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Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/10 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop 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 Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: 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 Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Department of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Services Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Water Wetlands Wildfire AIR QUALITY 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 supports. The public hearing on this bill was held Feb. 24 in the Senate Committee On Energy and Environment . We wait to see if it will get a work session. 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 Keiser and League members have testified of their concerns in past years. AGRICULTURE By Sandra Bishop The following Senate bills had public hearings in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire on March 6 : SB 78 – Replacement dwelling bill and SB 77 – home occupation reform bill which the League supports. And SB 788 , a bill that would exempt some Eastern Oregon counties from certain land use laws, which we opposed. LWVOR testified in support of SB 77 and SB 78 , and in opposition to SB 788 . LWVOR will watch and may support SB 73 – Spot zoning reform; and SB 79 – which prohibits certain dwellings on resource lands 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 was invited to participate in a panel at the Board of Agriculture related to the 2025 legislative session. We were unable to attend, but sent a copy of our 2025 Priorities with a short note of thanks for the invitation and acknowledging the League’s support of agriculture—Oregon’s most stable industry. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch On March 7, the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction held public hearings and work sessions on five bills to rebalance the 2023-25 budget. OPB published an article to explain: If approved, the proposed spending would reduce the money lawmakers have left at the end of the 2023-25 budget by $425.6 million. The state’s top budget writers, state Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland, and state Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Portland, said much of the spending was already accounted for in a revenue forecast delivered last week. That forecast suggested lawmakers can count on $350 million more than previously expected as they build the next two-year budget. Senate President Rob Wagner provided a press release with a list of the major additional funding proposed. Expect the Full Ways and Means to take action on March 14 and then the bills go to the respective chambers for a vote where they should pass and be sent to the Governor for her signature. The legislature will then focus on the 2025-27 budgets. The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Capital Construction will next meet on March 21st when they will receive a report from the State Treasurer, including the 2025 bonding capacity, and from the Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS) on behalf of the Governor. 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 Info mtg. and public hearing March 13 DEQ: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet tentative info mtgs. April 7-9, public hearing April 10 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 . info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials (See Wildfire section for more information.) 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 has 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 LWVOR testimony . SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase (Work Session held Mar. 4 in Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire where it passed unanimously ) Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021 Public hearing Feb. 17 Meeting Materials **Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony . OPRD will need additional revenue sources for the 2027-29 biennium. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 tentative hearings March 17-18, public hearing on March 19. 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. & P ublic hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials 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. & P ublic 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. Dept. of Transportation: SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11 Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06. Meeting Materials 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 5006 This bill will be a vehicle to accept testimony from the public during six community meetings around the state from March 22 ending April 25 on the public’s priorities for the 2025-27 budget. 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.) 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 A public hearing was held on March 4 for the Eelgrass Action Bill (HB 3580) , a bill for kelp and eel grass conservation. The League signed on to a letter in support. Also heard was a bill to protect Rocky Habitat ( HB 3587 ). Here is a one-pager: Rocky Habitat Stewardship Bill (HB 3587) . The League also signed on to a letter in support. 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 as elements were added and updated over the years. A bill League is following is 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 was held. The -4 amendment was adopted unanimously on Feb. 25 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire and the bill has been sent to Ways and Means. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League supports SB 830 , a bill that m odifies 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 was held on Feb. 25 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire where it passed unanimously. Passed the full Senate March 6 . The League has signed on to a letter in opposition to HB 2642 which would privatize emissions testing. . 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. A public hearing was held on Feb. 18 in the Joint Committee On Transportation . 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 served on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. On Feb. 26 the advisory committee approved the Fiscal Impact Statement. A public comment period is expected in May. You are welcome to Sign up for email updates about this rulemaking via GovDelivery . The League again served on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases. A meeting was held on Feb. 25th where the committee agreed to forward their recommendation for the allowed annual 3% fee increase to the DEQ Director. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Water Quality Fees 2025 . DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) By Joan Fryxell On March 6th the Technical Review Team (TRT) met on the Calico Resources proposed Grassy Mountain gold mine near Vale in Malheur County. The TRT discussed Best Available Practicable and Necessary Technology (BAPNT). Information will be available online . 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. DEPT. OF STATE LANDS (DSL) DSL is seeking comments on a proposed sale of state-owned land located on the south shore of the western side of Hayden Island in Multnomah County. The 45-day comment period is open from March 5 – April 19. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The Dept. of State Lands 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 The League spoke and filed testimony on HB 2581 in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. The bill has passed the House. The Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs held a public hearing on March 6th and now has a work session scheduled March 18th. FORESTRY (ODF) By Josie Koehne The newest member to the 7-member Board of Forestry joined the Board for the first time at their March 5th meeting. Alexi Lovechio , of Ashland is Forests and Ecosystem Services Program Manager with Ecotrust, has a background in forest and climate policy, and has worked previously on botany surveys for the USDA Forest Service. Ben Deumling and Heath Curtis will continue to serve on the Board for 4 more years. The March 5th Board meeting focused primarily on internal governance issues, including the role of the chair, each member's top priorities for future Board discussions, a proposal for adding a rotating vice chair, edits to Board Policies Manual, and a presentation on the Dept of Forestry's Demographics and Workforce Trends. The Board has made progress on increasing women and DEI representation in ODF employment, but more work needs to be done since the agency staff are approximately 75% white male. The Board discussed sending a letter to the Legislature supporting full funding for the Private Forest Accord . Since one member declined to sign on and the letter would therefore not be unanimous, the letter will not be sent. The Legislature has charged the Board with developing rulemaking for tethered logging. There was an excellent presentation on the scientific research on tethered logging for protecting soils and improving logger safety. Private timber companies have been using and improving equipment and practices for many years now, and are very happy with its use for logging steep slopes. SB 1051 assigned to the Senate Rules Committee was discussed at length. The bill transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. The bill states that the State Forester or Deputy State Forester must be "a practical forester familiar with western conditions and experienced in organization for the prevention of forest fire." Most members oppose this bill on the grounds that the long-term appointment of the State Forester should not be subject to changes in the Governorship or subject to political influence. All agreed that a strong natural resources background should be a requirement in selecting a State Forester. The Board has already developed their list of desired attributes to guide them in the selection process. HB 3103 , a bill that would d irect the State Forester to establish “sustainable” harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and develop a timber inventory model to inform sustainable harvest levels while ignoring the court affirmed “greatest permanent value” was heard on March 3rd in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . The League OPPOSED . See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. GOVERNANCE Our partners in the Oregon Conservation Network alerted us to a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255 , HB 2303 , HB 2402 and HB 2427 . We are also 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. We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership. 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 . On Feb. 19, the Governor provided expectations and guidance for state agencies related to rulemaking and customer service. Upon outreach to the Governor’s Office, the League has been invited to participate in a series of discussions of rulemaking processes and committee membership selection. LAND USE & HOUSING By Peggy Lynch The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invite comments on a draft of the 2025 update to the Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP). The Plan is now available for comment through March 20; Webinars: Tuesday, March 11 and Friday, March 14. Business Oregon’s Infrastructure bill, HB 3031 , with a -1 amendment to clarity the criteria to be used to access the proposed $100 million fund had 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 supports this important funding bill. LWVOR testimony . Governor’s news release . Bills we are following: HB 2138 : Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands, filed at the request of the Governor. A public hearing was held on March 3rd in House Committee On Housing and Homelessness where a -1 amendment is posted as a “gut and stuff” for the bill. The Governor testified in support of the bill, but received concerns about the provision to allow for easier demolition of historic buildings and has stated that such a provision will be removed in the next amendment. Also not included was a provision that the League had objected to that would have exempted courtyards from cottage cluster development. At this time, the League is not planning to testify on this bill. HB 3145 : Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing. LWVOR should support. Public hearing is set for March 10. 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 passed by the Committee, will be sent to Ways and Means. 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 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. A public hearing was held Feb. 10. 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. A public hearing was held Feb. 10. HB 2422 : Requires that lands zoned to allow density of one or fewer dwellings per acre to be considered a rural use. A public hearing was held Feb. 10. HB 3062 : Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. A public hearing was held Feb. 20th. 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 Agriculture section of this report and the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (OPRD) The OPRD budget ( HB 5026 ) was heard March 3-5. The League provided testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office notes regarding concerns for the long-term sustainability of OPRD’s operational funding. The Department asserted that the largest known challenge for the 2025-27 biennium is addressing the gap between projected operational revenues and anticipated expenditures. Throughout this biennium as well as the next, OPRD’s operational budget is dependent on an existing beginning balance. This means the current level of expenditures, given projected revenues, is unsustainable for the long-term. While the dedicated programs remain sustainable, operational expenditures are outpacing Lottery Funds and non-dedicated Other Funds revenues used to support agency operations. WATER By Peggy Lynch The League continues to follow the concerns of residents of the Lower Umatilla basin. Here is the latest article from the Oregon Capitol Chronicle. We have received notice of the tentative public hearing dates for select water bills in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water : 3/10: Voluntary Agreements on Groundwater ( HB 3801 ) 3/10: Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ) 3/12: Deschutes Basin Water Bank Authority ( HB 3806 ) 3/12: Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ) 3/12: Contested Case Process Improvements ( HB 3544 ) 3/17: LCIS Natural Resources Capacity ( HB 3531 ) 3/19: Place-Based Water Planning ( HB 3116 ) League supports. 3/19: Chewaucan Basin Collaborative ( HB 3114 ) 3/19: Certified Water Right Examiners ( HB 3502 ) 3/24: Water Conservation, Efficiency, and Partial Forfeiture Protection (TBD) 3/31: Water Right, Dam Safety, and Well Related Fees ( HB 2803 , HB 2808 ) League supports. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD. 4/2: Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) Other water bills we are following: 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. A public hearing was held Feb. 17. 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. A public hearing was held Feb. 19. HB 3419 is the major broad set of water policy changes that is now 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. Per Rep. Owens: the -2 and -3 amendments on HB 3419 will NOT move. 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 3573 , a bill that addresses funding for a variety of water measurement strategies. The League supports. In 2024 the Water Caucus requested research support from the Legislative Policy Research Office (LPRO) to better understand the groundwater management policies of different agencies in Oregon. The Report on Groundwater Management is now available. Supreme Court weakens Clean Water Act: In an article from the Guardian: The US supreme court has weakened rules on the discharge of raw sewage into water supplies in a 5-4 ruling that undermines the 1972 Clean Water Act. The CWA is the principal law governing pollution control and water quality of the nation’s waterways. The court ruled on Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot employ generic, water body-focused pollution discharge limits to Clean Water Act permit holders, and must provide specific limitations to pollution permittees. The ruling is a win for San Francisco , which challenged nonspecific, or “narrative,” wastewater permits that the EPA issues to protect the quality of surface water sources like rivers and streams relied upon for drinking water. A work session was held on Mar. 3rd on HB 3341 in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . It appropriates $5 million to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for the Community Drinking Water Enhancement and Protection Fund. The League supported the establishment of this fund in past years. The bill passed and was referred to Ways and Means. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. HB 3106 is the Oregon Water Data Portal funding bill for which the League provided testimony in support. 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 at https://www.oregonwaterdata.org/ . Users can provide feedback about the beta version of the pilot portal by completing a survey or emailing OWDP@deq.oregon.gov . A public hearing was held on Feb. 26th in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water where a -1 amendment was shared that would create an entire multi-agency system for gathering the water data needed for good decision making. The League has yet to determine if this new proposal is good for Oregon. See the following Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board presentation and the Internet of Water Coalition presentation . The League has not weighed in on the amendment. 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 the 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. House Bill 3314 , sponsored by state Reps. Rob Nosse and Mark Gamba, would direct about $1 million to Oregon State University to finish designing a channel that would cut through Ross Island. See coverage here. WETLANDS A new Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been formed related to Permitting and Mitigation in Oregon's Wetlands and Waters. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers In the wake of a tumultuous year for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Governor Kotek recently announced she was seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester, who had previously been chosen by the Board of Forestry. Kotek has proposed Senate Bill 1051 , which was sponsored by Sen. Kayse Jama, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules. More details may be found in this OPB article . The wildfire related work this week began with a March 4th Public Hearing on SB 82 -1 , before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. This bill makes changes to a grant process which funds the Oregon Conservation Corps and their training. It requires the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) which handles the process to consult with the Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), to ensure different aspects of the wildfire mitigation work they perform meet the goals of those agencies. Later that same day, the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans held a Public Hearing on HB 3077 , a bill which would allow local government employees to volunteer for up to 30 days in a year to serve as volunteers in wildland fire suppression in emergency situations. The League monitored a meeting of the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety on March 5th, and the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources on March 6, where the long-awaited report of the Wildfire Funding Workgroup was heard. The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal were tasked by the legislature through Senate Bill 5701 (2024) to convene this workgroup to identify solutions for sustainable wildfire mitigation and suppression funding to address the growing wildfire crisis, and this was a report on that work. Presenting were Travis Medema, Deputy Chief Fire Marshal for OSFM; Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations for ODF; and Doug Grafe, Wildfire and Military Advisor to Governor Kotek. They detailed the foundational shared principles that grounded the work of the workgroup, singing the praises of the collaborative teamwork of the group and staff support over the summer during an extremely challenging wildfire season, and outlined the 6 Alternative Funding Strategies the group arrived at. More details may be found here . Kyle Williams stated that the “floor” for the investment needed is likely north of $300 million. We expect to see legislation on one or more of the six alternatives as well as other legislative proposals before the end of session. Also, on March 5, the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment held a Work Session on HB 3666 which would require an electric public utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification, and allow a consumer-owned utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification. It was passed without recommendation as to passage and referred to Judiciary. This article from the Oregon Capital Chronicle gives more detail on the objections of some to the bill, worrying that it would relieve electric utilities of responsibility for wildfire damages. Next was a Public Hearing before Senate Judiciary on SB 926 would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. Finally, on March 6th, the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment held a Public Hearing on HB 3172 . This bill directs OSFM to establish a grant program to facilitate the retrofitting of dwellings and accessory structures (aka home hardening), to reduce vulnerability to wildfire. 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.

OLIVIA HAN (she/her) OLIVIA HAN (she/her) Youth Vote Strategist Olivia is a junior at Sunset High School in Beaverton, Oregon. She is part of the International Internship Program for Advocacy through Leadership Initiatives, she is the Youth Voter Strategist for the League of Women Voters Youth Council Oregon, she was a two time international conference qualifier for her school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), received a Scholastic Arts and Writing silver key award for poetry and photography, is a published poet, has a blog about systemic injustice, wrote a published research paper about art and political discourse, is in the Carnegie Institute youth scholar program, and is Education Co-Lead on the National Student Advisory Council for Work2BeWell (Providence Healthcare). She is excited to see what junior year will bring her and is especially excited to participate in the IB Diploma Program. Outside of her academic pursuits, Olivia is an avid supporter of voter education and awareness, she strives to elevate others and express the importance of voting. She has written numerous speeches, papers, and studies about voter suppression in the United States and hopes to one day create steps towards equality in voting. This is Olivia’s first year participating in LWVOR Youth Council, and she has her eye on making civic participation a smoother experience for everyone. Through leading workshops and registering young voters, she hopes to make her community (and the world) a better place. She is excited to advocate for voters across Oregon as a member of the LWVOR Youth Council and can be contacted at youthoutreach@lwvor.org . youthoutreach@lwvor.org

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 1/27 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • 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 topic: Education Immigration Public Safety Human Services and Behavioral Health Education By Jean Pierce K-12 Education Legislators were given an overview of the numbers served by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE): 547,424 students speaking more than 360 languages (’23-24 numbers) 89,249 educators Staff of color comprise 14% of teachers 14% of administrators 20% of counselors 25% of educational assistants 197 districts including 1270 schools 131 charter schools 19 education service districts ODE legislative priorities include Streamlining the reporting processes for small school districts receiving state education grants Clarifying ODE complaint and investigations processes Higher Education Legislative Committees heard presentations describing the current state of funding, and foreshadowing requests for larger allocations. Information presented by the Higher Education Coordinating Council included: Oregon has seen the 7th highest increase in appropriations since 2013, when we ranked 49th in the country. Nevertheless, Oregon’s investment in higher education still lags behind the national average. Now we rank 37th among all states, coming in at 24% less than the national average of appropriations for full time student equivalents. Meanwhile, our 2-year tuition and fees are the second highest among 17 western states. The average is $2,444, while students are paying $6,464 in Oregon. And our four-year tuition and fees are the highest in the west - $13,440 compared to an average of $10,533 Further, our institutions of higher learning are projecting costs increasing by 9.5% for universities and by 10.5% for community colleges over the next biennium. These increases are mostly driven by labor costs. Immigration By Claudia Keith “ Oregon joins lawsuit over Trump attempt to end birthright citizenship ” Washington, Arizona and Illinois are also part of the case, while other Democratic states filed a separate lawsuit” | OCC “ Immigrants in Oregon could be significantly impacted by Trump’s second term . Here’s how. From international students to asylum seekers, the new administration’s plans could affect tens of thousands of people in the state “. | Oregon Capital Chron. “ Trump won’t ban immigration arrests at churches . Now clergy are weighing how to resist…” | Oregonian Oregon governor to stand by sanctuary law despite Trump-allied group’s warning of ‘serious consequences’ | Oregonian More info Here How Oregon is responding to Trump’s crackdown on immigration | OPB Oregon Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement OIRA Immigration and Refugee News and events and Mission, Vision and VALUES “As the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA) talks with federal, state, local and community partners, we will continue to post the most updated information we have on this web page .” Immigrants in Oregon : American Immigration Council The League has very clear immigration/refugee, human rights and other social policy positions ( state and national) and is following this currently developing situation. Find below an incomplete/tentative list of policy and or funding-related bills that may have traction. Additionally, there are a number of other bills supporting the new 2025 federal administration potential policies that, given House and Senate D super majorities, will likely not receive a public hearing. Immigration, Refugee / Asylum Bills and Budgets Bill # Description Policy Committee Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors: Comments SB 149 Immigration Study SCJ ? Sen Jama DHS SB 599 Immig status: discrimination in Real Estate transactions SCJ Sen Campos SB 611 Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented SC HS - JWM Sen Campos Rep Ruiz SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill SCJ Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. HC ECHS Rep Hartman HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - HC ECHS - JWM Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds HB 2586 nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Rep Hudson, Sen Campos HB 2543 The Act gives funds for universal representation and the Act gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal help for immigration matters 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS HB3193 Farm Worker Relief Fund HC LWPS 10 Rep Marsh, Sen Pham, Rep Valderrama OHA HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund JCWM-GG 7 Das Public Safety By Karen Nibler Joint Chamber Judiciary Committee meetings started with reports from the Oregon Judicial Department Court Administrators. The Judicial Department includes the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Tax Court, and 27 County Judicial Districts. The OJD plans to request additional judge positions in its budget request this biennium. Last session additional judges and staff were added but the number of cases are still increasing in family law and behavioral health. Specialty treatment courts require additional court staff time but have proven to be successful. The defense attorney shortage has also impacted the judicial schedules. OJD has developed an Electronic Court Information system for self-help for the public to access details on the court processes. The League has supported the budgets for the Judicial Department and its services. The Department of Corrections manages 12 state prisons and supports county correction services. The DOC has been fighting the presence of contraband drugs within the prison system and provides drug treatment programs within the facilities. The jail facilities are operated by counties, except for 2 counties, but the parole and probation staff are supported by the state. In the last session, drug treatment was initiated within county jail facilities. The Criminal Justice Commission started in 2018 when it provided funds for supervision and community treatment programs. In the last session, HB 4002 allocated funds for deflection programs now in 23 counties. SB 900 provided funding for organized retail theft disincentives. CJC monitors the grant process and funding management. Human Services and Behavioral Health By Karen Nibler The Director of the Human Services Department presented an overview of the major programs within the department. The One Eligibility Program has the task of determining eligibility for all the services. This includes Medicaid, Title IV E Children, and Long Term Care for Seniors and Disabled Persons. The Director discussed the goal of family preservation and services to families toward that goal. The League has been supportive of the agency budget and programs for homeless and runaway youth in past sessions. The Oregon State Hospital primarily holds persons who are unable to assist in their defense in criminal cases. Youth residential programs have been difficult to maintain. Prevention programs are needed in communities and schools.

League of Women Voters of Deschutes County since 2003 and on the local league board since 2017, as Event Chair and Program/Study Chair until present. Leader for LWVDC Study on Affordable Housing, completed in February 2021. Volunteered as LWVOR Interim Program/ Research Study Chair in October 2022 and was elected as Issues Positions Chair at State Convention in May 2023 (Term May 2023 to May 2025). Elected to Nominating Committee Chair in May 2025 (Term May 2025-May 2027) Annie relocated to Bend in 2002 and worked part-time as a long-term care assessment nurse and ran a bed and breakfast for 17 years. One of the primary reasons she moved to Bend was to become involved in and supportive of the community in a small town. She has volunteered with neighborhood associations and city committees. Annie has lived in Milwaukee, Denver, Washington DC, and New York City and has founded several businesses. She is an entrepreneur and community activist to the core! Annie is mom to three grown children and Granny Annie to five grandchildren living in Brooklyn, LA and Denver. Annie’s life joy is visiting with family as often as possible. Annie Goldner Nominating Committee Chair League of Women Voters of Deschutes County since 2003 and on the local league board since 2017, as Event Chair and Program/Study Chair until present. Leader for LWVDC Study on Affordable Housing, completed in February 2021. Volunteered as LWVOR Interim Program/ Research Study Chair in October 2022 and was elected as Issues Positions Chair at State Convention in May 2023 (Term May 2023 to May 2025). Elected to Nominating Committee Chair in May 2025 (Term May 2025-May 2027) Annie relocated to Bend in 2002 and worked part-time as a long-term care assessment nurse and ran a bed and breakfast for 17 years. One of the primary reasons she moved to Bend was to become involved in and supportive of the community in a small town. She has volunteered with neighborhood associations and city committees. Annie has lived in Milwaukee, Denver, Washington DC, and New York City and has founded several businesses. She is an entrepreneur and community activist to the core! Annie is mom to three grown children and Granny Annie to five grandchildren living in Brooklyn, LA and Denver. Annie’s life joy is visiting with family as often as possible.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - September Legislative Days Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey 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 Legislative Report Interim Technology, Cybersecurity Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Rebecca Gladstone The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. Senate Rules met Sept. 24 to consider various executive appointments. House Rules met Sept. 25 to hear testimony about some 1259 errors made at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles in forwarding records for non-citizens to the Secretary of State for voter registrations. The good news was that only 9 of these people actually voted (out of more than 3 million registered voters), and none of them affected the results of any election. The mistakes were made by the DMV, not by the SoS, nor by the non-citizens. The DMV has stated that the errors have been corrected, will not impact the November election, and will not happen again. Campaign Finance A CFR workgroup called by Rep. Fahey began meeting via video conferencing June 3. The work group’s goals are 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 most of the groups from business, labor and Honest Elections that negotiated on HB 4024. The LWVOR is represented by Norman Turrill. Honest Elections representatives have been disappointed that the other workgroup members have so far been unresponsive to suggested changes to HB 4024. Legislative Report Interim Technology, Cybersecurity By Becky Gladstone This section addresses this volunteer’s current projects and a few interim topics from the Joint Committee on Information Management & Technology, JCIMT , for AI, linked to cyber and election security. Oregon GEOHub app exploration: Rep. Gomberg submitted a legislative concept at our request, to resemble our Vote411.org for incumbents, like our printed They Represent You. This could be more comprehensive than the LWV Find Your Elected Officials or the OLIS Find Your Legislator . Importantly, it could help facilitate data compatibility improvements between various stakeholders we’re working with in the DoR Tax Districts workgroup, for ORMAP Tools . OLIS video navigation buttons. The League is requesting the insertion of 10 or 15 second forward and back navigation buttons for OLIS video recordings, since we listen carefully, to cite deliberations accurately, and toggling the time bar is awkward. Staff will request these OLIS video player buttons from the 3rd-party vendor. They suggest we cite OLIS users' support for this improvement, from legislative staff to lobbyists to interested citizens. Watch for more information. A few Interim Technology topics: See the JCIMT agenda , materials , and video . This ambitious, well-run, compatible committee has excellent grounding from Co-Chairs with relevant professional experience, to a highly engaged, diverse membership. Sean McSpaden, Committee Admin, serves as Oregon’s representative to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy , where states are collaborating to improve cyber defenses. They will be working on the following subjects heading into the 2025 session, including anticipating our bill on a GEOHub app to Find Your Legislators. An AI update, HB 4153 Enrolled (2024) : AI is expanding our abilities, to better present existing data, for example augmenting wildfire monitoring, with cameras up 99% of the time, supporting human observers. See the OSU Wildfire Map . We recommend subscribing to Watch Duty for fires and Shake Alert for quakes. AI is more of a discipline than a technology, note the 2024 OR Cyber Resilience Summit theme, Cybersecurity in an AI World . The vigorous Oregon Cyber Advisory Council has compiled 78 recommendations, aware of concerns that AI could replace humans and ensuring that humans be in these loops, more freed from tedium to improve public service access. Cyber attacks: AI might become helpful to protect against false information blasts, against elections work and media, and cyber attacks. Think “big data” sized attacks. The WA Employment Division breach was mentioned. Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment ( BEAD ) funding: Challenges include workforce and supply chain shortages and permitting complexities. A common state permitting app, across all Oregon governments, is a candidate’s hope. A cyber placeholder bill, expect another, no mention of data centers yet. Protective phone and tablet settings for minors, change to opt-out instead of opt-in settings.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/6 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop 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 Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Elliott State Research Forest Land Use/Housing Radioactive Waste State Lands Toxics Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team LWVOR has a statutory seat on the OHA’s Drinking Water Advisory Committee and we need a volunteer! Bills are being heard quickly as the session moves toward the first deadline: Feb 21 is the last date to file new bills, with a few exceptions. Then March 17 is the deadline for bills to get a Work Session (to be considered to vote on, in committee) with April 4 the last day for those bills to be voted on by the committee in the first chamber. With only 1.5-hour hearings twice a week, committees are struggling to hear bills assigned to them. One committee chair stated that they will only get to about one third of all the bills assigned to them. Agriculture SB 530 , the Natural Climate Solutions bill, will be heard Feb. 15 in Senate Natural Resources. See more info in the Climate section of this legislative report. Budgets/Revenue Natural Resource agency budgets are beginning to be heard. This week SB 5527 , the budget bill for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. was heard. Meeting materials will help explain the agency’s budget. The League may provide testimony on the budget on Feb. 9. See below in Land Use on the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development budget ( HB 5027 ) up for hearing Feb. 13 with public testimony Feb. 14. The Dept. of Geology and Mineral Services budget ( SB 5510 ) is up Feb. 15 with public testimony on Feb. 16. They have yet to provide a formal informational sheet, but see below under DOGAMI info on policy option packages in the Governor’s budget. See below in Water information on the Oregon Water Resources Dept. budget ( HB 5043 ). No hearing dates have been announced. We understand that tentatively the Oregon Dept. of Forestry budget ( HB 5020 ) will be scheduled for the end of February. Oregon Fish and Wildlife ( SB 5509 ) will be the week of March 20. Dept. of State Lands ( HB 5037 ) will be held mid-March and Dept. of Environmental Quality ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) at the end of March. Governor Kotek’s first biennial budget is here . For natural resource agency budgets, start on page 146 of the web document. The Governor’s budget is “balanced” with the use of the ending fund balances of $765 million from 2021-23 that would have gone to the Rainy-Day Fund. Oregon’s reserves are at $2 billion and use of those funds is not expected, nor is the kicker money expected to be returned to taxpayers. More information on potential kicker distribution amounts will be provided during the Feb. 22 Revenue Forecast. Kicker amounts won’t be finalized until the 2021-23 budget is closed in Sept. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See Climate Report in the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt The League has provided testimony in support of HB 2903 , to require Fish and Wildlife and State Lands to implement a program around Oregon’s marine reserves and new management areas. For more information on this issue, please review the Surfrider Foundation testimony . Department Of Environmental Quality The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission met February 9 and 10 , for a special meeting to interview the two DEQ Director position finalists (Leah Feldon and Jamie McLeod-Skinner). League members engage in this agency’s multiple missions and will be interested in the Commission’s decision. We will share results in our next report. Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The DOGAMI budget ( SB 5510 ) is up Feb. 15 with public testimony on Feb. 16. They have yet to provide an informational sheet, but see below info on policy option packages in the Governor’s budget: Package 101, MLRR ePermitting, has been approved in full (2 positions), Package 104, Consolidated Mining Permit Lead 0.75 FTE retained, and 0.25 FTE added, Package 106, Infrastructure Permit Support, has been approved in full, (2 positions), Package 107, Unpermitted Surface Mining Program, has been adjusted to provide two Limited Duration positions (half of original proposal request). Package 104 is a cost recovery position and paid for entirely by Paramount Gold Nevada (also known as the Calico Gold Mine project out of Vale, OR) under a budget line that is labeled Other Fund. Packages 101, 106, and 107 are General Fund Positions in 2023-25. Elliott State Research Forest By Peggy Lynch The Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Authority Provisional Board of Directors met February 8 in Roseburg. Here is the Elliott website for more information. It was the first meeting of the new Board—a group that will be responsible for our new Elliott State Research Forest Authority—a new Oregon public agency as of Jan. 1, 2024. Topics discussed included brief project updates, review of a draft 2023 Elliott Work Plan, and discussion of the roles and responsibilities of the Board. Meeting materials. Meeting video will be posted to the Department of State Lands YouTube channel and meeting notes are posted to DSL's Elliott website here . There is still much to be done. A contract needs to be written that will have OSU manage the Forest. We are still awaiting a clear financial plan, something LWVOR wants. The Shutter Creek facility is still being considered for the Forest, but again finances need to be clear. DSL is formally consulting with one of Oregon’s tribes on Feb. 23. DSL needs to decide to officially request the facility by March 1 and may have to pay for 12-months of maintenance (@ $30,000 per month) until all decisions are made about who owns what. The League did point out the importance of the Shutter Creek sewer system to the City of Lakeside. Lastly, the new public agency will need to go through the official state budget process in the 2024 legislative session. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) Governor’s Budget bill ( HB 5027 ) will be up for a hearing Feb. 13 with public testimony Feb. 14. The Governor invests heavily in the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis program (See HB 2889 below). But the wildfire and climate positions, among others, are not in the Governor’s budget. SB 70 was heard Feb. 8 in the Senate Natural Resources . The bill amends the definition of high-value farmlands for residential rezoning of lands within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region from SB 16 (2021). LWVOR opposed SB 16 due to conversion of EFU lands and the need for water and septic systems for rural housing; however, it did pass in 2021. Because Malheur County has concerns about implementing SB 16 EFU definitions, SB 70 has been filed this session. LWVOR provided testimony in opposition, continuing to focus on water quality and quantity. It is unclear whether SB 70 significantly changes a definition of high value farmland such that others might be able to apply to build on land in irrigation districts. More land requests are being considered by the Semiconductor Committee. Here is a KGW article on the land use requests. HB 2889 : Establishes Oregon Housing Needs Analysis within the Housing and Community Services Department. LWVOR supports . This is a Priority housing bill for LWVOR this session. We understand the bill will have amendments and may have another public hearing next week. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Radioactive Waste By Shirley Weathers The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) has indicated that it will publish its initial draft proposed rules after processing informal input from RAC members (deadline March 1) and will then convene an additional RAC meeting to review the draft rule language and outstanding policy issues sometime this spring. Recycling By Kathy Moyd The Right to Repair bill, SB 542 , was heard in Senate Energy and Environment (SEE) Feb. 9. We have written testimony in support. The remaining three “Zero Waste” bills related to polystyrene and plastics, SB 543 , SB 544 , and SB 545 , will be considered during a public hearing in the SEE Feb 14th. We are preparing written testimony. State Lands By Peggy Lynch HB 2238 would allow for rulemaking to increase fees related to removal or fill permit applications, wetland delineation reports and general authorizations. The League supports this work to more fairly fund the removal/fill program among users while keeping some costs for the public because these are public lands. Toxics By Paula Grisafi LWVOR is following SB 426 , the Toxics Free Schools bill. It has been assigned to Senate Education. We understand the hearing will be Feb. 23 and League testimony will support. Water By Peggy Lynch LWVOR has a statutory seat on the OHA’s Drinking Water Advisory Committee and we need a volunteer! HB 2813 , the Safe Drinking Water bill, was heard on Feb. 2. Here is the introductory presentation by Dylan Kruse of Sustainable Northwest and here is our testimony in support. The League also provided testimony in support of HB 3125 to create a new Ratepayer Fund to help low income people pay for sewer and water bills. The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) provided their one-pager on the Governor’s Recommended Budget with the list of Policy Option Packages included. We will need to compare this document with the Agency Request Budget to determine what testimony LWVOR will provide when their budget is heard in Ways and Means. The League has participated in the past two Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) documents. That document is set to be updated again and OWRD is partnering with Oregon’s Kitchen Table (OKT) to provide outreach and engagement for the 2023 IWRS update. The League has been asked to reach out to our members. Here are opportunities: OWRD and OKT will hold two identical Zoom calls for this discussion. If you are interested, please register for the one time slot that works best for your schedule, using the links below. February 21 at 2:00-3:00 pm https://bit.ly/Feb21OKT February 23 at 9:00-10:00 am https://bit.ly/Feb23OKT We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” We will review HB 2647 , a bill that declares harmful algal blooms to be a menace to public health and welfare. The bill is set to be heard in the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water on Feb. 16. Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers The League monitored the Senate Natural Resources February 6 public hearing on SB 82 , which prohibits insurance companies from using statewide map of wildfire risk as the basis for canceling policy or increasing premium, and SB 509 , which requires the Oregon Department of Forestry to study community-based programs for reducing wildfire risk, among other things, and would declare an emergency upon passage so that grant funding and other program items can begin immediately. See Meeting materials . LWVOR provided testimony in support of the -1 amendment while expecting more amendments to continue to improve the bill. The updated January 2023 Annual Report of the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council was referenced as an extremely valuable and informative publication repeatedly throughout the hearing on SB 509. An additional SB 505-1 scheduled Public Hearing was delayed due to time constraint. It directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt wildfire hazard mitigation building code standards that apply to new dwellings and the accessory structures of dwellings. In a new study ( source ), we found a 246% increase in the number of homes and structures destroyed by wildfires in the contiguous Western U.S. between the past two decades, 1999-2009 and 2010-2020. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Above you can see the names of League volunteers who covered one or more issues. Volunteers are needed. What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. The 2023 legislative session is at hand with over 2,000 bills already filed. Help! Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly 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.

Jean was introduced to the League in 2008 after she retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Her first experience was serving on the national League’s study committee which developed the Federal Role in Public Education position. She headed the equity part of the study. After that experience, she joined the LWV of Illinois Issues and Advocacy Committee, which she chaired from 2014-2023. In 2023 she moved to Oregon, joining the Washington County Unit and the LWVOR Action Committee. Currently, Jean serves as Chair of the Action Committee for the state League. She is the Coordinator of Social Policy, with a focus on Education issues. Jean Pierce 2nd Vice President and Action Chair Jean was introduced to the League in 2008 after she retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Her first experience was serving on the national League’s study committee which developed the Federal Role in Public Education position. She headed the equity part of the study. After that experience, she joined the LWV of Illinois Issues and Advocacy Committee, which she chaired from 2014-2023. In 2023 she moved to Oregon, joining the Washington County Unit and the LWVOR Action Committee. Currently, Jean serves as Chair of the Action Committee for the state League. She is the Coordinator of Social Policy, with a focus on Education issues.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop 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 Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of Geology And Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Dept. Of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Services Forestry (ODF) Land Use & Housing Natural Resources Pesticides 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. 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 Keiser 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; and 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. Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 DEQ: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet Public hearing tentative 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 Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 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 has 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. 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 Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021 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 . Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Tentative public hearing Feb. 23-24 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.) 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. 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 5006 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 Deadline for federal budget to be passed again; 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. 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. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal A bill League is following is SB 504. League members might want to read the testimony related to shoreline stabilization. We are awaiting bill numbers for kelp and eel grass conservation and protection of Rocky Habitat—both bills the League will support. 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. See the announcement on Offshore Wind Energy Roundtable Feb. 20-21 in Lincoln City or you can watch on zoom. Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch 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. 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 are two additional meetings set for Feb. 13 and 26. You are welcome to Sign 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. Dept. of Geology And Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Joan Fryxell The League provided testimony on the DOGAMI budget, including support for the Geologic Carbon Sequestration Pilot. On Jan. 28th, the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment received a presentation on the proposed pilot project on Geologic Carbon Sequestration Potential in Oregon. Follow up materials were provided. 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 will provide testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and cumbersome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. See the Governance Section of the Legislative Report for further information. Dept. Of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch The Director of DSL published a proposed increase in permit fees for Removal/Fill program: “Oregon’s Removal-Fill Law helps protect wetlands and waters by requiring permits to remove or add materials in wetlands, rivers, streams, lakes, and other waters of the state.” A League member served on the rulemaking advisory committee . “The statutory Common School Fund heavily subsidizes Oregon’s removal-fill permitting process .” “Visit the DSL website to see a draft of the proposed rules and program fees, all related materials from the rulemaking process, and the online comment form: www.oregon.gov/dsl/Pages/rulemaking.aspx . The comment deadline is February 17th at 5:00 p.m.” The next State Land Board meeting is Feb. 11. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) You can read the latest about the Elliott State Research Forest in their latest press release. Included is that the 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, 2025 (closes at 5 p.m. Pacific). The ESRF Board met Feb. 5th. Here is the agenda, meeting materials and a zoom link. Emergency Services By Rebecca Gladstone HB 2581 : 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. A work session was held on Feb 6 in H Comm On Emergency Mngmt, Gen Gov, and Veterans where the bill passed unanimously. Forestry (ODF) By Josie Koehne The League provided comments on HB 2072 , the biennial forest products harvest tax bill with concerns that the bill raises no revenue for counties where the timber is harvested and provides limited revenue needed to pay for the Dept. of Forestry costs. The League has continued to support alternative taxation such as a severance tax that would provide additional revenue. SB 404 directs the State Board of Forestry to convey certain state forest lands to a county that determines that the county would secure the greatest permanent value of the lands to the county and requests conveyance. LWVOR will oppose. See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch On Feb. 10th in the House Committee on Housing there are a number of bills the League will oppose: 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. The bills allow housing outside of cities and some could violate Goals 3 and 4 of our land use system. We are pleased to learn that Business Oregon’s Infrastructure Bill will be filed soon (HB 3031) with an amendment to clarity the criteria to be used to access the proposed $100 million fund. The amendment to the bill will be filed shortly. Other bills we are following: 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. HB 3062 : Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. LWVOR may support. 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. We expect a -1 and then a -2 amendment. 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 moneys for factory-built housing. LWVOR should support. Not sure if in our Housing portfolio or Land Use. 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. A -1 amendment will be considered at a public hearing on Feb. 5th in House Housing. 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. 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. 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 had a public hearing on Feb. 5th. OregonFlora provides comprehensive information about ~4,700 vascular plants in Oregon to the public; state and federal agencies; educational institutions; businesses; consumers; and scientists, providing significant economic, social, and educational benefits. 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. Pesticides HB 2679 directs the State Department of Agriculture to classify certain pesticides containing neonicotinoids as restricted-use. The League has supported a similar bill in past sessions. Water By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony on HB 2168 at the House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee. The bill requests $5 million for the on-site septic loan program, another $5 million for the Well Water Repair and Replacement Fund and monies to help the Oregon State Extension Service reach out to potential recipients. The bill was unanimously sent to Ways and Means on Feb. 3rd. 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. 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. Oregon Water Data Portal debuted Jan. 31s t. A 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 at https://www.oregonwaterdata.org/ . Users can provide feedback about the beta version of the pilot portal by completing a survey or emailing OWDP@deq.oregon.gov . The objective of a water data portal is to bring together Oregon’s water data and information into a single point of access so that water decision makers and others can find the data, and to improve data access and integration for better water-related decision-making. 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.” 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. 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. This session’s version of the bill narrows the use of the credit from statewide to the two coastal counties. But the concept is complicated and this area of the coast is critical salmon habitat. 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 Following up on the League’s coverage of the homeowners insurance issues facing Oregon due to increased natural disaster claims last week, here is a brief Oregon Public Broadcasting article from February 6, which offers further perspective on the issue. The cost of homeowners insurance is a real and growing problem which affects the entire market, and one which will continue to deteriorate, at least in the short term. While Oregon is not immune to these effects, it is important to note that the situation is much worse elsewhere, especially in California, Florida and Texas where natural disaster claims are the highest. The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire met on February 4 and heard Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple give brief overviews of 4 bills relating to various items relating to finances and other housekeeping tasks the agency hopes to undertake. Descriptions of the bills, SB 860, SB, 861, SB 862 and SB 863 may be found here . The League notes that SB 863 specifically authorizes OSFM to recover costs from a person who starts a fire. It would further authorize the Attorney General to assist in investigating liability, issue subpoenas and prosecute cases to recover costs, and gives OSFM broad authority to undertake actions to collect any monies due to the actual costs of such wildfires. These judgements and settlements would, be permitted to be added to the State Fire Marshal Mobilization Fund, with the passage of SB 861. Also on February 4, the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans held an informational meeting which featured Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewald, the Adjutant General for the Oregon National guard. He gave a report which included details of support provided by the National Guard during the 2024 wildfire season, and how 270 Guard members were deployed to support wild land firefighting operations. That was followed by a Public Hearing on HB 3150 , another version of a handful of bills this session which aim to establish a $1,000 income tax credit for volunteer firefighters. Finally, OSFM recently released their Biannual Report which reports on programs the agency has successfully implemented, and recaps some of the positive outcomes of investments in equipment and community wildfire mitigation programs. 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.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • 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 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Behavioral Health Child Care Education Gun Policy Healthcare Housing Legislation Immigration Behavioral Health By Trish Garner A Work Session was held regarding HB 2015- 4 in the Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Public Safety which returned it to the full Ways & Means Committee with a “do pass” recommendation. A Ways & Means Committee Work Session resulted in a “do pass” recommendation. This bill generally directs the Oregon Health Authority to submit to the Legislature by September 15, 2026, a report with findings and recommendations about operating secure residential facilities in Oregon. The A - 4 amendment appropriates $1.3 million in General Fund and $977,888 in federal fund monies. On the surface this bill might look more like a revenue or a study bill but instead it directs OHA to undertake important actions designed to modify current practices taking place in residential treatment facilities. For example, the OHA must adopt rules to support such facilities in developing early transition programs for residents. It is mandated to identify alternatives to the current requirements on nurse staffing, which provide that a nurse be present at all times (on call nursing doesn’t count). This requirement is particularly challenging in non-urban settings. Another ongoing problem is a requirement that a patient must be physically present in the facility in order for the facility to be paid for its services. This is particularly complicated when a patient is moving to transition from the facility. HB 2015A – A4 also seeks to evaluate methods to group patients who have similar needs for services in the same facilities and thereby optimize care. In a Work Session the Ways & Means Joint Subcommittee on Human Services passed and referred HB 2024 -6 to the full Ways & Means Committee. This bill appropriates $45,000,000.00 to the Oregon Health Authority to establish a grant program that would support the recruitment and retention of behavioral health workers at eligible entities. These entities must provide behavioral health services to youth or adults where at least half of the clients are uninsured or enrolled in Medicare or the state medical assistance program. The services include, for example, office-based medication-assisted treatment, a suicide prevention hot line, and urban American Indian and tribal mental health health programs. The bill also directs OHA to implement an incentive payment program that would increase employee wages at these facilities at rates which are commensurate with entities that aren’t providing these services. The latter presumably refers to private behavioral health care facilities. HB 2059 – 4 was heard in the Ways & Means Joint Committee on Human Services Work Session and was returned to the full Ways & Means Committee. The bill directs that OHA establish a unit dedicated to developing facilities that provide adult behavioral health services across state trauma regions and that $90,000,000,00 be appropriated to OHA for this purpose. These facilities include inpatient psychiatric facilities, residential treatment homes, adult foster homes, residential substance use disorder treatment programs and crisis facilities. The unit is directed to develop plans and provide funding for the construction and staffing of these facilities in collaboration with regional partners and practitioners. HB 2467 - 4 and -6 modifies the criteria by which an individual with a mental illness can be civilly committed or be compelled to receive treatment. On June 10th, the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Public Safety passed the bill to the full Ways & Means Committee with a “do pass” recommendation. It was then scheduled for a hearing before the W&M Committee on June 13th, but it has since been pulled from that Committee agenda. HB 2467 defines factors a court can use to justify civil commitment, which include danger to self or others, being unable to provide for basic personal needs, or having a chronic mental disorder. Dangerousness to self requires that a person engage in or threaten to engage in behavior that is likely to result in serious physical harm in the near future. The “danger to others” standard uses similar language but omits the word “serious.” Notably, both standards eliminate the current legal requirement of an “imminent” danger. The A - 4 Amendment clarifies that “serious physical harm” means serious physical injury, pain or other physiological impairment that causes a risk of death, serious and irreversible deterioration of health of any bodily organ. The A - 6 Amendment provides $6.5 million to the Oregon Health Authority for payments to community mental health programs regarding civil commitments and for providing public defense to financially eligible persons who are civilly committed. During the Subcommittee hearing, an interesting and frequently asked question was raised: assuming that HB 2467’s proposed changes in civil commitment law will result in a greater number of people qualifying for civil commitment and given the current lack of residential space for individuals with behavioral health issues, where are they going to be treated? One response is that other bills are funding increased behavioral health capacity, i.e. HB 2059 (see above) and HB 5025 , the OHA budget. The other, more complicated point articulated by proponents is that HB 2467 represents a first step in a process to more efficiently and effectively organize the delivery of behavioral health care services in Oregon. There are two processes to compel treatment for people with severe mental health symptoms; one is civil commitment and the other is the criminal “aid and assist” process. “Aid and assist” refers to the process which takes place when an individual is charged with a crime but is unable to “aid and assist” in their defense. The latter individuals are sent to the Oregon State Hospital where currently 95% of all patients at OSH are “aid and assist” patients. This situation leaves individuals with serious mental health symptoms untreated and just waiting until their symptoms result in an arrest for a crime. HB 2467 seeks to at least clarify the civil commitment process. It is also anticipated that in future Sessions the legislature may consider outpatient, not inpatient, civil commitments as well as guardianships that would support continued medication management and treatment of individuals in their communities. A Public Hearing and a Work Session were held in the Rules Committee regarding HB 3294 – 3 which resulted in a unanimous “do pass” recommendation and, due to a minimal fiscal impact, the rescission of a subsequent referral to the Ways & Means Committee. This legislation proposes changes to previous laws regarding hospital staffing plans and minimum nurse-to-patient ratios [ HB 2697 (2023) and SB 469 (2015) ]. HB 3294-3 provides that hospitals must either comply with nurse-to-patient staffing ratios established by a nurse staffing committee or if one has not been established, the hospital must comply with nursing staffing ratios applicable to the hospital. In an effort to clarify the enforcement processes, OHA is also granted the authority to consolidate complaints that contain the same complaints and assess penalties on hospitals which have not adopted a hospital-wide nurse staffing plan. On a party line vote (4 Democrats to 3 Republicans) the House Committee on Rules passed HB 3835A - 13 and referred it to Ways & Means with a ”do pass” recommendation. The bill relates to the nature of restraint that can be used in foster care settings, when and how abuse complaints can be brought against staff, processes for out-of-state foster care placements and access to secure transportation services. Rules regarding these issues were legislatively adopted in 2021 by SB 719 sponsored by Senators Sarah Gelser-Blouin and James Manning, Jr. Since these rules were adopted, Oregon has seen a 41% reduction (2021-2024; from 90 to 53 facilities) in licensed residential facilities that can serve children and youth with behavioral or psychiatric treatment. Oregon has also lost more than half (from 31 to 14) of its programs that certify foster parents who provide specialized behavioral health treatment and support. The System of Care Advisory Council sought to address these issues and made recommendations that were largely adopted in HB 3835. At the Work Session Senator Gelser-Blouin expressed her strong objection to HB 3835 – Amendment 13 and advocated on behalf of Amendment 11 which she had filed. She contends that the new rules weaken protections for foster youth. She also expressed concerns about re-establishing the use of out-of-state placements for foster youth, citing the documented abuses which took place regarding such placements prior to the 2021 passage of SB 719. Child Care By Katie Riley Oregon legislators are proposing cuts to the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) budget ( SB 5514 ) due to projected reduced funding for the state from federal sources and the corporate tax. Cuts that are proposed include the Preschool Promise program that provides preschool for 3 and 4 year olds from families whose income is up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and Healthy Families, which provides long-term regular visits with high-need families. The cuts total about $45 million or approximately a 3% reduction from previous funding for the department. The Employment Related Day Care, which provides subsidized child care for low-income working families and has a long waitlist is not one of the programs proposed for cuts. The Oregonian article provides further details. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley HB 3582 A , which removes the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault claims, passed unanimously out of Senate Judiciary on June 11 with a do-pass recommendation and is now headed to the Senate floor. The League submitted supportive testimony for the public hearing on June 10. Education By Jean Pierce SB5516 A is awaiting third reading in the House. In recognition of the revenue forecast, this bill would provide for an adjusted current service level of almost $11.4 billion. The committee is anticipating that local revenues will total $5.6 billion in the next two years, so total formula resources are expected to be more than $16.7 billion for the 2025-27 biennium. This represents a 10.5% increase over the 2023-25 biennium. The funds would provide a welcome boost, though it still falls short of the 30% increase recommended by the American Institute of Research which recommended a 30% increase in funding, with more attention to equitable spending for the education of low income and high needs students. SB 5525 -3, the HECC budget is awaiting third reading in the Senate. For the most part, the proposed budget maintains the Current Service Level, (CSL). It is important to note that the Oregon Opportunity Grant and Benefits Navigators would at least be maintained at CSL, but legislators expressed concern that funding for the Outdoor School Program would be cut. The allocation is 6.2% below the last biennium, so this bill does nothing to address the fact that Oregon has been ranked 46th in the nation for state investment in higher education. They recognized that in future sessions, the thinking needs to shift from CSL to setting a higher target. Gun Policy By Marge Easley There was a last-minute surprise when SB 243 B was heard in House Judiciary on June 11—the appearance of a -13 amendment. If passed, the amended bill would still ban rapid-fire devices and give Oregon’s cities and counties the authority to regulate firearms in public buildings, and a new section of the bill would be added to provide an effective date of March 15, 2026, for the implementation of Measure 114, the “Reduction of Gun Violence Act.” The measure, which requires a permit to purchase a firearm and bans large-capacity magazines, has been held up in the courts since its passage in 2022 and currently awaits a ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court on its constitutionality. It was announced on June 12 that oral arguments are set for November 6. At the federal level, there was news on June 9 that sixteen states, including Oregon, filed suit against the Trump administration over its plan to allow the sale of forced-reset triggers and return to the owners those triggers that were previously seized. Last month the Justice Department made a deal with the manufacturer of the devices to allow them to be sold, despite a Biden administration determination that semiautomatic rifles equipped with the devices operate essentially as illegal machine guns. Healthcare By Christa Danielson SB 951 enrolled, signed by Governor Kotek. The bill would keep management service agencies away from patient care. It also Voids noncompetition agreements, nondisclosure agreements and nondisparagement agreements between certain business entities and medical professionals, with specified exceptions, This bill will strengthen the prohibition on the corporate practice of medicine. This bill will not allow a management service organization to set clinical policies, make diagnostic coding decisions or set prices for medical services. The League submitted testimony in support HB 2690 Insurance Mandate Review Board. In Ways and Means. This would support LPRO to study a specific number of proposed measures related to health This would cost approximately 600,000 per biennium. This is the third year for similar bills to be promoted and is designed to provide more in-depth analysis of proposed health insurance mandates. The Committee would not set policy but would examine proposed legislation for scientific proof of benefit, equality and accessibility along with cost to the health system. The bill is in Ways and Means but has strong support from the Legislators. HB 3212 Pharmacy Benefit Managers-attempts to save rural pharmacies by limiting the powers of Pharmacy Benefit managers who have been previously able to determine where someone should go for their medications, get deals that are not passed on to patients and/or attempt to get money from pharmacies after the point of sale without a possibility of appeal. The bill is in House Rules. SB 296 A This bill would authorize a study of discharges from the hospital to an appropriate level of care. This is to be done by the Department of Health and OHA. This bill is a continuation of a volunteer work group who came up with ten recommendations to help get patients out of the hospital who do not need hospital level of care. The bill contains many items but importantly the study would examine how to get patients on medicaid faster, but would also include money to cover 100 days of nursing home care for medicaid patients discharged from the hospital. Money is also included to study the regulatory environment for care settings, study options to increase adult foster home settings, and to study options to waive asset testing for Medicaid coverage of long term care. The fiscal amount asked for is around 8 million for the biennium, but would provide very important work to facilitate appropriate usage of hospital and help hospitals maintain services. This bill is assigned to the Joint Ways and Means subcommittee on Human Services. Hb 3134 Will require reporting by insurances of Prior Authorizations to DCBS make data available to the public. This date will include number of days it takes to make a PA determination, the number of appeals and the time spent. This bill would also prohibit insurers to require additional prior authorization during a surgical procedure if further surgeries are deemed necessary. This bill had broad support and passed the House and the Senate. LWVOR testified in support. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona HB 5011 Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Budget The Legislative Fiscal Office recommends a 2025-27 total funds budget for the Housing and Community Services Department of $2,667,240,094 and 478 positions (474.50 FTE). This is a 28.2% decrease from the 2023-25 legislatively approved budget, and 39.3% increase from the 2025-27 current service level. The recommended budget includes the following General Fund investments: · $204.9 million General Fund to support homeless and emergency shelters. · $50.3 million General Fund rehousing services; HB 5011 – Work Session Recommendations. · $87.4 million in one-time General Fund support for long term (up to 24 months) rental assistance. · $33.6 million General Fund for eviction prevention services. · $10 million General Fund to support housing initiatives of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Native American tribes. · $8 million to fund an increase in the services subsidy rate for housing units in the agency’s permanent supportive housing portfolio. · $3.9 million for downpayment assistance. · $2 million for foreclosure avoidance services provided by certified housing counsellors. · $2 million for manufactured home repair and replacement. This budget, released on June 10, included a substantial reduction from the $130.2 million allocated in 2023-25 for emergency rent assistance and homelessness prevention to $33.6 million for the 2025-27 budget currently proposed by the Legislature. Housing advocates have expressed concern over the large reduction in what is a highly cost-effective approach to addressing homelessness. Keeping people in housing is much less expensive than funding a shelter bed. Moving people from shelters to housing is complex, costly, and has a lower success rate. Governor Kotek acknowledged the difficult choices facing the Legislature this session. In recognition of the importance of preventing homelessness, the Legislative Fiscal Office included a budget note in its June 10 letter to the Transportation and Economic Development Committee. It recommends that OHCS report back to the Joint Ways and Means Committee in February 2026 with a recommendation for maximizing direct assistance to households in need of eviction and homelessness prevention services. Bills passed HB 2964 A Enrolled requires OHCS to award loans for the predevelopment costs of affordable housing and a grant to assist nonprofits receiving grants or loans. The bill passed the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on April 15. It was then referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Development. The bill passed the Senate on June 12 with 24 Ayes; and 4 Nays. LWV testimony supported passage of this bill. HB 3054 A Enrolled will limit rent increases and sales constraints by a landlord in a home park or marina, which can threaten residents’ ability to stay in their homes. It creates an exception for certain infrastructure upgrades approved by a vote of the tenants. It will fix at six percent maximum rent increases for rental spaces in larger facilities and will limit to 10 percent the maximum increase in rent paid by the purchaser of a dwelling or home in a facility. It will prohibit a landlord from requiring aesthetic improvements or internal inspections as conditions of sale. The bill passed the House, and the Senate Committee on Housing and Development held a work session on May 19 and recommended passage. On June 12 the bill was passed by the Senate with 17 Ayes and 10 Nays. LWVOR submitted a letter in support. HB 3521 is now headed to Gov. Kotek’s desk for her signature. It will allow Oregon renters who haven’t signed a lease agreement to have their deposits returned if the home has mold, unsafe electrical wiring or other defects making it uninhabitable. With so few rentals available for prospective tenants,”hold deposits” can help renters secure a home. However, some landlords have taken advantage of the system to pressure renters to accept residences that do not meet health and safety standards. Landlords will have five days to return deposits or face a fee equivalent to the deposit they charged or more. The bill passed the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on April 17 in a 33-18 vote, and on June 12, it passed the Senate Committee on Housing and Development in a 20 - 8 vote. When enacted, the bill will apply to deposits received on or after Jan. 1, 2026. Bill Progressing The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development held work session this week on SB 829 A which would require the Department of Consumer and Business Services to establish an Affordable Housing Premium Assistance Fund to help eligible entities with the costs of paying property insurance or liability insurance premiums for affordable housing, shelters and other facilities. It also requires the department to study the feasibility of creating and operating a state reinsurance program or devising another solution to support price stability in the market for insurance to cover affordable housing. The Joint Ways and Means Committee held a work session on June 13 and voted Do Pass with an -A3 Amendment. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith Highlights - News League of W omen Voters Condemns Use of Federal Force on Peaceful Protestors | League of Women Voters (last updated June 8 2025) Protests grow across the U.S. as peopl e push against Trump’s mass deportation policies - OPB Trump Shifts Deportation Focus, Pausing Most Raids on Farms, Hotels and Eaterie s - The New York Times Trump administration tells immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela they have to leave - ABC News Immigration officers on fast track to deportation | Oregon / Northwest | centraloregondaily.com New Washington laws strengthen protections for immigrant communities amid federal attacks | Local News | Spokane | The Pacific Northwest Inlander | News President Trump Tells Citizens to ‘Fiercely Guard’ American Way of Life in New Naturalization Ceremony Message Friday, June 13 – Washington State House Democrats Legislative Bulletin — Friday, June13, 2025 - National Immigration Forum Oregon Legislature BIPOC Caucus - Social Media Link Click Scroll Bar on Bottom of Table to View All Columns Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 A Immigration (support services) JWM waiting for Fiscal Y Sen Jama -3 amendment SB 599A Immig status: discrimination in RealEstate transactions Gov Signed Eff 5/28/2 5 N Sen Campos SB 611 Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented JWM 8 Sen Campos Rep Ruiz amendment -1 SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill JWM 6 Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G Testimony HB 2548 Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. Study Bill, see -7 amend H Rules WS 6/16 possibly w néw amendments. -6 0.6 Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony Fiscal -7 Amendment HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. JWM 1.5 Rep Hartman HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - HC ECHS - JWM dead Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds * likely end of session Reconcilation Bill HB 2586 A nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Gov Signed RepHudson, SenCampos League Testi mony HB 2543 funds for universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters HC Jud dead 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS - see sb 703 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund JWM 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama OHA HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund (Prev yr legal rep funds eliminated) JWM WS was 5/29, passed LFO d etails Amendment Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 4/10 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey 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: Cybersecurity and Public Records Rights of Incarcerated People Redistricting Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Privacy, Transparency, Public Records, and Cybersecurity By Rebecca Gladstone Bills are appearing fresh here, including some we missed in the first chamber. These are complex issues meriting careful research, some with interestingly split votes: HB 2107 extends automatic voter registration via the OHA, Oregon Health Authority. We were sorry to see an amendment for a pending work session to cut the Powder River facility pilot project from the bill. HB 2129 : This communications transparency bill addresses executive session confidentiality, recording of confidential meetings, communications in the public interest and public records issues that relate to our SB 417 Task Force discussions. It passed from the House with broad support, public hearing rescheduled to Sen. Judiciary for April 20. SB 11 requires virtual public state meetings to record and promptly publicize recordings. This has strong bipartisan support for access and transparency. We will be looking for data retention cybersecurity guardrails. HB 2095 : This traffic-cams-in-cities bill passed from the House 35 to 20, awaiting Senate floor 2 nd reading. HB 3127 A : No hearing is set yet for this “TikTok bill”, referred to Sen. Vets, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs. It prohibits installing or downloading certain “covered products” onto state information technology assets. It passed 52 to 4 from the House floor, not on strictly partisan lines. (Reminder, this will not apply to other users.) HB 5035 : We noted 100 filed statements, most very brief, many openly responding to a request for Corporate Division funding support. The League, Common Cause, The Oregon Association of County Clerks, and the Attorney General submitted on other aspects of the bill. See Lobbying email from Oregon Secretary of State’s office raises eyebrows in Salem . We support this SoS budget bill ( our testimony ). SB 510 : This SB 417 funding bill was voted all ayes, with two excused from JW&Ms on April 7, with a Do Pass recommendation. It would improve efficiency, cost estimates and budgeting, and sustainable funding for the PRAC. See our testimony in support . SB 417 : The Task Force appointed at Sen. Rules’ Chair Lieber’s request after the Feb 7 public hearing, continues to meet weekly, hoping to conclude soon to propose an amendment. This phrase is an example from the bill: “(D) Whether waiving or substantially reducing fees would create an articulable and substantial burden on the public body in a manner that outweighs the public interest in disclosure….” We support this detailed PRAC bill to increase efficiency in processing public records requests, considering fee waivers, defining “media”, waiving records request fees when made in the public interest, and considering malicious intent in placing requests; see our testimony . SB 166 passed on a 2/3 not strictly partisan vote from the Senate Floor on April 6 and was referred to House Rules. This bill is not promising for the multiple concerns that we recommended be addressed in our testimony . This three-part bill would codify that actual voting on ballots is not revealed (never has been). It only addresses protecting elections workers, offending substances shall not be thrown at them, and elections should have cybersecurity plans. We recommend further amending, citing extensive references to our earlier relevant testimony. Technical harassment definitions should be expanded, as we note, for example to doxing, with extensive privacy issues, and extended to protect all involved in elections, even voters, from harassment and intimidation, as reported last fall, OPB . We anticipate the value of having these protections in place before the 2024 elections. We link to our other testimony support for elections as critical infrastructure, for cybersecurity, and for protecting our cyber defense plans. SB 1073 passed in a Senate Information Mgmt. and Tech. WS, April 5, was referred to W&Ms with a Do Pass recommendation, adopting the -3 amendment, which we support. Growing data management risks justify this bill to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). This office in DAS would coordinate cybersecurity services with data governance and transparency / privacy concerns, would set rules, develop and share educational materials and forums. We again recommend reading our privacy and cybersecurity work. We support the networking for state agency CPOs and others around the state. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley After passing the Senate, SB 529 had a public hearing in House Judiciary on March 27 and was scheduled for a work session on April 12. The bill modifies legislative findings concerning alternative incarceration programs related to substance abuse. It requires that intensive addiction programs for incarcerated individuals address addiction as a chronic disease and include a range of treatment services. Redistricting There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch 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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice resources for members of the League of Women Voters. / DEIJ In The League / DEIJ In the League Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Toolkit A DEIJ Resource for League Members Learn more about DEIJ practices for your League and community. Get the Toolkit

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey 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: Initiatives Broadband, Vote-by-mail, Privacy Elections Revenue Initiatives SJR 30 , sponsored by Senators Nash and Broadman, will be heard in the Senate Rules Committee 4/2. It would increase the requirements to qualify an initiative for the general election ballot. If SJR 30 is adopted, then the number of valid signatures that is required would be increased 33% for statutory measures and would be increased 25% for constitutional measures! Furthermore, the required signatures would have to be equally distributed among congressional districts. The League submitted testimon y opposing SJR 30 since it would nearly destroy the ability for citizens to qualify an initiative for the ballot, except by wealthy special interest groups and corporations. Broadband, Vote-by-mail, Privacy By Becky Gladstone SB 224 : Senate Rules work session on April 2, League testimony in support of privacy for campaign committee staff home addresses. SB 470 A : passed a House floor vote, 29, 1 excused. League testimony supported the original bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos. HB 3766 : allows civil action against an adult who, unbidden, digitally sends intimate images (cyber-flashing) with the intent to harass, degrade or humiliate. League testimony in support; work session April 1. Upcoming & Watching SB 1014 requires the SoS to allow inclusion of political party statements in translated online versions of state or county voters’ pamphlets. League testimony in support is being prepared for a March 3 public hearing in Senate Rules. SB 952 will close a replacement timing lapse for US Senators, if need be, between when a vacancy occurs and replacement at special election. League will testify in support, public hearing in Senate Rules, April 2. SB 1121 creates a new crime of unlawful private data disclosure, punishable by a maximum of six months' imprisonment, $2,500 fine, or both. A public hearing and possible work session are slated for April 8 in, Senate Judiciary, at the request of the Oregon Judiciary. Elections By Barbara Klein Related to party membership and registration requirements , HB 3908 was filed by the Rules Committee at the request of the Independent Party of Oregon, and is scheduled for a public hearing on 3/31. The Act increases the percentage of voters in the state required for a party to be a major political party from five percent to 10 percent. This would make the development of a new major party more difficult. The LWVOR has not yet addressed this bill. Senator David Brock Smith is the sole sponsor of SB 210 to be heard by the Senate Rules Committee on 3/31. The bill replaces the Oregon vote-by-mail system and makes in-person voting on election day the standard method for conducting elections. It requires more features that the LWV opposes, some which are laid out in the federal SAVE act (which we also oppose). The bill requires voters to show valid government-issued picture ID when voting or requesting a ballot. It allows a by-mail ballot only if the elector is unable to vote in person on the date of the election. The bill removes a current requirement that the state pays postage for ballots returned by mail. It does allow vote-by-mail as the primary method for conducting elections for military and overseas electors and for electors who have a mailing address outside of Oregon. SB 210 refers the Act to the next general election ballot. It is unclear if this is only a courtesy hearing. Revenue By Natalie Briggs Public Hearing - HB 2515 Authorizes public bodies to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to pool bond proceeds or other funds into commonly managed investments without the oversight of the State Treasurer and the Oregon Investment Council. Summary: The proposed bill would enable public bodies in Oregon such as local schools to enter intergovernmental agreements for pooling bond proceeds or other funds into jointly managed investment pools, without requiring oversight from the State Treasurer or the Oregon Investment Council. Public bodies would also have the option to create investment pools for funds that aren’t specifically related to bond proceeds, allowing greater flexibility in managing different types of funds. Written agreements under ORS Chapter 190 would be required before each investment pool is established and used, to ensure accountability, and transparency among participating entities. When managing these pools, public bodies would be permitted to use the same powers and authority as the State Treasurer and Oregon Investment Council under existing laws. Proponents of the bill feel that it would enable autonomy, quicker decision-making, and tailored investment strategies that meet the varying and specific needs of the participating bodies. Committee Questions and Comments: Committee would like to understand the feedback from the Oregon state treasurer regarding this bill. Information from the state treasurer has been provided to the committee for review. Can school districts simply contract or engage a 3rd party for business office help, and could this be a suitable alternative establishing separate investment pools? This bill would result in the investment of public money in a private sector service rather than with the state treasury. Who will provide oversight to ensure that these investments are being managed appropriately? Proponents of the bill responded that schools have existing investment policies at the district level, and school boards are responsible for managing investments in accordance with these policies How would school board account for the possibility of a higher cost of management of the funds compared to the existing system? Proponents of the bill responded that school officials would be responsible for investing responsibly. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/20 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop 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 Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Budgets/Revenue Climate Governance Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team The Feb. 22 (quarterly) Revenue Forecast provided guidance to legislators as they consider bills for the next few months. Of course, it will be the May 17 forecast that will be used to balance the state 2-year budget for 2023-25. We now have a list of most of the bills to be heard this session—with the exception of some “priority” bills that take the permission from the Senate President or Speaker of the House. The next important date is March 17 when policy bills will need to be scheduled for a Work Session or they are dead for the session. Budgets/Revenue The quarterly Revenue Forecast was shared on Feb. 22 in House Revenue. The Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) was heard on Feb. 21-23. The Oregon Marine Board agency presentation and public hearing will be 2/27. The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) budget ( HB 5020 ) will be scheduled Feb. 28 & Mar. 1 & 2, with public testimony on March 2. We understand that tentatively the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) is scheduled for the week of March 13. Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) budget ( SB 5509 ) week of March 20. Dept. of State Lands ( HB 5037 ) mid-March and Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) week of March 27. No date has been announced for the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ). The agency provided their one-pager on the Governor’s Recommended Budget with the list of Policy Option Packages included. See Governor Kotek’s biennial budget . For natural resource agency budgets, start on page 146 of the web document. The Governor’s budget is “balanced” with the use of the ending fund balances of $765 million from 2021-23 that would have gone to the Rainy-Day Fund. Oregon’s reserves are at $2 billion and those funds are not expected to be used, nor is the $3.9 billion kicker money that is expected to be returned to taxpayers. Kicker amounts won’t be finalized until the 2021-23 budget is closed in Sept. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See Climate Report in the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Dept. Of Environmental Quality (DEQ) The League provided testimony with concerns on SB 835 . In listening to the bill sponsor, the concern is that DEQ is not equally administering permits. The bill seemed to require that a single septic system be used for both the main home and an accessory dwelling unit placed on a lot where a septic system is used. The sponsor and DEQ are to clarify the concerns of the sponsor to assure that permits are being considered consistently. LWVOR agrees but wants to be sure that permits are given to use the same system ONLY if it is adequate and in good condition and able to handle the increased waste. This is a public health and safety issue. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The DOGAMI budget ( SB 5510 ) was heard. The League provided testimony , both supporting the Geologic Survey and Services Division where science is king and acknowledging the importance of the Mined Land Regulation and Reclamation (MLRR) Division, although we have concerns about the new General Funds proposed for the MLRR program—a program once only funded by fees. Governance By Peggy Lynch The League noticed a couple of bills in Senate Rules and provided testimony in opposition. SB 42 would require agencies to add even more factors related to business when calculating the cost of doing the rulemaking and those consequences. It goes so far as to allow only a few people to file a petition to hold rules hostage. The League provided testimony in opposition. SB 38 would require certain agencies to process permits even if state or federal laws or rules changed during the permit processing. The League provided testimony in opposition. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch HB 2001 is being “stuffed” with the -8 amendment that includes a number of bills LWVOR supported. Section 11 would provide “financing, including refinancing, to local governments or housing developers for predevelopment costs, including infrastructure, site acquisition, planning, reports, surveys and consultants.” LWVOR testified in favor of SB 534 which is now incorporated into this bill as well as some other provisions, including HB 2889 , the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis bill. A news release issued Feb. 22 announced that HB 5019 will be amended and will be the vehicle for funding the policies in HB 2001-8. The Joint Semiconductor Committee Co-Chairs have introduced SB 4 that includes monies to help semiconductor industries and would allow the Governor to “supersite” industrial lands for this industry. The League is concerned with the land use provision. Some of the lands being considered are prime farmland. And some were promised as “rural reserves” in a “grand bargain” from about 10 years ago—so that farmers could plan for investments on that land for 40-50 years. We have supported the concept of “shovel-ready” lands for industry as well as housing, but infrastructure takes investment and it’s unclear if the monies requested in the bill will help pay for servicing any raw land. The need for infrastructure within our Urban Growth Boundaries should be addressed for these lands to be used for any need. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Radioactive Waste By Shirley Weathers On February 13, the RAC member representing Waste Management proposed a number of changes to the schedule ODOE has put forward to address proposed rules for Division 050 of OAR 345 relating to radioactive waste. They requested that ODOE 1) grant an extension of the March 1 deadline for members of the RAC to submit informal input on the initial draft of proposed rules on radioactive waste for Division 050 of OAR 345 provided by ODOE to RAC members in December; 2) agree on a “new more protective approach” that “. . . will be designed to incorporate the most current radiological science;” 3) convene a series of RAC meetings beginning in April designed to obtain consensus on the new approach; and 4) accept a draft rule package of their own on the basis of their new proposed approach in lieu of submitting comments to the draft concepts currently before the RAC as developed by ODOE. On February 15, ODOE agreed to an extension and to explore possible April meeting dates with RAC members. Recycling By Kathy Moyd The League provided testimony on three recycling bills after doing research: SB 542 requires original equipment manufacturers to make repair information available to consumer electronic equipment owners or independent repair providers. The League provided testimony in support, but pointed out two areas where changes should be made: clarify what was included under the bill and deal with the enforcement method. Preferred versions were included in the New York law. SB 543 prohibits food vendors from using polystyrene foam containers in sales of prepared food. A - 1 amendment was posted three hours before the public hearing. LWVOR provided written testimony after the public hearing. SB 544 directs the Environmental Quality Commission to establish a program for source reduction of single-use plastic food ware and single-use packaging and achieve 25% source reductions compared to 2023 levels by 2030. A -1 amendment was posted three hours before the public hearing. LWVOR provided written Testimony after the public hearing. Toxics By Paula Grisafi LWVOR provided testimony in support of SB 426 , the Toxics Free Schools bill for a Senate Education Committee Feb. 21 hearing. Water By Peggy Lynch On Feb. 15, Governor Tina Kotek declared the first drought declaration of 2023, in Crook and Jefferson counties through Executive Order 23-05, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. All or a portion of Crook County has been classified as having exceptional drought (D4) conditions since early July 2021. The data indicates the 36-month average ending in January 2023 is by far the worst on record. Current conditions in the Crooked River watershed are less than 30% of the average and reservoir storage is only 10% full. The Klamath and Harney basins may have groundwater restrictions in the future. The two Oregon regions are grappling with water shortages and could soon have new groundwater restrictions as a mega-drought continues to parch the U.S. West. The Water Resources Department may create new critical groundwater areas in Harney Basin in eastern Oregon and the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon, according to agency spokesperson Alyssa Rash. The decision would give the agency wide latitude to mandate groundwater use cuts by setting pumping limits or by denying new permits to pump from underground aquifers. The Oregon Capital Chronicle provided a good article on this important issue. Place-based Planning is a concept that the League has supported since its inception in 2014. We participated in the HB 5006 Work Group where members suggested updating that planning program. HB 3163 would create a special Fund for these regional planning efforts. The League testified in support of the Fund. We will work with others on the specific criteria listed for qualifying for access to the Fund. The League participated in a meeting by Oregon Kitchen Table as the Integrated Water Resources Strategy is being updated . The meeting was to consider how to reach out to more Oregonians and what issues might be of interest. An LWV Deschutes member also attended and shared some of the Deschutes basin concerns. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” We provided testimony in support of HB 2647 , a bill that declares harmful algal blooms to be a menace to public health and welfare. An amendment will be considered to narrow the bill since some issues were addressed in previous sessions. Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. The 2023 legislative session is almost halfway over. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/16 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop 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 Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: 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) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Recycling Regional Solutions State Land Board Transportation Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire Agriculture Sandra U. Bishop HB 4130 : Relating to farm use . As introduced this measure would clarify the meaning of preparing farm products and by-products. The bill introduces a newly defined term “farm unit” (all parcels used for farming whether owned or leased). Preparing products or by-products is defined as “… means but is not limited to cleaning, treating, cutting, sorting and packaging.” There is also a proposed language change regarding biofuel processing that would seem to open farmland for increased biofuel production. A public hearing was held 2/4 in the House Committee on Revenue. The intention was to make clear that land used for these types of activities in preparation of farm products would qualify for tax assessment based on farm use. During the hearing there was no mention of the proposed language changes for biofuel production. No Work Session has been scheduled. The assumption is this bill is dead for this session; however, it does sit in House Revenue, a committee that stays open until close to the end of session. Note the ”relating to” clause. The farm unit definition from this bill is included in HB 4153. HB 4153 : Relating to farm stores. This bill would replace farm stands with farm stores; allowing up to 10,000 square foot stores in permanent structures, selling retail items unrelated to farming in addition to farm products from an enlarged region including areas of adjacent states. The bill would allow a major expansion of agri-tourism based on vague, permission language such as allowing “… other seasonal or holiday events.” Implementation of statewide land use planning laws could be seriously weakened under proposed language stating that counties “…may adopt sitting standards for farm stores…” . A public hearing was held on 2/4 in the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. LWVOR opposed the measure including -1 and -2 amendments. More than 50 people signed up to testify and the hearing was held over to 2/9. The -1 amendment introduced before the public hearing would make the proposed bill more permissive such as allowing housing as part of agri-tourism. The -2 amendment would make minor changes from - 1 amendment. The -3 and -4 amendments seem to be vain attempts to address some of the myriad problems with the bill that have been pointed out. The - 4 amendment would appear to restrict the income from unrelated retail items to 25% of gross income for small farms with 10 acres or less in production, while not applying such restriction to larger agricultural operations. This is only one of the glaring inequities in the several competing amendments introduced to try to push this complex bill through in this short session. The -4 amendments were introduced eleven minutes before the public hearing on 2/9. The - 3 amendment was made public on 2/11 several days after the final public hearing. A work session is set for Feb 16 th . If this bill passes the House and moves to the Senate, the League will continue to oppose its passage. If passed with or without the amendments it would seriously undermine the statewide land use system. There is inadequate time for public comment and legislative deliberation on such far-reaching proposed changes in a short session. The League supports the sale of farm products at farm stands and maintaining agricultural land in Oregon primarily for agriculture use. The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) were asked to provide a memo to clarify that farm stands as used today are still allowed, but that new farm stores will need a permitting process. Here is the Staff Measure Summary with 4 amendments. It is unclear what members of the committee will do at the Work Session Feb. 16 in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . The Oregon Capital Chronicle continues their reporting o n 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. BUDGETS/REVENUE Peggy Lynch See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information. We encourage you to read ALL sections. The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources continues to receive reports as they grapple with balancing the budget. They will focus on the Dept. of Environmental Quality on Feb. 18. 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 SB 1525 would establish the Blue Economy Task Force to study and report on economic development plans or strategies for the “blue” (coastal) economy and opportunities for the state to nurture sustainable blue economy businesses while preserving and protecting Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. It would authorize the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST) to create a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity to advance the trust’s mission. The trust has distributed $2 million in competitive grant funding for high-impact research projects, but more research is needed. The 501(c)(3) would serve as a dedicated fund-raising arm of the trust—“technically clean, fiscally noncontroversial, and urgently needed.” The task force would sunset on 12/31/2027. The bill is starred for subsequent referral to Joint W&M. The League has been a continual supporter of the OOST. Public hearing set for Feb. 4. -3 amendment Work Session Feb. 16. SB 5701: Modifies previously approved lottery bonding provisions. (Includes monies for the Port of Coos Bay) Bond Authority. The bill was described as simply a correction/allocation issue. League members will follow up. Public Hearing Feb. 13 where the issue wasn’t raised. Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. Undersea Infrastructure and Easements in Oregon’s Territorial Sea Rulemaking begins Feb. 11. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) 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. It would allow DEQ to hire third-party contractors to expedite environmental permitting, as a response to DEQ’s sizable permitting backlog. Tech organizations and other advocates said the bill would speed up permitting for large projects and give businesses the certainty they need to grow jobs in Oregon. LWVOR opposed the bill in written testimony , expressing great concern about the use of outside contractors to perform important permitting work, especially if those contractors are paid by the regulated businesses. Multiple environmental organizations objected on the same grounds and pushed for sideboards to ensure that DEQ could identify qualified contractors and screen out those with conflicts of interest. Several committee members acknowledged these concerns and regretted that the tight deadlines of the short session prevented them from diving deeper into these issues. Other members suggested that agencies’ normal procurement practices would result in proper vetting of potential contractors, and this business-friendly bill was too important to delay. The committee essentially chose to punt these concerns to the Senate, assuming passage in the House, though the House would need to repass any amended bill. Bill passed the House. We appreciated Rep. Gamba’s statement on the House floor regarding …”the potential influence on a permitting process without further sideboards.” The bill has been assigned to Senate Energy and Environment with a Public Hearing Feb. 16 . An amendment has been posted that may address our concerns but goes well beyond our request. Others also opposed the bill, and the amendment may well also address their concerns as well. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) Joan Fryxell DOGAMI provided an update on their carbon sequestration project with the Dept. of State Lands to the State Land Board. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) Peggy Lynch The new ESRF Manager and ANEW, a carbon market business, presented a report on the status of forest projects to the State Land Board. The Ways and Means Natural Resource Subcommittee received an update on the status of the forest as they work toward self-sufficiency. It may take another couple of years to receive timber harvest monies and carbon credit income. FORESTRY (ODF) Josie Koehne The following is a list of bills we will be watching and possibly commenting on: HB 4004 : Provides that additional taxes otherwise imposed upon disqualification of land from certain forestland special assessment programs may not be collected if the disqualification is due to the suspension of reforestation requirements as a result of insects or disease. Work Session Feb. 11 Bill was amended and passed unanimously. HB 4105 : Directs the State Forester to determine the available state forestland, establish sustainable harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and manage available state forestland. Allows certain persons to seek a court order if the State Forester fails to establish sustainable harvest levels or manage available state forestland. Sponsors are working to reduce the fiscal impact in order to pass the bill this session. Look for amendments. The bill has a subsequent referral to Ways and Means. LWVOR opposed a version of this bill in 2025. Public Hearing Feb. 11. LWVOR testimony in opposition to HB 4105. Work Session Feb. 16. SB 1590 A : Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally-owned lands. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 13. Bill was amended and moved to the Senate floor on a 3 to2 party line vote. The Oregon Dept. of Forestry appeared before the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee and gave a presentation on the Private Forest Accord. GOVERNANCE Peggy Lynch The Natural Resources Team often follows bills related to permitting and rulemaking processes. Among the bills we are following: HB 4073 : Modifies provisions relating to administrative law. As with HB 2692 (2025), this bill creates burdensome and inefficient Administrative Rules Processes. LWVOR 2025 testimony . Public Hearing Feb. 10. The League signed on to a letter in opposition to the bill. HB 4019 : Requires certain agencies to base approval or denial of an application for a new permit on the rules and standards that are applicable at the time that the agency determines the application is complete. HB 4020 : Requires certain agencies to specify the authority justifying the denial of a permit application and provide the applicant a guide on how to contest the denial. Public hearing 2/03 -1 amendment was discussed and staff summary provided. LWVOR provided Comments . Work Session Feb. 12. Bill passed the Committee but was sent to Ways and Means due to potential fiscal concerns. The League appreciates recognition of agency costs to implement the bill. The -1 amendment was adopted. HB 4084 A : Establishes the Joint Permitting Council. The bill creates a fast-track permitting process for major projects, expands economic “enterprise zones,” and invests $40 million in industrial land site readiness to promote manufacturing. The Governor’s testimony on the bill at the Feb. 4 th Public Hearing. A -1 amendment was adopted. The bill passed the House Committee On Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade . Staff Measure Summary . The bill moved to House Revenue where an A5 amendment will be considered. Public Hearing Feb. 16. The League does support the request for $40 million to help with site readiness while having concerns about the accelerated permitting. Both Wilsonville and Eugene provided testimony in support of such an allocation in the Feb. 13 hearing on SB 5702 . HB 4021 : Requires certain agencies to make adoption, amendment or repeal of administrative rules effective only on January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1. Public Hearing Feb. 10. -2 amendment Work Session Feb. 17. The League’s concern is related to the need for rules to be adopted and implemented in a timely manner. If this bill passes, we will monitor that issue. SB 1586 : Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. This Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill. The League OPPOSES . Public Hearing Feb. 16. LAND USE & HOUSING Peggy Lynch Bills we are watching: SB 1564 : Adds specified lands to the City of Woodburn's urban growth boundary (UGB). Public hearing Feb. 10, Work Session Feb. 12. Bill died in committee but HB 4035 may allow Woodburn to use a process in that bill to consider a UGB expansion. SB 1522 : Was a “study” bill, but the -1 amendment focuses the bill on processes for designating urban reserves. SB 1522, -1 removes protections for farm and forest lands when designating urban reserves prior to expanding urban growth boundaries (UGBs ). Public Hearing held Feb. 12, but no Work Session is scheduled so the bill died in Committee. HB 4113 : Requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development to study housing development opportunities conditioned upon land conservation. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to land use no later than September 15, 2027. The bill relates to prior legislation (2009) around the Metolius. The Metolius was designated an Area of Critical State Concern and the developers were granted an opportunity to use Transfer of Development Rights for a limited period of time. That time has been extended a number of times but this is 17 years later! Public Hearing Feb. 10. -1 amendment The League was part of a Sign on letter in opposition to the bill. Bill died in committee. HB 4035 : Expands eligibility for cities and Metro to amend their urban growth boundaries under a temporary program. Authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission to issue grants to implement the commission’s duties. The bill was filed after a Work Group conversation to consider reducing the sideboards from SB 1537 (2024) to expand UGBs. Presentation by Rep. Marsh. LWVOR engaged in SB 1537, and Work Group members have reached out during this process. Besides tightening up the use of exclusive farm land, we are concerned by the recommendation to expand the amount of acreage in HB 4035. -1 amendment . Public Hearing Feb. 5. Work Session Feb. 12. -3 amendment was adopted and the bill passed the committee to the House floor. HB 4082 : Adds to a temporary UGB addition program an option for each city or Metro to also add to its urban growth boundary a site for manufactured dwelling parks, or for housing for older persons, that is affordable for households with incomes not more than 120 percent of area median income. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 10 where -2 amendment was adopted This Oregonlive article explains the conversation around this bill. The League has stayed silent, seeing both sides of the discussion. IF the bill passes, we will monitor its effectiveness as cities consider implementation. SB 1586 : Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. Adds rural reserves in Washington County to Metro to be used for high technology and advanced manufacturing purposes. See more on this omnibus bill in the Revenue Legislative Report. The League has major concerns about sections of this bill. Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill. The League submitted strong testimony in opposition. Public Hearing Feb. 16. SB 1578 : Allows counties with a population density of less than 30 people per square mile to rezone up to 50 acres to be divided and developed for residential dwellings of at least five units per acre. The League has concerns related to parcellation of ag and forest lands and adding more private wells and septic systems in these rural areas. Public Hearing Feb. 10. Work Session Feb. 12. The bill was not going to get a Work Session, but Vice Chair Nash moved the bill in an unusual process. After much discussion, the motion failed and the bill died for the session. However, there was much discussion around the need to address rural Oregon housing needs. One point Sen. Nash made was that land not yet in the UGB was cheaper. But it also doesn’t have services/infrastructure which is part of the reason it is less expensive per acre. And many small towns use individual drinking water wells and septic tanks instead of larger community systems. As an aside, some small rural cities requested “capital” monies to build 20-50 houses in their small cities during the hearing on SB 5702 , Ways and Means Capital Construction on Feb. 13. HB 4108 : Requires a city to annex noncontiguous land upon receipt of a petition from all owners of the land that satisfies four eligibility criteria. Public Hearing held Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 12. The League supports the concept of this bill as good planning with the -1 amendment . A -2 amendment was adopted limiting this policy as a “pilot project” for the City of Eugene. We are disappointed that the bill was narrowed, but glad to see some movement on this important land use issue. The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by the Land Conservation and Development Commission 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 to 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 HB 4134 is a bipartisan bill that would increase the state tax from 1.5% to 2.75% for transient visitors to Oregon including camping, hotels and vacation rentals. This 1.25% increase has the potential to raise tens of millions of dollars urgently needed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect hundreds of imperiled species and the habitat that supports them. As an added benefit, this investment in wildlife and habitat would help protect clean drinking water and provide protection from drought and wildfires. LWVOR signed on to a letter in support . High Country News provides an article on this bill. Public Hearing Feb. 4 . The Oregon Capital Chronicle also covered this bill. Work Session Feb. 16 in House Revenue. -1 amendment & -3 amendment to be considered. RECYCLING HB 4144 A : Requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization and implement a battery producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of batteries. Public Hearing Feb. 2. Work Session Feb. 12 where the bill was amended and unanimously voted to move to Ways and Means due to the fiscal impact statement . The League has supported the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act and it has been upheld by judicial action . The federal district court of Oregon dismissed multiple claims against the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality last Friday in a lawsuit challenging the state’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The act remains in effect. The two remaining claims in the lawsuit will be decided in a trial in July. The court issued a narrow injunction that temporarily pauses DEQ enforcement of the act against producers who are members of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. Under the Recycling Modernization Act, producers of packaging materials are required to pay fees to help cover the cost of those materials to Oregon’s recycling system, and fund improvements to modernize and expand recycling opportunities for Oregonians. These fees are collected by a non-profit producer responsibility organization charged with implementing the act under DEQ’s oversight. However, businesses have concerns per this OPB article . 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: Regional Solutions: South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties) February 17th from 9:00am-11:00am Greater Eastern (Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler Counties) March 10th from 2:00-4:00pm Mid-Valley (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties) March 12th from 1:30-3:30pm Northeast (Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties) March 13th from 2:00-4:00pm Southern (Jackson and Josephine Counties) March 25th from 12:00-2:00pm South Valley/Mid-Coast (Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn Counties) March 26th from 1:00-3:00pm STATE LAND BOARD Peggy Lynch The State Land Board met Feb. 10. The agenda and meeting materials are available. Additional meeting materials were added. The meeting can be viewed on their YouTube Channel . TRANSPORTATION (ODOT) Bills we are watching: SB 1599 : Moves the election date for parts of chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2025 (special session), referred to the people by Referendum Petition 2026-302 , to the primary election held on May 19, 2026. Bill was assigned to the new Joint Special Committee On Referendum Petition 2026-302 . Public Hearing Feb. 9. Work Session Feb. 12. - 2 amendment adopted and bill passed the committee on a party line vote. Headed first to the Senate floor and then House chamber. The bill must pass both and be signed by the Governor by Feb. 25 to make the ballot. The minority party intends to use all means, including court action, to get this to the ballot in November instead of the May primary. SB 1542 : Measure What We Drive: Performance-based scoring system to allocate road project funding, to include safety, climate and emissions. Annual Report Card. (Senate Transportation Committee) Informational meeting held Feb. 2. Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16. -2 amendment posted. SB 1543 : Guardrails for Good Governance: Adopt a transportation debt management policy with better transparency. Broaden representation on the Oregon Transportation Commission. (Senate Transportation Committee) Informational meeting held Feb. 2. Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16. Both a -3 amendment and a -5 amendment have been posted. HB 4126 : Get the Data for a Better Road User Charge (RUC): Require ODOT to report the total biennial cost of maintenance and preservation for the state’s road system, and to report the total mileage driven. This data could later be used to calculate the RUC. Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16. A -1 amendment and a -2 amendment have been posted. HB 4008 : Transit Funding Task Force To determine the level of funding needed to maintain adequate transit service statewide and explore funding mechanisms to achieve that funding. (House Transportation Committee) The League supports. Public Hearing and Possible Work Session Feb. 16 -5 amendment -2 amendment posted. 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 eliminating570 vacant positions and laying off approximately 470 current employees. KATU reminds Oregonians of the need for road maintenance. OPB reported on the Feb. 10 th ODOT presentation to the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Transportation and Economic Development . Move Oregon Forward, a coalition of progressive groups, has offered a “ cheat sheet ” to legislators that includes options that weren’t included in ODOT’s proposal on Tuesday. The Oregon Capital Chronicle followed up with an article on Feb. 12. From ODOT press release : Learn more about our capital improvement plan for state and federally funded projects by visiting the draft 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, also known as the STIP, online open house . The online open house will be available through March 20. We may use your comments to make adjustments as we begin designing projects in the STIP. All comments will be included in the public comment record. This record will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission before they approve the final STIP in June . WATER Peggy Lynch Bills of concern: HB 4006 : Authorizes holders of certain Columbia River water rights to change the point of diversion or use the water right on land to which the right is not appurtenant, provided certain conditions are met. Public Hearing Feb. 9. Work Session Feb. 16. The League has concerns. HB 4049 : Directs the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between ground water users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels. -3 amendments posted. Public Hearing Feb. 4. Work Session Feb. 16. The League understands that Rep. Owens and the Governor’s Office are in negotiations. It is unclear if this bill is really needed to address the representative’s concerns. The Water Committee for LWV Deschutes County provided comments to a recent rulemaking, encouraging better linkages between land use and water. LWVOR has supported that concept for a very long time and we appreciate their voice on this important issue. 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. The League was concerned about the number of times during bill hearings on drinking water systems at how often potential algae blooms were mentioned. Our continuing warming water is not only bad for fish but us humans! WEATHER Scientists are issuing a Dire Warning about lack of snowpack per this Oregonlive article : According to state climatologist Larry O’Neill, January was the fifth warmest and fifth driest on record across Oregon. Oregon depends on our natural water reservoirs—our mountain snowpack—for summer water. We may all wish for more rain this spring and summer! WETLANDS Peggy Lynch SB 1584 : Directs the Department of State Lands, in consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, to develop a salmon credit pilot program to encourage the voluntary restoration of salmonid habitat in the Coquille and Coos watershed basins. The League has opposed similar bills in the past, including SB 511 (2025). We provided testimony again in opposition. Public Hearing Feb. 3. NO Work Session was scheduled by Feb. 9 th deadline. Bill is dead. WILDFIRE Carolyn Mayers “Speed legislating” was front and center this past week of the 2026 short session as legislators try to get their bills out of committee before the February 16 deadline. The League continued to follow the progress of several wildfire-related bills. On February 10, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire held Work Sessions and a Public Hearing on 3 of those bills. The meeting agenda, with all details, may be found here . First, SB 1541 , the Climate Superfund bill which would provide, among other things, funding toward wildfire mitigation and disaster recovery, was sent to the floor, after adopting the -2 amendment , with a do pass recommendation and referral to Ways and Means by prior reference. The vote was split along party lines, 3-2. Next the committee advanced SB 1551 , after adopting the -1 amendment , sending it to the floor with a do-pass recommendation with a unanimous vote. This bill would invalidate deed restrictions and planned community governing documents prohibiting the removal of non-fire-hardened building materials or installation of fire-hardened building materials on residential properties. The last bill, SB 1540 , which endeavors to align insurance company wildfire risk assessment with homeowner and community level mitigation efforts in an attempt to help address the rising cost of homeowners insurance, was heard. This Public Hearing covered the similarity of this bill with a bill recently passed by the Colorado legislature and one before the Washington legislature. It became apparent there was still work to be done to get all the involved parties to where they could support the bill. A Work Session was held by the same committee on February 12, where those differences seemed to have been at least partially worked out, but with hesitation still expressed by some in the insurance industry. Agreement was reached the bill could be worked further in the Rules Committee, a path that was arrived at after much discussion and a brief recess. In spite of some committee members’ apparent uneasiness with the process, the bill was advanced, after adopting the -4 amendment , with a do pass recommendation and a request for a referral to Rules. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning • Air Quality (Dept. of Environmental Quality) • Columbia River Gorge Commission • Hanford Cleanup • Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife • Parks and Recreation Dept. • Recycling/Materials Management (Dept. of Environmental Quality) • Toxic Control Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

/ Advocacy / Your Story, Your Voice: Federal Actions / Your Story, Your Voice: Impacts of Federal Actions In Oregon Tell Your Story We are collecting stories from League and community members about how they have been affected by recent federal government actions. These stories will help amplify the personal impact of these issues. Contact Us We Are Asking: League Members: We are seeking stories from current and past League members impacted by federal government actions, including firings, funding cuts, or related policies. Community Members: Individuals from the broader community experiencing similar challenges. We encourage a diverse range of submissions, with an emphasis on personal or community hardships due to these issues. Types of Stories We Seek: Personal Impact: Job Loss or Layoffs: Community members who lost employment due to government budget cuts or workforce reductions. Disrupted Services: Individuals or organizations affected by cuts to federally funded programs or services. Financial Hardship: Families or community members facing economic strain from reductions in government support or services. Creative Solutions or Advocacy: Accounts of how people or groups have worked to overcome these challenges or advocated for change. Criteria for Selection: Relevance: Stories must clearly relate to recent federal actions and demonstrate tangible impacts on the individual or community. Authenticity: We prioritize real, personal narratives that highlight lived experiences. Diversity: We seek a variety of perspectives, especially from marginalized communities or under-resourced areas. How to Submit: Submission Methods: Email: media@lwvor.org Format: Written submissions (max. 500 words) or audio/video (max.2 mins). Story Review and Selection: Screening: Submissions will be reviewed for relevance, clarity, and alignment with selection criteria. Final Selection: Selected stories will be edited for length and clarity, with permission from the submitter. Confidentiality: Personal information will be kept confidential unless express permission is given to share it. How Stories Will Be Used: Selected stories may be featured in League publications, presentations, and other platforms to raise awareness about the impacts of these federal actions. Only those who provide consent will have their stories shared publicly For more information or to submit a story, contact Sarah Andrews at media@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/13 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 Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Clean Energy Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Volunteers Needed Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. Following are updates on those six topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB 530 . Public Hearing was 2/15/23 in SEN E&E . Josie Koehne is leading this effort. The League provided supportive testimony . Sen Dembrow and OGWC Chair MacDonald testified . Here are the meeting materials . 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report . The League is an active RB coalition partner. BR campaign guiding principles . SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 were posted 2/9. They seem to be placeholders, watch for amendments. 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of a number of bills the League will follow and likely support. The ‘Right to Refuse‘ dangerous work bill LC has not been posted yet. 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. SB 522 public hearing is Tuesday Feb 21 in Sen E&E . The League will provide supportive testimony. See OGWC Feb 3 Final Draft Roadmap Recommendations , the Roadmap Next Steps Commission Subcommittee’s final review of report is due February 21-24. The Roadmap is scheduled to be published and delivered to the Legislature by March 1. 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 . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. ‘Kotek proposes spending $765M from reserves on homeless , other crises’| Statesman Journal. Other CE Bills - Supporting By Claudia Keith House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans Feb 16 2023 Hearing includes these climate related bills with League testimony. HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment: The League provided supportive testimony for Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment: … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. HB 2763 Create a State public bank Task Force, Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. The League provided testimony . Other CE Bills – May Support 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. 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. 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. There were no Clean Energy bill Public Hearings during the period prior to 2/14.Two Clean Energy bills have public hearings between 2/14 and next week. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The next Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast is scheduled for Feb 22. It is unclear how the congressional debt ceiling issue, security market volatility, inflation – Fed/banking issues and other global risks will develop. The last State of Oregon quarterly forecast assumed a likely mild recession in 2023. Oregon Bond rating continues to be above average. 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 $27B Federal funds, which are contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. New York, California, and Connecticut Green Bank; some are a function of the State Treasury. EPA outlines $27B 'green bank' for clean energy projects | AP News. EPA giving out $27 billion in 'green bank' loans | Fortune. Related News: Why your company may soon be hiring an 'ESG controller' | Fortune. SEC weighs making 'adjustments' to controversial climate risk disclosure rule , Chairman Gensler says| CNBS. Investors should not expect much relief from volatility | Financial Times. Rescuing ESG from the Culture Wars | HBR. 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. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 60 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Gets Personal - The New York Times Oregon and National News: Oregon city's gas ban continues spread across the West | Energy News Network. Possible oil pipeline expansion on the table in Oregon | KTVL. Rogue Valley residents call for more input on Northwest pipeline expansion – OPB. Why officials in the Pacific Northwest are only now deciding how to regulate crypto mining – OPB. Alert! Tougher Reporting Mandates Ahead for Data Centers | Data Center Knowledge | News and analysis for the data center industry. Oregon State University researcher to help lead $25 million nuclear forensics project | Oregon State University. Tolls are coming to Portland-area freeways , and even tolling fans worry they’ll stack up - oregonlive.com . Interstate Bridge Design Could Change to Single Level | WW. 3 Alarming Threats To The U.S. Energy Grid – Cyber, Physical, And Existential Events| Forbes. Utility Explores Converting Coal Plants into Nuclear Power - Scientific American. FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Standards and Major Progress for a Made-in-America National Network of Electric Vehicle Chargers - The White House Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Upcoming events happening around Oregon. Check registration details. / Calendar / Calendar Meetings, Holidays, and Other Events Our events, meetings, and online/in-person opportunities can be found in our VOTER monthly newsletter in the NEWS section . Contact lwvor@lwvor.org if you have any questions or require a meeting link. Note: Many events are open to League members only. You can sign up for League communications here. Email membership@lwvor.org or call us at (503) 581-5722 for more information. Join or renew League membership online here .

Jim joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as Voter Newsletter Editor in 2023. Jim Buck Voter Newsletter Editor Jim joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as Voter Newsletter Editor in 2023.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/10 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 Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator The Oregon Global Warming Commission has released their 2023 Climate Change Report: “ 2023 BIENNIAL REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE Unlike previous biennial reports, the 2023 Report to the Legislature does not include recommendations. Instead, the Commission developed its Oregon Climate Action Roadmap to 2030 in parallel, which includes extensive recommendations to inform state climate action moving forward, some of which are highlighted in this 2023 Report to the Legislature . However, the report continues to provide key foundational information on state climate impacts, emission trends, and progress towards achieving Oregon’s GHG emission reduction goals. According to preliminary emissions data, despite an overall reduction in emissions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon still missed its 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal by 13 %. In 2021, emissions grew back closer to pre-pandemic levels, putting Oregon even further (19 %) off the 2020 goal. At the same time, recent actions taken to mitigate the state’s contributions to the climate crisis have better positioned Oregon to meet its goals moving forward and the Roadmap to 2030 provides extensive recommendations to ensure Oregon does not miss its next greenhouse gas goal.” OGWC RoadMap 2030 Report Oregon must cut emissions much faster to reach global climate goals, report states - oregonlive.com Priority Bills CE priority bills had no activity last week. All have moved to the floor, or to JW&Ms. Find in previous LR (report)s additional background on each CE priority. Resilient Buildings (RB) policy package: *** Mark your Calendars: The Resilient Buildings Coalition is having an in-person LOBBY Day at the Capital April 20. Pre-register for this Lobby Day. *** Work sessions were held on 4/4. All four bills moved with a partisan vote. Currently they are posted as: “Senate Presidents Desk - Awaiting Disposition”. The League is an active RB coalition partner. Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . · SB 868 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 869 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 870A Staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 871A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions SB 530A : Natural and Working Lands : On 4/4 the bill moved to JW&Ms with Do pass with- 7 amendment, a 3/2 partisan vote. The League continues to be an active coalition member. Fiscal . Staff Measure Summary Environmental Justice (EJ) 2023 bills: The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13. SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907A , League testimony . New on OLIS: SB 907 amendment -6 staff measure summary. 4/4 work session, moved to the floor with do pass with amendments, a unanimous vote. SB907 Coalition Sign-on Letter - LWVOR one of many organizations… On Wed 4/12 the bill was listed in the Senate as Third Reading. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 A staff measure summary , fisca l, 4/4 Work Session moved, with 4/1 vote to JW&Ms. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions (DEQ) and new clean renewable energy (DEQ & DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills including state agency budget bills. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote in both chambers to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) and will be adding climate items to (DEQ) HB 5018 League 3/30 testimony . In both cases, our testimony will request additional agency requests not included in the Governor’s Jan budget. Another major issue, the upcoming mid-May Forecast, will likely provide new required budget balancing guidelines. Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith HB 2763 A updated with -1 amendment: League Testimony . Creates a State public bank Task Force. Like the RB task force, the 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than Jan 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” This policy topic will likely have a bill in the 2024 session -1 staff measure summary . Moved on 3/14 with recommendation to JW&Ms with - 1 amendment. Fiscal HB 3016 A updated with -2 amendment, community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Work Session was 3/15 . Fiscal Moved to JW&Ms unanimously. Legislative -2 Staff Measure Summary . Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge Project By Arlene Sherrett Funding: Oregon’s $1 billion share to start the project was discussed at the Joint Transportation informational meeting Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 5:30 PM. A bill (but no bill number) from ODOT will be discussed at the meeting. Text for the bill was sent out from 1000 Friends of Oregon but a link to it is not available. Perhaps it will be on OLIS before or after the meeting. Estimated Overall cost $ 5 -7.5 Billion. Design: The bi-state program’s latest proposal for the bridge, the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative (Modified LPA) has been criticized by a coalition of local citizen groups called the Just Crossing Alliance (JCA), or Right Size Right Now campaign or a S.A.F.E.R. Bridge for Stronger Communities. Issues with bridge design are listed on the linked websites. It is unclear whether design issues will be discussed officially before the IBR program’s Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement is available, anticipated in 2023. A public comment period will open after that. JCA wants to “steer the public’s dollars into transportation solutions that will reduce – not expand – climate warming pollution. This includes safe and accessible public transportation, electrification, and safe streets for all users.” The Alliance held a Day of Action on Thursday, April 13, at the State Capitol. Some would like to see a resurrection of the CommonSense Alternative (CSA) to the Columbia River Crossing (CRC.) The estimated cost for the CSA ($1.8 Mil) was lower than the cost of the CRC by half when the analysis was made. Estimated costs today have not been compared to the current plan, the Modified LPA; the CSA also offers more alternatives for rail, local passenger and truck traffic. Putting yet another twist into the design discussion, Vancouver Mayor Pro Tem Ty Stober said “I am calling on the IBR team to do a fresh, complete study of a tunnel. The benefit would be to reconnect downtown Vancouver to Fort Vancouver and open the skyline.” Apparently the Modified LPA obstructs the view from the waterfront Vancouver has put so much money and time into. Sign up for email on IBR project website : IBR has several public groups formed to give input on the project. Find out about participation at public meetings here and here . Just Crossing Alliance highlighted issues and sign-up are linked here . Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The next forecast is due May 17. JW&M recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. The Need for Climate Risk Disclosures: Emerging trends in ESG governance for 2023 | Harvard. The Need For Climate Risk Disclosures : A Case Study Of Physical Risk Of Two REITS, EQR And ARE | Forbes. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the IRA $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . | TNPT. The Treasurer recently sent this letter to FTC: 4/11/2023, Letter to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission Proposed Non-Compete Clause Rule. Oregon State Treasury Completes Nearly $1 Billion Bond Sale , Offers State Residents Opportunity to Invest In Oregon. Oregon bill to divest from coal, oil and gas peters out | National News | kpvi.com The Oregon Investment Council will meet April 19. The agenda and meeting materials as of 4/12 were not posted. The Council met March 8; see the meeting packet . ESG is mentioned on page 7. The formal meeting minutes still have not been posted. Treasurer Tobias Read Releases First-Ever Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard | OST. The monthly March and Feb ending Oregon PERS Financial Statement has yet to be posted. J an 2023 Pers Statement . Moody’s recent Oregon Bond rating rational: ‘Moody's assigns Aa1 to the State of Oregon's GO bonds; outlook stable’. 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 , (April 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 64 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: Oregon, NW regional and National News Amazon strikes renewable power deal for Oregon data centers, won’t say how much it’s buying - oregonlive.com . NW Natural climate strategy takes a hit from Oregon PUC staff | Portland Business Journal. FERC Gets Advice, Criticism on Environmental Justice | RTO Insider Federal HHS : Climate Change & Health Equity and Environmental Justice - April 2023 Climate and Health Outlook "Northwest: Minor spring flooding potential is expected to be above normal for the Upper Snake River Basin in eastern Idaho. Drought is favored to persist in small portions of northeast Washington and northern Idaho. Drought improvement and removal is favored in much of Oregon and in parts of central Idaho. Normal significant wildland fire* potential is also expected.” Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.