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Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 1/16 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Housing Women's Issues Immigration/Refugees Gun Safety Criminal Justice Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona On January 11, Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan, along with other Housing Alliance members, voted on the Oregon Housing Alliance’s 2023 legislative agenda. On January 13, the Housing Alliance shared results of the member vote by announcing their 2023 legislative policy agenda , a slate of 8 priority bills and 20 endorsed bills. Priority bills are defined as ones for which the Housing Alliance should be active in coordinating and leading advocacy. If bills are endorsed, the Alliance intends to publicly support the proposals, and contribute to their advocacy, however, they will not serve as the lead organization. Listed below are the Housing Alliance priority bills that have received their first reading and been assigned to committees. The decision to have public hearings on bills rests with Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs and Legislative Leadership. The filing deadline is Feb. 21 for most bills. HB 3010 Reform the Mortgage Interest Deduction Disallows taxpayers from claiming a deduction on home mortgage interest for any residence other than their primary residence. Phases out the deduction on primary residences for households earning $250,000 or more. Increased revenue would be used, among other things, to assist first time homebuyers. SB 611 Reasonable Rent Limits annual rent increases to 3% plus consumer price index, or 8%, whichever is lower; provides these protections for all buildings more than 3 years-old (buildings up to 15 years-old are currently exempted); and increases relocation assistance in landlord-based (no-fault) evictions HB 2456 Emergency Housing Assistance for K-12 students Modifies the state’s emergency housing assistance (EHA) program and state homeless assistance program (SHAP) to provide funds to assist school-aged children experiencing or at risk of homelessness. SB 225 Private Activity Bonds for Affordable Housing Makes changes to the state's policy for private activity bonds to ensure coordination of affordable housing resources and a clear financing process For information on the endorsed bills, please see the link above on the Housing Alliance’s 2023 Legislative policy agenda. Women’s Issues By Trish Garner 2023 Bills Related to Abortion / Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health It is difficult to predict what will take place during the 2023 Legislative Session about issues related to reproductive rights in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health . On the one hand, the right to an abortion is protected in Oregon's constitution (Article I, Section 46; 2014) and related statutes (e.g. ORS 743B.001 which requires health benefit plans to cover abortion costs). It has also been the case that in past sessions, measures limiting abortion rights have more or less regularly been submitted for approval and haven't made it to a Committee hearing. On the other hand, we would be deaf if we did not hear countervailing drum beats. The 2023 Legislative Session is not without proposals to ban abortion outright: prohibition of abortion after the 37th week - HB 2810, after the 38th week - HB 2808 , after the 39th week - HB 2807 ; prohibition of late term or third trimester abortion except in a medical emergency or in the case of rape, incest - HB 2809 (Chief Sponsors are Reps Hieb and Diehl). Senate Bill 513 (Sen Thatcher and Rep Morgan) prohibits an abortion unless the health care provider first determines the probable gestational age of the unborn child, except in the case of a medical emergency. Attacking reproductive services from another direction is HB 2402 (Rep Diehl); it prohibits public funding for abortions. HB 2526 (Rep Breese-Iverson) adopts a different tack, although the result may be the same. HB 2526 requires the OHA to establish a toll free pregnancy resource hotline to provide information and assistance to pregnant persons seeking abortions in this state. So far, so good, but the bill then continues to provide that except for a medical emergency, an abortion cannot be performed unless the provider verifies that the pregnant person has consulted with this hotline at least 48 hours before the provision of abortion services. There are a few other proposals which may not seem to directly challenge the provision of abortions, but are nonetheless disconcerting and call for scrutiny. Under HB 2423 (Rep Breese-Iverson) the Oregon Health Authority ("OHA") is directed to establish and administer a Pregnancy Launch Program that among other things supports childbirth as an alternative to abortion and encourages healthy childbirth. This legislation also prohibits the OHA from contracting for providing services with an organization that "directly or indirectly provides, promotes, refers for or assists pregnant persons in obtaining abortions." HB 2424 (Rep Breese-Iverson) requires OHA to establish a program for the purpose of making grants to entities that provide services related to encouraging and assisting pregnant persons in carrying their pregnancies to term. Grant monies will not be used to encourage or assist pregnant persons in having abortions unless an abortion is necessary to avoid impairment of the person's "major bodily functions." Perhaps farther removed from but still related to the Dobbs decision, there are bills from both the House and Senate side that require school health education curricula to include information about human development from conception to birth ( SB 674 - Sen Knopp and Rep Smith; HB 2570 - Reps Smith and McIntire.) So, we shall see what traction any of these bills attain. Immigration/Refugees and other Basic Rights By Claudia Keith US Chamber calls for Congress to end gridlock , saying businesses are ‘fed up’ | The Hill. Senator Ron Wyden regards WOU town hall as education opportunity for him | News | polkio.com . New "Food for All Oregonians" legislation backed by over 75 community organizations - Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. Bills of Interest or possible League support: (Bills that have been posted to OLIS that may move forward via a committee public hearing. – an Incomplete list) Basic Needs SB610 : Establishes Food for All Oregonians Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to provide nutrition assistance to residents of this state who would qualify for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program but for immigration status. Requires Department of Human Services to convene an advisory group to recommend metrics to evaluate success of the department in treating all applicants for and recipients of public assistance in welcoming manner and with respect, courtesy, fairness, and dignity. Unclear what the funding ask may be. May replace the ‘Workers Relief Fund’ . ‘Oregon Worker Relief measures impact in infrastructure’| Statesman Journal. Immigration SB627 : Funding for universal (legal) fees for non-documented individuals (15M$) Sen Lieber. SB185 Requires Department of Justice to study immigration in this state; may include recommendations for legislation, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15, 2024. Requested by Attorney General Rosenblum. HB2957 : Financial assistance to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status recipients for specified purposes. (>7M$). Large portion of the Source funding is Federal ARPA funds. Rep Ruiz SB603 : Establishes People's Housing Assistance Fund Demonstration Program, administered by Department of Human Services, to provide 12 monthly payments of $1,000 to individuals who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, are severely rent burdened or earn at or below 60 percent of area median income. (Includes immigrant, and refugee status.) Starts with a PSU $250K study. A potential $500M program. Rep Pham K and Senator Campos, Sen Cmt on Housing and Dev, then W&M. Other SB613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities HB2458 : Prohibits conversion therapy Gun Safety By Marge Easley Measure 114 Update: On January 13, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum petitioned the Oregon Supreme Court to either dismiss the Harney County judge’s ruling that put a halt on the measure’s implementation or direct the judge to explain his reasoning. We await the Supreme Court’s decision. In the meantime, we will urge legislators to make any needed technical fixes and provide adequate funding for full implementation. More complete information on court actions related to Measure 114 can be found in this recent Oregonian article . Criminal Justice By Marge Easley We can expect to see a number of bills this session that pertain to the current shortage of public defenders in Oregon, particularly in Washington and Multnomah Counties. On January 18, House Judiciary Committee members heard a presentation about the reasons for the shortage, including the extremely heavy workload, low pay, and high turnover due to burnout. Despite the allocation of $10 million to Public Defense Services in December, much more funding is urgently needed. In addition, legislators are also looking at a number of longer-term solutions to increase recruitment, including the streamlining of court processes, the forgiveness of law school loans in return for five years of public defense work, providing alternatives to taking the bar exam, and allowing non-attorney members of the Oregon State Bar to practice law in specific areas. Measure 110 Update On January 19, Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan released an audit of Measure 110, authorized by the 2021 Oregon Legislature. The measure was passed by Oregon voters in 2020 with the intent of decriminalizing possession of small amounts of controlled substances and directing cannabis tax revenue to addiction and recovery services. After a slow rollout, the Oregon Health Authority has thus far awarded $33 million in grant money, although scant data currently exists to show how the money was spent or whether it was used effectively to improve addiction services. Audit recommendations include improving the program’s governance structure, grant application process, and collaboration with public agencies. The effective implementation of Measure 110 is of critical importance when one considers the following statements from the audit’s introduction: “Oregon has the second highest rate of substance use disorder in the nation and ranked 50th for access to treatment. In Oregon, more than two people died each day from unintentional opioid overdoses in 2021.”

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 5/29 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator Some good news from State Senator Michael Dembrow’s May 28th Update from SD 23 . Many LWVOR climate related priority and other bills are listed in the drafted Legislative Climate Funding Package, not yet posted to OLIS. Here’s an excerpt: “ Legislative Counsel is finishing up the drafting of the amendments to these placeholders, which will become the final bills. The amendments should all be posted on OLIS early this week. I expect that they will be assigned to Ways and Means subcommittees and passed to the full Ways and Means Committee by the end of the week. Funding Package #1 : Climate Action The first funding package that I worked on will be HB 3409, which brings together and funds a number of bills related to climate action. The package invests nearly $100 million in crucial climate action this session, though it has the potential to draw down many times that amount in federal funding that has become available. Here are the programs and policies that are included in this package. I’ll provide more explanation and the final funding levels in the future. Here are the bills included in the package: · REBuilding Bills (SB 868, 869, 870, 871, HB 3166) · State Energy Strategy and Resilience Planning (HB 2534 & 3378) · Community Resilience Hubs (HB 2990) · Community Green Infrastructure Act AKA TREES Act (HB 3016) · Woody Biomass for Low-Carbon Fuels (HB 3590) · Environmental Justice and Tribal Navigator (SB 852) · Medium and Heavy-Duty EV Incentives (HB 2714) · Renewable Energy Siting (HB 3181) · Natural Climate Solutions (SB 530) · Climate Action Modernization (SB 522) · Residential Solar Rebate Program Extension (HB 3418) · Residential Heat Pump Program Extension (HB 3056) · Climate Protection Program Fee Bill (HB 3196) · Harmful Algal Blooms (HB 2647) · Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (HB 2021, 2021) In addition, there are a number of Agency Policy Option Packages (POPs) and new climate-related programs included in the Climate Package. Again, though, the future of this package, like all the others, remains up in the air.”

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 5/15 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith 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 Priority Bills I-5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Natural Climate Solutions Bill Priority Bills The May 17 Revenue 23-25 forecast was very favorable. Oregon is forecasted to have $1.5-2.0 B in funds not previously reflected in the Feb forecast. Previously the Governor and Legislature majority leadership have given some direction in their commitment to a meaningful ‘Climate Package’. Related, given the new May forecast Oregon, is now in a better position to qualify for Federal matching Energy/Climate IPA funds. The CE priority bills had minimal activity in the last few weeks. Most have already moved to JW&Ms. Find additional background in previous LR (report)s on the six CE priorities. ** Action Needed: Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support the following Climate and Environmental related Bills. ** 1. Resilient Buildings (RB) policy package: Bills are now in JW&M. The League is an active RB coalition partner. Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . · SB 868 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 869 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 870 A Staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 871 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions 2. SB 530A : Natural and Working Lands is in JW&Ms. The League continues to be an active coalition member. Fiscal . Staff Measure Summary 3. Environmental Justice (EJ) 2023 bills: SB 907 A ‘Right to Refuse Dangerous work’ public hearing was on May 10 in House B&L. The work session was 5/17, bill moved to House Desk with 6,0,5,0 do pass vote. Here is the May 9 LWVOR testimony . The bill will go to the floor; it has Minimal Fiscal Impact. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13. SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907 A , League testimony . SB 907 amendment -6 staff measure summary. 4/4 work session, moved to the floor with do pass with amendments, a unanimous vote. SB907 Coalition Letter - LWVOR one of many organizations. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 A staff measure summary , fisca l, 4/4 Work Session moved, with 4/1 vote to JW&Ms. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions (DEQ) and new clean renewable energy (DEQ & DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills including state agency budget bills. (POPS and current service level spending). 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published January 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . On May 17 the Governor's budget / May forecast press release did not mention the Climate Package topic. There is still some discussion concerning using available funds versus issuing additional state bonds for capital construction projects. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) and will add climate items to (DEQ) HB 5018 League 3/30 testimony . In both cases, our testimony requested additional agency requests not included in the Governor’s January budget. Other CE Bills that are still alive: HB 2763 A updated with -1 amendment: League Testimony . Creates a State Public Bank Task Force. Like the 2022 session RB task force, the 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than January 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” This policy topic will likely have a bill in the 2024 session -1 staff measure summary . Moved on 3/14 with recommendation to JW&Ms with - 1 amendment. Fiscal HB 3016 A , community green infrastructure, moved to JW&Ms unanimously. Legislative -2 Staff Measure Summary . HB 3196A – Fees from Community Climate Investment funds -– Support HB 3166 A – Whole-home Retrofits and High-efficiency Electric Home Rebates–– Support HB 3056 A–– Extends Residential Heat Pump Fund until to January 2, 2026 –– Support HB3181 A -- Energy Siting process. Fiscal . Staff Summary Currently in JWM. HB2990A Resilience Community Hubs, Fiscal , Staff Summary Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge Project By Claudia Keith No schedule meetings yet for the Legislative Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge . Other related Meetings & Events | I-5 Bridge Replacement Program EXECUTIVE STEERING GROUP: ESG May 25, 2023, Meeting Thursday, May 25, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Join the meeting via Online Zoom webinar or on YouTube . This meeting will be live streamed on the IBR program YouTube channel ,with closed captioning and all past meetings available. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released May 17. (See CE LR above for details). The JW&M-recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure proposed rule. Analysis: SEC.gov | Remarks at the 2023 SEC Municipal Securities Disclosure Conference , The Need for Climate Risk Disclosures: Emerging trends in ESG governance for 2023 | Harvard. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the IRA $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . | TNPT. Oregon Pers Performance : Returns for periods ending MAR-2023 Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund. The Oregon Investment Council will meet May 31. The agenda and meeting materials are not yet posted. The Council met April 19; see meeting packet ; no 4/19 minutes posted yet. The April packet includes the March meeting minutes. ESG investing continues to be addressed. 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 a federal lawsuits , (May 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 64 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON. Youth lawsuit challenging Montana's pro-fossil fuel policies is heading to trial | AP News. The challenges and promises of climate lawsuits | KnowableMag.org . Supreme Court deals blow to oil companies by turning away climate cases | NBC News Natural Climate Solutions Bill By Josie Koehne SB 530 A , the Natural Climate Solutions Bill makes it state policy to "implement strategies to advance natural climate solutions to mitigate the future impacts of climate change," and to invest in research on the effects of natural climate solutions on natural and working lands. Working lands means agricultural, forest and marine lands that naturally sequester carbon. The bill will provide incentives via grants to owners/managers of these lands for voluntarily adopting strategies to increase carbon storage on their lands. The funding from state, federal and private sources is to prepare an "inventory, baseline, activity based metrics and community impact metrics for net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands and establish carbon sequestration and storage goals." SB 530 A passed out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee with a Do Pass recommendation, 3-2 along a party line vote. The -7 was adopted that modifies some definitions and changes the committee that is to receive and distribute the requested $20 million per biennium from the Department of Energy (DOE) to the Oregon Water Enhancement Board (OWEB), which already has the authority to write and distribute grants. The Oregon Global Warming Commission will advise OWEB and regularly report to the legislature on the uses of moneys from fund. The bill now sits in Joint Natural Resources W&Ms for possible funding, where it resided at least until the May 17 Forecast is published that helps the committee know how much money it has to spend this session. The LWVOR supports this bill and asks that you ask members of Joint NR W&Ms to fully fund this bill. The LWVOR was part of the coalition that wrote and signed this letter to J W&Ms. We hope you will contact them! 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 · Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation and Renewable Energy · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

< Back Revenue LWVOR Advocacy Positions Note: these are condensed versions. See the complete positions in Issues for Action . Governance 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 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. Previous Next

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Behavioral Health Child Care Education Gun Policy Healthcare Housing Legislation Immigration Behavioral Health By Trish Garner A Work Session was held regarding HB 2015- 4 in the Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Public Safety which returned it to the full Ways & Means Committee with a “do pass” recommendation. A Ways & Means Committee Work Session resulted in a “do pass” recommendation. This bill generally directs the Oregon Health Authority to submit to the Legislature by September 15, 2026, a report with findings and recommendations about operating secure residential facilities in Oregon. The A - 4 amendment appropriates $1.3 million in General Fund and $977,888 in federal fund monies. On the surface this bill might look more like a revenue or a study bill but instead it directs OHA to undertake important actions designed to modify current practices taking place in residential treatment facilities. For example, the OHA must adopt rules to support such facilities in developing early transition programs for residents. It is mandated to identify alternatives to the current requirements on nurse staffing, which provide that a nurse be present at all times (on call nursing doesn’t count). This requirement is particularly challenging in non-urban settings. Another ongoing problem is a requirement that a patient must be physically present in the facility in order for the facility to be paid for its services. This is particularly complicated when a patient is moving to transition from the facility. HB 2015A – A4 also seeks to evaluate methods to group patients who have similar needs for services in the same facilities and thereby optimize care. In a Work Session the Ways & Means Joint Subcommittee on Human Services passed and referred HB 2024 -6 to the full Ways & Means Committee. This bill appropriates $45,000,000.00 to the Oregon Health Authority to establish a grant program that would support the recruitment and retention of behavioral health workers at eligible entities. These entities must provide behavioral health services to youth or adults where at least half of the clients are uninsured or enrolled in Medicare or the state medical assistance program. The services include, for example, office-based medication-assisted treatment, a suicide prevention hot line, and urban American Indian and tribal mental health health programs. The bill also directs OHA to implement an incentive payment program that would increase employee wages at these facilities at rates which are commensurate with entities that aren’t providing these services. The latter presumably refers to private behavioral health care facilities. HB 2059 – 4 was heard in the Ways & Means Joint Committee on Human Services Work Session and was returned to the full Ways & Means Committee. The bill directs that OHA establish a unit dedicated to developing facilities that provide adult behavioral health services across state trauma regions and that $90,000,000,00 be appropriated to OHA for this purpose. These facilities include inpatient psychiatric facilities, residential treatment homes, adult foster homes, residential substance use disorder treatment programs and crisis facilities. The unit is directed to develop plans and provide funding for the construction and staffing of these facilities in collaboration with regional partners and practitioners. HB 2467 - 4 and -6 modifies the criteria by which an individual with a mental illness can be civilly committed or be compelled to receive treatment. On June 10th, the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Public Safety passed the bill to the full Ways & Means Committee with a “do pass” recommendation. It was then scheduled for a hearing before the W&M Committee on June 13th, but it has since been pulled from that Committee agenda. HB 2467 defines factors a court can use to justify civil commitment, which include danger to self or others, being unable to provide for basic personal needs, or having a chronic mental disorder. Dangerousness to self requires that a person engage in or threaten to engage in behavior that is likely to result in serious physical harm in the near future. The “danger to others” standard uses similar language but omits the word “serious.” Notably, both standards eliminate the current legal requirement of an “imminent” danger. The A - 4 Amendment clarifies that “serious physical harm” means serious physical injury, pain or other physiological impairment that causes a risk of death, serious and irreversible deterioration of health of any bodily organ. The A - 6 Amendment provides $6.5 million to the Oregon Health Authority for payments to community mental health programs regarding civil commitments and for providing public defense to financially eligible persons who are civilly committed. During the Subcommittee hearing, an interesting and frequently asked question was raised: assuming that HB 2467’s proposed changes in civil commitment law will result in a greater number of people qualifying for civil commitment and given the current lack of residential space for individuals with behavioral health issues, where are they going to be treated? One response is that other bills are funding increased behavioral health capacity, i.e. HB 2059 (see above) and HB 5025 , the OHA budget. The other, more complicated point articulated by proponents is that HB 2467 represents a first step in a process to more efficiently and effectively organize the delivery of behavioral health care services in Oregon. There are two processes to compel treatment for people with severe mental health symptoms; one is civil commitment and the other is the criminal “aid and assist” process. “Aid and assist” refers to the process which takes place when an individual is charged with a crime but is unable to “aid and assist” in their defense. The latter individuals are sent to the Oregon State Hospital where currently 95% of all patients at OSH are “aid and assist” patients. This situation leaves individuals with serious mental health symptoms untreated and just waiting until their symptoms result in an arrest for a crime. HB 2467 seeks to at least clarify the civil commitment process. It is also anticipated that in future Sessions the legislature may consider outpatient, not inpatient, civil commitments as well as guardianships that would support continued medication management and treatment of individuals in their communities. A Public Hearing and a Work Session were held in the Rules Committee regarding HB 3294 – 3 which resulted in a unanimous “do pass” recommendation and, due to a minimal fiscal impact, the rescission of a subsequent referral to the Ways & Means Committee. This legislation proposes changes to previous laws regarding hospital staffing plans and minimum nurse-to-patient ratios [ HB 2697 (2023) and SB 469 (2015) ]. HB 3294-3 provides that hospitals must either comply with nurse-to-patient staffing ratios established by a nurse staffing committee or if one has not been established, the hospital must comply with nursing staffing ratios applicable to the hospital. In an effort to clarify the enforcement processes, OHA is also granted the authority to consolidate complaints that contain the same complaints and assess penalties on hospitals which have not adopted a hospital-wide nurse staffing plan. On a party line vote (4 Democrats to 3 Republicans) the House Committee on Rules passed HB 3835A - 13 and referred it to Ways & Means with a ”do pass” recommendation. The bill relates to the nature of restraint that can be used in foster care settings, when and how abuse complaints can be brought against staff, processes for out-of-state foster care placements and access to secure transportation services. Rules regarding these issues were legislatively adopted in 2021 by SB 719 sponsored by Senators Sarah Gelser-Blouin and James Manning, Jr. Since these rules were adopted, Oregon has seen a 41% reduction (2021-2024; from 90 to 53 facilities) in licensed residential facilities that can serve children and youth with behavioral or psychiatric treatment. Oregon has also lost more than half (from 31 to 14) of its programs that certify foster parents who provide specialized behavioral health treatment and support. The System of Care Advisory Council sought to address these issues and made recommendations that were largely adopted in HB 3835. At the Work Session Senator Gelser-Blouin expressed her strong objection to HB 3835 – Amendment 13 and advocated on behalf of Amendment 11 which she had filed. She contends that the new rules weaken protections for foster youth. She also expressed concerns about re-establishing the use of out-of-state placements for foster youth, citing the documented abuses which took place regarding such placements prior to the 2021 passage of SB 719. Child Care By Katie Riley Oregon legislators are proposing cuts to the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) budget ( SB 5514 ) due to projected reduced funding for the state from federal sources and the corporate tax. Cuts that are proposed include the Preschool Promise program that provides preschool for 3 and 4 year olds from families whose income is up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and Healthy Families, which provides long-term regular visits with high-need families. The cuts total about $45 million or approximately a 3% reduction from previous funding for the department. The Employment Related Day Care, which provides subsidized child care for low-income working families and has a long waitlist is not one of the programs proposed for cuts. The Oregonian article provides further details. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley HB 3582 A , which removes the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault claims, passed unanimously out of Senate Judiciary on June 11 with a do-pass recommendation and is now headed to the Senate floor. The League submitted supportive testimony for the public hearing on June 10. Education By Jean Pierce SB5516 A is awaiting third reading in the House. In recognition of the revenue forecast, this bill would provide for an adjusted current service level of almost $11.4 billion. The committee is anticipating that local revenues will total $5.6 billion in the next two years, so total formula resources are expected to be more than $16.7 billion for the 2025-27 biennium. This represents a 10.5% increase over the 2023-25 biennium. The funds would provide a welcome boost, though it still falls short of the 30% increase recommended by the American Institute of Research which recommended a 30% increase in funding, with more attention to equitable spending for the education of low income and high needs students. SB 5525 -3, the HECC budget is awaiting third reading in the Senate. For the most part, the proposed budget maintains the Current Service Level, (CSL). It is important to note that the Oregon Opportunity Grant and Benefits Navigators would at least be maintained at CSL, but legislators expressed concern that funding for the Outdoor School Program would be cut. The allocation is 6.2% below the last biennium, so this bill does nothing to address the fact that Oregon has been ranked 46th in the nation for state investment in higher education. They recognized that in future sessions, the thinking needs to shift from CSL to setting a higher target. Gun Policy By Marge Easley There was a last-minute surprise when SB 243 B was heard in House Judiciary on June 11—the appearance of a -13 amendment. If passed, the amended bill would still ban rapid-fire devices and give Oregon’s cities and counties the authority to regulate firearms in public buildings, and a new section of the bill would be added to provide an effective date of March 15, 2026, for the implementation of Measure 114, the “Reduction of Gun Violence Act.” The measure, which requires a permit to purchase a firearm and bans large-capacity magazines, has been held up in the courts since its passage in 2022 and currently awaits a ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court on its constitutionality. It was announced on June 12 that oral arguments are set for November 6. At the federal level, there was news on June 9 that sixteen states, including Oregon, filed suit against the Trump administration over its plan to allow the sale of forced-reset triggers and return to the owners those triggers that were previously seized. Last month the Justice Department made a deal with the manufacturer of the devices to allow them to be sold, despite a Biden administration determination that semiautomatic rifles equipped with the devices operate essentially as illegal machine guns. Healthcare By Christa Danielson SB 951 enrolled, signed by Governor Kotek. The bill would keep management service agencies away from patient care. It also Voids noncompetition agreements, nondisclosure agreements and nondisparagement agreements between certain business entities and medical professionals, with specified exceptions, This bill will strengthen the prohibition on the corporate practice of medicine. This bill will not allow a management service organization to set clinical policies, make diagnostic coding decisions or set prices for medical services. The League submitted testimony in support HB 2690 Insurance Mandate Review Board. In Ways and Means. This would support LPRO to study a specific number of proposed measures related to health This would cost approximately 600,000 per biennium. This is the third year for similar bills to be promoted and is designed to provide more in-depth analysis of proposed health insurance mandates. The Committee would not set policy but would examine proposed legislation for scientific proof of benefit, equality and accessibility along with cost to the health system. The bill is in Ways and Means but has strong support from the Legislators. HB 3212 Pharmacy Benefit Managers-attempts to save rural pharmacies by limiting the powers of Pharmacy Benefit managers who have been previously able to determine where someone should go for their medications, get deals that are not passed on to patients and/or attempt to get money from pharmacies after the point of sale without a possibility of appeal. The bill is in House Rules. SB 296 A This bill would authorize a study of discharges from the hospital to an appropriate level of care. This is to be done by the Department of Health and OHA. This bill is a continuation of a volunteer work group who came up with ten recommendations to help get patients out of the hospital who do not need hospital level of care. The bill contains many items but importantly the study would examine how to get patients on medicaid faster, but would also include money to cover 100 days of nursing home care for medicaid patients discharged from the hospital. Money is also included to study the regulatory environment for care settings, study options to increase adult foster home settings, and to study options to waive asset testing for Medicaid coverage of long term care. The fiscal amount asked for is around 8 million for the biennium, but would provide very important work to facilitate appropriate usage of hospital and help hospitals maintain services. This bill is assigned to the Joint Ways and Means subcommittee on Human Services. Hb 3134 Will require reporting by insurances of Prior Authorizations to DCBS make data available to the public. This date will include number of days it takes to make a PA determination, the number of appeals and the time spent. This bill would also prohibit insurers to require additional prior authorization during a surgical procedure if further surgeries are deemed necessary. This bill had broad support and passed the House and the Senate. LWVOR testified in support. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona HB 5011 Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Budget The Legislative Fiscal Office recommends a 2025-27 total funds budget for the Housing and Community Services Department of $2,667,240,094 and 478 positions (474.50 FTE). This is a 28.2% decrease from the 2023-25 legislatively approved budget, and 39.3% increase from the 2025-27 current service level. The recommended budget includes the following General Fund investments: · $204.9 million General Fund to support homeless and emergency shelters. · $50.3 million General Fund rehousing services; HB 5011 – Work Session Recommendations. · $87.4 million in one-time General Fund support for long term (up to 24 months) rental assistance. · $33.6 million General Fund for eviction prevention services. · $10 million General Fund to support housing initiatives of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Native American tribes. · $8 million to fund an increase in the services subsidy rate for housing units in the agency’s permanent supportive housing portfolio. · $3.9 million for downpayment assistance. · $2 million for foreclosure avoidance services provided by certified housing counsellors. · $2 million for manufactured home repair and replacement. This budget, released on June 10, included a substantial reduction from the $130.2 million allocated in 2023-25 for emergency rent assistance and homelessness prevention to $33.6 million for the 2025-27 budget currently proposed by the Legislature. Housing advocates have expressed concern over the large reduction in what is a highly cost-effective approach to addressing homelessness. Keeping people in housing is much less expensive than funding a shelter bed. Moving people from shelters to housing is complex, costly, and has a lower success rate. Governor Kotek acknowledged the difficult choices facing the Legislature this session. In recognition of the importance of preventing homelessness, the Legislative Fiscal Office included a budget note in its June 10 letter to the Transportation and Economic Development Committee. It recommends that OHCS report back to the Joint Ways and Means Committee in February 2026 with a recommendation for maximizing direct assistance to households in need of eviction and homelessness prevention services. Bills passed HB 2964 A Enrolled requires OHCS to award loans for the predevelopment costs of affordable housing and a grant to assist nonprofits receiving grants or loans. The bill passed the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on April 15. It was then referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Development. The bill passed the Senate on June 12 with 24 Ayes; and 4 Nays. LWV testimony supported passage of this bill. HB 3054 A Enrolled will limit rent increases and sales constraints by a landlord in a home park or marina, which can threaten residents’ ability to stay in their homes. It creates an exception for certain infrastructure upgrades approved by a vote of the tenants. It will fix at six percent maximum rent increases for rental spaces in larger facilities and will limit to 10 percent the maximum increase in rent paid by the purchaser of a dwelling or home in a facility. It will prohibit a landlord from requiring aesthetic improvements or internal inspections as conditions of sale. The bill passed the House, and the Senate Committee on Housing and Development held a work session on May 19 and recommended passage. On June 12 the bill was passed by the Senate with 17 Ayes and 10 Nays. LWVOR submitted a letter in support. HB 3521 is now headed to Gov. Kotek’s desk for her signature. It will allow Oregon renters who haven’t signed a lease agreement to have their deposits returned if the home has mold, unsafe electrical wiring or other defects making it uninhabitable. With so few rentals available for prospective tenants,”hold deposits” can help renters secure a home. However, some landlords have taken advantage of the system to pressure renters to accept residences that do not meet health and safety standards. Landlords will have five days to return deposits or face a fee equivalent to the deposit they charged or more. The bill passed the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on April 17 in a 33-18 vote, and on June 12, it passed the Senate Committee on Housing and Development in a 20 - 8 vote. When enacted, the bill will apply to deposits received on or after Jan. 1, 2026. Bill Progressing The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development held work session this week on SB 829 A which would require the Department of Consumer and Business Services to establish an Affordable Housing Premium Assistance Fund to help eligible entities with the costs of paying property insurance or liability insurance premiums for affordable housing, shelters and other facilities. It also requires the department to study the feasibility of creating and operating a state reinsurance program or devising another solution to support price stability in the market for insurance to cover affordable housing. The Joint Ways and Means Committee held a work session on June 13 and voted Do Pass with an -A3 Amendment. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith Highlights - News League of W omen Voters Condemns Use of Federal Force on Peaceful Protestors | League of Women Voters (last updated June 8 2025) Protests grow across the U.S. as peopl e push against Trump’s mass deportation policies - OPB Trump Shifts Deportation Focus, Pausing Most Raids on Farms, Hotels and Eaterie s - The New York Times Trump administration tells immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela they have to leave - ABC News Immigration officers on fast track to deportation | Oregon / Northwest | centraloregondaily.com New Washington laws strengthen protections for immigrant communities amid federal attacks | Local News | Spokane | The Pacific Northwest Inlander | News President Trump Tells Citizens to ‘Fiercely Guard’ American Way of Life in New Naturalization Ceremony Message Friday, June 13 – Washington State House Democrats Legislative Bulletin — Friday, June13, 2025 - National Immigration Forum Oregon Legislature BIPOC Caucus - Social Media Link Click Scroll Bar on Bottom of Table to View All Columns Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 A Immigration (support services) JWM waiting for Fiscal Y Sen Jama -3 amendment SB 599A Immig status: discrimination in RealEstate transactions Gov Signed Eff 5/28/2 5 N Sen Campos SB 611 Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented JWM 8 Sen Campos Rep Ruiz amendment -1 SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill JWM 6 Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G Testimony HB 2548 Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. Study Bill, see -7 amend H Rules WS 6/16 possibly w néw amendments. -6 0.6 Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony Fiscal -7 Amendment HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. JWM 1.5 Rep Hartman HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - HC ECHS - JWM dead Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds * likely end of session Reconcilation Bill HB 2586 A nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Gov Signed RepHudson, SenCampos League Testi mony HB 2543 funds for universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters HC Jud dead 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS - see sb 703 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund JWM 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama OHA HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund (Prev yr legal rep funds eliminated) JWM WS was 5/29, passed LFO d etails Amendment Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Federal Oregon Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Oregon Treasury Other Climate Bills Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee Chamber Votes There are 13 days until the end of session and a number of bills and agency funding priorities are still waiting to move. The League expects some funding for existing state agency Climate related programs will be in the end of session reconciliation bill. Transportation Legislation HB 2025 is a major topic these last few days. ‘Oregon transportation bill gets panned by Republicans – even those who negotiated it ‘- Jefferson Public Radio. ‘ Tax hikes in proposed Oregon transportation packag e would eventually raise more than $2 billion per year, new report says’ - oregonlive.com Special Session? The League is aware of a possible special Sept session that could address a number of significant Federal Admin policy funding issues. Federal The Trump administration has shut down more than 100 climate studies | MIT Technology Review Study Says Clean Energy Rollbacks Will Cost Economy $1.1 Trillion by 2035 - Inside Climate News Department of Justice Gives Trump Go-Ahead to Eliminate National Monuments - Inside Climate News Transportation chief seeks to weaken fuel economy standards , calls Biden-era rule 'illegal' | Consumer | centraloregondaily.com EPA to propose rolling back climate rule for power plants Wednesday - POLITICO Science policy this week : Jun 9, 2025 - AIP.ORG (American Institute of Physics AIP.ORG ) 
 How the Five Pillars of U.S. Climate Policy are Threatened – Environmental and Energy Law Program | Harvard Oregon Power shutoffs banned during extreme summer heat in Oregon - oregonlive.com Oregon lawmakers weigh increased oversight of state's embattled transportation department • Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon transportation bill gets panned by Republicans – even those who negotiated it | Jefferson Public Radio Oregon lawmakers propose tax hikes and new taxes to fund 2025 transportation bill - Statesman Journal Oregon Democrats’ transportation funding bill could raise $2B per year, analysis shows - OPB Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics By Claudia Keith Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability The League joined a coalition sign-on letter in April requesting funding to support building resilience. The goal is to use affordable measures to protect people from extreme weather. The League supports full funding for all the following 8 JWM budget topics: 1). Transportation ODOT Package HB 2025 is Priorities The League supports OCN and other statewide NGO budget priorities: Increase funding above 2017 levels for public transit
 
 
 
 Increase funding above 2017 levels for a safe, complete multimodal system (i.e. GreatStreets, Safe Routes to School, Oregon Community Paths, and bike/ped both on-street and trails, etc.) 
 
 
 
 Dedicated or increased revenue for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicle incentives, including for charging and purchasing of ZEVs (Please see Natural Resources Legislative Report on Transportation) 2. One Stop Shop 2.0/Energy Efficiency Navigation ( HB 3081A ): In JWM: This bill would create a navigation program at ODOE to help Oregonians access federal, state, local, and utility energy efficiency incentives all in one place 3. Get the Junk Out of Rates ( SB 88 ): still in Senate Rules: Not likely to move . This bill would stop utilities from charging certain expenses like lobbying, advertising, association fees to customers. 4. Protecting Oregonians with Energy Responsibility (POWER Act) ( HB 3546 ): waiting for Governor’s signature. This bill ensures Oregon households are not unfairly burdened by large energy users with grid and transmission costs. 5. Full Funding for Climate Resilience programs Reinvesting the same amount as last biennium in three programs: 
 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE), $30m 
 
 
 
 Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (ODOE), $15m 
 
 
 
 Community Resilience Hubs (OREM), $10m ( House Bill 3170 ) 
 
 
 
 6. Environmental Justice Bills. (disadvantaged communities) HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Fiscal $10M Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 HB2548 : still in Rules, new 5/23 amendment and new SMS now. An agriculture workforce labor standards study, HR PH was 5/29. New -7 amendment changing the bill to a study with $616K fiscal. WS 6/16 possibly w néw amendments. League Testimony . 7 . Natural and Working Lands HB 3489 Timber Severance Tax. House Committee on Revenue. League Testimony for original bill and for -1 Amendment . 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 


 
 
 
 HB 3103A – work session was 3/31. Moved to JWM, Overweight Timber Harvest , League Testimony , new adopted -5 amendment . 
 
 
 
 
 8. Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) -2 amendments , Staff Measure Summar y (SMS). $1M+ fiscal 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS. Fiscal is not available, will be completed if the bill gets a hearing in JWM NR SC. 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3450 A Testimony , work session held, 4/8 passed adopted amendment -1 . fisca l >1M$. referred to JWM 4/11 
 
 
 
 
 
 See CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis [The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.] See Climate Emergency April 28: CEI emergency management package update. The Bigger Picture: ASCE's ( American Society of Civil Engineers , founded in 1852), Oregon received a C- grade Infrastructure Report Card . Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates By Claudia Keith Oregon Divest / ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates HB 2081A : Senate vote moved to 6/16, Senate Finance and Revenue WS was 6/2. NO fiscal listed. Directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take certain actions to manage the risks of climate change to the Public Employees Retirement Fund. Passed House along party lines. WS Senate Finance & Rev was 5/28. Oregon Public Financing / BANK 

 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, Work Session was 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), fiscal: .94M League Testimony Other Climate Legislation Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Likely dead, at this point in the session, it is doubtful SJR 28 has enough support to move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28 proposed -1 amendment , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26 . The League provided support with comments testimony . The OCERA coalition appears to be planning a ballot initiative campaign. ‘ Supporters of Oregon Green Amendment rally at the Oregon State Capitol ‘ | Salem Statesman Journal. Other Climate Bills Study of Nuclear Energy ( HB 2038 ) in JWM: This measure proposes that the Oregon Department of Energy study nuclear energy and waste disposal. SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moved to House 3/4, House passed, 5/20. Governor signed 5/28 
 
 HB 3546 Enrolled , POWER Act , House Speaker and Senate president signed 6/9. passed 6/3 House concurred 6/5. new GIS The bill requires the Pub lic Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . HB 3963 Offshore Wind: in Senate Rules, 6/17 Public Hearing. House passed June 5. Extends the deadline from Sept 1, 2025, to Jan 1, 2027, for the DLCD to draft and submit a report to the Legislative Assembly on the department's activities to develop an Offshore Wind Roadmap and its assessment of enforceable state policies related to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast. 
 
 HB 2566 A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation 


 
 
 HB 3365 B: Senate vote 6/12 passed, climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald 


 
 
 SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, updated $ 974K fiscal , moved to JWM , Sub Cmt Natural Resources. League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham 
 
 HB 3189 in JWM . Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 
 
 
 SB 1143A : -3 , moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 HB 3609 work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. 
 HB 3653 Enrolled Gov signed 5/27 Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves. 
 
 
 HB 2065 A and HB 2066 A : Microgrid Package in JWM Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits , Climate Litigation June 13 Updates Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. EENews: Alaska youth file appeal in bid to block LNG project They say it would triple the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and violate their right to a livable climate. Press releases from Our Children’s Trust June 14, 2025 Youth Plaintiffs Seek Emergency Court Order to Halt Trump’s Fossil Fuel Executive Orders June 12, 2025 Alaska Youth File Climate Appeal to State Supreme Court; Lawmakers and League of Women Voters Join in Support with Amicus Brief Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee and Chamber Votes Senate E&E Committee Meeting June 9, 2025 Informational Meeting: Overview of Washington Cap & Invest Program Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Majority Leader, Washington State House of Representatives Joel Creswell, CCA program leader, Washington State Department of Ecology WA’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) passed in 2021 (all Democratic votes), took effect 1/1/2023 and has been a “great success” with functioning carbon markets, significant revenues from auctions, and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The legislature has amended the statute each session since 2021 to address lessons learned. CCA program mechanics and emission reduction targets are similar to those of Oregon’s CPP. Regulated entities in WA buy emission allowances (called compliance instruments in OR) under a declining emissions cap. Some entities get free allowances, including utilities and energy-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) industries. Air quality protections are built in at the statutory level. The carbon market decides where emission reductions take place—i.e., not necessarily everywhere—but air quality monitoring expands to protect overburdened (EJ) communities from disproportionate impact – if air quality doesn’t improve as carbon emissions fall, remedial regulatory procedures kick in. The CCA covers 75% of the state’s total emissions, excluding small industrial facilities, agriculture, maritime, and aviation. WA holds quarterly auctions of emission allowances, in which prices fluctuate between the state-imposed price floor and ceiling. Average market prices have ranged between ~ $25 to $56 since 2023. To date, the auctions have brought in $2.9 billion. Revenues from sale of utilities’ free allowances are consigned to the utilities to offset rate impacts to customers. Linkage with CA and Quebec markets (formal agreement expected in 2026) is a key statutory requirement. Each jurisdiction will determine how many allowances it will sell but the auctions will be held jointly – there will no longer be state allowances but linked allowances. This is expected to reduce compliance costs, making the required GHG reductions achievable more cost-effectively, and to stabilize prices – as the joint market is six to seven times larger than WA’s market, individual bidders can’t affect the market disproportionally. Oregon’s participation would help all states by expanding the carbon market further. New York and Maryland appear likely to join the linked market, and possibly Colorado and New Mexico in the future Auction revenues go into three main accounts focused on decarbonizing transportation, air quality and health disparities improvement, and clean energy transition. Since 2023, CCA investments have totaled $3.2 billion, of which $1.2 billion for clean transportation and the remainder for building decarbonization, advancing EJ, agriculture sequestration, climate resilience and adaptation, clean energy. 10% of CCA investments must benefit tribes and up to 40% for EJ. Specific funded projects include: $429 million for public transit grants and projects – e.g., youth under age 18 can ride public transit anywhere in the state at no cost $159 million for energy vouchers for low- and moderate-income residential electricity customers $64 million to convert the state’s three largest ferries to hybrid electric $30 million for schools to replace old HVAC systems $15 million for landfill methane capture grants Q&A time: Sen. Golden – how do you deal with very sharp partisan differences about this program? And what about a state’s competitiveness vs. others who don’t have such a program? Rep. Fitzgibbon: We have had good collaboration on program implementation across the aisle. Traditional stakeholder groups have been divided internally on some program provisions. Regarding competitiveness – EITE industries (pulp and paper, steel and aluminum, etc.) get free allowances on a per-unit of production basis, so if they reduce their energy intensity, they can profit by selling their allowances. Sen. Brock Smith: We sequester more carbon in natural and working lands in this state than we produce. How do you define overburdened communities? Republicans didn’t want the CPP to begin with, but now they’re concerned about how their districts will benefit from investments. Has WA had bipartisan agreement on this? Fitzgibbon: More than 80% of CCA investments have been in transportation and capital spending budgets, which tend to be bipartisan. Offset protocols apply to projects in forestry, livestock methane capture, ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, etc.) that can show they sequester additional carbon. Offset credits are essentially equal to allowances but are limited to 8% of compliance obligation. Benefits must accrue only in WA, so for practical purposes, offset projects must be located within the state boundaries. Sen. Robinson: Puts his climate change denial on record again – no proof that carbon is affecting the climate. Was there a scientific discussion of the need for GHG reductions or was it just assumed? Fitzgibbon: We’ve known for 150 years that CO2 traps heat, you can detect this in the atmosphere and oceans. So we didn’t spend a lot of time discussing this. If you want conclusive science, look to EPA’s endangerment finding issued in the 2000s. Robinson challenges him to a “friendly” debate the next time he’s in Salem. Golden wants to watch with popcorn. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/27 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Campaign Finance Redistricting Cybersecurity Campaign Finance House Speaker Rayfield submitted a new bill at the request of Governor Kotek on campaign contribution limits, HB 3455 . Analysis has shown that this bill is very similar to Rayfield’s previous bill, HB 2003 , and bills from previous sessions, with the same gaping loopholes for special interest groups. The League will likely oppose this bill when and if it gets a hearing. Redistricting House Rules held a public hearing on 2/27 on HB 3261 about prison gerrymandering by Rep. Holvey. The bill directs the Department of Corrections to determine the last-known address of prisoners, if an address is readily known or available, and submit that information to the Secretary of State. The Secretary would then adjust population data reported in the federal decennial census to reflect the residence status of prisoners before incarceration. This data is then used for redistricting and other purposes. This is important because prisoners are currently counted in the census at their prison location, not their homes. This greatly distorts the population of some districts, thus distorting the representation of voters in those districts. Several other states have completed this reform, and the League is generally in favor of this bill. Cybersecurity and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone Bills progress here after comprehensive introduction, now facing amendment or support negotiations in Joint Ways and Means (JW&M). Watch for budget bills and others to appear shortly. HB 2049-2 : This amended cybersecurity omnibus bill had a fifth and final committee hearing followed immediately by unanimous Do Pass recommendation to JW&M. Chair Nathanson noted that cyber-attack and warfare threats are real, not theoretical, citing Oregon special district and city attacks in the last month, and over 800 data breaches registered with the Oregon Dept. of Justice. Chair Woods calls this one of the most important bills we’re looking to pass this session; it will touch every area. We all know the seriousness, if we don’t pay attention. The League supports. Here is our testimony . SB 417 : We worked to ensure access for serious stakeholders in a task force that met last week to discuss concerns and negotiate to recommend amending this bill. The League supports and urged for this task force in a public hearing, our testimony . VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Social Policy Bills in 2025 Session Bill Number Summary LWVOR Testimony Chamber Current Committee Status Age Discrimination HB3187 Clarifying Workplace Age Discrimination Support Governor Signed Into Law Basic Needs Suppor t HB2958 Increases Earned Income Tax Credit Suppor t HB2958 passed both chambers. It slightly expands the tax credits. Behavioral Health HB2059 Behavioral Health Facilities Suppor t Governor Signed Into Law HB3129 Behavioral Health Workforce Expansion Fund Support HB3351 Interstate Counseling Compact Support Child Care HB 2007 -A Modifies requirements for summer learning Comment Governor signed into law HB3039 Study to increase summer and after school programs Comment Criminal Justice HB 2233 Services for Adults in Custody Support Education SB604 Strong Start Program – Higher Ed Access for 1st Gen and Under-Represented Suppor t The program will continue to be funded SB1098 Opposing book bans based on discrimination in schools Support Governor signed into law SB5514 Appropriates money to Dept. Early Learning & Care Support Governor Signed Into Law HB2550 Oregon Promise Grant Support HB2586 Resident Tuition for Asylum Seekers Support Governor Signed Into Law HB2811 Establishes the Imagination Library of Oregon Program Support Imagination Library has full state coverage HB2953 -A Remove cap on Special Ed Fund Support HB2997 Grant Program – Expanding College Access Support HB3011 Early Childhood Education Workforce Development Fund Support HB3182 Grants for Higher Education Students’ Housing Support HB3183 Open Education Resources for Higher Ed Students Support Open Ed Resources will continue to be funded Gun Policy SB429 - Folded into SB 243A Support SB696 - Folded into SB 243A Rapid Fire Activators Suppor t SB698 - Folded into SB 243A Where Concealed Carry is permitted Support SB243 A From SB 429, SB 696, SB 698 Support Governor Signed Into Law SB697 Firearm Possession Age Restriction Suppor t HB3075 Change to Gun Permit and Transfer Process Suppor t HB3076 Gun Dealer Licensing Suppor t Health Care SB951 - A Management Service Org. Suppor t Governor Signed Into Law HB2010-A Extend Access to Healthcare Support Governor Signed Into Law HB3134 Prior Authorization Support Governor signed into law Housing SB 722 Prohibits Price fixing AI , Applies rent caps Support SB 814 A : Rental Assistance for Youth Support Governor Signed Into Law SB 973 Landlords provide notice when accordable housing expires Support Governor Signed Into Law SB 1155 Stable Housing for Pregnant people Support HB 2735- 1 Individual Development Accounts Funding Support Passed both chambers. It includes a tax credits for IDAs HB 2958 Earned Income Tax Credit Support Passed both chambers. It slightly expands the tax credits. HB 2964 Grants and Loans for predevelopment costs Support Governor signed into law HB2968 Delayed schedule fee payment Support HB3054 Fixed Rent Increase Support Governor signed into law HB3079 Funding to Prevent Youth Homelessness Support HB3507 Downpayment Assistance for Housing Support Reproductive Health SB548 Raising Minimum Age for Marriage to 18 Support Governor Signed Into Law Social Policy Read Our 2025 Priorities Here League Social Policy Positions can be found here: Issues for Actio n (LWVOR): Adult Corrections Child Care Children at Risk Farmworker Issues Adult Mental Health Mental Health Services for Children and Youth Homeless Youth Juvenile Justice Public Postsecondary Education Impact on Issues (LWVUS) Criminal Justice – page 137 Equality of Opportunity – page 140 Federal Role in Public Education – page 152 Fiscal Policy – page 154 Health Care – page 157 Immigration – page 167 Meeting Basic Human Needs – page 170 Child Care – page 176 Early Intervention for Children at Risk – page 177 Violence Prevention - page 178 Gun Policy – page 179 Urban Policy – page 181 Death Penalty – page 183 Sentencing Policy – page 184 Human Trafficking – page 185 Previous Legislative Reports Next

The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 25th, 2023. The position was updated in 2025. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our  1988 - Childcare In Oregon  publication. Childcare Methods Study Update 2023 About the Study The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 25th, 2023. The position was updated in 2025. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. At Convention 2021, LWV of Washington County proposed a restudy of LWVOR's 1985 Childcare Position . The current pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated childcare issues and inequities. The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 25th, 2023. The position was updated in 2025. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. You can find a downloadable version of the restudy here. LWVOR's position on Child Care: First adopted March 1989 The League of Women Voters of Oregon believes that child care is a social and economic issue that reaches beyond the family into the community. Quality child care needs to be available, accessible and affordable to all families for children of all ages and with differing needs. The League of Women Voters supports a diverse child care system to accommodate different parental choices and needs. Such a system may include day care centers, group homes, and family day care homes. The State of Oregon should establish appropriate standards to ensure that high quality care exists in all settings. For centers and group homes: these standards should address facilities, staff qualifications, and number of children served. Program, parent/care giver communication, administration and transportation should be included for centers and may also be considered for group homes. There should be flexible guidelines for family day care homes because of the unique character of these facilities. The State of Oregon should enforce mandatory regulations by funding a sufficient number of inspectors. The State of Oregon should set requirements for adequate training for care givers and ensure those training opportunities are available. This could include state provision of training and/or state incentives for others to provide training. City and county governments should participate in enforcing health and fire standards. Affordable child care should be available and accessible for children with differing needs and in various age groups. While parents have the primary responsibility for choosing child care, a coordinated effort between parents and government, together with providers, employers, and private groups is necessary to deliver quality child care at an affordable price. The State of Oregon should: Provide financial assistance for child care expenses to low- and middle-income families based on need. Such assistance could include tax credits for parents with a ceiling based on income. Support resource and referral programs. Encourage employer involvement in the child care system. Encourage development of school-age child care programs. Parents in job training, in school, with special-needs children and/or needing respite care services should be eligible for financial assistance for child care based on demonstrated need. Child caregivers should be awarded recognition commensurate with their responsibilities. The State of Oregon should take a leadership role in elevating the professional status of child caregivers and ensuring adequate compensation. National Position (adopted in 1988): “Support programs, services, and policies at all levels of government to expand the supply of affordable, quality child care for all who need it, in order to increase access to employment and to prevent and reduce poverty.” Caring For Our Children Caring For Our Children Study , PDF, 28 pages Links LWVOR's 1985 Childcare Study LWVOR's 2023 Childcare Re-Study Previous Next

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/24 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith 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: Climate Priority Advocacy Groups Climate Priorities with League Testimony Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Climate Treasury Investment Bills Natural and Working Lands Other Priorities Priority Bills That Died In Policy Committee Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns Senate E&E Committee House CEE 3/20/25 This week we added another Environmental Justice bill: SB 54 : Work Session 3/31. The bill requires landlords provide cooling for residential units . The League endorsed and added our name to a OJTA Oregon Justice Transition Alliance, sign-on letter . HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session is 4/2. Climate Priority Advocacy Groups For the first time, this year most of our priorities are included in the bipartisan 2025 Legislative Environmental Caucus Priorities , Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Priorities and/or Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) priorities . OCN is the only formal environmental lobby coalition group in the capitol. Consequently, for some of these bills (especially those in a package) the League may just join coalition sign-on letters rather than providing individual testimony. Climate Priorities with League Testimony with League Endorsement and Still Alive HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing Task Force, Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans , House Commerce and Consumer Protection (H CCP) 
 League Testimony 
 
 
 HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package The following four bills are part of a package which was the subject of public hearings February 27 and March 6 in the House Energy Management, General Government, and Veterans Committee: HB 215 1: Testimony ; Work session 3/27 HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session 3/27 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session 3/27 HB 3450 : Testimony , work session 3/27, see also CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis HB 3450 CEI energy storage transition plan, HEMGGV, League Comments 
 
 work session 3/27. Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package 
 HB 3081 ( League testimony ) work session 3/27, creates an active navigator to help access energy efficiency incentives all in one place SB 88 ( League testimony ) work session 3/24, limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. In addition to our testimony, LWVOR joined the Oregon Conservation Network, coordinated through the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, in sign-on letters supporting both HB 3081 and SB 88. PH 3 / 4 Climate Treasury Investment Bills SB 681 : Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, Senate Finance and Revenue, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. HB 2200 requested by Treasury Sec Tobias ESG investing, identified as the compromise bill. League – NO Comment, PH was 3/13 and work session 3/27. Natural and Working Lands HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 
 
 
 HB 3103-1 – work session 3/31. Overweight Timber Harvest , H ALUNRW, League Oppose Testimony , -1 amendment . Other Priorities HB 2566 : w -3 Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay, Governor Tina Kotek, , (H CEE), DOE presentation 
 
 
 
 HB 3365 : work session 4/7, climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, League Testimony Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , Rep Andersen, Gamba, Lively, Neron, Senator Patterson, Pham, Taylor. 
 
 SJR 28 : PH 3/26 Environmental Rights Constitutional – Referral, Senate Rules , Senator Golden, Representatives,Andersen, Gamba, SenatorsManning Jr, Prozanski, Representative Tran . The League has tentative plans to write testimony (comments only) on this bill. SB 1187 new Climate cost recovery Liability interagency bill , PH 4/7, work session 4/9, Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment 
 
(Replaces SB 679 and SB 682 : SB 688 : Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session 3/24, League testimony , three proposed amendments , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, SEE 
 
 SB 827 : Solar and Storage Rebate, SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 

 first reading. 
 referred to H CEE 3/10 HB 3546 , the POWER Act , work session 3/27, PR was 3/6, The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 
 Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV 
 
 Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 SB 1143 : NEW bill , PH was 3/19 and Work session 4/2, SEE , PUC established a pilot program that allows each NG Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. Climate Solutions : Thermal Energy Networks win win : Carbon sequestration/storage: See DOGAMI Agency Budget (see Natural Resources Legislative Report) – Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) .
 
 
 Priority Bills that died in policy committee Some of these related to funding may appear in the end of session reconciliation (Xmas tree) bill. HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. League testimony . House Climate, Energy, and Environment (CEE), Sponsored by Rep GAMBA, Sen Frederick, Golden, Patterson, Pham K, Taylor 
 
 SB 680 : Climate Science/Greenwashing, Sen. Golden and Manning, moved to Judiciary , no recommendation, (SJ) PH was 2/26 Campos, Frederick, Gorsek, Patterson, Prozanski, Taylor 
 
 
 Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns In order to stay on track, the Legislature must prioritize investments for vital environmental justice, climate and community protection programs (CPP). Without additional appropriations this session, the following existing successful climate, CPP and environmental justice programs may run out of funding: Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (ODOE) 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 Community Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program/Charge Ahead (DEQ) 
 Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Rebates + Infrastructure Grants (DEQ) 
 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks (ODHS) 
 Climate Change Worker Relief Fund (DAS) 
 Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program (ODOE) 
 Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB) (excerpt from OCEN network message) 
 Senate E&E Committee On 3/19, the committee heard testimony on SB 1143 , which would direct the PUC to establish a pilot program allowing natural gas utilities to develop pilot projects for a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) to provide heating and cooling services for customers. A TEN is a network of pipes and heat pumps using noncombustible fluids to distribute thermal energy among buildings connected to the network, potentially reducing or eliminating green house gas emissions and improving energy efficiency. Within 2 years of the act’s effective date, each utility would have to file a proposal, which the PUC would evaluate according to specified criteria, for developing and operating a TEN and measuring its effectiveness, or an explanation for not doing so. The PUC would have to allow the utilities to recover prudent costs and expenses of the pilot project from all ratepayers. The -1 amendment would require project contractors to ensure that journey workers comprise escalating percentages of workers employed on a project depending on the project initiation date, among other labor provisions. Washington and seven other states have passed similar legislation. Cascade NG and Northwest Natural support the bill, as do Climate Solutions and other environmental groups and labor union reps, with no opposing testimonies. CUB was silent on the record. House CEE 3/20/25 The committee moved two bills to the House floor with a do-pass recommendation and prior referral to Joint W&M: HB 2566-3 would make stand-alone energy resilience projects eligible for grants under ODOE’s Community Renewable Energy Grant program, renamed the Community Renewable and Resilient Energy Investment Fund. The -3 amendment would require ODOE to allocate 20% of program funds for resilience projects, vs. “20% or less” in the introduced bill, to win the support of consumer-owned and municipal utilities and co-ops. The set-aside would not require a resilience project to be based on renewables. Fiscal impact is $186,000 in Other Funds and 0.75 FTE for 2025-27. The fund has a current balance of $60 million, about half reserved for projects that have not yet been distributed. Rep. Gamba voted against moving the bill on the grounds that it would take money away from deserving renewable projects. HB 3172-2 would direct the Department of the State Fire Marshal (DSFM) and DCBS to establish and implement the Wildfire Prepared Structure Program, providing grants to retrofit existing dwellings and rebuild dwellings damaged by wildfires. It would provide an unspecified GF appropriation to DSFM for 2025-27. The committee also heard testimony on the following bills: HB 3823 would create a property tax break for personal property used by a business (other than a utility) to generate or store energy for consumption by the business on its premises. Personal property includes on-site generators and battery units, vs. real property such as rooftop solar panels. Rep. Gomberg said a coming amendment would allow local jurisdictions to opt in rather than making this a mandate and would specify that the exemption applies only to new investments rather than those made in the past. Gomberg is working with AOC on the amendment. He asked the committee to forward the bill to Revenue without recommendation. HB 3747 would create a refundable income tax credit for the purchase of battery energy and solar photovoltaic electric systems. The credit amounts would be $1,000 for a solar photovoltaic system, $2,500 for a battery storage system, $3,500 for a paired system. OSSIA supports, noting that the state's Solar and Storage Rebate Program has run out of funds and the outlook for federal tax credits is highly uncertain. The proposed tax credits would support local jobs in small to medium-sized businesses. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - December Interim 2024 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Columbia River Treaty Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of State Lands (DSL) Drinking Water Advisory Committee Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Management Forestry (ODF) Hanford Land Use and Housing Recycling Regional Solutions Transportation Water Wildfire Agriculture Look for a new lobbying group to Keep Oregon Farming by advocating for MORE uses on farmland. A separate group will be advocating for reducing the current number of uses on farmland. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) updated their Farm and Forest rules (starting on page 16) at their December meeting. The rules are meant to codify case law to help local governments administer land use applications. Budgets/Revenue The new Chief Economist provided the Governor and legislature with a positive Revenue Forecast on Nov. 20th which included an increase in expected revenue for 2025-27 and a larger personal kicker. Here is their Press Release . As a result of the increase from the Sept. forecast, the Governor adjusted her draft budget to add staff and/or programs before her Dec. 2nd budget release. Her budget is required to be “balanced” so she did not address the revenue shortfall for the Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT). Instead, she acknowledged the work of the Joint Transportation Committee and its many hearings around the state and left it to the legislature to figure out exactly how to fund ODOT’s responsibilities. The Emergency Board met on Dec. 12th. Here is their agenda . See the meeting materials or the Subcommittee meetings for details of the requests. Budgets 2025 By Peggy Lynch Now that the Governor’s budget (GRB) has been released, the state agencies, who work for the Governor, can only advocate for the GRB. Their agency request budgets (ARBs) were used as a basis for the Governor’s decisions, but it is the GRB that now governs. However, the Governor proposes; the legislature disposes. And those of us who engage in the budget process now must focus on convincing legislators (especially the Ways and Means Committee and the Subcommittees) of the need to fund those programs and staffing the League determines as priorities using our League positions ). The next Revenue Forecast will be Feb. 26th. The legislature will use that forecast to do a final rebalance of the 2023-25 budget. Then the May 14th forecast will be the basis for the legislature to determine the 2025-27 state budget. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team Here are future climate projections for Oregon counties. See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt and Peggy Lynch There is a new advocacy group addressing ocean issues for the 2025 session: The Oregon Ocean Alliance. Among the issues we expect to be addressed is protection of eelgrass . Other concerns: “A new report spells out exactly how much Oregon’s kelp forests have dwindled over the past decade or so — and the picture is bleak.” “Kelp forests are a key marine ecosystem. They act as a home and nursery for a number of fish species important in Oregon’s commercial and recreational fisheries.” Then two groups are launching a campaign to address shoreline erosion. And climate change is causing low-oxygen levels per an OSU report . The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) hosted a kickoff meeting of the Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap Roundtable on November 1st. The video from the kickoff meeting is available on DLCD's YouTube channel here: Offshore Wind Roadmap Roundtable Kickoff . The agenda and meeting materials may be found here , and a copy of the slides may be found here . For more information on the Oregon Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap, please visit the DLCD webpage here: Offshore Wind Roadmap . This engagement was supported by LWVOR and HB 4080 (2023). For more information on offshore wind, this article provides a great update. The Port of Coos Bay has received a number of federal grants. $25 million was awarded to advance environmental review, permitting, and preliminary engineering and design for the intermodal terminal component of the larger PCIP project, including the railyard, container yard, wharf, and berths. The entire project is expected to cost $2.3 billion! Another $29 million was awarded to upgrade the railroad so there is a land connection to I-5. The League has many concerns about this project and its effect on that eelgrass mentioned above. It is also located in an area where a tsunami could destroy the Port. Columbia River Treaty By Phillip Thor The U.S. and Canada announced a new agreement, although, to the disappointment of the League and others, it didn't include the concept of ecosystem function as part of the river's management. Soon after learning about the agreement, the federal government announced a Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative that addresses some of our concerns about the Treaty. Flood control updates were added. There is hope that the entire details can be completed before the next federal administration takes charge. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch A League member is serving on a rulemaking advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues prompted by bills enacted by the 2021 and 2023 sessions and supported by LWVOR. Here is the DEQ 2025-27 Governor’s Recommended Budget. Department of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch See Elliott State Research Forest below for the agency’s role in that issue. See the Wetlands section of this report for information on removal/fill fee rulemaking. The last State Land Board meeting was Dec. 10th. Drinking Water Advisory Committee By Sandra Bishop December 16, is the fiftieth anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, signed into law in 1974, by President Gerald R. Ford. The measure required the Environmental Protection Agency to set maximum contaminant levels for drinking water and required states to comply with them. It protected the underground sources of drinking water and called for emergency measures to protect public health if a dangerous contaminant either was in or was likely to enter a public water system. (Thank you Heather Cox Richardson) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) The State Land Board met on Oct. 15th to appoint additional ESRF Board members and adopt its first Forest Management Plan. Among the decisions was approving joining a carbon market in order to provide revenue for the management of the forest and doing the research intended in the forest. The carbon credits agreement has been signed. The Dept. of State Lands will ask for additional General Funds to fund the forest and staff, but we also expect a beginning timber sale in the spring. Sadly, Bob Sallinger, an ESRF Board member and an advocate for the forest for many years, passed away recently. His passion for the birds of the forest helped stop the forest from being sold. (The League played a role in this effort as well.) He then worked tirelessly to find an answer for the forest. He attended the Oct. 15th Land Board meeting and saw these first steps taken toward his vision. He was honored at the beginning of the House Interim Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water meeting. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Emergency Management By Lily Yao The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. , OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan. One of LWVOR’s Youth Council members will be attending the event. Forestry (Oregon Dept. of Forestry ODF) By Josie Koehne On Nov. 22, the Board of Forestry met for a special session to decide on criteria for a computer model to test run different forest management scenarios for timber harvests on state forest lands. The model will project outcomes over a 30-year period assuming that the approved Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is in place. The intent of modeling of various scenarios is to show examples of the trade-offs between resources and outcomes under different implementation approaches. The model will provide a scientific basis for management decisions, and the chosen plan will be incorporated into the Western Oregon Forest Management Plan (FMP) which is due to be approved by the Board this time next year. There has been much controversy in past meetings about harvest levels since state forests must be managed for Greatest Permanent Value for all Oregonians. At a previous meeting in September, we reported that the Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee (FTLAC) attended the last Board meeting in person and provided input, arguing for greater harvest levels to increase revenue for the trust land counties, while various environmental groups supported lower harvest levels and growing trees longer in order to protect wildlife habitat and increase carbon sequestration to help fight climate change. There was agreement on which scenarios to run and the Board agreed to the test the following four scenarios: Scenario 1 will test volume targets of 185 million board feet (MMBF), 195 MMBF, and 205 MMBF and then for non-declining timber harvest for 30 years. Scenario 2 will test longer timber harvest rotations (now trees are harvested at about 30-40 years) to creating more even distribution of age classes throughout the forest (outside the Habitat Conservation Areas identified in the HCP) harvesting at 120 years in managed acres, andthen 150 years, time permitting. Scenario 3 will maximize volume with unlimited periodic variation. Scenario 4 – Maximize Net Present Value (NPV) maximized at 4% discount rate. After the computer runs these scenarios, the State Forest Division will report back to the Board in the early months of 2025 and the Board will discuss and decide next steps. A growing number of local and state agencies that rely on revenue from logging public forests are agreeing to scale back logging in exchange for money from carbon credits according to this article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle. Here is the 2025-27 Governor’s Recommended Budget for the Dept. of Forestry. See also the Wildfire section of this report below. Hanford Hanford Challenge is a watchdog nonprofit focused on transparency and cleanup process at Hanford nuclear site. Plans for the cleanup evolve. Land Use and Housing By Peggy Lynch The Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) rules were adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) on Dec. 5th. Cities will now have housing targets to work toward in a range of styles, sizes and costs. The rules take effect on Jan. 1. A second set of rules will be developed in 2025, with adoption expected by Jan. 1 of 2026. Follow the work of the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the department’s Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. The Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) managers were announced by Governor Kotek as she continues to focus on housing for all. Five new interagency agreements were signed by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to increase cooperation and define their responsibilities. Here is the 2025-27 Governor’s Recommended Budget for DLCD. See also the Agriculture section of this report on Farm and Forest rules. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy Legislative Report. Recycling The Environmental Quality Commission adopted rules to implement the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act at its meeting on Nov. 22nd. The League supported SB 582 (2021).” Starting this summer, Oregonians across the state will begin to receive a standardized list of what can and cannot be recycled statewide, and owners and managers of apartment complexes and multi-unit housing will need to prepare to provide recycling for residents.” according to an article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle. Regional Solutions By Peggy Lynch Here is a great slide presentation that helps explain what the Regional Solutions program is. There are 11 regions and residents can sign up to receive agendas, meeting materials and even provide public comment on certain agenda items on their website . Toxics On Oct. 2nd, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add 16 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories representing more than 100 individual PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) . It would also designate them as chemicals of special concern so they must meet more robust reporting requirements, including reporting even for small concentrations. This proposed expansion of TRI would advance the commitments of the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to address the health and environmental impacts of PFAS by promoting pollution prevention, and informing the public about environmental releases of these so called “forever chemicals.” Transportation As the legislature struggles with paying for the work of the Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT), it is reported that Oregon counties need $834 million a year to repair & maintain roads . Water By Peggy Lynch A member of the League has served on two rules advisory committees for the Water Resources Dept.: Place-Based Planning is now open for public comment through Jan. 15th. Best Practices in Community Engagement is also open for public comment through Jan. 15th. More information is on the linked websites. As we look to the 2025 legislative session, it is helpful to review the 2021-2024 investments . Legislators have created an Oregon Water Caucus to help guide water investments in the 2025 session. Sign-up to receive updates on their website . The Water Caucus is asking Oregonians to submit their current and future water investment needs via a statewide survey to help inform budget requests and strategic planning. In the time since the Statewide Integrated Water Resources Strategy was initially adopted in 2012, the state has been incrementally increasing its attention to critical water priorities, but the Legislature does not have a comprehensive inventory of water investment needs. In an effort to fill that gap, the Water Caucus invites water managers, users, stewards, advocates and members of the public to submit water investment needs by January 15 via a statewide survey . Oregonians can help the Water Caucus understand investment-ready water projects. In addition to physical projects, water investment needs can include data, planning, and other needs that benefit the environment, communities, and economy. The survey is for informational and planning purposes only and does not guarantee funding or replace other legislative processes. View the dashboard . Click here to view their press release. The League continues to monitor the actions related to the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. An article in the Eastern Oregonian explains that “a management area refers to quality of the water while a critical area refers to water quantity, and the Lower Umatilla Basin is low in both measures .” Groups demand action : “Nitrate contamination has become a problem in rural communities and cities in many parts of the U.S., spurring a group of nearly two dozen nonprofits from several different states to band together to demand the EPA do more to regulate farms and sources of nitrate.” “In the last decade, groups have submitted five emergency petitions to the EPA to prompt federal intervention in nitrate contamination in drinking water in Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.” A federal lawsuit is now part of the discussion: “By suing some of the largest agricultural producers in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a group of local residents are trying to get the federal courts to do what they say state government has failed at for the past three decades: take decisive action against nitrate pollution.“ “Pearson vs. Port of Morrow”. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. The Governor declared Jefferson County as a drought emergency through Executive Order 24-08 , declared a drought in Lake County through Executive Order 24-26 , declared a drought in Wallowa County through Executive Order 24- 29 , declared a drought in Harney County through Executive Order 24- 30 , and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the regions. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” 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. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers There were a number of Interim Committee meetings held last week, some with an urgent focus on the record-breaking wildfire season. With a total of nearly 2 million acres (triple the ten-year average) burned, and $350 million in large fire costs, there was an urgency not seen among legislators since the devastating 2020 wildfire season, with emotions running high, and a sense of determination. “This is our new reality.” - a sentiment expressed repeatedly by lawmakers and agency officials alike, describing the wildfire crisis Oregon faces. On December 10, the Joint Emergency Board on Public Safety met and heard from Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and James Short, the agency’s Chief Financial Officer. Williams briefly recapped the 2024 wildfire season, and how completely overwhelming it was for all involved, including people from all over the State and beyond who assisted. The crux of the funding problem is that many, many vendors, private businesses, and others helped agencies fight wildfires this season, and the state agencies don’t have the funds to pay them for the work they did. While much of that is owed by, and will ultimately be recouped from the federal government, that repayment can take years. It is an untenable situation, threatening the solvency of the agency. Their request was for $82.1 million of General Fund for the remainder of the state's portion of net large fire costs, and $17 million of Other Funds limitation to continue processing 2024 fire season payments. This was followed by a presentation and funding request from Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple of the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (DSFM). Her agency’s request was for $5 million General Fund from the Emergency Fund “to maintain solvency”. The recommendation for the Legislative Finance Office added $26.5 million. Both items were deferred to the full committee and to be considered at the Special Session on December 12 called by the governor so the entire legislature can vote to fund an even larger request. At the same meeting, Doug Grafe, the Governor’s Military and Wildfire Advisor, along with Kyle Williams of ODF, and Chief Temple of DSFM, offered a progress report on the Wildfire Funding Workgroup, created at the end of the last session with charge to find durable, long-term, sustainable funding for wildfire in Oregon. Chief Temple shared that the nickname for the Workgroup is the “Fire 35”, and they have made progress, narrowing a list of 70 ideas at the outset down to 20 so far. All parties at the table expressed admiration for the hard work and collaborative effort members were making to find workable solutions that are fair and affordable. They expect to have a recommendation for the Legislature ready for the 2025 session. Details for this meeting, including LFO analyses, granular details on the allocations, and complete presentations, may be found here . The aforementioned parties (Williams of ODF, Ruiz-Temple of DSFM, and Graf from the Governor’s Office) repeated their 2024 Wildfire season report before the House Interim Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans, also on December 10. This report contained the most intricate details of all the reports given. Next, still on December 10, was another progress report on the Wildfire funding Workgroup before the House Interim Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment December 10, and yet another, nearly identical report given to Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire, December 11. At this meeting, Chief Ruiz-Temple stated, “This is an all-Oregon problem.”, acknowledging the reality that any area of the State is now vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire events, including smoke, and that the risk continues to increase. The last meeting the League covered on December 10 was the Senate Interim Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management Federal and World Affairs. A presentation was given by Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ), out of the University of Oregon (Go DUCKS!). Of interest was the portion of their discussion of the growth of the use of, and effectiveness of, Public Fire Detection Cameras. Noting that the first camera for detecting hazards, such as wildfire, was deployed in 2018. Since then, funding from the 2022 short session started to increase momentum toward this technology, leading to 60 cameras in use around the State in 2024. That number is expected to increase to 75 in 2025. The role of these cameras in early detection and response cannot be overstated. The Joint Interim Special Committee on Wildfire Funding met December 11 and held a Public Hearing on LC 2 , the Legislative Concept which would become SB 5801 , the emergency wildfire funding bill, to go before the Special Session of the Legislature the following day. The bill was passed nearly unanimously, and has already been signed by the Governor, providing $218 million in funding to ODF and OSFM with most of the money to be paid to private contractors and local fire departments who provided significant assistance during the fire season. This article gives a concise overview of the evolution of the funding shortfall through the passage of the bill. Finally, this comprehensive piece gives a nearly minute by minute account of the proceedings, and includes some colorful commentary by legislators. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 2/20 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio Senate Education introduced an “omnibus” Bill SB 283 to begin to solve the workforce shortage problems in education throughout our state. Senator Dembrow reminded us shortages of professional teachers, teacher classified workers, food service workers, and school bus drivers, were being felt, even before the pandemic started, and are being felt nationwide. The Oregon Employment Department (OED) has stated, “schools simply compete for workers with many other industries which provide lower-stress, or lower-risk environments.” And for professional teachers, a Bachelor’s Degree, or Masters Degree is not well rewarded financially. This “omnibus” SB 283 with -3 amendments, includes several sections and was introduced on 2/14 in a public hearing, attempting to raise wages of all classified staff (currently sometimes below minimum wage based on the number of hours allowed). The entire Bill is based on input from a committee of educators and educational group representatives to help solve our educational workforce problems, especially in special education. I participated in one of the committees. It also includes many other possible statewide solutions, a number of which will cause funding issues. Several educational association representatives were hesitant, and testified as neutral, on sections of this large “omnibus” bill. They suggested more precise language for the definition of classified staff and did not want a mandate created statewide, without sufficient State Budget funds. The Bill will go to W&Ms to assess final adoption. Listen to the entire hearing . House Education met on 2/13 for public hearings involving school safety and preparedness and the vulnerability of some student ethnic groups on 2/15. Rep. Gomberg introduced HB 2908-2 on 2/13, to provide instruction on preparing for and recovering from fires, earthquakes, safety threats, and natural disasters. This directs the Department of Education to work statewide. Rep. Levy and Bowman introduced HB 3101-1 , requiring public and private schools to have some kind of “panic alarm”, either a software app, or hard wired, to decrease emergency personnel response time. On 2/15 the public hearings focused on the vulnerability of certain groups of students within the educational system , including African/ Black Americans, Latino, Indigenous Peoples, and LGBTQ. Several students testified to add Hawaiian Islander to this HB 3144 list. HB 2905 adds Jewish descent to the list of individuals whose histories and contributions are required to be included in social studies academic content standards and in related textbooks and instructional materials, along with African, Asian, Pacific Island, Chicano, Latino, and Middle Eastern. Several Jewish students testified in support. HB 2275 A work session was held in House Education, 2/15. Requiring applicants for Student Investment Account Grants to take into consideration recommendations of Advisory Groups formed by the Department of Education on diversity, in relation to statewide education plans.The original Advisory Committees were created by the Student Success Act, and intended to establish greater equity in funding throughout the state, including correctional facilities. However as ODE Director stated, in answer to questions, the results of forming these Advisory Committees is yet to be shown. This measure was voted out of Committee with a “Do Pass Recommendation to the Floor”, with one vote opposing. SB 531 , with -2 amendments. Speaking of increasing representation throughout our educational system, Senate Education held a work session on summer and after school learning programs, 2/16. This money will come from the General Fund, in yet unspecified amounts, encouraging community involvement. Perhaps you fellow LWV members know of community organizations where you live that could help? It was voted to JW&Ms with a “Do Pass” recommendation. The final bills heard in public hearing on 2/16 were on University Governing Board Representation, both for Oregon Health Sciences University, a public corporation board, and other public University Boards. Sen. Dembrow stated he had worked with the committees which initiated these Bills and testimony was made by a number of representatives of thousands of workers, that representation on these boards was important for them: SB 423 and SB 273 with -1 amendment.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Other Governance Bills Privacy & AI, Elections, & In Memoriam for Alice Bartelt By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance 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. See the League’s written testimony . After a week of private negotiations, a new -5 amendment was posted just minutes before a deadline before an 8 am Monday 3/4 hearing and possible work session. The good government groups have not yet had a chance to analyze this 48-page amendment. Stay tuned! Other Governance Bills HB 4021 , which requires the Governor to fill a vacancy in the office of U.S. Senator by appointment within 30 days until a special election can fill the vacancy, had a public hearing and a work session is awaiting action on the House floor. HB 4026 , which was a placeholder bill related to elections, was amended in House Rules to retroactively prohibit the use of a referendum on any urban growth boundary expansion. This would block a referendum in the City of North Plains in Washington County. The LWVOR submitted written testimony opposing the amendment, saying the bill is likely unconstitutional and may invite a lawsuit. The bill passed the House 49 to 5 and is now awaiting Senate action. HB 4031 was amended in House Revenue to protect taxpayer information from disclosure. It now awaits House floor action. HB 4032 , which removes the requirement that the word “incumbent” appear on the ballot with the name of incumbent candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, and circuit court, had a public hearing but no further action yet in House Rules. HB 4117 , which authorizes the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to issue advisory opinions on the application of the public meetings law, and which is a correction to a bill passed in 2023 session, passed the House immediately and unanimously. The bill then had a hearing and work session in Senate Rules and now awaits Senate floor action. SB 1502 requires public schools and college boards to live stream their meetings and post the meeting recordings on their websites and social media sites. It allows remote testimony for most school and college board meetings. The bill passed the Senate 29 to 1. The bill had a hearing and work session in House Education, which recommended “Do Pass” for the House floor. SB 1538 A , an election law clean-up bill that makes many changes, was passed by the Senate as amended on a 20 to 10 vote. The House Rules held a hearing and a work session, which recommended a “Do Pass” House floor action. Privacy & AI, Elections, & In Memoriam for Alice Bartelt By Rebecca Gladstone Late breaking: the Oregonian invited submission for this March 3rd Op-Ed: Opinion: Oregonians should not fall for Legislature’s fake campaign finance reform . A public hearing for HB 4024 -5, the bill mentioned in the Op-Ed was set after going to press, for 8am Monday March 4 in House Rules. An Action Alert is being prepared. Our Legislature went into Sine Die, 1-hour notice for bill hearings, on Feb 27, becoming both a sprint and a marathon. Rumor predicts that the last day will be Friday, 3/8. AI, synthetic media in campaign SB 1571 A : This was presented in House Rules after passing unanimously in the Senate. We updated and presented supportive verbal testimony, see video , first bill on the agenda. We expect a work session and passage in the final days. The Senate Memorial Commemoration for Alice Bartelt, SCR 203 , was heard and passed unanimously from the Senate floor on Feb. 28. See the video , at 20 minutes for the presentation and vote. Our thanks to Senators Deb Patterson, Lew Frederick, and Rob Wagner for supportive comments, especially for Alice’s daughters, unable to attend, and for the League (look in the gallery). LWVOR researched and wrote this resolution at sponsor Senate President Sen. Rob Wagner’s request. See League testimony . It was heard in House Rules, and we expect a work session and passage in the final days. Increase Voters’ Pamphlet languages SB 1533 : This bill to increase the number of languages other than English for State Voters’ Pamphlets passed unanimously on the House floor and has been sent to the Senate, with supportive League testimony . We expect a work session and passage in the final days. Automatic Voter Registration for students SB 1577 -3 . This bill to expand automatic voter registration for higher ed students, through the Dept of Revenue, was amended to require the Legislative Policy and Research Director to study its viability, benefits and challenges. After passing from Senate Veterans on a 3 to 2 partisan vote, it still awaits action in Joint W&Ms.

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of December 1 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Revenue Updates Revenue Updates By Peggy Lynch On Nov. 19, legislators received the latest Revenue Forecast . (An in-depth version is here .) Oregonlive covered the forecast helpfully. They provide an in-depth Revenue Outlook . The Oregon Capital Insider also provided a good article . However, we still have two economies: One for the wealthy and one for low-income Oregonians—the “k” economy. A Nov. 24 th Salem Reporter story provides more insights. Here is the Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) website . With concern about not only this biennium, but the next two biennia forecasted as less than needed to provide Oregonians with the services they need, the Oregon Revenue Coalition has revived. The League has participated in the past and is attending weekly meetings. For now, it is an informal group with a focus on addressing the revenue needed for services to Oregonians. We have signed on to a one-pager created by the “Protect Oregon Now” group—part of the Revenue Coalition. H.R. 1 , the federal “reconciliation” bill, was signed by the President on July 4 th , just a few days AFTER Oregon’s legislative session adjourned. Because Oregon currently “connects” to the federal tax system, the tax reductions in H.R. 1 will also reduce revenue for Oregon . A disconnect bill ( HB 2092 ) passed the Oregon House in 2025, but was not taken up in the Senate. The new Revenue Coalition and legislators are having conversations around options to increase revenue, including targeting disconnect provisions and other ideas that may be politically easier than a full disconnect. One of our partners, the Oregon Center for Public Policy, provides a YouTube video to help explain. The Legislature COULD delay the April 15 filing date should they decide to address the disconnect in the 2026 session. They have taken that action in the past. At a mtg. on Oct. 9 with the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture, League learned that agencies are being asked to provide a 5% cuts list by each fund type....so 5% General Fund (GF), 5% Lottery Funds (LF), 5% Other Funds (OF)!!! And in 2.5% increments. The 1% the Gov asked for earlier can be counted as part of that 5% number. And they are to provide a list of NEW PROGRAMS created/funded from 2025. During an OWEB mtg. on Oct. 17, we learned the New Programs list each agency is to provide are ones created from July 2021 forward. So not just the last couple of years. The Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) is looking to see any nexus to Covid/federal programs that were created with one-time money, for instance. Some of these programs were already not funded in 2025. Oregon’s Full Ways and Means Co-Chairs have written an opinion piece about the challenges facing Oregon. The League will need to be actively engaged in helping solve these problems. See other sections of the Legislative Report about the cuts in each area and what’s being considered to address the revenue shortfall. A March 5, 2025 report by the Common Sense Institute, including former state economist Mark McMullen, provides interesting statistics on Oregon budget since 2001. As Oregon has reduced its reliance on the General Fund (income taxes), both Federal and Other Funds have grown. Yes, in spite of the revenue shortfall, Oregon still has the “kicker”. Here’s what you can expect . Remember that you can donate the kicker on your 2024 Oregon tax return. On Nov. 13, Multnomah County provided an economic forecast reported by Willamette Week. On Nov. 17, the Senate Finance & Revenue Committee received an Overview of Wealth Transfer Taxes: Estate, Inheritance and Gift. Review of Past Legislative Discussions on Tax Reform: Meeting Materials Video of meeting Learn more about Oregon’s Reserve Funds in an article by the Oregon Capital Chronicle. Oregon is better suited to address a significant downturn in the economy than the last major downturn because of Oregon’s Rainy Day and Education Stability Funds. But there are criteria that must be addressed in order to access those funds. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 6/26 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Air Quality Budgets Climate Coastal Issues Elliott State Research Forest Radioactive Waste Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team In spite of the drama, the 2023 legislative session had more success than failure as you will see below. We hope you wait for our Sine Die Report in August—after the Governor has signed the bills—or not, for a more complete report on the bills we worked on and their outcome. HCR 38 was passed and set the process for the February 2024 short session. Air Quality LWVOR joined with others in support of HB 3229 . The bill would increase federal air quality (Title V) operating permit program fees that have not been increased for 13 years. The bill was amended by the -2 amendment and passed the legislature. It increases fees for polluters who require Title V permits 43% in 2023 and another 40% in 2024. DEQ is to review its permitting methodology and how it charges fees due to complexity instead of the amount of pollution emitted and report to the legislature by Dec. 2023. Budgets By 4:30p on Sunday, June 25, the last of the budget bills had passed both chambers. The end-of-session bill had over $1.4 billion in funding items. Here is the 33-page list , called “ornaments'' as the bill, SB 5506 , is also called the Christmas Tree bill. The Oregon Capital Chronicle provided a summary . Here are a few of the ornaments we are celebrating in Natural Resources (GF means General Fund—our income tax dollars): GF $100,000 Oregon State University Institute of Natural Resources - convene statewide water conference GF: $500,000 University of Oregon Just Futures Institute for equitable water access + Budget Note: “The Higher Education Coordinating Commission, in collaboration with the University of Oregon, shall submit a report on the use of funds related to equitable water access to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and any committee of the Legislature working on water-related issues during the 2025 legislative session.” GF $10,000,000 Oregon Conservation Corps Fund GF: $250,000 Oregon State University - Oregon Climate Service GF: $1,200,000 Morrow & Umatilla Drought Relief Aquifer Recharge & Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project GF: $1,600,000 Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU) to build the Water System Training Center GF: $2,250,000 Baker County for infrastructure improvement projects (water, sewer, road, broadband) GF: $1,500,000 High Desert Partnership for infrastructure to deliver and spread water in Harney County GF: $2,690,922 Assistance to local governments to adopt climate friendly and equitable communities GF: $309,078 Administration for climate friendly and equitable communities GF: $10,000,000 Wildfire mitigation and response GF: $100,000 Instream water rights contested case hearings (ODFW) GF: $381,097 Oregon mapping program for water and mineral resources (DOGAMI) OF: $18,763,236 Oregon Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Fund (DSL) GF: $100,000 Facilitation of a tribal water work group (WRD) OF: $4,000,000 Grants to water suppliers to protect, restore or enhance sources of drinking water (OWEB) If there were “ornaments” you don’t support, the Governor has the ability to veto requests by line item. You will need to contact the Governor soon as she only has 30 days to sign or allow bills to become law. Bonding bills provide money for a large number of infrastructure projects. The June 20 Full W&Ms agenda has a list of the bills. There will be more information in our Sine Die Report. The Emergency Board Met right after Sine Die to adopt rules for their work during the interim. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report which overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 3382 B , amended to create a new exception to Goal 16 to allow deeper and wider dredging of the Coos Bay channel, is on its way to the Governor. A number of sideboards were placed in the bill should any dredging take place. Only the Port of Coos Bay or recognized Oregon tribes can request the exception. The League is disappointed that the bill passed, but worked hard to assure as many requirements as we could get would be in the bill. We encourage you to read the two-page bill. Of note, a $20 million bonding for the Coos Bay Channel Modification project was included in a bonding bill and an additional $20 million is authorized for the project in the 2025-27 biennium. The Oregon Ocean Science Trust meeting: July 5, noon-3pDepartment of State Lands, Land Board Room775 Summer St NE, Salem, Oregon. OOST membership and agenda This will be in-person and via Zoom and is open to the public. To Join remotely Meeting ID: 851 1191 9008 Join online - click here (Passcode: 4theOcean!) Join by phone: (253) 215-8782 (Passcode: 7641510674) Dept. of State Lands HB 2238 A , filed to provide permission for robust rulemaking to increase fees for the removal/fill is on its way to the Governor. We will work with the agency to increase processes for clearly identifying wetlands in urban growth boundaries to be sure lands that should be developed can be and those that can’t should be removed from the buildable lands inventory. Drinking Water Advisory Committee By Sandra Bishop Next meeting is July 19. More details to follow in the next Legislative Report. Elliott State Research Forest By Peggy Lynch The prospective ESRF Board tentatively plans to meet July 24 (time and location TBD). Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch HB 3414 B , another of Governor Kotek’s housing bills we shared with you in previous legislative reports, became the last drama of the 2023 session. It did not pass the Senate. The insistence by the Governor to include a section that would have allowed private property owners to ask a city to add their lands (lands adjacent to current UGBs) for development was a non-starter for LWVOR and other land use advocates. Metro also had concerns that their role in the management of Metro’s UGB would be usurped by the Metro cities. OPB had a good article on the drama. LWVOR appreciates that Senate members rejected the bill, but are also sad that the good portions of the bill were lost by the insistence that the UGB expansion sections be included. We look forward to a quick passage of a slimmed down version, to happen in 2024. Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee Meeting June 30. The agenda and meeting materials are now available online for this virtual meeting. If you do not have access to a computer, or simply wish to listen in, a telephone option is available: 253.215.8782. The Meeting ID is 882 5699 9000; the meeting passcode is 291363. Join Zoom Meeting SB 1087 , filed on behalf of a farm in Lane County where they wanted to add a “café” (with seating for 250-300 people) on their Exclusive Farm Use (EFU)-zoned property, died in committee. SB 70 A would allow housing on acreage in Malheur County. It’s on its way to the Governor. SB 1013 to allow a recreational vehicle to be sited on a rural property, was amended by the -4 amendment and is headed to the Governor as is HB 3442 A , to allow coastal communities to develop in hazard areas under certain conditions. HB 2983 A , would help with manufactured housing and housing parks did not make it out of Ways and Means. There is money in the Oregon Housing and Community Services budget or other housing bills that should help with this housing issue. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Radioactive Waste By Shirley Weathers The LWVOR submitted RAC member input/comments on Draft rules for the first segment (AKA Part I) of OAR 345-050 rules designed to implement SB 246 (2021) on 6/25/2023. Input was also provided via a phone conversation with Max Woods, Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness at the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) on June 22. ODOE and Energy Facilities Siting Commission (EFSC) staff had planned to present Part I rules to EFSC at its July meeting, but there has recently been some discussion of delaying until August to address some perceived shortcomings in the current Part I Draft. Whether sooner or later, once EFSC acts, a public comment period on that segment of the proposed rules will open. LWVOR will participate and encourage others with concerns about public health and safety and environmental risks of radioactive waste storage to consider doing so, as well. Regarding the longer-term process for developing proposed rules for the second, more controversial segment of rules to implement SB 246 (AKA Part II), the Oregon DOJ has completed its consideration of the legality of the alternate proposal by Waste Management and allies among RAC membership presented to the RAC on April 24 and posted on the ODOE Rulemaking page for this RAC. The DOJ found the proposal would violate ORS 469.525 and it will not be adopted. LWVOR wholeheartedly welcomes that decision. Further discussion on Part II rules to finish implementation of SB 246 are expected in the future. LWVOR will participate. Reduce/Recycle DEQ is proposing rules to clarify and implement the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act of 2021. More information on this rulemaking, including draft rules, can be found on the Recycling Updates 2023 Rulemaking Page . Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee, 9am-12.30pm, July 13To attend the meeting please Register via Zoom . DEQ will hold the first meeting for the second rulemaking ( meeting agenda ). DEQ will provide an overview of the Act, the rulemaking process, and will present the Commingled Processing Facility Worker Living Wage and Supportive Benefits rule concept. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking web page: Recycling Updates 2024 . Toxics By Paula Grisafi HB 3043 Enrolled , a bill that revises provisions relating to chemicals in children’s products, is on its way to the Governor. Water By Peggy Lynch Water agency budgets received additional monies for programs, grants and staffing. We also saw a bill ( HB 2010 ) that included a number of bills we supported this session. Here is the Budget Report that shares the many programs and agencies that will benefit from this bill. You might also note the amount of cross-agency cooperation and collaboration expected from this package. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. League members may check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations under ORS 536 for the counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Deschutes, Wasco, Harney, Sherman and Lake counties. Jackson County requested a drought declaration, just declared. In addition, many counties in eastern and southern Oregon have received Secretarial Disaster Designations from the US Department of Agriculture due to continuing drought conditions. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Here is a press release on SB 80 , one of the important wildfire bills passed this session. $10 million for the Oregon Conservation Corps was included in SB 5506 , the end-of session bill. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is over, but 2024 is just around the corner. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 1/16 Education By Anne Nesse If you are represented by any of these Representatives or Senators, feel free to contact them about your hopes for educational progress in the coming Legislative Session. Editor’s Note: Find Your District and Legislators is posted on OLIS. Senate Education Committee members this session are: Sen. Dembrow Chair, Sen. Weber Vice-Chair, Sen. Anderson, Sen. Frederick, Sen. Gelser Blouin, Sen. Robinson, Sen. Wagner. This committee will meet regularly Tues. and Thurs. 3-4:30 pm. (live or recorded on OLIS site) Sen. Dembrow opened the first meeting Jan. 17, with a positive statement about how education is the foundation of preparing our entire state to meet future needs, security, and success. The Committee voted to accept two possible bills LC3960 and LC2268, and they will be assigned for future discussion. Informational sessions were held on roughly how we used federal Covid relief funds (accounted in the Billions of dollars), 90% of which went to local authorities. Several success stories were noted by those testifying from ODE and school districts, as well as working towards the goal of improving mental health for all, and meeting the challenges of students with special needs. An important discussion was had on enrollment declines in Oregon public schools. This was reported to be the highest at kindergarten and younger grade levels, high school enrollment being relatively stable. In the 2020-2021 school year, the home schooling population increased by 13,000 students, although the number could be higher, because not all families registered with their school districts. It was also pointed out that we know nothing of how many families transitioned to private schools during this time. There was also an increase in virtual school offerings within the public school system. Sen. Dembrow commented that we need to have a better way to monitor these changes to best meet student needs all over our state, within the public school system. There was a public hearing on SB215 , composed of technical language fixes involving food programs, child abuse language, speech language programs, and media programs, etc.. Several testified and it was noted that the word “libraries, and librarians” had been omitted. More work on this bill seemed to be indicated. Early Childhood House Committee members are: Chair Rep. Reynolds, Vice-Chair Rep. Nguyen, Vice-Chair Rep. Scarf, Rep. Anderson, Rep.Cramer, Rep. Elmer, Rep. Hartman, Rep. Hieb, Rep. Nelson, Rep. Neron. This committee will meet regularly Mon. and Wed. 1-2:30 pm (live or recorded on OLIS site) Rep. Reynolds, a pediatrician, opened the first meeting by acknowledging that this committee will merge with the former Human Services Committee. A public hearing on HB2479 was held, with mostly positive testimony concerning the need to legally protect Child Abuse Children’s Advocacy Centers, (except for the trial lawyers association, who would prefer the committee change some legal wording in the bill). House Education Committee members this session are: Chair Rep. Neron, Vice-Chair Rep. Hudson, Vice-Chair Rep. Wright, Rep. Cramer, Rep. McIntire, Rep. Nguyen, Rep. Valderrama This committee will meet regularly Mon. and Wed. 3-4:30 pm (live or recorded on OLIS site) Rep. Neron opened the first meeting with an overview report from Director Colt Gill, of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), who is retiring at the end of this session. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) also presented an overview of their agency. Please write to us if you would like more information on coming education bills for Oregon in the 2023 long Session, as the 2 year budget will be decided. Anne Nesse .

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 4/28 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Bottle Bill Update Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Columbia River Gorge Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Parks and Rec. Dept. Water Wetlands Wildfire AIR QUALITY SB 726 A requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR supports. The bill has been referred to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment where it will receive a public hearing on May 1st. AGRICULTURE By Sandra Bishop SB 1129 A Requires Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) to amend rules on urban reserves. The bill deals with prioritizing lands to be added to urban reserves. The bill passed the Senate and is scheduled for hearing April 28th in House Committee on Housing & Homelessness. HB 3560 A Expands the areas where childcare centers are allowed to be sited. The nexus with farm and forest land is a provision in the bill to allow a county to impose reasonable conditions on establishing a family child care home in areas zoned for exclusive farm use, forest use, or mixed farm and forest use. The proposal would also move statutes governing the siting of childcare facilities to the chapter of Oregon Revised Statutes relating to comprehensive land use planning. The bill has passed the House and is scheduled for hearing May 1st in Senate Committee on Early Childhood & Behavioral Health. BOTTLE BILL UPDATE By Sandra Bishop SB 992 is the omnibus bottle bill. The -3 amendment replaced the original bill, was adopted and the bill passed the Senate and has been assigned to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment . This bill is Portland-centric and contains various changes to the bottle redemption centers in Portland to address problems and make it easier for those who return and redeem beverage containers on a daily or near daily basis. It also contains a provision that would allow a winery to refuse to redeem containers of a type or brand they do not sell. The League has not taken a position on the specific changes proposed in SB 992, but has always supported the bottle bill and continues to support the most appropriate, effective, and environmentally sound recycling and recovery of beverage container materials. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 I nfo mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Meeting Materials Of critical importance is their request for a new IT system—ONE ODA--one of the many IT bonding requests this session. Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 Info mtg. and public hearing March 13. An KGW article explains a potential funding issue since both Oregon and Washington must provide equal funding for the Commission. April 27 is a critical decision date at the Washington legislature. A new OPB article updates the latest. Unlike Oregon, Washington state has a House and a Senate separate budget proposal. Hope is that Governor Ferguson will recognize the importance of this Commission’s work. Ferguson has until May 20 to approve the budget. Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet Meeting Materials . info mtgs. April 7-9, public hearing April 16. League testimony Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 info hearing 2/10, Meeting Materials , public hearing 2/11. April 28: Natural Resources Subcommittee info hearing on Department of Energy - Grid Resilience. Meeting materials Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 , public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2; Meeting Materials , Apr. 3 ODFW Hatchery Assessment; See also the April 15 informational meeting on the Private Forest Accord and Aquatic and Invasive Species. Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials ; See the April 15 informational meeting on the Private Forest Accord. (See the Forestry and Wildfire sections for more information.) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials LWVOR testimony Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR points out that KPM #4 , mine inspections has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. On March 25 the bill was moved to Senate Rules without recommendation. A performance audit was prepared. The League will continue to be involved in SB 836 because we need DOGAMI staff to do more than 14% inspections of mining operations. On 4/23 League did outreach to the Senate Rules Committee members with a history of LWVOR engagement with DOGAMI and explanation of our support for SB 836. Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase. It has passed the Senate. A public hearing was held on April 23 in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021 Public hearing Feb. 17 Meeting Materials See also the April 15 informational meeting on Aquatic and Invasive Species. Work Session set for May 7 along with HB 2558 A modifies the definition of "charter guide" for purposes of outfitter and guide laws. Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 Info hearing March 17. public hearing March 19. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony in support. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources will have an informational meeting on the Elliott State Research Forest on April 22 . Meeting materials . Work Session set for April 30 for SB 5539 and for SB 147A, Elliott State Research Forest policy and funding bill. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget. Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here . Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 (Bill moved to Ways and Means) and support HB 2803 (The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies.) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. &Public hearing Feb. 25-26 Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024 Info mtgs. 3/12, 13 & 17. Public Hring 3/18. Additional informational meetings: Held April 7 and Scheduled April 22. Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 info hearing 4/7&8. Public hearing 4/09; Office of the Governor: SB 5523 LFO meeting materials . April 28 Public hearing Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 i nfo hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20. Dept. of Transportation: SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. Here is an article from oregonlive reporting on the potential 2025 transportation package with proposed revenue sources. The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding . The Joint Committee on Transportation may begin having public hearings on elements of the 2025 transportation package starting May 12th. Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06. Meeting Materials Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Info hearings 4/29-30. Work Session 5/01 Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing May 2. Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be populated with an amount for the Emergency Board to spend at will and amounts in Special Purpose Appropriations if needed when the legislature is not in session. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing held April 18. Second public hearing, this time on university and community college requests, will be held May 2. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL Ocean Policy Advisory Council Meeting, May 7. OPAC will meet virtually from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meeting information will be made available via the Oregon Ocean Information website . Contact: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE COMMISSION The League has been a supporter of the Commission since its inception. League members have served on the Commission. A shared responsibility between the states of Washington and Oregon, this year a Washington House of Representatives member is considering defunding the Commission. Funding must be equal between the two states. This KGW article explains the issue. April 27 is a critical decision date at the Washington legislature. LWVOR reached out to LWVWA and learned that they were unaware of this funding crisis. We understand that a conference committee is meeting to resolve the disagreement between the chambers. Not funding would be a violation of the Gorge Compact. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League supports SB 830 , a bill that m odifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. A public hearing was held April 17 in the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment . The League then shared with each committee member our testimony in support of HB 2168 , a bill that would fund this grant and loan program. A work session is set for May 1st. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) SB 147 clarifies the management of the ESRF into the hands of the Dept. of State Lands and sets up a separate fund account for monies received to manage the forest. The bill will have a work session in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 30. It had an informational meeting on April 22 . DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) The agency gave a presentation on the proposed pilot project for a Geologic Carbon Sequestration Test Well on April 23 in the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment. FORESTRY (ODF) By Josie Koehne The League provided testimony in support of HB 3489 , a timber severance tax bill that would help fund ODF, provide funding for wildfires and monies that would go to counties where timber is harvested. A public hearing was held on April 24 where the League testimony supported also the -1 amendment proposed by the sponsor. The Legislative Revenue Office provided explanations of a variety of taxes on timber harvest before the hearing on HB 3489. The Board of Forestry April 23rd mtg. agenda is focused on a process for selecting a new State Forester. The Board wants to address their current role as appointee. However, they are aware of the Governor’s bill in the legislature. The League will continue to follow SB 1051 , assigned to the Senate Rules Committee and which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. A public hearing was held March 24. Because the bill is in Senate Rules, there is no current deadline for action on the bill. See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. GOVERNANCE 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 or facilitate an agency’s mission. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies : This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. We continue to watch a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255 , HB 2303 , HB 2402 and HB 2427 . We are also concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership. Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures . LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra Bishop/Peggy Lynch A presentation was provided to Senate Committee on Housing and Development on April 23rd by the Governor’s Office and others. This was an opportunity for Senate members to learn more about the House Chamber housing bills sent to Ways and Means. The Senate Committee will hold an informational presentation on Housing and Homelessness bills that have been sent to Ways and Means on April 30. HB 2647 passed the House floor and was assigned to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. On April 29 it is set for a work session “solely for the purpose of moving it to another committee”. Usually that means to the Senate Rules Committee for further discussion, debate, to be moved to Senate floor or to die. HB 3921 is a similar bill in that it would allow by law land swaps for City of Roseburg/Douglas County per this preliminary staff analysis . The bill passed the House and will have a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing and Development on April 30 and a work session set for May 7. The League provided testimony in support of HB 3939 , a bill that provides a list of infrastructure projects to fund for smaller Oregon cities so they can build more housing. We have also supported HB 3031 A (already sitting in Ways and Means) but know there might be limited dollars this session so called out that link in our letter. The -1 amendment to HB 3939 was adopted and the bill moved to Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. HB 2316 -4 frees up approximately 3,500 acres of state land of which can now be used for housing production, all within the urban growth boundaries. It provides revenue to the state from the sale of the land, and it also provides revenue to our cities because the land becomes taxable for property taxes five years after purchase. The bill was sent to Revenue with a subsequent referral to Ways and Means. See also the Agriculture section above and the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. WATER By Peggy Lynch Oregon's Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) provides a statewide inter-agency framework for better understanding and meeting Oregon's instream and out-of-stream water needs. Here is the IWRS website . Oregon's Water Resources Commission adopted the first IWRS in 2012 and the second in 2017. A League member served on the Policy Advisory Group for each. Oregon Revised Statute (536.220) was updated in 2023 to requires that the IWRS is updated every 8 years.  Draft 2 is now available for Public Review and Comment. Please submit your written comments to WRD_DL_waterstrategy@water.oregon.gov on or before May 7, 2025 . Bills we are following: Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ) . A - 4 amendment was adopted and the bill passed the House. It has been assigned to the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire with a public hearing on April 29. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ). A work session was held and the bill was sent to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) A work session was held and the bill was referred to House Rules without recommendation as to passage on a 6 to 3 vote. HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. House Rules has a public hearing set for April 30 consider the A8 amendment that will extend the timeline for testing to 2027. A work session is scheduled for May 1st. HB 3364 makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept. The bill passed the House floor, and had a public hearing on April 24 in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire where a work session is set for April 29. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. Possible work session scheduled for April 8. SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office, may have more of a chance of passage. It had a public hearing on March 25 with a work session April 8. These bills were moved to Senate Rules without recommendation as to passage to allow for further conversation. SB 1154 was amended by the -1 amendment and sent to Senate Rules without recommendation as to passage in a 4 to 1 vote. An article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle explains the bill and its controversy. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. The good news is currently Oregon is NOT in drought! However, the latest long-term forecast is for a hot (90 deg) May and a hot (100 deg) June! We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. As the weather gets warmer and more people and animals visit Oregon’s water bodies, it is important to watch for potentially deadly algal blooms. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WETLANDS The League participated in rulemaking on Removal-Fill Program Fees earlier this year. After review by the Dept. of Justice and comments received, adjustments to the proposed rules will be shared on May 1st. At that time, the Dept. of State Lands will be hosting a second comment period from May 1 – 31, as well as two public hearings online. More to come next week. A new Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been formed related to Permitting and Mitigation in Oregon's Wetlands and Waters. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers Many wildfire-related bills saw some movement this week, though the future of, perhaps, the majority of them remains far from certain. SB 83 , which would repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map and accompanying statues related to it, was passed unanimously by the Senate on April 24, and referred to the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment. As of this writing no hearing has been scheduled. Also headed to that Committee, and scheduled for Public Hearings on April 29 are SB 75 A , which defines “high wildfire hazard area for purposes of developing an accessory dwelling unit on lands zoned rural residential, or a replacement building on lands zoned for resource uses”; and SB 85A , which directs the State Fire Marshal to establish a neighborhood protection cooperative grant program to help communities collectively reduce their wildfire risk. The League supports this bill as an extension of the work done in previous sessions. The Omnibus wildfire funding bill, HB 3940A , is scheduled for a Public Hearing before the House Committee on Revenue on May 1. All eyes will be on this hearing as wildfire season approaches and funding is shrouded in uncertainty. Oregon Department of Forestry has stated the minimum annual need for wildfire funding to address the growing wildfire crisis is around $280 million. It is quite unclear at present which of the several funding mechanisms in this bill, which were generated by the Wildfire Funding Workgroup, will move forward. Also in wildfire funding news, SB 1177 is still before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. This bill would establish the Oregon Wildfire Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and redirect the “kicker” to it, one- time, for financing wildfire related expenses, by using the interest earned. A 5% return would yield approximately $170-180 million per year, or just over half of the aforementioned projected ongoing costs to fund wildfire mitigation and suppression. SJR 11 also remains before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. It would dedicate a fixed, to-be-determined percentage of net proceeds of the State Lottery to a wildfire fund created by the Legislature. Its passage would mean an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, which would have to go to the voters for approval. Finally, HB 3489 , which imposes a severance tax on owners of timber harvested from public or private forestland, had a Public Hearing April 24 before the House Committee on Revenue. The League has supported a severance tax in past sessions and provided testimony at the hearing. The League is also still following other non-funding related bills, such as SB 926 , which would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. It was passed by the Senate on April 23 and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. SB 1051 , which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, remains in the Senate Rules Committee. HB 3666 has had no movement in the past week and remains in the Rules Committee. This bill would establish wildfire mitigation actions and an accompanying certification for electric utilities in an attempt to standardize their approach. Finally, while the effects of Federal cuts on staffing and other areas of wildfire mitigation and suppression generally remain uncertain, it was announced recently by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) that Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants funding has been ceased by FEMA. The BRIC grant program provided money to help communities prepare for natural disasters before they happen. This act will result in a loss of wildfire mitigation funding, along with many other needed preparedness actions. In addition, some funds already allocated will be withdrawn. OEM outlined the impact the April 4 announcement from FEMA canceling the fiscal year 2024 BRIC grant program has on Oregon in this April 24 announcement . This development adds to the urgency of finding viable and substantial wildfire funding solutions this session. Bills we are watching: Senate Bill 1051 , Governor Kotek is seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester. The Board of Forestry has begun the recruitment process. SB 926 would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. The bill passed the Senate and has been assigned to House Judiciary. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Legislative Process Day 2023 Thank you for attending LWVOR's Legislative Process Day! Please take a moment to tell us about your experience by filling out our event evaluation form . Agenda 10:00 - Welcome and introductions 10:15 - 10:30 - Senator Rob Wagner 10:30 - 10:50 - Joel Henderson and Max Robinson of Talking Book and Braille Library 10:50 - 11:00 - Senator Tim Knopp 11:00 - 11:30 - Misty Freeman, Legislative Policy Research Office, Director 11:30 - 12:00 - Natalie Brant, Reference Coordinator at the State Library of Oregon 12:00 - Lunch begins 12:10 - 12:30 - Aram Peterson, Solution Architect for the Oregon Legislature 12:30 - 1:00 - Advocacy Team Coordinator presentations 1:00 - 1:30 - Networking (stay after the event to chat with Advocacy Team Coordinators!) Program Printable program available here , featuring speaker bios and full event agenda. LWVOR Advocacy Team Looking for ways to get involved? Contact our Advocacy Team! We are seeking volunteers across all areas: Natural Resources, Governance, Climate Emergency, and Social Policy. Rebecca Gladstone, Advocacy Chair, b.gladstone@lwvor.org Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, peggylynchor@gmail.com Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, n.turrill@lwvor.org Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator, climatepolicy@lwvor.org Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator, socialpolicy@lwvor.org Legislative Process Day Speakers Senator Rob Wagner State Senator Rob Wagner (he/him/his) represents Oregon Senate District 19. Senator Wagner serves as the Senate President and has played a key role in the statewide budgeting process. Read more. Senator Tim Knopp State Senator Tim Knopp represents the citizens of Senate District 27, which includes the Central Oregon communities of Bend, Redmond, Tumalo, Sisters, Black Butte, and Eagle Crest, as well as other parts of Deschutes County. He has served as the Senate Republican Leader since 2021. Read more. Misty Freeman Misty Mason Freeman serves as the Director of Oregon’s Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO). In her work, she leads a continuing staff of 50 and seasonal staff of 30 in providing nonpartisan committee services, policy research, and language access services for the Oregon state legislature. For more information about LPRO, check out the website here . Misty holds a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Public Policy with a Minor in Rural Studies from Oregon State University. A policy generalist, Misty has applied her toolkit to a variety of topics, including natural resources and environment, human services, housing, and more. In her free time, Misty enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her partner and their pup. Aram Peterson Aram is a solution Architect for the Oregon Legislature. He has been with the Information Services Dept here for 21 years and has a BS in Computer Information Systems from DeVry Institute of Technology. Natalie Brant Natalie is currently the Reference Coordinator for the Government and Information Services Division at the State Library. This division works to connect State of Oregon employees, officials, and legislators to resources and services that support informed decision-making. Natalie has been with the State Library for about 6 years and specializes in the subject areas of health policy, education policy and general social policy issues within state government. Joel Henderson Joel Henderson has been with the State Library of Oregon for over 18 years. He spent 13 years as the Administration Specialist with the Talking Book and Braille Library, during which time he served as the point person for their partnership with LWVOR. This past January, he moved up to his current position as the Volunteer and Donor Engagement Coordinator for the State Library as a whole. Max Robinson Max Robinson joined the State Library in winter of 2021. As the new Administrative Specialist and Recording Studio Coordinator for Talking Books, he looks forward to serving as liaison to the LWVOR. Max earned a master’s degree in library science at Emporia State University in 2022. In his free time, Max enjoys taking walks with his wife, Laura, and their baby, Abigail. The three of them also share a love for baseball, music, and reading! Event Resources Legislative Committee schedule for November 7 (Tune in virtually or in-person after the event!) 2:30 PM House Interim Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water 2:30 PM House Interim Committee On Higher Education 2:30 PM Joint Subcommittee On Public Safety 2:30 PM Senate Interim Committee On Education 2:30 PM Senate Interim Committee On Finance and Revenue State Library of Oregon handout (pdf) State Library of Oregon website Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) Thank you to our sponsors and supporters! Members of the League of Women Voters

Rhyen enger (they/them) enjoys people and has a talent for bringing out the best in others.They are a life-long learner and are particularly interested in the intersection of environmental issues, social justice, and the money system. Rhyen advocates for a better world for all and aspires to be an agent of change in their communities locally and beyond. Rhyen was an active board member for PRIDE for their alma mater, Illinois State University. They then worked as a program manager for group homes for adults with disabilities in Chicago. Rhyen moved to Portland in 2021 and joined the League of Women Voters of Portland (LWVPDX). They started out in a Discussion Unit and joined the Board as the Discussion Units Coordinator. Rhyen now serves as the LWVPDX Office Manager. rhyen enger DEIJ Chair Rhyen enger (they/them) enjoys people and has a talent for bringing out the best in others.They are a life-long learner and are particularly interested in the intersection of environmental issues, social justice, and the money system. Rhyen advocates for a better world for all and aspires to be an agent of change in their communities locally and beyond. Rhyen was an active board member for PRIDE for their alma mater, Illinois State University. They then worked as a program manager for group homes for adults with disabilities in Chicago. Rhyen moved to Portland in 2021 and joined the League of Women Voters of Portland (LWVPDX). They started out in a Discussion Unit and joined the Board as the Discussion Units Coordinator. Rhyen now serves as the LWVPDX Office Manager.