Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of January 26 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Forestry (ODF) Hanford Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. (OPRD) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Regional Solutions State Land Board Transportation Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire Intro The Feb. 4 th Forecast will be the legislature’s guidance. See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report and sections of other Legislative Reports. The Natural Resource agencies have been implementing legislation passed in 2025 and previous legislative sessions. That means rulemaking where Oregonians can help clarify the intent of that legislation. Then we are all grappling with those potential budget cuts as shared in the last Legislative Report. Lastly, we cover some of the information from the recent Interim Legislative Days (Jan. 13-15). The House Interim Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee: 1/13/2026 Meeting at 11:30 AM heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on her recent Executive Orders. See more information about them and the proposed committee bills in the Meeting Materials . A recording of the meeting is also available. The same is true of all the committees, so please use this information as a guide for checking in on other committees of interest. The Salem Reporter provided a review of what to expect in 2026, including some areas of concern to the League related to permitting and land use. We want a vibrant economy with good jobs for Oregonians while also respecting the values Oregonians have supported for years. AGRICULTURE The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) accepted public comments on proposed rules for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. In an article by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, it was noted: In comments shared with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Board of Agriculture shortly before the new year, farm groups opposed to the rules told regulators they go too far, while others contended they don’t go far enough. The Oregon Health Authority since 2024 found that at least 634 domestic drinking water wells in the area contain unsafe levels of nitrate, some with nearly 10 times the federal limit for safe drinking water, and more than 420 show elevated levels that could lead to long-term health problems. BUDGETS/REVENUE Peggy Lynch Soon after the 2025-27 Oregon budget passed, Congress passed H.R.1 (see Summary), a collection of tax cuts and program cuts. (See the Revenue section for more detail.) As we await the Feb. 4 th Revenue Forecast, agencies were directed to reduce their spending as well as to provide a list of potential cuts of up to 5% per agency per revenue source (General Fund, Lottery Fund, Other Funds) and to provide a list of any new programs that were approved since 2021—all due to reduced revenue forecasts, federal legislation and actions. Here are the meeting materials submitted to the Legislative Fiscal Office by the 14 natural resource agencies. In the last few months, the Governor and legislators have been reviewing those lists and learning more about the impact of H.R. 1 on programs vital to Oregonians. Working in the natural resource world which is less than 3% of the state’s budget, each cut reduces the ability for Oregon to protect our air, land and water. See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information. We encourage you to read ALL sections. CLIMATE Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL ISSUES Christine Moffitt The League of Women Voters of Coos County has been following the proposed Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) project in Coos Bay. (See their public website .) An article by the Oregon Journalism Project provides an outside review of the project: “ For the past couple of months, the Oregon Journalism Project has examined the PCIP’s claims and its goals. That reporting, along with interviews of economists and transportation and supply chain experts, yields a starkly different conclusion than politicians have reached. Coos Bay’s location and the highly competitive nature of transportation markets, experts say, make it unlikely the project can succeed.” A presentation was allowed by advocates of the PCIP to the Senate Interim Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs on Jan. 14. League members were disappointed that only one point of view was shared and we provided legislators with a response to an email sent earlier by advocates. The Ocean Policy Advisory Council will meet virtually on January 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A draft meeting agenda and materials will be posted online soon at https://oregonocean.info/ . Register for the meeting here or contact: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on Seven Rocky Habitat Management Plans: The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) are currently developing management plans for rocky habitats that were designated in 2024. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, and Port Orford. The new draft Plans can be found on the Oregon Ocean Information website . Please provide comments on or before February 2, 2026. The League supported the creation of these Rocky Habitats. Email comments to: tsp.comments@dlcd.oregon.gov with the title of the plan in the subject line. Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540. Read the Draft Plans:  Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Cape Blanco Marine Conservation Area Management Plan Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on: Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan. This work is the result of a multi-year proposal and planning effort to designate new rocky habitats on the Oregon Coast. Marine Gardens are any intertidal and subtidal area that the State designates to protect ocean resources through public enjoyment, learning opportunities, public access, and by supporting ecological integrity. Marine Conservation Areas are sites designated to conserve the ecological integrity of the habitat. Marine Research Areas are sites designated to support scientific research, preserve natural ecosystems, and limit the collection of marine plants and animals. Please reach out to Andy Lanier, Marine Affairs Coordinator, Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov with questions. More information is available at OregonOcean.Info/RockyHabitats . DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION The latest on the Grassy Mt. Gold Mine Project per the Dept. of Environmental Quality’s Director's Report : Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project: DEQ prepared four draft permits for the Grassy Mountain project, a proposed gold mine located in Malheur County approximately 22 miles south-southwest of Vale. Mining will be sub-surface, and gold will be extracted from the ore using a cyanide extraction process. DEQ permits regulate potential releases of contaminants to air, land, and water. DEQ has been working closely with the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and other state agencies to develop draft permits, following a consolidated permitting process that is unique to chemical process mining. DEQ is currently working with DOGAMI on draft permit conditions related to the protection of groundwater resources and solid waste management in response to preliminary comments from the applicant. DEQ expects to make draft permits available for public comment in early January 2026. DOGAMI and other state permitting agencies have issued draft permits for the Grassy Mountain gold mine project and will hold a public hearing for the draft permits on January 29 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm PST (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm MST) at the Vale Senior Citizens Center, 100 Longfellow St S, Vale, OR 97918. People can make comments in person at the hearing or submit written comments prior to February 6. DOGAMI is accepting public comments through February 6, 2026, as outlined in the public notice , including related documents. The League has followed this project—the first chemical processing gold mine proposed for Oregon. A new streamlined permitting process has been used for this application. OPB provided an article . More information can be found here . OPB also covered exploration of a lithium mine in Southeast Oregon. DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DWAC) Sandra U. Bishop The League has a standing seat on DWAC. Interactive GIS Maps for water system and source water protection have been improved. These maps are available to the public as well as water system operators and are maintained by the Oregon DEQ’s Drinking Water Protection group and may be accessed via the Drinking Water Services website . The next DWAC meeting is January 21. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The Board had a 3-day retreat on Nov. 12-14. And a meeting on Jan. 14. The next meeting is set for March 11. FORESTRY (ODF) Josie Koehne Public comment period on the proposed rule-making for the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan opened on Nov. 1 and will close at midnight on the Jan.31st. “The mission of the Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan (FMP) and Implementation Plans (IP) project is to implement the social, economic and environmental values required of state forests. The comment period will include written comments as well as comments collected from Rule-making hearings. The proposed change to this rule will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan. The League submitted comments on December 24. ODF is reviewing obligations under the Governor’s Executive Order 25-26 related to climate resilience. HANFORD For those who follow the activities at Hanford, here is a US Dept. of Energy newsletter with multiple articles. The League has positions on Hanford and has had volunteers covering this important facility. LAND USE & HOUSING Peggy Lynch LCDC Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rules adopted at the LCDC Dec. 4 th mtg. They were statutorily due by Jan. 1, 2026. “ These rules shift Oregon’s housing planning framework from a narrow focus on land capacity toward a comprehensive system that emphasizes local actions to promote housing production, affordability, and choice. ” These rules are among the most significant changes in Goal 10, Housing, and Goal 14, Urbanization since the program’s inception. On Jan. 15, the Dept. of Administrative Services released OHNA Targets for 2026. The Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) is scheduling a webinar on Jan. 28 from 1 - 2pm on the Local Residential Development Process Improvement Study. You can access the project website here and the meeting here . On Jan. 14, the House Housing Committee included Housing Legislative Concepts (LCs) (to become bills) and presentations on other bill proposals. Another LC of interest in the land use area is LC 205 as a result of a SB 1537 (2024) Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) Workgroup and the Governor’s LC 94 to provide expansion for senior housing and manufactured home parks. LC 222 is the Governor's Omnibus Housing bill with sections of interest to land use and to social policy. Included in Sen. Sollman’s Oregon Jobs Act (LC 237) as presented to the Senate Interim Committee On Commerce and General Government on Jan. 13, are many elements of concern to the League, including a substantial expansion of Hillsboro’s UGB. See the Meeting Materials for more expansive information on this LC and others. There is also tax policy and required rules and permit processing changes that could reduce revenue and place a substantial burden on Natural Resource agencies. OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OREGON JOBS ACT January 30, 2026 5:00 - 6:00 PM: There will be an informative session, speaking against Senator Sollman's bill, featuring brief introductions, individual presentations, and Q&A. Address : United Church of Christ, 2032 College Way, Forest Grove RSVP: https://www.friendsofsmartgrowth.org/rsvp 6:30 PM: Senator Sollman's Joint Town Hall (across the street)Senator Janeen Sollman hosts Reps McLain, Sosa, and AG Rayfield. Address : Pacific University’s McCready Hall (in the Taylor‑Meade Performing Arts Center), 2043 College Way, Forest Grove The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by LCDC on Oct. 24. There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone, including: Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025) and Rulemaking to clarify and allow housing and other needed development outside of wetlands. The rulemaking would create an optional, alternative compliance pathway for wetlands resources when a city is preparing bill annex lands from the urban growth boundary (UGB) to accommodate needed housing and economic development. See their Rulemaking page for more info on all the rules work being done by this agency. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. OREGON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW) Melanie Moon A new state transient lodging tax (TLT), HB 2977 , was introduced in 2025 to ensure regular and robust funding for wildlife conservation programs. The bill passed the House floor, but did not make it out of the Senate. HB 4134 will be introduced in 2026, now titled the 1.25% for Wildlife bill. LWVOR signed on to a letter in support . OPB provides an article on the legislation. Currently these are the bill’s sponsors: Chief Sponsors: Rep Helm, Owens, McLain, Walters; Sen Golden, Prozanski, Gorsek, Nash, Frederick Regular sponsors: Rep Grayber, Marsh, B Levy, Gamba, Munoz, Chotzen, Hai Pham, Finger McDonald, Nosse, Andersen, Fragala, Nelson; Sen Jama, Neron Misslin, Gelser-Blouin, Pham, Weber OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT (OPRD) Peggy Lynch The League is working with others to address the fiscal crisis at OPRD. Oregonlive provided an article on ways they are nibbling around the edges. But OPRD is responsible not only for our wonderful state parks, but also for historical sites. Many need infrastructure repairs. There is a conversation around getting some amount of bonding to help with this maintenance, but also setting up a Task Force to study new long term operational funding options. The League studied Oregon Parks in 1998: Oregon State Parks, Part 1 (PDF, 7 pgs) Oregon State Parks, Part 2 (PDF, 9 pgs) . OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB) The Oregon Environmental Restoration Council (OERC) held a virtual meeting on January 22. The agenda and meeting materials are available on OERC’s website. The state of Oregon has secured a historic $698 million dollar settlement against Monsanto for long term harm caused by the company’s polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) chemicals to Oregon’s land, water, fish and wildlife. In 2024, Governor Kotek signed Senate Bill 1561 into law, creating the Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund (OERF or Fund), which will invest the proceeds of the settlement in projects and purposes that benefit Oregon’s environment and its communities. The Interim Ways and Means Committee approved an Other Funds expenditure limitation increase of $35 million to be included in the 2026 budget reconciliation bill. REGIONAL SOLUTIONS The Regional Solutions Program : Within each of the 11 Regions, which are tied to Oregon’s federally designated Economic Development Districts, a Governor-appointed Advisory Committee sets Regional Priorities and a cross-functional Team of state agency staff works together to move projects forward. If you know anyone who may benefit from these publications, please direct them to this signup page . The public is welcome to attend virtually or in person. Go to the program website and to the region to find the agendas and meeting materials posted a few days before the meetings. Public Comment is usually scheduled. Upcoming Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) Meetings: Regional Solutions: Metro (Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties) January 30th from 11:00am-1:00pm Mid-Valley (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties) March 12th from 1:30-3:30pm South Valley/Mid-Coast (Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn Counties) March 26th from 1:00-3:00pm The Mid-Valley Regional Solutions RAC had a great set of presentations from a group of natural resource agencies at their Jan. 8 th meeting . See the meeting materials for Jan. 8 to see some of the presentations. STATE LAND BOARD Peggy Lynch The State Land Board met Dec. 3 rd ( agenda and meeting materials ). The League follows these meetings since the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer comprise the Board membership. Included in the presentations as seen on YouTube were the annual report on wetlands and a report on the Elliott State Research Forest. TRANSPORTATION (ODOT) Movement between parties to solve the ODOT funding is happening per an article in Oregonlive on Jan. 17. On Jan. 7, the Governor suggested reallocating current ODOT funds, repealing HB 3991 (passed in last Sept.’s special session and currently being sent to the voters in Nov. 2026 for repeal) in 2026 and work on long term funding in 2027: The Statesman Journal reported : The Oregon Department of Transportation faces a budget gap of $242 million for the 2025-2027 budget cycle. ODOT director Kris Strickler and incoming interim director Lisa Sumption wrote in an email to staff, "It’s a smaller gap, and while that’s good news, it’s still big enough to require service level cuts and future layoffs if we have to manage this on our own with existing revenue and within existing spending restrictions." A press release from ODOT on Jan. 14 reports: Impacts of Funding Gap Isn’t Addressed. In the upcoming short session, legislators will be looking at a $297 million funding target to support ODOT’s operations beyond June 30, 2027. Without new resources for the current budget cycle, the agency estimates it would need to reduce its workforce by more than 1,000 positions, including eliminating 570 vacant positions and laying off approximately 470 current employees. The House Transportation Committee shared their Committee LCs and the Senate Transportation Committee did the same for the 2026 session. KATU reminds Oregonians of the need for road maintenance. WATER Peggy Lynch League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in eight counties ( map ). Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WEATHER In a KOIN article : The days of La Niña are numbered. The climate phenomenon is expected to fade away in the next few months, making way for its counterpart to take over, national forecasters said on Thursday… Over the next few weeks or months, La Niña is expected to fade away. We’ll then be in a state that climate scientists describe as “ENSO neutral.” It’s not La Niña, it’s not El Niño – it’s La Nada. Whether we’re in a La Niña year, El Niño year, or neither is determined by sea surface temperatures near the equator over the Pacific Ocean. The temperature of the water and air above it can shift the position of the jet stream, which in turn impacts the types of weather observed on land. KLCC reports on our snowpack concerns: Nearly all of Oregon has less than 50% of its normal snowpack, with western and central Oregon having percentages largely in the 30s. That’s according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. December was the warmest on record in Oregon, Washington and California, while Idaho had its second-warmest December, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. WETLANDS Peggy Lynch Comments from Oregon state agencies were provided to the EPA and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers on the proposed changes to the Waters of the U. S. (WOTUS) rules . Upon reviewing this latest iteration of federal regulations proposing revisions to the definition of WOTUS, Oregon concludes this proposed rule is unnecessary and should be revoked. The existing “Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'; Conforming" that became effective on September 8, 2023, was revised to conform with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Sackett v. EPA. The Conforming 2023 rule is consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision and should remain untouched. See the December 1, 2025 Legislative Report for details on one of the most significant changes in federal rules being considered relating to Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). On Nov. 18 th , the EPA announced new proposed rules for implementing the Waters of the U.S., reducing 55 million acres of currently assumed wetlands—that protect drinking water and provide flood protection as well as giving a home to a variety of flora and fauna. WILDFIRE Carolyn Mayers The Oregon Legislature kicked off the week of January 12th with meetings offering a preview of what we can expect when the 2026 Short Session begins in earnest on February 2. The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire met January 14, and received updates from the Department of the State Fire Marshal (DFSM) and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Various officials recapped the 2025 wildfire season, relaying that while - from an acres burned perspective - it was better than expected, it was much worse than an average year in terms of structure losses. It was emphasized that this aligns with increasing trends toward more fires burning close to and in communities, and an accompanying increased risk of urban conflagrations. This amplifies the need to address mitigation measures in these areas in particular. At the January 14 meeting, DFSM officials emphasized progress on defensible space assistance for homeowners, noting that 357 inspectors have been trained to carry out defensible space inspections and make recommendations to mitigate risk to one’s residence. This work came as part of SB 762 , the 2021 wildfire bill which created a path toward comprehensive community wildfire preparedness and resiliency. It was noted that a voluntary Oregon Defensible Space Code is under development, which can be adopted at the local level. That Code is expected to be rolled out later this year. Other highlights of the meeting included a lengthy update on efforts between DFSM, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DBCS) and others following the passage of SB 85 during the 2025 session, aiming to tie homeowner and neighborhood level wildfire risk reduction work to factors insurance companies use to determine homeowner insurance rates. This Capital Chronicle article provides the details. This Legislative Concept, LC 182 , is modeled after a similar bill passed by the Colorado Legislature in 2025. In addition, Senator Sara Gelser-Blouin came before the committee to introduce her “Fire Hardened Homes Act”, LC 33 , which would prohibit Homeowner’s Associations from preventing residents within their jurisdiction from taking home hardening measures, such as replacing fences and siding with fire-resistant materials. Senator Golden appears to be poised to revisit the concept of a climate superfund bill, the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Act. This and similar bills in several other states aim to extract funds to help cover the losses suffered as a result of climate change driven catastrophic events such as wildfires and floods. In 2025 the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment Wednesday decided not to advance a similar bill, SB 1187 . Finally, the Governor’s Wildfire Program Advisory Committee, WPAC, met on Friday, January 16, and discussed most of the items described above and more. They also covered the new Consolidated Wildland Fire Service announced by the US Department of the Interior recently. The jury is out on whether this is a meaningful change, and there appears to be some concern in the wildfire community that it appears to be looking to focus on suppression at a time when it becomes ever more evident how important mitigation efforts are. More about this initiative may be found here . Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/17 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Reform Social Policy, Immigration, Hate Crimes Government Ethics Campaign Finance Reform The Portland City Auditor wants to ask the Legislature to nullify (preempt) the campaign finance reform Charter Amendment approved by 87.4% of Portland voters in 2018. This would undermine the express desires of Portland voters and open the doors to a deluge of big money flowing into Portland elections. It is unclear if the Auditor will convince city representatives to lobby for this idea in the Legislature. Social Policy, Immigration, Hate Crimes By Becky Gladstone Numerous bills followed here have not been scheduled for hearings. Their committees are still introducing members to their issues. Weather cancellations included Joint Information Management and Technology IT modernization planning. Here are recent bill updates: HB 2341 , ( League testimony in support), passed unanimously in a work session. The bill would add veterans’ email addresses to shared information in providing services. HB 5017 ; League testimony was presented and heard in support of this Oregon State Library budget bill. HB 2570 is scheduled for a work session 19 Feb. League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this privacy bill to make new [non]disclosure law to keep PII (personally identifiable information) confidential for employees working with OSHA investigations or inspections. SB 473 creates a new crime of threatening a public official. League testimony in support was written and presented. Sen Prozanski, Sen Judiciary Chair, suggested forming a work group for this complex issue. We are researching these: HB 2710 , to put victims of child abduction onto the list of those able to join the Address. Confidentiality Program. A public hearing was cancelled due to weather. HB 3012 , relates to 16 or 17 year-olds voting in school district elections, and it has not been scheduled for a hearing. HB 3384 , a County Clerks’ bill to alter the election calendar to allow not processing petitions during election season, has not moved since a Feb 3 public hearing. We are watching for amendments and intend to support it. SB 18 would increase penalties for election law violations. A public hearing was almost scheduled, but was withdrawn for this complex bill, with amendments already underway. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2727 further limits what lobbying a legislator can do after leaving office. It was heard in House Rules Feb. 10. The League supported this bill with testimony . HB 3130 would allow unpaid school district board members to not file statements of economic interest (SEIs) with the Government Ethics Commission. It was heard in House Rules Feb. 10. The League opposed this bill with testimony , since conflicts of interest do not depend on the size of a school district or if a public official is paid or not.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/17 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Columbia River Treaty 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 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 . BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch The Joint Committee On Ways and Means took action on March 14 on five bills to rebalance the 2023-25 budget. T he 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. T heir agenda includes consideration of federal grants (one wonders if they still exist) and agency reports. 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 , 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 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 (Passed the Senate Mar. 11 25/5) 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 in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. 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 Info mtgs. 3/12, 13 & 17. Public Hearing 3/18 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 to 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. COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY After years of negotiating, changes in the 61-year old Columbia River Treaty between Canada and the U.S. is on pause per the Oregon Capital Chronicle. “ If the U.S. misses deadlines for negotiating a final agreement, the earlier 61-year-old treaty would be reinstated, with no resolution to the issues the updates were meant to solve. If either nation decides to terminate the treaty, it will set off a 10-year process of dissolving the nations’ co-management infrastructure”. 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. The bill p assed the full Senate March 6 and has been assigned to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment . 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 continues to follow this project because of the consolidated permitting process AND that this would be the first chemical processing mine in Oregon. 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 has a work session scheduled March 18th. FORESTRY (ODF) By Josie Koehne President Trump has signed an executive order to allow more harvesting of timber on national forests. As a result, the committee working on the updated Northwest Forest Plan has been disbanded . The League will continue to follow SB 1051 , assigned to the Senate Rules Committee and which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. 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 The League may follow the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The League will also attend a separate rules process discussion being led by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development. We continue to watch 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 Land Conservation and Development Commission will meet on March 20-21 . 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. Business Oregon’s Infrastructure bill, HB 3031 , with a -1 amendment to clarify the criteria to be used to access the proposed $100 million fund 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 . A -2 amendment is now available for consideration. 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. Public hearing was held on 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. WATER By Peggy Lynch What are “Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS)”? With the new federal administration, this question will be debated yet again. This conversation makes Oregon’s water laws even more important. 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 : Deschutes Basin Water Bank Authority ( HB 3806 ). Public hearing held March 12. Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ) . Public hearing held March 12 Contested Case Process Improvements ( HB 3544 ). Public hearing held March 12 Place-Based Water Planning ( HB 3116 ) Public hearing scheduled March 19 . League supports. Chewaucan Basin Collaborative ( HB 3114 ) Public hearing scheduled March 19. LCIS Natural Resources Capacity ( HB 3531 ) Voluntary Agreements on Groundwater ( HB 3801 ) Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ) 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. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. The Governor has provided an alternate bill that may have more of a chance of passage. HB 3106 is the Oregon Water Data Portal funding bill for which the League provided testimony in support. 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 presentations and presentations . 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 Bills we are watching: Senate Bill 1051 , Governor Kotek is seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester. SB 82 -1 , 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. 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. 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. 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. HB 3172 directs OSFM to establish a grant program to facilitate the retrofitting of dwellings and accessory structures (aka home hardening), to reduce vulnerability to wildfire. The League is awaiting a bill or group of bills so the legislature can consider the 6 Alternative Funding Strategies from the Wildfire Funding Workgroup as mentioned in the last legislative report. 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.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Sine Die 2024 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Jump to topic: After School and Summer Care Behavioral Health and Related Public Safety Issues Education K-12 related Bills Healthcare Higher Education Housing Immigration/Refugee Violence Prevention and Gun Policy Volunteers Needed After School and Summer Care By Katie Riley LWVOR wrote testimony supporting a bill which would have provided $50 million to support summer learning through ODE to school districts. HB4082 , which included an appropriation of $30 million for 2024 summer care plus additional funding for ODE administration and authorized formation of a work group to plan for future afterschool and summer programs was passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor. ODE has notified school districts of allocations and a process for applications for 2024 summer funding. The task force has not been set up to date. Behavioral Health and Related Public Safety Issues By Karen Nibler and Jean Pierce HB4002 A , the “Oregon Drug Intervention Plan'' was signed by the Governor and took effect April 1st. This version is very similar to HB 4002-24, for which the League wrote testimony . Here is a flow chart which describes the provisions. Companion Bills: The Governor also signed HB 4001 A to study specialty courts for drug offenses and costs of deflection programs in the Oregon Health Authority programs; HB 5204A which provides $211M to implement HB 4002 in the community corrections programs and $4M to train behavioral health workers; HB 4151 B which supports the University of Oregon work on the youth behavioral health workforce; HB 4136 A to provide funds to increase health care access and divert from emergency rooms in Eugene, which is recognized for its mobile teams for substance abuse incidents. Education K-12 related Bills By Anne Nesse Bills that we did not testify on, but did pass into law, that significantly relate to education : SB 1557 E , requiring the Oregon Health Authority to ensure that all children or youth up to age 21, who are eligible for home or community-based services in mental health receive the services to which they are entitled, passed the Legislature on 3/7. The Governor signed this into law on 4/4. Subsidized childcare will be funded at approximately $170 M, for the Employment Related Day Care program. A program which pays almost the entire cost of child care for about 12,000 low-income families, preventing a budget deficit, noted in an article located here . Funding was allocated inside the omnibus funding Bill, SB 5701 A . An historic public/private partnership was announced by Governor Kotek on 4/17 to allow even more increased funding for child care. that adds $5 million from the Oregon CHIPS Act, and will be allocated to the new Oregon CHIPS Child Care Fund created by HB4098 E, bringing the total starting capacity of the fund to $7.5 million. Business Oregon will establish a work group to adopt recommendations for requiring certain businesses to make a financial contribution to the CHIPS Child Care Fund. The work group will report to the committees of the Legislative Assembly related to child care and workforce development by November 15, 2024. Business Oregon Director Sophorn Cheang said. “This program plays a big part in addressing this need within the semiconductor sector and can serve as a model for other industries in years to come.” Here is the announcement . Bills we did testify on, and that did pass into law in the short 2024 Session: SB 1552 B , creating a State Youth Advisory Board, and many other educational changes needed in an Omnibus Educational Bill, passed the Legislature on 3/7. Our LWVOR testimony in support of this Bill is here . The Governor signed this into law on 4/4. The following Bills which we testified on, but did not have time to pass the legislature in the short 2024 session. A few of these Bills, may return in the long Session of 2025: SB 1583 A , prohibited discrimination when selecting instructional materials, or books used in state public schools, had passed the Senate on 2/27, but remained in House Rules as of 3/6, without passage. This Bill had included additional language, already existing in current law, that had prohibited discrimination in selection of materials in public schools. Our LWVOR testimony is here . HB 4078 A , directed ODE to implement a standardized method for school districts to electronically collect, and use student data, did not have time to pass during the short session. Our LWVOR testimony supporting this Bill is here. HB 4079 , attempted to remove the percentage cap on the amount of moneys that are distributed from the State School Fund to school districts for students eligible for special education. Our LWVOR testimony supporting this Bill is here . Healthcare By Christa Danielson HB 4149 Requires Pharmacy Benefits Managers to be licensed by the Department of Consumer and Business Services; requires PBMs to report specific information to the DBcS; and allows policy holders of insurance to choose their pharmacy. The bill also prevents "claw-backs”- preventing PBMs from requesting repayment of funds it initially paid. The league advocated for supporting 4149 to increase transparency and clarify the hidden costs of pharmaceuticals. Also the bill helps rural pharmacies by allowing the patients to choose their pharmacies and preventing charging more after the sale of a medication. There are many more aspects of the bill and of the topic in general. There will be a work group over the summer to address these. Signed by Governor Kotek 4/4/2024 HB 4130 Strengthens bans against Corporate Practice of Medicine. The league advocated for the bill to prevent corporations from taking over the practice of medicine and to allow healthcare providers to make decisions about patient care. This bill is also in line with the National League’s Position on health care which supports a national health insurance plan financed through general taxes and is opposed to a strictly market-based model of financing healthcare. The league supports the single payer concept as a viable and desirable approach to implementing league positions on equitable access, affordability and financial viability. See the LWV Health Care Reform TOOLKIT . Also HCR4US works well. Bill was at the Senate President’s desk at adjournment. Higher Education By Jean Pierce LWVOR wrote testimony supporting a bill which would have provided $6 million to public universities to train additional mental health professionals. There is currently a mental health workforce shortage in practically every county in Oregon, and this is preventing people with substance use disorders from obtaining the treatment they need. HB 5204 A , which included an appropriation of $4 million for the training, was signed by the Governor. The tuition and fees required for public 4-year colleges in Oregon rank in the top third of the nation for expense. Furthermore, tuition and fees only account for 47% of the total cost of attendance of attending a public college in the state. HB 4162 would have provided funds to help pay for basic needs of students such as food and housing. Despite the League’s support, the bill did not advance. Housing By Debbie Aiona, Nancy Donovan A number of organizations advocating for sufficient funding to preserve existing low-income housing, including the League , were not successful in their request that the Legislature provide $30 million in lottery-backed bonds for housing preservation in HB 5201 . The League supported and the legislature passed SB 1530 , the governor’s housing investment package that included funding for housing stability, infrastructure development, housing production, climate impacts, and recovery housing. Unfortunately, the final version of the bill did not include $15 million for affordable homeownership the League supported . It did include $5 million for the Individual Development Account program, less than the $10 million the League urged the legislature to allocate in order to maintain current service levels. Here is the Governor’s signed letter . A large number of organizations with an interest in land use, the environment, and housing signed on to a group letter stating their support for Oregon’s land use system and environmental protection with information on steps Oregon can take to produce more housing while at the same time adhering to established practices. The League supported , but the legislature did not pass, HB 4099 that would have given affordable housing developers more time to pay their System Development Charge fees in order to reduce the overall cost of development. HB 4134 , which the legislature passed and the League supported , provides state grants for specific infrastructure projects in communities throughout the state intended to make land available for housing development. Immigration / Refugee By Claudia Keith HB 4085 A – Directs DHS to give grants for legal assistance to help noncitizens get lawful immigration. Fiscal $6.3M, adds 2 positions / 1.2 FTE. League testimon y, currently in J W&Ms. Feb 19 HB 4085 -1 Preliminary SMS . Policy bill died in JWM. This funding may appear at the end of session JWM omnibus bill - see below. SB1578A which directs the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to establish and maintain a management system to schedule appointments and process billing for health care interpreters was amended to limit the service to Oregon Health Plan Members. The amended bill was passed by the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction March 1st and was referred to the full committee. The Staff analysis of the measure reports that these interpreters are needed to facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients with limited English proficiency as well as the deaf and hard of hearing. According to the latest U.S. Census American Community Survey, there are 216,654 people in Oregon with limited English proficiency. Passed, Governor was asked to veto that request was denied. Twenty-Nine GOP Lawmakers Ask Kotek to Veto Medical Interpreter Bill . | Willamette Weekly SB5701 End of Session JWM Funding Agency $M Description DHS 2 Refugee Newcomer Support Services Pilot. Short term Grants will be awarded eligible newcomers, such as shelter, food, housing, and case management services 8 awarding grants to organizations providing culturally. responsive services supporting economic stability. DOE/DELC 0.8 ERDC program resources for English-speaking and non-English-speaking communities. DOE HE 6.1 public university educator preparation programs for linguistic and cultural diversity of students and diverse teacher candidates -2.5 Reduces General Fund appropriation to DHS’ Self Sufficiency Programs by $2.5 million to reflect lower than budgeted costs for closure of the temporary state-operated Welcome Center. one-time basis to transition asylum seekers. 4 Latino Network for the La Plaza Esperanza service hub for Portland and Gresham residents. (Capital Project) 2.5 Oregon Vietnamese American Cultural Center to support the acquisition and development of a community center. (Capital Project) Violence Prevention and Gun Policy By Marge Easley SB 1503, supported by the League, was one of the few violence prevention bills to make it through the session. It establishes the Task Force on Community Safety and Firearm Suicide Prevention, whose 17 members include legislators and representatives from state agencies, behavioral and public healthcare groups, and communities most impacted by suicide. Also included in the bill is an allocation of $250,000 to the Oregon Department of Justice to support the task force and fund outside research on firearm suicide prevention. Findings will be reported back to the Legislature over the next two years. We were also pleased to see bipartisan support for and passage of HB 4156 , which strengthens and modernizes Oregon’s anti-stalking law and includes much-needed provisions for the crimes of cyberstalking and internet harassment. Although unrelated to the session, two other gun policy issues should be noted. We continue to monitor the legal status of Measure 114, passed by Oregon voters in 2022 with the strong support of the League. The measure mandates a permit to purchase a firearm and places a ban on high-capacity magazines, However, it remains on hold as it makes its way through the appeals court system, and we await an opportunity to join an amicus brief. Also, in November 2023, at the request of LWVUS, we offered comments on a proposed federal rule to broaden the definition of “engaged in the business” as a dealer in firearms to include online sales and gun shows. We recently received thanks from LWVUS along with the news that the U.S. Attorney General signed the final rule on April 10, 2024. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Social Policy? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. In addition to the topics listed above, we need League members interested in Criminal Justice and in Mental Health. If any area of Social Policy is of interest to you, please contact Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator, at SocialPolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 5/22 Education By Anne Nesse Leadership Announces Historic Budgets for State School Fund, Early Learning and Literacy Success On May 22, presiding Senate and House officers announced “an historic $10.2 billion investment into the State School Fund (SSF), $700 million above current service level and the most ever allocated to the fund. When paired with local property tax revenues, the total formula resources for K-12 schools reaches $15.3 billion, a 12.3% increase over current resources, which will ensure Oregon’s schools and educators will have the tools they need to prepare Oregon's students for the future.” Several Bills were voted to the floor from House and Senate Education Committees this week, on their way to passage into law. Some by narrow margins, ostensibly over discussions of inadequate potential funding. Even though the recent May economic forecast exceeded expectations, totaling approximately over $1.9 Billion dollars of what was anticipated. Thankfully leadership was able to make some prioritized decisions listed above in an historic $15.3 billion dollar education budget! More to come in next week's newsletter. • SB 489 Eliminates restrictions on payment of unemployment insurance benefits to certain nonprofessional educational workers. This gives these employees some extra income stability. It was noted by Susan Allen, OSEA, that most of these employees are working for comparatively low wages, and they would appreciate this protection. • SB 736 Requires DOE to conduct a study to identify how to increase access to advanced instruction for the purpose of preparing students for college and career, written for talented and gifted students. • SB 473 -1 , Directs school district board to adopt a prevention curriculum that addresses child sex trafficking. This was amended to be a study of possible curriculum by DOE, and Sen. Hansell, chief sponsor of the Bill, announced he now no longer supports this change. It was announced that the group “In Our Backyard” will be involved, if this passes. • SB 819 A-16 , Modifies abbreviated school day program requirements for students with disabilities. This Bill attempts to preserve some rights to parents and children with disabilities that are Federally mandated. This created a lot of discussion of the possibility of not enough staff, or money to cover these costs. • HB 3068 A , Provides that high school a student in grade 11 or 12 may be awarded a high school equivalency diploma if the student has received a certificate for passing approved high school equivalency test and meets other conditions. Within the bill is the study of the possibility of creating an entirely new type of high school diploma. HB 3199 A , Modifies calculation of required minutes of physical education for middle school students to be based on weekly calculation.

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

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 9/21 Revenue Team Coordinator: Josie Koehne Revenue Josie Koehne Important news: At this point in time, the state economists think it unlikely that either the personal income kicker or the Corporate kicker will be triggered, but we will not know for sure until the forecast in late May, 2027. Revenue Report and Economic Forecast Revenue Report and the Economic Forecast The September Economic and Revenue forecast was presented to the Joint revenue committees on Aug 26 th by Carl Riccadonna, Chief Economist, and Michael Kennedy, Senior Economist. Although the September forecast showed a slight increase of $55 million in General Fund revenue over the June forecast, this is a relatively small increase to the net General Fund revenue of $37.8 billion for this 2025-27 biennium that ends June 30. The rise in higher than expected personal income tax (PIT) withholdings is due to higher wages, whereas corporate income tax collections were weaker than anticipated. The economists pointed out that corporate income and excise tax revenue is hard to predict because of the timing of when tax credit refunds are taken from previous years tax filings. Corporate profits and the stock market remain very strong and they predicted there is only an 18% chance of recession by the end of the 2027 session. The PIT should bring in $30 billion this biennium, whereas corporate taxes are projected to bring in under $3.6 billion . The Corporate Activities Tax (CAT) imposed on businesses with over $1 million in Oregon sales is projected to bring in an additional $3.1 billion , slightly lower than the previous forecast, which if the kicker is triggered, could reduce K-12 school funding. The projected CAT receipts is $88 million less than the 2025 close of session, but “with indicators of economic activity, such as state output exhibiting signs of strength, this pattern is viewed as a temporary data anomaly rather than a systemic or structural issue” the report states. Lottery earnings are up 3%, bringing in about $1.8 billion and Marijuana projected proceeds $261.7 million, down from the last forecast due to lower retail prices, but is expected to remain flat. It is important to understand Other Fund revenue . Other Funds are revenues collected by state agencies and are projected to bring in $58 billion during this 2025-27 biennium, far outweighing the General Fund PIT and corporate income revenues combined. Other Funds are generally derived from taxes, fees and charges related to specific activities, as well as federal reimbursements, settlements, interest, and investment income. The largest share by far of Other Fund revenue includes interest and investment income of $23 billion from the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) which is separate from state revenue. The Oregon Health Authority income is $10.5 billion of the $58 billion this biennium. LWVOR in the News On June 25, 2026, the Governor’s Prosperity Council delivered its final report to Governor Kotek: Recommendations for Oregon's Long-Term Competitiveness and Prosperity. Among other recommendations, they request four tax breaks, an R&D Research Tax Credit, a raise in the exemption to the estate tax with other exclusions, a reduction in the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) and an exemption for Qualified Small Business Stock. Joe Cortright who served as Executive Officer of the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Committee on Trade & Economic Development from 1983 to 1985 and served as Chair of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers for 15 years estimated that these tax breaks would reduce Oregon’s revenue by $650 million . The League wrote comments and provided invited testimony during Legislative Days on Sept 8, in opposition to these four tax proposals in the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business and Trade arguing that these tax savings would go to wealthy investors and large corporations and that investing in higher education would be a better investment for Oregon quoting our LWVOR positions. Written testimony here , the powerpoint presentation is here , and here is the meeting recording (begin at 1:43:25). The Statesman’s Journal reported on the League’s comments on Sept 10, as did another newspaper. Economic Outlook Trends In terms of general national trends, high oil prices due to the Iran war, inflation at 3.6% (aim is 2%), frequently changing tariffs and uncertain geopolitics affecting supply chains combine to make it extremely difficult for businesses and families alike to plan ahead. Despite this, the GDP is growing - slowly inching upwards from 2%. Recently, Oregon has been closing the GDP gap at 1%, catching up to the national average at 2%, but Oregon’s GDP is approximately half of last year’s total GDP. Not surprisingly, the industries that are suffering most are construction and utilities with higher energy costs, followed by transportation and trade. The winners are professional services, IT, real estate and finance, plus travel. Healthcare growth is strong at 5% but weaker than the first quarter of last year. Our population is aging, requiring more health services, while young people are having fewer children and not moving to Oregon as much as they did a decade ago, which puts pressure on schools to close or merge due to headcount loss. Unemployment however is leveling out, but is still ahead of the national average, at almost 5%. There have been fewer job postings over the past four years but it is now trending slightly upwards. Economic disparity continues to get worse, with the wealthiest families benefiting from high stock market prices, spending and investments, while the average and poor Oregonians struggle to keep up with rising costs of basic necessities like food, rent and utility bills. This trend needs to be reversed.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/12 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Privacy, Consumer Protection, Ethics, and a Budget Elections Artificial Intelligence Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill HB 3392 is said to be the vehicle for a gut and stuff of the technical fixes for HB 4024 (2024) . This bill is currently a study of campaign finance by the Secretary of State. Complex amendments are under discussion among Honest Elections, the Secretary of State’s Election Division, the Attorney General’s office, Oregon Business and Industries, Oregon unions and legislative staff. However, no amendments are yet posted on OLIS. Privacy, Consumer Protection, Ethics, and a Budget By Becky Gladstone HB 2008 A had a May 5 public hearing in the Senate Judiciary, after unanimous House Commerce and Consumer Protection support and then also on the House Floor. This personal data bill is detailed, basically about protecting personal data for teenagers. League testimony in support. Testimony this week is for bills being heard in the second chamber. Hearings are being scheduled without agendas, to cover for deadlines: “ This agenda may be populated with any measures that have been carried over from previously posted agendas. ” This week’s testimony forecast: HB 3766 A is up for a second public hearing in the Senate Judiciary, May 12, after passing unanimously from the House Floor. It would allow 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. Updated testimony was requested to address amendments. SB 430 -1 is up for a second public hearing in House Commerce and Consumer Protection, May 12, for online transaction cost disclosure to improve transparency. It passed in Senate Labor and Business on partisan lines, similarly, passing on partisan lines on the Senate Floor, 18 to 11. As reported earlier, the League anticipates submitting testimony in support. HB 3167 A is up for a third public hearing in Senate Labor and Business on May 13 to address pricing transparency for admission ticket purchases. The League is researching testimony. HB 2930 is up for a second public hearing on May 14 in Senate Rules, for conflict of interest of public officials’ household members. HB 2932 is also up for a second public hearing on May 14 in Senate Rules, to allow public officials to get paid for teaching at certain post-secondary institutions, as an exception to public officials’ prohibition against using an official position or office for financial gain or avoidance of financial detriment. The League is researching testimony. Reviewing: HB 5017 , the State Library budget bill, has a first work session on May 15, after a February 11 public hearing. The League testimony was the only one filed and is in support of our partnership for League Voter Service information. They share our Voters’ Guides in the Talking Books and Braille Library , here for the 2024 general election. SB 470 A : work sessions had been scheduled on April 24 and May 7, bounced to subsequent agendas, none currently listed for this popularly supported bill. League testimony supported the original bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos. SB 238 modifies provisions of law enforcement use of drones. We have not addressed this committee bill and are watching for developments on this new surveillance technology. The bill is passing on partisan lines, from Senate Judiciary and the Senate floor, with a public hearing in House Judiciary. HB 2006 would limit long session bill requests to 25 bills from legislators to legislative counsel. We are watching for a public hearing to be scheduled in House Rules. Elections By Barbara Klein The Senate Interim Committee on Rules requested SB 44 related to elections. There was a hearing for SB 44 on May 7 and it is scheduled for a work session on May 14th (in Senate Rules ). There are two amendments that would completely replace this bill. Details of the staff analysis of the amendments and background can be viewed here . In summary, -2 changes statutory references of voter registration “cards” to voter registration “applications.” During testimony the SOS office did not note fiscal impact; the analysis states it is unclear (at this time) whether there will be a fiscal impact. Amendment -4 to SB 44 changes the statutes related to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) electing either multiple or single winners. Current law is either silent or does not work with RCV elections in relationship to vote recounts, tallying or write-in votes. The amendment also adds an official definition of Ranked Choice Voting (“Ranked-choice voting means a method of conducting an election in which electors may rank candidates in order of the electors’ preference”). The League’s testimony can be read here . SB 580 -2 had a third reading in the Senate on May 7th, and a first reading on the same day in the House. The bill, which originally required each city or county filing officer “ to make publicly available on the county or city website within two business days certain election documents that are filed with the filing officer, ” was amended to accommodate the different challenges between counties. Some small counties have no webmaster and work more easily with physical copies of information than digital, whereas in larger areas (like Portland) the opposite is true. The amendment allows longer time for more verified information (aside from posting name and office for the candidate, or withdrawal). Additionally, there are exceptions for candidacy declarations for precinct committee persons. The sponsor of the bill, Senator James Manning , explained it as a response to requests from voters for more transparency. Artificial Intelligence (AI) By Lindsey Washburn HB 3936 bans the use of AI on state assets if the AI is owned or developed by a foreign corporate entity. Passed from the Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology with a 6-0 vote and includes the -1 amendment to remove "country of origin". Senator Sollman referenced the League's testimony to this bill during her remarks. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 1/20 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of State Lands (DSL) Drinking Water Advisory Committee Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Management Forestry (ODF) Land Use and Housing Mining Oregon Watershed Enhancement Water Wildfire Agriculture By Sandra Bishop A League member attended virtually the Dec. 18-19 Board of Agriculture meeting. Peter Kenagy, Albany area farmer, announced the reactivation of the Ag for Oregon group who will be advocating for agricultural land use protections and address the expansion of agri-tourism. Samantha Bayer, Oregon Property Owners Association, and member of the panel on Agri-tourism and Land Use announced that next session they will push for changes in the farm stand state statute to increase agri-tourism uses. The League may need to consider any proposed legislation. We are strong advocates of Goal 3, Agriculture.The Board approved an edited Resolution 314: Permitted Uses on Lands Zoned Exclusive Farm Use and on High-Value Farmland. A phrase was deleted from the published, edited version. There may be a special board meeting called in January for the Board of Ag to agree on legislative priorities. Here are the new Dept. of Land Conservation and Development Farm & Forest Rules. Congress passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government until March 14 with $10 billion disaster aid for farmers. The bill also includes a one-year extension of the Farm Bill (until Sept. 2025). The Farm Bill includes money for nutrition programs like food stamps. It also includes $29 billion for conservation. Many of Oregon’s conservation programs rely on that federal funding. You can read more in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle . See in this legislative report under “Water” for the latest on nitrates in groundwater in the Umatilla Basin. Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch 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. Now that the Governor’s budget (GRB) has been released, the state agencies, who work for the Governor, can only advocate for the GRB. Their agency request budgets (ARBs) were used as a basis for the Governor’s decisions, but it is the GRB that now governs. Look for bill numbers HB 50xx and SB 55xx for the agencies’ budgets you might want to follow. If you add them to your OLIS subscription, you will get a notice when they might be heard in one of the Ways and Means Subcommittees. After some orientation, look for budgets to be heard beginning the second week of session. The Governor proposes; the legislature disposes. And those of us who engage in the budget process now must focus on convincing legislators (especially the Ways and Means Committee and the Subcommittees) of the need to fund those programs and staffing, using the League’s Legislative Priorities | LWV of Oregon and our adopted positions as our guide. The State Debt Policy Advisory Commission will provide bonding guidance in January of 2025. Climate See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt and Peggy Lynch Among the issues the League is following are shoreline erosion , low ocean oxygen levels , and protection of eelgrass (watch for legislation). A report from the Oregon Kelp Alliance found that nearly two-thirds of the state’s kelp forests have died out over the last decade. A multitude of factors appear to be behind the decline, including rising ocean temperatures and booming populations of purple sea urchins, which eat the kelp. The report also outlines future research and conservation strategies that could help protect the state’s remaining kelp forests. “Kelp forests are a key marine ecosystem. They act as a home and nursery for a number of fish species important in Oregon’s commercial and recreational fisheries.” We have reported on the potential for offshore wind off Oregon’s southern coast. OPB explains what happened. The Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap meetings have continued. For more information, please visit the DLCD webpage here: Offshore Wind Roadmap . The West Coast Ocean Science Trust will establish a 10-year detailed suite of strategies , needed funding, and timeline to address existing, emerging, and complex West Coast ocean and coastal issues, convening and engaging key policymakers, agencies, Tribes, academic leaders, scientists, and potential funders. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch 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 . Department of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch See Elliott State Research Forest below for the agency’s role in that issue. The next State Land Board meeting is Feb. 11. Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) By Sandra Bishop At the Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) meeting January 15th, it was announced that Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will adopt a new definition of Disadvantaged Community (DAC). The DAC definition is used to prioritize eligibility for public funds to improve public water systems. Oregon, like all states, has a priority ranking system to address first any problems with public water systems that have the most serious human health risks. The state is also required to have a definition of disadvantaged community that meets the state affordability criteria for customers served by a public water system. This is to help prioritize eligibility for use of Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF). The new Disadvantaged Community definition addresses other socioeconomic, environmental justice, and demographic considerations, beyond the one-income criteria in the current definition. The current DAC definition used to determine DAC status for funding water projects is: A public water system with a service area that has a Median Household Income (MHI) less than the state MHI. The new definition defines Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) as any public water system (PWS) with a Median Household Income (MHI) less than the state MHI, or If a PWS has an MHI higher than 100% of the state MHI but less than 120% of the state MHI, then the system must meet two (2) of four (4) criteria: Greater than the state poverty rate, Greater than the state unemployment rate, Greater than the state percentage of people with less than a high school education, Greater than the state housing cost burdened. The new definition was arrived at after public comment and cooperative work between OHA Drinking Water Services staff, Business Oregon, and an EPA State Revolving Fund contractor. Metrics for determining need were expanded and refined. The new broader definition of Disadvantaged Communities includes an additional 79 public water systems serving a total population of more than 2,500,000. The new definition will also include the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon. Approximately 61% of the public water systems in the state and 69% of the population served by public water systems will be covered under the new DAC definition . There was also news about Small System Equipment Assistance (SSEA) forgivable loans. A pilot of this program was implemented in 2021 but was suspended as federal BIL (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) funding superseded the available staff capacity to manage the program. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) plans to re- launch this program. Application submission deadline will be August 15th, 2025 for small-scale additions or replacement of equipment and instrumentation needed by small water systems (serving less than 300 connections). Funding for projects will be up to $20K in 100% forgivable loans. Program materials and additional information are being prepared and will be available soon on OHA’s DWSRF webpage . Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The final environmental impact statement for the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is now available, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today. Read the Service's press release here . The HCP balances forest research and management activities with the conservation of rare species and their habitat in the Elliott State Research Forest. The final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is one of the last steps before federal agencies decide whether to issue incidental take permits to the Department of State Lands for federally protected species based on the HCP. View the final EIS and final HCP here on the Service’s Elliott State Research Forest HCP webpage. The Dept. of State Lands is asking for $10 million General Funds in 2025 as, hopefully, final bridge financing to continue to stand up the ESRF, hire staff and work toward self-funding in the future. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Emergency Management By Lily Yao A League member will be attending this Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management meeting Feb. 11. Forestry (ODF) By Josie Koehne See the Wildfire section of this report below and the Forestry report in the Climate section of this Legislative Report. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch The League has again participated in a Land Use 101 webinar focusing on the statewide land use planning program with emphasis on Goals 3,4, 7, 10 and 14. One of the many 2025 session bills the League will be following and engaged in during its development is HB 2138 . As explained in this OregonLive article , the Governor looks to continue to increase middle housing opportunities. Because the bill had to be filed in Sept., expect a significant amendment to be posted before the first public hearing in the House Housing and Homelessness Committee. SB 1537 (2024) provisions went into effect Jan. 1st, including “adjustments” that can be made by cities rather than going through a variance process. Then the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis program will begin to be implemented “to facilitate housing production, affordability and choice to meet housing needs for Oregonians statewide. Three state agencies have vital roles in implementing the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA). Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) are undertaking various tasks outlined by House Bill 2001 (2023) .” In order to see significant new housing, the League has continued to advocate for funding for infrastructure. The League of Oregon Cities provided 2024 Survey results : ”If all infrastructure needs across all types are summed, we find a tremendous amount of funding is needed. In total, as can be seen in Table 21, the total infrastructure needs for cities across both water and transportation projects is $12.2 billion.” Starting at page 35, you can read the list of needed projects and the possibility of housing IF the funding is found. Here are the new Dept. of Land Conservation and Development Farm & Forest Rules (also posted under the Agriculture section of this report). Mining The League has continued to follow the application for the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine near Vale. The next meeting of the interdisciplinary team of agencies will be January 30th on the proposed chemical process gold mine in Malheur County. The public notice and related documents are available. This is the first project using a consolidated permitting process where all permitting agencies are meeting together to process the permit applications. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) By Lucie La Bonte We have a new League volunteer who will be following OWEB’s meetings and reporting on this important state agency. From its beginning as part of the Plan for Salmon and Watersheds with a portion of lottery funding, their success in funding grants has raised their stature. The legislature has added a number of other programs, including distribution of the Natural and Working Lands Funds and the Drinking Water Source Protection Fund (General Funds), both of which the League has supported. Water By Peggy Lynch The League will provide our first natural resources area testimony on HB 2168 on Wed. Jan. 22nd 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 League has been a perennial supporter of the two loan programs from their inception. Another bill, SB 830 , that the League will also support when posted, would allow for grants in the on-site septic program and extend the opportunities to low-income mobile home parks with failing septics. The Governor declared an emergency for the Port of Morrow “My office has heard directly from producers and farmers in the Lower Umatilla Basin that pausing operations even for a short time in February would be devastating to the local economy and potentially shut down some operations permanently,” Kotek said in the release. “I did not make this decision lightly. We must balance protecting thousands of jobs in the region, the national food supply, and domestic well users during this short period of time during an unusually wet winter.” The League is distressed that the low-income groundwater well users are again not addressed . The League is proud to have been a part of advocating for many of these 2021-2024 Oregon Water Resources Dept. investments . But there is more to do. The League has been invited to participate in discussions on a new Water Stewardship and Supply Initiative with its updated scope . LC 3542 has been filed, and this work will flesh out the proposed bill which “Directs the Water Resources Department to study the use of water resources in this state. Directs the department to report to committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources no later than September 15, 2026.” 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. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers The devastating fires in the Los Angeles vicinity have dominated headlines recently, highlighting the oft-referenced sentiment among the wildfire community in Oregon and nationwide that we no longer have a wildfire season, but “wildfire years”. Many California wildfire personnel and agencies had assisted during Oregon’s record wildfire season last year, and our Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) have provided significant and timely resources in the form of equipment and firefighters to help suppress these recent fires and save lives. The League followed with great interest the first meeting of the year of the Governor’s Wildfire Programs Advisory Council (WPAC) on January 17. After the introduction of new members, the Council received an update on Oregon’s support of California agencies in the wake of the wildfires. Details of resources provided to California were given by Chief Ruiz Temple of OSFM. Her report is well summarized here . She noted that resources were deployed within 12 hours of the first conversation between the two States, and that Oregon firefighters were the first out-of-State team to arrive on the scene. She also stated it was the largest out of State deployment in the history of the agency. Chief Ruiz-Temple’s report was followed by details of the response sent to California by ODF, which was coordinated with CalFire, California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Deputy Kyle Williams spoke of how well the two agencies, OSFM and ODF, work together and that they are really more than the sum of their parts. You may read about the details of those ODF deployments here . It was noted that while containment of these fires is increasing, there are troubling signs of returning dangerous Santa Ana winds mid-week. Finally, the Chief stated that while normally a deployment lasts only 2 weeks, the need may well arise to extend that. The Council relayed the fact that availability of the off-season ODF personnel was the direct result of the Legislature following through on a recommendation from the WPAC to allow some of the seasonal personnel to stay on beyond the normal fire season. They were pulled from fuels reduction/mitigation work that they normally do this time of year. The Los Angeles fires have, once again revealed vulnerabilities in our current approach to wildfire, especially in urban areas. There have been a number of recent articles covering these vulnerabilities. Urban water supply and its reliability in the face of a large urban conflagration is one area that isn’t discussed enough, and this article details that issue. This one paints a clear picture of the importance of fuels reductions and defensible space around the home, and home hardening techniques, which was also a topic of discussion at this same meeting. New regulations for homeowners in the Wildland Urban Interface areas which also fall in areas rated High Hazard on the new map , will be forthcoming, following the appeals process and once details are worked out. Building Codes and Defensible Space Code will be available before the end of the year, though the timeline for finalization and enforcement varies from agency to agency. There has apparently been a sizable outcry, as with the release of the first map, so the appeals process will take time. Regulations around defensible space and home hardening hinge on the aforementioned State Wildfire Hazard map. A very thorough OBP article details the map, its history and next steps. Derrick Wheeler, Legislative Coordinator for ODF, and Andy McAvoy, Oregon State University Wildfire Risk Research Scientist, gave an overview of the mapping process and purpose, and the appeals process. Find more information on ODF’s wildfire hazard web page . Doug Graf, the Governor’s Wildfire and Military Advisor, told WPAC members that there are approximately 50 wildfire-related bills coming in the 2025 session, and that more details would be forthcoming. One bill was highlighted in Senator Jeff Golden’s most recent Newsletter , and would establish a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program within the Department of Environmental Quality. SB 682 looks to take advantage of a trend in getting “polluters to pay” for the effects of climate change, such as increased wildfire risk, flooding and more. Clearly, it is another angle on trying to find creative ways to fund the wildfire crisis, among other crises, being exacerbated by the effects of climate change. In other news, Cal Mukumoto turned in his resignation from ODF effective January 23, following a number of charges of not keeping the Legislature informed of the agency’s inability to pay vendors in a timely fashion for their help during the record 2024 wildfire season. That state of affairs led to the passage of an emergency wildfire funding bill, passed in Special Session, December 11, 2024. Finally, the Wildfire Funding Work Group, which was established by the Governor during the short session to find sustainable, adequate and fair funding for the wildfire crisis, will be presenting a report to the Legislature on February 18, 2025. A not-so-fun factoid from the New York Times: Between 1990 and 2020, the number of homes in fire-prone parts of California grew by 40 percent, according to research led by Volker Radeloff, a professor of forest ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. By contrast, the number of homes in less-flammable areas, like city centers, only grew by 23 percent. 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 Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Department of State Lands (DSL) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Recycling Regional Solutions State Land Board Transportation (ODOT) Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire Done! The 2026 legislative short session closed before 5p on March 6. But the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) is a year-round system so you can use it to review the bills, read testimony, find votes, and watch recorded committee hearings. We encourage you to e-Subscribe to committees of interest. Now it’s time to review the work done by the legislature and by your League volunteers. We were engaged on many issues about which Oregonians care. We worked with other groups on individual bills, signed on to letters in support and opposition as well as providing our own testimony on bills. We are a founding member of the Oregon Conservation Network (OCN). After taking a breather, it’s time to engage with our state agencies as they implement the legislation (you can get involved in rulemaking to help clarify the agency’s responsibilities on legislation about which you may be interested) and consider what needs to be done in 2027. Attend Town Halls and election events. Ask candidates questions and consider recommending legislation you believe will help your local community and/or the State of Oregon. Volunteers can monitor the Interim Committee Meetings in June, September and December and report to LWVOR’s Action Committee. We will provide Legislative Reports after each 3-day set of meetings. Governor’s Executive Orders 25-25, 25-26 and 25-29 Staff Report and Documents . Slide Presentation to the Land Conservation and Development Commission and Water Resources Commission on Feb. 26. The Orders instruct certain state agencies to implement these Orders on Wind and Solar Development, Promoting Resilience of our Communities and Natural and Working Lands and Waters and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Environmental Caucus: Do you want to sign up? You can check out previous newsletters on the Environmental Caucus page . Questions or comments, email kathryn.duvall@oregonlegislature.gov . AGRICULTURE Sandra U. Bishop HB 4153 Enrolled: Relating to farm stores. This bill allows large stores in permanent structures on Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zoned land and allows for major expansion of agri-tourism—mostly with a permit. The League opposed the bill and will monitor local actions. LFO Recommendation Staff Measure Summary OPB provides an article explaining the bill. Passed the House and Senate Mar. 6. HB 4130 Enrolled: Relating to farm use. This bill is predominantly a taxation bill. The main purpose is to make sure agricultural land under processing facilities or being used for farm product preparation are qualified for the special farm property tax assessment. The meaning of preparing farm products and by-products was also clarified. Mar. 3 Passed the House. Mar. 6 Passed the Senate . The League continues to follow work on the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA). State agencies are increasing their monitoring and enforcement of state laws and rules. But a lot of work remains, according to the state’s first report on its progress. BUDGETS/REVENUE Peggy Lynch See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in-depth information. We encourage you to read ALL sections. CLIMATE Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL ISSUES Christine Moffitt SB 1525 A , creating the Blue Economy Task Force to report on economic development plans or strategies for Oregon’s blue (coastal) economy passed. The task force would sunset on 12/31/2027. This bill also would authorize the Oregon Ocean Science Trust to create a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity to serve as a dedicated fund-raising arm of the trust. HB 4097 , already passed by both Houses, contains an identical provision. HB 4097 has been signed by the Governor. LFO Recommendation SB 1525 passed Senate unanimously! Passed House March 5. News Release : Draft Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap Available. The public may comment from February 17 – April 3, 2026. Public meetings are also scheduled for our south coast communities starting Feb. 25 th . The League provided Comments on HB 4080 in 2024. Note that the schedule and meeting locations may have changed. website . The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is updating administrative rules in Division 83 that guide how easements are issued for uses of the territorial sea (Undersea Infrastructure and Easements). Proposed changes will strengthen protections for Oregon’s marine ecosystems, streamline the permitting process, and ensure fair public compensation for use of the seafloor. March 11 meeting . Undersea Infrastructure and Easements in Oregon’s Territorial Sea Rulemaking . Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. The next meeting is May 13. News Release: The Oregon Coastal Management Program has published Rocky Habitat Management Plans for 8 locations. The Ocean Policy Advisory Council is seeking new members. Apply by April 1 st . Oregon Ocean Science Trust OOST) Quarterly Board Meeting, April 1 st . Ocean Policy Advisory Council Meeting Notice, April 21 st . The League of Women Voters of Coos County continues to follow the proposed Pacific Coast Intermodal Port (PCIP) project in Coos Bay. (See their public website .) DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) HB 4102 : Modifies the authority of DEQ 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. 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. 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.” Of interest, an Intel representative stated on the record that Oregon does “underfund our permitting agencies.” Passed the Senate floor on Mar. 2. The League will monitor. The Environmental Quality Commission will hold its next regular meeting on March 12, in Portland and via Zoom. Materials for the meeting, including links to staff reports, are now available on the meeting agenda webpage . DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) Joan Fryxell The League continues to monitor the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine project outside of Vale. We will also continue following DOGAMI’s carbon sequestration project in NE Oregon. Because of the high federal interest in rare earth minerals, we expect that this agency will be busy processing permit applications, particularly in Eastern Oregon. DEPT. OF STATE LANDS As part of their responsibility to be stewards of Oregon’s waters of the state, Willamette Week reports that Robert Pamplin, Jr. (Ross Island Sand and Gravel), has been fined $13.9 million for not keeping his agreement to mitigate the damage to the Willamette River. Ross Island Sand & Gravel, one of Pamplin’s companies, mined the Ross Island lagoon in the middle of Portland for sand and rock from 1926 to 2001. After the company ceased mining, it struck a 2002 agreement with the Oregon Department of State Lands, which regulates the state’s navigable waterways, to refill excavations well over 100 feet deep, as well as to restore the upland portions of the island, where the company processed the materials it mined . DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DWAC) Sandra U. Bishop The League has a standing seat on DWAC. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors will meet virtually via Zoom March 11 , from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Click here to download the meeting agenda and materials . FORESTRY (ODF) Josie Koehne The Board of Forestry met March 4. News Release . Kacey KC, the new Oregon State Forester and Director of the Oregon Department of Forestry, started work March 1. Kacey began her career with the Nevada Division of Forestry on the Nursery and Seedbank Program, then moved into the state office working in various positions in fire suppression and resource management and then to the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. ODF staffers Mike Wilson and Tyson Wepprich presented on rulemaking and performance measures for the Western Oregon Forest Management Plan (FMP). Board members and several people provided public comments, remarking that the document was too high level and vague. It did not set clear goals on which metrics could be set, which then should be reflected in the department's Business Performance Management (BPMs). See LWVOR comments on this plan her e. Chandra Ferrari, a former ODF Board member, now working with Geoff Huntington as Governor Kotek's natural resources staff, provided an update, followed by reporting on the Adaptive Management Program. A team composed of Kotek's appointees works closely with an OSU scientific research team, the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST). They are establishing a baseline using detailed Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots on which to measure forest health over time in response to climate change. The group is developing questions that can be quantified for future research. FIA plots are laid out on a grid that are monitored and that track species, tree health, and volume to assess forest conditions, growth, and carbon stock. The team then will make recommendations for forest management based on these findings. OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION On the federal level, the administration wants an increase in logging per this Oregonlive article . The Trump administration is proposing to quadruple logging on federal lands in 18 Oregon counties, raising timber harvests to levels not seen since before spotted owl protections reshaped forest management in the 1990s. The public can comment on the logging increase proposal until March 23. BLM (The Bureau of Land Management) anticipates publishing a draft environmental impact statement this summer and making a final decision in early 2027, an agency spokesperson said. This session, two forestry bills passed and one died in Ways and Means: HB 4004 Enrolled: 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. In other words, if forests are lost due to natural causes, like drought, landowners getting forestry special assessment will not have to pay penalties for land that no longer qualifies for special assessment. -11 amendments , -13 amendments , -14 amendments and – A 17 amendment s were all adopted. Passed both chambers. 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. See LWVOR testimony in opposition. Bill died in Ways and Means but is expected back in 2027. SB 1590 A Enrolled: Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands. Passed both chambers. GOVERNANCE Peggy Lynch 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. -1 amendment was discussed and staff summary provided. LWVOR provided Comments . The -1 amendment was adopted. -A2 amendment adopted. LFO Recommendation . The bill passed the House Mar. 3. Passed the Senate Mar. 5 . 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. -2 amendment The League is concerned about the need for rules to be adopted and implemented in a timely manner. We will monitor. Passed the House. - A3 amendment was adopted and the bill passed the Senate Mar. 4. 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 . The League signed on to a letter in opposition to the bill. Bill died in committee. HB 4084 A : Establishes the Joint Permitting Council. See the Revenue Report for details of this bill. Staff Measure Summary LFO Recommendation . The League has been involved in conversations around these important policy and tax issues and provided an email to members of the Subcommittee with a request to support amendments restricting data centers and addressing some of the tax credits issues. LFO Recommendation of the three amendments added. Passed the House Mar. 4 (50/5/4/1) Passed the Senate Mar. 6 (21/8/1) LAND USE & HOUSING Peggy Lynch The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) presented the Commission with a report on Data Centers, providing information on the planned and projected buildouts of data centers across the state. In the packet , see Item 9, Director's Report, Exhibit 1. It shows an expected land demand of 8,571 acres, 5,990 acres of which would be through proposed UGB expansions. That's more new data centers than Virginia has today. Almost all of these expansions are in Eastern Oregon/ Umatilla Basin. This might have been why Eastern OR was out in force during the Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee 's second agenda item from 10-11:30 "What are the Economic Development Possibilities and Concerns for Oregon’s Rural Communities?" A key quote from the DLCD report is: " The magnitude of urban growth boundary expansions for data center development is without modern precedent under Oregon’s statewide land use planning program.... [T]he rate of development by data centers is necessitating more frequent UGB expansions as local governments attempt to match the accelerating pace of industry demand." SB 5701 includes bonds for water and sewer projects that can help increase housing around Oregon as well as new Affordable Rental Housing and Preservation bonds to keep units that would otherwise go on the open market. 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. -3 amendment was adopted and the bill passed the committee to the House floor where it passed on Feb. 18. The Senate Housing and Development adopted the -A 4 amendment. The bill passed the Senate on Mar. 2. 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. This Oregonlive article explains the conversation around this bill. The League has stayed silent, seeing both sides of the discussion. We will now monitor its effectiveness as cities consider implementation. Passed both chambers. 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. Adds rural reserves in Washington County to Metro to be used for high technology and advanced manufacturing purposes. Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill. The League submitted strong testimony in opposition. See the meeting materials posted in the Analysis section of the bill’s Overview for more information . - 7 amendment was posted Saturday morning (9:27a) from Sen. Sollman--a replacement of the bill. LWVOR provided testimony opposing the amendment on Feb. 23. T he bill remained in Senate Finance and Revenue with no Work Session scheduled. HB 4108 : Would have required a city to annex noncontiguous land upon receipt of a petition from all owners of the land that satisfies four eligibility criteria. 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 bill passed the House on Feb. 18. The Senate Housing and Development adopted a -A 4 amendment and the bill passed the Senate Mar. 4. The House concurred and passed the amended bill on Mar. 6. HB 4113 : As filed, the bill would have required the Department of Land Conservation and Development to study housing development opportunities conditioned upon land conservation. Directed the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly 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 of land in that area 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! -1 amendment The League was part of a Sign on letter in opposition to the bill. Bill died in committee. 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 . The bill died in committee. The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by LCDC on Oct. 24. There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone, including: Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025) and Rulemaking to clarify and allow housing and other needed development outside of wetlands. The rulemaking would create an optional, alternative compliance pathway for wetlands resources when a city is preparing bill annex lands from the urban growth boundary (UGB) to accommodate needed housing and economic development. LCDC had a presentation on Feb. 27 th (DSL presentation on wetlands at LCDC on YouTube Feb. 27 at the 3-4:15p Meeting time.) See their Rulemaking page for more info on all the rules work being done by this agency. News Release: New officers were elected for the Land Conservation and Development Commission: Chair Lazzo and Vice Chair Boyer. The League joined others in support of Oregon’s Land Use Planning Program in a letter on Feb. 2 nd . It is important for Oregonians to understand the impact of all 19 Goals and how they address “where we live, work, shop and play and how we get there”. 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 the 1.25% for Wildlife bipartisan bill that would increase the state transient lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75% for transient visitors to Oregon including camping, hotels and vacation rentals. It is estimated to raise $13.4 million this biennium (and specifies the net revenue from 0.9 percentage points of the increase is to be distributed to the Recovering Oregon’s Wildlife Fund Subaccount. Specifies 0.1 percent of the net revenue to be distributed to the Oregon Conservation Corps Fund, 0.05 percent to the Department of State Police to combat the poaching of wildlife, 0.05 percent to the Wolf Management Compensation and Proactive Trust Fund, 0.05 percent the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund, 0.05 percent to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife connectivity and 0.02 for wildlife stewardship, 0.015 percent to the Invasive Species Control Account, 0.01 percent to the Department of Justice for anti-poaching and wildlife law enforcement, and 0.005 percent to the Invasive species Council Account. Revenue Impact Statement LWVOR signed on to a letter in support . HB 4134 (20/9/0/1) passed March 4 and passed the Senate (20/9/1) on March 4. OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT (OPRD) The League is working with others to address the fiscal crisis at OPRD. Oregonlive provides an article on ways they are trying to save money. The League studied Oregon Parks in 1998: Oregon State Parks, Part 1 (PDF, 7 pgs) Oregon State Parks, Part 2 (PDF, 9 pgs) . OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB) The Oregon Environmental Restoration Council (OERC)—a part of OWEB--has an OERC website. The state of Oregon has secured a historic $698 million dollar settlement against Monsanto for long term harm caused by the company’s polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) chemicals to Oregon’s land, water, fish and wildlife. The Ways and Means Committee approved an Other Funds expenditure limitation increase of $35 million which was included in HB 5204. 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. Target is lithium batteries that start fires. Passed both chambers. 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: 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 South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties) March 17th from 10:00am-12:00pm 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 meets regularly. Their next meetings (tentative) are: April 14, June 9, August 11, October 13, and December 8. Watch a livestream of the meeting or recordings of past meetings on their YouTube channel. . The League follows these meetings since the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer comprise the Board membership. They are responsible for management of the Common School Fund, including lands and other assets, overseeing the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Elliott State Research Forest and our Waters of the State. TRANSPORTATION (ODOT) On March 3, SB 1601 with the -3 amendment was posted. It included a rebalance of ODOT’s programs in Section 11-23. Passed the Senate and House Mar 6. Money was moved from a variety of ODOT funds in order to pay for basic operations and maintenance. Oregonlive provided an analysis : The largest reductions would be $42 million from Connect Oregon, which pays for aviation, marine and rail projects, and $35 million that primarily funds bridge projects, seismic improvements and highway preservation, among other programs. The plan would also redirect $20 million from the state’s Transportation Operating Fund, which supports a range of services including passenger rail and transportation for people with disabilities. It would also cut $17 million from Safe Routes to School, which funds infrastructure to make walking and biking to school safer for children. But staffing was lost with many employees choosing to leave the agency during this funding fight. This is a short-term fix for a very real problem. We can only hope there are significant conversations around how to pay for transportation services, including transit services, in 2027. SB 1599 : Moves the election date for the 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 . -2 amendment adopted and bill passed the committee on a party line vote. Passed the Senate Feb. 23 (17/13). Passed the House (31/20/8/1) Mar. 2. Governor signed Mar. 2. Because the referendum date was moved from November to May, some members of the legislature and an individual Oregonian are suing. They contend that the November date was on the petitions they submitted to the Secretary of State. See Oregonlive article . News Release: The Transportation Commission is meeting March 12. News Release : Agency response to legislative session action. SB 1542 : Measure What We Drive: Performance-based scoring system to allocate road project funding, to include safety, climate and emissions. Annual Report Card. Bill died in committee. SB 1543 : Guardrails for Good Governance: Adopt a transportation debt management policy with better transparency. Broaden representation on the Oregon Transportation Commission. Bill died in committee. HB 4126 : Get the Data for a Better Road User Charge (RUC). Died in Ways and Means. 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. Died in Ways and Means. 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 The League monitored water bills but did not directly engage. Two of the bills about which we had concerns died: 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. The -3 amendments were adopted and the bill was moved to Ways and Means where in died. 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. Bill died in Committee. 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. On Feb. 26 the Land Conservation and Development Commission met with the Water Resources Commission to discuss how to address this important issue. Oregon Water Caucus : The Oregon Legislature's Water Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group of state legislators and staff committed to fostering a secure and resilient water future for all. T o learn more about the Water Caucus and its work, please contact Harmony Burright at 541-846-8863 or Harmony.Burright@OregonLegislature.gov . You can also subscribe to receive email updates from the Water Caucus . League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in eight counties ( map ) . Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms ( HABs) . “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WEATHER The Bend Bulletin reports Oregon’s snowpack looked “terrible” roughly one month from when it should hit its peak, and that could contribute to drought and wildfires and cause irrigation problems, said Larry O’Neill, Oregon state climatologist. The best guess of the various forecasters is that sometime between June and September the world will enter an El Niño cycle. When that happens, prepare for bedlam. Each El Niño event in recent decades has gotten steadily worse, because each one drives the temperature to a new record. Here’s a short video explaining El Nino. WETLANDS 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. The bill died in Committee. The next meeting of the Wetlands Rulemaking RAC, originally planned for February 23) will be postponed until later in the spring. Please stay tuned for a new meeting date after the close of the 2026 legislative session. DLCD’s rulemaking webpage. WILDFIRE Carolyn Mayers SB 1540 A , which endeavored 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, died in committee. SB 1541 died in Ways and Means. This was Senator Golden’s Climate Superfund bill which would have provided, among other things, funding toward wildfire mitigation and disaster recovery. SB 1551 A 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. This bill passed both chambers. HJM 201 , which urges Congress to pass legislation to permanently extend federal tax cuts for wildfire victims , has passed the House and the Senate. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reported that Oregon is building back better. Thanks to state incentives, the new homes are more energy efficient and resilient to future threats The 2025 Fire season costs were contained in HB 5204 for both the Dept. of Forestry and the Dept. of the State Fire Marshal. There are openings for membership in the Governor’s Wildfire Program Advisory Council . Finally, as reported in this article from KPTV, loss of funding may result in 30 early wildfire detection cameras being shut down across the State. This is technology that has proven to be instrumental in authorities being able to respond quickly to wildfires, keeping them contained, and the loss of the the use of them would be potentially catastrophic in the face of increasing wildfire risk in Oregon. OPB also covered this story: Almost half of the University of Oregon’s network of cameras to monitor wildfires is at risk of being discontinued, according to an administrator. The Oregon Hazards Lab’s network of cameras operates 24-7 and covers some of the most remote, rugged, and inaccessible areas of the state. It is unclear if any funding was provided in 2026. 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.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 4/3 Education By Anne Nesse SB 1050 was introduced to Senate Education on 3/30 by Melissa Goff, advisor to Governor Kotek. Those testifying pointed out how important knowledge and understanding of other ethnicities, native American cultures, and religious persecution during the holocaust was to understanding the human condition. Even though curriculum legislation passed in 2017 on these subjects, teachers were still in need of funding for professional development opportunities, to succeed in teaching these concepts. Sen. Lew Frederick reminded us that this knowledge should be apparent throughout the curriculum in grades K-12. In House Education on 3/29, Rep. Neron announced that Congress recently made Federal funding available to allow all Oregon students to eat free and healthy breakfasts and lunches, without any type of discrimination, because all students will be eligible. More news on this coming soon, she stated. These House Education bills are moving to the floor this week: HB 2656 A , requires school districts to make informational surveys on healthy environment of their school available to students statewide and to provide parents and guardians with notice and opportunity to review the survey before it is administered. HB 3068 A , provides that high school students in grade 11 or 12 may be awarded a high school equivalency diploma if the student has received a certificate for passing approved high school equivalency test and meets other conditions. HB 3584 , directs schools to provide electronic communication to parents and guardians of students attending, at which safety threat action occurred. HB 3135 , preserves additional funding for small school districts that merge with one or more school districts if certain conditions are met. HB 2690 -1 , requires school districts to pay classified school employees not less than 10% more than minimum wage that applies to all employees who work in this state and not less than 15% more than minimum wage if classified school employees provide support to students with individualized education programs or who are enrolled in special education. HB 3014 -5 , directs ODE to adopt rules that allow for reimbursement of school district expenses incurred in lieu of transporting students, such as walking or biking patrols. HB 2281 -3, requires school districts and public charter schools to designate civil rights coordinator. HB 3178 A , expands criteria for awarding scholarships to diverse teacher candidates. HB 3236 A , authorizes expenditures from Statewide Education Initiatives Account for funding of regional career and technical education programs. HB 3204 A , shortens timelines and requirements for when a school district makes determination to give approval for students to enroll in virtual public charter school not sponsored by school district, above 3% cap. HB 2895 , removes cap on amounts distributed from State School Fund to school districts for students eligible for special education as children with disabilities. These bills in Senate Education are moving to the floor this week: SB 409 -6 , prescribes information related to courses of study offered by school districts that the district school board must ensure is provided on the school district's website. SB 758 -3 , prescribes timelines and redacting requirements for records related to provision of special education. SB 275 -4 , requires ODE, TSPC, and Educator Advancement Council to conduct study to identify best means of improving alignment among state education agencies. SB 421 -1 , establishes a youth advisory council. SB 426 -2 , modifies requirements of Healthy and Safe Schools Plan related to integrated pest management. SB 3 -3 , requires students to complete one credit of future planning as a requirement for high school diploma. SB 218 , requires ODE and law enforcement agencies to make available to TSPC certain information received during investigation of suspected sexual conduct or child abuse. SB 416 , requires public universities and community colleges to pay part-time faculty at the same rate, on a per-hour basis, as public university or community college pays full-time faculty to prepare for and teach courses. SB 756 -1 , requires school district employees assigned to work with students with specialized needs to have access to specified records related to students and to be consulted when the education plan for students is reviewed or revised. SB 215 -2 , allows ODE to adjust amounts charged related to distribution of agricultural products received from the United States Department of Agriculture for school food programs. SB 596 , requires school districts to submit specified information to ODE related to talented and gifted children. SB 736 , requires ODE to conduct study to identify how to increase access to advanced instruction for the purpose of preparing students for college and career.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Interim Week 6/10 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Websites, public records, and geospatial information The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. House Rules met May 31 to hear from representatives of the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy. Senate Rules met May 20 to consider various appointments. Campaign Finance A CFR workgroup called by Rep. Fahey began meeting via video conferencing June 3. The workgroup’s goals are to identify technical adjustments needed to ensure successful implementation of HB 4024 (2024), recommend legislative fixes for 2025, and 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. The Interim Joint Emergency Board decided May 31 to fund the request of the Secretary of State for the work required to implement HB 4024 (2024). Included are 17 new staff positions and an overhaul of ORESTAR. The Elections division has a backlog of 750 election complaints. Redistricting The Oregon Court of Appeals decided March 27 in favor of People Not Politicians that IP 14 does not include two subjects. Our Oregon has now requested a review of the Court of Appeals decision by the Oregon Supreme Court. Their purpose seems to be further delay of redistricting reform. People Not Politicians previously announced that it is pausing the initiative signature campaign for IP 14 . It has now refiled an initiative for the 2028 general election. Websites, public records, and geospatial information By Rebecca Gladstone Several governance groups covered in this LR section have been active since the 2024 short session ended. May 2024 EPAB (Electronic Portal Advisory Board) news: EPAB meets quarterly to oversee state agency websites. The League is represented in the Public Member position, with Rebecca Gladstone appointed by Governor Brown in 2019.Watch for the upcoming state Elections website redesign, featuring ORVIS , the new Voter Registration system, early in 2025! ORESTAR updates are expected to follow soon after. The Oregon Newsroom , the updated state “Newsroom 2.0” website has launched with category and agency menus, and current articles. The ORMaps Project , Tax Districting Work Group through the Department of Revenue met on May 22nd. Significantly, we were referred to the Oregon GeoHub , “Oregon’s Authoritative Geospatial Repository” because our LWVOR They Represent You website efforts begun in 2013 may again hold promise. This group convened in 2022, inviting LWV to work with the policy group to advocate for elections’ districts (Becky Gladstone) and the technical group to improve the data organization and access for our VOTE411 work (Peggy Bengry). SB 417 Public Records Work Group will reconvene soon to prepare for the 2025 session. Technical discussions stalled during the 2024 session around filling public records requests, setting fees, coordinating between government entities, and prioritizing work with limited budgets. The recent unprecedented volume of public records requests seen in our elections offices was addressed in earlier Legislative Reports. The Oregon Transparency Website update ( report ) is complete, as presented to the Joint Legislative Committee on Information Management and Technology on May 30. The State AI Advisory Council will meet next on June 11. Https Graphic

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/20 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Election Methods Cybersecurity and Public Records Rights of Incarcerated People Government Ethics By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Election Methods By Barbara Klein The wide-reaching Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) bill ( HB 2004 ), which LWVOR endorsed, along with 38 other organizations, drew a large audience, both in-person and virtually at the hearing on March 16. So many people wished to testify, and were unable to do so, that this bill and a related RCV bill ( HB 3509 ) were placed on the March 21 legislative schedule as well. Legislators and representatives from both major parties, representing Alaska, New Mexico and Utah spoke in support of RCV. The LWVOR submitted testimony on HB 2004 and plans testimony on HB 3509 to be shared on the next legislative report. Note that HB 3509 also requires RCV for nonpartisan elections and offices of the state legislature, whereas HB 2004 includes only federal and statewide offices. Amendment -1 to HB 2004, requested by Rep. Dan Rayfield, chief sponsor of the main bill, primarily expands the franchise by allowing RCV to be used for school boards. Specifically, RCV could be used for the nomination of candidates and election to the school board. Cybersecurity and Privacy By Rebecca Gladstone SB 1073 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. SB 1073 “may adopt” implementing rules, including that the SoS and Treasurer would be “directed” to adopt “the same or similar” rules. We are concerned that siloing to exempt the SoS, the Treasurer, and now an amendment requested to also exempt the AG, may hamper rapid response protection from the array of services we are supporting in other bills this session. Separating our state government branches’ administration here is meant to retain balance of power, yet effective defensive collaboration is warranted. We call on this prospective CPO and Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to collaborate closely. See our testimony for the related bills and the hearing video . SB 166 This bill is moving in one week from public hearing to work session, not promising for the multiple concerns we recommend be addressed, 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 valuing having these protections in place before the 2024 elections. We link our other testimony to support for elections as critical infrastructure, for cybersecurity, and for protecting our cyber defense plans, as mentioned in the bill below. SB 619 A - 1 amendment is on file now for the AG’s consumer privacy bill, which LWVOR strongly supports ( our testimony ). A work session is scheduled for 1pm March 28, in the Sen Judiciary. HB 3111 passed a March 21 work session after passing from the House with no opposition votes, and a March 16 Sen Rules public hearing. This privacy protection bill exempts some personal information for some public employees, focusing on retirees. As we advocated for SB 293 Enrolled (2021), we urge for less piece-meal privacy protection. See our testimony in support , repeating our previous calls for improvements. Watching: SB 234 OJD rules for gathering info to evaluate judicial system disparities. Regarding privacy. Passed Senate floor on partisan lines, public hearing in H Judiciary, March 8. No work session set yet. Upcoming: SB 216 This health information privacy bill is moving, assigned to H Behavioral Health and Health Care, about disclosure of identifiable data. Three -1 versions are on file. Creates an exception to ORS 181A.823, which prohibits public agencies from collecting data about an individual's immigration or citizenship status or country of birth, so that the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) may collect data related to national origin in accordance with standards adopted by an advisory committee. Prohibits personal data collected by OHA and DHS related to race, ethnicity, language, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity from being disclosed as a public record, allowing for release of data only if it is anonymized and aggregated. The bill would allow agency data collection about individuals to eliminate health disparities. This affects privacy, to collect and protect data for race, ethnicity, language, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Oregon law (ORS 181A.823) restricts public agencies from collecting data related to immigration, citizenship status, or country of birth. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley HB 2345-1 , which mandates that reasonable efforts will be made to limit the length of time an incarcerated person can remain in segregated housing (solitary confinement), is scheduled for a work session on April 3. The bill also establishes a committee to study the implementation of this new mandate. Here is League testimony in support of the bill. After passing out of Senate Rules on March 9 with a do pass recommendation, SB 579 A , which would allow prisoners to register and vote, remains in Ways and Means. According to the Fiscal Analysis, the Secretary of State anticipates the fiscal impact of this measure to be $749,007 from the General Fund for two positions (1.00 FTE) and associated costs for the 2025-27 biennium. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey SB 168 : Senate Rules held a public hearing 3/21 on this bill that would expressly prohibit public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. SB 207 : Senate Rules gave a do pass recommendation and sent this bill to the Senate floor for 2nd reading 3/21. This bill was at the request of Oregon Government Ethics Commission and would authorize it to proceed on its own motion to review and investigate, if the commission has reason to believe that a public body conducted meetings in an executive session that were not in compliance with laws authorizing executive sessions. SB 292 A : Senate Rules scheduled a public hearing 3/23 with an A2 amendment. This bill would narrow the applicability of the requirement that members of a district school board must file verified a statement of economic interest (SEI) to only those members of districts with specified number of students or districts that are sponsors of virtual public charter schools. The League believes that all public officials should file an SEI and that smaller jurisdictions are where the most conflicts of interest occur, which could be revealed in SEI filings. SB 661 : Senate Rules adopted a -2 amendment and sent it to the floor with a do pass as amended recommendation. This bill would prohibit a lobbyist from serving as chair of an interim committee, legislative work group or legislative task force. Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. Redistricting There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 19 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 All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. (OPRD) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Recycling Regional Solutions State Land Board Transportation Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire Intro It’s time! Information on the 2026 session is live ! Bills are posted and committee agendas are beginning to be posted. We encourage you to e-Subscribe to the bills you want to follow and the committees of interest. That means you will receive email notices of the bills you select and the committees you choose to follow. In a short session, it’s critical to know when the issues about which you want to follow are going to be heard/acted upon. Below you will find bills that our volunteers found of interest. You will need to look on OLIS to find the Committee to which the bills have been assigned—to be assigned on opening day Feb. 2. We will review all bills for a linkage to League positions to determine if we will provide testimony for or against. Of course, we also await the Feb. 4 th Revenue Forecast. The Full Ways and Means Committee will hold a public hearing from 5-8p on Feb. 3 rd . Individual League members are encouraged to participate, but remember that only our League President can speak on behalf of the League. See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report and sections of other Legislative Reports. AGRICULTURE By Sandra U. Bishop HB 4130 : Relating to farm use. As introduced, this bill relates to prepared farm products. This measure would seem to allow a greatly expanded variety of products to be produced and sold on farmland under the guise of clarifying the meaning of preparing farm products and by-products. Proposed changes would tie preparation of farm products or by-products to a newly defined farm unit (all parcels used for farming whether owned or leased) and to where a majority of the preparation occurs. 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. The League has concerns linked to our positions on the importance of agricultural lands for agriculture. HB 4153 : Relating to farm stores. This bill as introduced would eliminate farm stands and allow up to 10,000 square foot farm stores in permanent buildings selling products created in an enlarged region including areas of adjacent states. This would include undefined retail items allowed to take up to 25% of store space, and beverages and processed food for immediate consumption. Proposed definitions of agri-tourism range from specific allowables such as crop mazes and play structures to vague descriptors such as “… other seasonal or holiday events.” The language would seem to grant permission for any type of event. As written the proposed changes would put a burden on counties to determine any additional standards for siting farm stores. The permissive language “…may adopt sitting standards for farm stores…” is likely to leadto insufficient regulation or public accountability especially in counties that are severely underfunded and cannot afford to spend excessive staff time determining standards in individual cases of proposed farm store developments. The League has concerns linked to our positions on the importance of agricultural lands for agriculture. Public Hearing Feb. 4. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) accepted public comments on proposed rules for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area ( LUBGWMA) . In an article by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, it was noted: In comments shared with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Board of Agriculture shortly before the new year, farm groups opposed to the rules told regulators they go too far, while others contended they don’t go far enough. The Oregon Health Authority since 2024 found that at least 634 domestic drinking water wells in the area contain unsafe levels of nitrate, some with nearly 10 times the federal limit for safe drinking water, and more than 420 show elevated levels that could lead to long-term health problems. Update: Here’s the 2025 Annual Report on the LUBGWMA. The plan outlines the state’s key strategies to reduce groundwater nitrate concentrations to less than 7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in the area and protect public health in the immediate term. The report shares progress but also notes that it will take decades to reverse the damage done to the area’s groundwater supplies. BUDGETS/REVENUE Peggy Lynch As we await the Feb. 4 th Revenue Forecast, agencies were directed to reduce their spending as well as providing a list of potential cuts of up to 5% per agency per revenue source ( General Fund, Lottery Fund, Other Funds) and to provide a list of any new programs that were approved since 2021—all due to reduced revenue forecasts, federal legislation and actions. Here are the meeting materials submitted to LFO by the 14 natural resource agencies. League members have been meeting with legislators to advocate for important programs. We can support vacancy savings (not hiring for some authorized staffing or delaying hiring), but we want to maintain the position authority for this biennium. We also recognize that losing trained staff is costly in the long term since many staff need 6-12 months to be fully trained, especially for processing permits. Working in the natural resource world which is less than 3% of the state’s budget, each cut reduces the ability for Oregon to protect our air, land and water. See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information. We encourage you to read ALL sections. CLIMATE Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL ISSUES Christine Moffitt SB 1525 will establish the Blue Economy Task Force to study and report on Oregon’s blue economy sectors, existing economic development plans and strategies, and opportunities to support the growth of sustainable blue economy businesses while maintaining the health of Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. The measure also authorizes the Oregon Ocean Science Trust to create and maintain a nonprofit organization. HB 4097 : Authorizes the Oregon Ocean Science Trust to create and maintain a nonprofit organization. LWVOR can support this bill. Public Hearing is Feb. 2 nd . Work Session set for Feb. 4. Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. @ dlcd.oregon.gov with questions. More information is available at OregonOcean.Info/RockyHabitats . DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) The federal government approves Grassy Mt. Gold Mine according to OPB. The Grassy Mountain gold mine still needs multiple state permits before moving ahead. It would occupy nearly 470 acres of public land for the next decade, and then the site would undergo a four-year restoration period and 20 years of monitoring. If this project is approved, the City of Vale will see a temporary transformation as they seek housing and other services for workers. The latest on the Grassy Mt. Gold Mine Project per the Dept. of Environmental Quality’s Director's Report : Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project: DEQ prepared four draft permits for the Grassy Mountain project, a proposed gold mine located in Malheur County approximately 22 miles south-southwest of Vale. Mining will be sub-surface, and gold will be extracted from the ore using a cyanide extraction process. DEQ permits regulate potential releases of contaminants to air, land, and water. DEQ has been working closely with the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries and other state agencies to develop draft permits, following a consolidated permitting process that is unique to chemical process mining. DEQ is currently working with DOGAMI on draft permit conditions related to the protection of groundwater resources and solid waste management in response to preliminary comments from the applicant. DOGAMI is accepting public comments through February 6, 2026, as outlined in the public notice , including related documents. The League has followed this project—the first chemical processing gold mine proposed for Oregon. A new streamlined permitting process has been used for this application. OPB provided an article . OPB also covered exploration of a lithium mine in Southeast Oregon. Here’s an article about the effects on sage grouse of these mining operations. DRINKING WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DWAC) Sandra U. Bishop The League has a standing seat on DWAC. Interactive GIS Maps for water system and source water protection have been improved. These maps are available to the public as well as water system operators and are maintained by the Oregon DEQ’s Drinking Water Protection group and may be accessed via the DWS website . FORESTRY (ODF) Josie Koehne “Governor Kotek’s second executive order ( EO 25-26 ) directs state agencies to coordinate and integrate climate-resilient strategies into existing state programs that work with the state’s natural and working lands,and waters. Those lands include state-owned forests, grasslands, rangelands, farmlands, wetlands and urban parts, and open outdoor spaces.” See the OEC Nov 25 2025 article : “What Governor Kotek’s Executive Order Rollout Means for Oregon”. The executive order did not provide funding however, which will be exceptionally limited this session due to Oregon’s revenue shortfall resulting from the federal HR 1 with major funding cuts, and caused by Oregon’s rolling connection to federal tax law. The new State Forester, recently appointed by the Governor, is Kacey KC from Nevada , who will begin in her new position on March 1st. More info from a s tory in Oregonlive. 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. 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. LWVOR opposed a version of this bill in 2025 and will do so in 2026. HB 4056 : Appropriates moneys to the State Forestry Department to offset landowners’ costs of fire protection provided by the department. For the biennium ending June 30, 2027, out of the General Fund, the amount of $9,000,000, for the purpose of offsetting potential increases in landowner forest patrol assessments. SB 1590 : Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands. GOVERNANCE By Peggy Lynch The Natural Resources Team often follows bills related to permitting processes. Among the bills we are following: 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. HB 4084 : Establishes the Joint Permitting Council. (Governor’s bill) 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. LAND USE & HOUSING Peggy Lynch Bills we are watching: t 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. HB 4035 : Expands eligibility for cities and Metro to amend their urban growth boundaries under temporary program. Authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission to issue grants to implement the commission’s duties. 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. 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. The 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by LCDC on Oct. 24. There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone, including: Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025) and Rulemaking to clarify and allow housing and other needed development outside of wetlands. The rulemaking would create an optional, alternative compliance pathway for wetlands resources when a city is preparing 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. Hearing Feb. 4. OREGON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT (OPRD) Peggy Lynch The League is working with others to address the fiscal crisis at OPRD. Oregonlive provides an article on ways they are nibbling around the edges. But OPRD is responsible not only for our wonderful state parks, but also historical sites. Many need infrastructure repairs. There is a conversation around getting some amount of bonding to help with this maintenance, but also setting up a Task Force to study new long term operational funding options. The League studied Oregon Parks in 1998: Oregon State Parks, Part 1 (PDF, 7 pgs) Oregon State Parks, Part 2 (PDF, 9 pgs) . OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB) The Oregon Environmental Restoration Council (OERC) held a virtual meeting on January 22. The agenda and meeting materials are available on OERC’s website. The Interim Ways and Means Committee approved an Other Funds expenditure limitation increase of $35 million to be included in the 2026 budget reconciliation bill. RECYCLING HB 4144 : 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. REGIONAL SOLUTIONS The Regional Solutions Program : Within each of the 11 Regions, which are tied to Oregon’s federally designated Economic Development Districts, a Governor-appointed Advisory Committee sets Regional Priorities and a cross-functional Team of state agency staff works together to move projects forward. If you know anyone who may benefit from these publications, please direct them to this signup page . The public is welcome to attend virtually or in person. Go to the program website and to the region to find the agendas and meeting materials posted a few days before the meetings. Public Comment is usually scheduled. Upcoming Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) Meetings: Regional Solutions: South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties) February 17th from 9:00am-11:00am Mid-Valley (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties) March 12th from 1:30-3:30pm 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 will meet Feb. 10. The agenda and meeting materials will be available soon. The League follows these meetings since the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer comprise the Board membership. TRANSPORTATION (ODOT) Update Jan. 21: Referral vote on funding parts of HB 3991 (2025) may be held May 19 instead of November per this press release from Legislative Leadership. But a bill needs to be passed and signed by the Governor by Feb. 25 per the Oregon Secretary of State’s office per the Salem Reporter . See details in the January 26 Legislative Report. One critic’s funding answer . The Statesman Journal reported : The Oregon Department of Transportation faces a budget gap of $242 million for the 2025-2027 budget cycle, ODOT leaders told staff Dec. 23. "It’s a smaller gap, and while that’s good news, it’s still big enough to require service level cuts and future layoffs if we have to manage this on our own with existing revenue and within existing spending restrictions," ODOT director Kris Strickler and incoming interim director Lisa Sumption wrote in an email to staff . 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. The House Transportation Committee shared their Committee LCs and the Senate Transportation Committee did the same for the 2026 session. KATU reminded Oregonians of the need for road maintenance. 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. 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 League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in eight counties ( map ) . Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms ( HABs) . “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WEATHER Snow pack on Mt. Hood per this Jan. 22 nd Oregonlive article : As of Wednesday, the snow water equivalent at Mount Hood stood at 10 inches, which represents the third-lowest total for this point in a water year since 1980. Here is a statewide map as of Jan. 25 th from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. KOIN provides concerns about next week’s rain in this Jan. 27 th article. 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. Establishes the Salmon Credit Trust Fund. Directs the Department of State Lands and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to consult with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to seek federal approval for a bank instrument and authorization of activities that occur in navigable waters of the United States. Becomes operative on the date that the federal authorization and bank instrument are approved. Provides that the Department of State Lands may not approve a salmon credit project on or after January 1 of the sixth year following federal approval. The League has opposed similar bills in the past, including SB 511 (2025). We will again oppose. Public Hearing Feb. 3. The League was pleased to learn that LWVUS provided comments on the proposed changes to the Waters of the U. S. (WOTUS) rules “Waters of the United States.” LWVUS believes that the changes would significantly impair water quality protections around the country and filed a comment letter . We shared these comments with the Oregon state agency directors who provided comments to the EPA and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers on the proposed changes to the Waters of the U. S. (WOTUS) rules. They were appreciative. WILDFIRE Carolyn Mayers Bills we are watching: SB 1540 : Requires an insurer that uses a catastrophe model or wildfire risk model to provide the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services a description of each model, along with related information, and an explanation of how the insurer uses the model in underwriting decisions. Specifies elements that an insurer must include in each model and requires the insurer to give a premium discount or adjustment, or other incentive, to a policy holder that demonstrates having undertaken a property-specific mitigation action or that a community-level mitigation action occurred in proximity to the policy holder’s property. SB 1551 : Invalidates 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. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Election Methods Cybersecurity and Public Records Rights of Incarcerated People Government Ethics By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Election Methods By Barbara Klein Another Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) bill was added to the March 16 House Rules hearing. This bill, HB 3509 , is sponsored by Rep Farrah Chaichi and appears to be an augmentation of bill HB 2004 below. The official summary of HB 3509 is that it “ Establishes ranked choice voting as voting method for selecting winner of nomination for an election to nonpartisan state offices and county and city offices except where home rule charter applies. Establishes [RCV] as a voting method for selecting winner of nomination by major political parties for federal and state partisan offices .” HB 3509 is listed as “may have fiscal impact.” The bill’s sponsor may be hoping to take advantage of the same monies noted by supporters of HB 2004. Namely, this is $2 million allocated by a previously passed bill (SB 5538 in 2021 regular session) to provide grants to counties to modernize their election offices, technology and equipment (including updating voting machines and purchasing new processing equipment). For any scenarios in which HB 3509 would eliminate the need for a runoff, it could save money. As of this writing, the League has not determined the need for weighing in on HB 3509. However, based on established positions LWVOR would have no reason to oppose this bill, and currently supports the HB 2004 RCV bill. Before the March 16 House Rules hearing, LWVOR provided testimony and encouraged members (as individuals) to write their legislators in support. Cybersecurity and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone SB 166 We support with comments, our testimony . This three-part bill would codify that actual ballots votes are not revealed (never have been). Elections workers would be protected ( offending substances shall not be thrown at them ), and elections should have cybersecurity plans. We recommend further amending, with extensive references to our earlier relevant testimony for related bills, including current ones. 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 by OPB . We anticipate valuing having these protections in place before the 2024 elections. We link to our other testimony supporting elections as critical infrastructure, for cybersecurity, and for protecting our cyber defense plans, as mentioned in the bill below. HB3201 We have supportive testimony prepared for this federal funding broadband bill, public hearing scheduled for March 15. A diverse, inclusive work group has been negotiating for this since last summer, posting two amendments. A surprise amendment appeared March 14, negating the content of the earlier -1 and -2 amendments, without consulting the sponsors or advisory group, a concerning omission. Numerous updated amendments have followed it. We have signed a coalition letter in support of the original bill and have written to relevant legislators with process concerns. SCR 1 This bill calls for election worker support and applause, passed the Senate on partisan lines, scheduled for a March 14 work session in House Rules. It lacks any action in statute. We urge again, our 2023 testimony for expanding election privacy and harassment protection, citing our League 2022 testimony from HB 4144 Enrolled (2022) . HB 3111 Passed from the House with no opposition votes, and was scheduled for a public hearing March 16 in Sen Rules. This privacy protection bill exempts some personal information for some public employees, focusing on retirees. As we advocated for SB 293 Enrolled (2021), we urge for less piece-meal privacy protection. See our HB 3111 testimony in support, repeating our previous calls for improvements. HB 2112 A Passed from the House floor and Rules unanimously, and was scheduled for a March 14 work session in Sen Rules. This public records bill updates technical and inclusive terms, particularly for our tribes. The League supports ( our testimony ). HB 2490 This bill was scheduled for a work session on March 16 in House Emergency Management, General Governance, and Vets. It addresses Oregon’s growing cybersecurity vulnerability, by protecting our defense plans, devices, and systems from public disclosure, also echoing our call to balance public records disclosure transparency and privacy. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). SB 417 The Task Force convening to review this public records request fee bill had a third meeting, including public records staff from the Attorney General. We hope to complete technical review with Legislative Counsel and propose an amendment in the next week. See League testimony in support. Watch for upcoming budgets and other bills and progress in W&Ms: SB 1073 to be heard in J Information and Technology, directs the State Chief Information Officer and state agencies to appoint Chief Privacy Officers. It directs the Secretary of State and Treasurer to adopt privacy requirement rules. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley A bill to reduce the time a person in custody can remain in “segregated housing” was heard on March 14 in House Judiciary. The League submitted supportive testimony on the -1 amendment to HB 2345 , which authorizes a reduction of time that adults in custody can be confined in “segregated housing” (solitary confinement) and sets a limitation of 14 days. It also appoints a committee to study the implementation of this new Department of Corrections (DOC) policy. The League strongly supports ongoing DOC efforts to humanize and change the culture of the prison environment, consistent with the 2015 United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey SB 207 : Authorizes the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to proceed on its own motion to review and investigate, if the commission has reason to believe that a public body conducted meetings in executive session that were not in compliance with laws authorizing executive sessions. The bill was reported out of Senate Rules with a "do pass" recommendation on a 4-0-1-0 vote. Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. Redistricting By Norman Turrill There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 19 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 All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/29 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here. Jump to a topic: Overview Critical Energy Infrastructure Campaign Finance Reform EPAB: Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board ORMap Advisory Committee Overview Rebecca Gladstone, Governance Coordinator Legislative Days hearings included many issues relevant to Governance. Attending hearings in person, in the renovated Capitol building, helped restore our in-person networking! About 6 people stopped us to say Thank You to the League, they're depending on us! Please pass it on! Thank you to our volunteers reporting below, please thank them and follow up with any questions, and offers to help! Last week we learned… Speaker Fahey staff advised that Rep Ben Bowman and Sen Kayse Jama, both Majority Leaders, will be working on campaign finance reform legislation going forward. Stay tuned. League of Oregon Cities is interested in supporting our Recall Elections reform efforts, see position adopted in 2025. They want our help to support a revenue reform coalition. SoS staff, including Connor Radnovich, who worked for Sen President Rob Wagner, is now with the SoS as Comms Specialist. DAS staff asked to resume our mutual work from last summer, waiting to hear. We were pleased that our CEI Hub reporter, Nikki Mandell, spoke as an invited community advocate, her LR below. Note that ORESTAR funding descriptions differ between Secretary of State staff, limiting work and costs to requirements statutorily required for completion by 2027, and Honest Elections, including costs being added for a complete ORESTAR overhaul. Hearing Notes- a governance work selection: From the Joint Information Management and Technology Committee: Data Privacy See the hearing video , an impressive array of speakers, including national ACLU attorney Chad Marlowe, about 4 minutes into the video, see ACLU Oregon - Data Privacy . Cyber Breach notification legislative work will continue, deferred to the long session. Data Centers We will be following discussion of impacts on Oregon communities, evolving transitions with the use of resources.See What Data Centers Mean for States , from the NCSL, National Conference of State Legislatures. From House Commerce & Consumer Protection Antitrust Action nationally See this report from Attorney General Dan Rayfield staff: Competition in Oregon: Antitrust Enforcement in the Face of a New Federal Landscape . The hearing covered national corporate consolidation effects on Oregonians, perspectives from Oregon businesses, and the Federal Government Retreat from Antitrust Enforcement. We discussed working together with their legislative policy staff for the 2027 session. From the House Emergency Management and Vets: Oregon’s National Guard cuts A US Army Transformation Initiative discussion covered loss of facilities, staff, pilots’ training, certification, and mentoring. This may be partisan federal retribution. Rep Evans was pleased with increased cyber protection, based in Portland. Elections processing and protection We meet with the Secretary of State Staff for ongoing updates. They appreciate coordinating with our local league Voter Services around Oregon for educating voters: “Their 2026 Election Toolkit is a series of nonpartisan voter education materials covering five key issue areas such as the voter registration process, signing and returning your ballot, how to fill out your ballot correctly, and knowing your rights as an Oregon voter. It can be accessed and downloaded for your use at OregonVotes.gov/toolkit .” For Advocacy, we discussed ongoing concerns. Election Security. Three Elections platforms have ongoing cybersecurity attention, the Motor Voter System, the Oregon Centralized Voter Registration System (OCVR), and ORESTAR, the Oregon Elections System for Tracking and Reporting. See the February JCIMT SOS Cybersecurity Briefing (go to 1:17:23 in the video ) and presentation slides to the Joint Info management and Tech Comm. Stakeholders need to know that ORESTAR modifications will be limited to meeting 2027 campaign finance modifications required by HB 4018 (2026) to modify HB 4024 (2025). Those 2027 updates will cost more than the allocated $1.6M. Two election compliance specialists are being hired to respond to campaign finance reforms, how to implement rules correctly and the complaint timing process, amid an uptick in requests and complaints filed. See the HB 4018 Fiscal Statement . Protecting elected officials’ addresses privacy SB 224 Enrolled (2025), ( LWVOR testimony ) requires redacting addresses in ORESTAR. Since it is such old software, it is hard to redact across the board, not a magic switch, and they are currently unable to say that those addresses are not visible anywhere from ORESTAR. Their IT Team is working to protect addresses entered through contributions, which uses different input forms than candidates use to run for office. Another public comment period will be opened, details to follow. Fed Overreach Concerns LWV is fighting voter suppression . See LWV Voting Rights , United States of America v. Oregon, LWVOR and the ACLU of Oregon as amici, updated May 19, 2026. We follow Oregon’s multi-state legal action with AG Dan Rayfield’s Oregon Dept of Justice Federal Litigation Tracker . Federal CISA cuts For the Secretary of State, concern is more tied to federal resource cuts to funding used to fight election security threats. Feds aren’t trying to get access to systems but to data. CISA, “America’s Cyber Defense Agency” funding to counties has been cut. AI Bots are sending many more cyber threats. Knowing these cuts are happening, they’re reallocating election staffing money to focus on county coordination & best practices, but not actual cyber support. They will be asking for $2M for critical equipment & OCVR software upgrades, mostly not visible to voters, but system updates and debugging. Elections Director Dina Dawson has recommendations to better tackle this, long term. Consumer Data Privacy related to LWVOR and ACLU amici status to protect voting data, the Joint Info Management and Technology hearing featured Data Privacy: Impacts on Oregon Consumers and Communities. See the ACLU overview including protection advice, data broker controls, evading warrant requirements, mass privacy waivers, surveillance and vehicle tracking. Critical Energy Infrastructure [CEI] Hub By Nikki Mandell The Interim House Emergency Management and Veterans Committee [HEMVC] devoted a portion of its June Legislative Days hearing to the CEI Hub ( Agenda & Recordings ). Rep. Thuy Tran (HD 45), HEMVC chair, has become the lead champion of CEI Hub legislation in Salem, picking up the torch from Sen. Michael Dembrow who retired in Jan. 2025. At leadership’s direction, Rep. Tran focused the hearing on oversight, requesting that testimony not propose legislation or new programs. The CEI Hub hearing portion featured testimony from the Oregon Dept. of Energy (overview of fuel flow and storage in OR), Dept. of Environmental Quality (description of the Fuel Tank Seismic Stability Program and macro-summary of facility reporting), Nikki Mandell, community advocate (limits of DEQ’s FTSS program and need for a plan to geographically diversify fuel storage), Mike Koretenof, community advocate and retired DEQ program manager (OR’s underground storage program in the 1990s as a guide for an above ground storage diversification program). After the hearing, Nikki and Mike met with Rep. Tran to discuss potential 2027 legislative concepts. The goal is to jump-start action toward decentralizing fuel storage to (1) ensure fuel access in other parts of the state if/when the CEI Hub becomes inoperable due to any of a myriad of hazards (seismic, fire, derailment, sabotage, human error, pipeline break), and (2) for that decentralized storage to reduce the amount of fuel stored at Portland's CEI Hub. Two key challenges will be financing and ensuring that any new or expanded storage does not endanger local communities. Contacts and conversations with League members in coastal or east-central Oregon would be most welcome. Please feel free to email lwvor@lwvor.org . Coordinator’s note, see their handout filed on OLIS. Campaign Finance Reform By Norman Turrill The Montana Plan This proposal is named for the state that started the idea. Supporters in Montana recently submitted enough signatures on a statutory initiative petition to likely force it onto the Montana November ballot. The Hawaii legislature also recently passed a statute implementing it for that state . The idea originated with a former Federal Election Commission staffer. It stems from the recognition that all corporation powers and privileges have been granted by state and federal laws but not by their constitutions. The U.S. Supreme Court created a new corporate power with the Citizen United case that gave corporations the right of free speech. The Montana Plan proposes to revoke all corporate powers and privileges granted by the state, then reinstate these without including campaign finance privileges. The Montana Plan defines an “ artificial person ” as any entity that is not an individual. This is a very comprehensive term that includes every type of corporation: for-profit, nonprofit, union, trust, trade association, foundation, religious organization, partnership, unincorporated association, etc. Each of these types of corporations has a separate section in Oregon statutory law, but they are never mentioned in the Oregon Constitution. The Honest Elections Oregon (HEO) organization, with which the League has been collaborating for years, is now drafting a proposed Oregon constitutional amendment initiative to implement the Montana Plan. HEO believes this must be a constitutional amendment because the Oregon Legislature has shown for decades that it is hostile to any attempt to reform campaign finance. PROS CONS • Broad bipartisan support – 74% of Montana voters back it, including Republican majorities • Legal challenges are near-certain; likely to face federal court battles immediately • Legally creative: targets corporate power grants, not speech rights – designed to survive Citizens United • Montana Attorney General (Republican) has actively opposed it; already blocked one version • Grassroots-driven; gathered signatures without paid collectors • Constitutional version rejected twice on procedural 'single subject' grounds – drafting complexity is a real hurdle • Could become national template for other state campaigns • Could deter corporate investment in Montana if enforcement is aggressive • Precedent: Montana's 1912 law held for a century; deep democratic tradition here • Only Montana statutory version (not constitutional) cleared for signatures – easier to repeal by future legislature Campaign Finance HB 4018 (2026) on campaign finance is now law, rammed through by the House and the Senate during the last legislative session. Because the Legislature betrayed the deal made in 2024 with HEO for withdrawing Initiative Petition 9 in exchange for passage of HB 4024 (2024) , HEO now believes that it has no choice but to draft a new constitutional amendment initiative on campaign finance. HEO believes this must be a constitutional amendment because of the hostility that the Oregon Legislature has shown to any attempt to reform campaign finance. In the meantime, the Elections Division under the Secretary of State is struggling to implement these bills’ requirements by January 1, 2027. In testimony to House Rules in June , SoS representatives said it will be difficult and require more money to meet this deadline. HEO believes this is because they are also trying to replace ORESTAR at the same time and are conflating the two projects. Even though HEO believes that ORESTAR should be replaced, it believes that the parts of HB 2024 and HB 4018 required to be implemented by January 2027 do not require modifications to ORESTAR. EPAB: Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board Rebecca Gladstone Oregon Electronic Portal Advisory Board This state website (portal) advisory board, meeting quarterly, has had increased leadership transitions. As a public member appointed in 2018 , Rebeccca Gladstone requested increased privacy disclaimer visibility and user tracking notices, highlighting the importance of opt-out options and transparency, particularly in light of new payment services and interagency data sharing. The new legislative member, Rep Edwards, mentioned interest in this during the JCIMT legislative days meeting (video). ORMap Advisory Committee Rebecca Gladstone The ORMAP Project has not met for over two years and doesn’t currently have policy questions for the Advisory Committee that Peggy Bengry Rebecca Gladstone serve on, Peggy for the technical group and Rebecca for policy. The goal is to develop a statewide cadastral map, for coordinated (geospatial) districting across the state. We were invited to include our concerns for accurate elections’ districting, along with Secretary of State Elections Division staff, who is no longer listed. It is convened by the Oregon Dept of Revenue. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - September Legislative Days Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance 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 Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2026 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Criminal Justice Education Gun Policy Housing Criminal Justice By Marge Easley & Sharron Noone Given the time constraints of a short session, it is striking to see the number of bills that relate to current federal government actions on immigration. The list below reflects legislators’ deep concern and sense of urgency on this issue: HB 4001 authorizes a study to address unlawful immigration enforcement. The vagueness of the bill title, “relating to immigration” may signify this is a “placeholder” for an omnibus bill. We will closely monitor any amendments. HB 4091 specifies when the Oregon National Guard may be deployed. (See also the Governance Legislative Report) HB 4114 allows a civil suit against a federal or out-of-state law enforcement body and requires notice for a planned operation in Oregon. HB 4138 requires enactment of policies on identification requirement for law enforcement uniforms and enacts a prohibition on facial coverings. SB 1594 authorizes the Office of Immigration and Refugee Advancement to establish policies, standards and procedures related to enforcement of federal immigration laws. SJR 203 amends the Oregon Constitution to include provisions on law enforcement masking and ID requirements. Here are other criminal justice bills that the League will be monitoring: SB 1515 modifies the 2022 law (SB 1584) related to compensation for wrongful convictions, which passed with support from the League. It creates a new post-conviction process for convictions based on expert testimony or now-discredited forensic science. SB 1550 makes changes to the death investigation process in cases of domestic violence or child abuse. SB 1516 and SB 1530 are similar bills adding new provisions to the crime of “aggregated harassment” to include making serious threats to a public official or a member of the official’s family. HB 4045 requires a communications provider to comply with a search warrant within 72 hours when the warrant relates to stalking or a domestic violence situation. SB 1583 moves responsibility for behavioral/mental health and deflection services to the Criminal Justice Commission. Education By Jean Pierce According to an article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle , Oregon saw a high school graduation rate of 83% this year, up slightly from pre-pandemic rate in 2020. But the rate is still less than the 87% national rate reported in 2022 by the National Center for Educational Statistics. Bills being considered in the legislature this session SB 1555 would eliminate the Quality Education Commission and make other changes related to how public education is funded.. LWVOR believes that funding is needed to provide an equal and adequate education. There is no question that the current system of determining this level of funding is flawed in Oregon. The Quality Education Commission has not used evidence-based practices in its model calculating school funding needs. While SB1555 raises a number of issues that the legislature should address, it is unlikely that these issues will be resolved in the short session. For instance, there needs to be ample time for discussions around: Is it necessary to replace the QEC, or could its model be improved? If it is replaced, what is a better system? Should the bill tie funding to a requirement that districts follow state and federal laws? What are appropriate quality goals to be used for adequate funding of public education? We know that there are vast differences among school districts, but how should standard schools be defined in order to determine adequate funding? Two proposed bills are consistent with the League position that the government has the responsibility to provide equality of opportunity for education. SB 1538 would prohibit discrimination in education related to immigration or citizenship status and requires districts to base these policies on models prepared by the Attorney General. This bill adds “immigration or citizenship status” to a list of demographic characteristics of students protected from discrimination in our schools. Currently, that list includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age or disability. The League is submitting testimony in support. HB 4149 would require districts to adopt policies for enrollment, placement, and providing services to homeless students and directs the Department of Education to designate a state coordinator to oversee the education of homeless students. Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Gun Policy By Marge Easley Thus far only two bills related to gun policy have been submitted. HB 4145 , sponsored by Rep. Kropf, makes important modifications to Measure 114, which voters passed into law in 2022 but has not yet been implemented, pending an imminent Oregon Supreme Court ruling on its constitutionality. The bill adds details to the gun permit and transfer process and to the large capacity magazine prohibition, with the intent of providing clarification and guidance to those most impacted by the measure, including gun owners, the Oregon State Police, local permit agents, and gun dealers. HB 4096 , sponsored by Rep. Ruiz at the request of Multnomah District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, creates the crime of aggravated felon in possession of a firearm when a person who has been convicted of a felony possesses three or more firearms or has certain prior convictions. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona LWVOR is a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance. It was established in 2004 and includes over 100 members from local governments, affordable housing developers and operators, housing industry allies, public housing authorities, community action agencies, and the non-profit sector. The Alliance has a process through which work groups propose legislation to the full membership for approval. The Housing Alliance’s 2026 Legislative agenda related to housing is detailed below. 2026 Legislative priorities Preservation of affordable rental homes and manufactured housing parks : This proposal ( HB 4036 ) would allocate bond funds for the purpose of preserving existing low-income housing at risk due to expiring affordability restrictions, threat of foreclosure, and the sale of affordable manufactured home housing parks. Over 10,000 homes are at risk of being lost over the next five years. Preserving existing affordable homes is much more cost effective than developing new units. Restore funding for eviction prevention and emergency rent assistance: The 2025-27 budget includes only $44.6 million for emergency rent assistance, legal aid for households facing eviction, and tenant outreach and education. This is a 74 percent cut from the $173.2 million that was needed to maintain the established level of services. Over 20,000 fewer households will receive help as compared to the previous biennium. Funding restoration would prevent more families and individuals from becoming homeless. Tenant information and privacy protections: Currently the private information tenants provide to landlords and property managers is not protected. This proposal would require written consent from tenants before this information could be disclosed unless it was in response to a court order. End tax break for vacation properties and support first-time homebuyers: Vacation home owners receive a mortgage interest deduction on their taxes in addition to the deduction they can claim for the primary residence. The bill would end the deduction on vacation homes and redirect the savings to downpayment grants for low-income first-time homebuyers. Build new home for homeownership through the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) program: The LIFT program is funded through bond sales and can be used for rental housing development or homeownership programs. This proposal would dedicate bonds from the LIFT program for development of homes for homeownership. Housing Accessibility Act: With insufficient housing stock to meet the needs of people with disabilities, the bill would require the Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to conform with state building code accessibility requirements under the Fair Housing Act. This proposed bill would prohibit the Housing and Community Services Department from funding new subsidized rental housing developments unless the housing meets the specified accessibility standards. Remove electronic barriers to tenancies: Digital and technology can be barriers for residents accessing common areas of their buildings. This bill would allow a tenant or applicant for housing to opt out of using a tenant portal or to pay by card or by electronic means. Landlords would be required to provide an alternative to access the common areas of the premises. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Social Policy? You can help. Volunteers are needed. We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning Juvenile justice Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/9 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Federal Oregon Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Environmental Justice Bills Natural and Working Lands Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Oregon Treasury Other Climate Bills Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee Chamber Votes Just 22 days left until the end of session. Priority Climate Emergency legislation policy and related budgets are dependent on an end of session collaborative process. Related, the numerous federal budgeting issues (including timing issues) and active court cases, add to the challenges. ‘Legislature heading toward a bumpy ending ’ Oregon Capital Insider. Special Session? The League is aware of a possible special Sept session that could address some of these issues. Progress: On June 3 Senate passed the POWER Act, HB 3546 Enrolled , with amendments , June 5 House passed. Once House Speaker and Senate President sign, it will be on its way to the Governor. ‘Oregon Legislature passes ‘POWER Act,’ targeting industrial energy users like data centers’ – OPB Four of six Dept of Energy ODOE 2025 Legislative bills have passed , 5/29/25 Session Update . Federal While the primary focus of the LWVOR Action Committee is on Legislation in Oregon, what is happening at the federal level is likely to affect budgeting and other decisions in our state. US Senate panel seeks to cut unspent US climate , clean energy funds | Reuters How Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ hits wind, solar and batteries | EEnews Science policy this week : Jun 2, 2025 - AIP.ORG (American Institute of Physics AIP.ORG ) 
 How the Five Pillars of U.S. Climate Policy are Threatened – Environmental and Energy Law Program | Harvard Oregon Oregon Got a Massive Federal Recovery Grant After 2020 Wildfires. Most of the Money Remains Unspent .| Willamette Week Progressive Democrats unveil plan for transportation funding driven by doubling of gas tax Oregon Capital Chronicle 6-4-25 Oregon Victory for Oregonians: We Passed the POWER Act!| Latest News | News | Oregon CUB Oregon Bills Would Advance Microgrids by Creating Resiliency Corridors and Boosting Community Powers . (With increasing numbers of outages due to wildfires and storms in Oregon and the Northwest, a coalition of stakeholders helped develop two bills now in the Oregon Legislature that aim to overcome regulatory and other barriers to microgrid development.) | Microgrid Knowledge May 2025. Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics The League supports full funding for all the following 5 JWM budget topics: 1). Transportation ODOT Package Priorities The League supports OCN and other statewide NGO budget priorities: Increase funding above 2017 levels for public transit
 
 
 Increase funding above 2017 levels for a safe, complete multimodal system (i.e. GreatStreets, Safe Routes to School, Oregon Community Paths, and bike/ped both on-street and trails, etc.) 
 
 
 Dedicated or increased revenue for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicle incentives, including for charging and purchasing of ZEVs (🡪 See NR LR for additional details) 
 
 
 ( Please see Natural Resources Legislative Report on Transportation) 2) Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability The League joined a coalition sign-on letter in April r equesting funding to support building resilience. The goal is to use affordable measures to protect people from extreme weather. 3). One Stop Shop 2.0/Energy Efficiency Navigation ( HB 3081A ): In JWM: This bill would create a navigation program at ODOE to help Oregonians access federal, state, local, and utility energy efficiency incentives all in one place 4). Get the Junk Out of Rates ( SB 88 ): still in Senate Rules: This bill would stop utilities from charging certain expenses like lobbying, advertising, association fees to customers. Protecting Oregonians with Energy Responsibility (POWER Act) ( HB 3546 ): This bill ensures Oregon households are not unfairly burdened by large energy users with grid and transmission costs. 5). Full Funding for Climate Resilience programs Reinvesting the same amount as last biennium in three programs: 
 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE), $30m 
 
 
 Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (ODOE), $15m 
 
 
 Community Resilience Hubs (OREM), $10m ( House Bill 3170 ) 
 
 
 Environmental Justice Bills. (disadvantaged communities) HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Fiscal $10M Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 HB2548 : new 5/23 amendment and new SMS now. An agriculture workforce labor standards study, HR PH was 5/29. New -7 amendment changing the bill to a study with $616K fiscal. League Testimony . Natural and Working Lands HB 3489 Timber Severance Tax. House Committee on Revenue. League Testimony for original bill and for -1 Amendment . 
 
 
 
 
 HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 


 
 
 HB 3103A – work session was 3/31. Moved to JWM, Overweight Timber Harvest , League Testimony , new adopted -5 amendment . 
 
 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update By Claudia Keith HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) -2 amendments , Staff Measure Summar y (SMS). $1M+ fiscal 
 
 
 
 
 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS. Fiscal is not available, will be completed if the bill gets a hearing in JWM NR SC. 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3450 A Testimony , work session held, 4/8 passed adopted amendment -1 . fisca l >1M$. referred to JWM 4/11 
 
 
 
 
 Early in the 2025 legislative session, the Oregon League testified in support of what are now HB 2949 A and HB 2152 A . Each bill focused on the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub. Recently both bills passed out of the House Emergency Management, General Management and Veterans Committee, chaired by Representative Tran. HB 2949 passed with unanimous approval. On Wednesday, May 28, the League of Women Voters of Oregon, and the League of Women Voters of Portland, helped co-sponsor an online presentation titled: " T he Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub is a Ticking Time Bomb. Why is that a Statewide Danger? ". Our goal was to engage residents across the state. We were pleased that 68 people from 6 different counties and affiliated with 16 organizations attended. Nikki Mandell, a retired history professor, provided an overview of the CEI Hub, discussed potential statewide impacts in the event of an earthquake, then turned to a discussion of the bills. Now we are waiting for the bills to be assigned to a subcommittee of the Joint Ways and Means Committee. See CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis (The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.) See Climate Emergency April 28: CEI emergency management package update. The Bigger Picture: ASCE's ( American Society of Civil Engineers , founded in 1852), Oregon received a C- grade Infrastructure Report Card . Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment At this point in the session, it is doubtful SJR 28 has enough support to move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28 proposed -1 amendment , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26 . The League provided support with comments testimony . The bill is in Senate Rules , so the Legislative first chamber deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The -1 a mendment is a partial rewrite and may address the League’s concerns. The OCERA coalition appears to be planning a ballot initiative campaign. ‘ Supporters of Oregon Green Amendment rally at the Oregon State Capitol ‘ | Salem Statesman Journal. Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates By Claudia Keith Oregon Divest / ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates HB 2081A : Senate vote will be 6/9. Senate Finance and Revenue WS was 6/2. Directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take certain actions to manage the risks of climate change to the Public Employees Retirement Fund. Passed House along party lines. WS Senate Finance & Rev was 5/28. Oregon Public Financing / BANK 

 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, Work Session was 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), fiscal: .94M League Testimony Other Climate Bills HB 3963 Offshore Wind: Senate vote June 9, House passed June 5. Extends the deadline from Sept 1, 2025, to Jan 1, 2027, for the DLCD to draft and submit a report to the Legislative Assembly on the department's activities to develop an Offshore Wind Roadmap and its assessment of enforceable state policies related to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast. 
 HB 2566 A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation 


 
 HB 3365 B: Senate vote 6/9. climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald 


 
 SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, updated $ 974K fiscal , moved to JWM , Sub Cmt Natural Resources. League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham 
 SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moved to House 3/4, House passed, 5/20. Governor signed 5/28 
 HB 3546 Enrolled , POWER Act , Senate passed 6/3 House concurred 6/5. new GIS The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 

 
 HB 3189 in JWM . Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 
 
 SB 1143A : -3 , moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. HB 3609 work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. HB 3653 Enrolled Gov signed 5/27 Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves. 
 
 HB 2065 A and HB 2066 A : Microgrid Package in JWM – see League sign on letter. Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits , Climate Litigation May 30 Updates Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. No new press releases from OCT. Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee and Chamber Votes June 3 By a vote of 18-12, the Senate passed HB 3546 B (the POWER Act), the top priority bill on this week's OCN Hot List. It orders the PUC to create a service classification for large energy use facilities, principally data centers and crypto mining facilities. Rates for this customer class would have to be proportional to the costs of serving them. (Currently, such users are classified as industrial customers, which pay the lowest rate for electricity, followed by commercial and then residential customers.) The PUC would have to require electric utilities to enter into a long-term (at least 10 years) contract with such users to pay a minimum amount or percentage for the contract term, which could include a charge for excess demand. The bill would apply only to large users that apply for service on or after the effective date of the act, or that make significant investments or incur costs after the effective date that could result in increased costs or risks to other retail customers. On June 5th, the House concurred with the Senate amendments and repassed the bill 37-17. June 4 By a vote of 32-22, the House passed SB 685 A , r equiring a natural gas utility to notify each customer and the PUC if the utility plans to increase the amount of hydrogen blended with natural gas and the ratio of the volume of hydrogen to the volume of natural gas will exceed 2.5% for the first time. A utility that has a program for blending hydrogen with natural gas must maintain information about the program on its website, including how a customer may communicate with the utility about the program. June 4: The Senate concurred with House amendments to SB 726 B and repassed the bill by 18-12. The House had narrowed the focus of municipal landfills' required methane emissions monitoring to Benton County, targeting Coffin Butte. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section