” said Jim Wallmann, U.S. Forest Service wildfire meteorologist at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. “The positive, if I can say there is a positive, is that we are still early in the year and there is still potential for this spring to mitigate the worst of conditions where the summer could be closer to normal.” From the March 7 th Rogue Valley Times. The federal April report from The Alliance for Wildfire Resilience might be of interest. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning: Oregon Dept. of Agriculture Air Quality (Dept. of Environmental Quality) Columbia River Gorge Commission Hanford Cleanup Recycling/Materials Management (Dept. of Environmental Quality) Toxic Control (I don't know what this means? Pesticides and Biocides was the study.) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Oregon Environmental Restoration Council Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 4/10 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan 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 All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Highlights Climate Priorities Oregon Treasury Climate Lawsuits/Our Children's Trust Climate Emergency Highlights Claudia Keith Now over 40 Environmental Justice/Climate/Energy Legislative Bills are posted or soon to be posted to OLIS first week of Feb. (some of these may be just place holders). Please note the Legislative Environmental Caucus has not yet posted their 2026 priorities. A League SB 1541 Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program Alert is planned for Feb 3. There are a number of other CE bills during 2026 short session. At this point here are a few that have been identified as League policy and/or budget / funding Climate Emergency portfolio priorities: Climate Priorities The League may have testimony and /or join a coalition letter to support in most cases or potentially oppose. Make Polluters Pay (MPP) ( SB 1541 )
. ( LC 0183), – Creates the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to assess financial impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and recover costs from responsible entities. Designates the DLCD to lead an interagency team, directs the DEQ to issue cost-recovery notices, and establishes a dedicated account to receive funds. League is submitting testimony . The League has joined the Make Polluters Pay Campaign last week. MARK your calendars : An Action Alert has been issued inviting members to contact their legislators, submit testimony, sign a petition, and attend a lobby day regarding the Make Polluters Pay bill. Community-Based Power : Distributed Power Plants ( SB 1582 )
 Distributed power plants (or DPPs) bring together customer resources like rooftop solar, battery systems and smart thermostats to provide energy when and where it’s needed most. This bill would require electric companies to incorporate DPPs into their resource mix. Fund for Oregon’s Resilience, Growth, and Energy ( SB 1526 )
 Creates financing tools, including a revolving loan fund, to provide more affordable, accessible long-term financing for clean energy and resilience infrastructure projects in Oregon. Nuclear Study Bill HB 4046 . Directs the ODOE State Department of Energy, subject to the availability of funding, to conduct a study on nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors HB 4031 Exempts an energy facility from needing a site certificate from the Energy Facility Siting Council if the energy facility produces power from a renewable energy source, qualifies for certain federal renewable energy tax credits and construction begins on or before December 31, 2028. HCEE 2/3 Tues 8am HB 4102 Modifies the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality to enter into agreements with regulated entities to expedite or enhance a regulatory process. HCEE 2/3 Tues 8am HB 1597 Makes a power provider disclose the costs to store the waste made from making electric power Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental Oregon State Treasury should engage or divest from companies fueling a new era of resource conflicts. (Divest Oregon ORG) Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust There are a number of active federal lawsuits. Climate Litigation Jan 30 Updates Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 96 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. Our Children’s Trust Press Releases January 21, 2026 Bipartisan Former U.S. Officials and Legal Scholars Join Broad Coalition Supporting Youth Challenge to Trump’s Fossil Fuel Executive Orders January 16, 2026 Montana Youth Return to Court Challenging New Laws That Undermine Historic Climate Victory January 12, 2026 Young Americans Take Trump’s Unconstitutional Fossil Fuel Executive Orders to the Ninth Circuit VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 1/16 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Housing Women's Issues Immigration/Refugees Gun Safety Criminal Justice Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona On January 11, Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan, along with other Housing Alliance members, voted on the Oregon Housing Alliance’s 2023 legislative agenda. On January 13, the Housing Alliance shared results of the member vote by announcing their 2023 legislative policy agenda , a slate of 8 priority bills and 20 endorsed bills. Priority bills are defined as ones for which the Housing Alliance should be active in coordinating and leading advocacy. If bills are endorsed, the Alliance intends to publicly support the proposals, and contribute to their advocacy, however, they will not serve as the lead organization. Listed below are the Housing Alliance priority bills that have received their first reading and been assigned to committees. The decision to have public hearings on bills rests with Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs and Legislative Leadership. The filing deadline is Feb. 21 for most bills. HB 3010 Reform the Mortgage Interest Deduction Disallows taxpayers from claiming a deduction on home mortgage interest for any residence other than their primary residence. Phases out the deduction on primary residences for households earning $250,000 or more. Increased revenue would be used, among other things, to assist first time homebuyers. SB 611 Reasonable Rent Limits annual rent increases to 3% plus consumer price index, or 8%, whichever is lower; provides these protections for all buildings more than 3 years-old (buildings up to 15 years-old are currently exempted); and increases relocation assistance in landlord-based (no-fault) evictions HB 2456 Emergency Housing Assistance for K-12 students Modifies the state’s emergency housing assistance (EHA) program and state homeless assistance program (SHAP) to provide funds to assist school-aged children experiencing or at risk of homelessness. SB 225 Private Activity Bonds for Affordable Housing Makes changes to the state's policy for private activity bonds to ensure coordination of affordable housing resources and a clear financing process For information on the endorsed bills, please see the link above on the Housing Alliance’s 2023 Legislative policy agenda. Women’s Issues By Trish Garner 2023 Bills Related to Abortion / Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health It is difficult to predict what will take place during the 2023 Legislative Session about issues related to reproductive rights in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health . On the one hand, the right to an abortion is protected in Oregon's constitution (Article I, Section 46; 2014) and related statutes (e.g. ORS 743B.001 which requires health benefit plans to cover abortion costs). It has also been the case that in past sessions, measures limiting abortion rights have more or less regularly been submitted for approval and haven't made it to a Committee hearing. On the other hand, we would be deaf if we did not hear countervailing drum beats. The 2023 Legislative Session is not without proposals to ban abortion outright: prohibition of abortion after the 37th week - HB 2810, after the 38th week - HB 2808 , after the 39th week - HB 2807 ; prohibition of late term or third trimester abortion except in a medical emergency or in the case of rape, incest - HB 2809 (Chief Sponsors are Reps Hieb and Diehl). Senate Bill 513 (Sen Thatcher and Rep Morgan) prohibits an abortion unless the health care provider first determines the probable gestational age of the unborn child, except in the case of a medical emergency. Attacking reproductive services from another direction is HB 2402 (Rep Diehl); it prohibits public funding for abortions. HB 2526 (Rep Breese-Iverson) adopts a different tack, although the result may be the same. HB 2526 requires the OHA to establish a toll free pregnancy resource hotline to provide information and assistance to pregnant persons seeking abortions in this state. So far, so good, but the bill then continues to provide that except for a medical emergency, an abortion cannot be performed unless the provider verifies that the pregnant person has consulted with this hotline at least 48 hours before the provision of abortion services. There are a few other proposals which may not seem to directly challenge the provision of abortions, but are nonetheless disconcerting and call for scrutiny. Under HB 2423 (Rep Breese-Iverson) the Oregon Health Authority ("OHA") is directed to establish and administer a Pregnancy Launch Program that among other things supports childbirth as an alternative to abortion and encourages healthy childbirth. This legislation also prohibits the OHA from contracting for providing services with an organization that "directly or indirectly provides, promotes, refers for or assists pregnant persons in obtaining abortions." HB 2424 (Rep Breese-Iverson) requires OHA to establish a program for the purpose of making grants to entities that provide services related to encouraging and assisting pregnant persons in carrying their pregnancies to term. Grant monies will not be used to encourage or assist pregnant persons in having abortions unless an abortion is necessary to avoid impairment of the person's "major bodily functions." Perhaps farther removed from but still related to the Dobbs decision, there are bills from both the House and Senate side that require school health education curricula to include information about human development from conception to birth ( SB 674 - Sen Knopp and Rep Smith; HB 2570 - Reps Smith and McIntire.) So, we shall see what traction any of these bills attain. Immigration/Refugees and other Basic Rights By Claudia Keith US Chamber calls for Congress to end gridlock , saying businesses are ‘fed up’ | The Hill. Senator Ron Wyden regards WOU town hall as education opportunity for him | News | polkio.com . New "Food for All Oregonians" legislation backed by over 75 community organizations - Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. Bills of Interest or possible League support: (Bills that have been posted to OLIS that may move forward via a committee public hearing. – an Incomplete list) Basic Needs SB610 : Establishes Food for All Oregonians Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to provide nutrition assistance to residents of this state who would qualify for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program but for immigration status. Requires Department of Human Services to convene an advisory group to recommend metrics to evaluate success of the department in treating all applicants for and recipients of public assistance in welcoming manner and with respect, courtesy, fairness, and dignity. Unclear what the funding ask may be. May replace the ‘Workers Relief Fund’ . ‘Oregon Worker Relief measures impact in infrastructure’| Statesman Journal. Immigration SB627 : Funding for universal (legal) fees for non-documented individuals (15M$) Sen Lieber. SB185 Requires Department of Justice to study immigration in this state; may include recommendations for legislation, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15, 2024. Requested by Attorney General Rosenblum. HB2957 : Financial assistance to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status recipients for specified purposes. (>7M$). Large portion of the Source funding is Federal ARPA funds. Rep Ruiz SB603 : Establishes People's Housing Assistance Fund Demonstration Program, administered by Department of Human Services, to provide 12 monthly payments of $1,000 to individuals who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, are severely rent burdened or earn at or below 60 percent of area median income. (Includes immigrant, and refugee status.) Starts with a PSU $250K study. A potential $500M program. Rep Pham K and Senator Campos, Sen Cmt on Housing and Dev, then W&M. Other SB613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities HB2458 : Prohibits conversion therapy Gun Safety By Marge Easley Measure 114 Update: On January 13, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum petitioned the Oregon Supreme Court to either dismiss the Harney County judge’s ruling that put a halt on the measure’s implementation or direct the judge to explain his reasoning. We await the Supreme Court’s decision. In the meantime, we will urge legislators to make any needed technical fixes and provide adequate funding for full implementation. More complete information on court actions related to Measure 114 can be found in this recent Oregonian article . Criminal Justice By Marge Easley We can expect to see a number of bills this session that pertain to the current shortage of public defenders in Oregon, particularly in Washington and Multnomah Counties. On January 18, House Judiciary Committee members heard a presentation about the reasons for the shortage, including the extremely heavy workload, low pay, and high turnover due to burnout. Despite the allocation of $10 million to Public Defense Services in December, much more funding is urgently needed. In addition, legislators are also looking at a number of longer-term solutions to increase recruitment, including the streamlining of court processes, the forgiveness of law school loans in return for five years of public defense work, providing alternatives to taking the bar exam, and allowing non-attorney members of the Oregon State Bar to practice law in specific areas. Measure 110 Update On January 19, Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan released an audit of Measure 110, authorized by the 2021 Oregon Legislature. The measure was passed by Oregon voters in 2020 with the intent of decriminalizing possession of small amounts of controlled substances and directing cannabis tax revenue to addiction and recovery services. After a slow rollout, the Oregon Health Authority has thus far awarded $33 million in grant money, although scant data currently exists to show how the money was spent or whether it was used effectively to improve addiction services. Audit recommendations include improving the program’s governance structure, grant application process, and collaboration with public agencies. The effective implementation of Measure 110 is of critical importance when one considers the following statements from the audit’s introduction: “Oregon has the second highest rate of substance use disorder in the nation and ranked 50th for access to treatment. In Oregon, more than two people died each day from unintentional opioid overdoses in 2021.”

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/17 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Priorities Other Priorities Oregon Climate Action Commission Climate Lawsuits/Our Children's Trust Climate Emergency Team: Thanks to Laura Rogers and Nikki Mandell LWV Portland members for taking on the CEI portfolio. Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire OHA & Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Critical Energy Infrastructure CEI: Laura Roger & Nikki Mandell Transportation: Claudia Keith Ways & Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Taking Gov. Tina Kotek’s temperature on Oregon’s climate change response | OPB. “ Oregon Gov. Kotek calls herself a “climate champion,” a moniker her supporters also used during her campaign for governor....” Funding Issues: The League is very concerned with the new Trump administration freezing energy/climate funds related to the Biden admin IRA and infrastructure acts. ‘With Oregon’s 2 largest federal climate grants on hold—for now—state agencies are left at a standstill’ – OPB. There are also concerns with federal social policy related funding including education and healthcare funding. ‘Trump’s Funding Freeze Raises a New Question: Is the Government’s Word Good ? ‘| The New York Times.” As the Trump administration continues to withhold billions of dollars for climate and clean energy spending — despite two federal judges ordering the money released — concerns are growing that the United States government could skip out on its legal commitments...” Environmental Justice: In addition, Environmental Justice federal programs are at risk. ‘After Trump Administration Closes DOJ’s Office of Environmental Justice, Advocates Worry About Future Enforcement’| Inside Climate News, “Set up in 2022, the office teamed up with federal prosecutors to coordinate work in vulnerable communities. The Trump administration shut the office and placed its staff on leave earlier this month.” ‘Pam Bondi scraps Joe Biden-era environmental justice enforcement polic y ‘ | The Hill. At this point in the session, we have identified a few League policy and/or budget Climate Emergency priorities, and some of those now have League testimony. This year most of our priorities are included in the bipartisan 2025 Legislative Environmental Caucus Priorities and or CUB Citizens Utility Board Priorities . Consequently, for some of these bills (especially those in a package) the League may just join coalition sign-on letters rather than providing individual testimony. Climate Priorities HB 2966 , Establishes the State Public Financing Task Force (see 2023 HB2763, vetoed by the governor) Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans , House Commerce and Consumer Protection (H CCP), League Testimony , PH 1/28/25 HB 3170 , Community Resilience Hubs and networks: DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony House Climate, Energy, and Environment (H CEE) 2/4/25 Other Priorities HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. LC 1440. Bringing back SB 1559 (2024) moved to H CEE, Sponsored by Rep GAMBA, Sen Frederick, Golden, Patterson, Pham K, Taylor
 HB 2566 : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects – H Governor Tina Kotek
, Public Hearing held 2/11/2024, (H CEE), DOE presentation HB 3365 : climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, Representative Fragala, McDonald , House Education Committee HB 2151 , 2152 , 2949 , 3450 : Critical Energy Infrastructure CEI Emergency Management Package SJR 28 : Environmental Rights Constitutional – Referral, Senate Rules, Amendment Leg Referral - Senator Golden, Representatives Andersen, Gamba, Senators Manning Jr, Prozanski, Representative Tran 
 SB 679 : Climate Liability, Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment (SEE) SB 680 : Climate Science / Greenwashing, Sen. Golden and Manning
, moved to Judiciary, no recommendation, Campos , Frederick, Gorsek , Patterson , Prozanski , Taylor SB 681 : Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium
, Sen Golden, Senate Finance and Revenue SB 682 : Climate Super Fund, Sen. Golden, Rep. Andersen, Gamba, Sen. Campos, Pham , SEE SB 688 : Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, SEE SB 827 : Solar and Storage Rebate, Work session 2/27, Gov. Kotek & DOE, SEE
 Carbon sequestration/storage see DOGAMI , Agency Budget (see Natural Resources Legislative Report) – Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) .
 Natural and Working Lands: ( OCAC NWL Report ) (see below)
 Data Center Energy Issue : ‘ It may be time to take a new look at electricity demand ‘ • Oregon Capital Chronicle. “This year’s Oregon legislative session is likely to see measures intended to block these tech companies’ power demands from boosting at least residential rates even higher. Two placeholder bills on studying utilities have been filed, Senate Bill 128 and House Bill 3158 , and Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, is working on another one.“ (see SB 553 (LC 1547) mentioned below) Transportation package that prioritizes climate, equity, and wildlife : This package would build on the historic gains of HB 2017 (which included investments in public transit, safe routes to School, and vehicle electrification), to shift the focus to multimodal, safety, and climate-forward investments. This promises to create a system that saves money over time and builds a more resilient, equitable, and healthy future for all Oregonians. (see OCN Press Rel ) Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package * ( HB 3081 , SB 88 , LC 1547): Oregonians are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing utility bills in the face of ever-worsening climate impacts. HB 3081 would create an active navigator to help Oregonians access energy efficiency incentives all in one place. SB 88 limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. SB 553 LC 1547 ensures that large energy users (i.e. data centers) do not unfairly burden Oregon households. (*see OCN Press Rel ) Oregon Climate Action Commission At 2/14 OCAC/ODOE meeting, staff presented a comprehensive (36-page) memo on the status of climate-related bills this session, headed by budget bills (with links to agency bill presentations to date). Does not include fiscals, you must link to agency budget presentations for funding details. Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust (OCT) Recent OCT Press Releases: Feb 2025 California Federal Court’s Dismissal of Youth Equal Protection Climate Case Represents Judicial Abdication in the Face of a Crisis Youth Plaintiffs Make Case for Constitutional Climate Lawsuit Before Virginia Supreme Court Here is one example of how to track DEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are several active federal lawsuits , Feb 2025 update) “FEATURED CASE: Federal Court Dismissed Preemption and Extraterritoriality Challenges to California Climate Disclosure Laws.” Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 83 lawsuits , mentioning Oregon.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 1/20 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance (CFR) Redistricting Election Systems By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator Campaign Finance A CFR workgroup called by Rep. Fahey that began in June is still working to identify technical adjustments needed to ensure successful implementation of HB 4024 (2024) , to recommend legislative fixes for 2025, and to consider broader policy improvements for future sessions. The workgroup includes representatives from the legislature, business, labor and Honest Elections that negotiated on HB 4024. Since such a technical fix bill would likely be introduced by the House Rules committee, it could happen at any time during the coming legislative session. Redistricting Both SJR 08 and SJR 21 have been introduced to create independent redistricting commissions. SJR 21 is the same as the initiative proposed by People Not Politicians . However, neither is expected to even get a hearing. HB 2250 and HB 2704 would both require that census population counts be adjusted for the most recent address of prisoners for use in redistricting. Election Systems By Barbara Klein The Legislative Concept that the League has worked on with the OERC (Oregon Election Reform Coalition) has been introduced as bill HB 3166 . Due to timing, the original language of the bill (which included ranked choice voting) was used in HB 3166, but it is clearly expected to be amended. Other amendments may follow as well. The Oregon Secretary of State (SOS) office has given notice of administrative orders to update rules and statutes to comply with the Federal Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Act. Included are security measures and change of date to 1st Tuesday after 2nd Wednesday in December for Presidential Electors to meet in Salem (OAR 165-010-0005 ,). The orders define terms, requirements and pledge of candidate-electors ( 165-025-0100 ). 165-025-0110 d evelops security features for identifying electors and safeguards through certificates of ascertainment, for authenticity. It is OAR 165-025-0120 that establishes the time, place and manner of electors official duties and aligns Oregon with the national act. Further, the SOS orders include requirements for transmission of original documents to authorized officials of the US ( 165-025-0130 ), again aligning Oregon with the new act. A reminder that Oregon is one of the states to sign onto the (League-supported) National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. If that law were to go into effect (reaching compacting states representing 270 electors), the above orders would remain in effect as the NPV compact works with the Electoral College. Currently introduced, SB 213 would repeal Oregon’s agreement with the NPV compact.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/23 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2026 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Behavioral Health Criminal Justice Education Gun Safety Healthcare Housing Immigration Reproductive Healthcare Behavioral Health by Trish Garner SB 1528 -2 Amendment passed the Senate Committee on Health Care.. This measure attempts to increase transparency about patient assistance drug programs by requiring drug manufacturers to provide an annual report to the public about all, and not just some, of these programs. A patient assistance drug program is one where a manufacturer offers coupons or discount cards or copayment assistance to the public when purchasing drugs. At the present time this information only needs to be provided when a drug has a price increase of 10% or more, which means that it may hide the fact the coupon or discount only covers a higher priced drug. It may also undermine competition with generic drugs. Proponents, including both insurers and consumers, state that SB 1528 improves accountability and transparency without creating additional burdens for patients or providers. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of American (PhARMA) and Eli Lily and Company oppose the measure on the grounds that increased reporting requirements will place patient information at increased risk of disclosure. SB 1532 was passed in the Senate Committee on Human Services. The bill, including 8 Amendments, modifies the authority of the Oregon Department of Human Services regarding residential and long-term care facilities, developmental disabilities services and children in care. It defines “immediate jeopardy” when determining if a person in a residential or long-term care facility is in immediate jeopardy of harm which could then be used as a basis for Oregon Department of Human Services to place a condition on the facility’s license. A child in care may be put in an out-of-state placement that is not licensed as a child-caring agency if it is in a relative foster home or pre-adoptive family placement, is an eating disorder program approved by the state’s Medicaid program or the placement is pursuant to the Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act. It modifies the criteria that allow out-of-state placements in eating disorder programs that are not inpatient or residential treatment programs but have 24-hour nursing services. SB 1534 -9 Amendment, was passed by the Senate Committee on Human Services with a referral to Ways and Means. The measure defines what constitutes abuse of a child in care. Such abuse includes acts such as neglect, the commission of an act that is nonaccidental and causes physical injury, verbal abuse, wrongful use or misappropriation of a child’s funds or property, or encouraging a child to engage in performing or photographing sexual conduct. Child-caring agencies, developmental disabilities facilities, proctor foster homes, certified foster homes or caretakers with a duty of care to a child are impacted by this measure, while it exempts parents. It defines requirements for licensure of child-care agencies by the Oregon Department of Human Services and modifies enforcement requirements relating to financial statements, notifications upon receiving reports of abuse and provisions that allow certain placements of a child over 16 to be extended. 1546 -2 Amendment passed the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health with a “do pass” recommendation. The bill attempts to restrict the impact of AI (“artificial intelligence”) chatbots that are increasingly affecting the lives of children, as well as adults. It requires that a system that uses AI intelligence, other than that used solely for business or video game purposes, to clearly and conspicuously remind users that they are using artificial intelligence. The operator is required to have a publicly published protocol to detect a user who has suicidal ideation or intent or self-harm ideation and to prevent content that encourages the ideation. Such a user must be provided a referral, contact information and a hyperlink for the national 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline. If the user is under 25, a contact to Youthline may be given. Youthline is a service that the American Association for Suicidology has been accredited to provide youth peer support to individuals who contact the network. If an operator of AI believes that a user of its AI is a minor, it must advise that the AI companion is not human, and cannot use rewards, emotional manipulation or dependence or romantic relationships. Minors must be given clear and conspicuous reminders to take breaks, and sexually explicit content is prohibited. This bill could face legal challenges because of a December executive order President Donald Trump signed to limit state regulation of AI services. ( See Executive Order, 12-11-25 ) With only one “nay” vote, the Senate has passed SB 1579 . The measure provides that making a false report about child abuse is a criminal act. An initial report can result in a Class B misdemeanor (a fine of up to $2,500, 6 months in jail, probation). If the person has already been convicted once of this offense, it can result in a Class A misdemeanor (fine of up to $6,250, 364 days in jail, probation) and if there are two or more prior convictions it can result in a Class C felony charge (up to 5 years in prison, fine up to $125,000, probation). HB 4042A Engrossed passed the House Behavioral Health Committee with a “do pass” recommendation. It requires the Oregon Department of Health Services (“ODHS”) to place conditions on a child caring agency’s license in certain circumstances. Current rules regarding seclusion and restraint in child caring agencies are amended so that they do not include vehicle safety restraints. ODHS is authorized to place a child or ward in a congregate care residential setting that is not a child caring agency or qualified residential treatment program if it is licensed and provides medically necessary and appropriate treatment. This placement can last no longer than 60 or 90 cumulative days in a 12-month period unless extended upon request of the child or it is in the child’s best interests. HB 4070A Engrossed was passed by the House and has been assigned to Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health. The bill provides that the Oregon Health Authority must ensure that access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services is comparable to medical and surgical treatment and services. Limitations applied by OHA, including those imposed for entry into mental health and substance abuse services, can be no more stringent than those imposed for medical and surgical treatment. Crisis stabilization centers are required to have the capacity to screen individuals for physical health needs. Subject to legislatively appropriated funding, services must be made available to all persons with mental health, substance use disorders or intellectual or developmental disabilities. The measure modernizes certain definitions, including changing the reference from “alcoholics” to “persons with alcohol use disorder” and “drug dependent persons” to “persons with substance use disorders.” Criminal Justice By Marge Easley and Sharron Noone Bills stacked up in committee hearings this past week as legislators scrambled to meet the February 16 th deadline. We’re happy to report that most bills dealing with immigration enforcement are moving, although a one-day boycott on 2/19 by Senate Republicans stalled action on the floor. These immigration bills have successfully passed the House: HB 4114 A requires federal and out-of-state law enforcement to follow identification requirements and warrant procedures and allows civil suits against those who don’t follow regulations. League testimony . HB 4138 A provides the specifics of police ID rules and limits actions of public employees when working with federal or out-of-state law enforcement. League testimony. HB 4111 A provides that immigration status is not admissible as evidence in a civil proceeding. HB 4091 lists the specific reasons for mobilizing the Oregon National Guard, The bill has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs with a hearing and possible work session scheduled for 2/24. League testimony . On the Senate side, these bills await a floor vote as of 2/19: SJR 203 A , which forbids secret police in Oregon, passed out of Senate Judiciary and was sent to Rules to allow more time for consideration. League testimony . SB 1563 allows for civil action against a law enforcement officer when constitutional rights are violated SB 1594 establishes model immigration policies for schools, health facilities, and other public bodies. Other criminal justice bills of particular interest to the League include: HB 4045 A passed the House and is on the way to the Senate. It requires communication responders to respond to a search warrant within a specified time when domestic violence is involved. League testimony . SB 1515 , which modifies provisions for wrongful conviction petitions (League testimony ), and SB 1550 A , which requires an investigation as to the cause of death when domestic violence or child abuse is suspected, both await a vote on the Senate floor. Education By Jean Pierce HB 4079 A requires public schools to inform parents, students, and community members when ICE is present on the campus. This would assure immigrants that they have accurate information to base decisions to protect their children. The bill passed the House and is scheduled for hearings in Senate Education. The League submitted testimony in support of the bill. SB 1538 A creates a new protected class in educational antidiscrimination law (schools cannot discriminate based on immigration or citizenship status), and guarantees admission to Oregon school districts’ instructional programs The bill passed the Senate and is scheduled for hearings in House Education. The League submitted testimony in support. HB 4149 directs school districts to enroll and provide services for homeless students. The bill codifies provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in Oregon law. LWVOR submitted testimony in support. Rep. Cate expressed concern that this is an unfunded mandate, but it did pass the House. Gun Policy By Marge Easley HB 4145 A modifies Measure 114 (2022) and provides more details for implementation in 2028, pending an upcoming Supreme Court ruling on its constitutionality. The bill passed out of House Judiciary on 2/16, but the committee vote was not without controversy. In the middle of the vote count, Chair Kropf called a 20-minute recess after Rep. Tran (D) voted no on the bill. Democratic committee members were called to the hallway, and upon return a visibly upset Rep. Tran changed her vote to a yes to break the tie. She has since accused Rep. Kropf of “creating a hostile work environment.” An OPB article provides additional context. League testimony . HB 4096 was submitted at the request of Multnomah D.A. Nathan Vasquez and increased penalties for a convicted felon in possession of three or more firearms. The bill died in committee. Health Care Christa Danielson The following bills align with long-standing League priorities supporting equitable access, transparency, patient protection, and evidence-based public health policy. Bills for which the League submitted testimony: SB 1527 classifies colposcopy as a preventive screening procedure, eliminating patient cost-sharing. The bill advances preventive care access and removes financial barriers to early detection. It passed the Senate. The League wrote testimony . SB 1570 A limits federal immigration enforcement access to nonpublic areas of healthcare facilities without a lawful court order. Requires written response policies and designated administrator Requires posting of constitutional rights information Prohibits retaliation against workers who inform patients of rights Protects immigration status as confidential health information The Senate Health Committee recommended passage. LWVOR submitted testimony . SB 1598 ensures continued insurance coverage of recommended immunizations and authorizes pharmacy standing orders to improve timely access. Does not mandate vaccination Protects coverage for evidence-based preventive services Supports rapid public health response to outbreaks Reinforces patient-provider decision-making The bill passed the Senate. The League submitted testimony to the House Health Care committee. HB 4054 requires insurers to notify providers when automated systems (including AI tools) alter or reduce provider charges, and ensures timely appeal rights. The League submitted testimony . The Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology held a public hearing. Other Bills the League is tracking: SB 1575 A temporarily pauses new hospice licenses pending Oregon Health Authority (OHA) rulemaking in response to reported fraud and abuse concerns. Establishes financial and operational capacity review Requires criminal background checks for administrators and medical directors Clarifies application denial criteria Requires new application for ≥5% ownership changes The is consistent with League positions that promote accountability, transparency, and patient protection in vulnerable end-of-life care settings. The amended bill received a do pass recommendation from Senate Health Care. HB 4040 makes technical and administrative updates to Streamline presumptive eligibility for hospital financial assistance Continue Health Evidence Review Commission Include 40+ administrative improvements The League believes in improving system efficiency while maintaining evidence review infrastructure. The bill passed House Health Care and was referred to Ways & Means. Housing Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Senate Committee on Housing and Development HB 4123 would add clear provisions to Oregon’s Landlord Tenant law regarding the disclosure of confidential information on certain personally identifying, financially sensitive and other private information. On February 14, the House passed this bill. It is scheduled for a public hearing on Feb. 24. The amendments would allow landlords to share tenant contact information with repair and maintenance workers and release confidential information if required by an administrative or judicial warrant. (See also the Privacy and Protections Section of the Governance Legislative Report.) House Committee on Housing and Homelessness SB 1523 A was passed by the Senate and heard by the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on February 19. The bill requires landlords to provide tenants and prospective tenants with non-electronic means of conducting business. Tenants would have the option of submitting rental applications on paper rather than through a tenant portal. SB 1523 also requires landlords to provide access to common areas other than software loaded onto smartphones, such as keys, access codes, fob, etc. SB 1576 would require the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to conform to the state building code so that it aligns with federal fair housing accessibility requirements and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. The Senate passed this bill on February 19 and it is scheduled for a public hearing Feb. 24 House Committee on Revenue HB 4136 would end a tax deduction for mortgage interest paid during a tax year on a taxpayer’s second home. A Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) could only be used for a resident’s principal residence and not for a second home. The bill would establish the Oregon Home Ownership Opportunity Account in the State Treasury. Money in this account would be continuously appropriated to the Housing and Community Services Department to be used solely for down payment assistance, and administered by home ownership programs or nonprofit organizations. The House Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on Feb. 16. Immigration Bills with League testimony SJR 203 Oregon Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting Secret Police See Criminal Justice SB 1538 Public schools educate immigrants See Education SB 1570 Where ICE can go in hospitals See Healthcare HB 4079 Public schools must inform about ICE presence See Education HB 4091 Oregon National Guard Activation & Authority See Governance: Privacy & Protections HB 4114 Rules for Operations of Federal Agents or Agents from Another State in Oregon See Criminal Justice HB 4138 Requires ID and prohibits face coverings for law enforcement agents See Criminal Justice Other Bills Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments HB 4117 Universal ( legal) Representation & worker relief Funding H Judiciary PH 2/18 10 16 Likely end of session reconciliation bill SB1505 Establish Workforce Standards Board S Rules PH 2/4 Not posted Sen Interim Committee on Rules Home and community based services - SB 1581A School Meals S ED Ws 2/10 to JWM Not posted yet 11 SMS HB 4089A Wage theft H RULES PH 2/4, WS 2/24 Minimal 6 SMS (includes -1 amendment) moved to Rules on 2/18 Not yet posted Refugee Emergency Response JWM See Gov public statements 4.5 Likely end of session JWM reconciliation bill See this article describing a multi-agency effort to protect immigrants and refugees in Oregon. Reproductive Health Trish Garner HB 4088A Engrossed has passed in the House. This bill, for which the League provided supportive testimony , declares that it is Oregon’s policy to ensure that people are allowed to get reproductive health care and gender identity treatment services. Several protections are given to providers of these services, including directing public bodies not to cooperate with investigations into reproductive and gender affirming care and a ban on extradition by the Governor related to a person’s engagement with these activities. Disclosure of public records regarding providers of these services is expanded from a person’s name, and home or professional address to also include images and home telephone numbers. HB 4127 was passed with a referral to Ways and Means. The League wrote testimony in support of the bill which ensures that certain providers, including Planned Parenthood affiliates of the Columbia Willamette and of Southern Oregon, are paid for their services. Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills for which the League submitted testimony. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Social Policy? You can help. Volunteers are needed. We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning Basic Needs: Food Basic Needs: Income Juvenile Justice Public Safety Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.