Mark Kendall President (Interim)

LWVOR follows governance-related policy in the state legislature. Governance Overview The League of Women Voters of Oregon is actively working toward a more accessible government, better educational resources, statewide privacy protections and more. Read More Governance Reports Jun 29, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 6/29 Legislative Days hearings included many issues relevant to Governance. Attending hearings in person, in the renovated Capitol building, helped restore our in-person networking! Read More Mar 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Though the session has concluded, our work continues as bills that succeeded or failed influence upcoming policy and budget considerations. Read More Mar 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of March 2 League governance work is intensifying and focusing on campaign finance, with legislative drama also around the gas tax referendum. Only one week remains in this short session. Read More Feb 23, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/23 The editorial board of the Oregonian featured the League opposition to HB 4018 8, which revokes campaign finance reforms, “Editorial: A complete betrayal on campaign finance”, Feb 22, 2026. Read More Feb 16, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/16 We have filed testimony on more than half of the governance bills we’re following. Informational hearings in Joint Committee Information Management Technology are well worth watching, this week for protecting local journalism and data breach policy. Read More Feb 9, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 We worked on an assortment of bills this week including elections, artificial intelligence, law enforcement, privacy rights, and funding. League testimony was filed for 6 of the 20 we tagged for Governance that were heard in committees Read More Feb 2, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Catch up on interim news and highlights of some of the 40 governance bills we've identified, out of 700 bills so far this session. We’re preparing testimony for seven of them in the session’s first two days so expect more individual reports next week. Read More Jan 26, 2026 Legislative Report - Week of January 26 The Joint Committee for Information Management and Technology (JCIMT) will focus for the 2026 session on a comprehensive strategy to strengthen digital transparency and public infrastructure against evolving technological threats, by modernizing state AI and data security policies. Read More Dec 1, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of December 1 LWVOR has a hand in LWV litigation, and Governance is observing. Read More Oct 21, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of October 13 Federal pressure on Oregon resonated throughout legislative hearings and made news for national guard activation against small peaceful ICE protests. Read More Aug 11, 2025 Legislative Report - Sine Die - Week of 8/11 This sine die report summarizes the Governance portfolio work that took place over the 2025 Legislative Session. Read More Jun 30, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/30 In the last few days of the legislative session, we saw extraordinary machinations on campaign finance reform. Read More Jun 23, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/23 HB 3954 was revived last week after a League letter called for action on the bill, for the Adjutant General to not allow the Oregon National Guard to be called to active service, except for certain reasons. This bill became more relevant with the California National Guard being called to action by the President in Los Angeles, overriding the Mayor and California Governor. Read More Jun 16, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 HB 3954 tells the Oregon Adjutant General not to allow the Oregon National Guard to be called to active service, except for certain reasons, timelier now with the California National Guard in the news. HB 3954 had a May 5 public hearing, but no subsequent work session. We wrote a commenting letter and sent it to the Governor's staff, the Attorney General, Chair and House Rules Committee members, and bill sponsors, to urge action on this bill, considering amending if it is needed. Read More Jun 9, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/9 HB3936 A bans the use of AI on state assets if the AI is developed or owned by a covered (foreign) vendor. It has already passed the House 52 to 0. It is now scheduled for a final debate and vote on the Senate floor on June 9. Read More Jun 2, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 6/2 The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is asking the public for feedback on draft administrative rules that would implement HB 4025 (2024). It has also appointed a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to work on these new administrative rules. Read More May 26, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/26 The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is asking the public for feedback on draft administrative rules that would implement HB 4025 (2024). It has also appointed a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to work on these new administrative rules. Read More May 19, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/19 HB 3766 had a second public hearing in the Senate Judiciary after passing unanimously from the House Floor. League testimony supported the bill as written to allow civil action against an adult who, unbidden, digitally sends intimate images (cyber-flashing) with the intent to harass, degrade or humiliate. Updated League testimony was filed and presented to address amendments quantifying defendant age and limiting damages to $10,000. We recommended reading Criminalising Cyberflashing. Read More May 12, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/12 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance, privacy/consumer protection, elections, and artificial intelligence. Read More May 5, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 5/5 HB 3392 is said to be the vehicle for a gut and stuff of the technical fixes for HB 4024 (2024). This bill is currently a study of campaign finance by the Secretary of State. Amendments are under discussion but not yet posted on OLIS. Read More Apr 28, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/28 Bills with League testimony are progressing, reported here, and several not addressed in the first chamber will be considered for testimony in the second chamber. Read More Apr 21, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/21 SB 1180: Requires the Secretary of State to submit to the Legislative Assembly, by November 1 of each odd-numbered year, a list of each prospective statewide initiative petition that has been filed for the next general election. Read More Apr 14, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/14 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. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies. Read More Apr 7, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 4/7 We are following numerous bills relating to initiatives, rulemaking, and elections. Read More Mar 31, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 We are following numerous bills relating to initiatives, broadband/vote-by-mail privacy, and elections. Read More Mar 24, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/24 We are following numerous bills relating to redistricting, broadband/vote-by-mail privacy, elections, government ethics, and rulemaking. Read More Mar 17, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/17 We are following numerous bills relating to redistricting, broadband/vote-by-mail privacy, and elections. Read More Mar 10, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/10 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance and elections, courts and privacy, and government ethics. Read More Mar 3, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 3/3 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance and elections, courts and privacy, government ethics, and revenue. Read More Feb 24, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/24 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance reform, federal concerns and privacy, and government ethics. Read More Feb 17, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/17 We are following numerous bills relating to campaign finance reform, immigration, bias and hate crimes, and government ethics. Read More Feb 10, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 We are watching for AI and further cybersecurity and privacy bills, welcoming two new volunteers who will have AI bill reports soon. Read More Feb 3, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 2/3 We are following numerous bills relating to immigration, discrimination, bias and hate crimes, including as they relate to privacy. Read More Jan 20, 2025 Legislative Report - Week of 1/20 A CFR workgroup called by Rep. Fahey that began in June is still working to identify technical adjustments needed to ensure successful implementation of HB 4024 (2024), to recommend legislative fixes for 2025, and to consider broader policy improvements for future sessions. Read More Dec 20, 2024 Legislative Report - December Interim 2024 The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. Read More Oct 1, 2024 Legislative Report - September Legislative Days The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. Senate Rules met Sept. 24 to consider various executive appointments. Read More Jun 10, 2024 Legislative Report - Interim Week 6/10 The House and Senate Rules committees met during the interim days last week. House Rules met May 31 to hear from representatives of the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy. Senate Rules met May 20 to consider various appointments. Read More Apr 22, 2024 Legislative Report - Sine Die 2024 Since this was a short session things seemed to move quickly. In the beginning there seemed to be adequate notice on hearings and bills to be heard, changing as the session progressed. Read More Mar 4, 2024 Legislative Report - 3/4 An amazingly historic thing happened with campaign finance reform as explained here in the Capital Chronicle. Read More Feb 26, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 During the 2/29 public hearing on the -3 amendment to this placeholder bill, HB 4024, good government groups severely criticized the amendment for leaving huge loopholes for special interest organizations to still make 6-figure campaign contributions. Read More Feb 19, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/19 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. Read More Feb 12, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/12 SB 1538 is an election law clean-up bill that makes many changes, was amended in several details and passed out of the Senate Rules Committee on 2/15. Read More Feb 5, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 2/5 For the first week of session, this news includes committee bills we’re working on / watching and news from the quarterly EPAB Meeting. Read More Jan 15, 2024 Legislative Report - Week of 1/15 The Interim Senate Rules and Executive Appointments Committee met 1/10/24 and introduced three legislative concepts (LCs) for the Public Records Advisory Council (PRAC) to study public records requests fees charged (LC 196); make youth sporting events grants available (LC 195); and to make many changes in an election law clean-up bill (LC 194). Read More Nov 13, 2023 Legislative Report - November Interim The LWV of Oregon has endorsed and is actively circulating IP 9 on Campaign Finance and IP 14 on Redistricting. Read More Oct 2, 2023 Legislative Report - September Interim The LWV of Oregon has endorsed and is actively circulating IP 9 on Campaign Finance and IP 14 on Redistricting. We urge you to download, print, sign and return petitions by mail from Honest Elections for IP 9 and People Not Politicians for IP 14. Read More Aug 18, 2023 Legislative Report - Sine Die In the final days of the legislative session only one bill, SB 166, the SoS’s omnibus elections bill, passed that included any campaign finance provisions. Read More Jun 26, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/26 In the final days of the Legislative session, only one bill, SB 166 Enrolled, passed that included many subjects. Read More Jun 12, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 The OR Senate walkout from May 3 finally ended on June 15, with a quorum present. 394 bill actions were scheduled including 40 from the House, which suspended rules to increase by 10. 144 bills have already been signed by the Governor. Read More Jun 5, 2023 Legislative Report - Week of 6/5 The June 8 House Rules Committee finally saw some CFR action, starting at ~1:20 in the video. Speaker Rayfield’s staff explained some history, concepts, and complications of crafting a CFR bill. Read More

Support the Advocacy Fund of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. / Advocacy / Support the Advocacy Fund / Support the Advocacy Fund About the LWVOR Advocacy Fund The League of Women Voters of Oregon Advocacy Fund (LWVORAF) is a 501(c)(4) grassroots political organization that is run through the generosity of our donors and the hard work of volunteers. It allows us to support petitioning, ballot measures and other campaigns that are not allowed for the 501(c)(3) LWVOR organization. Donations made to the LWVORAF are not tax deductible. Donate

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 Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/20 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Clean Energy Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. Following are updates on those six topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB 530 . Public Hearing was 2/15/23 in SEN E&E . The League provided supportive testimony . Read Oregon Chapter American Planning Association testimony . Sen Dembrow and OGWC Chair MacDonald testified . Here are the meeting materials . There is IRA federal funding for climate-smart agriculture. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report . The League is an active RB coalition partner. BR campaign guiding principles . SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 were posted 2/9. They seem to be placeholders, watch for amendments. Chief sponsors are Senator LIEBER, Representative MARSH. 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of a number of bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse‘ dangerous work bill LC has not been posted yet. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission" and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. League Testimony . Find more about this Bill in Clean Energy LR below. 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 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 to pass this proposed change. It’s unclear at this time if any Climate related new programs will be funded and many are related to Federal IRA matching funds. Read the 2/22 Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast committee meeting materials ; a moderate recession is still forecast, starting in 2024. The next forecast will be mid-May. Other CE Bills - Supporting By Claudia Keith House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans Feb 16 2023 Hearing includes these climate related bills with League testimony. HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment: The League provided supportive testimony for Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment: … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. HB 2763 Create a State public bank Task Force, Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. The League provided testimony . Other CE Bills – May Support By Claudia Keith The League may support or just follow these bills. This is a preliminary list; Natural Working Lands: See Rep Pham’s urban forestry bill, HB 3016 , Rep Holvey’s severance tax bill, HB 3025 to replace the harvest tax, and ODF’s Regular Harvest tax bill, HB 2087 . SB 88 climate smart Ag increases net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands. Requested: Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery. See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Green Infrastructure: HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Public & Green Banking: SB501 Bank of the state of Oregon Sen Golden. Interstate 5 Bridge Legislation: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) factsheet ODOT and WDOT . 12 Things the Oregon Legislature Should Know About IBRP - Just Crossing Alliance. It is likely policy and or just funding bills will be heard and likely moved by this IBRP Legislative Joint Committee . The goal: ‘Replacing the aging Interstate Bridge with a modern, earthquake resilient, multimodal structure is a high priority for Oregon and Washington…. ‘. Clean Energy By Kathy Moyd  SB 522 Oregon Global Warming Commission SB 522 changes the name of "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission." It modifies membership and duties of commission and the state greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. It directs the state agencies to report to the commission on progress toward achieving greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals The League provided both written and verbal Testimony . Clean Buildings By Arlene Sherrett Two bills will be up for hearings in the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee this week. Both HB 3166 and HB 3056 are energy efficiency bills. HB 3166 creates a whole-home energy savings program under the Housing and Community Service Department to give rebates to homeowners and landlords for installing various electric energy high-efficiency devices. Currently the bill is for electric upgrades only, but the propane industry is asking for the bill to be amended to include all high-efficiency options. HB 3056 extends funding from an earlier bill SB 1536 (2022) for a heat pump grant and rebate program. Fifty percent of funding is earmarked for low and moderate income households. The new funding end date will be January 2, 2026. Resilient Buildings (RB): Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report . The League is an active RB coalition partner. RB campaign guiding principles . SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 were posted 2/9. They seem to be placeholders, and nothing new has been added since last week. House CE&E Committee Updates By Greg Martin Feb 20 2023 Committee Meetings House C&E moved its first bill of the session to the floor with a do-pass recommendation: HB 3161 , a "cleanup" bill for PUC, voted unanimously and without discussion. Chair Marsh said the committee may designate the next such bill, HB 3160, for the consent agenda. Heard oral testimony on HB 2215 , the pro-nuclear bill. I counted 15 opponents and no supporters. A witness from NCSL said four states have repealed their restrictions on nuclear development since 2016. Opponents argued that SMR development is not really "carbon free," that supporters have not addressed the waste issue, much less resolved it, and that the risk to the state of making the wrong economic decision could be catastrophic in terms of stranded costs. HB 2700 would extend zero-emission and electric vehicle rebates to electric tractors and repowered tractors. Proponents including Rep. Neron said more farm vehicles need to go electric for the state to meet its carbon reduction goals, and incentives are needed to bring change, with some sideboards to ensure it doesn't just benefit "boutique" farmers. One rural supporter reported a favorable experience with a 25-hp electric tractor her family bought for $34K. The committee's rural members seemed favorable but noted that electric versions of "real tractors" (75+ hp) can cost over $100K so the bill's rebate of up to $2,500 per tractor would not offer much incentive. Feb 13 2023 HB 2396-1 (directs EQC to establish and implement an indirect source review program): The committee heard testimony on the -1 which seemed to have been posted too recently for some members' review; Rep. Owens demanded more time to study technical details with input from air quality experts. Proponents (Reps. Dexter, Tranh et al.) noted EQC already has authority to regulate indirect sources; the bill would require EQC to do so per specified definitions and methodology. Portland area supporters stressed the disproportionate impact of diesel emissions on BIPOC communities. Rep. Osborne challenged this, asking where they got their supporting data about race. He wondered whether the bill isn’t targeting “low-lying fruit” and won’t do much to address major pollution sources. OBI and other opponents predicted lengthy litigation, saying the bill would set state standards for mobile source emissions preempting EPA standards, contrary to federal law. Committee members wondered whether LC had considered this in drafting the amendment. Opponents also noted that EQC unanimously rejected this rulemaking in 2020. Seems like this bill will face a long hard pull. HB 3158 (Clean Diesel Engine Taxes): Rep. Nosse noted that diesel equipment retrofit rules are on the books, and said user taxes in this bill will raise sustained revenue to enable equipment users to comply. He said funds from the VW settlement must be spent quickly and anyway aren't sufficient to address the problem. Rep. Boshart Davis opposed, saying diesel replacement is happening “organically” and we don’t need new taxes to incentivize it. Chair Marsh halted the parade of pro and con witnesses at 4:30 with many more waiting to testify, and carried over the hearing to a future date to be announced. She also postponed the hearing on HB 3003 (tax credits for utilities that buy electricity generated from western juniper biomass). Transportation ODOT Seeks Input on the NEVI Program By Greg Martin More EV fast chargers are coming to Oregon, by way of $65 million in funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. ODOT will partner with private contractors to install at least 65 public fast charging stations along Oregon’s major highways and interstates over the next five years, beginning with I-205, I-5 south of Eugene, and U.S. 97 in 2023-24. ODOT is hosting community meetings to gather public input and answer questions about the program. Meetings began in Portland and Oregon City on Feb. 21 and will continue through March 1 in Cottage Grove, Canyonville, Medford, LaPine, Klamath Falls, Moro, and Madras. The new charging stations will be sited about every 50 miles and will feature four 150 kw/hour chargers per station. Per the Justice40 initiative, 40 percent of NEVI program benefits must go to disadvantaged communities. ODOT is finalizing its contracting standards with the goal of releasing the RFP this summer and awarding contracts this fall. Site design and construction of the Phase 1 stations will begin in 2024. ODOT wants to hear what is important to you when thinking about EV fast charging locations along the Phase 1 corridors. Visit ODOT’s “Online Open House” through March 3 to learn more about NEVI and take a survey associated with the interstate or highway that is most relevant to you. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. SEC Plans to Finalize | Reuters. Republicans seek records on SEC climate disclosure proposal | CNBC. Preparing for climate disclosure in the largest capital market | Greenbiz. Republicans demand answers from SEC over climate disclosure proposal | Pensions & Investments See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury / Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $27B Federal funds, which are contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. New York, California, and Connecticut Green Bank; some are a function of the State Treasury. Related News: EPA climate fund may not be a green bank after all - E&E News. Oregon Bond rating continues to be above average. It's concerning to the League how these major issues will affect Oregon’s economy. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (Feb 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 60 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Senate poised to revive probe of Big Oil climate claims - E&E News. ESG Litigation Heats Up in Marketing, Climate Pollution , and DEI | Bloomberg Law. Oregon and PNW News: Advocates for Fossil Fuel Divestment Push Treasury for Changes | Willamette Weekly. Oregon lawmakers, environmentalists want state pension fund divested of fossil fuels | Jefferson Public Radio. Feedback loops make climate action even more urgent, scientists say – ScienceDaily/OSU. 27 feedback loops could accelerate climate crisis, warn scientists | Env Journal. US Pokes The Sleeping Giant Of Wave Energy - CLEAN POWER US Pokes The Sleeping Giant Of Ocean Wave Energy - US banks on new PacWave South test site to nail down a piece of the global wave energy industry pie.| Clean Technica. Opponents of Eugene's natural gas ban want it on 2023 ballot|. Eugene Register Guard. Oregon lawmakers propose $200M housing and homelessness package | ERG. Northwest climate activists fight a new front in the movement to stop fossil fuels | Waging Nonviolence. Arizona, Utah lawmakers look to hamper clean energy development | Energy News Network. An All-Canadian EV, Solar Misinformation, Fossil Gag Order , Putin Losing His Energy War, and a Warm Ottawa Winter Shuts the World’s Longest Skateway|TheEnergyMix. National & Global Biden Weaves Climate Into Economy and Regulations With Two Key Picks - The New York Times. Geoengineering for Climate Change Is Big , Ambitious, and Needs Shared Rules| Foreign Policy. America's coastal cities are a hidden time bomb - The Atlantic. How misinformation about solar power hinders the fight against climate change : NPR. Biden gets a chance to redefine the World Bank role – POLITICO. Republicans in the US ‘battery belt’ embrace Biden’s climate spending | Renewable energy | The Guardian 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.

Vouchers are an internal resource for tracking expenses. / Reimbursement / Reimbursement Forms Instructions for Reimbursement Forms Please download the Excel Spreadsheet to fill out the voucher. Expense/Donation Voucher (Excel) After completing the form, it must be e-mailed or delivered to the person who is approving the expense. Please attach all receipts. If it is not possible to scan in receipts for e-mailed reimbursement forms, they may be mailed directly to the office with your name and date of reimbursement form printed on each. The person approving the expense has two options. If approving the expense by e-mail, attach thereimbursement form and scanned receipts, if any, to an e-mail with the following statement in the body of the e-mail: I, (your name) approve payment of the reimbursement form dated (date) for (payee’s name) in the amount of ($ to be paid). If approving the reimbursement form by paper delivery, sign in the approval signature box and include receipts. The reimbursement form may then be submitted with copies going to both the League office and to the treasurer. Reimbursement forms will not be paid without approval. It is very helpful to the treasurer if reimbursement forms are presented for payment in the month that they occur. It is imperative that all reimbursement forms be received before the annual closing of the books on June 30th. Please contact lwvor@lwvor.org with any questions.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 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 Healthcare Higher Education Housing Immigration/Refugee Violence Prevention and Gun Policy Volunteers Needed By Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator, and Team After School and Summer Care By Katie Riley HB 4082 Summer Learning 2024 and Beyond, was originally recommended for $50 million in funding. It was amended to include an additional $141,767 from Other funds (Student Success funding) for .50 FTE for ODE grant administration and $417,039 in general funds for ODE research and development of the Oregon 21st Century Community Learning Center Initiative. The Initiative will study ways to address educational disparities through increased summer and afterschool learning opportunities. On March 1st, the Full Ways and Means Committee passed the Education Subcommittee recommendation to allocate $30 million for the summer funding (40% less than the original request) plus the funding requests for ODE staff support for administration of the summer grant and staffing of the Initiative work group. Summer awards will be made through school districts by ODE. Guidelines for appointments to the work group and the work group process will be developed by ODE. Behavioral Health and Related Public Safety Issues By Karen Nibler and Jean Pierce HB4002 A , the “Oregon Drug Intervention Plan'' was approved by both chambers with strong bi-partisan support. The final version is very similar to HB 4002-24, for which the League wrote testimony . Here is a flowchart that describes the provisions. The League is pleased that the emphasis on deflection programs and expungement of records was retained in the most recent amendment. We also appreciate that the bill stipulates that the Oregon Behavioral Health Deflection Program would award grants for drug treatment programs and would track and report data concerning outcomes of the deflection programs to determine the best practices in Oregon. The Coalition to Fix and Improve Ballot Measure 110 has signaled that it would withdraw its petitions for a public referendum in November if HB4002-A passes the Senate and the Governor signs it into law. A companion bill, HB 5204A was passed by both chambers as well. It allocates money for a variety of provisions in HB 4002 as well as SB 1592 , for which the League submitted testimony . Some of its provisions fund: Universities to expand the behavioral health workforce “Shovel-ready” behavioral health capital projects Community mental health programs Oregon Behavioral Health Deflection Program Restorative justice Medication-assisted treatment in jails Curricular supplements for educating about the dangers of synthetic opioids A youth strategic plan by the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission Coordination on deflection programs and data needs United We Heal Medicaid Payment Program. A related bill, which the League did not support, SB1553A, would add possession of unlawful drugs on public transit to the list of Class C misdemeanor Crimes Interfering with Public Transportation. This bill was passed out of the Senate, and the House Judiciary Committee moved to send it to the Rules committee without recommendation. Healthcare By Jean Pierce and Christa Danielson HB4130-B attempts to prevent corporations from making decisions about patients’ healthcare. The League submitted testimony in support of the original wording. The amended version, which is weakened from the original, is still sending a warning to corporations. The bill passed narrowly out of the Senate Healthcare committee and is currently in Senate Rules. HB4149-A8, which requires Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) to be licensed, was approved unanimously by the Capital Construction W&M subcommittee and referred to the full W&M committee. The League submitted testimony in support of the original wording. There was acknowledgement that there is still a lot of work to do to regulate PBMs, but this bill makes major strides in adding important restrictions and bringing transparency to the money stream. Higher Education By Jean Pierce SB1592A , providing funding for universities to expand the behavioral health workforce, for which the League submitted testimony , was folded into HB 5204A . HB 5204A was approved by the House *54 Ayes to 2 Nays) to provide funding in support of HB 4002A, the Oregon Drug Intervention Plan. The original bill requested $6M, but only $4M is included in HB 5204A. (See also Behavioral Health and Related Public Safety Issues LR) Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona SB 1530-A5 : The Senate adopted SB 1530, the session’s major housing bill on 2/29. It appropriates $279.6 million for programs addressing homelessness and eviction prevention, with specific allocations to culturally specific organizations. Housing for people recovering from substance abuse disorders is also part of the package. The bill includes funding for a large number of infrastructure projects throughout the state aimed at supporting housing development. Funding for home repair, air conditioners, air filters, and heat pumps is included. Unfortunately, only $5 million of the $10 million needed to serve the same number of people through the Individual Development Account program was allocated, however, it is possible more funds will be added in another bill later in the session. The League submitted testimony in support of the additional $5 million increase. The spending package allocates general fund money to the agencies below to support investments related to housing: Housing and Community Services Department, $112 million for homeless services and shelters, matching funds for individual development accounts, and tenant education and services Oregon Health Authority, $36.5 million to support the Healthy Homes fund; grants to housing providers serving people recovering from substance use disorders; and money to purchase and distribute air conditioners and filters Department of Administrative Services, $30.3 million for entities to buy and redevelop properties for affordable housing, and distribute donated household goods to low-income families and individuals Department of Energy, $4 million, to invest in the Residential Heat Pump program Oregon Department of Transportation $6.5 million to the Water Resources Department and for housing- related infrastructure grants Oregon Business Development Department, $89.4 million for water and waste-water projects to help produce more housing SB 1537 B : The Senate passed a companion housing bill the same day as SB 1530. The bill appropriates $75.8 million to the Housing and Community Services Department for the Housing Project Revolving Fund to provide no-interest loans to jurisdictions for infrastructure projects related to moderate-income housing development. And $10.6 million General Fund to DLCD to establish a Housing Accountability and Production Office housed in the Department of Land Conservation and Development. Immigration / Refugee By Claudia Keith HB 4085 A – Directs DHS to give grants for legal assistance to help noncitizens get lawful immigration. Fiscal $6.3M , adds 2 positions / 1.2 FTE. League testimon y, currently in J W&Ms. Feb 19 HB 4085 -1 Preliminary SMS . This funding may appear at the end of session JWM omnibus bill. SB1578A which directs the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to establish and maintain a management system to schedule appointments and process billing for health care interpreters was amended to limit the service to Oregon Health Plan Members. The amended bill was passed by the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction March 1 st and was referred to the full committee. The Staff analysis of the measure reports that these interpreters are needed to facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients with limited English proficiency as well as the deaf and hard of hearing. According to the latest U.S. Census American Community Survey, there are 216,654 people in Oregon with limited English proficiency. Violence Prevention and Gun Policy By Marge Easley SB 1503 B , establishing a Task Force on Community Safety and Firearm Suicide Prevention, passed out of the full Ways and Means Committee on February 28. The League submitted testimony . An amendment was added to reduce the amount of funding for the Task Force from $400,000 to $250,000. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Social Policy? You can help. V olunteers are needed. Social policy includes: housing, adult corrections, judiciary, juvenile justice, public safety, gun safety, violence prevention, health care, mental health, immigration and refugees, foster care, social services, and women’s issues. LWVOR actively lobbies for anti-poverty programs to help low income and those at-risk move toward financial stability. If any area of Social Policy is of interest to you, please contact Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator, at socialpolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Passed Bills Other Bills News Oregon Treasury Climate Lawsuits Sine die was early on Friday March 6. As expected, in this very short /difficult session with risks of walkouts very few CE/Energy bills passed, however many other League policy and budget priorities did pass. (see other LR’s) Looking to the future, please note for next session: Legislative Environmental Caucus : recent email: “… And while other priorities didn't make it through this busy short session, they'll likely be coming back in the 2027 long session. “ The League will be very active in 2027 on Climate Emergency: mitigation, adaptation and climate migration / Human Rights related advocacy. Passed HB 4025 governor signed (allows a public utility other than a power or gas company (read: a water utility) to raise residential rates in winter, when usage is lowest. Electric and gas utilities remain prohibited from raising residential rates from Nov. 1 through March 31. HB 4031 A : governor signed. Exempts a renewable energy facility from needing a site certificate from the Energy Facility Siting Council if the facility qualifies for certain federal renewable energy tax credits a nd construction is scheduled to begin on or before December 31, 2028. 
 
 
 HB 4029 A governor signed (requires a solar energy contractor or installer to have an appropriate license for the scope of work performed; requires certain disclosures in purchase, lease, and power purchase agreements related to solar energy systems; and prohibits deceptive statements related to installation contracts. Any warranty provided by a contractor or installer must transfer automatically to a new residential property owner and remain valid for the full warranty term. Priority Bills Died in Committee: SB 1541 A - Make Polluters Pay - Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. , LWVOR submitted testimony . Creates the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to assess financial impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and recover costs from responsible entities. Multiple state agencies are involved including, DLCD, DEQ, Oregon Health Authority, OHA, and. LCDC, the oversight body is Environmental Quality Commission (EQC). The League did join the Make Polluters Pay Campaign . NOTE; This climate legislation is a national effort covered today by the New York Times , reporting that a number of other states are in the process of passing and/or implementing similar legislation. SB 1526 A - FORGE: Fund for Oregon Resilience, Growth, and Energy - League testimony . Creates financing tools, including a revolving loan fund, to provide more affordable, accessible long-term financing for clean energy and resilience infrastructure projects in Oregon. NOTE; This is modeled on a number of other states’ legislation , some as "green" banking nonprofits. 
 Other Bills died in Committee: HB 4046A Nuclear Study Bill, directs the Oregon Department of Energy, subject to the availability of funding, to conduct a study on nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors. 
 
 
 SB 1597 A died in House Rules. Makes a power provider disclose the costs to store the waste made from making any electric power. SB 1582 , Community-Based Power: Distributed Power Plants, News Oregon Climate Action Commission to Meet Virtually on March 13, 2026 — Energy Info Key climate, energy bills fail to advance in legislative session - Oregonlive.com Oregon Legislature approves one-year moratorium on key data center tax break - oregonlive.com (HB 4084 passed - see NR LR) How Oregon is building back smarter after wildfire • Oregon Capital Chronicle The building legal case for global climate justice | MIT Technology Review Oregon legislators require fuel terminals to prove they can pay for disaster cleanup - oregonlive.com Oregon pushes new homes to install heat pumps over ACs • Oregon Capital Chronicle ODOE January 2026 Newsletter — Energy Info (New Reports Highlight Importance of Oregon Lands and Workforce Needs for Climate Solutions) Oregon Climate Action Commission to Meet Virtually on March 13, 2026 The Oregon Climate Action Commission will meet on March 13, 2026. The public meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. online. ODOE Mar 3, 2026 February 2026 Newsletter In this month's newsletter, ODOE announces 24 Community Renewable Energy Grant awardees, … ODOE Awards $834,000 Top Oregon Climate Change Risks : Precipitation, Heat, Fire / ClimateCheck Corvallis researchers say climate change could trigger 'hothouse trajectory' | KLCC Technical Report | Projected climate change impacts on water demand and supply for the City of Corvallis | ID: 6108vk252 | ScholarsArchive@OSU Oregon Climate Change Research Institute // ScholarsArchive@OSU Oregon Treasury & Oregon Divest Now more opportunities for Oregon to invest in Clean Energy see latest performance results: Newsroom - Oregon State Treasury 3/5/26 : ‘Renewable energy stocks outperformed oil and gas’, Goldman Sachs tells Oregon’s $101bn public pension fund | Netzeroinvestor Zero Emissions - Part 1 (Divest Oregon ORG) New 2025 Treasury : Climate-Positive Investing : Invested for Oregon Report Tracking Net zero climate positive investment strategies. Oregon pension shows climate progress , private markets drive emissions | Private Equity Stakeholder Project.org Climate Lawsuits and Our Children’s Trust Columbia Law - Sabin Climate Center Blog –2026 updates There are a number of active federal lawsuits. Columbia University Law ( CUL) Climate Litigation Jan 30 Updates . Another source: CLU - Sabin Climate DB lists 97 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. Our Children’s Trust - In the News: March 5, 2026: California Youth Urge Ninth Circuit to Reinstate Constitutional Climate Case Against EPA March 4, 2026: Alaska Youth Urge State Supreme Court to Revive Constitutional Climate Case Challenging Alaska LNG Project Climate Rights Corps — Our Children's Trust VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture Transportation and ODOT state agency Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Environmental Justice GHG emissions: Mitigation and Clean Energy Policy Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Pr ocurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Contact the League of Women Voters of Oregon with questions or comments. Contact Get in Touch 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 lwvor@lwvor.org | 503-581-5722 First Name Last Name Email Subject Type Your Message Here Send Thanks for submitting! We Need Your Support Today! Donate

LWVOR's Immigration Policy positions and updates. / Immigration / Immigration Know Your Rights When Dealing with Police and Immigration Everyone in Oregon has rights when stopped by police, regardless of immigration status, and state "sanctuary" laws prohibit local law enforcement from asking about or reporting immigration status to federal authorities. For more about Oregon's "sanctuary" laws and tools to find more information and legal help, go here. Why It Matters All people should receive fair treatment under the law, and Oregon must ensure that new citizens are supported in participating fully in our democracy. Immigrants strengthen the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our state. What We're Doing Advocacy We support federal immigration laws that provide efficient, equitable systems for immigrants to enter and thrive in the United States. Congress must take immediate action to pass common-sense immigration policies that address border management humanely, protect families from separation, and establish a fair path to citizenship. Locally, we advocate for Oregon to continue as a welcoming state that supports immigrant communities and resists discriminatory policies. Supporting a Path to Citizenship Diverse voices enrich our democracy, and Oregon benefits from its vibrant immigrant populations. The League believes a pathway to citizenship or provisions for unauthorized immigrants already living in the U.S. to earn legal status will strengthen both our state and our nation. We have lobbied Congress for a fair path to citizenship and supported the DREAM Act, which is critical for enabling immigrant youth to become fully contributing members of society. In Oregon, these efforts ensure thousands of Dreamers can access education and career opportunities, benefiting our communities and economy. Helping New Americans Become Active Participants in Our Democracy Voter education and registration are cornerstones of the League’s work, and we focus on empowering new Oregonians to engage in civic life. The strongest democracy is one in which every voice is heard. The League is committed to helping new citizens in Oregon become active in political life by providing civic education and registering voters at naturalization ceremonies across the state. We partner with local organizations to ensure all Oregonians, regardless of background, have a voice in shaping our future. Immigration Resolution Adopted at the 2020 LWVUS Convention: Be it resolved the League of Women Voters reaffirms our commitment to Immigration reform: laws that provide efficient, expeditious systems for immigrants to enter the United States. The League stands in solidarity with immigrants and our partners in the immigrant rights community. Congress must take immediate action to pass common sense, fair immigration policies that end the crisis at our borders, end the separation of families, ensure their health and safety, and provide a clear path to citizenship which includes the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) young people. Resources for Immigrants, Refugees, and Allies Providing food, clothing, etc. Catholic Charities Oregon Lutheran Community Services Northwest Greeting refugees at the airport Offering English language instruction Helping with resettlement (finding employment, enrolling children in school, etc.) United Services for Counseling Mental Health Resources for Undocumented People Offering legal services Oregon Immigration Legal Services Directory Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR) Immigration Legal Services Networking with Partners Rural Organizing Project Human Dignity Groups Portland: Immigration Counseling Service Innovation Law Lab Accompanying immigrants at court hearings Love Resists Through Radical Presence: ICE & Court Accompaniment Programs Getting started with accompaniment networks and hosting asylum-seeking families and individuals Community Accompaniment Program with Asylum Seekers Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice Training for volunteers to walk side-by-side with individuals during their immigration process. Advocating for fair immigration policies Interfaith Immigration Coalition Educating the community about immigrant biases, immigration law, and policies DoJ: The Sanctuary Promise in Oregon Community Toolkit covers details in the law and people’s rights. Do your county’s policies violate the Sanctuary Promise Act? And how you can get involved. National Immigration Law Center Know Your Rights Resources for Farmworker Justice Latest from the League Action Alert: End the Shutdown/Protect Healthcare and SNAP ACTION ALERT: Oppose HB 3392 - Don't Delay Campaign Finance Reform Action Alert: Support Our Coastal Habitats

A list of past presidents of the League of Women Voters of Oregon. / Past Presidents / Past Presidents Past LWVOR Presidents, EF Chairs, and LWVUS Board Members 1973-75 President Betty Mack 1975-77 President Wanda Mays 1977-79 President Annabel Kitzhaber 1979-83 President Norma Jean Germond 1983-84 President Linda Dinus 1980-90 LWVUS Board Member Merilyn Reeves 1982-84 LWVUS Board Member Roberta Jaffe 1984-87 President Kris Hudson 1987-89 President Sharon Little 1991-93 President Kappy Eaton 1993-95 President Cheri Unger 1995-97 President Mary Krahn 2001-03 President Beth Burczak 1997-01 President Paula Krane 1995-97 President Mary Krahn 2001-03 President Beth Burczak 1997-01 President Paula Krane 2000-04 LWVUS Board Member Rosie Stephens 2003-07 President Margaret Noel 2007-09 EF Chair Janet Calvert 2007-11 President Marge Easley 2009-11 EF Chair Jane Gigler 2011-13 EF Chair Betsy Pratt 2008-14 LWVUS Board Member Norman Turrill 2011-15 President Robin Wisdom 2013-15 EF Chair Becky Gladstone 2015-19 President Norman Turrill 2019-2023 President Becky Gladstone 2023-2023 President Alice Bartelt 2023-present Co-Presidents Rebecca Gladstone Lisa Bentson

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week 1/30 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Agriculture Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Elliott State Research Forest Land Use/Housing Toxics Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team We have two new volunteers for Natural Resources: Paula Grisafi is providing testimony on Toxics bills. She worked on the Pesticides and Biocides Study and can now put the new positions to use. Carolyn Mayers is following Wildfire issues. She followed the Wildfire hearings at the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development and has concerns with residential buildings in the Wildland Urban Interface. Consider joining them covering issues of your concern. Agriculture The League has been invited to present information at the February Board of Agriculture meeting. We have provided a letter sharing our natural resource area priorities for 2023, along with the full League Action Committee Priorities . On Jan. 31 st , the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a report from the Dept. of Agriculture on the Oregon Disaster Assistance Program (with slides ). While there was success in helping farmers and ranchers as they dealt with drought, floods, ice storms and excessive heat, there was discussion on a future focus of resiliency programs for agriculture. Look for another Drought package to be introduced this session. Learn more about dry land farming in Western Oregon here . Air Quality By Kathy Moyd SB 488 , the Medical Waste Incinerator Bill (Covanta), is scheduled for a hearing in early February. LWVOR and LWV Marion Polk have provided testimony with concerns about the Covanta facility in past sessions. You might j oin Beyond Toxics, 350 Salem, and Clean Air Now on Feb 6th at 7:00 pm for an overview of the bill (Medical Waste Incineration Act) and hear about upcoming action alerts and how you help reduce air toxics in Oregon! Register here. Budgets/Revenue Governor Kotek’s first biennial budget is here . For natural resource agency budgets, start on page 143 of the web document. The Ways and Means (W&Ms) Subcommittees will begin hearing agency budgets as soon as the bills are introduced. Look for the Parks budget Feb. 7 th . The Governor’s budget is “balanced” with the use of the ending fund balances of $765 million from 2021-23 that would have gone to the Rainy-Day Fund. Oregon’s reserves are at $2 billion and those funds are not expected to be used, nor is the kicker money expected to be returned to taxpayers. More information on potential kicker distribution amounts will be provided during the Feb. 22 nd Revenue Forecast. Kicker amounts won’t be finalized until the 2021-23 budget is closed in Sept. The House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee held an informational hearing on Jan. 23 rd with experts who provided insight into the potential federal programs that Oregon might access from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. LWVOR continues to encourage the Governor and the Legislature to provide staffing to search for and write grants and assure we have staff to implement any programs funded by these federal dollars. The Governor’s budget seems to provide some staffing at the agency level for this work. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See Climate Report in the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt Peggy Joyce, a “public” representative on the Ocean Policy Advisory Council shares a report from their January meeting: All six of the Rocky Habitat Management strategy proposals approved at the December meeting will now begin their journey toward implementation with a recommendation letter to the Land Conservation and Development Commission. The six proposed and approved Territorial Sea Plan Part Three Rocky Habitat Management Strategy programs are: Ecola Point as a Marine Conservation Area; Chapman Point as a Marine Education Area; Cape Lookout as a Marine Conservation Area ; Fogarty Creek as a Marine Conservation Area with an allowance of subtidal research and a preference for observational research; Cape Foulweather Complex as a Marine Conservation Area with no change to commercial invertebrate harvest and Blacklock Point as a Marine Conservation area. The Board also received an update on the Territorial Sea Plan Part Four Workgroup process on underseas cable placements along the Oregon coast that should be wrapped up after its next group meeting, Feb 1 st . A comprehensive update was presented to the Council by the Elakha Alliance’s efforts to re-introduce sea otters along the Oregon coast. A great deal of research and study along with the hiring of an Executive Director (Jane Bacchieri) last summer has boosted the confidence of the Alliance that they will be able to begin relocation efforts in 2024. Dept. Of Environmental Quality The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission will meet next February 9 and 10 , for a special meeting to interview the two finalists (Leah Feldon and Jamie McLeod-Skinner) for DEQ Director. The special meeting will be held by Zoom, with a toll-free telephone option for audio-only connection, and more information about the interviews and EQC process are available at the agenda webpage . League members engage in this agency’s multiple missions and will be interested in the Commission’s decision. Elliott State Research Forest By Peggy Lynch On Feb. 1 st , the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a presentation from the Dept. of State Lands on the establishment of the Forest and the nexus with Oregon State University ( calendar links provided ). The League shared our December 2022 State Land Board testimony with committee members. The OSU Board of Trustees is expected to consider the terms of a potential agreement on the role of OSU in the Elliott at its April 14 meeting. If adopted, the resulting agreement would be voted on by a new Elliott State Research Forest Authority Board of Directors anticipated to be formed by the state on Jan. 1, 2024. An advisory Authority Board was appointed by the State Land Board at its December meeting to help shepherd this process. Emergency Services Governor Kotek’s Housing Executive Order 23-02 included a role for the newly formed separate agency: the Oregon Dept. of Emergency Services (ODEM). The agency has 90 staffers. Interim Director Matt Garrett shared in a committee hearing that they have been asked to “Create a construct to receive requests” and will work with OHCS. After rural counties expressed concern that they were not included in ExO 23-02, the counties were instructed to submit a letter to ODEM with information on the extent of and growth of homelessness in their counties from 2017 to 2022. The Governor has since requested $1.8 million to “support the emergency response being coordinated by…” ODEM as part of her urgent budget request on Jan. 26 th . Fish and Wildlife On Jan. 31 st , the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a presentation from the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife on the success of funding projects related to drought and the effect on our aquatic creatures. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony on HB 2983 in support of manufactured housing and testimony on SB 534 in support of a pilot $3 million fund to provide financing for the development of infrastructure and other costs, usable only for housing to remain affordable to moderate income households for at least 30 years. HB 2487 allows weddings or other events east of the summit of the Cascades on EFU lands. LWVOR did not testify, but has real concerns that this law change will affect ranching in Eastern Oregon. These properties are also served by water wells, septic systems and rural farm-to-market roads. SB 70 will have a hearing Feb. 8 th in 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. We continue to be concerned. More land requests being considered by the Semiconductor Committee: two each 500 acres, 4 each of 50 acres and 8 each of 15 acres. Unfortunately, much of this acreage would be at the loss of agricultural lands—the second most important and most stable economic engine in Oregon. HB 2889 : Establishes Oregon Housing Needs Analysis within Housing and Community Services Department. LWVOR supports. You can watch a presentation of this concept in the House Housing Committee on Jan. 17. This is a Priority housing bill for LWVOR this session. 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 provided to the Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) a first draft of proposed rules for Division 050 Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) on radioactive waste and a matrix presentation of results of a member survey done last year. Members have until March 1, 2023 to submit informal comments to staff. The precise schedule of activities after that point, including a public comment period on the more advanced draft, has not yet been announced. Recycling By Kathy Moyd The Right to Repair bill, SB 542 , will have a hearing Feb. 9 th at 1p. We hear an amendment will be submitted. See the Senate Energy and Environment hearings on Feb. 14 th for bills related to polystyrene and plastics. Toxics By Paula Grisafi LWVOR will follow the Toxics Free Schools bill when it is filed. More to come. Water By Peggy Lynch LWVOR has a statutory seat on the OHA’s Drinking Water Advisory Committee and we need a volunteer! The Secretary of State (SOS) did an advisory report on water. The Oregon Capitol Chronicle provided a good article on the issue. LWVOR participated in a year-long process to consider water processes. A report was provided to the legislature with a series of recommendations. Of particular note is Section 1: Overarching Recommendations. OPB points to the issue of enforcement and decentralized water management. The 2017-2022 Integrated Water Resources Strategy Progress Report provides a list of funding requests. The SOS did a presentation to the House Agriculture, Land use, Natural Resources and Water Committee on Jan. 31 st . Crook County has declared a state of drought emergency for the fourth consecutive year. The measure was taken so that its residents can tap into state funds to alleviate the financial burden brought on by the exceptionally dry conditions. The Governor has to officially declare these drought emergencies. According to the US Drought Monitor, nearly 64% of Oregon is experiencing moderate (D1) to exceptional (D4) drought conditions. Changes over recent weeks include a number of improvements and degradations. Reservoir storage contents in most U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (including Klamath) projects are measuring well below average, with many showing similarities to the past couple water years. The League is reviewing HB 3100 , a bill that updates requirements for the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS). Section 1 of the bill has many positive additions but Section 2 requires yet another standing Advisory Committee. Committees take staff time and resources and the Water Resources Commission provides adequate oversight. We’ll listen to others as we consider testimony on this bill, but we wholeheartedly support the guidance of the IWRS as it links multiple water agencies towards “abundant clean water for all”. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” V isit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. 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 See hearings on Feb. 6 th in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources for bills related to wildfire. Volunteers Needed Above you can see the names of League volunteers who covered one or more issues. V olunteers 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.

/ Youth / Youth Resources / Youth Resources Grants, Scholarships, and Internships Grants and Scholarships Youth Scholarships - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) United States Senate Youth Program - State of Oregon Internships Youth Council Internship - League of Women Voters of Maine National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) Other Resources The Flip Museum Oregon Kid Governor Oregon Civics Bee

Climate Emergency Read Our 2025 Priorities Here 2026 Legislative Priorit y ADDRESS THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY by supporting 2017-2025 Carbon/Climate Executive Orders, net zero greenhouse gas emissions before 2050 while ensuring environmental justice with a just transition for workers and impacted communities. Positions US League Climate Position: The League believes that climate change is a serious threat facing our nation and our planet. The League believes that an interrelated approach to combating climate change — including through energy conservation, air pollution controls, building resilience, and promotion of renewable resources — is necessary to protect public health and defend the overall integrity of the global ecosystem. The League supports climate goals and policies that are consistent with the best-available climate science and that will ensure a stable climate system for future generations. Individuals, communities, and governments must continue to address this issue, while considering the ramifications of their decision at all levels — local, state, regional, national, and global. See also Natural Resources Positions: Issues for Action (LWVOR): Air Quality Off Shore and Coastal Management Energy Conservation Nuclear Energy Forests Hard Rock Mining Land Use Parks Pesticides and Other Biocides Seismic Risks Water Policy – Quality and Quantity Water Resources of the Columbia River and the Columbia River Task Force Impact on Issues (US League) Resource Management page 107 Environmental Protection and Pollution Control – page 110 Transfer of Federal Public Lands – page 124 Climate Change - page 125 Public Participation – page 128 Federal Agriculture Policies – page 130 Previous Legislative Reports Next

Redistricting In Oregon Redistricting, or community districting, is the process of creating representational district maps for states and local communities. By determining which neighborhoods are included in each mapped boundary, redistricting impacts how our communities are represented in the US and local government and determines how resources are distributed. We believe Oregon voters should choose their politicians. Politicians should not choose their voters. Learn more about the current People Not Politicians Independent Redistricting Commission campaign.

Governance Read Our 2025 Priorities Here 2026 Legislative Priorities PROTECT DEMOCRACY by protecting privacy and voting rights - including automatic registration. Fund and implement secure, efficient election software, supporting ranked choice voting. Protect against mis-, dis , and mal-information, including from artificial intelligence. Ensure cybersecurity. Defend and support implementation of HB 4024 (2023) on campaign finance. LWVOR Advocacy Positions Note: these are condensed versions. See the complete positions in Issues for Action . Constitutional Provisions— The Oregon Constitution should be a basic framework of state government, free of obsolete material and statutory detail. It should · guarantee basic democratic rights · provide for a legislative assembly, an executive branch, and a judicial system. · be revised by constitutional convention, initiative amendment, or legislative amendment. Privacy and Cybersecurity— This position statement addresses Elections, Information Security, Personal Information Protection, and Electronic Business and Social Media. Economic Development Revenue Bonds LWVOR supports the authority to issue Economic Development Revenue Bonds by the state, ports, and cities with more than 300,000 population. 2. In addition to the Economic Development Revenue Bond program, LWVOR supports other state and local economic stimulants Election Laws— Election procedures and voter information are critical elements to an informed and participating electorate. Election Methods— LWVOR does not believe that plurality voting is the best method for promoting democratic choice in all circumstances. For single-winner systems, the League supports ranked-choice voting; we do not support range or approval voting. The League of Women Voters of Oregon supports election systems that elect policy-making bodies that proportionally reflect the people they represent. Emergency Board— An appointed Emergency Board should provide fiscal adjustment between legislative sessions. Fiscal Policy Evaluating Taxes —any tax proposal should be evaluated with regard to its effect on the entire tax structure. Fiscal Responsibility —local government should have primary responsibility for financing non-school local government. Local services mandated by the state should have state funding. Income Tax—i ncome tax is the most equitable means of providing state revenue. The income tax should be progressive, compatible with federal law and should apply to the broadest possible segment of Oregonians. Sales Tax— A sales tax should be used with certain restrictions Property Tax —local property taxes should partially finance local government and local services. Exemptions to the general property tax include: a. Charitable, educational and benevolent organizations, etc. b. School District Financing. The major portion of the cost of public schools should be borne by the state, which should use a stable system to provide sufficient funds to give each child an equal, adequate education. Initiative, Referendum and Recall Position— LWVOR supports constitutional provisions for initiatives, referendum, and recall. The League discourages amending the Oregon Constitution by the initiative process. Oregon State Courts— The State of Oregon should provide access to its courts Judges must be free to decide cases based upon the facts of the particular case and the applicable law, independent of the influence of public opinion and political and partisan pressures. Adequate and stable funding is needed to perform the Department’s core functions and critical services; The League encourages the development of specialty courts and problem-solving courts. Open Primaries— LWVOR supports more open primary elections, either through party primary elections or individual candidate-based primary elections. Redistricting— The Oregon legislative and congressional redistricting system should be efficient, adequately funded, based on well-defined criteria, subject to a reasonable and effective timetable, and have an open and public process. Previous Legislative Reports Next

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 5/8 Education By Anne Nesse Of interest last week was a public hearing on HB 3199A , in the Senate 5/4, already passed the House, limiting PE requirements by the state that were unattainable by many school districts. This outdated law had caused a number of Oregon school districts to be in non-compliance with state law. In a bipartisan effort, Rep. McIntire and Rep. Bowman as bill Chief Co-Sponsors, spoke together with others on the need to be more creative in giving students “brain breaks”, increased recess, increased extracurricular sports, increasing creativity in the design of outdoor time, and other new future efforts to increase student learning. The goal is to keep our students healthier physically and mentally. This law was represented as a beginning, to start this process statewide. In an unfortunate sign of our times, HB 3584 nears complete passage, already passing the House, now going on to the Senate floor, directing schools or school districts to provide electronic communication to parents and guardians of students attending, and to school district employees employed at, school at which a safety threat action occurred. Senate Education met 5/2 and 5/4,to send several House bills to the floor. The following is a list of a few nearing complete passage: HB 2669 , Declares children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind have the same rights and potential as children who are not deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind. HB 2740 A , Establishes a uniform method for calculating eligibility of part-time faculty member of community college or public university for certain health care, retirement and other benefits. Modifies method for calculation of hours of employment of academic employees of community colleges and public universities for purposes of Public Employees Retirement System. House Education met 5/3 only, to send several Senate Bills to the floor, previously passed in the Senate. The following is a list of ones that are nearing complete passage you might be interested in: SB 218 , Requires DOE and law enforcement agencies to make available to TSPC certain information received during investigation of suspected sexual conduct or child abuse. SB 238 A , Directs OHA, State Board of Education and Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to collaborate on developing curricula supplements related to dangers of certain drugs and to laws that provide immunity or other protections related to drug or alcohol use. SB 756 A , Requires school district employees assigned to work with students with specialized needs to have access to specified records related to students, to be consulted when an education plan for a student is reviewed or revised and to be provided with adequate training. SB 767 A , Limits scope by which public charter schools may conduct operations in a school in a district that is not a sponsor of the public charter school. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 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: Housing Gun Safety Immigration, Refugee, and Other Basic Rights Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona On June 6, the Legislative Fiscal Office and the Joint W&Ms issued their recommended budget to the Transportation and Economic Development Subcommittee on SB 5511 , the Housing and Community Services Department (OHCS) budget: Legislative Fiscal Office's analysis . The Subcommittee recommends a total OHCS budget of $2,558,608,558 with the addition of 441 positions, a 28.5% increase from the 2023-25 current service level. The suggested budget includes: $111.2 million in General Funds to continue OHCS’s shelter and rehousing services that was funded in HB 5019 in response to the Governor’s emergency declaration on homelessness. $24.1 million in General Funds to provide operating support to existing shelters. $55 million for rental assistance, and $6 million for services to tenants. $10 million in General Funds for down payment homeownership assistance. $2.5 million for decommissioning and replacing manufactured housing. $9.7 million in General Funds to capitalize OHCS’s predevelopment loan program and revamp the process to approve affordable housing finance applications from developers to shorten the time between project approval and construction, while helping smaller developers and projects. $136.8 million in Federal Funds expenditure related to wildfire recovery efforts, supported by a $422 million federal grant. Housing advocates are concerned that this recommended budget bill does not fully support the Governor’s end-of-session investments of an estimated $1 billion in bonding for new affordable housing developments to move the state towards reaching the goal of producing 36,000 in new housing units per year. Their priorities include: New rental and homeownership: $770 million in Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) bonds to Oregonians transitioning out of homelessness, seeking to buy their first home, or just needing an affordable place to live. This is especially true in rural areas that lack housing affordable to workers who provide critical services like education, public safety, and firefighting. HB 5005 and HB 5006 Market Cost Offset Fund: to increase housing production in support of the Governor’s request of up to $40 million in LIFT bonding to recapitalize the Market Cost Offset Fund (MCOF) for projects that have faced cost overruns due to market volatility. Permanent Supportive Housing: $130 million to LIFT for new construction, rental assistance, and wrap-around service delivery designed to reduce chronic homelessness. HB 5005 and HB 5006 Preservation of expiring regulated housing: $100 million in Lottery Funds to save and reinvest in some 163 apartment projects with 7,735 units that are at risk of losing affordability due to the expiration of 30-year affordability restrictions. The people who live in these homes are seniors, people experiencing disabilities, and families just starting out. HB 5030 New homes for homeownership: $100 million in LIFT and the General Fund to affordable homeownership developers who need a combination of LIFT bonds and general fund resources to build homes in all parts of the state. General fund dollars paired with LIFT will ensure that mission-driven developers can build hundreds of homes for first-time buyers, directly addressing the persistent racial homeownership gap. Acquisition and rehab of manufactured housing parks: $35 million in Lottery funds. HB 2983 Gun Safety By Marge Easley As part of the compromise agreement for the Republican’s return to the Senate chamber, the three-part gun safety bill, HB 2005 B , was considerably altered at a Senate Rules work session on June 15. The -B12 amendment was adopted, which includes only the ban on unserialized firearms (“ghost guns”) and removes the provisions raising the minimum age of firearm purchase to 21 and the ability of cities to establish gun-free zones. The bill is now in the Senate for passage. The compromise agreement also included the stipulation that a workgroup will be established to study policy solutions to gun violence and suicide prevention and $10 million will be invested in the Community Violence Prevention program. Immigration, Refugee and Other Basic Rights By Claudia Keith SB 610 A : Now in JW&Ms. Establishes Food for All Oregonians ( regardless of documentation status) Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Fiscal , Staff Measure Summary . The fiscal may show up in the end of session budget balancing bill. Recent News: ‘Dozens of advocacy groups disappointed food assistance bill fails’ – Oregon Capital Chronicle HB 2905 : 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. At Senate Desk awaiting Third Reading.

LWVOR Legislative Report: a weekly publication during session, covering a range of League issues and topics. / Advocacy / Legislative Report / Legislative Report The Issues The Legislative Report is a comprehensive newsletter covering what is happening at the Oregon State Capitol, published each week during the legislative session. Looking for past Legislative Report emails? Find them here ! LWVOR Testimony 2026 Subscribe to the LR Climate Emergency Updates on clean energy bills, climate justice topics, climate lawsuits and more. Natural Resources Updates on coastal issues, forestry, recycling, resource management and more. Education Updates on education related policies in Oregon. Revenue Updates on revenue related bills in Oregon. Governance Updates on cybersecurity bills, campaign finance, redistricting, election methods and more. Social Policy Updates on social policy related bills in Oregon. LWVOR Testimony Matrix - 2026 Testimony Scroll Here For Full Table!

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 1/20 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 Community Resiliency Programs Updates Oregon Environmental Quality Commission Meeting Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust (OCT) Climate Emergency Updates By Claudia Keith There are now over 100 Environmental/Climate Legislative Bills posted or soon to be posted to OLIS in January. At this point here are a few that have been identified as potential League policy and/or budget Climate priorities: Update to Greenhouse gas Emission Reduction Goals. Bringing back SB 1559 (2024) 
 Natural and Working Lands ( OCAC NWL Report ) (see NWL LR below) SB 681 Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium SB3170 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks 
 HB 2566 Stand-along Energy resilience Projects – Governor Tina Kotek SB583 Study/Task Force on public banking/financing ( 2024 HB 4155 ) 
- Sen Frederick HB 2966 Establishes the State Public Finance Task Force (2023 HB2763) Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans SJR 28 Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Leg Referral 
- Senator Golden, Representative Andersen, Gamba, Senator Manning Jr, Prozanski, Representative Tran SB 682 Climate Super Fund – Sen Golden, Representative Andersen, Gamba, Senator Campos, Pham Carbon sequestration / storage see DOGAMI Agency Budget Transportation package that prioritizes climate, equity, and wildlife: This package would build on the historic gains on HB 2017 (which included investments in public transit, Safe Routes to School, and vehicle electrification), to shift the focus to multimodal, safety, and climate-forward investments. This will create a system that saves money over time and builds a more resilient, equitable, and healthy future for all Oregonians.( see OCN Press Rel ) Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package* ( HB 3081 , SB 88 , LC 1547): Oregonians are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing utility bills in the face of ever-worsening climate impacts. HB 3081 would create an active navigator to help Oregonians access energy efficiency incentives all in one place. SB 88 limits the ability of utility companies from charging ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. SB 553 LC 1547 ensures that large energy users (i.e. data centers) do not unfairly burden Oregon households. (*see OCN Press Rel ) Climate News: Oregon snowfall projected to drop 50% by 2100 among findings in latest state climate report (Oregon Capital Chronicle). NW Natural lobbyists also working for Oregon governments combatting climate change, report says ( oregonlive.com ). Environment Oregon's 2025 legislative agenda . Oregon lawmakers craft bill to shield consumers from the cost of powering data centers ( oregonlive.com ), Biden executive order opens up federal tracts to data centers (E&E News by POLITICO). Natural and Working Lands By Josie Koehne LWVOR is a member organization of the Natural Climate Solutions Coalition that meets weekly. The Coalition is monitoring the implementation of the Natural Working Lands Fund. The legislature approved $10million in 2023 to implement the Climate Change and Carbon Plan (CCCP) approved by the Oregon Department of Forestry in 2021. See our supporting testimony. The funds are funneled through the Oregon Water Enhancement Board (OWEB) to the other Natural Resource agencies, the Dept of Agriculture, Oregon Fish & Wildlife and the Dept of Forestry (ODF) for grants for climate-smart incentives. The LWVOR submitted these comments concerning ODF’s use of the Funds for the Board of Forestry meeting on Jan. 8 and 9th. These comments were referred to by State Forester Cal Mukumoto in his opening remarks, saying he would follow up on the suggestion we made to redirect some of the funds for a dedicated position to implement climate-smart forestry practices throughout the Department. We will be making a budget request during the upcoming session for his Climate Coordinator position. At the Board meeting on Jan 9, a panel of six climate researchers from Oregon State University’s College of Forestry discussed their areas of expertise and offered to work with the Board to assist in making scientifically informed decisions. An excellent presentation by Dr. Matthew Betts ended that morning with a very lively discussion and much interest from the Board for future collaboration. A video of that portion of the Board meeting can be found here . The day concluded on a very sad note when an emotional Chair Kelly announced that State Forester Cal Mukumotois was resigning his position as head of the agency and would end his term in just two weeks, due to “politics”. We are very unhappy to hear of his departure. Bob Van Dyck also has resigned, and January 9th was his last day serving on the Board. House CE&E Committee Meeting - December 11, 2024 -from notes received - Work session: The committee voted to adopt these LCs to be introduced as committee bills: LC 649 – Bottle Bill changes LC 701 – Rebates for purchase of battery-powered leaf blowers LC 1513 – PUC must create rules and framework for microgrids LC 1514 – Allows third party to evaluate a request to connect a project to a power system LC 1516 – PUC must take “certain actions to support microgrids” LC 2097 – Creates Agrivoltaics Task Force to study agrivoltaics LC 3674 – Requires battery makers to collect and recycle batteries Invited testimony: Community Resiliency Programs Updates Ed Flick, Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS): HB 340 9 authorized programs to address wildfire smoke, extreme heat and cold. ODHS is building congregate shelters for 28 communities across the state, deploying portable equipment including climate trailers, building coastal infrastructure for earthquake and tsunami evacuation. Resilience hubs are designed to operate every day, not just in emergencies. Have received 700+ applications from 35 counties with requests totaling $173 million ($10m available), identified 89 applications for award. Praise for the program from Greater Douglas United Way and Thrive Umpqua. Hannah Satein, Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE): County Energy Resilience Program ( HB 3630 ) goal is to provide communities with energy for hospitals, law enforcement, waste management, water supply, etc. during energy disruption. Awards up to $50K per county. Applications accepted through Feb. 2025. Christy Splitt, ODOE: Community Renewable Grant Program ( HB 2021) provides public bodies, tribes, utilities with grants to plan for and build renewable energy projects. Has invested $70 million since 2021 for 44 construction grants and 50 planning grants in 28 counties outside of Portland. Demand has been twice as high as available dollars. ODOE also administers Oregon’s participation in the federal grid resilience program and has submitted the state energy security plan. Oregon Environmental Quality Commission Meeting January 9, 2025. (~40 participants at peak) Presentation slides of the Department of Environmental Quality for the following items are available for download on the EQC rulemaking web page . Clean Fuels Program (CFP) Updates Rulemaking The CFP, in effect since 2016, is expected to bring about roughly half of the overall greenhouse gas emission reduction that Oregon has targeted through 2035.DEQ previewed this rulemaking at its November meeting. The primary goals are to harmonize CFP rules with similar rules in California and Washington and to improve program efficiency by accommodating new fuel technologies in Oregon. The rule changes are narrow and technical, focused on the methods and data sources used to determine the carbon intensity (CI) values of transportation fuels used in Oregon. This includes updating the full well-to-wheels OR-GREET fuel CI model and updating and adding simplified calculators for Tier 1 fuels. This rulemaking also adds requirements for (1) high-risk pathways to use attested source feedstocks to better ensure the environmental integrity of those fuels; (2) third-party verification of fuel pathway applications and electricity reporting (excluding residential EV credits); and (3) CFP handling of fuel pathways with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects. Per DEQ, CCS projects pose a unique risk to crediting under the CFP, as the CI score reflects carbon that is stored geologically and there is a risk that the stored carbon may be emitted in future years. The rule change addresses this by requiring fuel pathways with CCS to set aside some of the credits they would otherwise generate into a new reserve account in case of future carbon leaking. California’s CCS protocol uses the same risk-based methodology. DEQ plans to review this provision in 2029 to determine if an update is needed. EQC voted unanimously to adopt the proposed rule amendments. E-Cycles 2024 Rulemaking DEQ presented proposed rules to implement HB 3220 (2023), which modernizes Oregon’s electronics recycling program launched in 2009. Under E-Cycles, electronics producers must share in the responsibility for the end- of-life management of their products and materials. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, HB 3220 greatly expands the list of electronic devices a recycling collection site must accept ( See E-cycles 2024 Rulemaking Item D Presentation slide 9 ) and requires each county to maintain a permanent collection site, so that 95% of Oregon residents are within 15 miles of a site. Producer Responsibility Organizations must provide fair financial compensation for collection site operators. During the rulemaking process, DEQ modified the proposal to respond to comments the agency received regarding enforcement, market share, fees, reporting, product categories, and other issues. Slides 16–27 summarize the final proposed changes. Slides 28–31 summarize the projected fiscal and racial equity impacts. In brief, manufacturers provide the program funding to cover DEQ’s oversight costs. DEQ anticipates no direct costs to the public. The rules could reduce local government costs related to illegal dumping of covered devices. Collection sites, transporters, and processors may experience impacts related to environmentally sound management practices. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the proposed amendments. Public Forum Strong statements by Columbia Riverkeepers and other organizations opposing DEQ’s approval of water quality permit for the NEXT Energy biofuel refinery on the Columbia River. Climate-Friendly Equitable Communities (CFEC) Program Update Carbon Sequestration See also the Natural Resources Legislative Report Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Budget Policy Option Package (POP) for 2025-27 (Funding is in DSL budget: $10 million from the Common School Fund with a separate position in DEQ budget) POP 103 – Subsurface Geology and Mapping, is focused on the carbon sequestration in basalt in 108 northeast Oregon. The Director explained how the method is done and showed a picture of the results 109 taken in Iceland. This is a way of developing economy in northeast Oregon and to meet the 110 climate goals/objectives of the State. It is in partnership with POP 106 – MLRR Class VI Injection 111 Well Regulatory Program, to create the regulatory program.. Oreogn is hoping the EPA approves Oregon's Primacy to take on this program. Geologic carbon sequestration possibilities in the Pacific Northwest: Two areas of study and opportunity are recognized for future Geologic Carbon Sequestration in the Pacific Northwest: the Western Oregon and Washington Basins and the Columbia Basin of eastern Oregon and Washington. See the U.S. Geological Survey interactive map for additional information – Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) . Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust (OCT) By Claudia Keith Recent OCT Press Releases: January 13, 2025 Merkley, Schakowsky Lead 41 Members of Congress in Filing US Supreme Court Brief Supporting Landmark Juliana v. US Youth Climate Rights Lawsuit; Public Justice & Montana Trial Lawyers Association Join in Separate Brief Here is one example of how to track DEQ CPP cases. Basically, there are several active federal lawsuits , Jan 2025 update) “Montana Supreme Court Ruled that State Law Restricting Consideration of Climate Change in Environmental Reviews Violated Youth Plaintiffs’ Right to a Clean and Healthful Environment” Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 83 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON.