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League resources for the transition to the membership platform ChapterSpot. / ChapterSpot Resources / ChapterSpot Resources LWVOR is offering monthly office hours to discuss ChapterSpot and Stripe questions. Contact lwvor@lwvor.org for more information. ChapterSpot Updates for Leagues and Units Table of Contents ChapterSpot Member FAQs Membership Fees Structure New Membership Model - How it Will Affect Your League Individual Membership Change to Household and Student Membership Dues, Donations, and Tax-Deductible Percentages LWV Member Portal Administrator Guide ChapterSpot Member FAQs Not all members have received the invitation to join ChapterSpot yet. If this includes you, don’t worry! You will receive an invitation email soon. The email will come from transformation@lwv.org or kringkamp@lwv.org. Please check your spam or junk email folder as some members found theirs there. As we transition to the new portal, we want to address a few common concerns and provide clarity to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for all members. 1. Checks are always accepted Checks are always accepted with our new system and members who prefer to pay by check can absolutely do so. To pay by check: Step 1: Make check payable to LWVUS Step 2: Include a note with your name and the purpose of payment. Step 3: Mail or give to your local League (for units, the LWVOR office) 2. Personal questions are optional We understand concerns about privacy and we want to reassure everyone that answering personal questions when setting up your ChapterSpot account is completely optional. When you first log in, you may see questions about sex, pronouns, birthdate, etc. However, each of these fields has a “Prefer not to answer” option - you just need to click the field to see it. To skip these questions: Step 1: Click the box for any question you’re not comfortable answering. Step 2: Select “Prefer not to answer” from the dropdown menu. Step 3: Continue with the setup process. More FAQs will be added here in the coming days and weeks. Check back soon! LWVOR FAQs More Information Membership Fees Structure: In the new Chapterspot system, dues are set as follows: ‘Pay what you can’: Any individual may join the League for one year by paying any amount equal to or greater than $20. The suggested amount will be $75. Member Types are only Individual or Life: There is no longer a Household membership type - though multiple league members at the same address are welcome to join and renew pay-what-you-can There is no longer a Student membership type - though some Leagues may choose to subsidize members to pay below the $20 minimum to further remove barriers to joining Persons who have been league members for 50 years are Life Members and will continue to have their member dues waived Payment and Renewal Payment information is stored by Stripe, a trusted payment processor. Payment information is not visible to anyone at any level of LWV. Auto-Renew: League Members will have the option to sign up for automatic renewal Don’t use online credit card or ACH payments? No problem! Checks for dues and donations will always be welcome, though they will have to be written on two separate checks. Starting in February 2025, donations by check intended for your local or state league must be made out to your local or state league. However, renewal/joining dues checks must be made out to LWVUS and given/sent to your local League treasurer address or for state/unit members, mailed to LWVOR at 1330 12th St SE, Suite 200, Salem OR 97302. Your local league or LWVOR will mail your check with a deposit slip to LWVUS to process. New Membership Model - How it Will Affect Our League Individual Membership Most of our league members will not need to renew their annual memberships around the February 1, 2025 cutover date. Every current member of Oregon leagues/units who have an email address in our system will receive an email in early 2025 directing you to log in to the ChapterSpot portal for the first time to “claim your membership.” This just means that you will log in and be given the opportunity to fill out any membership information asked by your League and to verify and update your data if needed in the LWVUS National League member database (ChapterSpot), even though your membership may not yet be up for renewal. Watch for this email. The LWV contract with ChapterSpot affirms that all data is owned and exclusively safeguarded for LWV purposes only. ChapterSpot is not authorized to use it for anything other than fulfilling its service to our organization. For those league members who cannot access the internet to claim their Chapterspot account, all League Membership Coordinators can maintain/update their membership information in Chapterspot and continue to track years of league membership as they do now. Change to Household and Student Membership Although renewals will not happen all at once, the change of member status will happen in early 2025 to all Household and Student membership levels. With the new ChapterSpot system, Household and Student membership types will be discontinued and everyone not a Life Member will be changed to Individual. Then, when your annual membership expiration approaches, you will receive an email renewal notice. This is a change from current practice of household renewal emails sent to the individual (primary) member, which includes the household member. When the Individual (Primary) member in your household receives their renewal notice, the individual member will have the option to renew on behalf of another member in your household as well, though a unique email will be requested for your household member. They should be aware that the notices are coming and that they have the option to renew on their own. Your email address is your username for ChapterSpot, so it’s important that you include one, even if you’re only an occasional internet user. This is the way you will receive renewal reminders and forgotten password emails. Because your email is your username, you won’t be able to have the same one as someone else. Any member can unsubscribe from some types of messages, such as fundraising emails or optional newsletters. As a member of our organization, some messages, such as those about your membership, are not optional. Dues, Donations and Tax-Deductible Percentages Any portion of dues or donations going to a 501(c)(3) are tax-deductible. Members can still donate directly as desired via their local or state league website “Donate” button, or by check. If your local and/or state League dues are going to a 501(c)(3), that will be identified in your confirmation email, which can be used as a tax receipt. An increase to 20% of dues will go to the local League, an increase to 47% of dues will go to the state League, and a decrease not to exceed 33% will go to LWVUS, in order to increase support for local and state voter education and advocacy efforts. Mem Fees New Mem Model Change Student Dues Donations 🔗 LWV Member Portal Administrators’ Guide LWV Guide

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Forestry Governance Land Use & Housing State Land Board (SLB) Transportation Water Wildfire AIR QUALITY SB 726 A would direct the Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology for surface emissions monitoring at municipal solid waste landfills, beginning 1/1/2027. The A7 amendment limits the bill's application to a landfill located in Benton County (e.g., Coffin Butte). Awaiting Governor’s signature. Related to this bill is HB 3794 , a bill that would create a Task Force on Municipal Solid Waste in the Willamette Valley. HB 3794 has been assigned to the Ways and Means Capital Construction Subcommittee. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources. However, there are currently over 500 bills in Joint Ways and Means, with many of the agency budget bills now moving through that committee and to the floor and then on to the Governor. Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Both bills awaiting the Governor’s signature. Five bills related to department’s various fee increases also passed Full Ways and Means. HB 2805 Relating to food establishment licenses ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2806 Relating to license fees for commercial instruments ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2809 Relating to pesticide registration fees ( Meeting Materials ), SB 1019 A Relating to brands ( Meeting Materials ), SB 832 A Relating to civil penalties for laws implemented by the State Department of Agriculture ( Meeting Materials ) Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 LFO Recommendation Awaiting the Governor’s signature. Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 League testimony . LFO Recommendation and Meeting Materials Awaiting a vote on the House floor. Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 and Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 Meeting Materials . Passed the House June 13. Now awaiting the Governor’s signature. Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 ( LFO Recommendation ), along with HB 2342 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to fees concerning wildlife, HB 2343 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to the Columbia Basin endorsement and HB 2345 ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to Oregon hatcheries. These three bills passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 and now head to chamber floors. HB 5009 passed the House floor June 13. Conservationists, with HB 2977 (a -2 amendment has been filed), would add 1% (or 1.5%) for conservation programs. That additional money would go to a special Fund at the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. It had a hearing in House Revenue on May 8. Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . Meeting Materials ; LFO Recommendation Passed Full and and Means on June 13. Headed for chamber votes as is HB 2072, Harvest Tax, LFO Recommendation . Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI): HB 5010 LFO Recommendation . Passed Full Ways and Means on June 6, passed the House floor and now headed to the Senate for a vote. Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials LWVOR testimony LWVOR supports SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. Here is the LFO Recommendation for SB 836. It too passed Full Ways and Means and will go to the chamber floors. Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 LWVOR testimony . The budget passed Full Ways and Means on June 13 and now heads to the chambers for votes. This budget and the Oregon Housing and Community Services budget ( HB 5011 ) have been part of a challenging conversation between the Governor and the Ways and Means Co-Chairs with the Governor’s recommended budget being more than the May revenue forecast can afford. LFO Recommendation Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB): HB 5021 and HB 2558 A modifies the definition of "charter guide" for purposes of outfitter and guide laws. Both bills are awaiting the Governor’s signature. HB 2982 A , a bill that increases boating permit costs estimated to increase revenue to OSMB by about $1 million for the 2025-27 biennium, most of which will be used to address Aquatic and Invasive Species (AIS) management in partnership with the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife were considered together. Here is the Legislative Fiscal Office recommendation for each of the three bills. HB 2982 passed the House chamber. Awaiting a vote in the Senate. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 LWVOR testimony in support. LFO 2025-27 budget recommendation . Awaiting the Governor’s signature. LFO budget recommendation for SB 147. Awaiting the Governor’s signature. Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 Public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. The bill passed Full Ways and Means. passed the House. Now headed to the Senate chamber. LFO Recommendation . There is a bill related to contracting rules ( SB 838 B ) which is waiting Senate concurrence of House amendments. Another, SB 565 , would move the Capitol State Park back to the control of the Dept. of Administrative Services, may come back in 2026. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 and support HB 2803 (The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies.) The budget and fee bills passed Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee on June 10 along with HB 3544A , a bill that revises current statutes on contested case procedures related to new water right applications and water right transfer applications (contested cases) and the bills are headed to Full Ways and Means. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials . Work Session June 2 where it passed the Subcommittee and passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 . Passed the House June 13. Now headed to the Senate for a vote. LFO Recommendation Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-26. Work Session June 2 where it passed the Subcommittee and passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 . Now headed to both chambers for a vote. LFO Recommendation Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT): SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. The budget for ODOT has now been assigned to the Capital Construction Ways and Means Subcommittee. Separately, HB 2025 is the comprehensive Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) and it is being worked in a new committee: Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment . The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Info hearings 4/29-30. Public hearing May 1st. This bill has been assigned to the Capital Construction Ways and Means Subcommittee. Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing May 9 and May 16 @ 1p. The League supported two of the requests: $160 million for preservation of rental housing and $25 million to preserve manufactured housing and $100 million Housing Infrastructure Fund in Section 14. There are over $2 billion in requests for a variety of projects around Oregon! Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be populated with an amount for the Emergency Board to spend at will and amounts in Special Purpose Appropriations if needed when the legislature is not in session. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing held April 18. Second public hearing, this time on university and community college requests, was held May 2. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) Public hearing held May 2. 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 Coastal Program meetings on Offshore Wind Energy, Ocean Acidification and the Ocean Science Trust coming soon. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The League supports HB 3580 eelgrass stabilization LWVOR signed letter of support and HB 3587A Protection of Rocky Habitat LWVOR signed letter of support ( fiscal impact statement ). To help these bills get funded, consider LWVOR’s Action Alert . If either of these bills are funded, it is most likely to be HB 3587. The League signed on to a letter of support for HB 3963 , a bill that extends the timeline for the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to provide a report on offshore wind conversations from 2025 to 2027. The League signed on to testimony in support. A work session was held May 29 where the bill passed committee in a partisan vote. The bill passed the House floor (34/18 with 2 excused) and now is headed to the Senate Rules Committee for a public hearing June 17. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch SB 1154 was filed by the Governor to address the groundwater/nitrate issue in Morrow and Umatilla counties per this OPB article . See also in the Water section for a presentation of interest. The bill has a public hearing and possible work session for June 9 in Senate Rules. An A3 amendment is posted. The Governor’s office provided this slide show to help explain the policy implications. After the public hearing, they moved the work session to June 10. It seems that there is still division and supporters of the original bill aren’t happy with the amendment while some of the opposition may be neutral on the amendment. There have obviously been MANY work group meetings. This Oregon Capital Chronicle article helps explain the controversy. The bill passed out of Senate Rules on a party line (3/2) vote and now goes to the Senate floor. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) By Joan Fryxell The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries has released multiple new reports in the first part of 2025. Open-File Report O-25-01: Earthquake and Tsunami Impact Analysis for the Oregon Coast. This report is the final in a series of evaluations of the potential impacts of a Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake and accompanying tsunami affecting communities and parks along the length of the Oregon Coast. The analyses presented here update previous countywide studies completed by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) between 2020 and 2023. This new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-01.aspx . Open-File Report O-25-02: Ecola State Park Landslide Risk Analysis, Clatsop County, Oregon. Landslide hazards have been an issue at Ecola State Park since its designation in 1932. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the current and future landslide susceptibility and risk within and surrounding Ecola to assist the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) in making decisions to reduce landslide risk, with an emphasis on roadways. This report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-02.aspx . Open-File Report O-25-03: Landslide Inventory Map of Western Hood River County, Oregon. Landslides are one of the most widespread and damaging natural hazards in Oregon. This map is an inventory of existing landslides in the study area and is one of the essential data layers used to delineate regional landslide susceptibility. This landslide inventory is not regulatory, and revisions can happen when new information regarding landslides is found or when new landslides occur. This new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-03.aspx . Open-File Report O-25-04: Beaches and Dunes of Clatsop County, Oregon: 1975 to 2022. New lidar-based mapping along the Clatsop County coast provides updated spatial extents of beach and dune features exposed to existing and future storm-induced wave erosion, runup, overtopping, and coastal flooding. Side-by-side comparisons between 1975 and the latest mapping of beach and dune feature highlight important spatial changes in coastal geomorphology that have taken place. This new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-04.aspx . Open-File Report O-25-05: Path Distance Tsunami Modeling for Oregon Tsunami-Hazard Zones. The Oregon Coast is threatened by tsunamis originating from megathrust earthquakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone as well as from distant earthquake sources, the nearest being Alaska. This GIS data release includes path distance evacuation modeling for all five local Cascadia and two Alaska distant tsunami inundation scenarios. These data are the basis for undertaking tsunami evacuation modeling. The new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-05.aspx . Special Paper 55: Multitemporal LIDAR Analysis of Pre- and Post-Eagle Creek Fire Debris Flows, Western Columbia River Gorge, Hood River and Multnomah Counties, Oregon. The paper presents an evaluation of debris flows both prior to and post-2017 Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge. The paper also presents a method for evaluation of debris flows using multitemporal light detection and ranging (lidar). The intended audiences for this paper include those in government, industry, academia, and the public who are interested in debris-flow hazards prefire and postfire in western Oregon. The new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/sp/SP-55.aspx . The Grassy-Mountain Gold Project Technical Review Team will meet June 16th. Information can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx . The League continues to follow this project as the first consolidated permitting project to be held in Oregon. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The ESRF Board of Directors met in North Bend June 11. Click here to download the meeting agenda and materials . The Board approved the 2025-27 Biennial Operations Plan and recommended research grant proposals one and two and the tier two level with verbal support for proposals three and four without funding at this time. FORESTRY SB 1051 , which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation had a Work Session June 11 in the Senate Rules Committee where -4 amendment was adopted and the bill has moved the the Senate floor for a vote. GOVERNANCE HB 3569 , a bill that would require a Chief Sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee (RAC) for legislation they had a hand in passing, passed the House. The League provided testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill. The bill passed Senate Rules on June 5 and now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. The League continues to have discussions with Legislative Leadership and the Governor’s office on these RACs bills, explaining our concerns. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. The League joined others in sharing concerns about this bill to members of House Rules. It was pulled from the scheduled work session on May 28th. The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking ( SB 437 , SB 1006 , SB 370 , SB 483 ) and SB 411 , SB 895 also in Senate Rules. HB 2454 passed House Rules with the -1 amendment and was sent to Ways and Means. The bill creates a new Audits Officer (with possible additional staff). The Jt. Audits Committee would hire the Officer. From Leader Bowman’s office: “ HB 2454 changes the statutory authority related to audits and audit reviews from the Legislative Fiscal Office to the Legislative Audit Officer (LAO) and authorizes the LAO to hire necessary staff to carry out assigned functions. The LAO and his/her staff will be housed under the new Legislative Performance Oversight and Government Accountability Office. The bill does substitute LFO for the LAO on a number of responsibilities. LFO will continue fiscal analyses and other duties, while audits and oversight will be housed under the LAO.” We are concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. A work session was held May 28 where the -2 amendment was adopted to delay the web work and the bill sent to Ways and Means. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies: This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. See also the Governance section of this Legislative Report. LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra U. Bishop/Peggy Lynch HB 2138 , the Governor’s follow up on a middle housing bill had a work session along with the Housing agency’s budget bill on June 10 and passed Full Ways and Means Committee on June 13. LFO Recommendation The League engaged on elements of this bill over the summer but chose to stay silent due to some of the provisions in the bill. HB 2258 , a bill that authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt rules requiring local governments to approve certain land use applications for residential developments using building plans preapproved by the Department of Consumer and Business Services passed Full Ways and Means on June 13. LFO Recommendation The League provided testimony in support of HB 3939 , a bill that provides a list of infrastructure projects to fund for smaller Oregon cities so they can build more housing. We have also supported HB 3031 A (already sitting in Ways and Means) but know there might be limited dollars this session so called out that link in our letter. The -1 amendment to HB 3939 was adopted and the bill moved to Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. HB 2316 -4 frees up approximately 3,500 acres of state land which can now be used for housing production, all within the urban growth boundaries. The A6 amendment was adopted and the bill sent to Ways and Means. The Land Conservation and Development Commission will meet June 26-27 in Salem. Guest presenters include Oregon Water Resources Director Ivan Gall, and Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) Coordinator Crystal Grinnell, who will provide updates on the 2025 Draft IWRS before its scheduled adoption by the Water Resources Commission this fall. agenda See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. STATE LAND BOARD (SLB) The SLB met June 10, but did NOT appoint a new Director. They have scheduled an executive meeting on June 16 to interview the two finalists and then will call a special meeting to appoint the new Director. TRANSPORTATION HB 2025 is the comprehensive Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) which is being worked in a new committee: Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment . The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. Rep. McLain, Co-Chair, said she would share information by the first of the coming week. Written testimony was taken thru Saturday. You can listen to the hearings from last week: Informational meeting on House Bill 2025 Public hearing on ODOT Accountability and Anchor Projects Public hearing on Transit, Active Transportation, and Rail Public hearing on Maintenance, Operations, and Safety Republican legislators have proposed House Bill 3982 a no-new-taxes alternative that prioritizes real infrastructure needs without increasing costs for families. It will be interesting to see if any portion of this bill is included in amendments to HB 2025 in order to pass a final bill with bipartisan support. The House bill doesn’t include alternative transportation elements. The proposed 2025 Transportation Plan, if not agreed upon by the legislature in a truly bipartisan manner, is expected to be taken to the voters by a new political action committee “No Gas Hikes’ per this OPB article . “ Bills passed by Oregon lawmakers can be referred to voters if organizers collect enough valid signatures within 90 days of the Legislature adjourning. This year, a referral would require at least 78,115 signatures, equal to 4% of the people who cast a ballot in the 2022 gubernatorial election.” WATER By Peggy Lynch From Rep. Ken Helm: The beta version of the pilot portal for the Oregon Water Data Portal is live and ready for testing. The pilot portal is accessible at https://www.oregonwaterdata.org/ . This project is about improving access to data and information to help users make water and water infrastructure decisions and was funded by the Legislature in 2021 and 2023. The concept of a water data portal was initially described in the implementation portion of Oregon’s 2017 Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) and Oregon’s 100-year Water Vision . The League has supported funding of the Portal and and engaged in the IWRS and Water Vision. This Oregon water data pilot portal was developed through a collaboration with multiple Oregon agencies, Oregon State University, and the Internet of Water Coalition based on the experience and knowledge of this group as well as the input and questions the team has received through various engagements. The objective of this initial pilot portal is to test functionality using limited data and will evolve over the next six months as data are added and improvements are made based on user feedback. The team will continue to build their understanding about user needs and experiences through this pilot portal phase. Users can provide feedback about the beta version of the pilot portal by completing a survey or emailing OWDP@deq.oregon.gov . Changes to the pilot portal will be made intermittently from input received during the beta testing until June 2025, as resources allow. HB 2169 had a work session on June 3 in the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee. LFO Recommendation The bill directs the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to establish and lead . an interagency water reuse team to encourage and expand water reuse in Oregon. Full Ways and Means passed the bill on June 6 so it now goes to both chambers for a vote. HB 2947 also had a work session on June 3. “ Directs the Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University to study the distribution and occurrence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in biosolids applied to agricultural fields that do not produce crops intended for human consumption.” LFO Recommendation . Full Ways and Means passed the bill on June 6 so it now goes to both chambers for a vote. HB 3806 , a bill that authorizes the Oregon Water Resources Commission to approve a Deschutes River water bank pilot program if the charter is approved by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and adheres to all requirements. It sunsets the pilot program on January 2, 2034, had a work session in Jt. Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources on May 29th. It was noted that funding for this pilot will be provided by the Deschutes River Conservancy. The bill passed and was sent to Full Ways and Means where it passed on June 6 and now goes to both chambers for a vote. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. The bill sits in Senate Rules. SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office had a work session April 8 where the bill was sent to Senate Rules. A work session was held June 9 on SB 1153 where the -10 amendment was adopted and the bill passed on a party line vote 3/2. Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ). A - 4 amendment was adopted and the bill is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ). A work session was held and the bill was sent to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) A work session was held and the bill was referred to House Rules without recommendation as to passage on a 6 to 3 vote. HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. House Rules had a public hearing April 30. A work session scheduled for May 12 has been cancelled. A number of amendments have been offered. The controversy seems to be around timelines for testing—how often—and what exactly gets tested. The League hopes to see this bill move forward, even if there are constraints. It would be a beginning and a recognition that water needs to be safe for everyone-homeowners and renters. SUMMER PREPARATION TIPS League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. An Abnormally Dry designation has increased in NE and NW Oregon and now we also see our first level of Drought (Moderate) in some of those areas (over 8% of Oregon is in moderate drought (D1) and over 35% is abnormally dry (D0)). Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon and a long range climate prediction . We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers “The tick of the clock is really loud right now,” Sen. Jeff Golden, an Ashland Democrat and staunch advocate for fire funding, said last week. That quote from this Oregon Live article sums up perfectly the current landscape for wildfire funding at the Oregon Legislature. In the face of uncertainties around staffing as the result of cuts to some of federal agencies, and a looming session’s end with no clear funding solution in sight, there is a real sense of dread around the wildfire community. The federal situation is outlined in this OPB article . Adding to the growing pessimism is the recent forecast from the weather folks at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) that this fire season will likely be a very challenging one, with the entire state as well as the entire Northwest region expected to be a high risk for large wildfires by August 1. This is a month earlier than usual, and that prediction comes when the aforementioned federal cuts are delaying the process of getting all the personnel ready for the season - a season that is already underway. As of Thursday, June 12, ODF’s dashboard showed there were 36 wildfires burning in the state, with 3 classified as “large” and one already requiring the Governor to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act. In that fire, the Rowena fire between the Dalles and Mosier, there have been over 40 homes burned. Details from the Oregon Department of the fire Marshal may be found here . One fact that amplifies these fears of personnel shortages for the upcoming season is the fact announced by ODF recently that 1,600 “red-carded” federal employees, meaning they are fire-qualified and mobilized to handle incident management and some fire suppression duties when resources are strained, will not be fielded this season. When last season was, at one point an all hands on deck situation with ZERO personnel available to send to new fires, that 1,600 fewer fire fighters seems ominous. There has been very little movement with bills related to wildfire in the past week. Tangentially related to wildfire is SB 1051 , which would transfer the power to appoint the State Forester to the Governor from the Board of Forestry. A Work Session on this bill was held on June 11 before the Senate Rule Committee at which the -4 amendment was approved and the bill was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. SB 83 , which would repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map and accompanying statues related to it, remains in House Rules where it has been since May 20. It seems that the bill is now being used as trade bait to find funding for wildfire according to a news release from Sen. David Brock Smith. Speaker Fahey responded by arguing that if lawmakers are going to repeal requirements for how Oregonians in high-risk areas must harden their home against wildfire, then she wants to see dedicated funding to support alternative fire prevention efforts. “It’s not about holding anything hostage. It’s about holding ourselves accountable to delivering that funding mechanism,” she said. “You can’t take something away without a plan for what’s replacing it.” saying that, repealing the map without a plan to provide funding for these lands is irresponsible. SB 75 A , removes the wildfire hazard map as a guide for allowing ADUs and requiring higher building codes in rural areas is also still in House Rules where it was sent May 22nd . It is likely to stay there while negotiations continue on wildfire funding. Here is a short report on status of the bills mentioned last week: The Omnibus wildfire funding bill, HB 3940A , had a robust Public Hearing before the House Committee on Revenue on May 1. Legislative Revenue staff provided a table to help understand the various elements of the bill. Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office have stated the minimum annual need for wildfire funding to address the growing wildfire crisis is around $280 million. The bill has a provision related to increasing the bottle deposit to help pay for wildfire funding. This provision was widely opposed, but another concept has been floated where the unclaimed deposits (now used to help pay for the collection system) would be instead used for wildfire funding. This bill is still part of the wildfire funding conversation. SB 1177 is still before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. It had a public hearing on April 7. This bill would establish the Oregon Wildfire Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and redirect the “kicker” to it, one- time, for financing wildfire related expenses, by using the interest earned. A 5% return would yield approximately $170-180 million per year, or just over half of the aforementioned projected ongoing costs to fund wildfire mitigation and suppression. (The Governor has expressed interest in using only the amount of kicker that would go to large income earners for wildfire costs.) SJR 11 also remains before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue after its April 7 public hearing. It would dedicate a fixed, to-be-determined percentage of net proceeds of the State Lottery to a wildfire fund created by the Legislature. Its passage would mean an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, which would have to go to the voters for approval. Finally, HB 3489 , which imposes a severance tax on owners of timber harvested from public or private forestland, had a Public Hearing April 24 before the House Committee on Revenue. The League has supported a severance tax in past sessions and provided testimony at the hearing. Rep. E. Werner Reschke has suggested using the interest generated by Oregon’s Rainy Day Fund savings account to pay for wildfire. For the 2025-27 session, that interest is around $160 million – which gets lawmakers more than halfway to the $280 M target. He has also suggested pulling more money out of the body of the Rainy Day Fund itself to cover the other half, though doing so would be complicated. However, the Governor and others have insisted on “new money” for wildfire funding rather than using “current money”. Speaker Fahey has said she expects the House Revenue Committee to unveil a plan to fund wildfire soon. SB 454 A requires the Department of the State Fire Marshal to create an advisory committee to advise the department on funding options for rural fire protection districts (RFPDs), instructs the committee to develop funding recommendations based on the review and report to the Legislature by December 31, 2026. The House Revenue Committee will have a public hearing on June 16. The League is also still following other non-funding related bills, such as SB 926 , which would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. It was passed by the Senate. The House Committee on Judiciary adopted the A 10 amendment and the Speaker sent the bill to Ways and Means. HB 3666 remains in the Rules Committee. This bill would establish wildfire mitigation actions and an accompanying certification for electric utilities in an attempt to standardize their approach. Because our Rural Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) are seeing a huge increase in their fire fees, Rep. Owens has offered the following: “ I introduced HB 3349 and HB 3350 to ensure our RFPAs have access to the tools they need. These bills propose establishing a dedicated funding stream to help RFPAs obtain gear from the Oregon Department of Forestry and better access federal resources. Importantly, this support does not change their volunteer status but simply gives them the resources to be more effective and safe while serving our communities.” HB 3349 had an A-2 amendment and an LFO Recommendation of $1 million placed in a new Rangeland Protection Association Fund in Joint Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee on June 11. The amended bill passed the Subcommittee to Full Ways and Means Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

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

Back to All Legislative Reports 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 Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 3/20 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 a topic: Gun Safety Criminal Justice Housing Immigration/Refugees and Other Basic Rights Gun Safety By Marge Easley Three key gun safety bills were heard together in a combined informational and public testimony hearing in House Judiciary on March 22. The concepts of HB 2005 , HB 2006 , and HB 2007 will be incorporated into HB 2005 and make these changes to Oregon firearms laws: Ban undetectable, unserialized firearms (known as “ghost guns”). Sponsored by Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, this is the fourth attempt to pass this legislation. Limit ability to purchase or transfer a firearm to those 21 and older, with the exception of hunting rifles and shotguns. Expand the number of jurisdictions that have the authority to create gun-free zones to include cities, counties, districts, or any other entities that fall within the definition of “municipal corporations.” This is an add-on to SB 554 (2021) , in which guns were banned from the Oregon Capitol, PDX Airport, and those school districts, community colleges, and universities that chose to do so. A number of amendments will be introduced in the next few days to clarify the processes and exemptions detailed in the bill. A work session on SB 2005 is scheduled for March 28. Here is the League’s supportive testimony on HB 2005 , HB 2006 , and HB 2007 . Another bill placing a limitation on the age of gun owners is SB 527 , sponsored by Senator Michael Dembrow. It allows gun owners, if they so wish, to establish a minimum age of 21 for the purchase, repair, or service of a firearm. A public hearing is scheduled for March 27 in Senate Judiciary and a work session on March 30. We are awaiting the gutting and stuffing of SB 348 , which is the placeholder bill providing specifics on the implementation of Measure 114 (permit-to-purchase and ban on large-capacity magazines). I accompanied members of LEVO at the Capitol on March 21 as they lobbied legislators to honor the will of the voters and keep the provisions of the measure intact with no substantive changes. Another goal is to have the permitting process fully in place as soon as the hold is lifted by the courts. Housing By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan The Senate passed Governor Kotek’s two major emergency housing and homeless bills as part of a $200 million funding package on March 21. These bills will substantially increase funding for programs to keep Oregonians experiencing housing instability in their homes, move unsheltered people into safe shelters and stable housing, and increase affordable housing production. The bills are HB 2001 B , the policy bill, and HB 5019 A , the budget bill. Details on these expenditures are here. The League provided testimony on HB 5019. We also added our logo to House and Senate floor letters along with a number of other supportive organizations. The bills are headed to the Governor’s office for consideration and signature. These measures are an initial step towards addressing the state’s homelessness crisis and housing shortage. At least 18,000 Oregonians are homeless, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and many more are struggling to make rent or mortgage payments. Oregon needs to build more than half a million homes in the next two decades to meet expected demand, according to an Oregon Housing Needs Analysis . Cities with more than 10,000 people would be required to set building targets for specific income levels. SB 611 would make adjustments to the 2019 legislation (SB 608) limiting rent increases. If passed, SB 611 would limit residential rent increases to the lesser of 8% or 3% plus the consumer price index one-year change. It would further increase the amount of rent owed to the tenant from one month to three months in certain eviction cases and reduce the exemption on rent increases allowed on new construction from 15 years to three. A public hearing is scheduled before Senate Housing and Development on March 27; a work session is scheduled for March 29. HB 3488 would appropriate $73 million in general fund money to support homeownership programs, particularly among communities of color. The money would be used for down payment assistance grants to culturally responsive, culturally specific, or tribal organizations; flexible home loans provided by the Home Ownership Assistance Account; support for low-income home purchasers through the nine federally recognized tribes; and grants to culturally responsive or specific organizations to expand homeownership services. The bill would further appropriate resources to the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) to fund the Fair Housing Council of Oregon’s fair housing work, BOLI’s housing discrimination investigations, education, and outreach efforts. The Department of Justice would receive $500,000 to enforce fair housing laws. There is a work session scheduled before the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on March 30. HB 3042 applies to publicly supported housing after the landlord withdraws the property from a government contract. It would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants from their homes for three years after the contract ends. Rent increases would be allowed no more than once a year during that period and would be limited by state limits on rent increases. A work session before the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness took place on March 23. HB 2653 seeks to prevent the loss of affordable rental housing with expiring affordability restrictions by providing an income tax credit to the seller if the units will remain affordable to households earning up to 80 percent AMI for at least 30 more years. According to OHCS, approximately 7,500 units have affordability restrictions that will expire over the next 10 years. Given Oregon’s shortage of low-income housing, losing these units will compound the problem. The House Committee on Housing and Homelessness held a work session on March 21. SB 1076 would require licensed hospitals to include in their discharge policy specific procedures for when they discharge homeless patients. Hospital staff would work with patients and supportive services to discharge patients safely, regardless of their housing status. Unfortunately, homeless patients have been discharged with no real destination and left with no resources outside on the street. A public hearing was held before the Senate Committee on Health Care on March 23, and a work session will be held on March 27. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley & Karen Nibler This is the critical time in the session when bills either die or must be scheduled for a hearing and subsequent work session in the originating chamber. Here are viable Criminal Justice bills that are supported by the League: Senate Judiciary Committee SB 1070 , sentence reduction for domestic abuse survivors, has a hearing March 28 and a work session April 4. Testimony not yet posted. SB 974 , creating crime of sexual assault by fraudulent representation, has a work session on March 27. League testimony . Senate Education Committee SB 551 , requiring school districts to post information on safe storage of firearms and drugs on websites and social media, has a work session on March 28. League testimony . House Judiciary Committee SB 529 , expansion of alternative incarceration addiction programs, has passed the Senate and has a House Judiciary hearing on March 27 and a work session on March 30. League testimony . HB 2327 , providing preventive services to high-risk juveniles under 12. League testimony . HB 2345-1 , limiting the length of time an incarcerated person can spend in segregated housing, has a work session on April 3. League testimony . HB 2535 , establishing a doula program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, has passed the House and is awaiting assignment in the Senate. League testimony . HB 2572 , expanding definition of civil disorder, has been referred to House Rules without recommendation. League testimony . HB 2731 , continuing the Family Preservation Project at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, passed the House and was referred to W&Ms League testimony . Other bills the League is monitoring: The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve the extension of the Justice Reinvestment Program through the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (OCJC) until July 1, 2033. The program was initiated in 2013 to reduce recidivism and prevent the costs for new prisons. OCJC distributes funding to the state Department of Corrections Community Programs for program coordinators and services for housing, substance abuse treatment and victim services. SB 344 -1 provides funding to continue these Oregon services to reduce recidivism and the need to construct additional prisons. The League testified its approval for the original HB 3194 (2013) which started this program. SB 339 -1 , also from OCJC, added conditions of probation on property offenses that required tests for substance abuse, evaluations and treatment. Property thefts often fund substance purchases. SB 519 on Juvenile records expunction passed after hearings on the current process initiated in County Juvenile Departments but required actions through Oregon Youth Authority and Oregon Judicial Department records. SB 1065 requested the expunction of adult records on possession of a controlled substance. Although there was objection from district attorneys, it is scheduled for a work session. Immigration/Refugees and other Basic Rights By Claudia Keith Bills we are supporting or following: HB 2957 : Work Session 3/27 .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 was 2/22 , League Testimony supports. HB 3176 Work Session 4/3 . 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 to JW&M. Public Hearing was 3/8 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. Fiscal Analysis 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 : Work Session 3/27 .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. Public Hearing was 2/27. Legislative Summary HB 2990 -1 . Work session 3/27 . Resilience Hubs. Directs Oregon Health Authority to develop and implement grant programs to support resilience hubs and networks in Oregon. May partially replace the ‘Workers Relief Fund’ . ‘Oregon Worker Relief measures impact in infrastructure’| Statesman Journal. Immigration SB 185 Work Session 4/3 : 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 849 Public Hearing 2/28 with -1 amendment . Preliminary SMS : Work session was 3/14. Now in JW&Ms. Fiscal $20M grant fund. Requires professional licensing boards to provide culturally responsive training to specified staff members, publish guidance on pathways to professional authorization for internationally educated individuals and waive requirement for English proficiency examination for specified internationally educated individuals…. Sen Labor & Business. Senator Jama, Dembrow, Frederick, Campos, Manning Jr, Woods, Representative Chaichi, Nguyen H. Other Bills SB 613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities. In Senate Rules. SB 216 Passed out of SCHC 3/1 , Now in House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee. 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). HB2905 : Now in Senate Education. Expands list of individuals whose histories, contributions and perspectives are required to be included in social studies academic content standards and in related textbooks and instructional materials. Passed out of House Committee with Unanimous Vote . SB 421 Work session is 3/30 . establishes a youth advisory council. Prescribes membership and duties of youth advisory council. DOE to establish a work group to establish standards for the selection process of members of the youth advisory council. PH was 2/28 Staff Measure Summary HB 2458 : Died in Committee. Prohibits conversion therapy. Public Hearing was 2/24 . No League testimony.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/12 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 Higher Education Housing Gun Policy and Violence Prevention General Education By Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator, and Team After School and Summer Care By Katie Riley HB 4082, Summer Learning for 2024 and Beyond , to provide $50 million for summer care in 2024 and establish a workgroup for planning to support after-school and summer learning opportunities and care in the future was approved unanimously in the House Committee on Education and referred to Ways and Means. Behavioral Health and Related Public Safety Issues By Karen Nibler/Jean Pierce SB 1553-1 , which restricts the use of an illegal drug on public transit, is on second reading in the Senate. The bill adds unlawful possession and use of a drug to the list of crimes which interfere with public transportation. This would make the use of a drug such as fentanyl on public transportation or at a transit station a Class C misdemeanor. A person with three or more prior convictions for interfering with public transportation is charged with a Class A misdemeanor. The law does not address the payment of fees, paths to expungement, or support for behavioral health treatment. No other bills designed to increase penalties for public drug use advanced this week. This includes HB4002 , for which the League submitted testimony. Similarly, none of the bills designed to study issues related to public drug use advanced. Higher Education By Jean Pierce Update on SB1592 for which the League submitted testimony : The Senate Education Committee passed this bill, which allocates $6M from General Funds to public universities in Oregon to train behavioral health professionals, with the following amendment: the role of labor management was recognized as a force in developing career pathways. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Update on HB4162 for which the League submitted testimony : The House Committee on Higher Education passed this bill, which allocates $5M from General Funds to the Higher Education Coordinating Committee to divide among public colleges and universities to assist students in paying for basic needs such as food, housing, textbooks, etc. It has been referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. HB4125 : The House Committee on Higher Education passed HB4125, which would direct the Legislative Policy and Research Director to hire a qualified vendor to conduct a study of the effectiveness of the Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC) and Individual Governing Boards for Oregon’s public universities. The study would provide comparisons to trends such as tuition costs and student debt in other states as well as comparisons of the actual performance of the HECC and the Governing Boards to the goals described in the original legislation. The study would also examine trends in state funding for the institutions adjusted for inflation. The bill allocates more than $463,000 for the study, and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Housing By Nancy Donovan, Debbie Aiona, Beth Jacobi Emergency Housing Stability and Production Package (SB 1537-9 and SB 1530-3) At the start of the session, Governor Kotek introduced legislation aimed at increasing housing production and addressing the needs of unsheltered Oregonians. The package passed out of the Senate Committee on Housing and Development on a unanimous vote of 5-0 and now will go to the Committee on Ways and Means. SB 1537-9 would provide technical assistance, new sources of funding and the ability to expand urban growth boundaries to increase housing production by: Creating a Housing Accountability and Production Office, which would be responsible for assisting local governments with housing production by offering technical assistance aimed at reducing barriers to development, among other things. Establishing a Housing Infrastructure Support Fund available to local jurisdictions as they plan for the infrastructure needed to serve new housing development. Allowing local jurisdictions to have access to a new $75 million Housing Project Revolving Loan Fund for the purpose of financing production of affordable and moderate-income housing projects. Granting qualified cities a one-time expansion of their urban growth boundaries (UGB). Cities with 25,000 people could expand their UGB by 50 acres. Cities over 25,000 could expand it by 100 acres, and in the Metro Area, the limit is 300 acres. LWVOR still has a number of concerns about SB 1537, although we appreciate the reduction in UGB acreage expansion that this bill would allow. SB 1530-3 would provide desperately needed funding for unsheltered Oregonians and households living in unstable conditions. The League submitted a letter in support and requested the addition of funding for low-income housing preservation, increasing resources for the Independent Development Account program, and funds for production of affordable homes for first-time buyers. The bill appropriates funding to the Housing and Community Services Department, Oregon Health Authority, Department of Human Services, and Oregon Department of Administrative Services and other programs to directly address the immediate needs of households and individuals: $65 million for the operations, services, and administration of emergency shelters. $2 million to provide support for warming or cooling emergency shelters or facilities. $40 million for homelessness prevention services, through the Oregon Eviction Diversion and Prevention, and Prevention and Eviction Prevention Rapid Response Programs, as well as services for culturally specific organizations. $18 million for housing for people recovering from drug addiction. Other items that promote housing affordability and stability include: $100 million for infrastructure projects that will support the development of housing. $10 million for land acquisition for affordable housing. $2 million to provide support for residents whose housing may be withdrawn from publicly supported housing or is within a manufactured dwelling park being sold or closed. The League provided testimony to increase the funding to $30 million. $5 million to provide matching funds for deposits into Individual Development Accounts. The League provided testimony to increase the amount to $10 million to continue their current service levels. $3.5 for air conditioners and air filters to at-risk individuals. $7.5 million to Healthy Homes, to support home repairs and improvements to lower energy usage and make homes safer. A recent report by Portland State University shows that homelessness increased by 8.5 percent overall from 2022 and unsheltered homelessness increased 17.2 percent. These figures underscore the importance of increasing efforts to address the need. Violence Prevention and Gun Policy By Marge Easley The League submitted testimony on February 14 in support of HB 4135 , which creates the crime of threatening a mass injury event. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Courtney Neron, changes current law to allow for charging an intentional and credible threat as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. The amount of the fine and imprisonment time would increase considerably upon the second and subsequent offense. Using our position on Gun Policy, we also support the bill’s provision to prohibit the possession of a firearm by a person convicted of threatening a mass injury event. The bill may now be undergoing some fine-tuning due to opposition related to free speech and juvenile justice issues, since a scheduled work session no longer appears on OLIS. SB 1503 A , which establishes a Task Force on Community Safety and Firearm Suicide Prevention and received supportive League testimony, passed out of Senate Judiciary with amendments on February 13 and has been referred to Ways and Means. The League is also monitoring HB 4156 , which modernizes Oregon’s anti-stalking law. The bill, championed by Rep. Kevin Mannix, passed out of the House Judiciary with amendments on February 15 and was referred to Ways and Means. General Education By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio This is the week to follow Bills that are destined to proceed to the House, or Senate, and as needed to Ways and Means, Revenue, or other committees to allow passage. We are following two Bills in Human Services that relate to children. HB 4105 , which relates to targeted case management by nursing services to improve outcomes in children’s lives. This went out of Committee with a do-pass recommendation and referral to W & M. HB 4087 , directs DHS to establish a program to provide treatment to children with high needs who are in DHS custody and to establish an Emergency High Acuity Youth Initiative program. This Bill is scheduled for a work session on 2/19. We continue to follow those Bills we have testified on. SB 1552 , Sen. Dembrow’s Educational Omnibus Bill, part of which we supported , passed out of Committee as amended with a referral to W & M. On 2/13 testimony was submitted by over 700 persons or groups, including LWVOR on SB 1583, a Bill to reinforce our codes against books and materials being banned in our public schools. We added our testimony in support, based on “age appropriate teaching of values that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and the belonging of all people. It is important for a youth’s problem solving skills to understand the issues we all face together, as a community, a state, a nation, and a world.” We learned in the hearing that often ‘quiet book banning’ occurred everywhere in the US, partially because we do not have licensed Librarians in all of our schools, but also because communities disagree on what is age appropriate. Librarians are sometimes better equipped to defend a book or materials on age appropriateness and on intellectual, or emotional grounds. The -4 amendment was approved to replace the Bill on 2/15, and it was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Age appropriateness in teaching, as Sen. Frederick pointed out, is already written into all ODE codes and statutes, and therefore not necessary for this Bill. However Sen. Weber stated she will file a minority report, on that point. Much of the testimony opposed to this Bill was supporting the communities’ right of choice on age appropriateness decisions in teaching, A clause referring to this was added to the -3 amendment, which was not adopted. We are continuing to follow two Bills we supported in testimony: • HB 4078A a study Bill to create a standardized record keeping system in grades K-12 throughout the State. This passed with amendments and was referred to W & M. • HB 4079 removes 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. This Bill will have a second public hearing on 2/20 in the Revenue Committee at 8:30 am. We will follow HB 4161, that includes policies regarding school district approval, open enrollment, and educational savings accounts for virtual public charter schools. HB 4137, directs ODE to adopt rules by which a student who has completed an International Baccalaureate program may satisfy certain requirements for a high school diploma in this State. This Bill will make it easier for students to complete this type of program, with transferable credits for certain classes. The Bill has already passed on the House floor, and will now proceed to the Senate. Contact lwvor.org if you have any comments or questions.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 3/20 Education By Anne Nesse Governor Kotek leads a detailed informational hearing on the Early Literacy Success Initiative, a combination of HB 3198 and HB 3454 , with the goal of reaching 95% literacy in reading and writing in Oregon. The Governor spoke this week in the House Education Committee on 3/13, followed by Rep. Kropf, whom the Governor had collaborated with. This initiative includes reading and writing in grades K-5. This is a bipartisan Bill, because reading and writing are so fundamental to individual decision making, career learning, and a healthy democracy. Currently 1/2 of Oregon’s kids are not reading at grade level, and we know from research that 95% of these students could be at grade level, because they have the ability. Summer and parent programs are part of the initiative, with plans for this summer. “We know what works, but it will take some time.” You can listen to Gov. Kotek’s speech here . Rep. Kropf spoke of the unfortunate circumstances that occur when students cannot read or write well. He spoke of the high percentage of these students being victims of the criminal justice system, or otherwise having difficulties with employment. Experts in reading and writing education spoke from Stand for Children, Sarah Pope and Johnna Tinnes, with an informative slideshow here on the science of what we want to accomplish with this Bill. The biggest differences among students were shown to be the lack of instructional support during the summer months. This lack of support, compounded the differences among students over the years, who lacked support for developing their literacy in reading and writing. And all of this limits students’ ability to thrive. On 3/13 HB 3101 A , a Bill requiring panic alarms in all public schools was sent to the floor, and W & M for funding, a recognition of the times we are living in. Senate Education 3/14 heard public hearings on Sen. Gelser Blouin’s Bills to help create strategies for educating and improving outcomes for students with disabilities. SB 575 , SB 923 , SB 758 , SB 572 , and SB 992 . This is a complex area, in that not all educational disabilities are alike. Both COSA, and OSBA representatives testified that the way the current Bills were written were difficult to interpret legally by their experts, as to how the goal of improving education for students with disabilities would be improved. And whether the timelines listed in the Bills could be met in every case. I encourage you to study this area more closely, if you are interested, and listen to this entire hearing. SB 854, requiring each school district to develop a written plan for climate change instruction in grades k-12, within all subject areas, no later than 2026, is now scheduled for a work session on 3/30 in Senate Education. See www.DrawDown.org for ideas you can share that are positive with your legislators. Here is a video on trees and climate change: https://blog.ecosia.org/why-are-trees-so-important/

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 1/30 By Anne Nesse Senate Education Committee heard two bills of significance this week. The first was about the use of Corporate Tax Kicker (not personal income tax kicker), and the second was about virtual and brick and mortar public charter schools. SB521 , public hearing was held on 1/31,“For purposes of implementing Article IX, section 14 (3), of the Oregon Constitution, if revenues received by the General Fund from the corporate income and excise taxes during the biennium exceed the amount estimated to be received from such taxes for the biennium by two percent or more, the Legislative Assembly shall appropriate an amount equal to the total amount of the excess [to the State School Fund established by ORS 327.008 for apportionment as provided in ORS 327.008] to provide additional funding for kindergarten through grade 12 public education.” And as Sen. Dembrow explains this change in law, would allow us to use these funds for many one time expenditures: like better ventilation systems, air conditioning, other long overdue infrastructure repairs, summer learning programs, or inservice education of our K-12 instructors. SB767 , public hearing was held on 2/2, l imit ing “the scope by which public charter schools may conduct operations in a school district that is not a sponsor of the public charter school”. This Bill presented a complex picture of public charter schools that are near small school districts, or near boundaries of a specific school district. The Bill, as was stated, requires more discussion and amendments. It was apparent from the testimony, that we are approaching a time when “equity in public education” is competing with “school choice in public education”? We are facing a major discussion among parents, for the rights of their individual child, how we include special needs children, and how to solve that problem within the public school model? At least two testifiers expressed their anger at the current public school system in Oregon: including students using drugs within the school population, student violence within the school population, and teachers being sometimes overworked with large class sizes in addition to low pay and lack of monetary support in general. House Education Committee heard one significant public hearing on pay increases HB2690 , “requiring school districts to pay certified educator salary of not less than $60,000 per year or, if certified educator provides education to students with individualized education program or who are enrolled in special education, not less than $63,000 per year”. Kendall Mason from OEA gave a thorough presentation on how low educational pay in general is throughout Oregon, being the 31st in the nation. And the fact that 60% of state funds for education now rely on the much more volatile income tax, and property taxes. Business managers from school districts testified that this Bill presents monetary challenges, and could easily lead to elimination of many staff positions, defeating the purpose of the Bill. It was pointed out in the hearing that the Governor’s current budget could not fund this Bill, leading to an increased ask of up to 9.9 Billion dollars. House Committee on Early Childhood Education dealt primarily with human services legislation this week.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio Testimony on Bipartisan HB 3235 , in House Early Childhood and Human Services 2/27, attempts to create refundable child tax credit in Oregon of up to $1,200.00 per child under age 18, based on family income. Watch the House Early Childhood hearing , for HB 3235, called the “Oregon Kids Tax Credit”, particularly at the beginning, Rep. Valderrama, Rep. Greg Smith, Sen. Campos, and Rep. Grayber, gave moving testimony on why giving a tax credit to low income families in Oregon was the ethical way to govern and prevent the many long term effects of childhood poverty, for as many children as we could. View a copy of our LWV testimony here. Our verbal testimony was based on research, that living in poverty has a profound negative effect on children’s development, even as our teachers are working hard to educate them. And as many others had testified, simply giving these families even a small amount of extra money, helped the children develop more normally. Also heard in this Committee on 2/27, a pilot study bill HB 2726 for Jackson and Josephine Counties, would coordinate national, state and local services, to combat childhood poverty, ages 0-5. Former Governor and MD John Kitzhaber spoke in support. It was stated by Rep. Marsh that this study could be a model for the whole state on completion, to avoid the effects of generational poverty. On 2/27 House Education held an informational meeting on how school districts calculate their budgets and submit their requests for monies to the State School Fund. The recording is here of Mike Wiltfong, Director of School Finance. The documents in his slide show are difficult to read, without a finance background, but they did make many things clearer. In the past, school funding was calculated with 1/3 of the funds coming from the state, and 2/3 of the funds coming from local sources. Today, because of Measures 5, 47, and 50, our state’s costs have increased, requiring the State School Fund to adjust its funding, and attempt to create a degree of equity throughout our state. HB 2710 was also introduced by Rep. Valderrama, and Sen. McLain in House Education, 2/27. The hope is that this Bill will give the public more transparency on exactly what our public education money is being spent on. OEA is neutral on the Bill, based on the possible financial impact, as written. Amendments, or a technical work group, may be necessary according to some testimony. Senate Education 2/28, finished up technical fixes on several bills SB 819A (applying only now to students with recognized disabilities), SB 767 -4, SB 281 , SB 292A , and SB 129 and the -2 amendment, which will end the auction program for opportunity grants. All were sent to the Floor with Do Pass Recommendations. Sen. Wagner presented SB 3 -1. The Bill has a graduation requirement for one credit of future planning, and financial knowledge. The Bill has some bi-partisan support. Sen. Thatcher, stated in written testimony that students need instruction in savings and intelligent spending habits. It is interesting to me that many students will need a certain amount of maturity to understand these concepts. 3/1 in House Education, HB 3177 was introduced, a $20 Million expenditure bill for recruiting and retaining teachers, as well as mentoring projects. The “grow your own educator” project was discussed, allowing teachers’ aides or other staff, who were naturally talented at education, to apply for scholarships in training to become a licensed teacher. Reed Scott-Schwalbach, OEA Pres., also spoke on HB 3178 -1, expanding scholarships for aspiring counselors and other staff to increase racial diversity in the educational workforce. Rep. McIntire asked a pertinent question about how these scholarships would work for those living in poverty or in rural areas. On 3/1 in the Early Childhood Committee, HB 2872 , the Imagination Library Project was presented, with much positive testimony about the reading readiness this fostered, to have 60 books sent to homes with children, from ages 0-5. This is a $2.5 Million investment, and both Washington State and California aim to fully fund their programs by 2024, 1/2 funded by the Dolly Parton Foundation. Here is a copy of our testimony by Marge Easley. A public hearing on HB 2717 -1 was also heard in Early Childhood that day, on establishing all day outdoor preschool programs, to increase the availability of care centers for the preschool age group. Washington State reports better school readiness and safety ratings than the average preschool. The pictures of the kids in colorful rain suits and the reports of the children’s imagination, storytelling, and living outdoors with nature, made you want to be with them all day, to discover what they were learning! On 3/2 in Senate Education, SB 523 was introduced by Rep. Patterson to allow community colleges throughout the state to begin a plan to offer Bachelor of Science Degrees in Nursing Programs, to assist with the current shortages of skilled nurses in our state. Currently about 55% of our working nurses are 55 and older, and we have the 3rd fewest graduate nurses per capita nationally. Rep. Patterson stated that we have more students who are qualified to enter nursing careers, than we currently have places to educate them. The testimony in opposition was written by current university programs, while many community colleges and hospitals support this plan.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/3 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator CE priority bills continue to move forward. All have moved to the floor or to JW&Ms. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each CE priority. 1. SB 530 -7: Natural and Working Lands : On 4/4 the bill moved to JW&Ms with Do pass with -7 amendment, a 3/2 partisan vote. The League continues to be an active coalition member. Fiscal . Staff Measure Summary . 2. Resilient Buildings (RB) policy package: Work sessions were held on 4/4. All four bills moved to JW&Ms, with a partisan vote. The League is an active RB coalition partner. Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . Recently posted to OLIS: SB 868 -3 staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions SB 869 -2 staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions SB 870 -4 Staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions SB 871 -3 staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions *** Mark your Calendars: The Resilient Buildings Coalition is having an in-person LOBBY Day at the Capital April 20. More details via an Alert will be published later this month. Pre-register for this Lobby Day.*** 3. Environmental Justice (EJ) 2023 bills: The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13. SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907-6 , League testimony . New on OLIS: SB 907 amendment -6 staff measure summary. 4/4 work session, moved to the floor with do pass with amendments, a unanimous vote. SB907 Coalition Sign-on Letter - LWVOR one of many organizations… 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 -3 staff measure summary , fisca l, 4/4 Work Session moved, with 4/1 vote to JW&Ms. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions (DEQ) and new clean renewable energy (DEQ & DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote in both chambers to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) and will be adding climate items to (DEQ) HB 5018 League 3/30 testimony . In both cases, our testimony will request additional agency requests not included in the Governor’s Jan budget. Another major issue, the upcoming mid-May Forecast, will likely provide new required budget balancing guidelines. Find in last week’s Social Policy LR a summary of the Governor’s recommended budget for the OHA Public Health Div. It includes Healthcare, Natural Resources, and Climate Emergency related topics. Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith HB 2763 -1: League Testimony . Creates a State public bank Task Force. Like the RB task force, the 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than Jan 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” This policy topic will likely have a bill in the 2024 session -1 staff measure summary . Moved on 3/14 with recommendation to JW&Ms with - 1 amendment. Fiscal HB 3016 -2 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Work Session was 3/15 . Fiscal Moved to JW&Ms unanimously. Legislative -2 Staff Measure Summary . House CE&E 4/5/23 By Greg Martin House CE&E heard favorable testimony on April 5 for SB 545 A from Sen. Sollman and environmental witnesses. The Senate engrossed bill greatly simplifies the original, 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. Senate E&E Work Session 4/4/23 Update: In addition to SB 868-871, Senate E&E reported: SB 542-7 : Right to Repair bill, minimal expenditure impact so presumably sent to the floor. SB 522-3 : Renames OGWC as the Oregon Climate Action Commission; increases membership from 25 to 35 members (13 voting), including an EJ member, a “youth representative” and a member with “significant experience in the fishing industry”; declares Oregon’s “aspiration” to reduce GHG emissions in stages, to achieve 2050 levels that are at least 95% below 1990 levels, and net zero emissions by 2050; requires the commission to track progress toward those goals; and requires DEQ to study and report on opportunities to reduce consumption-based GHG emissions through materials management or other state programs. Fiscal note projects expenditure of $776K in 2023-25 and $632K in 2025-27 for two new full-time ODOE staff and contracting for the required emissions forecast. Presumably referred to Joint W&M. SB 803-6 : Original bill would have established a CI standard for diesel fuel sold in Oregon for use in on-road vehicles, beginning in 2026. Opposition from trucking, ag, construction, et al, pared it back to a “study” bill for DEQ. Fiscal note estimates the study cost at $90K, subsequent referral to JW&Ms. House C E & E 3/29 By Greg Martin HB 3459-5 : Adjustments to the low-income electric bill payment assistance program for PGE and PP customers. Moved to the JW&Ms (6-4 vote). Fiscal note explains: Under current law, HCSD receives $20 million/yr as a base amount for bill payment assistance. In 2021, an additional $10 million was authorized for collection and deposit through December 2023. This bill reduces the supplemental amount collected to $5 million and extends the sunset through December 2025. Projected to require an additional $2.5 million for bill payment assistance in both 23-25 and 25-27. HB 3590 : Requires study of developing fuel pathways for low carbon fuels derived from woody biomass residues from forestry operations. Moved to JW&Ms by unanimous vote. Includes $3 million GF appropriation for HECC in 23-25. HB 3004-3 : Tax credit for “non-emitting” electricity generation or storage facility placed in service post 2024. Moved w/out recommendation, with referral to Tax Exp., then to W&M. Fiscal impact is indeterminate, depending on how many facilities might be eligible. HB 2571-2 : Rebates for electric bicycle purchases. Moved to the floor with prior referral to W&M. It would appropriate $6 million (!) GF for the Electric Bicycle Incentive Fund; fiscal note estimates nearly a million more needed for DEQ program administration. HB 3464-3 , the beaver protection act, had a 4/3 work session, unanimous vote, moved to floor, with do pass. No fiscal impact, and apparently, we'll still be able to call beavers "rodents" even though we can't "take" one unless it "imminently threatens infrastructure." Ducks are still fair game in season. Senate E&E 3/30 SB 582-3 : training and certification requirements for installers of EV charging systems, creating a training grant program under BOLI. Moved to floor w/ do pass recommendation, w/ referral to W&M for further fiscal analysis. SB 123-2 , study of digital labeling to convey info about recyclability claims. Moved to floor as amended w/ do pass recommendation. No fiscal impact. All other bills on the agenda, including SB 488 , 522 , 542 , 803 and 868-871, were carried over to Tuesday 4/4 for one reason or another. House CE&E 4/3 The committee moved these bills among others to the floor with do-pass recommendation and referral to Joint W&M: HB 3378-2 : As amended, sets up a $2 million grant program under ODOE to cover counties’ cost of developing optional energy resilience plans to respond to major grid disruptions. Counties could receive grants of up to $50,000 and could pool their grant money. Fiscal impact statement of $2.1 million GF includes one full-time program analyst to design and oversee the grant program. HB 2714-4 : Establishes a $15 million fund under DEQ to support rebates for purchase or lease of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Marsh put on the record, saying she hopes it will become a budget note, that if $15m isn’t available, whatever state funds do come through should go to medium-duty rather than heavy-duty trucks. Fiscal impact statement of $15.3m includes hiring two permanent full-time program analysts. HB 2170-3 : Sen. Brock Smith bill requiring ODOE to study and report to legislature on feasibility of establishing a renewable hydrogen hub at Port of Coos Bay. Rep. Pham opposed the motion. Fiscal note estimates a study cost of $200K. The committee also voted to move HB 2614 w/out recommendation as to passage, for referral to Joint Transp. The introduced bill would require transportation network companies to meet or exceed specified targets for percentage of service miles provided by ZEVs. Chair Marsh moved to punt the bill since the committee had not discussed it or the amendments since the public hearing two months ago. The committee voted to do so though Rep. Osborne objected, saying if we don’t know enough about the topic, why not just kill it. Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge Project By Liz Stewart and Arlene Sherrett The League has identified the I-5 Bridge Replacement as a key project impacting Oregonians and anyone traveling the I-5 corridor. This extensive, multi-year, project is projected to cost between $5-7.5 billion and take until 2028 to complete. Washington and Oregon state transportation departments are jointly leading the project . • Accountability Dashboard has extensive information and resources on financial and community accomplishments in an easily digested format. • A monthly newsletter is available to track progress on the project. • The Executive Steering Group last met on March 21 and discussed funding in detail. The financial plan report was scheduled to be released at the end of March and updated around major program milestones. • Equity Advisory Group and the Community Advisory Group host regular meetings designed to educate and obtain input from the community on issues related to the IBR. • The Joint Committee on The Interstate 5 Bridge currently has no scheduled meetings. • Several bills related to tolling have been referred to Transportation and are moving forward during this session. • There are no new meetings scheduled on this project until the middle of the month. See the regular meeting calendar link (4th bullet above) for more information. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The next forecast is due May 17. JW&M recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. The Need for Climate Risk Disclosures: Emerging trends in ESG governance for 2023 | Harvard. The Need For Climate Risk Disclosures : A Case Study Of Physical Risk Of Two REITS, EQR And ARE | Forbes. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the IRA $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . | TNPT. Oregon State Treasury Completes Nearly $1 Billion Bond Sale , Offers State Residents Opportunity to Invest In Oregon. Oregon bill to divest from coal, oil and gas peters out | National News | kpvi.com The Oregon Investment Council will meet April 19. The Council met March 8; see the meeting packet . ESG is mentioned on page 7. The formal meeting minutes still have not been posted yet. The agenda included ESG Regulatory Update Sarah Bernstein 7 Managing Principal, Meketa and Steven Marlowe, Assistant Attorney General, Oregon Department of Justice. Treasurer Tobias Read Releases First -Ever Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard | OST. The Feb Pers Statement has yet to be posted. J an 2023 Pers Statement . Moody’s recent Oregon Bond rating rational: ‘Moody's assigns Aa1 to the State of Oregon's GO bonds; outlook stable’. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (March 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 64 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: Oregon and NW regional News Offshore Wind Energy: Council wants current plans rescinded | News | currypilot.com . Amazon tried to kill emissions bill in Oregon despite climate pledge | The Washington Post. Oregon utility files IRP, inaugural clean energy plan | pv magazine USA. PacifiCorp wants more time to file first Oregon clean energy plan - Portland Business Journal. PGE Files for Largest Bill Increase in 20 Years | CUB Blog Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Behavioral Health Criminal Justice Education Gun Policy Healthcare Housing Legislation Immigration Behavioral Health By Trish Garner HB 2005 is an omnibus bill that combines the provisions of two bills ( HB 2467 and HB 2481 ) which had been filed and considered earlier in the Session. HB 2005 has passed both the House and Senate and awaits the Governor’s signature, which is anticipated to take place. The bill addresses two primary issues: civil commitments and when defendants charged with a crime can be determined to be unable to “aid and assist” in their defense. At the present time as a result of several court decisions, the standards for civil commitment or involuntary treatment are unclear, but HB 2005 identifies specific reasons for commitment. It also redefines the previous legal standard for civil commitment which required that a danger to self and others be “imminent” to a danger “in the near future.” The bill also provides that dangerousness to self requires that a person engage in or threaten to engage in behavior that is likely to result in serious physical harm, while the “danger to others” standard uses similar language but omits the word “serious.” HB 2005 also defines the factors that courts may consider when determining whether defendants are mentally competent to proceed in their defense. These include, for example, prior evaluations, evidence of a prior diagnosis by a certified evaluator or qualified mental health practitioner, prior commitments, and/or the defendant’s conduct as observed in court. It also requires courts to appoint counsel for these defendants and if the defendant is unable to afford counsel, the court will appoint one at state expense. The A - 6 Amendment provides $6.5 million to the Oregon Health Authority for payments to community mental health programs regarding civil commitments and providing public defense to financially eligible persons who are civilly committed. At least four other bills have passed and are awaiting the Governor’s signature which seek to improve the provision of services to those who are seriously mentally ill. They include: HB 2015 modifies a number of residential treatment facility practices. For example, the Oregon Health Authority is mandated to adopt rules to support early transition programs and adjust nursing ratios. It also appropriates $1.3 million in General Fund and $977,888 in federal fund monies. HB 2024 appropriates $7,000,000 to the Oregon Health Authority to establish a grant program that would support the recruitment and retention of behavioral health workers at facilities such as programs related to health services to youth or youth or adults where at least half of the clients are uninsured or enrolled in Medicare or the state medical assistance program. HB 2059 directs OHA to establish a unit dedicated to developing residential treatment facilities that provide adult behavioral health services across state trauma regions and that $65,000,000,00 be appropriated to OHA for this purpose. The League submitted testimony in support. HB 3294 proposes changes to previous laws regarding hospital staffing plans and minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. A bill that did not make it is HB 2056 which sought to modify current practices in residential treatment facilities such as those relating to early transition programs, nurse staffing and grouping patients who have similar needs for services in the same facilities and thereby optimize care. SB 920 has been signed into law by the Governor. It directs the Oregon State University Extension Service to accelerate the promotion of behavioral health in Oregon by convening local communities to develop plans that promote behavioral health and facilitate community conversations about mental health and substance abuse. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley HB 3582 , which removes the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault victims, was signed by the Governor on June 26. The League is pleased to see that the Legal Services Pilot Program for Coffee Creek Correctional Facility received $1.2 million in the end-of-session “Christmas Tree” Bill (HB 5006). Early in the session the League submitted testimony in support of HB 2233 , which authorized the continuation of this pilot program. Education By Jean Pierce Senate Bill 5516 has been signed by the Governor. The bill will increase the budget for Oregon’s State School Fund by more than 11% from the last biennium. Unfortunately, this increase is needed simply to keep funding at current service levels. According to the American Institute on Research (AIR), in order to provide adequate funding for education, Oregon would need a 30% increase, with more attention to equitable spending for the education of low income and high needs students. SB 5525 , which appropriates money for the Higher Education Coordinating Committee, is headed to the Governor for a signature. For the most part, the proposed budget maintains the Current Service Level, (CSL). It is important to note that the Oregon Opportunity Grant and Benefits Navigators would at least be maintained at CSL. The allocation is 6.2% below the last biennium, so this bill does nothing to address the fact that Oregon has been ranked 46th in the nation for state investment in higher education. They recognized that in future sessions, the thinking needs to shift from CSL to setting a higher target. Gun Policy By Marge Easley To the disappointment of the League and other gun safety advocates, only one gun bill survived this session and awaits the Governor’s signature: SB 243 . This omnibus bill bans rapid-fire devices and allows cities and counties to ban firearms in public buildings. It also sets the date of March 15, 2026, for implementation of Measure 114, with the condition that the Oregon Supreme Court decides favorably on its constitutionality later this year. The League filed testimony in support of earlier versions of the bill, and SB 243 was supported through our Lobby Day. To fund the provisions of the bill, the end of session “Christmas Tree” Bill ( HB 5006 ) allocated over $14 million to the Oregon State Police for Criminal Justice Information Services and other associated costs. HB 3076 , which creates a gun dealer licensing program in Oregon, was killed during the final acrimonious days of the session—another instance of a gun bill being traded away at the last minute in an effort to gain votes for other legislation. Given the anticipated gutting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the loss of federal regulation of gun dealers, this bill was a session priority for gun safety advocates. Rep. Kropf, one of the bills’ chief sponsors, stated that he would reintroduce it in a future session. The League filed testimony in support of the bill. Healthcare By Christa Danielson HB 2010 This bill extends the coverage for Medicaid which is funded by assessments to health care earnings from hospitals, health plans and long term care facilities. The League provided testimony in support.This bill is essentially funding Medicaid or Oregon Health Plan. It has been signed by the Governor. However this form of funding may be cut by the bill currently in the Federal House called H.R. 1 or the budget reconciliation act. SB 951 Strengthens Bans against Corporate Ownership of Medicine by limiting the power of Management Service Organizations. This bill does not allow a corporate management organization to make health care decisions. The League testified in support. This has been signed by the Governor but expect to hear more about this important bill. This law will start January 2026 for new operational models, but will otherwise begin in January of 2029 for established models. An MSO can still give advice, but cannot control clinical operations of a professional medical entity. This bill also includes making non-compete and non-disparagement clauses illegal, allowing medical professionals to disclose if they see a problem. HB 3134 The Governor signed this bill, which requires additional reporting about prior authorization from insurers to the Department of Consumer and Business Services and tells the Department to make the data available. This will make sure that the insurers are doing timely reviews of prior authorizations, allowing surgical care to continue without interruption and make care more efficient. Hopefully this will also decrease the burden on health care clinics and facilities. The LWVOR filed testimony supporting the bill. SB 296 Directs the Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority to study ways to expedite the discharge process for a hospital. There are multiple areas to study included in this bill including expedited Medicaid determinations from the hospital, studying options to expand respite programs, and studying regulatory framework for certain facilities. This bill also includes funding for 100 days of Skilled Nursing care for Medicaid patients post discharge from a hospital allowing more space in the hospital for patients who need inpatient care. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona After a flurry of activity by state legislators, the Governor’s office, housing advocates, the League of Women Voters of Oregon, and many others, on June 23, 2025, lawmakers released three major budget bills: General Obligation bonds (SB 5505) Lottery bonds (SB 5531) End-of-session omnibus funding bill, the “Christmas Tree” bill (HB 5006) Below is a list of budget bills and funding allocations approved during the session. Due to declining state revenues, cuts were made across the board to agencies such as the Housing and Community Services Department, that received $2.6 billion, representing $1 billion less as compared to last year. Key session takeaways are: $204.9 million for a statewide shelter program; $468.2 million for the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) program to build new affordable rental housing through LIFT and Permanent Supportive Housing programs; $100.9 million in bonds to build new homes for affordable homeownership; $10 million in bonds for a new housing infrastructure fund; and $11.2 million to develop, rehab or preserve housing for older adults and people with disabilities. Most concerning is the $44.6 million for emergency rental assistance and homeless prevention services, representing a 74% cut from the $173.2 million needed to maintain the current level of statewide services. LWVOR is a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance that includes over 110 member organizations and represents a diverse membership that spans the state . During the session they worked tirelessly to advocate for additional funding for emergency rent assistance and homeless prevention. That advocacy resulted in an additional $11 million included in HB 5006 (Christmas tree bill). This will prevent evictions for an additional 1,400 households and increase funding for legal aid and other services by about $4 million. The Legislature is funding only 26% of what’s needed to maintain the current level of homeless prevention services. Housing remains a huge issue statewide with rising homelessness, thousands facing eviction and not enough affordable housing being produced. The League submitted testimony during this session on many of the bills listed below. These are Housing Alliance priority bills that received funding from the Legislature, along with amounts requested. Housing Bills funded by the General Fund Homeless Prevention and Response HB 5011 Emergency Rental Assistance and Homeless Prevention Services: $44.6 million (requested $173.2M) HB 3644 and HB 5011 Statewide Shelter Program: $204.9 million (requested $217.9 million) HB 5011 Rehousing Initiative: $50.3 million (requested $188.2 million) SB 814 Modifies long term rental assistance for youth: $87.4 million (requested $105.2 million) Stabilize Existing Affordable Housing HB 5011 and HB 5006 Permanent Supportive Housing operations and resident services: $10.5 million (requested $11.1 million) SB 51 Property management and asset management staffing and training: $3.3 million (requested $7.3 million) SB 829 Insurance relief and cost-reduction study: $2.5 million (requested $5 million) Expand Affordable Homeownership: HB 5011 Foreclosure prevention: $2 million (requested $2.5 million) HB 2139 Tribal Housing Grants: $10 million ($12.8 million requested) HB 5006 Development, rehabilitation or preservation of housing for older adults and persons with disabilities: $11.2 million HB 3031 Developing manufactured homes and infrastructure: $2.5 million (requested $25 million) Housing bills funded by Lottery bonds Housing Production and Preservation SB 5505 Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Rental: $468.2 million (requested $600 million) SB 5505 Permanent supportive housing: $80.9 million (requested $80 million) SB 5531 Rental housing preservation: $50 million (requested $260 million) SB 5531 Manufactured housing park preservation: $2.5 million (requested $25 million) SB 5531 Housing infrastructure fund: $10 million (requested $100 million) Expand Affordable Homeownership SB 5505 LIFT Homeownership: $100.9 million (requested $100.9 million) Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith As reported in previous LR’s, a number of topics have been approved and funded in the end of session reconciliation bill HB5006 . See comments' column below for existing program funding. It appears all the topics in the Immigrant Justice budget package request can be found in HB5006. Click Scroll Bar on Bottom of Table to View All Columns Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 A Immigration (support services) Died in Committee Y Sen Mama See HB 5006 2 M For case mgmt SB 599A Immig status: discrimination in RealEstate transactions Gov Signed Eff 5/28/2 5 N Sen Campos SB 611 A Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented Died in Committee 8 Sen Campos Rep Ruiz SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill Died in Committee 6 Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G Testimony HB 2548 Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. Study Bill, Signed By Gov 0.67 Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. Died in Committee 1.5 Rep Hartman .8M in HB5006 HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - Died in Committee 10.5 Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds 10M in HB5006 HB 2586 A nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Gov Signed RepHudson, SenCampos League Testi mony HB 2543 funds for universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters dead 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos 4.5M in HB5006 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama 2M in HB 5006 HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund Died in Committee Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

local leagues Local Leagues In Oregon We have members throughout the state of Oregon and 15 local Leagues or state Units. Members who don't reside near a local League can join at the state level as a Member-At-State (MAS)! Most Leagues offer free or discounted membership for students. Join the League in your area! LWV of Clackamas County PO Box 411 Lake Oswego, OR 97034 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Coos County PO Box 1571 Coos Bay, OR 97420 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Corvallis PO Box 1679 Corvallis, OR 97339 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Curry County PO Box 1859 Gold Beach, OR 97444 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Deschutes County PO Box 1783 Bend, OR 97709 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Klamath County PO Box 1226 Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Lane County 175 West B Street #2 | Island Professional Center Springfield, OR 97477 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Lincoln County PO Box 1648 Newport, OR 97365 Become a Member Go To Website Linn County Unit 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Marion/Polk Counties 1534 Scotch Ave SE Salem, OR 97306 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Portland PO Box 3491 Portland, OR 97208 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Rogue Valley PO Box 8555 Medford, OR 97501 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Umpqua Valley PO Box 2434 Roseburg, OR 97470 Become a Member Go To Website Union County Unit 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 Become a Member Go To Website Washington County Unit 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 Become a Member Go To Website

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/26 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: Highlights Other CE Bills News Climate State and Federal Lawsuits By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator Highlights Over $90M Climate Budget Package Investment Legislation passes both chambers and moves to the Governor. “ Climate Resilience Package Investment ( HB 3409 , HB 3630 ): Invests $90 million in community-focused and forward-looking solutions to increase our energy efficiency, keep Oregonians safe from extreme weather, maximizing federal funding opportunities, and build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable energy system.” From Rep. Tawna Sanchez’s 6/26/23 newsletter: “Finally, I voted to pass HB 3409 and HB 3630, which together invest $100 million to bring in over $1 billion in federal matching funds to address the rapidly worsening impacts of climate change in Oregon.” “$90 million Climate Budget Framework Invests in Sustainable, Resilient Future for Oregon Investments to lower utility costs, reduce building emissions, empower landowners to participate in the green economy, incentivize carbon sequestration, and improve disaster resilience.” HB 3409A Climate Budget Package passes along party lines $61.7M Fiscal . HB 3630A Energy Budget Package passes along party lines $4.7M Fiscal . Here’s an unverified list of original bill numbers passed in policy committees included in these two packages. · RE Building Policy Bills (SB 868, 869, 870, 871, HB 3166) · State Energy Strategy and Resilience Planning (HB 2534 & 3378) · Community Resilience Hubs (HB 2990) · Community Green Infrastructure Act AKA TREES Act (HB 3016) · Woody Biomass for Low-Carbon Fuels (HB 3590) · Environmental Justice and Tribal Navigator (SB 852) · Medium and Heavy-Duty EV Incentives (HB 2714) · Renewable Energy Siting (HB 3181) · Natural Climate Solutions (SB 530) · Climate Action Modernization (SB 522) · Residential Solar Rebate Program Extension (HB 3418) · Residential Heat Pump Program Extension (HB 3056) · Climate Protection Program Fee Bill (HB 3196) · Harmful Algal Blooms (HB 2647) · Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (HB 2021, 2021) The $90M investment includes some state agency budget POPs. Oregon GHGE reduction targets by decade were not updated to reflect current best available science / UN IPCC aspirational goals. The State of Oregon and many Oregon jurisdictions are not aligned with 2023 IPCC goals nor ‘Juliana v US‘ federal lawsuit (return to 350 ppm C02 by 2100, and or by 2100 limiting global warming to 1.5-degree Celsius). Another disappointment was the watered-down Building Resilience policy related to building codes. The League is disappointed. At this time Oregon will not be added to this EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) list of U.S. states that have meaningful binding economy-wide climate target statutes . We are hopeful the Governor, the new Climate Action Commission, and legislative leadership will address this issue in 2024. Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith and Greg Martin HB 2763 Enrolled passed and moved to the governor; creates a State Public Bank Task Force, League Testimony . Like the 2022 session RB task force, a 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than January 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” HB 3179 B , Renewable Energy Permitting Process, passed and moved to the Governor. On June 23 the House concurred with a Senate amendment to the A-Engrossed bill. To issue a land use permit for a larger solar power facility as authorized by the bill, the county must require the applicant to provide a decommissioning plan, bonded or otherwise secured, to restore the site to a "useful, nonhazardous condition." The Senate on June 23 passed HB 3550 by a vote of 18-6-6. The bill requires a state agency that buys or leases a light-duty vehicle on or after 1/1/2025 to buy only a ZEV unless the agency finds that a ZEV is not feasible for the specified use, in which case the vehicle bought or leased must be able to operate with an environmentally acceptable alternate fuel or as a low-emission vehicle. To the maximum extent economically feasible, DAS must use biofuels or biofuel-derived electricity instead of diesel for facilities or machinery the department acquires, designs, builds, completes, maintains, or operates as stationary or backup generation for heat and power systems. The introduced bill was not amended by either chamber. End of Session Full JWM Budget Reconciliation Bill, HB 5506 A tentative list of Climate related line items in HB 5506: -Oregon Worker Relief Climate Change Fund $1M Section 309 -OSU Climate Services. $250K Section 64 HECC - DLCD Climate Friendly. & Equitable Community $3.0 M Section 148 and 149 - DOE Hydrogen Hub, cooling study, and energy development position $951.6K. sect: 176 -DOE Staff to support administration of new energy programs $513K sect: 177 - Renewable and Solar $60M (sections 172 - 175) - City of Milwaukee $375K solar project - Streetcar System - Salem. $250K (Cherriots - Study the feasibility of developing a rail streetcar system in the City of Salem) Other Related Climate News Lawmakers vote to protect water, prevent wildfires and guard against the effects of climate change – Oregon Capital Chronicle, $90 Million Climate Budget Framework Invests in Sustainable, Resilient Future for Oregon,| Legislature Press Release, Senate Democrats Protect Oregon’s Families and Future in Every Corner of the State with Historic Climate Package | Legislature Press Release, Oregon legislature passes major bill package to address climate change , invest in clean energy, sends to Governor's desk | EO. Climate County, State and Federal Lawsuits Multnomah County in Oregon Sues Fossil Fuel Companies Over 2021 Heat Wave - The New York Times , US climate change lawsuit seeks $50 billion , citing 2021 heat wave | Reuters, Multnomah County sues fossil fuel companies for nearly $52 billion over heat dome – OPB, Held v. Montana is first youth-led climate change suit to go to trial | Fast Co. June 2023 Updates to the Climate Case Chart | Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Columbia University Volunteers Urgently Needed By Claudia Keith Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA · Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation and Renewable Energy · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 4/3 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 a topic: Housing Criminal Justice Gun Safety Human Services Immigration Housing By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Governor Kotek recently signed into law the emergency $200 million Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Response Package to address the state’s housing and homelessness crisis, and now the work begins. This week saw a flurry of activity as the Legislature worked to meet the first-chamber April 4 deadline. If a bill does not make it out of committee by then, it will not go forward in this session. Housing bills passed on April 3: Senate Housing and Development and House Housing and Homelessness. SB 861 will allocate $10 million from the General Fund to Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), in coordination with the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). The funds will be used to provide grants to promote the development of innovative and cost-effective housing types. The bill also requires establishment of a Volunteer Task Force on Innovative and Cost-Effective Housing to evaluate and develop, structure, and recommend housing finance programs to promote affordable, mixed, and middle-income housing construction; develop programs to maximize benefits of existing federal funds and programs, evaluate innovative housing finance programs in other jurisdictions; and identify best practices. The bill passed with referral to JW&Ms. SB 1069 allows the electronic delivery of landlord and tenant notices, including notice of disposal, sale, or storage of tenant’s personal property, and electronic refunds and returns of security deposits and rent. The bill passed with amendments and referral to W&Ms. SB 611 will limit residential rent increases to the lesser of 1% or 3%, plus the consumer price index one-year change. It further would increase the amount of rent owed to the tenant from one month to three months in certain eviction cases and reduce the exemption on rent increases allowed on new construction from 15 years to three. The bill passed with amendments. SB 918 directs OHCS to establish the Oregon Housing Justice Program to provide grants to culturally specific and responsive organizations. Funding from the General Fund will support homelessness and housing stability-related purposes and to extend current agreements when feasible including: $100,000 in grants to culturally specific and culturally responsive organizations; $14 million to Oregon Worker Relief; $10.5 million to the Urban League of Portland; $1.5 million to the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization; and $9.5 million to community action agencies. The bill passed with amendments and referral to W&Ms. Housing bills passed on April 4 by the by House Housing and Homelessness HB 2889 will establish the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis within OHCS. It also will amend land use requirements for local governments related to urbanization, including requiring Metro to adopt a housing coordination strategy, as well allow cities outside of Metro to adopt rural reserves. The Land Conservation and Development Commission is to implement rules by January 1, 2026. The committee passed the bill with amendments and referral to W&Ms. HB 3488 A provides funding for: down payment assistance grants to culturally specific and tribal organizations, flexible loans for home purchasers, and for tribes serving low-income home buyers and homeowners. It also allocates funding to the Bureau of Labor and Industries, the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, and the Department of Justice to support fair housing education, investigations, and enforcement. These efforts are intended to address significant disparities in home ownership for communities of color. The bill passed with amendments, referred to W&Ms. HB 2680 strengthens and clarifies legislation passed in 2019 related to screening fees charged for rental applications. The bill requires the landlord to refund screening fees within 14 days if the apartment is filled before screening the applicant or if the application is withdrawn before the screening takes place. If the landlord fails to return the fee, damages the applicant may recover increases from $150 to $250. The bill passed with amendments. HB 3309 requires a minimum percentage of accessible units in multifamily housing developed by OHCS programs. It will require the department to include accessible units and accessibility considerations in the programs and plans. The bill passed with amendments. HB 3462 Department of Emergency Management, during certain emergencies, to prioritize immediate provision of housing to displaced individuals. The bill passed with amendments. HB 2980 directs OHCS to develop an affordable housing revolving loan program under which participating cities and counties may award grants to housing developers for certain eligible costs and repay loans from tax increment financing revenues, which are derived from housing property value increases. The bill passed with amendments with referral to W&Ms. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley The Senate and House Judiciary Committees made their way through their backload of bills in work sessions on April 3 and 4. Here are several criminal justice bills of interest to the League that passed their respective committee. SB 337 A establishes the Public Defense Services Commission in the judicial branch of state government to oversee and correct the deficiencies in Oregon’s public defense system. Nine voting members and four non-voting members are to be appointed by the Chief Justice. After passage the bill was referred to W&Ms. HB 2365 is a related placeholder bill that directs the Public Defense Services Commission to study ways to improve the provision of public defense services within the state. The bill passed without recommendation, referred to House Rules. SB 554 A creates a process for filing post-conviction relief petitions due to currently available forensic evidence at any time after conviction. The bill passed in Senate Judiciary and was referred to W&Ms. SB 974 creates the crime of sexual assault by fraudulent representation. This bill was crafted to tighten Oregon criminal statutes after a West Linn doctor failed to be indicted for the sexual assault of over 120 patients in his office. The bill is headed to the Senate floor. Gun Safety By Marge Easley The League is happy to report that gun safety legislation is on the move this session! HB 2005 A , a combination of HB 2005, HB 2006, and HB 2007, now includes a ban on undetectable and unserialized firearms (“ghost guns”), an age restriction of 21 to purchase a firearm, and an expansion of the number of jurisdictions that can establish gun-free zones. The bill passed House Judiciary on March 30 and W&Ms Subcommittee on Public Safety on April 4. A work session is scheduled for April 7 in full W&Ms. SB 348 A , the implementation bill for Measure 114, passed Senate Judiciary on April 4 with a do-pass recommendation and a request for referral to W&Ms. The -3 amendment was adopted and contains some technical fixes, but the intent of the measure’s sponsors was kept largely intact: establishing a permit-to-purchase requirement and a ban on large-capacity magazines. Although Measure 114 is tied up in both state and federal courts, the bill enables agency process work to proceed. The federal district court case will be heard June 5-9, while the Harney County Court case is scheduled for September 18-22. SB 527 A , to give gun dealers the option of setting an age limit of 21 for gun purchases, passed Senate Judiciary on April 3. An amendment was adopted to require the Department of Education to develop and implement a firearm safety education curriculum for students in grades 7 to 9. Human Services By Karen Nibler HB 2327 A proposed that County Juvenile departments work with youth under 12 to prevent further harmful and illegal behaviors. Funding for this expansion of services will come through the Youth Development Division. This bill did not pass the House Judiciary Committee but the following bill did pass. HB 2372 A gives further direction to the Youth Development Division under the Department of Education on the distribution of funds for high - risk prevention plans including the tribes. HB 2371 which required the Oregon Youth Authority to study issues on juveniles was sent to Rules. HB 2365 which covered ways to improve Public Defense Services also was sent to Rules on April 4. Senate bills sent to Rules included SB 697 on Guilty Except for Insanity but SB 698 was sent back to the Senate Chair for reassignment to another committee. HB 1070 which asks for consideration of victims of domestic abuse or violence in sentencing was also sent to Rules. Behavioral Health bills that passed in the last few days were HB 2235 A which set up a workgroup to study barriers to behavioral health workforce recruitment; and HB 2513 A which allocated funds for first-year grants for services to be effective on July 1, 2026. Two more bills HB 2445 A authorized behavioral health certification for peer support specialists and HB 2455 A imposed audit requirements on claims for reimbursement by behavioral health treatment providers. Both bills will go to Human Services Ways and Means. Immigration & Refugee By Claudia Keith Bills we are supporting or following: HB 2957 the -4 amendment Work Session was held 3/29 . It passed out of committee unanimously to JW&Ms, -4 Staff Measure Summary . Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Fiscal. League Testimony . HB 3176 - 3 : ‘Welcome and Reception’ program for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Work Session was 4/3 . Passed out to JW&Ms with 9/1 vote. Staff Measure Summary . Public Hearing was March 8 . Fiscal . Bills moved from Policy Committee to JW&Ms: SB 627 : Funding for universal (legal) fees for non-documented individuals ($15M) Sen Lieber. Passed out of Sen Judiciary, DO Pass, Feb 7, sent to JW&Ms with partisan vote. The League has supported this policy/funding category in the past. Fiscal Analysis . Bills of Interest or possible League support: SB 849 Public Hearing 2/28 with -1 amendment . Preliminary SMS -1 : Work session was 3/14. Now in JW&Ms. Fiscal $20M grant fund. Requires professional licensing boards to provide culturally responsive training to specified staff members, publish guidance on pathways to professional authorization for internationally educated individuals and waive requirement for English proficiency examination for specified internationally educated individuals. SB 185 : 4/3 Public Hearing and WS cancelled. The bill is now dead: would have required the DoJ to study immigration in this state; may include legislation recommendations. Requested by Attorney General Rosenblum. Basic Needs SB 610 -5: Work Session 4/3 . Moved to JW&Ms. Establishes Food for All Oregonians Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Fiscal , Staff Measure Summary . HB 2990 -1 : Work session 3/27 . Moved to JW&Ms. Resilience Hubs. Directs Oregon Health Authority to develop and implement grant programs to support resilience hubs and networks in Oregon. Fiscal Statement Other Bills SB 216 Passed out of SCHC 3/1 , Now in House Behavioral Health and Health Care. PH 4/16 and WS 4/18 scheduled. Related to data collected by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), request of Governor Kate Brown. OHA set a goal of eliminating health disparities by 2030 including those based on race, ethnicity, language, or disability (REALD) and sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). HB2905 : Now in Senate Education, expands the list of individuals whose histories, contributions and perspectives are required to be included in social studies academic content standards and in related textbooks and instructional materials. Passed House Committee by Unanimous Vote . SB 421 -1 Work session 3/30 moved to JW&Ms with 6/1 vote, establishes a youth advisory council. Prescribes youth standards advisory council membership and duties. ODE to establish a work group to establish the youth advisory council member selection process. Staff Measure Summary , Fiscal SB 613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities. In Senate Rules.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/19 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Other Governance Bills Privacy & AI, Campaign Finance, Elections, & Alice Bartelt, In Memoriam By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill A placeholder bill, HB 4024 , is being pressed into service from unusual partners , labor (which is otherwise promoting IP 42 against IP 9), and business. They are presumably hoping to forestall the impending faceoff between the two competing campaign finance initiative petitions. A three-hour hearing was held 2/23 in House Rules on a complex 43-page -3 amendment to HB 4024. The debate was vigorous with good government groups, including the League’s written testimony , opposed and labor, business, and small c(4) groups beholden to labor in favor. It remains to be seen if legislative leaders can push through such a complex bill with just over two weeks left in the short session. Remember that every legislator is an expert on campaign finance, at least on their own campaign’s finance. Other Governance Bills HB 4021 requires the Governor to fill U.S. Senator office vacancies by appointment within 30 days until a special election can fill the vacancy. House Rules had a public hearing and scheduled a work session. HB 4026 , amending is proposed in House Rules for this elections placeholder bill, to retroactively prohibit the use of a referendum on any urban growth boundary expansion. This would block a referendum in the City of North Plains in Washington County. The LWVOR submitted written testimony opposing the amendment and saying the bill is likely unconstitutional and may invite a lawsuit. The bill House Rules work session is scheduled for 2/27. HB 4031 , which requires the Public Records Advisory Council to study public records, passed out of committee without recommendation and was sent to House Revenue, where a hearing was held 2/21. An amendment is proposed to protect taxpayer information from disclosure. HB 4032 , which removes the requirement that the word “incumbent” appear on the ballot with the name of incumbent candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, and circuit court, had a public hearing and a work session is scheduled in House Rules. HB 4117 , which authorizes the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) to issue advisory opinions on the application of the public meetings law, and which is a correction to a bill passed in the 2023 session, passed the House immediately and unanimously. The bill then had a hearing and was scheduled for a work session in Senate Rules. SB 1502 requires public schools and college boards to livestream their meetings and post the meeting recordings on their websites and social media sites. It allows remote testimony for most school and college board meetings. The bill was amended and passed out of Senate Education with referral to W&Ms rescinded. The bill is scheduled for a 2/26 hearing and possible House Education work session. SB 1538 , an election law clean-up bill that makes many changes, was amended in several details and passed out of Senate Rules on 2/15. The amended bill was then passed by the Senate 20 to 10, sent to the House, and a hearing is scheduled 2/27 in House Rules. Privacy & AI, Campaign Finance, Elections, & Alice Bartelt, In Memoriam By Rebecca Gladstone Landmark Victims’ Rights package , HB 4146 : This sexual abuse bill addresses victims’ rights and provides technical protection fixes, including image privacy, even if images are not directly identifiable to an individual. We will support, relating to our privacy positions. The revenge porn aspect invites consideration of altered images, which could be relevant to SB 1571 -3, below. See MIT Technocrat, Dec 1, 2023 about student AI revenge porn victims . HB 4146 passed House Judiciary unanimously, with OJD implementation timing reservations addressed in amendments. It will be heard in Sen. Judiciary Feb. 26. See Oregon House approves bill changing laws on revenge porn, restraining orders , KOIN, Feb. 21, and Oregon's current law requires that victims of revenge porn be "reasonably identifiable" in the image , Feb. 15, KOIN. From Multnomah County DA’s office Policy Director Aaron Knott: “This is a small change that will make an enormous difference in the lives of crime victims who see intimate images of themselves distributed without their consent, but who may nevertheless be denied justice — or forced into a deeply traumatizing legal process to determine whether their body is reasonably identifiable.” AI, synthetic media in campaign ads, SB 1571 A : The House passed this bill unanimously. It awaits a Senate hearing assignment, League testimony. We are networking and expanding the conversation. Elections Campaign Finance Reform, HB 4024: Details are addressed elsewhere in this report. The 43-page -3 amendment to this brief placeholder bill was released one day before House Rules dedicated a 3-hour public hearing solely to the bill. The amendment was crafted between legislators, unions, and Oregon business, who face unevenly competing campaign finance initiatives for the fall, with their IP 42 trailing good government groups’ IP 9. The LWVOR opposes HB 4024; see our testimony . See former legislator Marty Wilde’s Money in Oregon Politics and earlier in the week, OPB, cautious hope for a campaign finance breakthrough . LWVOR is actively collecting IP 9 signatures ( get petition forms ). A LWVOR member is a Chief Petitioner. Automatic Voter Registration for students SB 1577-3 : This bill to expand automatic voter registration for higher ed students, through the Dept of Revenue, was amended to study viability, benefits and challenges. After passing from Senate Veterans on a 3 to 2 partisan vote, it awaits a J W&Ms hearing. Increasing Voters’ Pamphlet languages from 5 to 10, SB 1533 , is up for a Feb. 26 work session in Joint General Government, after passing unanimously in Senate Rules on Feb. 15 th . League testimony addressed the language increase; see other details in this report. Commemoration for Alice Bartelt, SCR 203 . This resolution, researched and written by LWVOR at sponsor Senate President Sen. Rob Wagner’s request, was heard and passed unanimously from Senate Rules on Feb. 22, League testimony and hearing video .

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/17 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Emergency (CE) Priorities By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator Priority Bills CE priority bills had minimal activity last week. Most have already moved to JW&Ms, And one to the House. Find in previous LR (report)s additional background on the six CE priorities. 1. Resilient Buildings (RB) policy package: The Work sessions were held on 4/4. All four bills moved with a partisan vote. Bills are Now in JWM. The League is an active RB coalition partner. Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . · SB 868 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 869 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 870A Staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 871A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions 2. SB 530A : Natural and Working Lands : On 4/4 the bill moved to JW&Ms with Do pass with- 7 amendment, a 3/2 partisan vote. The League continues to be an active coalition member. Fiscal . Staff Measure Summary 3. Environmental Justice (EJ) 2023 bills: SB 907 passed in the Senate 21/8, currently at “Speakers DESK”. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13. SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907A , League testimony . SB 907 amendment -6 staff measure summary. 4/4 work session, moved to the floor with do pass with amendments, a unanimous vote. SB907 Coalition Sign-on Letter - LWVOR one of many organizations… 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 A staff measure summary , fisca l, 4/4 Work Session moved, with 4/1 vote to JW&Ms. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions (DEQ) and new clean renewable energy (DEQ & DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills including state agency budget bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published January 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote in both chambers to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) and will be adding climate items to (DEQ) HB 5018 League 3/30 testimony . In both cases, our testimony will request additional agency requests not included in the Governor’s January budget. Another major issue, the upcoming mid-May Forecast, will likely provide new required budget balancing guidelines. Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith HB 2763 A updated with -1 amendment: League Testimony . Creates a State public bank Task Force. Like the RB task force, the 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than January 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” This policy topic will likely have a bill in the 2024 session -1 staff measure summary . Moved on 3/14 with recommendation to JW&Ms with - 1 amendment. Fiscal HB 3016 A updated with -2 amendment, community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Work Session was 3/15 . Fiscal Moved to JW&Ms unanimously. Legislative -2 Staff Measure Summary . Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge Project By Arlene Sherrett The Oregon Joint Committee on Transportation held an informational meeting on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project (IBR) on Thursday, April 13 th , 2023. The presentation, supporting testimony and questions from the committee included the urgency of the timeline for federal funding requirements to be met. Oregon’s commitment to a $1 Billion share of the costs would have to be passed through the Legislature by May 5, 2023. The League of Women Voters of Oregon has identified the Project as a key project impacting Oregonians and anyone traveling the I-5 corridor. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here . This particular meeting was for invited speakers only. Greg Johnson, Project Manager, and Kris Strickler, Director of ODOT, presented on the Project, its development, and its value to the region. Links to the presentation and supplementary information can be found here: presentation and fact sheet . SB 2098 has been drafted outlining funding and project direction but was not discussed in depth during this meeting. Other topics of concern were auxiliary lanes to be built in addition to the three existing ones each way on the current bridge and the possible impact of additional lanes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, current condition and maintenance of the bridge and its seismic readiness. The bridge is a bottleneck to west coast freight traffic, an important economic factor for the region. Legislators were concerned about the costs, the urgency to qualify for federal funding and giving airtime to other visions for the design of the bridge to make sure the investment covers all the needs of the region. The next informational meeting was scheduled on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 5:30 PM, with a caution to look for possible date and time changes at the last minute. Public hearing on the bill was scheduled for April 27 th , 2023. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The next forecast is due May 17. JW&M recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure proposed rule. Analysis: The Need for Climate Risk Disclosures: Emerging trends in ESG governance for 2023 | Harvard. SEC Climate Rules Risk Legal Battle with Environmental Groups | Bloomberg Law. Commentary: SEC's proposed climate change disclosures put CFOs under the spotlight | Pensions & Investments. The Need For Climate Risk Disclosures : A Case Study Of Physical Risk Of Two REITS, EQR And ARE | Forbes. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the IRA $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . | TNPT. Oregon Gov. Kotek balks at plans for $1 billion Interstate 5 bridge bond – Oregon Capital Chronicle The Treasurer recently sent this letter to FTC: 4/11/2023, Letter to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission Proposed Non-Compete Clause Rule. Oregon State Treasury Completes Nearly $1 Billion Bond Sale , Offers State Residents Opportunity to Invest In Oregon. Oregon bill to divest from coal, oil and gas peters out | National News | kpvi.com The Oregon Investment Council meet April 19. The agenda and meeting materials. The Council met March 8; see the meeting packet . ESG is mentioned on page 7. The formal meeting 3/8 minutes still have not been posted. Treasurer Tobias Read Releases First-Ever Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard | OST. The monthly March and Feb ending Oregon PERS Financial Statement has yet to be posted. J anuary 2023 Pers Statement . Moody’s recent Oregon Bond rating rationale: ‘Moody's assigns Aa1 to the State of Oregon's GO bonds; outlook stable’. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (April 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 64 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: Oregon, NW regional and National News Amazon strikes renewable power deal for Oregon data centers, won’t say how much it’s buying - oregonlive.com . NW Natural climate strategy takes a hit from Oregon PUC staff | Portland Business Journal. FERC Gets Advice, Criticism on Environmental Justice | RTO Insider Federal HHS: Climate Change & Health Equity and Environmental Justice - April 2023 Climate and Health Outlook "Northwest: Minor spring flooding potential is expected to be above normal for the Upper Snake River Basin in eastern Idaho. Drought is favored to persist in small portions of northeast Washington and northern Idaho. Drought improvement and removal is favored in much of Oregon and in parts of central Idaho. Normal significant wildland fire* potential is also expected.” Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began January 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

AARNA SHAH (she/her) AARNA SHAH (she/her) Legislative Comms Co Director/Policy youthcommunications@lwvor.org

3 Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 1/16/23 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Climate Emergency Priorities Other Climate Emergency Bills Clean Energy Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Climate-Related Lawsuits State, Regional, National, and Global CE News Local League Climate Updates Volunteers Needed Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Following are updates on those topics: 1. Resilient Buildings : Refer to the Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings Dec 13 Report . It’s unclear when the bill(s) will be posted to OLIS, or which Leg policy committee(s) will be affected. As of this week the League is an active coalition member. (Some of these building topics were included in this 2017 Executive Order 17-20: Accelerating Efficiency In Oregon’s BUILT ENVIRONMENT TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE. This EO was posted a few days before Gov Brown attended COP 23 in Bonn, Germany). 2. Natural and Working Lands : (Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…): Natural Climate Solutions SB530 . The legislation includes activity-based metrics and community impact metrics for net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands and establishes carbon sequestration and storage goals. Assigned to: Natural Resources Senate Committee, find Committee Bills HERE and Related, see interim NR committee SB88 ). The League continues to be an active NWL coalition member. 3. Environmental Justice: A number of 2023 Leg bills are expected to address new and ongoing related topics. A recent update EPA: ‘ EPA Releases Updated Legal Guidance on Identifying , Addressing Cumulative Impacts to Advance Environmental Justice, Equity | US EPA, clearly defines at the federal level this new foundational area. (Related to HB 4077 (2022). 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission." and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. This will direct state agencies to report to the commission on progress toward achieving greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals (see SB 928 2019). Referred to the Senate E&E committee. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions and new clean renewable energy (DOE), OHA public health, and DOT Dept of Transportation policy and funding. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget* is scheduled to be available in Feb. There is now expected > $70M in CE related state agency POPs and new Legislative funding. (* budget items will come from over 22 state agencies including 14 NR agencies, OHA, DAS, ODOT, ODOE, etc.) Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith The League may support or just follow these bills. (This is a preliminary list; many bills are not yet posted to OLIS.) Natural Working Lands: See Rep Pham’s urban forestry bill, HB 3016 , Rep Holvey’s severance tax bill, HB 3025 to replace the harvest tax, and ODF’s Regular Harvest tax bill, HB 2087 . SB 88 climate smart Ag increases net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands. Requested: Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery. See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation : HB 2816 High Energy Use Facility - Required GHGE reduction, Chief Sponsors: Dembrow and Marsh. Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment : HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with FF energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. Green Infrastructure: HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Public & Green Banking: SB501 Bank of the state of Oregon Sen Golden. HB2763 Create a State public bank Task Force, Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters Clean Energy By Kathy Moyd, Greg Martin Legislation for the 2023 Session A quick review of the almost hundred bills posted for H Climate, Energy, and Environment and Senate Energy Environment showed that most of the bills have some connection to climate change action both with respect to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or adaptation to extreme climate events already occurring. Some of these will be under the Natural Resources Portfolio. Since greenhouse gasses are frequently associated with air toxins, some air quality bills may be considered under both portfolios. Some of these bills have been submitted in both committees and some of them are obvious placeholders for which amendments may be submitted later in the session. Of course, not all will actually be passed or even given a public hearing. In addition, those requesting funding will have more difficulty this year and may not get out of the Ways and Means Committee. The League will be working over the next few weeks to determine which of these bills we should actively follow, including giving testimony. Oregon Global Warming Commission The Oregon Global Warming Commission (OGWC) and the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) have been working for a year to develop the Roadmap to 2035 through the Transformational Integrated Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction (TIGHGER) project , aiming to identify decarbonization actions that can reduce GHG emissions while continuing to grow Oregon’s economy and enhance equity and quality of life. The commission devoted all or part of nine meetings to TIGHGER-related topics during 2022. At the OGWC meeting on January 13, draft recommendations seemed to be nearly in place. The League will consider providing comments if there is a public review. At the beginning of the meeting, Sen. Dembrow referred to two related bills: SB 522 , updating the GHG reduction goals, restructuring and renaming the OGWC and clarifying its role in climate action; and SB 530 , natural climate solutions (N&WL). He said both will involve expenditures and thus will go to W&M late in the session. House Committee on Energy, Climate and Environment Jan 18, 3pm Meeting, Claudia Keith Find Meeting Highlights HERE and link to video HERE Meeting Agenda: Invited Speakers Only House Bill 2021 (2021) Implementation:Christy Splitt, Government Relations Coordinator, Oregon Department of EnergyMegan Decker, Chair, Public Utility CommissionThomas Burns, Vice President Resource Planning and Acquisitions, Pacific Power Kristen Sheeran, Director of Resource Planning and Sustainability, Portland General Electric (Kristen was Gov Browns Climate/Carbon policy advisor for 4+ years)Jennifer Hill-Hart, Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board Bob Jenks, Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board Energy Markets Overview: Adam Schultz, Lead, Electricity & Markets Policy Group, Oregon Department of Energy Scott Bolton, Senior Vice President Transmission and Market Development, Pacific PowerNicole Hughes, Executive Director, Renewable NW Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The next Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast is scheduled for mid-Feb. It is unclear how the very volatile security market and banking issues / risk will develop. The last State of Oregon quarterly forecast assumed a likely mild recession in 2023. Climate Emergency Financial Risk: The Fed wants climate risk analysis from 6 largest U.S. banks by July 31 2023 | Reuters The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has never conformed to what is now recommended in the SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. SEC Plans to Finalize Two Dozen Rules in 2023 | Thomson Reuters. See supportive LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Related: ‘ESG Watch: Why this year could be a watershed moment for investors on nature-related risk | Reuters. The Status of Two Pending Rules That Would Require Disclosure of Climate Risks| Environmental Leader. Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read has changed his Fossil Fuel risk perspective. Oregon investments will be affected by ESG reporting. 5 banking trends to watch in 2023 | Banking Dive, “Harsher penalties, a fiercer fight over ESG philosophy and a more urgent push to regulate crypto appear poised to roil the finance sector this year.” Oregon Climate Related Lawsuits By Claudia Keith Be reminded there are numerous lawsuits challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (Jan 12, 2023 update) some which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. A national perspective: ‘Environmental cases to watch in 2023 | Reuters State, Regional, National, and Global CE News By Claudia Keith New report highlights opportunities to mitigate and adapt to climate change in Oregon – OPB. Central Oregon Community College: Aiming for a Carbon-Neutral Future | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon. Clean energy bill could spell trouble for Oregon datacenters . The Register. Environment Oregon's 2023 Legislative Agenda. 2023 Outlook: US power sector trends to watch | Utility Dive. What Does the War in Ukraine Mean for the Climate ? - The New York Times. Climate Goals Are Still Doable With More Renewables And Secure Financing| Forbes. Energy & Environment — Biden energy chief pushes back on GOP bill | The Hill. Why Europe Is Fuming Over America’s Green Subsidies - The Washington Post. Biden's climate agenda has a problem: Not enough workers | Reuters. European Executives Eye US Green Plan With Envy in Davos – Bloomberg. A Chart: China Dominates the Rare Earth Market | Statista. BlackRock’s Larry Fink Says ESG Narrative Has Become Ugly , Personal – Bloomberg. Federal Reserve Board – PR 1/17/2023: provides additional details on how its pilot climate scenario analysis exercise will be conducted and the information on risk management practices that will be gathered over the course of the exercise.... “ Climate scenario analysis is distinct and separate from bank stress tests . The Board's stress tests are designed to assess whether large banks have enough capital to continue lending to households and businesses during a severe recession. The pilot climate scenario analysis exercise, on the other hand, is exploratory in nature and does not have capital consequences….”. SEC aims to set climate risk , cybersecurity rules before May | CFO Dive. The EU’s pioneering carbon border tax | Financial Times. Why (Some) Central Banks Are Acting on Climate Change - The Washington Post. How Climate Catastrophe Could Be Averted If World Bank Helps Wall St – Bloomberg. Taiwan central bank to incorporate climate change risks into forecasting | Reuters. Global oil demand set to reach record high as China reopens, IEA says | Financial Times. Key sustainability trends that will drive decision-making in 2023 | S&P Global The Nature Conservancy: 10 Places to Watch in 2023 : PERSPECTIVES The world just signed a new deal for nature—now it's time to put it into action. Local League Climate Updates By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA ODOT Transportation & DLCD/LCD Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities Efficient Resilient Buildings Public Health Climate Adaptation Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment Climate and Environmental Justice. We all collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron 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: Behavioral Health Education Gun Policy Hate and Bias Crimes Housing Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Public Safety Behavioral Health By Stephanie Aller On Feb. 3, the House Committee on Education held a public hearing for HB 2596 (Interstate Compact for School Psychologists). There is currently a shortage of school psychologists in Oregon. At the same time, there is an increasing need for behavioral health services for students. The school psychologist to student ratio is three times the national recommendation. Proponents believe HB 2596 would attract more school psychologists to Oregon by streamlining the licensure process. This would improve access to behavioral health services for students. The bill is scheduled for a possible work session on Feb. 10 at 3 pm. On Feb. 4, the Senate Committee on Health Care held a public hearing for SB 538 (Tensy’s Law). The bill would allow parents to be paid for attendant care services if their minor child has very high medical or behavioral needs. Many parents and children testified at the hearing about problems with the current system. There is a caregiver workforce shortage in Oregon, especially of caregivers capable of safely caring for disabled children with high medical or behavioral needs. When these children are awarded in-home support hours, they often are unable to find qualified caregivers to work all the awarded hours. Due to the caregiver shortage, many parents must leave their jobs to care full-time for their children. Despite the financial hardship imposed on these parents, most are not able to be paid for attendant care. Oregon allows parents of disabled adult children to be paid for attendant care but not parents of minor children. During the Covid pandemic, Oregon had a temporary waiver which allowed parents to be paid caregivers for their child. The legislature then passed SB 91 (2023) the Children’s Extraordinary Needs (CEN) Waiver. This allowed parents to be paid for attendant care but with a 20-hour per week limit. Currently, there are 155 children receiving this benefit in the Waiver with over 1500 children on the waitlist. SB 538 would eliminate the waitlist and allow all eligible children in the Waiver. It would also remove the 20-hour per week cap for parent caregivers. Upcoming public hearings related to behavioral health: Senate Committee on Health Care, Feb. 11 at 3 pm. SB 140 requires the Oregon Health Authority and coordinated care organizations to increase reimbursement rates to hospitals for inpatient psychiatric services provided to medical assistance recipients. It also requires OHA to partner with CCOs, community mental health programs, and acute care facilities to coordinate care for patients being discharged from acute care facilities. House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care, Feb. 11 at 3 pm. HB 2013 would amend ORS 743A.168 to include outpatient facilities that employ certified alcohol and drug counselors as providers for purposes of mental health treatment insurance coverage. HB 2041 Relates to mental health services parity. This bill requires insurers to reimburse mental health professionals at the same rate as physicians and other health professionals for the same services. Education Senate Education heard an overview of the status of Student Success Plans (begin at minute 46), which are equity-driven and community-based. On Wednesday, February 12 at 3 pm, The House Education Committee will hear a presentation describing Special Education Funding Shortfalls, which is related to several bills being considered this session that propose to raise or even eliminate totally the artificial cap on money that a school district may receive for educating children with disabilities. Testimony is being developed for the February 13th meeting of the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development regarding: HB3182 , which directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) to administer a grant program to fund basic needs programming for housing. HB3183 which appropriates money to HECC for the Open Education Resources Program, which makes textbooks more affordable. Possible Impact of Federal actions on Funding for Education in Oregon LWVOR is tracking federal actions regarding the Department of Education and funding which it manages. Congress would need to approve eliminating the department, but even if that action is blocked, it would be still be possible to reduce the role of the federal government in funding education. Currently Oregon receives about $1B each year from the federal government for our education budget. This includes: · Title 1 money which 561 schools use to address needs of low-income students. · Support for 87, 648 students with disabilities under the IDEA program · 14,159 students enrolled in Head Start preschool and in Early Head Start · 279,232 children served by the national School Lunch Program While Congress would need to approve eliminating Pell Grants for low-income higher education students, there are other federal student loan programs which could be in more immediate jeopardy. Additionally, federal funding of university research could be threatened. Last year Oregon State University received $370M in federal grants. Gun Policy By Marge Easley HB 3076 , a placeholder bill supported by the gun safety coalition Alliance for a Safe Oregon, has recently received considerable attention in the press. The bill seeks to implement a state-based gun dealer licensing and regulation program. The impetus is a 172% increase in firearm homicides in Oregon over the past decade and a finding that a sizable number of guns used in crimes come from straw gun sales (legal purchases with the intent to sell to prohibited purchasers) or gun dealer theft. Federal oversight of gun dealers by the ATF has been notoriously weak, and it is thought that a state-based program, similar to successful programs in other states, would be much more effective. SB 697 , also on the Alliance’s wish list, has hit a potential roadblock due to a recent federal court ruling. The bill seeks to raise the age for purchase of semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21. However, on January 30 the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals declared unconstitutional the current US government ban on selling handguns to those under 21, in keeping with the US Supreme Court’s Bruen decision that requires gun regulations to be “ consistent with this nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation." Although SB 697 applies to semi-automatic rifles and not handguns, the expansion of gun rights expressed in this ruling will undoubtedly have an impact on placing age restrictions on gun purchases. Hate and Bias Crimes By Becky Gladstone Updating last week’s federal notes: all nonprofits need to know about this administrative action: Ending “Illegal DEI and DEIA discrimination and preferences” . On February 5, the US DoJ issued directives to begin civil and criminal investigations of NGOs and other private firms. The Attorney General’s February 5 memo additionally calls out educational institutions receiving federal grants, See the: Ending Illegal DEI and DEIJ Discrimination and Preferences . We are researching these upcoming bills with public hearings scheduled: · SJM 1 requests congressional action on anti -military bias, with hate-crime protections, including military families. It got a work session to be sent back for reassignment to a different committee. · SB 473 was brought to the Senate Judiciary committee for the City of Eugene. It creates a crime of threatening a public official. Housing By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan At its February 3 session, the Senate Committee on Housing and Development heard an Oregon Law Center presentation about the growing number of evictions in Oregon. This issue is important because evictions result in increased homelessness, hospital visits, and reduced earnings. Black women face eviction filings at more than twice the rate of white renters and having a child in the home increases that risk. Households of color and with children are at greater risk of homelessness after eviction. Oregon has the highest rate of homeless youth in the country. Of critical importance is recognizing that preventing evictions through rent subsidies and other measures is less expensive than re-housing and avoids the trauma associated with losing a home. The number of cost-burdened renter households in Oregon has grown as wage gains are not keeping up with increasing rents. More than half of all Oregon renters are cost burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. One in four spend more than 50 percent on rent. Extremely low-income households experience difficulties in finding housing they can afford. For every 100 renter households, there are only 26 available units they can afford. Although the number of evictions continues to grow, recent legislative actions have had an impact. In March 2023, Governor Kotek signed HB 2001 into law. Among other provisions, it increased the notification period before termination and requires landlords to participate in rental assistance programs. Today, more tenants can access advice and rent assistance before losing their homes. In addition to procedural reform, the legislature also allocated funding for homelessness prevention funds and rent assistance. The Oregon Housing Alliance, in which LWVOR is a member, included in its legislative agenda resources for rent assistance and homelessness prevention. It also supports SB 722 that would reduce the time period new rental units are exempt from statewide rent increase caps from 15 to seven years. It would also ban the use of software to set rents. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) HB 2958 has been an effective tool in Oregon’s tax code to help struggling families make ends meet and lift them out of poverty. Currently, the state credit is 9% of federal EITC, except for families with children under age 3, who receive 12% of the federal credit. The EITC is only available for hard working families with earned incomes up to about $65,000. This proposed increase would strengthen the EITC by raising rates to 25 percent for families with children under 3, and 20 percent for all other families. Families working hard will be able to pay for essentials like housing, groceries, and childcare. The House Committee on Revenue will hold a public hearing on February 18, at 3:00 PM. Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum By Becky Gladstone Updating last week’s federal notes: all nonprofits need to know about an administrative action: Ending federal funding to sanctuary cities and pauses grants to nonprofits “that support or provide services to removable or illegal aliens.” We are researching this bill, preparing for a public hearing: SB 703 directs DHS (Department of Human Services) to provide grants nonprofit service providers for help with immigration status. Public Safety By Karen Nibler The Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response, heard testimony for two bills this week: in SB 236 on delivery and manufacture of fentanyl and HB 3009 on Opioid Use Disorder medications for treatment in jail facilities. Rob Bovett one of the authors of the legislation on HB 4002 last session, spoke in support of SB236. He serves as vice chair of the Criminal Justice Commission and is employed as an attorney and teacher at the Lewis and Clark Law School. The Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee considered HB 3079 on implementation of youth homeless programs. The intent was to expand funding to the Department of Human Services to reduce the number of homeless youth under age 25. Specifically school age children through grade 12 have been identified as needing this service. Emergency shelters in rural communities were also requested, especially for veterans. The administrator at the Oregon State Hospital talked about the commitments and services for current residents. Aid and Assist cases have shorter terms of 90 days, up to 180 days for felonies or one year for violent felonies. Guilty Except for Insanity can serve 90 days or civil commitments can stay for 8 to 9 months. The Public Safety Review Board monitors clients after release. The Oregon Health Authority described clinics and programs under their budget bills HB 5024 and 5025. They have provided for additional beds and services in communities throughout the state, including John Day.