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Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch REVENUE Patricia Garner, Josie Koehne, Peggy Lynch It’s here! The long-awaited Revenue Forecast that will guide the spending for the 2026 legislative session, was delivered at the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee meeting on Feb. 4th. Carl Ricidonna, Oregon’s State Economist, provided his report, along with Michael Kennedy, Senior Economist. See pages 17 and 20 for the important numbers. And the Legislative Revenue Office’s Forecast Summary : Projected 2025-27 Net General Fund Resources are up $252.7 million (0.7%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. Projected 2025-27 Lottery resources are up $33.8 million (1.8%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. Projected 2025-27 Combined net General Fund and Lottery Resources are up $286.5 million (0.7%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. This Revenue forecast is better than the last forecast, and it appears there is just a 20% chance of a recession. Oregon’s revenue outlook is doing better than predicted due the highest corporate earners doing especially well last year with higher productivity. 5% of corporations are paying 90% of the tax. Lottery revenues are also up. However, the personal income tax revenues were only modestly up, and lower income earners are again hardest hit by a nearly 3% inflation rate with few new jobs. Unemployment is also up but not at an alarming rate. In all this will reduce slightly the revenue hole caused by HR 1 and our state income tax connection to it. Because of the importance of this presentation here is a list of news articles covering the forecast: Oregon Capital Chronicle on Feb. 4 . OregonLive . OPB In the last legislative report, we shared the various budget gaps that legislators are facing, from Medicaid and SNAP to education and addressing transportation funding. Although this forecast was helpful, it is still $450 to $1 billion less than needed. So, cuts will happen. However, there are some actions the legislature is considering to decrease the effects of funding loss for services Oregonians value. One is SB 1507 shared below: At the Senate Finance Committee meeting on Feb. 4, the version of SB 1507 which was initially introduced sought to reduce a number of taxes equal to/conditioned on a statewide retail sales tax with proceeds to be directed to specifically defined purposes. The legislation is largely intended to ameliorate some of the impacts of federal H.R.1 . At the outset of the hearing Chair Anthony Broadman indicated that there were likely additional amendments in the pipeline besides those posted online. Committee members are, for example, working through the jobs credit provision which is currently set at a $12.5 million cap per year. The -3 amendment is fairly straightforward. It entirely replaces the initial version of SB 1507 and updates Oregon’s connection with the federal Internal Tax Code by replacing effective dates of “2023” with “2025.” The -4 amendment also seeks to replace the initial version of SB 1507 and is no longer in consideration. It closes certain federal tax loopholes for purposes of Oregon taxation, which will result in increased taxpayer payments and state revenue. They include (1) deductions for car loan interest, (2) gain from the exchange or sale of small business stock deducted on personal income tax returns, (3) certain machinery and equipment tax deductions. Subject to an annual total amount of tax credits of $12.5 million, taxpayers can also claim $1,000 personal and corporate income tax credit for every new job they create in Oregon, which credit can be carried forward for 3 years. Oregon’s earned income tax credit is also increased from 9% to 14% of a taxpayer’s federal earned income tax credit, and for taxpayers with a dependent under 3 the credit is increased from 12% to 17%. The -5 amendment reiterates - 4 but also adds clarifying language. For example, when seeking the new job tax credit, Dash 5 provides that new jobs are to be determined by comparing the average annual employees of a taxpayer in a 12-month period ending on June 30th of the current tax year as compared to the same 12-month period in the previous tax year. Here is the Legislative Revenue Office summary of the -5. The tax credits are capped at an annual total amount of tax credits of $12.5 million. The latest amendment is the -6 which includes the following: 1. Removes the vehicle loan interest deduction 2. Increases Oregon’s EITC from 9% to 14% of federal EITC amount, or from 12% to 17% for taxpayers with a dependent under the age of 3 at close of tax year. This is a great help to low-income earners. 3. Disconnects from personal income tax exclusion for gain from the exchange or sale of qualified small business stock. 4. Disconnects from bonus depreciation provision. This item was hotly contested in the Feb 4 hearing which allows a business to take 100% depreciation in the first year. 5. Credit for taxpayers creating jobs allows $1,000 × number of jobs created in the year, capped at 10 new jobs per year. Wages paid must be at 150% of the local minimum wage. These credits are capped at $12.5 million per year and end in 2031. All these credits apply to tax years starting in 2026. On Feb. 5 th , a -6 amendment was posted. Here is the Staff Measure Summary of the -3 and -6 amendments that replace the measure and we expect to be voted on in Committee Monday. Public Hearing Feb. 4. Work Session Feb. 9. The League supports the bill with amendments as it has the potential to bring in over $300 million but had wished for additional disconnect items to help with Oregon’s revenue needs. The Oregon Capital Chronicle provides this article . Here are Oregonlive and Salem Reporter articles on HB 1507. Then the Full Ways and Means Committee met for hours Feb. 3 rd to hear from Oregonians as shared in this Oregon Capital Chronicle article. On Feb. 5 th , hundreds of Oregonians rallied in Salem in support of a disconnect ( KDRV article). The Full Ways and Means Committee met Feb. 6 th and introduced 6 budget bills for the session. The LCs (Legislative Concepts) will be assigned bill numbers after their introduction AND the League expects amendments by the end of session: LC 319 : Amends an incorrect internal reference in a law relating judicial compensation. Program Change Senate bill. LC 321 : Modifies previously approved lottery bonding provisions. (Includes monies for the Port of Coos Bay) Bond Authority Senate Bill. LC 322 : Establishes and modifies limits on payment of expenses from specified funds by certain state agencies for capital construction. Capital Construction 6-year limitation Senate Bill LC 323 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder for agency allocation changes Senate Bill. LC 324 : Approves certain new or increased fees adopted by state agencies. The bill includes the Dept. of State Lands Wetlands processing fees set forth during rulemaking for which the League engaged. Fee Ratification House Bill. LC 325 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder House Bill. LC 326 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder House Bill. LC 327 : Modifies certain biennial appropriations made from the General Fund to specified state agencies and the Emergency Board. Establishes and modifies limitations on expenditures for certain biennial expenses for specified state agencies. The items populated in this bill as introduced reflect tentative decisions made by Ways and Means during the January Legislative Days. Omnibus Budget House Bill. Though LWVOR does not have a position regarding the conclusion shared by the author of this article , the information about future PERS costs is important. The two increases mean that by 2029, PERS contributions will have increased almost 80% over the 2023-2025 biennium, from $5.26 billion to $9.35 billion, over 25% of payroll. The Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS) is reviewing state building usage and leases to find efficiencies and reduce state costs per this presentation in the W&M General Government Subcommittee on Feb. 2 nd . Here is the material from the Oregon State Debt Policy Advisory Commission . Tentatively the General Obligation bond capacity for the 2026 session is $513 million and $86 million lottery bond capacity. Bills we may be following: SB 1562 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. Changes the division of allowable uses of net local transient lodging tax revenue from at least 70 percent for tourism related expenses and no more than 30 percent for city or county services, to at least 40 percent and no more than 60 percent, respectively. Allows units of local government with restricted grandfathered local transient lodging tax regimes to take advantage of the new provisions of the Act. Establishes biennial reporting by local governments of amounts and uses of local transient lodging tax revenue. HB 4148 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. Changes the division of allowable uses of net local transient lodging tax revenue from at least 70 percent for tourism related expenses and no more than 30 percent for city or county services, to at least 40 percent and no more than 60 percent , respectively. Allows units of local government with restricted grandfathered local transient lodging tax regimes to take advantage of the new provisions of the Act. Establishes biennial reporting by local governments of amounts and uses of local transient lodging tax revenue. The LOCAL Act, adjusts the post-2003 lodging tax distribution so that local governments may adjust the percentages, with up to 60% used for critical local services and infrastructure, such as first responders, and at least 40% dedicated to tourism promotion and facilities. The LOCAL Act is a bipartisan collaborative bill that updates outdated restrictions so communities can better balance supporting tourism with maintaining residents' quality of life. Public hearing Feb. 9. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process. Applies to estimates prepared on or after January 1, 2027. Requires the Department of Revenue to estimate the difference in surplus revenue calculations using stated methodologies, and transfer an amount equal to the difference for use for various purposes. Establishes the One-Time Emergencies and Finance Fund. Public hearing Feb. 2. HB 4136 : Disallows, for purposes of personal income taxation, a mortgage interest deduction for a residence other than the taxpayer’s principal residence, unless the taxpayer sells the residence or actively markets the residence for sale. Establishes the Oregon Homeownership Opportunity Account. Transfers an amount equal to the estimated increase in revenue attributable to restrictions on the deduction of mortgage interest to the account, for the purpose of making down payment assistance payments. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. SB 1510 : Updates the terminology used to describe certain income earned by multinational corporations to reflect a change in the term used in federal law. Aligns sunset dates for earned income tax credit provisions with the underlying sunset date for the credit. Expands the tax credit for certified film production development contributions to allow the use of contributions for the production of commercials. Applies to fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Provides an exception from the annual filing requirement for the property tax exemption for property burdened by an affordable housing covenant used for owner-occupied housing. Applies to property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2027. Public Hearing Feb. 11. SB 1511 : Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the estate tax. Directs the Legislative Revenue Officer to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to revenue not later than December 1, 2027. Public Hearing Feb. 11. 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 Land Use section of the Natural Resources Report. The League has major concerns about sections of this bill. Oregonlive provided this comprehensive assessment of the bill. SJR 201 : Kicker Reform: Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require a portion of surplus revenue that would otherwise be returned to personal income taxpayers to be used for funding public kindergarten through grade 12 education, community colleges and wildfire prevention and suppression, if surplus revenue exceeds a certain threshold. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election. OPB covered a story about the bill . NO public hearing has been scheduled at this time. HB 4014 : Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the state financial system. Public Hearing Feb. 2. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process. Public Hearing Feb. 2. See other sections of the Legislative Report about the cuts in each area and what’s being considered to address the revenue shortfall.

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch REVENUE Patricia Garner, Josie Koehne, Peggy Lynch It’s here! The long-awaited Revenue Forecast that will guide the spending for the 2026 legislative session, was delivered at the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee meeting on Feb. 4th. Carl Ricidonna, Oregon’s State Economist, provided his report, along with Michael Kennedy, Senior Economist. See pages 17 and 20 for the important numbers. And the Legislative Revenue Office’s Forecast Summary : Projected 2025-27 Net General Fund Resources are up $252.7 million (0.7%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. Projected 2025-27 Lottery resources are up $33.8 million (1.8%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. Projected 2025-27 Combined net General Fund and Lottery Resources are up $286.5 million (0.7%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. This Revenue forecast is better than the last forecast, and it appears there is just a 20% chance of a recession. Oregon’s revenue outlook is doing better than predicted due the highest corporate earners doing especially well last year with higher productivity. 5% of corporations are paying 90% of the tax. Lottery revenues are also up. However, the personal income tax revenues were only modestly up, and lower income earners are again hardest hit by a nearly 3% inflation rate with few new jobs. Unemployment is also up but not at an alarming rate. In all this will reduce slightly the revenue hole caused by HR 1 and our state income tax connection to it. Because of the importance of this presentation here is a list of news articles covering the forecast: Oregon Capital Chronicle on Feb. 4 . OregonLive . OPB In the last legislative report, we shared the various budget gaps that legislators are facing, from Medicaid and SNAP to education and addressing transportation funding. Although this forecast was helpful, it is still $450 to $1 billion less than needed. So, cuts will happen. However, there are some actions the legislature is considering to decrease the effects of funding loss for services Oregonians value. One is SB 1507 shared below: At the Senate Finance Committee meeting on Feb. 4, the version of SB 1507 which was initially introduced sought to reduce a number of taxes equal to/conditioned on a statewide retail sales tax with proceeds to be directed to specifically defined purposes. The legislation is largely intended to ameliorate some of the impacts of federal H.R.1 . At the outset of the hearing Chair Anthony Broadman indicated that there were likely additional amendments in the pipeline besides those posted online. Committee members are, for example, working through the jobs credit provision which is currently set at a $12.5 million cap per year. The -3 amendment is fairly straightforward. It entirely replaces the initial version of SB 1507 and updates Oregon’s connection with the federal Internal Tax Code by replacing effective dates of “2023” with “2025.” The -4 amendment also seeks to replace the initial version of SB 1507 and is no longer in consideration. It closes certain federal tax loopholes for purposes of Oregon taxation, which will result in increased taxpayer payments and state revenue. They include (1) deductions for car loan interest, (2) gain from the exchange or sale of small business stock deducted on personal income tax returns, (3) certain machinery and equipment tax deductions. Subject to an annual total amount of tax credits of $12.5 million, taxpayers can also claim $1,000 personal and corporate income tax credit for every new job they create in Oregon, which credit can be carried forward for 3 years. Oregon’s earned income tax credit is also increased from 9% to 14% of a taxpayer’s federal earned income tax credit, and for taxpayers with a dependent under 3 the credit is increased from 12% to 17%. The -5 amendment reiterates - 4 but also adds clarifying language. For example, when seeking the new job tax credit, Dash 5 provides that new jobs are to be determined by comparing the average annual employees of a taxpayer in a 12-month period ending on June 30th of the current tax year as compared to the same 12-month period in the previous tax year. Here is the Legislative Revenue Office summary of the -5. The tax credits are capped at an annual total amount of tax credits of $12.5 million. The latest amendment is the -6 which includes the following: 1. Removes the vehicle loan interest deduction 2. Increases Oregon’s EITC from 9% to 14% of federal EITC amount, or from 12% to 17% for taxpayers with a dependent under the age of 3 at close of tax year. This is a great help to low-income earners. 3. Disconnects from personal income tax exclusion for gain from the exchange or sale of qualified small business stock. 4. Disconnects from bonus depreciation provision. This item was hotly contested in the Feb 4 hearing which allows a business to take 100% depreciation in the first year. 5. Credit for taxpayers creating jobs allows $1,000 × number of jobs created in the year, capped at 10 new jobs per year. Wages paid must be at 150% of the local minimum wage. These credits are capped at $12.5 million per year and end in 2031. All these credits apply to tax years starting in 2026. On Feb. 5 th , a -6 amendment was posted. Here is the Staff Measure Summary of the -3 and -6 amendments that replace the measure and we expect to be voted on in Committee Monday. Public Hearing Feb. 4. Work Session Feb. 9. The League supports the bill with amendments as it has the potential to bring in over $300 million but had wished for additional disconnect items to help with Oregon’s revenue needs. The Oregon Capital Chronicle provides this article . Here are Oregonlive and Salem Reporter articles on HB 1507. Then the Full Ways and Means Committee met for hours Feb. 3 rd to hear from Oregonians as shared in this Oregon Capital Chronicle article. On Feb. 5 th , hundreds of Oregonians rallied in Salem in support of a disconnect ( KDRV article). The Full Ways and Means Committee met Feb. 6 th and introduced 6 budget bills for the session. The LCs (Legislative Concepts) will be assigned bill numbers after their introduction AND the League expects amendments by the end of session: LC 319 : Amends an incorrect internal reference in a law relating judicial compensation. Program Change Senate bill. LC 321 : Modifies previously approved lottery bonding provisions. (Includes monies for the Port of Coos Bay) Bond Authority Senate Bill. LC 322 : Establishes and modifies limits on payment of expenses from specified funds by certain state agencies for capital construction. Capital Construction 6-year limitation Senate Bill LC 323 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder for agency allocation changes Senate Bill. LC 324 : Approves certain new or increased fees adopted by state agencies. The bill includes the Dept. of State Lands Wetlands processing fees set forth during rulemaking for which the League engaged. Fee Ratification House Bill. LC 325 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder House Bill. LC 326 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder House Bill. LC 327 : Modifies certain biennial appropriations made from the General Fund to specified state agencies and the Emergency Board. Establishes and modifies limitations on expenditures for certain biennial expenses for specified state agencies. The items populated in this bill as introduced reflect tentative decisions made by Ways and Means during the January Legislative Days. Omnibus Budget House Bill. Though LWVOR does not have a position regarding the conclusion shared by the author of this article , the information about future PERS costs is important. The two increases mean that by 2029, PERS contributions will have increased almost 80% over the 2023-2025 biennium, from $5.26 billion to $9.35 billion, over 25% of payroll. The Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS) is reviewing state building usage and leases to find efficiencies and reduce state costs per this presentation in the W&M General Government Subcommittee on Feb. 2 nd . Here is the material from the Oregon State Debt Policy Advisory Commission . Tentatively the General Obligation bond capacity for the 2026 session is $513 million and $86 million lottery bond capacity. Bills we may be following: SB 1562 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. Changes the division of allowable uses of net local transient lodging tax revenue from at least 70 percent for tourism related expenses and no more than 30 percent for city or county services, to at least 40 percent and no more than 60 percent, respectively. Allows units of local government with restricted grandfathered local transient lodging tax regimes to take advantage of the new provisions of the Act. Establishes biennial reporting by local governments of amounts and uses of local transient lodging tax revenue. HB 4148 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. Changes the division of allowable uses of net local transient lodging tax revenue from at least 70 percent for tourism related expenses and no more than 30 percent for city or county services, to at least 40 percent and no more than 60 percent , respectively. Allows units of local government with restricted grandfathered local transient lodging tax regimes to take advantage of the new provisions of the Act. Establishes biennial reporting by local governments of amounts and uses of local transient lodging tax revenue. The LOCAL Act, adjusts the post-2003 lodging tax distribution so that local governments may adjust the percentages, with up to 60% used for critical local services and infrastructure, such as first responders, and at least 40% dedicated to tourism promotion and facilities. The LOCAL Act is a bipartisan collaborative bill that updates outdated restrictions so communities can better balance supporting tourism with maintaining residents' quality of life. Public hearing Feb. 9. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process. Applies to estimates prepared on or after January 1, 2027. Requires the Department of Revenue to estimate the difference in surplus revenue calculations using stated methodologies, and transfer an amount equal to the difference for use for various purposes. Establishes the One-Time Emergencies and Finance Fund. Public hearing Feb. 2. HB 4136 : Disallows, for purposes of personal income taxation, a mortgage interest deduction for a residence other than the taxpayer’s principal residence, unless the taxpayer sells the residence or actively markets the residence for sale. Establishes the Oregon Homeownership Opportunity Account. Transfers an amount equal to the estimated increase in revenue attributable to restrictions on the deduction of mortgage interest to the account, for the purpose of making down payment assistance payments. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. SB 1510 : Updates the terminology used to describe certain income earned by multinational corporations to reflect a change in the term used in federal law. Aligns sunset dates for earned income tax credit provisions with the underlying sunset date for the credit. Expands the tax credit for certified film production development contributions to allow the use of contributions for the production of commercials. Applies to fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Provides an exception from the annual filing requirement for the property tax exemption for property burdened by an affordable housing covenant used for owner-occupied housing. Applies to property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2027. Public Hearing Feb. 11. SB 1511 : Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the estate tax. Directs the Legislative Revenue Officer to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to revenue not later than December 1, 2027. Public Hearing Feb. 11. 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 Land Use section of the Natural Resources Report. The League has major concerns about sections of this bill. Oregonlive provided this comprehensive assessment of the bill. SJR 201 : Kicker Reform: Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require a portion of surplus revenue that would otherwise be returned to personal income taxpayers to be used for funding public kindergarten through grade 12 education, community colleges and wildfire prevention and suppression, if surplus revenue exceeds a certain threshold. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election. OPB covered a story about the bill . NO public hearing has been scheduled at this time. HB 4014 : Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the state financial system. Public Hearing Feb. 2. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process. Public Hearing Feb. 2. See other sections of the Legislative Report about the cuts in each area and what’s being considered to address the revenue shortfall.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio Senate Education held hearings on an educational plan to begin curriculum design for climate change study, within all subjects, grades K-12, available for the entire state. Justice and saving lives was also in the forefront. This curriculum for climate education Bill, SB 854 , was well represented on 3/9 by Co-Sponsors Sen. Patterson, and Sen. Manning. The purpose of this Bill was quite clearly stated: this is about our species survival on a healthy planet, and it represents an important vote. Several members of the Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) were also interviewed that day on the front page of the Oregonian. LWV submitted written testimony in support here . A recording of the hearing includes the introduction of the Bill here by Senators, and OECE members included with student testimony here . There were well over 100 written testimonies in support of this Bill. Senate Education also heard Sen. Campos introduce SB 600 , a $4.8 M Bill to resolve legal problems, like eviction, and domestic violence for low income clients, utilizing mediation. Law students, advisory attorneys, and low income clients testified to the life saving justice this can provide. SB 551 , was introduced on 3/7 in Senate Education, by Sen. Sollman, a bill that hopes to bring some additional education to parents and students on safer gun and medication storage. This information would be placed on the school district’s website, and social media sites, and take effect throughout the state. LWVOR wrote testimony by Marge Easley, here , and I added some virtual testimony, on Oregon statistics from 2022, showing a significantly higher rate of youth suicides, compared to national statistics. Oregon has unusually higher statistics on this kind of data, year after year. The average rate for youth suicide deaths nationally in 2022 was 14.2 youth per 100,000, while Oregon’s youth suicide death rate was much larger at 18.5 youth per 100,000, sourced from americahealthrankings.org , therefore increasing the need for this kind of education on websites, throughout our state. SB 238 was introduced by Sen. Gorsek, asking the Oregon Health Authority, and State Board of Education and Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to collaborate on developing curricula supplements related to synthetic opioids dangers, including fentanyl or any substituted derivative of fentanyl, and counterfeit, and fake drugs. This hearing was very emotional, as it began with a family who had lost a son to one dose of fentanyl, hidden within what he thought was a medication that might help his chronic anxiety symptoms. listen here to the overwhelming support this Bill had. Senate Education also heard SB 48 -2, on 3/7, sponsored by Sen. Findley and Rep. Mannix. This Bill will develop a successful process for dealing with chronic truancy in our public schools, now reaching an unfortunate 36.1%. It was agreed by many on the committee that actually enforcing consequences helped the student and the family deal with this problem, as was proven in the past, when a better Oregon law was in place. Also presented by Rep. Mannix was SB 49 , a study Bill to explore funding means throughout the state for competition-size swimming pools at every high school. It was stated that Oregon ranked the 13th highest in the nation for drownings. And testimony was given that we simply were not investing statewide in early swimming education for Oregon children. On 3/6 House Education heard HB 3031 , (identical to SB 414), to assess and study all state school ventilation systems, as well as CO2 monitors, to determine if they meet health standards. It was testified by experts in the state that the end result of this Bill would likely have little fiscal impact, and possibly even a net increase in revenue. The Bill would likely provide career opportunities for installation of HVAC systems, federal funding, look towards reduction of operating costs of schools, decrease energy costs, and eventually have an effect on increasing attendance in schools. Rural contractors can do this, and it is required that workers hired for this purpose will make a living wage. A companion bill, HB 2638 , requires goals for air conditioning, heating, and cooling requirements, with HVAC in all schools statewide, by 2029. Class size in negotiation of contracts with teachers in all districts, statewide HB 2703 , was also discussed in House Education. Currently it was agreed by law that only the Title 1 schools were given special consideration because this was where the highest degree of need was. Morgan Allen, COSA Director, and OSBA Director were opposed, based on making sure the greatest need schools were served first. They both stated, it is always possible for other school districts to include class size as a part of contract negotiation. A number of teachers and OEA supported the Bill. House Education heard several Bills on 3/8. HB 3288 -1 on requiring ODE and school districts to collect data on race, ethnicity, languages, sexual preferences, and disabilities, in standardized manner throughout the state, so that legislative decision making can be improved. HB 3068 allows a student, with parental approval, and has received a certificate for passage of the General Educational Development (GED) exam, who is 16 yrs. old and in grades 11 or 12, to receive a high school diploma. The testimony for this Bill was presented by Tom Holt. It will serve students who know what they want to study in post-secondary education or career goals, allowing them to move out of high school towards their goals. HB 3204 -1 attempts to change the timelines for when a student can receive approval to enroll in a virtual public charter school, not sponsored by the local school district, (and subject to the 3% cap), from several weeks to a shorter timeline. Morgan Allen, from COSA, testified that the deadline of 5 business days, as stated in the law, would be difficult to meet.

The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on February 10th, 2023. You can find the downloadable copy of the study here.  Election Methods Study Update 2023 About the Study The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on February 10th, 2023. You can find the downloadable copy of the study here. At Convention 2021, LWV of Portland proposed a restudy of LWVOR's 2016 Election Methods Study. It would examine the STAR voting system and would last one year or less. The goal would be to inform League members about the benefits and limitations of the STAR voting option that is being promoted by a group of advocates. It would also be to determine whether or not the League could support or should oppose the adoption of STAR voting in Oregon. The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on February 10th, 2023. You can find the downloadable copy of the study here . In May 2023, LWVOR issued a statement regarding STAR (Score Then Automatic Runoff) Voting. Election Methods Position - Adopted 2017 The League of Women Voters of Oregon recognizes that election methods affect how voters participate in our democracy, who can run for office, and who can get elected. Therefore, the League supports election methods that: Encourage voter participation and voter engagement. Encourage those with minority opinions to participate. Are easy to use. Are verifiable and auditable. Promote access to voting. Promote competitive elections. Promote sincere voting over strategic voting. Discourage negative campaigning. Prevent political manipulation (e.g. Gerrymandering). Are compatible with vote-by-mail elections. The League of Women Voters of Oregon does not believe that plurality voting is the best method for promoting democratic choice in all circumstances. For single-winner systems, the League supports ranked-choice voting; we do not support range or approval voting. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports election systems that elect policy-making bodies–legislatures, councils, commissions, and boards–that proportionally reflect the people they represent. We support systems that promote stable government, but we do not support systems that protect the two-party system. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports enabling legislation to allow local jurisdictions to explore alternative election methods. If an alternative election method is adopted, then funding for startup and voter education should be available. The League of Women Voters of Oregon does not support nonpartisan elections for state legislators. (Previous position) Adopted 2009 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that any election method should be evaluated on its ability to: Promote voter participation. Be simple and easy for voters to understand. Be verifiable and auditable. Promote access to voting. Promote competitive elections. Prevent political manipulation. Be compatible with vote-by-mail elections. The League supports enabling legislation to allow local jurisdictions to explore alternative election methods, e.g. instant runoff or fusion voting. If a local jurisdiction adopts an alternative election method, that jurisdiction should bear the costs of startup and voter education. Only after experience and evaluation at the local level should the state consider alternative election methods for statewide adoption. The League does not support nonpartisan elections for state legislators. Election Methods Study Update Election Methods Study Update , PDF, 52 pages Links Positions From Other Leagues – Election Methods Update (7 pgs; pdf) 2008 – Election Methods Executive Summary (3 pgs; pdf) Previous Next

LAASYA KANAMATHA (she/her) LAASYA KANAMATHA (she/her) DEIJ Youth Chair youthoutreach@lwvor.org

The LWVOR Board adopted a completed restudy of the Pesticides and Other Biocides position on January 19th, 2023. Pesticides and Other Biocides 2021 About the Study The LWVOR Board adopted a completed restudy of the Pesticides and Other Biocides position on January 19th, 2023. Pesticides and Other Biocides Position - Study Completed 2021 - Position Adopted 2023 The League of Women Voters of Oregon affirms that pesticides and other biocides should be managed as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems, and their use should be controlled in order to preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of ecosystems and to protect public health, and that agriculture policies should promote farm practices that are environmentally sound and sustainable. LWVOR Supports: • Initial pesticide and biocide testing for registration has proven insufficient for preventing harm. We recommend increased testing by governmental agencies and third parties. We must identify and weigh benefits that balance safety versus toxicity, protecting food security while safeguarding public health and the environment. • Decisions for testing should be based upon a timeframe between 5 to10 years, or as new scientific data dictates. Varying weather conditions can greatly influence pesticide drift, impacting nearby bodies of water, schools, and communities including agricultural workers. The registrant of the Pesticide or Biocide currently bears the burden of proof for safety however the current regimen of tests is insufficient. • When approving the use of a Pesticide or Biocide we must consider: Risk to humans, animals, the environment, economic harm, cost to business, impact on food security, and the spread of invasive species and disease. • Pesticide labels should be improved to include: Regulations restricting use, hazards of use, best practices of use to minimize harm. Labels should be clearly written and easy to see and understand in multiple languages and use graphics to clarify explanations. • Federal and state agencies bear the responsibility for pesticide policy, based on research by pesticide manufacturers. These government agencies should also contribute to pesticide research with support from other groups. • We support using adaptive pesticide management, focusing on continual observation of current regulatory practice outcomes. As scientific advances reveal environmental and health impacts, as well as impacts on food security, the system should include the ability to rapidly react to new risk assessment data. Pesticides and Other Biocides Pesticides and Other Biocides Study (PDF opens in new window, 73 pgs) Links Read the whole study here (PDF opens in new window, 73 pgs) Downloadable copy of the Pesticides and Other Biocides position Previous Next

I moved to Ashland at age six, spent my idyllic childhood in Lithia Park, building dams in the creek, watching OSF rehearsals - long before paid actors - with Angus Bowmer (our neighbor) directing. When I was thirteen, we moved to California where I lived until returning to Southern Oregon when I retired. The in-between years held all the usual events: school, work, marriage, children (two incredible sons), volunteering, finishing college (graduating from UC Davis at age 49), career (library adult literacy coordinator in various California counties), and finally retiring, more or less. League history: I have been a member (inactive now and then) of LWV since I was 27 and felt it has influenced and directed my adult life in more ways than I can list here. League has been one of the first things I look for when moving to a new community, and in the case of Crescent City, when I found there was no League, we tried to start one, partnering for a while with Curry County. Since returning to Oregon, I have been a member of two leagues: Rogue Valley and Coos County. As a member of the state board, I have broadened my understanding and appreciation of League. LWV is a unique and valuable organization that has so much to contribute and I have been hooked from my very first meeting, all those years ago. As a member of the State Board this last year, I have broadened my understanding and appreciation of League. I have been hooked from the first meeting, all those years ago. Jackie Clary Development Chair I moved to Ashland at age six, spent my idyllic childhood in Lithia Park, building dams in the creek, watching OSF rehearsals - long before paid actors - with Angus Bowmer (our neighbor) directing. When I was thirteen, we moved to California where I lived until returning to Southern Oregon when I retired. The in-between years held all the usual events: school, work, marriage, children (two incredible sons), volunteering, finishing college (graduating from UC Davis at age 49), career (library adult literacy coordinator in various California counties), and finally retiring, more or less. League history: I have been a member (inactive now and then) of LWV since I was 27 and felt it has influenced and directed my adult life in more ways than I can list here. League has been one of the first things I look for when moving to a new community, and in the case of Crescent City, when I found there was no League, we tried to start one, partnering for a while with Curry County. Since returning to Oregon, I have been a member of two leagues: Rogue Valley and Coos County. As a member of the state board, I have broadened my understanding and appreciation of League. LWV is a unique and valuable organization that has so much to contribute and I have been hooked from my very first meeting, all those years ago. As a member of the State Board this last year, I have broadened my understanding and appreciation of League. I have been hooked from the first meeting, all those years ago.

Want to connect with your government officials? We can help. / Voting / Your Government / Your Government Get tips on effective advocacy. Learn how to communicate with your legislators. Find Your District Legislator Lookup See who represents your congressional district. Read More County Level Offices Contact your county elections office. Read More U.S. Senator Ron Wyden U.S. senators represent every Oregonian. Read More U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley U.S. senators represent every Oregonian. Read More Current Legislation Legislative Calendar View the current legislative calendar. Read More Video Coverage Video coverage of floor proceedings and committee hearings. Read More How to Testify Learn how to write and deliver your own testimony to make your voice heard. Read More How to Submit Testimony Learn how to submit testimony. Read More

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 2/6 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio House Education Meeting 2/6/23 3PM, takes an important look at locally elected school board responsibilities and the non-discriminatory rights of all students. We submitted written and virtual testimony on SB 2750 , which prohibits charging fees or requiring participation in fundraising activities as a condition of participating in interscholastic activities. The law also includes authorization to use moneys in Statewide Education Initiatives, Account for costs incurred by school districts, and public charter schools as result of this law. The law does not prohibit communities from raising such monies needed to fund the law. Our testimony made clear that the LWV, since its founding, has believed in the fundamental right of equal rights by law, to a non-discriminatory public education, without asking families to pay additional fees for education or recreational services. There was only positive testimony on this Bill, with some concern about the high potential cost. A number of school districts have already begun, and are succeeding in eliminating “pay to play” fees. Here is a link to the live recording of this hearing, with LWV testimony in the last few minutes. I was able to add my personal experience of coaching after school interscholastic activities, in two areas: team critical thinking and problem solving competitions in Odyssey of the Mind, and instructing after school string orchestra. Here is the recording of public hearing of this Bill , held first on the agenda. A public hearing was held on HB 2751 , to establish a Task Force to study and collect data on school starting times. Much convincing long term medical, health, and educational data was presented, as to why High School and Middle School students should not start school before 8:30AM, while younger grade levels can usually adapt. A public hearing was held on HB 2753 , allowing a district school board to choose to provide directors with a monthly stipend, and requires the board to provide reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses if board does not provide stipend. There was little data presented about the difficulty of filling school board vacancies. The amount of work required to be a school board member was considered significant enough to warrant a modest salary of some kind. Details and potential consequences of this Bill have yet to be worked out. A public hearing was held on HB 2669 , declaring children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind have the same rights and potential as children who are not. Requires school districts to provide children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind with hearing and vision screenings and assessments, communication and language support and access to relevant services and programs at the earliest possible age and throughout education experience. Our next news in education will cover 2/7-2/13, as we are changing our sequence of reporting.

Read more about the positions of the League of Women Voters. / Our Positions / Our Positions We advocate on policy issues. Our testimony, actions, and campaigns are based on League of Women Voters principles and League positions formed through studies and member consensus at the local, state, and national levels. Statements of position are expressions of general agreement, affirming a basic philosophy in general terms. See our Position Index .

Read our recent LWVOR studies and related resources. / Studies / Studies Recently Published Assessing the Recall Process In Oregon The League of Women Voters of Oregon conducts voter education and pro-democracy advocacy, and believes it is critical to understand the potential consequences of the recall process as part of our elections framework. Considering the growing use of the recall, LWVOR decided in 2023 to examine the process in detail to consider updating its position. Recently Published Childcare Methods Study Update 2023 The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 25th, 2023. The position was updated in 2025. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. Recently Published Election Methods Study Update 2023 The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on February 10th, 2023. You can find the downloadable copy of the study here. Recently Published Privacy and Cybersecurity 2020 We are working to defend democracy from escalating cyber-attacks and disinformation. Policy debates are determining the future of our democracy, the internet, and privacy. Recently Published Pesticides and Other Biocides 2021 The LWVOR Board adopted a completed restudy of the Pesticides and Other Biocides position on January 19th, 2023. We study issues... Because we need detailed, reliable, carefully researched information. So LWV members and citizens can reach their own conclusions. To develop advocacy positions that can be used by our Action Team. To request a hard copy of any of these reports, contact LWV of Oregon at lwvor@lwvor.org . Reports are free; however, there is a small charge to cover shipping. Some quantities may be limited. Many college and community libraries have copies as well. You can find additional League studies, including national and other state studies, at the LWVUS Study Clearinghouse website . Looking for more? Find our complete list of studies online. Study Archive Sign Up For Email We Need Your Support Today! Donate Your donation empowers voters and defends democracy.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - November Interim Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Highlights Natural and Working Lands/Natural Climate Solutions LWVUS Climate Advocacy Oregon Public Utility Update Oregon Global Warming Commission November Leg Day Policy Committee Meeting Review Environmental Justice Council Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Volunteers Needed Climate Emergency Highlights Senator Michael Dembrow is expected to sponsor a bill (follow-up to SB 3409, 2023) during the 2024 Legislative Short Session (Feb 5 to March 10) to update Greenhouse Gas Emission targets to net-zero by 2050, into statute in 2024. It’s been 15 years since targets were set. There may be a divestment in the dirty coal bill specific to PERS funds. It’s unclear at this point if any follow-up on 2023 HB 2763 State Public Bank ( vetoed / unsigned by Gov Kotek ) will be filed. There will likely be an opportunity for LWVOR (with many other Climate coalition members), to oppose any natural gas legislation which weakens current DEQ and or DOE GHGE reduction goals. (See DEQ CPP rulemaking status). It is expected the following policy/budget topics will be moved to the 2025 long session: Water, Transportation, Air, Fracking moratorium update, DOE climate curriculum, and likely the data center (and crypto mining facilities) GHG emission reduction goals. Natural and Working Lands/Natural Climate Solutions The NCS coalition met recently and discussed collecting comments on the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) Report published in September. The Institute for Natural Resources (ORS 352.808) “works to deliver management-relevant information that informs discussions and decisions about the long-term stewardship of Oregon’s natural resources, and works to advance centralized, science-based natural resource information for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.” This is part of the climate package that included the Natural Working Lands bill, HB 530 (2023 LWVOR testimony ) about meeting Oregon’s carbon sequestration and storage goals. There were discussions about the new Advisory Council additions that were part of the bill. There were questions about the process and approvals needed for allocations of the initial $10 million NWL Fund to be used for increasing agency budgets for grants and for increased capacity within the agencies to address climate change. Additional NCS resources: HERE . Budget: Given the Nov 15 favorable Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast, Climate related Budget / funding state agency and environmental justice items will likely be added to the end of session budget bill. Note most of the new federal climate funds (IRA,..) require state matching funds. LWVUS Climate Advocacy Sept 2023: The Climate Crisis and the Urgent Need for Government Action | League of Women Voters Take Action: URGE CONGRESS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE In Aug 2023 LWVUS Urges Congress to Support the Children’s Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution ; “which recognizes the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the health, economic opportunities, and fundamental rights of children and the need for a national, science-based climate recovery plan to meet necessary emissions reduction targets and stabilize the climate system.” As in previous years, LWV UN will send observers to UNFCCC COP28 (Nov 30-Dec 12.) Robin tokmakian, LWV Portland and NWEC Advocate for LWVOR will be the designated LWV UN Observer for Climate. LWV is also an active NGO-approved UN IPCC observer . Global and Federal Climate report: ‘Uncharted territory’ imperils life on Earth | Oregon State University, Climate Scientists Fear the “Uncharted Territory” Earth Has Entered | Atmos.earth , US climate assessment lays out growing threats, opportunities as temperatures rise | Reuters, U .S. and China Agree to Displace Fossil Fuels by Ramping Up Renewables |The New York Times, Companies need to integrate climate reporting across functions to comply with California’s new law | Reuters, In California and Europe, a new dawn for corporate climate disclosure | The Hill, New Report Provides Comprehensive Plan to Meet U.S. Net-Zero Goals and Ensure Fair and Equitable Energy Transition | National Academies SEM. State and Region EQC action: The Environmental Quality Commission adopted these rules at its meeting on Nov. 16, 2023 . Item D: Climate 2023 Rulemaking (Action) Item D Presentation Slides Attachment A Attachment B Addendum A Opinion: Transition to clean energy in Oregon homes will prevail, despite fossil fuel industry’s tactics – Oregon Capital Chronicle, Federal regulators approve natural gas pipeline expansion through Oregon, Washington – Oregon Capital Chronicle, Sept: New analysis shows that, in a decisive decade for climate action, Oregon must aim higher | EDF, Portland approves 5-year, $750 million climate action plan | OPB. June 2023: After the longest walkout in Oregon’s history, the state’s climate progress hangs in the balance |EDF; “…One bill that currently hangs in the balance is HB 3409, a Climate Resilience Package that would set some of the most ambitious climate targets in the nation, aligned with what the latest climate science tells us is necessary to reach a safer, more stable climate. The update is long overdue, as it would be the first time Oregon has adjusted its climate targets in over 15 years.” States with net-zero carbon emissions targets - CSG ERC Oregon Global Warming Commission Meeting November 17, 2023, 9am – 1pm Online Meeting “Meetings of the Oregon Global Warming Commission are open to the public. Public comment is welcome. Agenda items are expected to be addressed in the order listed during the meeting. However, the Chair may elect to reorder agenda items during the meeting or to delay action on an item until the next meeting to accommodate the priorities of the Commission…” Oregon Public Utility Update By Greg Martin HB 2021 requires Oregon’s large investor-owned utilities and electricity service suppliers to decarbonize their retail electricity sales to maximize direct benefits to local communities. The utilities’ Clean Energy Plans (CEPs), overseen by OPUC, are the key regulatory mechanism for implementing the emissions reduction targets prior to 2030. OPUC undertook this investigation to identify key implementation issues that are within the commission’s authority to address. Administrative Law Judge John Mellgren presided over the hearing. Parties and intervenors included PacifiCorp, PGE, Oregon CUB, Green Energy Institute, Rogue Climate, NW Energy Coalition, Oregon Solar and Storage Industries Assn., NewSun Energy, Climate Solutions, and the Sierra Club. Discussion revolved around this memorandum’s four major issues. OPUC made no determination on these issues but sought input on its legal authority to require utilities to address certain factors arising from HB 2021 -- for example, the force of policy statements in the statute as distinct from concrete requirements. Not surprisingly, environmental groups argued that OPUC should have broad latitude in applying the law's language in utility proceedings. An interesting comment toward the end of the hearing: Regarding OPUC's approach to ensuring that utilities demonstrate “continual progress” toward meeting the clean energy targets, NewSun's counsel asserted that Oregon utilities don't fear the consequences of failing to show continual progress, whereas utilities in Washington are "scared" about it. Oregon Global Warming Commission By Josie Koehne The OGWC started off with Debbie Colbert, Deputy Director of the Oregon Department Fish & Wildlife stating that the $10 million approved by the Legislature available Natural & Working Lands Fund won’t be available for distribution to agencies for carbon sequestration incentives and technical assistance until April, 2024. The NWL Fund will be distributed to four agencies, ODFW, AG, ODF and OWEB, which ODOE will be distributing at the recommendation of the Global Warming Commission. ODOE is building capacity within its agency for this climate work. Catherine Mac Donald, OGWC Chair, gave an overview of the Natural and working Lands Proposal (approved Aug 4, 2021) and its proposed implementation strategies as outlined in bundled climate bill, HB 3409, passed in 2023. She went over requirements of the bill sections related to Natural and Working Lands, Sections 53-67 (originally HB 530). NWL requirements in the legislation: Establishes a 15-member Advisory Committee for implementing the NWL bill Identifies the Institute of Natural Resource of OSU (Lisa Gaines in charge) to build a baseline inventory of carbon for blue, brown and green carbon (wetlands, agriculture, grasslands, rangeland, and forestlands. The methodology for doing this inventory were Basic (EPA guidelines with additional modifications) and Advanced, which is more robust and collects more data points. The four OGWC subcommittee members (Apter, Ford, MacDonald and Rietmann) recommended using the Advanced methodology. The INR report included recommendations that are open to public comment to be collected through December, with the approval vote on this revised INR Report scheduled for January. So far over 1000 comments have been submitted. Includes Tribal consultation and process To be advised by both a Technical Team and the Advisory Committee Requires a Workforce Study and Report in consultation with the four agencies Defines a framework with metrics for Community Input (Pages 28-31 in the INR report) Includes Workforce Training and Assessment Includes activity-based metrics for carbon sequestration A discussion followed of the advisory committee member selection process, for their expertise, and expansion of representation on the advisory as an option in the bill. Note: LWVOR supports the comments of Lauren Anderson of Oregon Wild during this meeting on the lack of specificity in the forestry recommendations for activity-based metrics. In addition, our LWVOR comments: The term "better managed forests” as used in OSU’s INR report often carries the unstated assumptions of using the private industrial practices of fertilizing and herbicide use (which harms natural microbial action), and “thinning to reduce ladder fuels” with burning slash piles “to reduce wildfire risk.“ These practices would add CO2 to the atmosphere and reduce carbon sequestration while compacting the soils and interfering with beneficial microbial action that captures CO2 in the soil. As observers on the ground in federal and state public forests ((Paula Hood's group of PNWCA forestry team) have reported, “thinning” often equates to clear-cutting, so this term must be carefully defined and monitored. What is appropriate for industrial forestry is inappropriate for public lands with its requirements to serve many public purposes beside timber products production. Since fire resistant mature and old growth trees store far more quantities of carbon than young growing trees, their protection and promotion on both public and private forests should be included as a major carbon sequestration strategy. In addition, our limited NWL carbon sequestration funds should not be used for wildfire mitigation, which will soon get ample sources of federal and state funding. November Leg Day Policy Committee Meeting Review By Arlene Sherrett On November 13, 2023, the Oregon Department of Energy (DOE) hosted a webinar about the implementation of the State Energy Strategy authorized by HB 3630 . The webinar introduced the process for creating the Energy Strategy but did not go into the strategy itself. Brief presentations were given by each State of Oregon department that will have a role in formulating the strategy and implementing laws concerning climate change in Oregon. Oregon PUC, DOE, DEQ, DLCD, DOT and Business Oregon were represented, each giving their perspective on the strategy and the energy landscape in Oregon. Stakeholder engagement for the project was explained and public comment opportunities were highlighted. The process will culminate in delivery of a final report to the Governor and the Legislature on November 1, 2025. Learn more and sign up for email updates at the State Energy Strategy webpage . Senate Interim Committee on Energy and Environment – November 8, 2023 The Committee met for informational panels on four topics. Denmark's GreenLab and Circular Energy Infrastructure Development Christopher Sorensen, CEO, GreenLab, a Danish private/public collaboration, presented how the GreenLab concept works and how it helps with the transition to clean energy. By transforming any waste power, heat or fuel, in a usable form, storing that energy and preserving it for use to provide something someone else in the complex needs, all the businesses work together in a symbiotic fashion. Mr. Sorensen stated that an agreement had been reached between the Danish Foreign Ministry, the USDA, and GreenLab to share these concepts and to scout sites in the US that might be suitable for building similar facilities. Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Vicki Walker and Christopher Castelli from the Department of State Lands presented the development of a program to provide for proper disposal of abandoned vessels. The Department has the responsibility to clean up abandoned vessels and protect our waterways and ecosystems from toxic chemicals often found onboard. Since the Department also has the responsibility to provide funding for Oregon schools, expenses from vessel clean-up deplete school funding coffers. The Abandoned and Derelict Vessels (ADV) program will be designed to focus on prevention to avoid these high costs wherever possible. Of the vessels cleaned up and dismantled so far, one cost $1M and another cost $7M. The Legislature had given State Lands $18.8 M initially from the Monsanto settlement to do this work. Residential Solar in Oregon Christy Splitt, Government Relations Coordinator and Rob Del Mar, Senior Policy Analyst, both with the Oregon Department of Energy, presented on Oregon’s existing solar and storage incentives program. Mr. Del Mar reported that the Department has applied for a Federal Grant program called Solar for All, which would cover more people. Pacific Northwest Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Janine Benner, Director of the Oregon Department of Energy, gave an overview of the Pacific Northwest Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub which has gained initial acceptance from the US Department of Energy, to try for one of the grants it is offering. Kate Hopkins, Chief Development Officer for NovoHydrogen, introduced the concept for a hydrogen node planned for Baker, Oregon, to manufacture and supply fuel for heavy trucking. House Interim Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment The Committee hosted three informational panels at their 11/6/2023 meeting Transmission 101- Local electricity and high-voltage transmission professionals appeared before the committee for an informational update on issues with Oregon’s current electricity transmission system. With no established planning and controlling authority in place for the Northwest, panel members discussed how local transmission planning entities (the BPA, OPUC, and individual investor-owned utilities with individual IRP processes) can cooperate on a least cost, inclusive plan to adequately address the complexities of a highly interconnected system, design transmission capacity additions that serve everyone, and provide for the expanding electricity needs of the population between now and 2050, while at the same time, finding equitable cost-sharing solutions. Climate-smart agriculture Dr. Jeffrey Steiner, OSU, Greg Harris, Threemile Canyon Farm, and Shelby Leighton, Nez Perce Tribe Enterprises, appeared before the Committee to share the climate-smart agriculture project they have been working on. For this five-year, $50 billion USDA grant project, the group will grow potatoes (yes, they do taste different when grown using smart practices) using climate-smart techniques, such as use of cover crops, crop rotation, soil compaction, and regenerative ag. Across the US, USDA grants are being invested in similar research projects with regionally specific crops. Scientist Dr. Jeffrey Steiner is researching if climate-smart practices work and if they can increase CO2 sequestration in soils. Wildfire Funding Workgroup update A workgroup was convened by Senator Steiner to examine problems with wildfire funding. Dr. Steiner has been working with Doug Grafe, Wildfire and Military Advisor from the Office of the Governor, and has put together a group of experts to work on this critical problem until resolution is found. The workgroup has already identified one way to simplify funding by addressing the complexity in funding pathways, possibly through legislative action. Action probably will not be taken until the 2025 session. See Agenda and Meeting materials. Climate and environment bills for next session Rep. Mark Gamba gave a presentation to climate group Engineers for a Sustainable Future on November 14, 2023. He spoke informally about the difficulties of getting bills through the Legislature, including the number of bills to consider and the short time to consider them in, and the lack of organization around climate issues. Rep Gamba will be initiating the need for electrical transmission lines in the region. He wants to see a regional transmission organization (RTO) created by 2030, putting planning coordination into the hands of an appropriate entity. He would also like to create an organized climate caucus with funding in the state budget. A caucus would provide a way for climate bills to be considered together and be handled more effectively. Environmental Justice Council By Claudia Keith The new Oregon Environmental Justice Council has met a number of times and now includes an EJ Mapping subcommittee. EJ Mapping Subcommittee - November 13, 2023: 2pm - 3:30pm - ZOOM Council Meeting - December 5, 2023: 9am - 1pm Location: 700 NE Multnomah St, Portland, Oregon 97232 (Lloyd 700 Building 3rd Floor L700 Conference Room) October 17, 2023 Agenda Item 3: EJ Mapping Tool , Item 5: EJC Charter Draft Item 7: Zenith ADCP Letter , Item 7: DEQ Zenith Response Letter Watch the recorded meeting Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust By Claudia Keith The HILL: OPINION > ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ‘ Big Oil’s day in court is coming — and it’s long overdue’ by Dana Zartner , JD, Ph.D., is a professor of international and comparative law with a focus on environmental justice at the University of San Francisco. Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Gas, oil companies argue against Oregon’s emission deadlines during Court of Appeals hearing -- Several dozen people gathered afterwards to support those rules, which require a 50% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. -– Oregon Capital Chronicle. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are several active state federal lawsuits , (Nov 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets, and other lawsuits, that challenge the current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 69 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON. Climate Emergency Team and Volunteers Needed Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Transportation and ODOT state agency Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/28 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: Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Environmental Justice Bills Climate Priorities with League Testimony , League Endorsement Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Climate Treasury Investment Bills Natural and Working Lands Other Climate Bills Priority Bills That Died In Policy Committee Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns Highlights of House and Senate Chamber Votes Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Oregon Treasurer: Oregon Divest A few federal court rulings have favorably affected Biden admin IRA funding despite the current administration’s attempt to freeze the minutes. ‘The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act ‘, provides an expanded overview of funding in Oregon. Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Transportation 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) Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability The League joined a coalition sign-on letter this past week requesting funding to support building resilience. The goal is to use affordable measures to protect people from extreme weather. One Stop Shop 2.0/Energy Efficiency Navigation ( HB 3081 ): 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. Get the Junk Out of Rates ( SB 88 ): 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. 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 HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session was held 4/9 passed 4/3, with no amendments, no recommendation and referred to House Rules. 
 
It is unclear why this bill is inactive. Climate Priorities with League Testimony with League Endorsement and Still Alive By Claudia Keith HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update HB 215 1: Testimony ; appears dead 
 
 HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) -2 amendments , Staff Measure Summary (SMS) . $1M+ 
fiscal HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS . 
 fiscal is not available, will be completed if the bill gets a hearing in JWM NR SC. HB 3450 A Testimony , work session held, 4/8 passed adopted amendment -1 . 
 fiscal >1M$. referred to JWM 4/11 S ee 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.) CEI energy storage transition plan 
, The Bigger Picture: ASCE's ( American Society of Civil Engineers , founded in 1852 ), Oregon C- grade Infrastructure Report Card . Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment At this point in the session, it is unclear if 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. LWVUS has provided guidance since over 26 states have - or are in the process of voting on green / environmental rights constitutional topics or initiatives. These usually take the form of a legislative referral to the people. The New Mexico green amendment campaign focuses on racial justice. Climate Treasury Investment Bills SB 681 : May be still active: Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, in Sen F&R, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. 
 
 
 
 HB 2200 -1 , work session was 4/8, bill was requested by previous Treasury Sec Tobias and supported by Treasurer Steiner, related to ESG investing , identified as the compromise bill. League chose not to comment, could move to the floor, no JWM required. 
 (still in H EMGGV, still awaiting transfer to desk) 
 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force , Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), fiscal: $1.3M , League Testimony , Rep Gamba, Senator,Golden, Frederick, Rep Andersen, Evans 
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 Historically, since 2009 Public banking policy topic has been included in many Leg sessions, (go here and then use Control F to search for ‘bank’. ) 22 bills mentioning Public and Bank have died in committee over the past 16 years. Natural and Working Lands 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 . 
 
 
 Other Climate Bills HB 2566A : 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 A: climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, 4/21 moved to Sen Ed, 4/17 passed House 32/23, work session was 4/9, moved to floor with adopted amendment -4 . House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, 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 , League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, 
 
 
 
 
 
 SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 

 first reading. 
 referred to H CEE 3/10 
 
, PH 4/22 
 
, work session 5/1. HB 3546A , -3 the POWER Act , in Sen E&E , House vote was 4/21. 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, on its way to the floor. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3189 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. H CEE, PH 3/11 
 
 HB 3653 in Sen E&E, PH 4/28, House vote 51 - 9. 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. 
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 Priority Bills that died in policy committee Some of these related to funding may appear in the end of session reconciliation (“Christmas tree”) bill. HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. League testimony . SB 54 :. The bill required landlords to provide cooling for residential units . SB 1187 new Climate cost recovery Liability interagency bill , SB 680 : Climate Science/Greenwashing , Sen. Golden and Manning Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns By Claudia Keith This list may still be reflective of the current CE prioritized investments for environmental justice, climate and community protection programs (CPP). Without additional appropriations this session, the following existing successful climate, CPP and environmental justice programs may run out of funding: Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 
 Community Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 
 Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program/Charge Ahead (DEQ) 
 
 
 
 
 Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Rebates + Infrastructure Grants (DEQ) 
 
 
 
 
 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks (ODHS) 
 
 
 
 
 Climate Change Worker Relief Fund (DAS) 
 
 
 
 
 Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 
 
 Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB) 
 
 
 (See Natural Resources Legislative Reports for budget league testimonies including climate topics in over 14 agencies.) Highlights of House and Senate Chamber Votes April 21: Senate E&E Held a work session on HB 2567 A , which passed the House unanimously in March. The bill would modify the Heat Pump Deployment Program's eligibility criteria, funding distribution, and rebate structures. It would change “Environmental Justice” community to “disadvantaged” community; remove the 15% cap on administrative and marketing expenses and allow ODOE to set the cap by rule; allow ODOE to provide an additional incentive amount of up to $1,000 for contractors who install rental heat pumps in rural or frontier communities (incentives limited to no more than 5% of available funds); and extend the sunset date to 2032. It would provide no additional funding for the rebate program. Senate E&E adopted an -A3 amendment to the House engrossed bill, stating that if ODOE awards a grant to an eligible entity and additional funds become available for the program, ODOE may award additional grant moneys to the eligible entity using the existing performance agreement between the entity and ODOE. The committee voted unanimously to move the bill as amended to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. April 22: House Chamber House voted 41-16, to pass HB 3546 A , a priority bill on the OCN hot list that directs the PUC to provide for a classification of service for large energy use facilities such as data centers. PUC would have to require investor-owned utilities to enter into a 10-year contract with those users to pay a minimum amount or percentage for the term of the contract, which could include a charge for excess demand. Rates for this customer class would have to be proportional to the costs of serving them, including for transmission, distribution, and capacity. IOUs would have to mitigate the risks to other customer classes of paying for the utility’s increased load requirements. The bill would apply only to large users that apply for service on or after the effective date of the act, or to existing users that make significant investments or incur costs after the effective date that could result in increased costs or risks to the IOU's other retail electricity consumers. April 22 Senate By a vote of 20-9, the Senate passed SB 685 A , a bill of support on the OCN hot list. It would require a natural gas utility to provide notice to affected customers and the PUC if the utility plans to increase the amount of hydrogen that is blended with natural gas so that the ratio of H2 to natural gas exceeds 2.5%. At least 60 days before beginning to blend H2, the utility would have to notify each affected customer and file notice with PUC explaining the reason for the increased amount of H2. The utility would have to maintain information about the blending program on its website and enable customers to communicate with the utility about it. The Senate engrossed bill is scaled back from the introduced bill, which would have prohibited a utility from developing or carrying out a project involving H2 production or use without first obtaining PUC approval. 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 Updates (April 10, 2025) Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates 2025 Climate Risk Review: No Place to Hide - May 2025 Published by Divest Oregon: Executive Summary and Praise for Report (see SB 681) Addressing the Risk of Climate Change: A Comparison of US Pension Funds' Net Zero Plans – Jan 2025 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

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

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 Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch REVENUE Patricia Garner, Josie Koehne, Peggy Lynch It’s here! The long-awaited Revenue Forecast that will guide the spending for the 2026 legislative session, was delivered at the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee meeting on Feb. 4th. Carl Ricidonna, Oregon’s State Economist, provided his report, along with Michael Kennedy, Senior Economist. See pages 17 and 20 for the important numbers. And the Legislative Revenue Office’s Forecast Summary : Projected 2025-27 Net General Fund Resources are up $252.7 million (0.7%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. Projected 2025-27 Lottery resources are up $33.8 million (1.8%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. Projected 2025-27 Combined net General Fund and Lottery Resources are up $286.5 million (0.7%) from the 2025: Q4 forecast. This Revenue forecast is better than the last forecast, and it appears there is just a 20% chance of a recession. Oregon’s revenue outlook is doing better than predicted due the highest corporate earners doing especially well last year with higher productivity. 5% of corporations are paying 90% of the tax. Lottery revenues are also up. However, the personal income tax revenues were only modestly up, and lower income earners are again hardest hit by a nearly 3% inflation rate with few new jobs. Unemployment is also up but not at an alarming rate. In all this will reduce slightly the revenue hole caused by HR 1 and our state income tax connection to it. Because of the importance of this presentation here is a list of news articles covering the forecast: Oregon Capital Chronicle on Feb. 4 . OregonLive . OPB In the last legislative report, we shared the various budget gaps that legislators are facing, from Medicaid and SNAP to education and addressing transportation funding. Although this forecast was helpful, it is still $450 to $1 billion less than needed. So, cuts will happen. However, there are some actions the legislature is considering to decrease the effects of funding loss for services Oregonians value. One is SB 1507 shared below: At the Senate Finance Committee meeting on Feb. 4, the version of SB 1507 which was initially introduced sought to reduce a number of taxes equal to/conditioned on a statewide retail sales tax with proceeds to be directed to specifically defined purposes. The legislation is largely intended to ameliorate some of the impacts of federal H.R.1 . At the outset of the hearing Chair Anthony Broadman indicated that there were likely additional amendments in the pipeline besides those posted online. Committee members are, for example, working through the jobs credit provision which is currently set at a $12.5 million cap per year. The -3 amendment is fairly straightforward. It entirely replaces the initial version of SB 1507 and updates Oregon’s connection with the federal Internal Tax Code by replacing effective dates of “2023” with “2025.” The -4 amendment also seeks to replace the initial version of SB 1507 and is no longer in consideration. It closes certain federal tax loopholes for purposes of Oregon taxation, which will result in increased taxpayer payments and state revenue. They include (1) deductions for car loan interest, (2) gain from the exchange or sale of small business stock deducted on personal income tax returns, (3) certain machinery and equipment tax deductions. Subject to an annual total amount of tax credits of $12.5 million, taxpayers can also claim $1,000 personal and corporate income tax credit for every new job they create in Oregon, which credit can be carried forward for 3 years. Oregon’s earned income tax credit is also increased from 9% to 14% of a taxpayer’s federal earned income tax credit, and for taxpayers with a dependent under 3 the credit is increased from 12% to 17%. The -5 amendment reiterates - 4 but also adds clarifying language. For example, when seeking the new job tax credit, Dash 5 provides that new jobs are to be determined by comparing the average annual employees of a taxpayer in a 12-month period ending on June 30th of the current tax year as compared to the same 12-month period in the previous tax year. Here is the Legislative Revenue Office summary of the -5. The tax credits are capped at an annual total amount of tax credits of $12.5 million. The latest amendment is the -6 which includes the following: 1. Removes the vehicle loan interest deduction 2. Increases Oregon’s EITC from 9% to 14% of federal EITC amount, or from 12% to 17% for taxpayers with a dependent under the age of 3 at close of tax year. This is a great help to low-income earners. 3. Disconnects from personal income tax exclusion for gain from the exchange or sale of qualified small business stock. 4. Disconnects from bonus depreciation provision. This item was hotly contested in the Feb 4 hearing which allows a business to take 100% depreciation in the first year. 5. Credit for taxpayers creating jobs allows $1,000 × number of jobs created in the year, capped at 10 new jobs per year. Wages paid must be at 150% of the local minimum wage. These credits are capped at $12.5 million per year and end in 2031. All these credits apply to tax years starting in 2026. On Feb. 5 th , a -6 amendment was posted. Here is the Staff Measure Summary of the -3 and -6 amendments that replace the measure and we expect to be voted on in Committee Monday. Public Hearing Feb. 4. Work Session Feb. 9. The League supports the bill with amendments as it has the potential to bring in over $300 million but had wished for additional disconnect items to help with Oregon’s revenue needs. The Oregon Capital Chronicle provides this article . Here are Oregonlive and Salem Reporter articles on HB 1507. Then the Full Ways and Means Committee met for hours Feb. 3 rd to hear from Oregonians as shared in this Oregon Capital Chronicle article. On Feb. 5 th , hundreds of Oregonians rallied in Salem in support of a disconnect ( KDRV article). The Full Ways and Means Committee met Feb. 6 th and introduced 6 budget bills for the session. The LCs (Legislative Concepts) will be assigned bill numbers after their introduction AND the League expects amendments by the end of session: LC 319 : Amends an incorrect internal reference in a law relating judicial compensation. Program Change Senate bill. LC 321 : Modifies previously approved lottery bonding provisions. (Includes monies for the Port of Coos Bay) Bond Authority Senate Bill. LC 322 : Establishes and modifies limits on payment of expenses from specified funds by certain state agencies for capital construction. Capital Construction 6-year limitation Senate Bill LC 323 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder for agency allocation changes Senate Bill. LC 324 : Approves certain new or increased fees adopted by state agencies. The bill includes the Dept. of State Lands Wetlands processing fees set forth during rulemaking for which the League engaged. Fee Ratification House Bill. LC 325 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder House Bill. LC 326 : Establishes biennial appropriations and expenditure limitations for ______ for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. Placeholder House Bill. LC 327 : Modifies certain biennial appropriations made from the General Fund to specified state agencies and the Emergency Board. Establishes and modifies limitations on expenditures for certain biennial expenses for specified state agencies. The items populated in this bill as introduced reflect tentative decisions made by Ways and Means during the January Legislative Days. Omnibus Budget House Bill. Though LWVOR does not have a position regarding the conclusion shared by the author of this article , the information about future PERS costs is important. The two increases mean that by 2029, PERS contributions will have increased almost 80% over the 2023-2025 biennium, from $5.26 billion to $9.35 billion, over 25% of payroll. The Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS) is reviewing state building usage and leases to find efficiencies and reduce state costs per this presentation in the W&M General Government Subcommittee on Feb. 2 nd . Here is the material from the Oregon State Debt Policy Advisory Commission . Tentatively the General Obligation bond capacity for the 2026 session is $513 million and $86 million lottery bond capacity. Bills we may be following: SB 1562 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. Changes the division of allowable uses of net local transient lodging tax revenue from at least 70 percent for tourism related expenses and no more than 30 percent for city or county services, to at least 40 percent and no more than 60 percent, respectively. Allows units of local government with restricted grandfathered local transient lodging tax regimes to take advantage of the new provisions of the Act. Establishes biennial reporting by local governments of amounts and uses of local transient lodging tax revenue. HB 4148 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. Changes the division of allowable uses of net local transient lodging tax revenue from at least 70 percent for tourism related expenses and no more than 30 percent for city or county services, to at least 40 percent and no more than 60 percent , respectively. Allows units of local government with restricted grandfathered local transient lodging tax regimes to take advantage of the new provisions of the Act. Establishes biennial reporting by local governments of amounts and uses of local transient lodging tax revenue. The LOCAL Act, adjusts the post-2003 lodging tax distribution so that local governments may adjust the percentages, with up to 60% used for critical local services and infrastructure, such as first responders, and at least 40% dedicated to tourism promotion and facilities. The LOCAL Act is a bipartisan collaborative bill that updates outdated restrictions so communities can better balance supporting tourism with maintaining residents' quality of life. Public hearing Feb. 9. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process. Applies to estimates prepared on or after January 1, 2027. Requires the Department of Revenue to estimate the difference in surplus revenue calculations using stated methodologies, and transfer an amount equal to the difference for use for various purposes. Establishes the One-Time Emergencies and Finance Fund. Public hearing Feb. 2. HB 4136 : Disallows, for purposes of personal income taxation, a mortgage interest deduction for a residence other than the taxpayer’s principal residence, unless the taxpayer sells the residence or actively markets the residence for sale. Establishes the Oregon Homeownership Opportunity Account. Transfers an amount equal to the estimated increase in revenue attributable to restrictions on the deduction of mortgage interest to the account, for the purpose of making down payment assistance payments. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. SB 1510 : Updates the terminology used to describe certain income earned by multinational corporations to reflect a change in the term used in federal law. Aligns sunset dates for earned income tax credit provisions with the underlying sunset date for the credit. Expands the tax credit for certified film production development contributions to allow the use of contributions for the production of commercials. Applies to fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Provides an exception from the annual filing requirement for the property tax exemption for property burdened by an affordable housing covenant used for owner-occupied housing. Applies to property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2027. Public Hearing Feb. 11. SB 1511 : Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the estate tax. Directs the Legislative Revenue Officer to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to revenue not later than December 1, 2027. Public Hearing Feb. 11. 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 Land Use section of the Natural Resources Report. The League has major concerns about sections of this bill. Oregonlive provided this comprehensive assessment of the bill. SJR 201 : Kicker Reform: Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require a portion of surplus revenue that would otherwise be returned to personal income taxpayers to be used for funding public kindergarten through grade 12 education, community colleges and wildfire prevention and suppression, if surplus revenue exceeds a certain threshold. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election. OPB covered a story about the bill . NO public hearing has been scheduled at this time. HB 4014 : Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the state financial system. Public Hearing Feb. 2. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process. Public Hearing Feb. 2. See other sections of the Legislative Report about the cuts in each area and what’s being considered to address the revenue shortfall.

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Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: After School and Summer Behavioral Health Education Gun Policy Housing Legislation Immigration Public Safety After School and Summer By Katie Riley The two bills we have been following that most closely align with funding for afterschool and summer programs look like they may be combined and will be focused instead on summer school (emphasis added), literacy, and accountability for that instruction. HB 3039 would appropriate moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Education and Requires the Department of Education to study methods for increasing the availability of summer and after-school academic and enrichment programs. HB 2007 would modify requirements for the summer learning program. Both bills have received amendments and HB 2007 has received a hearing and a second amendment that deleted the possibility of funding for for-profit providers. Although HB 2007 refers to “expanded learning” and community-based organizations (CBO’s), any funding would be directed to school districts and through them to CBO’s and there is no specific allocation to CBO’s for summer care. CBO’s are upset about the major focus on summer school and literacy. They support literacy but believe that learning takes place during non-school time as well and includes social emotional learning. In addition, attendance in afterschool programs has been proven to decrease absenteeism and increase academic achievement. Further, the task force established by the 2024 legislative session for HB 4082 recommended funding for after school programs and there is no provision for that specific funding in either bill. HB 2007 is now scheduled for an informational hearing in the Senate Committee on Education on March 31st and a work session on April 1st in the Joint Subcommittee on Education. HB 5047 is proposing $35 million for summer learning in 2025 plus $47 million for 2026 and 27. It will be discussed in the work session. A new bill ( HB 3941 ) was introduced last week to allocate $4,990,000 for a grant program to establish up to 5 community schools at $170,000 per year in matching funds. Community schools coordinate and integrate educational, developmental, family, health and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private partnerships to students, families, and community members during and after school hours, on weekends, and during the summer. A public hearing on the bill is scheduled for March 31st in the House Committee on Education and a work session is scheduled for April 2nd in the same committee. In an interesting twist, SB 1127 provides for grants to develop and provide educational activities during recess, lunch or after school for Title I elementary schools. It received a public hearing this past week. SB 896 which would provide funding for afterschool grant programs passed out of the Senate Committee on Education and has been sent to Ways and Means. Another bill ( HB 3162 ) to fund after school programs was introduced but never received a hearing so it is unlikely to be heard from again this session. On a positive note, the fact that more than one bill is concerned with after school care makes it more likely that the issue will receive attention from House and Senate leadership. Bills concerned with child care are also moving through the legislature. HB 2593 would direct the Department of Early Learning and Care to study the characteristics of the people who are on the ERDC waitlist (currently over 10,000) to determine the impact of being on the waitlist. The bill received a hearing this past week with no opposition. Other bills ( HB 3496 and HB 3560 ) concern establishing guidance to site child care facilities in local areas and expands areas where child care can be cited. Since these bills are focused on being able to provide child care in more rural areas that currently are zoned to prohibit this use, there are concerns about children being exposed to pesticides. Behavioral Health By Stephanie Aller and Patricia Garner A number of health care related bills have been heard in the Behavioral Health Committee which arose out of the Behavioral Health Transformation Workgroup convened by Senator Kate Lieber and Representative Bob Nosse. They have all been scheduled for Work Sessions and seek to address problems with services for high acuity patients, reduce administrative burdens and improve rates for behavioral health services. They are primarily appropriations bills but instead of appropriating a sum with limited requirements, they reach into the details or “nitty-gritty” of how treatment is provided. Support for the bills is nearly unanimous. They will be sent to the Joint Ways and Means Committee next. HB 2015 with -2 amendment addresses a number of regulatory barriers in building and operating secure residential treatment facilities (SRTF’s), residential treatment facilities (RTF’s) and residential treatment homes (RTH’s) in Oregon. The bill is detailed and far-reaching. On the surface it appears to be a bill setting up a study, but it directs OYA to find solutions for a number of these barriers. For example, Trillium Family Services is Oregon’s sole provider of a full continuum of mental health services for youth aged 5 – 24 and has a staff of 685 employees. According to current regulations such a facility must be licensed with and provide services and documentation as both a child caring agency and an adult residential treatment provider. This is time consuming and takes away from the provision of treatment. Another example relates to nurse staffing. These facilities are required to have one nurse on site at all times, and not just on-call, which is particularly challenging for non-urban settings. OYA also currently requires a facility to be fully licensed before it can accept patients rather than allowing admission after a certain point in the licensing process. Financial compensation for residential services is based on the acuity of an individual’s treatment, but when an individual has received an appropriate level of services, by definition the acuity decreases, and the facility is paid less. The bill seeks to group people in facilities by level of acuity. The House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care held a public hearing on HB 2059-2 (Behavioral Health Facilities). The League has submitted testimony in support of the bill. HB 2059- 2 would fund residential behavioral health facilities throughout the state by allocating $90 million from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 biennium. This allocation was included in Governor Kotek’s recommended budget. Several witnesses, including OHA and NAMI, detailed the critical shortage of beds in these facilities. Oregon’s sole state psychiatric hospital is occupied almost exclusively by individuals whom courts have deemed mentally incapable of being able to “aid and assist” in their defense of criminal charges, and even when they are ready to be released, there is a lack of residential treatment or step-down facilities that can take them. Because the hospital is full of these individuals, those in need of civil commitment or a hospital level of care are not able to receive it. A number of witnesses also referred to Oregon Advocacy Center v. Mink , a federal case in which the judge has ruled the state psychiatric hospital must accept within 7 days people found not able to “aid and assist” in their defense. Because Oregon is out of compliance with this order, it could be held in contempt and face significant fines. (See KGW8’s report on the recent hearing in the case - KGW8 Mink case ). HB 2059-Dash 2 also requires OYA to develop guidelines for distributing these funds, which must at least include the ability to quickly put funding to use – including the availability of service providers, the bed-to-cost ratio with priority being given to shovel-ready projects, geographic equity across the state, and local community input on projects that will serve the highest need. A work session for HB 2059 has been scheduled for April 3. HB 2024- 3 provides funding to increase Oregon’s behavioral health workforce. Twenty million dollars is allocated to the OHA to award grants to several classes of behavioral health care providers, including for example: providers that offer office-based medication-assisted treatment, certain Indian health programs, programs that offer behavioral health care and substance abuse rehabilitation services, and programs that provide outpatient behavioral health care for adults or youth of which at least 50% are uninsured or receiving Medicaid or Medicare. The grants can be used for educational scholarships, loan forgiveness, housing assistance, sign-on and retention bonuses, childcare subsidies, tuition assistance, stipends for supervisors of interns or graduate students and more. An additional $20 million is directed to OHA to develop and implement incentive payments which are designed to increase the wages of residential, out-patient, outreach and medically assisted treatment providers so they are competitive with for-profit and hospital providers. Finally, $5 million is allocated to the OHA for the purpose of establishing a “United We Heal Health Medicaid Payment Program” which is designed to enhance training, education and apprenticeship opportunities, as well as provide increased wages, health care benefits and workplace safety standards for residential treatment providers. HB 2202-1 identifies certain redundancies, contradictions and outdated language regarding services provided by coordinated care organizations. For example, in attempting to deal with parity of mental and physical health treatment, the bill prescribes that the OHA must require CCO’s to report on their document standards or requirements used for providing behavioral health, substance abuse, as well as for medical and surgical treatment and services. The standard for provision of CCO services must also “support an individual’s progress towards clinical goals, as defined by the individual’s service plan,” instead of the prior standard which was defined as “leading to a meaningful improvement in individuals’ lives.” Abuse reports are also authorized to be made electronically instead of only by telephone. Instead of using the term “emotional disturbances,” HB 2202-1 substitutes the more commonly used phrase “health or substance use disorders.” HB 2056 -1 appropriates $64,800,00 for community mental health programs. It comes in response to the 2024 legislative mandate to analyze costs these programs incur when providing crisis services, services to the “aid and assist” population and adults who meet the criteria for civil commitment. The intent of the allocation is to support early intervention instead of resorting to criminal or other last resort systems of care. This funding is also considered to be crucial in meeting Oregon’s Constitutional obligations to provide treatment which is currently under review in federal court. It is argued that if this funding is not provided, Oregon may be fined. The State of Washington was fined $100 million for a similar failure to provide treatment. Education By Jean Pierce Federal Actions affecting Higher Education in Oregon This week, the federal government reinstated 3 Income Driven Repayment plans for student loans, which had been cut a month ago: Pay As You Earn Income Contingent Repayment Plan Income-Based Repayment Plan According to the Attorney General’s office , “Most students in Oregon rely on student loans to help pay for their education. The average Oregon student loan borrower owes over $36,091 by the time they graduate. Combined, Oregonians have more than $18.9 billion dollars in student loan debt. “ Two resources are available to help students find answers to their questions about the changing policies: Since 2022, the state has a student loan ombudsperson Representative Bonamici’s office has created a webpage covering the basic questions about returning to loan repayment . Legislation we are tracking In addition to the bills for which we submitted testimony, LWVOR is tracking a couple of bills which saw action this week in the House Education Committee: The committee held a public hearing on March 24 for HB3004 , which directs the Youth Development Division to establish a statewide community violence prevention program. A work session is scheduled on March 31 for HB3037 , which creates a program designed to reduce the administrative burden on small districts applying for and reporting on grants. Gun Policy By Marge Easley A busy week turned even busier when four bills related to firearms ( SB 696 , SB 697 , SB 698 , and SB 429 ), originally slated for an April 2nd omnibus hearing in the Senate Judiciary, were suddenly folded into a fifth bill, SB 243 . SB 243 was heard on March 27 with over 80 people signed up to testify, despite only 24 hours notice. A work session is scheduled for April 3. The bill would make the following changes to Oregon’s gun laws: Mandate a 72-hour waiting period for the purchase of a firearm Require the completion of a background check before the transfer of a firearm Ban rapid-fire devices, such as bump stocks, that allow semi automatic guns to function like machine guns Raise the age to purchase military-style rifles from age 18 to 21 Expand the number of public spaces that can be designated as “gun-free zones” The League, along with other members of the Alliance for a Safe Oregon , supports these provisions. However, the expected strong pushback from the gun rights community is now underway, as reported by OPB. Stay tuned for an upcoming action alert prior to the Senate floor vote. An April 2nd work session in the House Judiciary on two additional gun bills. HB 3075 provides implementation details for Measure 114, while HB 3076 establishes a gun dealer licensing program. An ambiguous third bill, HB 3074 , has a hearing and work session on April 8, so it’s possible it will be the catchall for last-minute changes. On March 26, a US Supreme Court ruling provided some very good news for gun safety supporters around the country. By a 7-2 vote, justices upheld a Biden-era rule regulating “ghost guns,” untraceable firearms without serial numbers that are assembled from components or kits that can be obtained online. Oregon’s prohibition on ghost guns has been in effect since September 1, 2024. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Predevelopment Loan Program: On March 19, the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness held a hearing on HB 2964 , which would give Oregon Housing and Community Services responsibility to administer a grant and loan program for predevelopment costs for new affordable housing for low-income households to rent or own. The department would also provide technical assistance to nonprofits who receive the funding. Eligible predevelopment costs include professional services; studies such as site feasibility; development fees, and community engagement. OHCS would integrate this program into its existing Predevelopment Loan Fund with monies from the General Fund. Properties would be developed with affordability restrictions to ensure that they remain affordable for people with lower incomes. Oregon's population growth has outpaced housing construction leading to a severe shortage of affordable properties. This bill will give our state’s lower income households an opportunity to live in stable, new and affordable housing. The League presented testimony in support of this bill. Individual Development Accounts: On March 26, the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness held a hearing on HB 2735-2 related to funding for Oregon’s Individual Development Account program. The program provides matching funds for lower income Oregonians saving to buy a home, further their education, start a small business, or engage in other efforts intended to meet their financial goals. The funds for the match come from a tax credit that has been capped at $7.5 million per year since 2009. The bill, if passed, would raise the cap to $16.5 million, avoiding the need to reduce the number of participants. The League submitted testimony in support. Rent Stabilization and Rent Setting Software: Also on March 26, the Senate Committee on Housing and Development held a public hearing on SB 722 to prohibit residential landlords from software and occupancy control, and would apply rent caps for younger properties. This proposal would help prevent displacement by prohibiting landlords of multifamily housing to use price-fixing AI software to inflate rents or occupancy rates. This unethical practice is the subject of national attention . Attorneys General in eight states, including Oregon, have joined the Justice Department in an antitrust suit to disallow this method of sharing and aligning non-public information to drive up rents. The bill also would reduce the current 15-year exemption for new construction from our statewide rent stabilization statute down to seven years. This change would provide reasonable rent stabilization protection for an additional 40,000 housing units and between 80,000 to 100,000 Oregonians. The League sent testimony in support. Affordable Housing Insurance Program: The Senate Committee on Housing and Development held a March 26 hearing on SB 829 , proposed by Governor Kotek to establish an Affordable Housing Insurance Program in the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). The program would provide financial assistance for eligible entities having difficulty covering the cost of their insurance premiums. DCBS would also study the feasibility of creating a state reinsurance program that would bring price stability to the multifamily housing insurance market. Of all the expenses multifamily housing providers pay, insurance premiums have increased at the highest rate during the 2010 to 2022 time frame as compared to other costs. This program seeks to address the challenges providers face maintaining financial stability as they work to meet the needs of the most vulnerable households. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith HB 1191 , Senate Judiciary heard the “know your rights protection bill”, work session slated for April 2. League testimony supports SB 1191 which excludes the act of informing another person of their civil or constitutional rights from statute defining “commits the crime of obstructing governmental or judicial administration”. This is relevant as League voter service activities and advocacy issues are newly vulnerable to Executive Order classification as domestic terrorism if not aligned with recently changed federal preferences. The League will continue to support legislation for DEI, climate change, immigration, access for voter registration and election process information, protecting our natural resources, and more. SB 703 passed 4-2 on partisan lines from Senate Rules, for Dept of Human Services grants to nonprofit service providers to help noncitizens change their immigration status. League testimony in support. Upcoming & Watching SB 999 : Changing farmworker camps definitions. An April 3 public hearing is scheduled in Senate Labor, with possible work session on April 5. SB 939 A : We will be watching for upcoming action, relating to providing nonprofit organization security, passed unanimously from Senate Judiciary, addressing bias crimes. SB 1119 : April 1work session, to prohibit employers from engaging in unfair immigration-related practices. SB 1140 : April 1 public hearing, April 3 work session in Senate Labor, prohibits English-only workplace rules, some exceptions. Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 Immigration Study SCJ WS 4/2 Y Sen Jama DHS SB 599A Immig status: discrimnation in RealEstate transactions H Judiciary Sen Campos SB 611 Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented SC HS - JWM Work Sess 4/1 Y Sen Campos Rep Ruiz SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill JWM 6 Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G Testimony HB 2548 Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. HC LWPS WS 4/2 Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. JWM JWM Rep Hartman HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - HC ECHS - JWM dead Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds * likely end of session Reconcilation Bill HB 2586 nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Sen Ed Sen Ed RepHudson, SenCampos HB 2543 fundsfor universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters HC Jud ? 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS - see sb 703 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund JWM 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama OHA HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund JCWM-GG ? 7 Das Public Safety By Karen Nibler The Public Defense Services Consortium has been in front of the Ways and Means Public Safety Committee recently. Since it has been reorganized, the presentations by the staff have been detailed with attorneys working under the new system giving their perspective. The new agency operates under the Executive Branch. The House Judiciary Committee listened to proposals for public defenders in County Circuit Court Districts. HB 3376 proposes an office of district defender in each county court. The Early Childhood and Human Services Committee heard testimony on HB 3835 which deals with restraint and seclusion practices within foster care placements and special education programs. The testimony was extensive and the bill will undoubtedly be amended. Look for new developments. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources report sections.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 3/27 Education By Anne Nesse Legislative action this week centers on information bringing more equity and quality in education to all students throughout our state. In this month's Oregonian, the Director of Reform Portland Public Schools, a funding advocacy group, published this article . SB 1045 -2, from the Governor’s Office on the quality of statewide education, was introduced 3/23, in Senate Education. It is a follow up from the Secretary of State’s audit on how we oversee educational quality throughout our state. Itl is designed to find out how best to collect data from school districts on course grades and specific credits attained by students in grades 6-12. Melissa Goff, the Governor’s advisor on education, spoke at the public hearing. These changes will attempt to balance local school board control with state control and the techniques of teaching and tutoring that are known to have a positive track record nationally, and perhaps in the world. Textbook adoption will be among the standards that will be evaluated statewide. Sen. Lew Frederick stated he was looking forward to a broader understanding of our students, not just talking about 3rd grade reading levels, but rather talking about an individual student’s success based on his or her individual developmental path. Melissa Goff states that we will be moving ODE to a more proactive organization, including classifying districts which are not in compliance with state quality standards, to nonstandard classifications. This will be a passive alert and parents will not be notified. Timelines for compliance have been removed, to give school districts 180 days to respond to noncompliance, unless the situation is an emergency, such as child endangerment, or a similar situation. Morgan Allen of COSA, and OSBA, both expressed continued collaboration on this bill. No one has had time to study the -2 amendment fully, and this is a large change being undertaking. They both encouraged some caution as we proceed. Sen. Dembrow closed the hearing on a positive note. He stated that parents often put any blame on their child’s education on the State Legislature and not on the local school board. This bill is therefore a chance to share the burdens equally of providing the best possible research driven education we can possibly accomplish, to every single school district in our state. SB 416 was also introduced on 3/23 to assist with a long term problem: the need to increase our state funding of post-secondary education, by increasing the salaries of part-time faculty. Testimony included the injustice of “balancing the books of education, on the backs of part-time adjunct faculty.” In addition, a significant Oregonian article this month concerne sexual violence at colleges and universities in our state, and HB 3456 . This bill requires Oregon’s public and private colleges and universities to survey students on any sexual misconduct, and provides an amnesty policy for students who report it. It is designed to interrupt this cycle and to support victims. It was reported that bill sponsor Rep. Hartman gave some tearful testimony. On 3/20 in House Education, HB 3584 was introduced to provide notification for parents when a lockdown occurs at their student’s school. HB 3236 was introduced by Rep. Cramer, for a $2.5 M one time request, to provide increased CTE (career and technical education), at Willamette Career Academy. She and those testifying stated how important this was as a motivator for their education. It was noted that Gresham has a similar program. HB 2751 , a task force to study school start times, was positively voted out of committee and will go to the floor. On 3/21 in Senate Education, Sen. Lew Frederick introduced SB 633 , a regional program designed for students who experience disabilities that exceed what can be addressed within the capabilities of the average public school. The proposal is for 3 Centers designed for the entire state, based on the Serendipity School model. This model school has a waiting list, is a transition place for many students, and deals with behaviors and communication problems that are not easily solved in the average public school. As Sen. Frederick reminds us, too many public schools are over burdened with special needs students and are not able to adequately meet those student’s needs. There was mixed testimony. Some research supports inclusion of students with disabilities within their local schools. Also being too far away from home can be an issue. However it was pointed out that Serendipity School only includes students who have failed to adjust to the public system at all. Sen.Taylor presented 3 Bills in one public hearing, about serving the needs of talented and gifted students. SB 595 , requires ODE to transfer 1% funds from the State School Fund into the Talented and Gifted Education Account. She reminded the committee that talented students actually are documented to come from all socioeconomic groups and all ethnicities. A work group formed in the past with no program funding. SB 596 -2 requires all school districts to report data to ODE, on their students identified as talented and gifted. This would include the total number and percentage of talented and gifted students, their general intellectual ability, unusual academic ability in mathematics, unusual academic ability in language arts, creative ability, leadership ability and ability in visual or performing arts, as well as ethnicity and several other criteria. Sen. Gelser Blouin also introduced SB 756 -1, to assure classified staff have access to records for special education students they have educational responsibilities for. Morgan Allen of COSA, and OSEA were in general support, excepting some disagreement for the -1 amendment, requiring classified attendance at parent teacher conferences on educational plans. On 3/22, in House Education, Rep. Walters introduced HB 2767 -2, a bill that former Rep. Prusak and Sen. Wagner had initiated. This addresses the research driven method of educating students recovering from addiction, together with other students experiencing the same issue. The example of Harmony Academy was presented, with the plan to make this type of schooling financially stable, at under 50 students in a school setting. It was agreed that State oversight of this program by ODE would not affect its flexibility for the students and the communities this will serve. Rep. McLain introduced HB 3595 -1, a Juvenile Justice Fund Bill, essential to assure stable funding for youth in their education. A HB 2753 A work session was held on 3/23, allowing school districts to give modest stipends for school board members’ work, if they decide to. This passed and was sent to the floor. Continuing the 3/23 Senate Education LR, there was a work session on SB 48 -2, a task force to study successful methods of addressing chronic absenteeism from school (truancy). This passed and will go to the floor. SB 275 was introduced, a study to bring agencies of TSPC and Educator Advancement Council together within the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). SB 768 -1 was introduced requiring ODE to study the feasibility of collecting data on the grades of students, in grades 6-12, statewide by Sept. 15, 2024. Sen. Frederick reminded us that already the best predictor of success was not testing, but grades. Many post-secondary and university systems were already allowing students to enter, simply based on grades, a much better predictor of student success. This bill may require ODE to institute a more standardized method of grading students. So they asked Dan Farley, ODE research department, if there were a way to make this more standardized and he stated that there was a way, thus giving us some potential data on our many school district’s differences and trying to give us a better way to see which districts need increased funding for staffing.

Cybersecurity In Oregon We are working to defend democracy from escalating cyber-attacks and disinformation. Policy debates are determining the future of our democracy, the internet, and privacy. See our successful legislative advocacy for the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and emergency preparedness to protect critical infrastructures, including elections—the cornerstone of democracy. We are working to improve individuals’ cyber hygiene. LWVOR PRIVACY & CYBERSECURITY STUDY: Read our 2020 study for an overview, analysis and comprehensive references to contemporary technology, global policy development, the history of privacy, and our key findings. LWVOR Privacy and Cybersecurity POSITIONS were adopted in January 2020, in LWVOR Issues for Action, on p. 16 . U.S. state and national policymakers have joined the global debate over digital protection of personal information, mined for multi-billion dollar advertising revenues. Experts now characterize media manipulation as ‘information disorder.' The impact of artificial intelligence on MDM, mis-, dis, and mal- information deserves intense scrutiny going forward. Questions? Please email lwvor@lwvor.org . Many bills passed in final 2023 legislative session days after the 43-day Senate walkout. See our Sine Die Legislative Report for links to our testimony, including references to our work over several sessions and future ongoing effort; all reflect privacy and cybersecurity. Elections SCR 1 : Condemning Election violence. SB 166 : Election Worker Protections. HB 3073 : Candidate and Incumbent Data Privacy Protection. HB 2107 : Automatic Voter Registration expansion. HB 2585 : Oppose ending “Motor Voter” voter registration. HB 5035 : Software, Risk-Limiting Audits and Election Security in the SoS’s Budget. Cybersecurity HB 2049 : Establish the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. HB 2490 : Defend our cybersecurity plans from Public Disclosure. HB 2806 : update cybersecurity and privacy statute for critical infrastructures, etc. Privacy SB 619 : Protect Consumers’ Personal Data. HB 2052 : Data Broker Registry, First in the Nation. SB 5512 : the Judicial Department budget, for Citizen Participation and Access. HB 3201 : Broadband Assistance. Public Records HB 3111 : State Employees, Volunteers, and Retirees Information Privacy SB 510 : Public Records Advisory Budget. HB 5032 : Public Records Advocate funding. Questions? Please email lwvor@lwvor.org .