Search Results

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/13 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 Housing Criminal Justice Gun Safety Immigration/Refugees and other Basic Rights Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Governor Kotek has underscored the need to address the state’s housing emergency, and the legislature is coalescing around bills to serve communities around the state in sheltering the unhoused, providing low- and extremely low-income housing, and serving those experiencing economic inequality. HB 2889 – Oregon Housing Needs Analysis in OHCS This bill proposes to locate the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) within Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to advance comprehensive reforms to the state’s land use planning systems. The goal is to pave the way to increase housing production and enhance flexibility in housing choice and location. With state guidance, local communities must address disparities in housing outcomes with an emphasis on housing those most in need. This bill is moving forward in the Governor’s Recommended Budget for OHCS, as of February 6, 2023. LWVOR submitted testimony in support of this bill. HB 3010 – Mortgage Interest Deduction This bill would limit the mortgage interest deduction on personal income taxes available to high earners and on second homes. The resulting increase in state revenue would be deposited in a First-Time Home Buyer Account administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services. The bill calls for creation of a Task Force on First-Time Ownership that would report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by Sept. 2024. The bill has been referred to the Housing and Homelessness subcommittee with a subsequent referral to Tax Expenditures. SB 611 – Reasonable Rent This bill would increase relocation assistance in landlord-based no fault evictions. In addition, it would limit annual rent increases to 3% plus consumer price index, or 8%, whichever is lower. It extends protections to tenants of all buildings more than 3 years-old. Buildings up to 15 years-old currently are exempt. SB 611 is a priority bill of the Housing Alliance, of which LWVOR is a member. On 1/15/2023, it was referred to Senate Housing and Development. HB 2001 – Oregon Housing and Community Services Governor’s Budget The House Committee on Housing and Homelessness has proposed an amendment to OHCS’s budget. Amendment-1 would require OHCS to study issues related to housing and report back to the Interim Committee of the Legislative Assembly related to housing by September 15, 2024. The amendment replaces the measure in six key areas summarized below. HB 2001-1 Proposed Amendment and Staff member document summary . · Homelessness Emergency . Declares homelessness as a statewide emergency in Oregon, and applies provisions of Executive Order 23-02, issued by the Governor on January 10, 2023, to the entire state. · Youth Homelessness . Expands the use of the Emergency Housing Account funds to include services and assistance to school-aged children or their families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to award grants to organizations that provide evidence-based services for youth experiencing homelessness in underserved areas. · Termination of Residential Tenancy for Nonpayment . Extends, for residential tenancies, a 72-hour timeline for issuance of notice of intention to terminate a rental agreement based on nonpayment to 10 days and extends the 144-hour timeline to 13 days. · Modular Housing Funding . Allocates, for the biennium beginning July 1, 2023, $20 million in General Fund moneys to the Oregon Business Development Department to provide grants or loans to entities developing modular housing or related components, under advisement from a temporary advisory committee. Requires grant or loan recipients to prioritize, in order, disaster recovery, low-income, and middle- income housing construction. · Affordable Housing Predevelopment Grants. Allocates beginning July 1, 2023, $3 million in General Fund moneys to the Oregon Facilities Authority to provide financing or refinancing support for local governments or housing developers for infrastructure development and predevelopment costs for moderate income projects. A public hearing was held on February 14 by the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness. SB 599 - Child Care in Rental Homes This bill requires landlords to allow tenants to use their units for childcare purposes as long as the home is certified or registered with the Office of Child Care, the tenant has notified the landlord, and the home does not violate zoning regulations or an association’s governing documents. The childcare provider must carry liability insurance or parents must sign a liability waiver. Lack of access to childcare is a significant barrier for all parents, but particularly to women’s participation in the workforce. SB 599 removes one roadblock for tenants who provide childcare services in their homes. On 2/8/2023 the Housing and Development Committee recommended a do pass with amendments. On 2/14 it was carried over by unanimous consent. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley and Karen Nibler HB 3035 , which creates the crime of threatening a mass injury event, was heard in House Judiciary on February 13. The bill is the product of a work group convened by Rep. Courtney Neron in response to concerns about threats of violence in schools and other public settings. There is currently no law in Oregon that specifically addresses a threat of mass violence. If no loss of life occurs the crime would most likely be considered a lower-level Class B felony. This bill increases the penalty to a Class C felony, punishable by five years’ imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both. The increased penalty allows for formal supervision and possible mental health treatment, firearm prohibition, and stricter release conditions. Juvenile offenders would be given special consideration and remain in the juvenile justice system. The League is also monitoring SB 763 , heard on February 14 in Senate Judiciary, which prohibits an employer, state agency, or licensing board to deny consideration to those who commit crimes as a juvenile. Senate Judiciary discussed SB 763 on access to juvenile records on February 14 and SB 519 on expunction of juvenile records on February 16. Both bills are in the revision process. SB 470 asks that the Oregon Health Authority request coverage of medical assistance to persons under 19 in juvenile detention facilities. The counties are responsible for medical care in county facilities, which can be very expensive. The Legislature passed SB 588 in 2017 to cover all kids below 300% of the federal poverty level, but there is an age gap under consideration. House Judiciary focused on crime victims and child advocacy centers last week. The Criminal Justice Commission and Department of Community Corrections were on this week. DOC reported a 28% decrease in law violations among the 21,000 adults on supervision in the community after the pandemic. HB 3194 granted short term transitional leave, 120 day early release, which has shown an improvement in recidivism rates. More information is available on the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission website. Public Safety W&Ms heard CJC reports on the Family Preservation Project at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The CJC staff were optimistic about the positive effects on the women’s families. Gun Safety By Marge Easley A precedent-setting court ruling on February 15 regarding the status of two “Second Amendment Sanctuary” ordinances in Columbia County is receiving nationwide attention. The Oregon Appeals Court struck down the 2018 and 2020 ordinances, which had declared all state gun laws to be violations of the Second Amendment and would not be enforced. The ruling states that such ordinances are illegal, given that state law gives the Legislature the sole authority to regulate firearms. The League, along with many gun safety groups, have long awaited a ruling on the issue, which is sure to have repercussions across the country where these ordinances have been passed, including 16 Oregon counties. According to The Center Square , “as of June 2021 there were 1,930 counties protected by Second Amendment Sanctuary legislation at either the state or county level, representing 61% of 3,141 counties and county equivalents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.” Immigration/Refugees and other Basic Rights By Claudia Keith Support – Public Hearing Scheduled HB 2957 : Financial assistance to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status recipients for specified purposes. (>7M$). A large portion of the source funding is Federal ARPA funds. Rep Ruiz, House EC&HS Public Hearing is 2/22 HB 3176 Requires Dept HS and Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, to award contracts to organizations to provide support services to immigrants and refugees. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund. Directs Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement to convene representatives from state agencies, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to coordinate policy recommendations. Representative Reynolds, Senator Jama, House ECHS then JW&M. Public Hearing 2/22 Bills moved from Policy Committee to JW&Ms: SB 627 : Funding for universal (legal) fees for non-documented individuals (15M$) Sen Lieber. Passed out of Sen Judiciary, DO Pass, Feb 7, sent to JW&Ms. The League has supported this policy / funding category in the past. Bills of Interest or possible League support: (Bills that have been posted to OLIS that may move forward via a committee public hearing. – an Incomplete list) Basic Needs SB 610 : Establishes Food for All Oregonians Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (snap), unclear what the funding ask may be. Chief sponsors: Senator Campos, Representative Ruiz, Senator Manning Jr, Gorsek, Representative Bowman, Dexter, Gamba . Sen Human Services then to JW&M. May replace the ‘Workers Relief Fund’ . ‘Oregon Worker Relief measures impact in infrastructure’| Statesman Journal. SB 856 Establishes COFA Food Assistance Program to provide nutrition assistance to COFA citizens who would qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits but for their immigration status and who have incomes at or below federal poverty guidelines. Legislative Counsel has not adopted standards for drafting measures that establish exemptions from disclosure of public records. Chief Sponsor: Senator Meek, Patterson, Hansell. Posted to OLIS 2/7/23 Immigration SB 185 Requires the Department of Justice to study immigration in this state; may include legislation recommendations to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15, 2024. Requested by Attorney General Rosenblum. In Sen Judiciary. Sunsets January 2, 2025. SB 603 : Establishes People's Housing Assistance Fund Demonstration Program, administered by Dept Human Services, to provide 12 monthly payments of $1,000 to individuals who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, are severely rent burdened or earn at or below 60% of area median income. (Includes immigrant, and refugee status.) Starts with a PSU $250K study. A potential $500M program. Rep Pham K and Senator Campos, Sen Cmt on Housing and Dev, then JW&M. SB 849 requires professional licensing boards to provide culturally responsive training to specified staff members, publish guidance on pathways to professional authorization for internationally educated individuals and waive requirement for English proficiency examination for specified internationally educated individuals…. Sen L&B. Senator Jama, Dembrow, Frederick, Campos, Manning Jr, Woods, Representative Chaichi, Nguyen H . Other SB 613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities. SB 216 Related to data collected by OHA. (Request of Governor Kate Brown for OHA).The Oregon Health Authority set a goal of eliminating health disparities by 2030 including those based on race, ethnicity, language, or disability (REALD) and sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). Sen HC, 2/8 Work Session carried over. No fiscal impact identified. 2/15 with amendment carried over . HB 2458 : Prohibits conversion therapy. Public Hearing 2/24

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Cybersecurity and Privacy Campaign Finance Redistricting Government Ethics By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team **Action Needed: Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support these Bills ** Many have increased relevance in light of the DMV data breach, see our blog post. These bills have been referred out to Joint Ways & Means: HB 2049 B Rules were suspended to move this Cybersecurity Center of Excellence bill, passed the House floor 56 in favor, 1 excused, on June 13. League testimony i n support. HB 2052 B Rules suspended to move this AG Data Broker bill, passed the House floor 49/9/1 on June 7. League testimony in support. These bills await Senate readings and subsequent action: HB 2107 A : This OHA extension of automatic voter registration passed the House on a partisan vote of 34/25/1, so votes in Senate Rules need our support (sent from the Senate floor). HB 2490 This cyber omnibus bill awaits third Senate floor reading, June 20. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). HB 3073 A awaiting first Senate reading, scheduled June 16, passed from the House floor, May 31, 55 to 1. See our Feb 16 testimony in support of candidate and incumbent home address privacy. SB 619 B This larger bill from the AG’s bill consumer data protection task force got carried over by unanimous consent on the Senate floor to June 20 . See our testimony . Cybersecurity and Privacy By Rebecca Gladstone The OR Senate walkout from May 3 finally ended on June 15, with a quorum present. 394 bill actions were scheduled including 40 from the House, which suspended rules to increase by 10. 144 bills have already been signed by the Governor ( Axios ). Stand by for advocacy support news, possibly on short notice from the League. The lack of transparency and access, not scheduling public hearings for bills and amendments progressing in committees, is a serious problem the League expects to address after this session. Please help us advocate for the bills listed above for Governance Action. These also relevant bills now awaiting Senate attention. Many are League priorities: HB 2806 A Relating to public meetings and cybersecurity, further re-scheduled for Senate reading June 20. See our testimony . This bill passed the House 58/0/2. HB 3127 A : We are following this “TikTok” bill, relating to the security of state assets. Currently further rescheduled for June 15 and 16, dates subject to change. SB 166 Enrolled : The Senate concurred with House amendments June 15, 22 to 0, for final passage of this Secretary of States’ omnibus bill to address privacy and harassment concerns among many other topics. There is a proposed cash “physical currency” limit to directly address dark money concerns, of $100 annually, for aggregated cash campaign contributions. See our March 14 testimony and previous extensive reports, predating amendments. SB 510 Enrolled : The Governor has signed this Public Records Advocate and Council funding, effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die. There has been no legislative action on SB 417 , the related policy bill, since the February 7 public hearing for which we attended weekly work group sessions from February to May. Campaign Finance It was announced in the June 8 House Rules Committee no CFR bill will be moved forward during this long session. The interim will be used to continue these discussions to hopefully bring back a bill in next year’s short session. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected, but more donations are needed. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2038 B : Requires statement of economic interest to include certain information about sources of income for business in which public official or candidate, or member of household of public official or candidate, is officer, holds directorship or does business under, if source of income has legislative or administrative interest and 10 percent or more of total gross annual income of business comes from that source of income. Prohibits candidate or principal campaign committee of candidate from expending campaign moneys for professional services rendered by certain businesses required to be listed on candidate's statement of economic interest. Creates exceptions. 6/13: Passed House, 51-5; 6/14: Senate first reading and referred to Ways and Means. SB 168 Enrolled : Expressly prohibits public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. 6/15: Passed Senate 22 to 0.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/5 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Jump to topic: After School and Summer Care Behavioral Health and Related Public Safety Issues Gun Policy and Violence Prevention Health Care Higher Education Housing Immigration General Education By Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator, and Team The 2024 short session runs Feb. 5 through March 10th. Bills in most committees must be scheduled for a work session by Feb. 12 and acted on by Feb. 19 th in the first chamber. The legislative calendar is posted on the Oregon Legislature website . Volunteers are needed who are interested in issues related to Children at Risk, Corrections, Farmworkers, Mental Health, and Physical Health. Please contact SocialPolicy@lwvor.org for more information about how you can make a difference with League advocacy. After School and Summer Care By Katie Riley The House Committee on Education held a hearing on HB 4082 , Summer Learning for 2024 and Beyond, on Monday, February 5th. This bill will provide $50 million for summer school in 2024 and establish a workgroup for planning to support afterschool and summer learning opportunities in the future. The League submitted testimony to support the bill in line with the 2018 position of the LWVUS Children at Risk that policies and programs "promote the well-being, encourage the full development, and ensure the safety of all children." All of the testimony provided in person during the hearing supported the bill. LWVOR support is also consistent with the recommendations contained in the LWVOR 2023 study, Caring for Our Children: An Update and Expansion of the 1988 LWVOR Study, which called for increased state funding and planning for afterschool and summer programs. Behavioral Health and Related Public Safety Issues By Karen Nibler The Joint Addiction and Community Safety Response Committee focused on HB 4002-2 , an extensive bill designed to confiscate hard drugs, such as fentanyl, provide more law enforcement tools, and facilitate treatment access through deflection programs. Possession of a small amount would be considered a Class C Misdemeanor, instead of the current Class E. A Class C misdemeanor requires an appearance at a court hearing, where the judge can order a behavioral health evaluation and probation in lieu of jail time. The court may not require the person to pay a fine, cost, assessment or attorney fee. The bill provides paths to expungement so that a convicted person would have their record cleared. The League submitted the attached testimony . The bill also asks the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to study barriers for youth accessing treatment, increasing access to medication-assisted treatment, and increasing the network of providers. Oregon Health Authority would be required to establish the Certified Community Behavioral Clinic Program. A Task Force on Regional Behavioral Health Accountability would be created to strengthen evidence-based funding decisions. Delivery of a controlled substance was further defined in the bill with the addition of “intent” to transfer within 500 feet of a treatment facility, public park, or temporary shelter or residence. The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 4097 on expungement reform. Supporters emphasized the need to remove barriers to gainful employment, housing, and education for offenders who have completed their sentences. Defenders of the current system cited protections for victims. District Attorneys objected and offered an amendment. Expungement reform will be heard again. The Ways and Means Human Services Subcommittee received reports on the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program which receives a HUD grant for current services. Last session funding supported teens in host homes. The Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee also heard from the Oregon Judicial Department on the status of the Oregon Public Defense Commission. The Oregon Judicial Department reported a high level of unrepresented cases but has no supervisory position over the newly formed Defense Commission. The OPDC reported an increase in the number of attorneys coming into the system and cited studies on workload models. According to SB 337 (2023) the Oregon Public Defense Commission will transfer to the executive branch and will benefit from executive support for technology and personnel matters. OPDC has set up district offices in the metro area for Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington Counties and in the Medford area for southern Oregon counties. A Mid-Willamette Office will cover Marion, Benton and Linn Counties. Gun Policy and Violence Prevention By Marge Easley Although legislators are understandably reluctant to introduce firearm-related bills during a short session, several bills have been assigned to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees in response to the significant increase in gun violence, mental health issues, and suicide ideation since the pandemic. According to Oregon Health Authority data, Oregon’s firearm suicide rate is 42% higher than the national average. SB 1503 , requested by Senate President Rob Wagner, establishes a Task Force on Community Safety and Firearm Suicide Prevention under the auspices of the Department of Justice that will include a broad range of stakeholders, including tribal representation. It examines public health best practices for reducing deaths from community safety threats and for suicide prevention, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations, geographic areas, professions, and age groups. The bill was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 7 with a work session scheduled for February 13. The League submitted testimony in support of the -3 amendment to the bill. HB 4096 authorizes a gun dealer, otherwise known as a federal firearms licensee (FFLs), to enter into a firearm hold agreement with a firearm owner. The gun would be held in safekeeping at the owner’s request for a specified period of time and then returned to the owner. The second part of the bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to publish and provide free of charge a pamphlet on firearm suicide prevention to FFLs, law enforcement agencies, gun ranges, community-based organizations, and medical providers. The League will also be monitoring the following bills, using the lens of the LWVUS Violence Prevention position: HB 4156 modernizes and expands Oregon’s current anti-stalking law to include online and electronic means of intimidation. A public hearing on this bill was heard in House Judiciary on February 8. There was general agreement on the need for modernization of the law, although the ACLU expressed concern about the law’s impact on juveniles and youth due to their frequent use of social media. HB 4135 creates the crime of threatening a mass injury event. HB 4088 This bill makes the physical injury of hospital workers al least a 3rd degree assault and includes mandated posting of such. The bill also authorizes an OHSU pilot safety program with the purpose of protecting employees from workplace assault. HB 4074 defines "dangerous to self and others" and describes evidence the court must consider in civil commitment proceedings for mentally ill persons. Current statute would be amended to include this definition: “likely to inflict serious physical harm upon self or another person within the next 30 days.” Health Care By Christa Danielson HB-4149 strengthens reporting from Pharmacy Benefit managers. These entities such as Express Scripts and CVS have taken over delivery of medication to many health plans. These entities were there originally to save patients money. However, they are now traded on the stock market and are considered to be some of the largest Fortune 25 companies. This bill will say that PBMs need to report rebates they get from drug manufacturers, how much they spend on management and how much they pass on to the insured population. This bill will also save rural pharmacies by not allowing “claw-backs” (charging the pharmacy for a drug after it has been given to a patient), allow pharmacies to participate in the delivery of medications instead of forcing patients to use a mail order or a specific pharmacy far from where they live. League testimony . HB-4130 This bill strengthens previous laws developed in the 70s, still active. This bill is an attempt to keep corporations from making decisions about patient’s healthcare. It states that primary care doctors have to make decisions about what care is given - not a corporate entity. There is no restriction at this time about non-profit hospitals owning or managing physician practices. See League testimony . HB 4136 This bill is in response to a downtown Eugene hospital closing abruptly. Some provisions would give money to fund one more Emergency unit but also work broadly to assess the need for transport by EMS and employ innovation on the ground to avoid unnecessary transport. It is broadly supported in the community. Higher Education By Jean Pierce HB 4162: Relating to Higher Education Affordability would appropriate money from the General Fund to make college more affordable by creating and awarding grants for basic needs programs at public colleges and universities. These programs help students find money for food, housing, textbooks, health, childcare, transportation, and other purposes. According to figures reported in November, 2023, in-state students attending a 4-year institution in Oregon pay 15% more than the national average. The total annual cost of attendance is $24,517 for in-state students, with tuition accounting for 47% of that. So helping them pay for costs of basic living is necessary in order to make college more accessible. LWVOR submitted testimony in support. SB 1592 : Relating to Expansion of the Behavioral Health Workforce. Another testimony was written in support of SB1592, which would appropriate money from the General Fund to train more Behavioral Health professionals. The money could be used for purposes such as awarding tuition assistance to students, providing behavioral and mental health services, developing career pathways through partnerships with community organizations, developing education programs, etc. In January, 2024 , the Rural Health Information Hub reported that there were shortages of mental health professionals in every Oregon county except for Clackamas and Washington. So there is a profound need to invest in this training. Housing By Debbie Aiona, Nancy Donovan, Beth Jacobi SB 1537 : Governor Kotek declared a homelessness state of emergency last year, and local jurisdictions are working hard to meet or exceed targets set out in the bill. This year, the Governor is introducing SB 1537. It requests $500 million in state funds to pay for land to and expand utility services and other infrastructure needed to make way for new development. She also is proposing a new state agency, the Housing Accountability and Production Office to help developers and local governments navigate state housing laws. SB 1537 also includes a provision LWVOR opposes that would allow large acre urban growth boundary (UGB) expansions. There are currently thousands of acres in UGBs that should be developed first. And waiting for the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis rules by Jan. 2026 will assure that any expansions will be developed to meet price ranges, sizes, accessibility and other required housing for each city's demographics. Individual Development Accounts: On January 31, LWVOR provided testimony urging support for $10 million to fund Oregon Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), as part of the Senate omnibus housing bill ( SB 1530 ). The League joins over 70 businesses, financial institutions, housing providers and organizations calling for funding to maintain current service levels of the statewide IDA program. Combined with tax credit revenue, a $10 million general fund investment in 2024 will ensure that 2,200 Oregonians can begin saving for their financial goals through an IDA during this biennium. Every IDA, regardless of the savings goal, is a tool for housing stability: A home repair IDA can improve habitability and reduce utility costs. An IDA used to grow a small business can raise a family’s income. Saving for college can set a student on the path to graduate without debt, making homeownership a real possibility. Purchasing a vehicle can enable an IDA saver to access a higher-paying job. Emergency savings create resilience in the face of emergencies, preventing traumatic setbacks such as evictions. SB 1530 : Also included in the Senate omnibus bill, SB 1530, is funding allocated to the Housing and Community Services Department, Oregon Health Authority, Department of Human Services, State Department of Energy and Oregon Department of Administrative Services for the programs below: $65,000,000 for the operations, services, and administration of emergency shelters, as defined in ORS 197.782. $40,000,000 for homelessness prevention services delivered through the Oregon Eviction Diversion and Prevention and Eviction Prevention Rapid Response programs. $20,000,000 to implement the Affordable Housing Land Acquisition Revolving Loan Program under ORS 456.502. $15,000,000 to provide a flexible funding source to allow for alternative ownership models, including co-ops, as well as affordable single-family housing. HB 4099-1 : The concern over our shortage of housing affordable to Oregonians has resulted in an examination of the factors that lead to higher costs and extended timelines. HB 4099 seeks to reduce borrowing costs by giving developers more time to pay their System Development Charge fees to local jurisdictions. These fees help cover the cost of the infrastructure needed to support growth. They are typically due when permits are issued. HB 4099 would give developers up to 180 days after the certificate of occupancy is issued to pay. Affordable housing developers would have a year. The bill also creates a fund administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) that would cover the cost of unpaid fees. OHCS would be responsible for collecting unpaid fees from developers. The League submitted testimony in support. Immigration By Claudia Keith HB 4085 – Directs DHS to give grants for legal assistance to help noncitizens get lawful immigration, status – Support. League testimony was sent to HECHS committee members after the Olis 48-hour deadline. General Education By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio This week, the League testified on SB 1552 , titled by some the “Educational Omnibus Bill”, which included 48 Sections. This Bill was sponsored by Senator Dembrow, the Senate Interim Committee on Education, and a collection of individuals from the HECC, as well as others. Some Sections of the Bill were necessary technical fixes to language, thus requiring an emergency clause for the entire Bill. We could only support 3 Sections of this long Bill, introduced on 2/8, due to the lack of relevant position statements for much of the bill: • We supported that this Bill creates an Oregon Department of Education Youth Advisory Council, giving youth from around our State just representation for generations to come. • We supported updating the outdated Quality Education Model, to increase the understanding of the funding calculations that have to be made equitably for school districts throughout our State, through the State School Fund. • We supported modifying calculations to provide a more stable funding for youth in State Corrections and Juvenile Detention, and putting this into law. All the Sections of HB 1552 were presented in the Senate Education Public Hearing on Thursday, 2/8. Senator Dembrow announced that often an Omnibus Bill is presented in the short session to fix older legislation, and make additions to be ready for the long session. Expect 2 Amendments he stated, that did not make it into this original Bill. Virtually all the testimony was in support of the Bill. We also wrote testimony on HB 4079 , for 2/5. This Bill would remove the outdated 11% cap for school districts on funding for those eligible for special education,thus making it easier to equitably fund school districts who have higher percentages of these students. This Bill would also allow school districts with high percentages of homeless students to receive a higher weight of funding. Arguments against this bill were hypothetical. What if all school districts identified higher special education needs? Chair Neron and lobbying groups pushed for identifying students’ special needs as a public education goal, defining excellent teaching. We also wrote testimony on HB 4078 , for 2/7, now with a -1 Amendment, that replaces the measure. The original Bill directed the Department of Education to develop and implement a standardized method to be used by school districts to electronically create, collect, use, maintain, disclose, transfer and access student data. The -1 Amendment, changed this to a nationwide study of educational data collection systems. Rep. Neron, testified that this change would help initiate the best data collection system choices in the 2025 session. The LWVOR testimony was still relevant, since it described advantages of electronic and standardized methods of data collection, needed to make the best educational decisions. If you have any questions, you can contact me at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/5 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 Senate Energy and Environment Climate Litigation News Volunteers Needed The 2024 short session runs Feb. 5 through March 10th. Bills in most committees must be scheduled for a work session by Feb. 12 and acted on by Feb. 19 th in the first chamber. The legislative calendar is posted on the Oregon Legislature website . Climate Emergency Highlights Planned League Testimony - Support SB 1559 GHG Emission Modernization - Senator Dembrow: SE&E Public Hearing is scheduled for Tues Feb 13 . One of the issues being discussed is using the word goal or aspiration goal . The most powerful legal term would be specific mandated reduction targets in 2030 or 2035 and 2040 with zero net emissions before 2050. Budget Omnibus Bill - End of Session JW&M committee: Support funding for: Healthy Homes, EV Rebate and Climate-Friendly Micro-mobility transport Programs totaling $50 million. Other Climate Emergency Bills League testimony posted, or we are following and may have testimony: Off-Shore Wind: League HB 4080 Testimony , Find discussion in NR Coastal Issues Leg Report. Clean Tech Leadership Bill HB 4112 public hearing is 2/12 and planned work session 2/14. Right to Repair: HB 1596 Find discussion in NR Leg Report, League Testimony HB 4155 Infrastructure funding study - Rep Gamba in HEMGGV committee, Public Hearing was 2/8 and new 2/13 HB 4083 Coal Act Requires Oregon Investment Council and Treasury to divest from Thermal Coal investments. Work Session HEMGGV 2/13 Environmental Justice: Budget Omnibus Bill– End of Session: Continue Oregon Worker Relief Funding Senate Energy and Environment By Claudia Keith Feb 8 th meeting was taken up solely with the public hearing on Right to Repair ( SB 1596 ). The committee was scheduled to hear testimony on SB 1581 (requiring PGE and PP to report to the legislature on their participation in a regional energy market) but carried that hearing over to Monday 2/12. SB 1596: Chair Sollman defended her bill as a hard-won compromise that addresses the main concerns raised against SB 542 last year: data security, intellectual property, safety, and liability. OSPIRG strongly supports the bill with the -12 amendment. Google also supports the bill as do dozens of small businesses including Free Geek. OBI is neutral, citing significant improvements: stronger protections for intellectual property and trade secrets and the removal of the right of private action (consumer lawsuits). Apple remains the heavyweight opponent, demanding the removal of the prohibition on parts pairing. Repair Done Right Coalition also opposes and the Consumer Technology Association has critical concerns about unintended consequences. SB 1581: Appears non-controversial. PGE is neutral since the -1 amendment would simply require the utilities to deliver an oral presentation before the appropriate legislative committee, rather than a formal written report, by January 15 each year. Other Budget Senator Dembrow‘s recent newsletter details his understanding of the status of current budget priorities. Climate Litigation DOJ Files Petition for Wit of Mandamus to end Juliana Climate Litigation - The Justice Department is wasting no time seeking to put this zombie litigation out of its misery, and the plaintiffs are not happy about it. Reason. COM. Our Children’s Trust Response . It is unclear at this time how the League’s (LWVUS and LWVOR) will oppose this new filing. News This Is Oregon Scientists’ Plan to Save the World – Portland Monthly The radical proposal of Oregon State University researchers aims to avoid climate change via greater biodiversity and more forestlands—and a no-growth economy. January 20 2024. Scientists outline a bold solution to climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice’ PHYS .org . Senator Merkley: Take Climate Impacts into Consideration when Reviewing New Fossil Gas Infrastructure Projects - Merkley . Merkley, Colleagues: Allocate Dedicated Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Independent Methane Monitoring - Merkley https://phys.org/news/2024-01-scientists-outline-bold-solution-climate.html Climate Emergency Volunteers Needed Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: • Natural Climate Solutions, specifically Oregon Dept of Agriculture (ODA) • Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust • Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) • Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team)

 • State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services)

 • CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets • Climate Migration 

 • Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment 

 We collaborate with LWVOR Natural Resource Action Committee members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: Training for Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

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


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

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


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


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

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/30 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Additional Climate/Energy End of Sessions News/Reports CE passed priority Funding & Policy Bills, including End of Session Reconciliation fiscal line items Priority Climate Emergency Bills that died in Committee Forestry Climate The session ended Jun 27 with mixed CE portfolio results; only about half policy and or funding priority bills passed or were fully/partially funded. The League is pleased that Oregon now joins a few other states addressing Climate related risk investments , referring to Treasurer Steiner supported, Oregon Investment Council HB 2081 . ‘Oregon Passes Bill to Manage Climate Change Risks ’. This bill encourages the Oregon State Treasury and the Oregon Investment Council to actively manage and report on climate-related financial risks to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). This bill, introduced by State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, aims to align PERS' investment strategies with the state's climate goals and requires the fund to be fully carbon neutral within the next 25 years. Be aware the current SEC has not i mplemented the League supported Climate Risk Disclosure law and this will likely negatively affect optimal investment performance outcomes. We are hopeful that Transportation Climate Friendly funding issues will be addressed in a likely September special session. Additionally, Critical Energy infrastructure, Natural Working Lands, and other Climate CE failed priorities could reappear in the 2026 short session. Note: The final Legislature- and Governor-approved outcomes will not be known until July 26; until then the Governor can choose to veto any policy and or budget bills. Additional Climate/Energy End of Sessions News/Reports What climate policies did – and didn’t – pass the Oregon Legislature – TOL OPB 2025 End of Legislative Session Wrap Up - 350PDX: Climate Justice Lawmakers consider slate of bills regulating private utilities , costs for Oregonians • Oregon Capital Chronicle CE passed priority Funding & Policy Bills, including End of Session Reconciliation fiscal line items HB 3546 Enrolled , POWER Act , new GIS . The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, The League is listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . HB2548 : Environmental Justice agriculture workforce labor standards PSU and OSU study, League Testimony .
 HB 3179 (FAIR Energy Act): This bill passed and aims to curb fast-rising utility rates. It requires more transparency from utilities regarding rate increases and prohibits price hikes during winter months. HB 3365 A: climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , SB 688 : Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, $974K fiscal , League testimony HB 3336 Enrolled Grid Enhancing Technologies will help existing electricity transmission lines become more efficient, more wildfire safe, and updated to existing technologies, which reduces the need to build new transmission lines. HB 3792 ‘Oregon lawmakers pass bill to strengthen the state’s energy assistance program ‘ – OPB. Increases from $20 million to $40 million the minimum amount to be collected from the customers of electric companies for low-income electric bill payment and crisis assistance. The End of Session Reconciliation HB5006 Includes: Detail descriptions EBA $150M Special Purpose Appropriation: natural disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. (Related to HB 3170 Resilience Hubs and Networks, League Testimony ) DAS $10M, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council: Central Oregon Ready, Responsive, Resilient (CORE3) emergency coordination DAS $3M Warm Springs Community Action Team: Warm Springs Commissary Project. $2 million for Farmworker Disaster Relief, Environmental Justice Bill (see HB 3193 A ) This funding allows farmworkers to take days off while still receiving pay when there is poor air quality from wildfire smoke or in cases of extreme weather. Other Climate Bills that Passed SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , Governor signed SB 685 : Hydrogen Oversight & Public Notice Act Ensures customer information and recourse regarding utility experiments with hydrogen blending. HB 3963 Offshore Wind: Offshore Wind Roadmap and its assessment of enforceable state policies related to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast. 
 
 
 
 HB 3653 Enrolled : Gov signed 5/27 Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves.




 HB 2065 A and HB 2066 A : Microgrid Package budget HB 3336 A House repasses grid-enhancing technologies bill Funding for Heat pumps : HB 2567 , related to heat pump programs, passed and was signed into law, making changes to and extending the Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program and the Community Heat Pump Deployment Program. Key details about the heat pump programs in Oregon: Federal Funding: In 2024, Oregon was awarded $197 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funds through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Heat Pump Purchase Program (HP3): The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) will disburse this funding through HP3 in two rounds, one in 2025 and one in 2027. These rounds will offer incentives for heat pump installations in owner-occupied homes, rental properties, and new construction, up to $2,000 per residence. HB 2567: This bill, now law, extends the sunset of the rental home heat pump program from 2026 to 2032 and allows the ODOE to provide additional incentives for contractors installing heat pumps in rural or frontier communities. Community Heat Pump Deployment Program: This program provides grants through Tribes and community partners to help income-qualified households install heat pumps, prioritizing environmental justice communities. Existing Programs: There are also existing heat programs in Oregon, including those administered by the Oregon Department of Energy and Energy Trust of Oregon. In summary, the Oregon legislature did pass legislation in 2025 that affects heat pump programs, including extending existing programs and preparing to utilize federal funding for additional heat pump purchase incentives. AI Google Priority Climate Emergency Bills that died in Committee Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package : HB 2152 : Testimony ; , HB. 2949 : T estimony ; HB 3450 A Testimony , HB 3492 : Hazmat release study bill HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, F iscal: .94M League Testimony SJR 28 , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot , The League provided support with comments testimony . HB 2566 A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , At the request of Governor Tina Kotek, DOE presentation 


 
 
 
 
 Study of Nuclear Energy ( HB 2038 ) : This measure proposes that the Oregon Department of Energy study nuclear energy and waste disposal. 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3189 , Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB, CUB Presentation Here SB 1143A :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 Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 
 
 HB 3609 : Makes each power company create a program for buying grid services. HB 3477 : Modifies state greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals Forestry Climate By Josie Koehne The LWVOR provided testimony in support of an additional $5 million in the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)'s budget bill HB 5039 to support the Natural Working Lands Fund. Unfortunately, this item was not included in the adopted bill with the -2 amendment by Ways and Means as was in the Governor’s requested budget. Money in the existing fund for ODF went to pay for a guidebook for forest land managers and professional advisors on Climate Smart Forestry that will be completed and published in December. The League has been attending and provided input on the guide which includes new forest management practices to increase resilience in the face of increasing temperatures due to climate change. These practices include longer forest rotations, planting mixed species and age classes within a stand and leaving more space and gaps between trees. Although the guide provides technical assistance geared to Washington County, it is intended as a model that can be adapted for use in other counties. This budget bill awaits the Governor’s signature. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Campaign Finance Redistricting Election Methods Cybersecurity Rights of Incarcerated People By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. However, the Oregonian has published a good article explaining that Oregon Democrats say they’re serious about capping political donations, but their proposals include loopholes . Redistricting There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 19 petitions downloadable from its website. Election Methods By Barbara Klein A Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) bill is scheduled for a hearing, currently planned for March 16 in House Rules. The bill, HB 2004, is sponsored by Rep Rayfield, Fahey, Reynolds, Marsh, Senator Sollman; and regular sponsors Rep. Pham K, Senator Dembrow and Golden. Based on LWVOR positions supporting RCV, the League has decided to endorse this bill (and allowed the use of our logo). LWVOR is represented on the steering committee for HB 2004 led by the Coalition of Communities of Color and Oregon RCV. We have encouraged members (as individuals) to write their legislators in support. Regarding the cost of implementing RCV in Oregon, transitioning to a new system will incur modest costs (for instance updating voting equipment, software and voter education). Supporters point to the advantage that in the 2021 Regular Session, SB 5538 allocated $2 million for grants to counties to modernize their election offices, technology and equipment (including updating voting machines and purchasing new processing equipment). If there are situations in which RCV eliminates the current need for a runoff in non-partisan elections, it will actually save money (and time) on taxpayer-funded elections. Cybersecurity and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone Two major bills passing unanimously in 2022 committees, failing to progress, are moving in 2023. SB 619, for Consumer Data Privacy had a public hearing and the cyber bill, HB 2049 , is in W&Ms. Public records, judiciary, and privacy bills are moving. SB 619 : This major bill, a comprehensive protection of consumers’ personal data, had a March 7 public hearing. We encourage you to see the ( video ). LWVOR strongly supports ( our testimony ), based on our privacy and cybersecurity work . We particularly agree with Section 1 (6) (b) Consent: “The consumer’s inaction does not constitute consent.” This protects consumer data privacy rights and holds those who control and process the data responsible. Critical consumer protections include: · Right to KNOW what’s being collected · Right to Correct inaccuracies · Right to opt-out · Heightened opt-in requirements for sensitive information · Special protections for children, adding ages 13-15 HB 2052 : The data broker registry bill, which we also support ( League testimony ) relates to SB 619 and it has been sent by the Speaker to JW&Ms. HB 2112 A : This public records bill updates technical and inclusive terms, particularly for our tribes. Rules were suspended for this bill passing unanimously from the House after passing unanimously from House Rules, for a public hearing in Senate Rules, March 7. The League supports ( our testimony ). HB 2490 : This bill had a public hearing on March 9 to address Oregon’s growing cybersecurity vulnerability, by protecting our defense plans, devices, and systems from public disclosure, also echoing our call to balance public records disclosure transparency and privacy. This warrants citing the League position to promote maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake. The League supports ( our testimony ). HB 5032 will fund the PRAC (Public Records Advisory Council) and Advocate. See League testimony in support, citing League work since 1993 and linking to our public records advocacy in 2017 and 2020. SB 417 : The public records request fee bill Task Force convening at Sen. Rules Chair Lieber’s request, has met twice, reviewing technicalities. We will probably meet a few more times before making amendment recommendations, to be inviting legislative counsel next time. See League testimony in support. SB 5512 , representing the Oregon Judicial Department budget, will have had a public hearing on March 9. The League testimony supports funding the cost of judicial services. The shortage of public defenders is dire, as covered earlier here. Chief Justice Wallace Carson, interviewed for our 2007 Overview of the Oregon Judiciary , encouraged us to work to improve pay for our judicial system workers. Fully funding these positions and supporting the system could solve our judicial labor shortage and improve many of Oregon’s judicial problems. This bill addresses costs of HB 2224, to increase juror pay, below. HB 2224 A : This bill, that would increase juror pay, passed uniformly with one excused vote from House Judiciary to JW&Ms by prior reference. See League testimony in support. HB 2049 A : This magnum opus cyber bill was sent to W&Ms by the Speaker last week. See League testimony in support. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley SB 579 , which restores the right to vote for over 13,000 incarcerated adults in Oregon, is on track to pass out of Senate Judiciary on March 9, with a subsequent referral to Ways and Means. This is the third try to pass this legislation, and although Republicans are united in their opposition, there is optimism that this time an even broader coalition of supporters under the umbrella of Guaranteeing the Right to Vote will achieve success. Endorsers include Oregon Justice Resource Center, ACLU of Oregon, Next Up Oregon, The Sentencing Project, the League of Women Voters of Oregon, and over 45 other organizations and individuals. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Kermit graduated from Denison University with a B.A. in Economics, and from Harvard Business School with an MBA. He has over 35 years of business experience including senior marketing leadership at technology companies Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix, and chief executive leadership at startups Pi Systems, iMove and Massini Group. Kermit retired from full-time employment in 2009 but continued to be active as a consultant for small businesses with Altus Alliance, as an adjunct professor teaching in the MBA program at Portland State University, and as an investor in early-stage start-ups with the Oregon Entrepreneurial Network and Angel Oregon. Kermit and Diane moved to Bend full-time in 2012 where Kermit became involved in volunteer organizations including as a coach / board member / Treasurer for an age group swimming team, a facilitator with Opportunity Knocks (small business mentoring) and board member / Treasurer for Oregon Masters Swimming. Kermit became involved with Common Cause and the League of Women of Oregon in 2020, serving as the Budget Chair for the LWVOR in 2021 and 2022, and for the LWVDC in 2022. Kermit Yensen Treasurer Kermit graduated from Denison University with a B.A. in Economics, and from Harvard Business School with an MBA. He has over 35 years of business experience including senior marketing leadership at technology companies Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix, and chief executive leadership at startups Pi Systems, iMove and Massini Group. Kermit retired from full-time employment in 2009 but continued to be active as a consultant for small businesses with Altus Alliance, as an adjunct professor teaching in the MBA program at Portland State University, and as an investor in early-stage start-ups with the Oregon Entrepreneurial Network and Angel Oregon. Kermit and Diane moved to Bend full-time in 2012 where Kermit became involved in volunteer organizations including as a coach / board member / Treasurer for an age group swimming team, a facilitator with Opportunity Knocks (small business mentoring) and board member / Treasurer for Oregon Masters Swimming. Kermit became involved with Common Cause and the League of Women of Oregon in 2020, serving as the Budget Chair for the LWVOR in 2021 and 2022, and for the LWVDC in 2022.

Join the League of Women Voters of Oregon. Become a member to build power in your community. / Join / Become A Member / Become A Member Join 1 of 15 local Leagues or State Units! LWV of Oregon has members throughout the state with 15 local Leagues or State Units. Most Leagues offer free or discounted membership for students. Join the League in your area! Find Your Local League Register or Renew at the State Level Members who don't reside near a local League can join at the state level as a Member-At-State (MAS)! If you've already joined at this level and are looking to renew, you can use the same registration form linked below or download our printable registration form . Join or Renew Now! Find Your Local League "I fully support this organization with my efforts and funding- studies of current issues, Voter registration and education, volunteers doing legislative advocacy, something for everyone. Help us!" Rebecca Gladstone, LWV of Lane Co.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Land Use/Housing Recycling Water Wildfire By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team Policy bills that are priorities for committees are seeing public hearings—even work sessions—and going to chambers for votes or to Ways and Means to be funded by end of session--maybe. For now, most bills are bipartisan. But the session is beginning to heat up. All this amidst the very real limited revenue for anything other than current programs and a few Leadership and Governor priorities such as housing. The next important session date is March 17 when policy bills will need to be scheduled for a Work Session or they are dead for the session unless they are in Revenue, Rules, or a Joint Committee. Budgets/Revenue We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) budget ( HB 5020 ), expressing concern that staffing for climate change issues around forest management and urban forestry weren’t included in the Governor’s budget. We also provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ), requesting additional agency programs that were not included in the Governor’s budget. The League provided support for the Land Use Board of Appeals budget ( HB 2028 ) that was heard March 6. The Dept. of State Lands budget ( HB 5037 ) was heard Mar. 7 with public testimony on the 9 th . The League provided testimony in support. The Columbia River Gorge Commission budget will be heard March 13—both agency presentation and public testimony. The Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) is scheduled for March 14-16. Public testimony on the 16 th . Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) budget ( SB 5509 ) week of March 20. Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) week of March 27. Here’s the DEQ one-pager . Tentative date for the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ) is early April. Here is their one-pager . The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ) is tentatively scheduled the week of April 10. SB 5543-1 Bond Authorization, SB 5544-1 Capital Construction, SB 5545-1 2021-23 Allocations Bill and HB 5045-3 , Budget Rebalance were all heard in Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction March 3. Funding for housing/homeless needs ( HB 2001 A ) with the A14 amendment and HB 5019 with the -3 amendment were heard in the JW&Ms Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development on March 7. SB 4 , semiconductor funding requests, has a -3 amendment posted and was heard on March 6 and 8. A -2 amendment by Sen. Knopp requests that the funding come from the General Fund while the -3 has money coming from the Rainy Day Fund. SB 4 is meant to help Oregon access federal CHIPS Act monies. The Full W&Ms met March 10 to address most of the bills above. SB 4 was not included in this meeting, but currently has a $210 million price tag. Lastly, the Office of Economic Forecast provided sobering data on Oregon’s population. Without an increase in young people—with in-migration--our need for a variety of long term care services will explode without the incoming revenue to pay for those services! Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch Last week we reported on HB 3382 , a bill to provide certain Ports with an exception from our land use planning system to allow dredging and other activities around these Ports without the current public process and federal consistency requirements. The bill has been assigned to the Joint Committee on Transportation . We understand that the reason the bill has been filed by the Ports Association is in response to a Land Use Board of Appeals decision around the Jordan Cove project. Here is an article about that case. Currently the Coos Bay/North Bend area is in the process of updating their management plans for the Bay. (See past Legislative Reports on this issue.) State agencies that administer permits that could be affected by the legislation are discussing the implications of the proposed legislation. HB 2903-1 , a bill that directs certain state agencies to implement the recommendations of the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) around marine reserves, protected areas and other management areas and provides $800,000 for that work. The League also supported this bill as a continuation of previous testimony on OPAC’s recommendations. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch Last week we expressed concern around provisions in SB 4 that includes “supersiting” authority by the Governor for many acres of farmland “just in case” the semiconductor industry might want to build a new facility in Oregon. We provided testimony in opposition only to Section 10 of the bill. Since our testimony, a number of amendments have been proposed and two public hearings have taken place. At this time no amendments have been adopted. See above in the Budget/Revenue section of this Report for the status of last week’s housing bills and also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report for details. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd A Work Session was conducted on March 7 in Senate Energy and Environment for SB 545 , one of our priority Zero Waste bills. A -1 Amendment had been posted. The original bill directed the State Department of Agriculture and Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules allowing consumers to use their own containers for refilling with food at a food establishment. Because the amendment had been posted just before the start of the Public Hearing, the League’s written testimony dealt only with the original bill. The -1 Amendment is a complete replacement of the original bill. It removes the State Department of Agriculture and limits the bill to restaurants, not all food establishments. It removes the administrative details, leaving them up to the Oregon Health Authority, although the following statement may leave too much ambiguity: “The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules allowing for a restaurant to allow a consumer to fill a consumer-owned container with food.” The amendment was adopted on a unanimous vote; the amended bill, SB 545-1, was passed by a vote of 4 - 1. No referral was made to Ways and Means. HB 2531 prohibits the sale or distribution in this state of new screw- or bayonet-base type compact fluorescent lamps on or after January 1, 2024. It prohibits the sale or distribution in this state of new pin-base type compact fluorescent lamps and linear fluorescent lamps on or after January 1, 2025. Repeals statutes related to mercury in lighting products. It was passed on March 6 with no amendment and goes to the chamber floor. Water By Peggy Lynch It’s been a busy week for water bills for which the League provided testimony or followed with others. HB 3163 would create a special Fund for place-based planning efforts. The League testified in support of the Fund. We are working with others on the specific criteria listed for qualifying for access to the Fund. The League has strong positions on water quality and the importance of wetlands so it was easy for us to support HB 2238 , allowing for rulemaking to increase removal/fill fees. The bill was pulled from the March 7 committee agenda and no new hearing date has been set. HB 3207 was scheduled for a public hearing on March 7 related to domestic water well testing but was pulled from the agenda. We understand it may not get a public hearing this session. HB 3208 that would expand the Environmental Quality Commission’s authority to annually adjust additional water quality fees up to 3% per year was heard and a work session on this bill is scheduled for March 9. HB 2813 A , a bill that directs OWEB to provide grants to protect drinking water sources and for which the League provided testimony in support was sent to W&Ms. The fiscal impact statement has a $5 million price tag. This money might also be able to be used as a match for federal grant opportunities. The Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) is being updated . Go to the website for opportunities to participate. The League is engaged in discussions on HB 3100 related to the IWRS. A public hearing was set for March 9 . The League supports the IWRS but has concerns about the current bill . Lastly, we are aware of a newly filed bill, HB 3368 , that would stop all future water permitting applications until Oregon determines the amount of surface and groundwater water available for use that has not already been appropriated. We have no idea where this bill might go this session, but here’s a helpful Oregon Capitol Chronicle article that explains the reasoning behind Reps. Helm and Owens’ filing this bill. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers The League monitored the March 3 meeting of the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council. The meeting purpose was to review a letter to the Legislature, the composition of which was assigned to a task force of the Council at their January 2023 meeting. The purpose of the letter is to advise the Legislature on a number of recommended adjustments to the Wildfire Risk Map to help ensure a successful next roll-out. Recall the original Map associated with SB 762, the 2021 wildfire bill, was withdrawn after widespread opposition to a number of its components, and work is underway to determine the best path forward. This is part of that effort. Among the recommendations made were to change the name to Wildfire HAZARD Map, which it was noted is the language California uses. Also, while emphasizing the importance of the integrity of the eventual final product, the group decided to eliminate hard deadline dates for completion of the new map that were in the original letter. It was determined there were too many variables beyond their control to set firm dates, including a number of wildfire related bills that could influence the final version of the Map. It was speculated that Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) could be used as a platform to keep work moving forward in the interim. In addition, the Council felt it was important to allow sufficient time for the community engagement process which was not successful the first time around. The final letter can be found here . On March 8, Senate Natural Resources amended SB 509 on defensible space and the CWPPS mentioned above and the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s responsibilities and sent it to W&Ms. They also amended SB 82 related to fire insurance and sent it to the chamber floor. More on these bills next week. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is almost halfway over. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 1/23 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron 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 Access Health Care Housing Criminal Justice Access Change in the Rules By Paula Krane The Oregon Senate Republicans will now require all legislation in the Senate to be read in full before a final vote. This is a move that will allow the R’s to slow down the D’s agenda This means that not as much work can be accomplished this session. As of now it is the only parliamentary tactic the R’s think they have to encourage the D’s to work with them. Is this right and will it work only time will tell. Health Care By Christa Danielson SB 420 —Brain Injury Navigation Bill This bill had its first hearing in Sen Human Services with testimony from Senators Patterson and Manning and others from the traumatic brain injury community. Overall, the bill is well received and has many endorsements; LWVOR was mentioned as one. The bill will now go to W&Ms. SB 704 and HB 2558 This bill establishes a Governance Board for Universal Health Care and continues the work of the bipartisan Task force on Universal Health care. It directs the Governing Board to create a comprehensive plan to implement Universal Health Care by 2027. HB 2347 , 2881 , 2882 , 2883 , 2884 , 2885 —Opiate Reduction Package These bills expand the use of Narcan and other opioid blockers to reduce death in acute opioid overdose. These medications are usually used under a physician’s supervision, but this bill will allow these life-saving medications to be managed and used in many other settings such as schools and publicly owned buildings such as libraries, etc. These bills have had their first readings in House Behavioral Health and Health Care. HB 2458 This bill makes conversion therapy Illegal by mental health care professionals for those under 18 years of age by licensed mental health professionals. This bill is in House Behavioral Health and is brought forward by sponsors Nosse and Patterson. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Governor’s Executive Orders Action is converging around Governor Kotek’s priority to address the state’s housing emergency. The Governor signed three Executive Orders Governor’s website related to housing production and homelessness. In addition to setting a statewide housing production goal of 36,000 units per year, she established a Housing Production Advisory Council. Staff from the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), Department of Land Conservation and Development, (DLCD) the Higher Education Coordinating Committee, and the Building Code Division, are providing support to the Council to recommend an action plan to meet the state’s annual housing production target. Regarding Executive Order 23-02, which declares a homelessness emergency in parts of the state, Benton County adopted a resolution asking the Governor to add Benton County to the list of counties in the executive order. This option is now available to all other counties that were not included in the original Executive Order. Oregon Housing Alliance Oregon Housing Alliance, of which LWVOR is a member, voted to endorse two proposed bills backed by the Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH) that focus on preserving existing affordable housing and protecting tenants who live in them. Over the next 10 years, use restrictions on more than 7,500 units will end, with some becoming market rate rental housing, which will impose significant hardship on low-income tenants living in them. The LWVOR Action Committee approved adding its logo to NOAH’s informational handouts shared with legislators on bills: HB 3042 and HB 2653 . Oregon Housing and Community Services OHCS and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are partnering to support youth experiencing homelessness. OHCS recently completed a $9 million interagency funds transfer to one of ODHS’s Self-Sufficiency Programs --Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program. The program will coordinate statewide planning for delivery of services to youth experiencing homelessness and support local programs. It will also support newer initiatives by investing in activities such as crisis prevention and long-term interventions. Department of Land Conservation and Development Throughout the 2023 legislative session, DLCD will review dozens of bills related to housing production and affordability under consideration by lawmakers. Perhaps the most consequential is HB 2889 , which would implement the agency recommendations published in conjunction with OHCS in December 2022 to comprehensively reform the state’s Goal 10 planning process. HB 4006 (2018) requires OHCS to annually provide cities with populations greater than 10,000 data showing the percentage of renter households that are severely rent burdened. It also requires submittal of “Permitted and Produced” surveys to DLCD by February 1 for the previous year. Last week, DLCD published datasets summarizing this information from 2018-2021. Data from 2022 is expected to be published in Spring 2023. Past downloads of “Permitted and Produced” Reports and other required housing reporting can be found on DLCD’s website . Criminal Justice By Marge Easley Data collection and dissemination have become critically important tools for the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) and the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC), according to presentations given to the members of the Joint Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee on January 24 and 25 . OJD began a concerted effort for better data collection in 2016 with the rollout of the E-Court program. Data dashboards represent the latest step forward. They graphically show data for criminal filings and caseloads for felony and misdemeanor crimes, aid and assist, expungements, and post-conviction relief. Data is critical to further CJC’s mission “to improve the legitimacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of state and local criminal justice systems.” Data is collected from police stops, arrest and corrections information, circuit court cases, specialty court cases, and grant program reports. CJC also uses dashboards to provide real-time data in a user-friendly way. For example, one dashboard illustrated: In 2020 and 2021, Covid-19 led to a significant decrease in police stops and property crimes but a surge in violent crime, particularly murder and aggravated assault. The onset of Covid led to a 50% decrease in Non-Possession of Controlled Substances arrests and to a 90% decrease in Possession of Controlled Substances arrests. The implementation of BM 110 led to further reductions.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/27 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire Natural Resources By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team April 4 looms large. Many bills have significant amendments, including totally changing their original filing—often called being “gutted and stuffed”. Bills will either move forward or “die” on April 4. A few will move to Revenue, Rules or a Joint Committee to try to keep them alive. Many legislators will take a short breath as surviving bills move to the next chamber or head to Ways and Means for budgeting consideration after the May 17 Revenue Forecast. Air Quality By Peggy Lynch HB 3229-1 had a Work Session March 29 where the bill was moved to Ways and Means without recommendation as to passage. Under the Clean Air Act, funding for Title V (large pollution emitters) must be by fees paid by permittees for this program. Per DEQ’s own testimony , without this funding, a critical part of their Air Quality program is in jeopardy. Because DEQ was delegated this permitting authority, the EPA could decertify the program and take it over, which would cost Oregon businesses a great deal more. The DEQ Budget ( HB 5018 ) was heard and support for POP 110 of their budget would be helpful. As part of ongoing efforts to improve air quality and public health, on March 28, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality announced $13.3 million in funding for 14 projects helping to establish a network of new and leading-edge zero-emission charging stations. Funds from the Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Grant program will bring more charging infrastructure to the growing medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle sector, which includes trucks, buses, delivery vans, and more. The Oregon Legislature established the pilot program in 2022 through HB 5202 and HB 4139 . It is one of the first large-scale ventures into medium- and heavy-duty charging in the state. Here is the full news release . Budgets/Revenue The Ways and Means Co-Chairs Budget Framework was provided to guide Subcommittees as they consider all agency budgets. The Framework provides the amount of money each Subcommittee should expect to spend for their assigned budgets and any policy bills that might be assigned to them. “This is a very uncertain time for Oregon’s economy. Oregonians deserve to know their tax dollars are funding the state’s highest priorities,” said Senator Elizabeth Steiner (D-Portland), Co-Chair of Joint Ways and Means. “Our framework budget focuses on maintaining critical services for Oregonians while also protecting our reserves in case of economic downturn. The last few years have been good for Oregon, but rain clouds could still be on the horizon.” The May 17 Revenue Forecast will provide the final guide. A series of public meetings will provide Oregonians with an opportunity to share their priorities for the state budget and HB 5006 , Emergency Board funding and other funding for 2023-25. A virtual public meeting session has been added for Friday, May 5, 5-7 p.m. All oral and written testimony will become part of the legislative record and be made publicly available on the Oregon State Legislature website. Plan on no more than 2 minutes each! JW&Ms Capital Construction met on March 24 to hear a report from the Treasurer’s Office on the state’s bonding capacity : General Fund debt capacity results in $1.94 billion issuance for each biennium, or $969 million annually ($320 million greater than 2021-23). Lottery bonds: The State’s Lottery Revenue debt issuance capacity is $506.4 million in each biennium or $253.2 million annually over the forecast period ($9 million decline from 2021-23). Governor Kotek’s office provided their 2023-25 bond proposal list . The Subcommittee began public hearings on bond requests starting March 31. Here is the agenda that asks for testimony on HB 5005 . Besides the items listed, expect other “asks'' to be heard during these meetings. Look for additional meetings with different topics for each meeting. Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 ) budget was heard March 27- 29 with public testimony on March 30. Here’s the DEQ one-pager . Note that POP 110 relates to an increase in fees for the Air Quality Title V program. HB 3229 , the policy bill for these fees, has been sent to W&Ms without recommendation. The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ) will be heard April 4-6, with public testimony on the 6th. Here is their one-pager . The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ) is tentatively scheduled the week of April 10. Legislators will need to assure that General Fund monies allocated in 2021-2022 drought and wildfire packages and awarded will be available for reimbursement if the projects go into 2023-25. That funding continuation was not included in the Governor’s budget for OWEB. The League is following HB 3349 , scheduled for a public hearing March 30. Although amendments are expected that would replace the bill, as of this writing they are not posted on OLIS. Neither the original bill that would have created another Council and Committee related to Regional Solutions, nor the expected amendment that would instead provide $300,000 each to eight different entities to create “navigators” to help access federal funding is a concept we can support. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 3382 , to provide certain Ports with an exception from our land use planning program to allow dredging and other activities around these Ports without the current public process and federal consistency requirement,s had a public hearing in J Transportation on March 14. State agencies that administer permits that could be affected by the legislation provided information on their processes and the implications of the proposed legislation on certain state permits. The League provided testimony in opposition. This bill is a serious threat to our coastal planning and could reduce or remove the opportunity for coastal NOAA grants in the future. LWVOR is working with partners to explain the harm this bill would cause. Underlying this bill is a potential development proposal at the Port of Coos Bay where an “intermodal” container ship facility would be built with transport of those containers to and from the Port by rail. The first 140 miles of that railroad would need $1.8 billion in investment. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) is considering the adoption of amendments to Part Three of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP), the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy. A draft of the proposed rules is available on DLCD’s website. LCDC is scheduled to consider adoption of the new amendments during their April 20-21 meeting. Please contact Casaria Taylor, Casaria.taylor@dlcd.oregon.gov , for further information. Address written comments to the Chair LCDC, care of Casaria Taylor via email. If you have questions, contact Andy Lanier at 503-206-2291, or email: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov . The agenda for LCDC’s April 20 meeting will be available on DLCD’s website . LWVOR has supported this work and may provide testimony before LCDC in April. The Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST) has scheduled its next meeting for April 5 in-person only but open to the public at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Library Seminar Room – Guin Library, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport. The meeting will focus exclusively on Strategic Planning. See Oregon Ocean Science Trust/Oregon Department of State Lands and Oregon Ocean Science Trust . Two years ago, the Oregon Legislature made a $1.9 million investment to fund research to help understand our changing ocean. You can hear research progress and findings funded by House Bill 3114 at a free event in Newport on Friday, April 14. The first Oregon Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (OAH) Symposium runs 8:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. at the Hatfield Marine Science Center auditorium, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr. Space is limited and registration is required . ODFW's Jenny Koester says scientists and researchers will report on shellfish and estuary habitat surveys and mapping, and OAH monitoring in Oregon's Marine Reserves and in Yaquina Bay. Attendees also will learn about best management practices and outreach and education funded by the bill. Oregon is an epicenter for OAH and was one of the first places in the world to observe direct impacts of ocean change when oyster hatchery production collapsed in 2007 from ocean acidification. OAH are two forms of ocean climate change that Oregon continues to experience. The passage of HB 3114 was an historic Oregon first in the fight against OAH and showed Oregon leaders' awareness of the importance of healthy oceans. LWVOR supported HB 3114 (2021) answer have requested that monies not yet spent this biennium be rolled over for 2023-25. Dept. of Environmental Quality By Peggy Lynch Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) ( HB 5018 ) budget was heard March 27- 29 with public testimony on March 30. Here’s the DEQ one-pager . Note that POP 110 relates to an increase in fees for the Air Quality Title V program. Also HB 3229 , the policy bill for these fees, has been sent to W&Ms without recommendation. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The ESRF website notes a next prospective Board meeting on April 10. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony in opposition to SB 1051 with the -2 amendment , to allow a property owner to request an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion of up to 200 acres outside of the current UGB process. We are hoping that the bill, which does have a Work Session scheduled for April 3, will die in committee. Governor Kotek is serious about increasing housing so look for a number of bills this session that change the land use program currently in your jurisdiction. We will all have to wait until the end of session to understand the wide variety of proposed changes and ones which actually pass and are signed by the Governor. While we all look for success in addressing homelessness and new housing, especially for middle income Oregonians, we are concerned by the increasing lack of local input in the development of our communities. HB 3414 with the -1 amendment would create a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD and also include a Section 2 that says that local governments may not deny a variance under certain circumstances. Variances are used to address exceptions to a code’s “clear and objective standards”. It is unclear how this provision will change a community’s control over residential development. A Work Session is scheduled for April 4. SB 70 had a public hearing on Feb. 8 where the League provided testimony in opposition. A possible Work Session was scheduled for April 3 where a -1 amendment has been posted. LWVOR still opposes it. There are a number of bills related to siting solar in Oregon. An Oregon Siting Table was formed to have conversations around potential conflicts among solar developers, the agricultural and environmental communities. HB 3180 and HB 3179 each had an informational hearing on March 16, a public hearing on March 28 with a Work Session scheduled for April 3. Rep. Rep Marsh also filed bills on this issue. HB 3181 had a public hearing on March 28 and a Work Session scheduled for April 3. We are uncertain which, if any, will move this session: The League provided testimony in opposition to HB 3442 , to require local governments to allow development of certain affordable housing on certain lands within 100-year floodplain or subject to property development constraints under land use regulations related to natural disasters and hazards. The -2 amendment was adopted and addressed most of our concerns. HB 2001 was signed by the Governor on March 29. DLCD provided a press release that might be helpful in understanding the land use nexus. See the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report also. Parks Is Smith Rock State Park a favorite destination? Read about potential changes . Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd SB 545 A has passed the Senate and will have its first public hearing in House Climate, Energy and Environment on April 5. The League provided testimony in support when it was heard in the Senate. DEQ will hold the fifth Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee meeting from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on April 11. DEQ will present the draft local government and producer responsibility organization obligation rules, the draft fiscal and racial equity statements, and will provide follow-up information regarding the topics presented during the previous meeting. To attend the meeting, please register via Zoom . To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking web page at: Recycling Updates 2023 . Toxics By Paula Grisafi Great news— HB 3043 (toxic free kids modernization) passed out of the full House, 42-14. SB 546 (toxic free cosmetics) passed out of committee unanimously after adoption of the -7 amendment . SB 426 (toxic free schools) had a Work Session scheduled March 30. Water By Peggy Lynch The League has been a voice for the safety of domestic wells and provided testimony in support of HB 3207 ,to require reporting the results of well water tests during a real estate transaction to DEQ. A public hearing was held March 30 with a Work Session April 3. HB 3124 A major water bill, had a Work Session March 30. The bill is a $250 million Drought Relief and Water Scarcity pkg. and includes some of the other bills we’ve seen this session. View the committee presentation here and Drought Relief and Water Security Slides and comprehensive explanations: Bipartisan Drought Relief and Water Security Package (BiDRAWS) . The League may engage when the bill and its various elements move to W&Ms. HB 3100 with a -3 amendment has moved to W&Ms. LWVOR testified on the original bill. Most of the amendment content addressed our original comments. HB 3163 had a Work Session scheduled for March 30. LWVOR supports the Fund. The -1 amendment was recently posted to OLIS. HB 2238 , to authorize the Dept. of State Lands to adopt rules regarding removal/fill fees, after a robust rulemaking, has a Work Session March 30. LWVOR supports . EPA threatens action in Umatilla and Morrow counties related to nitrates in groundwater per March 22 OPB article . The Oregon Health Authority has set up a testing program, but it seems cumbersome for these low-income and often non-English speaking residents per this article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle. In honor of World Water Day, please take literally two minutes and watch this video starring the tiny but mighty hummingbird. Then consider what you can do. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. On March 24, Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought in Grant and Deschutes counties through Executive Order 23-08, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. Both counties have portions of extreme drought (D3) and are experiencing well below average water year precipitation. Streamflow has also been well below average in both counties over the water year, with Deschutes at 78% and Grant at 44% of its average streamflow. Likewise, streamflow at their respective basins have been below average, with Deschutes at 71% and John Day at 39%. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. California is looking better, but Oregon continues to have concerns. Governor Kotek has also signed drought declarations for the counties of Crook and Jefferson. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers A number of Work Sessions and Public Hearings were held during the Senate Natural Resources March 27 meeting. The first Work Session, on SB 928-3 , instructs the State Forester, or forest protective association or agency that is under contract or agreement with State Board of Forestry for protection of forestland against fire, and whose protection area is or may be affected by fire on nearby federal lands, to take certain actions to address fire, such as coordinating off-season mitigation efforts. It was adopted with a do-pass recommendation and sent to W&Ms. Next up was SB 839 , directing the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to establish a pilot grant program to help manage wildfire risk by promoting the use of air curtains by persons who make biochar, and appropriate $1 million from the General Fund to ODF for grant program implementation. It was also adopted with a do-pass recommendation and sent to W&Ms. SB 1012 had a work Session, to provide for homesteads rebuilt by the same owner on the same lot to replace their homestead destroyed by the September 2020 wildfires, to temporarily have frozen assessed value equal to the destroyed homestead’s assessed value for 2020-2021 property tax year. This was deferred to the 3/29 meeting of the Committee, at which it was adopted with the -2 amendment , and moved to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. A Public Hearing was held on SB 502-2 , to require ODF to study establishing a permanent trust fund for wildfire programs. The intent of this bill is to provide an alternate funding mechanism for wildfire-programs implementation. It was adopted and referred to Senate Finance and Revenue. A Public Hearing on SB 80-2 , to outline in greater detail, corrections to and improvements on the original State Wildfire Risk Map described in last week’s Legislative Report, including recommendations it be renamed Wildfire Hazard Map, and reduce the number of risk zones to 4 from 5. It also places a much needed, greater emphasis on public input in the process. There was opposition to the prospect of using 4 zones, rather than the 3 recommended by the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council’s Dave Hunnicutt, who otherwise strongly supports it. This and other items were ironed out at the 4/3 Work Session. Other items included in the -2 Amendment are detailed in this Staff Measure Summary . LWVOR provided testimony in support of SB 80 with these -2 amendments. Senate Natural Resources held a public hearing March 20 on SB 872 . The bill’s purposeis to enable better cooperation between Federal agencies and the Oregon Department of Forestry with regard to wildfire mitigation efforts during the non-wildfire months. The proposed -1 amendment expands the number of State entities with which those agencies will be compelled to collaborate. The bill was scheduled for a possible work session on April 3. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is almost halfway over. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

ABBY RENNER (she/her) ABBY RENNER (she/her) YC Climate Team Coordinator youthoutreach@lwvor.org

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 1/20 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Jump to topic: Afterschool and Summer Care Behavioral Health K-12 and Higher Education Immigration After School and Summer Care By Katie Riley The legislature will soon begin its 2025 session, and some bills related to afterschool and summer care will be introduced. Comments in italics are added to the bill description: HB3039 Directs ODE to study ways to increase summer and after school programs . (Flesch Readability Score: 67.7). Requires the Department of Education to study methods for increasing the availability of summer and after-school academic and enrichment programs. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to education not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets January 2, 2027 HB3162 The Act gives money to ODE to provide grants to schools for child care before and after school hours . (Flesch Readability Score: 85.0). Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Education for distribution to schools for the purpose of providing child care before and after school hours. Directs the department to report to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to child care no later than June 30, 2027. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025. The task force that was formed in the 2024 session due to HB 4082 to plan for the future of afterschool and summer programs completed its final report in January. HB3162 may include the report’s request for $100 million. The Governor has proposed $78.5 million for 2025 summer learning (summer school). The summer funding includes partnerships with community partners for care after summer school scheduled periods. Although the following bills are not directly related, it is possible that they will benefit afterschool and summer: SB456 Provides money ($6mil) for grants to improve school attendance. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). Appropriates moneys to the Department of Education for distribution as grants to address the causes of chronic absenteeism . Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025 Afterschool programs are effective in reducing absenteeism. SB866 Directs ODE to study ways to improve the social emotional health of students and staff in public schools. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6). Requires the Department of Education to study methods for improving the social emotional health of students and staff in public schools. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to education not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets January 2, 2027. Research has demonstrated that afterschool and summer programs are effective in improving social emotional health. HB2814 The Act allows DELC to waive some requirements for a certified child care facility . The Act directs ELC to adopt rules for the number and age of kids allowed at a registered family child care home. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.0). Authorizes the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) to waive certain requirements for certified child care facilities upon good cause shown and if the resulting circumstances protect the welfare of the children and the consumer interests of the parents of the children. Directs the Early Learning Council to define by rule the number of children per age group allowed at a registered family child care home. Declares an emergency, effective on passage. DELC also licenses afterschool and summer care providers. This bill may provide more flexibility to increase the number of programs available. HB3008 The Act gives more money to different agencies for investment in the child care workforce. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8). Appropriates moneys to fund child care workforce investments. Provides funds to PSU for training child care workers. The training may also benefit afterschool and summer staff. HB3011 The Act creates a fund for childhood teaching development at HECC. The Act declares an emergency. The Act becomes law on July 1, 2025. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). Establishes the Early Childhood Education Workforce Development Fund and appropriates moneys in the fund to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to provide funding to community colleges and public universities in this state that offer early childhood education degrees and certificates . Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025. Afterschool and summer staff could benefit from this program. Behavioral Health By Stephanie Aller Behavioral Health-related bills introduced on January 13, 2025, include: Behavioral Health Workforce SB 527 directs OHA to award grants to local workforce development boards to provide programs to train high school students to enter the behavioral health workforce. SB 608 would establish a certification program to provide training and support for home workers who care for individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Under certain circumstances, they may be able to receive a higher pay rate. HB 2223 requires coordinated care organizations to contract with providers outside a geographic area if the area has limited access to that type of provider or service. HB 2596 would enact a School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact. HB 3129 would establish the Higher Education Behavioral Health Workforce Expansion Fund. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission would distribute money from the Fund to community colleges and universities to assist in the training of behavioral health professionals. It would include scholarships and stipends for students pursuing careers as graduate-level, licensed, and certified behavioral health workers. Facilities HB 2059 directs OHA to establish a unit dedicated to developing new adult behavioral health facilities. Improving funding for in-home care for behavioral health SB 538 would require ODHS to pay parents for attendant care services for minor children with developmental disabilities who have high behavioral health or medical needs. K-12 and Higher Education By Jean Pierce Based on legislation filed so far which is related to our positions, LWVOR will be tracking bills relating to: K-12 Education Accountability for using public education funds SB141 Education SB312 /HB2508 Student Data SB325 Fiscal impact statements from school districts Adequate funding for the education of exceptional students SB 317 State funding for special education HB2953 Funding for students eligible for special education Equitable funding for districts with high needs and limited resources HB2517 Intensive program for school districts with highest needs HB2589 Funding for public education HB2904 Education HB3037 State grants awarded by Department of Education Higher Education: Providing financial aid to students SB604 Strong Start Program HB2997 Higher education HB3182 Aid to students in higher education HB3183 Open Education Resources Program Ensuring that there is a seamless path from secondary school to higher education. HB2398 Direct admissions to certain institutions of higher education HB2421 Direct admissions HB2686 Re-enrollment of residents Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice HB2433 Different treatment of persons by a public body Immigration By Claudia Keith Rayfield joins intervention to protect health care access for some immigrants - OPB Immigrants in Oregon could be significantly impacted by Trump’s second term. Here’s how - OPB (From international students to asylum seekers, the new administration’s plans could affect tens of thousands of people in the state…) “Editor’s note: As President Donald Trump takes office, OPB is providing a look over the week surrounding inauguration to understand how Oregonians voted, how they’re feeling now and how the new administration could affect Northwest communities through top issues like immigration, tariffs, criminal justice and the I-5 bridge replacement.” OPB The League has very clear immigration/refugee, human rights and other social policy positions (state and national) and is following this currently developing situation. Find below an incomplete/tentative list of policy and or funding-related bills that may have traction. Additionally, there are a number of other bills supporting the new 2025 federal administration potential policies that, given House and Senate D super majorities, will likely not receive a public hearing. SB 149 DHS Immigration Study - Sen Jama SB 599 immigration status - discrimination in real estate transactions - Senator Campos SB 611 Food for All Oregonians Program - Senator Campos, Representative Ruiz SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill Senator Reynolds, Representative Neron, Ruiz, Smith G HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist with lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - Representative Neron, Ruiz, Senator Reynolds HB 2586 nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. - Representative Hudson, Senator Campos HB 2543 15$M for Universal FUND: The Act gives funds to Oregon Department of Administrative Services (ODAS) for universal representation and the Act gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal help for immigration matters HB 5002 ODAS Agency Budget: includes 7$M for Oregon Worker Relief Fund Other news: Oregon AG rolls out sanctuary information for immigrants before Trump takes office • Oregon Capital Chronicle From refugee to Oregon Senate majority leader, Kayse Jama focuses on finding common ground • Oregon Capital Chronicle State Map on Immigration Enforcement 2024 | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/30 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection Elections Artificial Intelligence Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill In the last few days of the legislative session, we saw extraordinary machinations on campaign finance reform. We have been saying for months that HB 4024 (2024) needed some technical fixes to complete the historic deal that was made during the last session among Honest Elections, legislative leaders, business leaders and union leaders. It was said that HB 3392 was the bill that would be stuffed with these technical fixes. However, a last-minute deal was apparently made behind the scenes to allow Minority Leader Drazan to propose a -5 amendment to HB 3392 to delay implementation of HB 4024 by four years! House Rules held a public hearing on the amendment 6/25 . The Secretary of State sent a six-page letter and testified for half an hour that the delay was necessary and that Oregon has a history of failed large computer projects. All other in-person testifiers (including the League) and all 96 written testimonies were against the delay. For the House Rules meeting, the League and several other organizations had issued action alerts. Several news outlets also wrote about the situation including OPB , Oregon Capital Chronicle , and Oregon Live . House Rules had scheduled a work session on the bill for the same meeting, but they adjourned without opening the work session. We then saw House Rules reschedule the work session five times(!) that day and then cancel the work session altogether. The bill was dead for the session! It is clear that we dodged a bullet on CFR and that powerful political interest groups do not want CFR in Oregon. However, HB 4024 is still part of Oregon statutes because Oregonians demanded it. It will still take effect in part on January 1, 2027. Some technical fixes will still be needed and could perhaps be adopted in a special legislative session or during next year’s short legislative session. Bill wrap: Cybersecurity, National Guard, ethics, privacy and safety, partner agency budget By Becky Gladstone Relevant to this portfolio, this issue was raised last week at EPAB , the Oregon Electronic Portal Advisory Board, June 26, 2025. Note that this follows our reporting on cyber-attacks forecast on the Pacific Northwest power grid in the near future, from JCIMT earlier this session. “We now live in an era of retroactive insecurity where vast amounts of sensitive and encrypted data, government communications, defense secrets [and] critical infrastructure telemetry are being silently intercepted, stored by foreign adversaries. This is known as ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ “. Stakeholders highlight urgency to House panel of moving quickly with implementing post-quantum cryptography , Inside Cybersecurity , June 25, 2025. HB 3954 , for the Adjutant General to prevent the Oregon National Guard from being called to active service except in certain circumstances, was the only bill pending in this portfolio in the final week of the 2025 session. HB 3954 had passed from the House on a 31 to 16 vote. Senate Rules stopped shy of holding a public hearing despite League testimony in support . It was revived for a first (late date) hearing and work session, after a League letter was sent. This bill became more relevant with the California National Guard being called to action by the President in Los Angeles, overriding the Mayor and California Governor. One letter in opposition to HB 3954 believed that passing the bill would put Oregon in a position to lose critical federal funding for the Oregon National Guard. The issue turned from National Guard activation to hinge on support of the President. Republicans block attempt to prevent federal overreach with Oregon’s National Guard , Oregon Live, June 30, 2025. HB 2930 Enrolled has the Governor’s signature, for conflict of interest of public officials’ household members. League testimony supported this bill brought by the Oregon Ethics Commission. SB 224 Enrolled , has the Governor’s signature, to keep from posting campaign committee addresses on the SoS website, with League testimony in support. This is sadly more relevant with the recent killing of a senior Minnesota legislator and her husband . Minn. legislator killed in ‘politically motivated‘ shooting, Washington Post, June 14, 2025. HB 3569 Enrolled has the Governor’s signature, to invite a sponsoring legislator, committee chair or designee onto the bill’s Rules Advisory Committee, as a non-voting member. Our testimony opposed for a myriad of reasons. HB 5017 Enrolled , has the Governor’s signature, for the State Library budget. League testimony remained the only one filed, supporting our partnership for League Voter Service information. They share our Voters’ Guides in the Talking Books and Braille Library . Elections By Barbara Klein A public hearing for HB 3390 A was held on 6/24, a work session was on the agenda for later in the week but was removed without comment. 100% of the vast submitted testimony was in opposition. The League submitted testimony opposing this bill, in part because it minimizes the minority party voice more, and also gives greater power to the legislature for ballot issues than to the people. We stated “the normal process based in the offices of the Secretary of State and Attorney General has greater impartiality than this proposal grounded in the legislative branch. The latter (under HB 3390-2) could more likely jeopardize transparency and understanding for voters.” Several legislators indicated that this measure was related to the transportation bill (and how it might be described on the ballot if it became a referendum petition). As that effort was scrapped, the League assumes that is why the HB 3390 A was no longer active. [Summary – the bill prescribes the method for creating a ballot title and explanatory statement by a joint legislative committee for any amendment to the Oregon Constitution that passes both houses of the Legislative Assembly during the 2025 regular session and is referred to the people by the Legislative Assembly and for any Act that passes both houses of the Legislative Assembly during the 2025 regular session if the Act is referred to the people by either the Legislative Assembly or by referendum petition.] HB 3687 Enrolled will establish in law that counties and cities cannot demand a supermajority vote to change their charter (most do not). To best allow local government to function for the people, only simple majorities to a CHARTER change would be allowed. This does NOT relate to any ballot measure on taxes, fees, fines, etc. This bill would make it easier for a community to adopt new election systems in local cities and counties. Currently, only one county in the state requires a supermajority for such changes. A public hearing was held 6/23 in Senate rules; work session 6/24; and on 6/26 the third reading passed the senate 17 to 12. On 6/27, the House Speaker and Senate President signed the bill. HB 3908 Enrolled was signed by House Speaker 6/23 and Senate President 6/24. Filed at the request of the Independent Party of Oregon (IPO), the bill increases the percentage of state voters from 5 to 10 percent required for a party to obtain major political party status. Other minor parties wrote in support of HB 3908. The League did not testify on this measure. Artificial Intelligence By Lindsey Washburn HB 3592 A , which would have established the Senator Aaron Woods Commission on AI with the Dept. of Justice, remained in Ways and Means when the Legislature adjourned. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - September Legislative Days Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Columbia River Treaty Department of State Lands (DSL) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Forestry (ODF) Hanford Land Use & Housing Mining Nuclear Energy Pesticides Regional Solutions Septic Systems Transportation Water Wetlands Wildfire Volunteers Needed Natural Resources By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator and Team Agriculture During the Sept. Interim Days, there were many presentations related to the importance of agricultural lands. Agriculture is the second most important and most stable industry in Oregon. As part of an effort by Oregon farmers to educate legislators on their issues and concerns and loss of farmland, see the presentation to the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee and a presentation to the House Agriculture et al. Committee by Oregon Dept. of Agriculture’s Jim Johnson, as well as a presentation by Oregon farmers, a presentation by the American Farmland Trust, and a presentation about the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program. The Land Conservation and Development Commission had a public hearing on Sept. 27 and will consider updating their Farm and Forest rules at their December meeting. The rules are meant to codify case law to help local governments administer land use applications. In an article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle: In a recent analysis of data from the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture , Oregon State University Economics Professor Dan Bigelow found that the estimated value of Oregon farm real estate grew $10.7 billion between 2017 and 2022. That’s a 23% gain in just five years, and more than triple the 7% gain in total estimated farm real estate value nationwide. Although good news if you own that land, it creates a challenge for new farmers trying to buy farmland. Here are the top 20 Agricultural commodities in Oregon from the 2022 crop year. It is the diversity of Oregon’s crops that helps with the stability of the industry. Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch The August 28th Revenue Forecast and recording noted that the available General Fund resources increased for the current 2023-25 biennium by $676 million relative to the March forecast. ( Here is a link to the 2023-25 Legislatively Adopted Budget after the 2024 session.) Most of this increase is due to tracking actual tax collections, with the remainder due to a stronger revenue outlook. With this increase, a “kicker” is possible again. The League was pleased that the last forecast report included a recognition of how the effects of climate change affects our revenue and expenses. Looking ahead to the 2025-27 biennium, available resources are revised lower by $66 million. The increase in earnings is not enough to fully offset the $987 million personal kicker that may be paid out in 2026. Of help for the k-12 school funding needs, the corporate kicker may provide over $880 million. A big change at the Office of Economic Analysis is the announcement of a new Chief Economist . This is a very important position beyond the quarterly revenue forecasts as noted in the article. Oregon’s one of a kind kicker law and the mixed rural/urban tech/agriculture/timber economies are challenging. We can only hope that fresh eyes will provide accurate data for our decision makers. Other data to consider: The effective tax rate has increased over the last decade, due to both policies (i.e. Measure 66) and rising incomes. The labor market is softer than it appears (harder to find new jobs). Recent layoffs and announcements in some key industry clusters are of concern because many of these jobs are higher paying than the state average. Wildfires are having significant location-specific losses on agricultural production. Eastern Oregon was hit especially hard. The Emergency Board met on Sept. 25th. Here is a synopsis of the actions taken and a video of the meeting. At the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee meeting on Sept. 24th (see the first 30 minutes), they received a presentation on the history of property tax reform in Oregon and the many efforts to take action related to the current law. It’s time to review the inequitable and unfairness of the implementation of both Measures 5 and 47/50 from the 1990s. Here is a good video on property taxes in Oregon. Cities and counties rely on property taxes for the services they provide. It’s possible that there will be conversations on property tax reform in 2025. The Oregonian provides some insight into that future conversation. Want to know more about Oregon state government’s financial condition? This report “provides important information regarding key economic and demographic indicators for Oregon’s financial status, such as revenues, expenditures, debt, and fiscal health.” The report covers a 10-year period ending June 30, 2023. Budgets 2025 By Peggy Lynch As of Sept. 1, agency request budgets (ARBs) should have been posted on agency websites. The Governor will now need to consider those requests in light of her priorities, the Aug. 28th Revenue Forecast, and any recommended revenue enhancements then provide the Governor’s Recommended Budget (GRB) by Dec. 2nd. The Governor proposes; the legislature disposes. There will be another Revenue Forecast Nov. 20, again in March and finally in May of 2025. The May 2025 Forecast will be the basis for the legislature to determine the 2025-27 state budget. The 14 natural resource agencies were given instructions to only ask for funding their Current Service Levels (CSL) and 1% more unless they received a special approval by the Governor’s office. There were new instructions related to the increase of percentages for services and supplies, of rent for those who rent from the state and increases in salaries. Also, a 5% vacancy savings was requested—holding approved positions open to save costs during the 2023-25 budget cycle. Most of the documents linked below include a full complement of CSL, new Policy Option Packages (POPs) and the required 10% reduction lists. Here are most of those ARBs: Dept. of Environmental Quality budget . Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries budget . Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: The Policy Office has been leading the development of policy option packages (POPs) for the 2025-2027 legislative sessions. This presentation provides information and notes the inclusion of six new POPs out of the Governor’s Housing Production Framework. Dept. of State Lands budget . Oregon Dept. of Agriculture budget . Oregon Dept. of Energy budget presentation . Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife budget . Oregon Dept. of Forestry budget . As of Sept. 27, there is $288.9 million in gross fire costs for 2024. Although we expect the federal government and others will eventually pay a great deal of those current costs, the bills need to be paid now. That means money will need to be found to cover those costs for the next 2-4 years. See the Emergency Board actions where these costs are beginning to be addressed. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board budget . Oregon Water Resources Dept.: The full Agency Request Budget, policy option package narratives, and a summary, can be viewed on the Department's Budget and Legislative webpage. The State Debt Policy Advisory Commission will provide bonding guidance in January of 2025. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt and Peggy Lynch The issue of offshore wind energy has dominated conversations at the coast. The League supports the concept of renewable energy but also supports our coastal estuaries. Advisory votes have been scheduled by both Coos and Curry counties ( article ). After much sharing of concerns by the local League, our coastal fishing industry, by our tribes (including one lawsuit ) and the environmental communities, on Sept. 27th the auction of leases off Coos and Curry Counties has been cancelled . However, discussions will continue and a new auction could be considered in the future. Here is the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development’s Coastal Division offshore wind website . The Port of Coos Bay has new leadership. The Port is still considering the container ship project, of concern to the League. You can choose to attend a Rocky Habitat Management Workshop series . Learn more about the OSU Coastal Futures Project . Or attend the Oct. 2nd Oregon Ocean Science Trust meeting. You can find Oregon’s Coastal Public Access Guide for Local Government Planners on the DLCD website. This guide provides local coastal governments a framework for planning for a community's public access program. Columbia River Treaty By Phillip Thor After an August 5th webinar where the U.S. and Canada shared their new agreement, the League signed a joint letter expressing concern that the amended Columbia River Treaty agreement didn't also include the concept of ecosystem function as part of the river's management. Soon after learning about the agreement, the federal government announced a Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative that addresses some of our concerns about the Treaty. Department of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch See Elliott State Research Forest below for the agency’s role in that issue. See the Wetlands section of this report for information on removal/fill fee rulemaking. The next State Land Board meeting is Oct. 15th. Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) By Sandra Bishop DWAC met July 17. Lead Service Line Inventory requirements & progress: Service line inventories are due October 16th. Technical help has been offered to public water systems (PWS) to complete this federally required reporting to identify any Lead Service Line to facilitate replacement. An inventory is required from all PWS in Oregon. Any PWS serving less than 10,000 people may access no-cost technical assistance if needed to complete an inventory. Federal funding is available to complete the inventories, and for planning and design work for replacement if needed. In Oregon there is no knowledge of any PWS ever having used a lead service line. Nor have any lead service lines been found. Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Services managers are working closely with federal regulators for water systems to be allowed to use a lack of evidence (no lead lines in their records) as a record showing there are no lead services lines in the system. PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl-substances): A final federal rule from the EPA was announced on April 10th. PWS are to complete initial monitoring of any PFAS levels by 2027. Any exceedances of MCL (maximum containment levels) are to be addressed by 2029. The American Waterworks Association (AWWA) & Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) have challenged the EPA rule. There is also a possibility that the overturning of the Chevron Deference , which applies to all federal rule making, may come into play in these water association groups’ challenges of PFAS regulation. In Oregon there have been 25 PWS found to have measurable PFAS detected. Cleaning up these PWS is expected to be very costly. Federal funding may be available to remedy problems in systems exceeding allowable limits. (See also the section on Water in this report.) Consumer Confidence Reports: There has been a federal rule change in requirements for these once-a-year reports on water quality that are sent from water utilities to consumers. Changes are designed to make the reports more easily understandable, to improve the accuracy of reporting and to highlight any contamination violations. The reports are also required to provide a brief explanation of contaminants that may reasonably be expected to be found in drinking water (including bottled water) and include efforts the water system operators will be taking to prevent lead from entering the drinking water, as well as other quality control actions like corrosion control. The next DWAC meeting is Oct. 16. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The State Land Board met on June 11 to appoint the new ESRF Board and address the transition related to the new Board’s obligations. The new Board and information on the Forest Management Plan starts on page 87 of the Land Board packet . The new Elliott Board met on Sept. 12. Here is the Elliott Board meeting agenda and meeting materials . Carbon markets are being considered to help fund the ESRF per this article . The Dept. of State Lands will request funding in 2025 to continue management of the ESRF until limited timber harvest can begin—perhaps by 2026. From the Bird Conservation Oregon newsletter : It is expected that in 2025, after nearly a decade of inactivity, harvest activity will resume on the Elliott. When that happens it should be conducted in a manner that is far more protective of the Elliott’s mature forests and imperiled species, brings together historically conflicted stakeholders to work collaboratively on implementation, is driven by conservation and research rather than timber receipts, transcends decades of historic conflict. As the Elliott moves back into more active management, there will be opportunities for the public to weigh in on biennial operations plans and other management programs. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Forestry (ODF) By Josie Koehne Mike Wilson and Tyson Wepprich sought input and future direction from the Board of Forestry for the Western Oregon Forest Management Plan (FMP) which is based on the current state forest Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) now under federal review. The FMP will reflect the computer modeling of various outcomes based on the many variables involved in forest management. Such management scenarios include emphasizing or weighting each of the following values: Adaptive capacity of forests Carbon sequestration and storage Forest division finances Economic opportunities Financial support for counties Harvest and inventory Habitat elements for wildlife These values can be factored into various modeling parameters and juggled in order to maximize the desired outcomes for managing forests for “greatest permanent value” for all Oregonians. In part, offering these options is in response to the Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee’s (FTLAC) objections to ODF’s Harvest Conservation Plan (HCP) for not maximizing timber harvest that provides a large portion of revenue for the timber-dependent counties (Clatsop, Tillamook, Coos and Washington counties primarily). FTLAC was represented in person at the Sept 6 board meeting. ODF used improved model metrics (growth and yield tables) to test run maximizing for revenue, timber stand metrics and harvest volumes at various timber ages, such as 72, 80 or 92 years (rotation age), or for net present value with discount rates or for steady revenues each year (even flow). ODF sought direction on which other modeling parameters to test out in order to meet desired state forest goals. John Sweet, representing the FTLAC was supportive of the effort, and asked for increased reforestation. He also requested that the model test to allow for the current annual timber volume of 185 million board feet (MMBF) with non-declining even flow timber production over the next 30 years and increasing timber production to 195, and then 205 MMBF. Other sources of revenues besides timber revenue for counties could be considered to even out revenues among counties. Combining county revenues for more even distribution was also discussed. The FTLAC counties said they are willing to maximize not just for immediate increased timber revenue, but wanted to see all the tradeoffs on the various scenarios. A facilitated discussion followed on the FMP modeling values among the board members and Trust counties. This first run of values to model focused on aiming to balance all tree age classes over time, and another focused on maximizing timber harvest (maximum Net Present Value) with no other constraints (uncollared) other than following HCP criteria. Other comments were to put some county revenue into investing in reforestation of unproductive forestland outside the protected Habitat Conservation Areas for future harvest. In November, these scenarios and their modeled outcomes will be reviewed and other choices will be made by the board. All in all, this meeting marked a turning point in improved trust between the timber counties and ODF working together with the board on their priorities using a facilitated discussion tool. There will be a report in April on the board's input. Discussion in June will follow with the scenario modeling incorporated into a revised Western Forest Management Plan. See also the Wildfire section of this report below. Hanford Waste Site Per the Oregon Dept. of Energy newsletter : The Oregon Department of Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the draft Hanford Tri-Party Holistic Negotiations Agreement. The draft agreement outlines a new approach to treating and transporting certain tank waste at the Hanford Site. Oregon’s comments focus on three critical areas: solidifying tank waste before transport, the means of transport, and clarity on National Environmental Policy Act requirements. The Oregon Capital Chronicle noted: “A federal proposal to move radioactive nuclear waste from Washington through Oregon and onward to Utah and Texas via truck and rail has raised major concerns among Oregon officials and environmentalists. The proposal doesn’t yet detail a route, but critics have said it would most likely end up on major interstate highways through Oregon, or on a rail line through central Oregon along the Deschutes River, passing near areas like Bend and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation.” Streetroots also covered the issue . Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch The Governor’s Housing Advisor Matt Tschabold provided the Senate Housing and Development Committee with Governor Kotek’s vision for the 2025 session. Then the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) provided information on the work they have been doing and plan to do related to housing. The House Housing and Homelessness Committee also received a presentation on the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) project. Proponents of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion section of SB 1537 (2024) shared how that process is going and which cities might be interested in using that provision. The Land Conservation and Development Commission met on Sept. 26 and 27. Those interested in the OHNA process should watch the second half of the Sept. 27th meeting on YouTube . The process moves required housing needs calculations from local governments to the state. The Office of Economic Analysis (OEA), under the Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS) does the forecasts with help from the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and DLCD. The final methodology for calculating the various housing needs is due Jan. 1, 2025. They will provide a regional estimate of need, then allocate that need among the cities in each region and then will set production targets for each city. These are meant to be “aspirational targets”, to be used by cities to understand their housing needs for all residents. The hope is these targets will “empower local governments to take action”, using Housing Production Strategies . The information will provide the state and legislators with data on state housing funding needs. Instead of just looking at future needs, the calculations will include current needs—for homeless, workforce housing, market rate housing and others. They will take into consideration second homes and short-term rentals. The draft calculations indicate that at least 50% of the housing need in all regions will require government subsidies. Here is a staff presentation . The public can provide comments to the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) on the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Draft Methodology between now and Oct. 4th. The Land Conservation and Development Commission will hold a public hearing on Oct. 25 before making a final decision in December. Follow the work of the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the department’s Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. The League has followed DLCD since its inception in the 1970s. We have supported their mission of helping local governments implement the 19 statewide land use planning goals. See page 23 of the Director's Report to see the growth in staffing at DLCD. Much of the growth has been since House Speaker and then Governor Kotek engaged in housing policies and their connection with Goal 10. The League has supported funding for infrastructure, needed to help building housing developments. Here is the 2024 infrastructure card . Finding funding for these projects will be a multi-year challenge. The Governor may ask for $100 million in General Funds in 2025 for Business Oregon to use as grants for projects. The federal government has provided millions of dollars for water and wastewater projects. But it’s not enough. And sometimes requires matching funds. The League has engaged in discussions on the criteria that should be used to select the projects to assure they will provide housing units as quickly as possible. The League provided testimony on HB 4026 (2024), a bill that would not allow initiative votes for UGB expansions—aimed directly on an initiative proposed for the North Plains UGB expansion. Our testimony was focused on the right of citizens to use the initiative process. A Judge allowed the vote to go forward. He upheld the right to hold the vote and citizens overwhelmingly rejected the HUGE UGB expansion. Now North Plains is revisiting their UGB plans. The League opposed Section 10 of SB 4 (2023) that allows the Governor to override our statewide land use planning program to allow a UGB expansion for the chips (semiconductor) industry. Recently, the League joined others in a letter to the Governor, asking that she NOT use that authority to expand into prime farmland in Washington County. However, the Governor selected 373 acres north of Hillsboro. There will be a public hearing on this action on Oct. 10. There is also a 20-day public comment period available. See also the Agriculture section of this report on the value of Oregon agriculture. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Mining The League has continued to follow the application for the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine near Vale. An interdisciplinary team of agencies met on September 12 on the proposed chemical process gold mine in Malheur County. The public notice and related documents are available. This is the first project using a consolidated permitting process where all permitting agencies are meeting together to process the permit applications. Nuclear Energy Small scale nuclear reactors are being considered to help provide power to the many data centers in Umatilla County. One of the chief blocks of these reactors in Oregon is Measure 7 (1980). In a pro-nuclear energy editorial, the libertarian think tank Cascade Policy Institute wrote that Oregon voters approved the measure in 1980 in the wake of the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania. The measure prevents the state from siting any nuclear power plants until the federal government licenses a waste depository. With the federal system in place today, nuclear power plants are effectively prohibited in Oregon. The League adopted a position in 1980 focused on assuring there was a plan to deal with waste storage: The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that the nuclear power program must be managed to protect current and future generations and to maintain an environment beneficial to life. Technical uncertainties must be publicly recognized and planned for, Responsibility for establishing and maintaining a waste system must not be deferred to future generations, and Effective coordination among all levels of government - federal, state, local - and the private sector is imperative in planning and carrying out programs for transportation, waste storage, and safety, with responsibility and authority clearly designated. Pesticides By Paula Grisafi We look forward to seeing legislation in 2025 on control or banning of “NeoNics”: Neonicotinoid pesticides. Our Pesticides and Other Biocides Study will be a wonderful resource for legislators and advocates of the bill. Regional Solutions By Peggy Lynch The Governor has restarted the Regional Solutions Regional Advisory Committees with a: standardized charter (although each committee can amend the draft provided to them), compensation policy (to be sure that all Oregonians can afford to volunteer if assistance is needed), guidance policy for identifying regional priorities while also addressing the Governor’s priorities of housing production, community resilience and infrastructure In addition, each advisory committee gets to add up to two priorities of their own. Oregonians can sign up to attend the 11 regional meetings. They are held both in the regions and virtually. A public comment period is provided at the end of each meeting. The League has supported the concept of Regional Solutions, testifying in 2014 to pass legislation to formalize the program. We support the state agency team collaboration. The Regional Solutions website provides meeting agendas, meeting materials and other meeting information. We encourage local League member participation and engagement in these meetings. Septic Systems A League member will serve on a Dept. of Environmental Quality rules advisory committee to update onsite septic system rules. Do you have a septic system? EPA and its partners are making educational resources available to homeowners, local organizations, and government leaders to explain how septic systems work and how to properly maintain them. Maintaining septic systems is critical to protecting public health and ecosystems in small and rural towns across the country. Transportation With 2025 expected to be the year of Transportation, this August presentation in Hermiston might be of interest. This effort was last addressed in 2017. Thanks to Rep. Gomberg, here is a 5-minute video on ODOT’s funding challenge. And here’s an online interactive map that shows projects and their details throughout the state. In early February, the Joint Committee on Transportation (JCT) released a 2024-25 Beginning Conversation Draft Action Plan for the development of the expected 2025 State Transportation Funding Package. Water By Peggy Lynch New groundwater rules were adopted Sept. 12 ! The Oregon Water Resources Commission voted unanimously to adopt updates to Oregon’s groundwater allocation rules , marking a historic step in how the state manages and allocates groundwater. The adopted rule updates will go into effect upon filing with the Oregon Secretary of State. LWVOR and LWV Deschutes both provided testimony in support. The League hopes that the new rules will stop over appropriation of groundwater in the future, but there are concerns about future availability. A member of the League is serving on two rules advisory committees for the Water Resources Dept.: Place-Based Planning and Best Practices in Community Engagement . More information is on the linked websites. A panel provided information on PFAS, a class of manmade chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals” that have been discovered to be a health hazard, at the House Agriculture et al Committee. They are in many of our products, from clothes to fire fighting foam. See pages 28-29 of the slide deck for a list of public resources related to PFAS. The League continues to monitor the actions related to the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. Like others , we are concerned about the latest Nitrate Reduction Plan . OPB also shared an article on this important public health issue. The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) will be hosting an informational zoom webinar about the new Drinking Water Source Protection Grant Program in advance of opening the grant offering. The webinar will be hosted on Thursday, October 10 at 10:30 am. Please register in advance for the informational webinar. The League supported this program. Help save water and energy usage per the Environmental Protection Agency: To make it easy to find plumbing and irrigation products that are certified to save water and perform well, consumers and businesses can search for WaterSense labeled products . League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. The Governor declared Jefferson County as a drought emergency through Executive Order 24-08 and has declared a drought in Lake County through Executive Order 24-26 , and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the regions. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Wetlands By Peggy Lynch The League supported HB 2238 (2023) to address the need to increase removal/fill permit fees to reduce the burden on the Common School Fund. As a result, the League has a member serving on the rules advisory committee . The League will also be supporting legislation to increase staffing at the Dept. of State Lands and the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to provide assistance to local governments so they can more accurately address wetlands in their jurisdictions. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Leading up to the September Interim Legislative Session, the League has closely watched, with increasing concern, as a terrifying wildfire season has unfolded. Oregon has experienced its worst wildfire season on record, with nearly two million acres burned. This number presents nearly three times the 10-year average, and doubles the previous record set by the devastating 2020 season. Suppression costs are already at $288.9 million, obliterating the previous record, and over three times the 10-year average. And it is still ongoing, with several large fires still burning, and more expected. A constant drumbeat of how unsustainable this situation is was present during this interim session. Agencies laid out the dire situation during presentations from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and the Department of the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), detailed below. This Capital Chronicle article provides a brief overview. For a look at how this is straining ODF’s budget, read this article from KGW News , which goes into detail on what is planned to address the shortfall. The first meeting the League monitored was that of the Joint Emergency Board Interim Subcommittee on Public Safety, on September 23. Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations for ODF, described the circumstances that have led to this year’s unprecedented wildfire season. He relayed, after first anticipating a “normal” wildfire season, how our wet spring weather led to explosive growth of fire fuels and grasses, which was followed by early extreme heat and arid conditions, leading to perfect wildfire conditions. He further relayed how it is somewhat unusual to have more than one widespread dry lightning event per season. But this year there were 4 widespread dry lighting events, two in July one week apart, and two more in August, also one week apart. He also described how that, at one point, there were so many fires at once that “we ran out of people.” He was referring to the fact that all of the ODF incident management teams and other personnel, as well as additional firefighting support from other States and Federal agencies, were all “tapped out”. Williams was followed by Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple of OSFM, who echoed his concerns. She described how her department responded to a record-breaking six “conflagrations” - the term used for mega-fires over 100,000 acres. The Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) recommended that the board pay the requested $47.5 million to ODF, but with this workaround - using $20 million from the board's general fund and $20 million from a separate special allocation reserved for natural disaster emergencies. In its analysis , though, the LFO says ODF will need much more than $47.5 million in the coming months. The full Joint Emergency Board approved the request at their meeting on September 25th, accompanied by much angst expressed over the reactive manner in which wildfire funding is currently handled, and acknowledgement that more money will be needed at their December meeting. Later the same day was a meeting of the House Interim Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans. Kyle Williams of ODF, and Chief Ruiz-Temple presented much of the same information as at the previous meeting, with Williams adding that this may well be “our new normal”, and the State is not prepared to handle this new reality with the current funding or approach. He told the committee that this season, they “…fit 3 years-worth of fires into 3 months.”, and that their people were completely exhausted. Ruiz-Temple emphasized that while the Department’s pre-positioning and immediate response tactics helped save many residences, fires are starting earlier, are more in number, are growing more complex, lasting longer and destroying more property. She and Williams both stated that they try to remain hopeful, but that “Hope is not a plan.”, and solutions to the lack of adequate, sustainable funding to address the wildfire crisis must be found. There was also discussion of current shortages of firefighting personnel, and the factors that will exacerbate this problem in the future, such as the difficulty and danger of the work, which leads to problems with recruitment, and the upcoming “wave of retirements”. Chief Ruiz-Temple reiterated, “There wasn’t another firefighter in the system at the worst of it.”, meaning there were, at one point, no more available personnel if another fire had broken out. This OPB article highlights the shortage of firefighting personnel. Another point made by Chief Ruiz-Temple was how, in her view, “We are 20 years behind in this work.”, in reference to durable, sustainable funding, and workforce development. The Interim House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment met next, and received an update on the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council from Doug Grafe, Military and Wildfire Advisor to Governor Kotek. He stated that the Council would deliver their Annual Report to the Legislature on October 11, and that the new Wildfire Hazard map would be completed by the beginning of the 2025 long session. He also noted the Council is appointing 10 new members this year. Grafe was followed by Kyle Williams of ODF, who gave yet another update on the 2024 wildfire season with many of the same highlights as previously reported. New details emerged, such as the fact that the previously mentioned dry lightning events yielded 6,100 lightning strikes and ignited over 100 fires. Chief Ruiz-Temple also summarized the wildfire season, adding the salient point that, “Wildfire is the one natural disaster we can mitigate.” She shared one bit of good news, relaying how up-staffing grants, which have been used to help local fire departments build staff and acquire equipment, helped reduce loss of structures and assets throughout the state. September 24th brought a meeting of the Interim Senate Committee on Natural Resources, and an update on the Wildfire Funding Workgroup , which was created by HB 5701, Budget Note 5 . This group was charged with convening a workgroup to find an equitable, affordable, durable, sustainable solution to the wildfire funding crisis. Presenting were Doug Grafe, Kyle Williams, and Travis Medema, Deputy Chief of OSFM. There was emphasis on how there was not likely to be one solution but some combination of approaches proposed, including money from the General Fund. Senator Jeff Golden suggested that, though it was part of the work groups’ discussions, he felt that unprecedented pressure on the General Fund made it unlikely that it would be part of the solution. Other avenues being explored are targeted fees, a reworking of existing funding to make it more equitable, and what was called “a broad approach”, which means exploring any and every idea that hasn’t been explored yet. The group has met three times and will meet in October, and deliver a progress report in December. In addition, Williams offered the sobering expectation that ODF anticipates there will likely be two more significant wildfire events this season based on conditions and weather forecasts. Deputy Chief Medema informed the committee that OSFM had 44 responses this season so far, a number he called “extremely unprecedented”. Later, on the 24th, the League listened in on a meeting of the Interim Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, at which Nolan Moser, Interim Executive Director of the Oregon Public Utility Commission, gave a presentation on Wildfire Mitigation and Rate Making. Moser detailed the effort this organization’s Safety Division is making toward wildfire mitigation, and what the associated costs, which will affect rates, are projected to be. All the details of that presentation may be found here . In other news, Doug Grafe reported that we have lost 49 residences and 124 additional structures across 19 different fires. These numbers might be updated by the end of the fire season. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Sine Die 2024 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Agriculture Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Budgets 2025 Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of State Lands (DSL) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry Land Use and Housing Pesticides Reduce/Recycle Transportation Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed Agriculture The League provided comments to the Board of Agriculture as the 2024 session began. Oregon agriculture is the second most important and most stable industry in Oregon because of the hundreds of “crops” grown here. The League will be following farm advocates to protect Oregon’s farmland and support opportunities to help these lands address climate change. Air Quality The Cleaner Air Oregon (CAO) program established a prioritization protocol for calling-in existing facilities to perform their Risk Assessments. DEQ created three Prioritization Groups – with groups one and two consisting of 20 facilities each and all the remaining (about 300+) facilities in group three. DEQ began calling-in Group 1 facilities in March of 2019 and completed the call-ins for this group in March 2022. CAO has updated its website with information about Group 2call-ins. DEQ is proposing to call-in two facilities every other month beginning in April 2024. See the Prioritization website for details regarding Group 2 facilities including the proposed month and year call-in order. Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch SB 5701 , the 2024 omnibus budget bill was amended at the end of the session; scan for items of interest to you. Included in the amendments were eleven budget notes : instructions to agencies to collaborate on projects, to report back on how monies were spent and to study issues such as how to fund wildfire programs. HB 5201 and HB 5202 are the bonding bills, amended as well. F ees adopted by state agencies since the 2025 session were approved in SB 5702 . HB 5203 modifies lottery and other revenue allocations within the resources predicted in the March 2024 revenue forecast. SB 1501 was the “program change bill”, used to address miscellaneous changes to agency programs. SB 1562 with the -1 amendment passed. It increases the limit for making contributions into the Rainy Day Fund from 7.5% to 12.5% of General Fund revenue but leaves the contribution cap unchanged at 1% of General Fund appropriations. Budgets 2025 By Peggy Lynch The 2025-27 agency budget process is beginning. The latest word is that revenue may only cover state agency Current Service Levels, the amount of money needed to fund current programs while also addressing expected cost increases, plus 1%. Look for presentations to agency Boards and Commissions. Agencies are to turn in their lists of additional funding to the Governor by April 30. The Governor’s office will consider which should be in the Agency’s Recommended Budget (ARB) by June 30. The Governor’s recommended budget is due to the legislature by Dec. 1st. The State Debt Policy Advisory Commission will provide bonding guidance in January, 2025. Below are a few of the first round of agency budget requests (Policy Option Packages—POPs) of natural resource agencies available at the publication of this report: Dept. of Environmental Quality and March 22nd presentation slides Dept. of Land Conservation and Development Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and ODFW April 4th Presentation Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. Oregon Water Resources Dept. with a note: “… our official general fund target from DAS for new POPs for the Agency Request Budget and have been approved to request up to $1,022,150 General Fund ….” Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board See this good video on Oregon property taxes . Cities and counties rely on property taxes for the services they provide. It’s possible that there will be property tax reform conversations in 2025. The Oregonian provides some insight into that future conversation. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch/ Barbara Keirnes-Young Included in the end of session SB 5701 was $572,019 in grant funding to the Oregon Ocean Science Trust . A League member attended the Trust meeting on March 22. The Board designed the beginning of a mission statement, linked to strategic priorities and the ranked priorities of the summit. There were areas important to the League: The work of the trust as significant to coastal communities, the state, the country, the world. Informing the public (not educating) will be important for engaging advocates and securing funding. There are only two trusts of this kind in the world: Oregon and California. Working together may be a path to consider. The League is encouraged to engage with the Trust, including public outreach - advertising meetings, providing space, and inviting Trust members to League meetings. Intense competition for government grants will require advocacy and support so an informed public will be a critical part of the work. League advocacy at the legislature will further the quest for funding. The League has been an advocate from the formation of the Trust and continues with on-going funding support. A new group, the Oregon Ocean Alliance, has been formed to advocate for ocean funding in multiple agencies in 2025. The League signed a letter in support of HB 4132 , Marine Reserves. The bill passed. HB 5201 Enrolled increases the uses of the bond monies deposited in the Oregon Business Development Department Coos Bay Channel Fund in previous sessions not only to “deepen and widen the Coos Bay Federal Navigation Channel” but also “for the design, engineering, permitting and land acquisition efforts related to the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project.“ The League provided comments on HB 4080-1 that would both address union labor IF offshore wind projects happen on our South Coast and create a robust public engagement process before project approval. The bill was amended and passed with monies to the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to develop a “road map” with broad public engagement. The public process by the federal government Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has been lacking. Oregon Congressional members provided a letter requesting additional public comment time per this Oregon Capital Chronicle article. The Coastal Caucus and the Governor also sent letters of concern around the public process and asking for a delay. Oregon's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Plan was disapproved in 2015 under the federal Coastal Zone Amendments and Reauthorization Act. Since then, Oregon has been revising its plan. DEQ staff provided an update on Oregon's work to revise its plan and to resubmit it to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the fall of 2024. Although the Dept. of Forestry has also taken some steps to gain approval, it is unclear if these actions will help return federal funding to DEQ and to DLCD’s Coastal Program. The Oregon Capital Chronicle covered concerns around the effect of climate change on our warming oceans. Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League participated in an annual rules advisory committee meeting to consider increasing water quality program fees by 3%. The recommendation was approved by the Environmental Quality Commission. Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch Oregon’s land department received public input on its 10-year plan for managing state lands. The plan would increase the development of renewable energy and wildfire resiliency on state school lands and focus on maintaining and improving lands, rather than selling off land providing lower revenues. The agency’s new program on addressing Abandoned and Derelict Vessels is completing program implementation rules. On April 9, the State Land Board received an update (starting on page 112) on the work. The League has been engaged in this effort for years and was pleased by the passage of HB 2914 (2023). See also Elliott State Research Forest below for DSL’s role in that project. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) From the Mineral Land Regulation and Reclamation Spring Newsletter : DOGAMI continues to experience an unprecedented volume of applications, inquiries, complaints, and compliance actions that has resulted in an increase in processing and response times. Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) By Sandra Bishop The League has a member on this committee . Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The State Land Board approved the interim Advisory Group’s recommendation of a new structural governance on April 9. See the State Land Board’s packet starting on page 94. Appointments to the new ESRF Board are expected at their June 11tth meeting. The $4 million that had been allocated to the ESRF Authority was transferred to DSL in the omnibus budget bill, SB 5701 . Work is continuing on eventual adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan and a Forest Management Plan for the forest. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Environment Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) covered the Environmental legislation considered in 2024. Forestry (ODF) By Josie Koehne The Board of Forestry voted 4 to 3 to pass the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for State Forests. You can read more in this OPB article . Part of the challenge in making this decision is that certain western Oregon counties and local jurisdictions have relied on the timber harvest income and have not increased their local property taxes or found other economic development opportunities to address this income loss. There have been discussions at the legislature around how to increase that revenue ever since the severance tax was eliminated, leaving only the Forest Products Harvest Tax, greatly reducing harvest revenue. The Governor has expressed interest in this discussion in 2025. A number of bills this session were around funding ODF and fighting wildfire with some bills increasing timber harvest revenue without increasing the actual harvest. For information on the various bills, s ee the Wildfire section of this report below. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) provided a summary of 2024 legislation. The League was engaged in a number of these bills. One, SB 1537 , was the focus of an OPB Think Out Loud program . The bill was amended with input by the League (although we continued to oppose the urban growth boundary provision) and passed. T he League supported HB 4134 , providing infrastructure project monies for middle housing. SB 1530 included monies for specific infrastructure projects as well as a number of other programs supported by the League. The Governor was considering a veto of a few of the funded projects unless they will provide housing within five years. However, after a review of the housing projects and statements from the cities that housing will happen in a reasonable timeline, she provided a signing letter withdrawing her veto threat . A news release by the Senate President explains the elements of both bills. The League worked for months on housing policy and continues to do so for 2025. The League also provided testimony on HB 4099 , a bill that would have provided a fund to help with development fees. Although this bill did not pass, a Revolving Loan Fund was provided in Section 24 of SB 1537 that will help with these costs. On Feb. 22, Rep. Hartman presented a number of housing concepts to be considered in 2025, including some water related programs, many of which the League has advocated for in the past. The Governor provided a signing letter expressing some concerns although she signed the bill. The Governor appointed a Housing Production Advisory Council (HPAC) in 2023. Their final report was submitted to the Governor in February and she will be reviewing which of the 59 ideas should be considered for the 2025 session. Her office is engaging with a wide variety of interested parties, including the League. We provided a number of comments to HPAC as they were considering these proposals. DLCD is seeking members for an Advisory Committee on Community Green Infrastructure Investment. Apply by April 28th. HB 4026 passed. The bill determines that urban growth boundary (UGB) decisions cannot be voted on and are “administrative” in nature. The League provided testimony from a governance perspective. We are concerned that “ the amendment would take away voters’ rights to the referendum process. Furthermore, changing the constitutional referendum process and making the amendment retroactive are likely to be unconstitutional and invite a lawsuit. “. A judge is allowing the North Plains vote on their UGB expansion while the issue winds through the courts. Follow the work of the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the department’s Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Pesticides OPB provided an article on how pesticides can rid your home of cockroaches or farm fields of unwanted insects, but they also can harm fish and potentially even people. Reduce/Recycle By Camille Freitag The League weighed in again this year on a Right to Repair bill, SB 1596 . We also joined others in support of the bill. The bill passed. Apple recently announced it will allow used parts in the repair of its products. DEQ is conducting rulemaking to clarify and implement HB 3220 (2023) , which updates and makes necessary changes to the statewide electronics recycling program, Oregon E-Cycles. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee please visit Oregon E-Cycles rulemaking . Recycling Modernization Act of 2021 ( SB 582 ) which the League supported has a new rulemaking advisory committee with meetings posted on the Recycling 2024 website. You can attend these meetings. Transportation Look for a 2025 conversation on how to fund multiple Oregon transportation needs. This effort was last addressed in 2017. The Oregon Capital Chronicle article provided some of the challenges facing legislators. Water By Peggy Lynch The League continues to follow the concerns of Morrow and Umatilla County residents affected by nitrates in their drinking water. OPB shares the latest . KGW’s "The Story" did a series on this important public health issue the week of Nov. 13. The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) has announced revised groundwater allocation rules . The department is providing multiple opportunities to engage. The League has been following this process. Read more in OPB’s article . We have not yet officially weighed in but expect to support the rules that require the Water Resources Dept. to approve only those groundwater permit applications where there are data to assure that the groundwater is available and will replenish when drawn down. For more context, please see the background information , informational flyer , and Frequently Asked Questions . The Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) is being updated. There was a public comment on the first 2024 draft . A second draft will be available in May after incorporating comments from the April outreach. Columbia Insight did a great article about the project. The Oregon Water Resources Commission will hear public testimony and consider adoption of the 2024 IWRS at their September meeting. For more information about this process, please visit the IWRS page on their website. The League was actively involved in the first two IWRS documents and supported funding for the staffer to work on this project. The omnibus budget bill, SB 5701 , included an allocation of $1 million General Fund added to the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund . The League was engaged in helping create this fund in 2021 and supports this allocation. The legislature was provided with a report on HB 2145 (2021). The League continues to work to save Oregon’s wetlands and here’s why . We expect to engage with the Governor’s Office regarding housing needs while protecting wetlands. Quagga mussels continue to be a concern per an OPB article . The League agrees. As we continue to address water shortages, it is time for each of us to take personal action per EPA's Fix a Leak Week website. “Common water leaks around your home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads—all of which can be fixed with a little do-it-yourself effort,” said EPA Office of Wastewater Management Director Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year—the amount of water needed to wash 300 loads of laundry—and could be adding as much as 10% to your water bill.” League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. The April 8th Water Report includes this information: The seasonal climate outlook indicates probabilities leaning towards below average precipitation for northwestern portions of the state and equal chances of above or below average precipitation for the rest of the state. The seasonal outlook also indicates probabilities favoring above average temperatures statewide. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Amid welcome increased recognition this session among Legislators that the wildfire situation in Oregon is on an unsustainable trajectory in terms of funding across the board, that funding issue and the proposed solutions figured prominently, and are likely to continue to remain at the forefront in future sessions. Also, there were some notable shifts in messaging from the wildfire community. One shift was the acknowledgement that wildfires in the Western part of the State are increasing in frequency, as outlined in this KTVZ report on an OSU/U.S. Forest Service study released in February. Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal, throughout the session and even before it began, repeatedly stressed that Oregon is in uncharted waters with this development, calling it “alarming”, since these communities are not prepared. The other noticeable shift was more urgent language around the need for meaningful investments in funding of mitigation measures, with one expert stating, “We are not going to suppress our way out of this crisis.” Set against that background, the 2024 Short Session saw an unusually large number of wildfire related bills, including 3 very different bills, each with a different approach to addressing the lack of adequate, sustainable wildfire program funding. HB 4133 , which was supported by the Governor, SB 1593 , on which the League gave testimony in favor, and HJR 201 / HB 4075 ; however, all failed. In spite of the dire need, the right solution could not be found. This Capital Chronicle article provides a good accounting of each of the bills and their collective demise. In hindsight, perhaps a short session didn’t provide adequate time to refine any one of these very complex bills, all with good elements, to a point where any of them could garner the support needed to pass. One bit of good news is that this Budget Note was included in the SB5701 Budget Reconciliation bill, which directs the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Department of the State Fire Marshal to convene a facilitated workgroup to collaborate on finding sustainable wildfire funding solutions with stakeholders representing a broad swath of interests. As suggested in the opening paragraph above, this remains a high-priority, difficult problem with no simple solution. So, the work continues. Ironically, the one bill that could have directly addressed the community wildfire mitigation issue also failed. SB 1511 would have created a Neighborhood Protection Cooperatives Grant Program, administered through the Dept. of the State Fire Marshal. It also would have directed the Dept. of Business and Consumer Services to work with insurance companies to explore the possibility of “rewarding” communities that participate in standardized risk reduction programs with more favorable rates for homeowners’ insurance. The League testified in support of this bill. One bill that did pass, as is mentioned in the above referenced OPB article, was SB 1520 . This bill provided for an income tax subtraction for settlements or judgments received by wildfire damage victims, covering payments for damages incurred as far back as 2018. The impetus for this bill was that legal settlement and judgment proceeds were being taxed at 70%, with the remaining 30% also being taxable income, and legal fees not being deductible, leaving little left with which to rebuild. California already had passed similar legislation. The passion and motivation to get this bill passed was palpable, and it did so unanimously. And in another win for wildfire victims, SB 1545 also passed, which allows counties to offer a property tax break to wildfire victims who rebuild their homes. Another bill that passed, HB 4016, was an omnibus wildfire bill which provides some technical fixes and tweaks to a prescribed fire liability program, extends the deadline for home hardening grants to wildfire victims, and requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services and the Oregon State Fire Marshal to report to natural resources-related committees of the Legislative Assembly by September 15, 2024 on a proposal for a proactive home hardening program. This would theoretically establish a program designed to support home hardening efforts in advance of wildfire events, as opposed to the current program which only applies to rebuilds of homes destroyed by wildfire. This is one of many mitigation measures homeowners could take advantage of to help mitigate wildfire damage. Speaking of the need to mitigate wildfire damage in communities, ODF recently announced that Oregon ranks the #2 state in the nation in the number of active Firewise USA sites. In 2023, Oregon added 39 new sites creating more fire-adapted communities. Jackson County with 75 sites and Deschutes County with 73 sites are 4th and 5th in the number of sites in a county. This type of neighborhood level cooperation is a key factor in limiting the catastrophic losses associated with the new reality of increasing size, number and severity of wildfire events. Finally, the reworked Wildfire Hazard map has been under development, with a draft map having been shared with Counties around the State to gather feedback. Rulemaking Advisory Committee meetings were held in March. These will be followed by more public outreach, and it is anticipated the new map should be ready for release by January, 2025, at the latest. The Governor’s Wildfire Programs Advisory Council continues to meet and will follow the mapping project as well as other wildfire policy issues. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.