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

NICOLE REKSOPURO (she/her) NICOLE REKSOPURO (she/her) Youth Council Policy Director Nicole Reksopuro attends Adrienne C. Nelson High School and has a passion for social justice. Nicole was chosen out of 1,060 students to be a part of her school district’s youth equity committee. She, along with many others from different schools, come together and discuss inequities within their schools with the school district board. Furthermore, Nicole is an active member of her speech and debate team and spends most of her time researching, preparing speeches, and competing at tournaments. Outside of her academic pursuits, Nicole continues her devoted commitments to equity by being a part of the leadership council at Girls Inc, where Nicole strives to help uplift underrepresented women's voices with advocacy, policy writing and more. Nicole is also a part of the 2024 Oregon Health Advocate Cohort, where she helps combat systematic obstacles that prevent students from receiving healthcare directly from their school. She has been selected as one of her school’s Student Ambassadors for the Asian American Youth Leadership Conference, to help foster a safe environment for those of Asian heritage to come together and bond over their rich culture. This is Nicole’s first year participating in LWVOR Youth Council, and she has her eye on making civic participation a smoother experience for everyone. Through leading workshops and registering young voters, she hopes to make her community (and the world) a better place. She is excited to advocate for voters across Oregon as a member of the LWVOR Youth Council and can be contacted at youthcrew@lwvor.org . youthcrew@lwvor.org

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/3 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Jump to topic: After School and Child Care Behavioral Health Education Healthcare Housing Reproductive Rights DEIJ After School and Child Care By Katie Riley The final report for the 2024's session report on HB 4082 includes a request of $50 million per year for the biennium ($100 million total). It is not clear how that fits with the Governor's budget proposal of $78.5 million for 2025 summer learning (summer school). The summer funding includes partnerships with community partners for care after summer school scheduled periods. No funding was recommended by the HB 4082 task force or the Governor for afterschool programs. SB 896 has been introduced to provide grants for afterschool and summer programs. It will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Monday, February 3. It does not have a proposed budget amount attached to the bill. Behavioral Health By Stephanie Aller SB 538 will have a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Health Care on February 4. The bill would require the Oregon Department of Human Services to pay parents for attendant care services for minor children with developmental disabilities who have high behavioral health or medical needs. HB 2596 , the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact bill, will have a public hearing before the House Committee on Education on February 3. Proponents of the bill believe it would increase access to school psychological services by streamlining the licensure process for school psychologists coming from other states. Education By Jean Pierce Over 65% of the education budget comes from general funds. It represents 17% of the state’s total fund budget and 40% of their general fund/lottery fund budget. Approximately $2M for the biennium comes from federal funding. This includes block grants (e.g. for childcare development), title funds, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Every Student Succeeds Act funding, and specialty grants. The budget breakdown is as follows: 51% - State school fund 25% - Department of Education (includes student nutrition, special education, STEM programming, Career and Technical Education, etc.) 17% - Higher Education 7% - Department of Early Learning and Care Less than 1% - Teacher Standards and Practices Commission Pre-K – 12 Education LWVOR submitted testimony in support of HB2811 , which would provide funding for the Imagination Library of Oregon. The premise is that children from ages 0 to 5 receive an age- appropriate book each month at absolutely no cost to their parents. This program is made possible through the largesse of the Dolly Parton Foundation, which provides 50% of the funding. Higher Education The House higher education committee heard testimony that the number one concern of faculty and staff is the need for stable, dedicated public funding for higher education. Oregon ranks 44th in the nation in per Full Time Equivalency funding for four-year public institutions. Because of the low level of state funding for higher education, in-state tuition and fees for four-year institutions in Oregon are the 12th highest in the nation, and for 2-year institutions Oregon ranks 5th in the nation. Related to the high cost of tuition and fees, is the fact that students need help meeting basic needs of food, housing, transportation, and child care. A 2023 survey of Portland Community College students revealed that 43% were facing food insecurity and 56% were dealing with housing insecurity. (See also the Housing Legislative Report) In addition, a single textbook can cost up to $600, so a 2018 survey of 21,000 students revealed that over 64% of them had not purchased at least one textbook because of the costs. LWVOR has submitted testimony for HB2550 which would make Oregon Promise Grants available to a broader range of community college students. Another concern is that Oregon is the only west coast state where public records laws do not apply to public university foundations. Finally, serious concerns were expressed that approximately 70% of all higher education classes in Oregon are taught by temporary and part-time faculty. LWVOR has plans to submit testimony for · HB3182 , which would provide funding for grants to programs meeting students’ basic needs for housing (Hearing Feb. 13) · HB3183 , which would provide funding to the Open Education Resources program, which makes textbooks affordable. (Hearing Feb. 13) Healthcare By Christa Danielson LWVOR is tracking HB 3225 -This bill is the culmination of multiple work groups and work done within Representative Bowman’s office to ensure that decisions about patients’ medical care are not decided by corporations. The new bill specifies the qualifications for the MD who is among the majority of shareholders or directors of a professional corporation organized for the purpose of practicing medicine. The MD needs to live in Oregon, be actively involved in the corporation and licensed to practice medicine in the state of Oregon. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona The PSU Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative presented information to the Senate Committee on Housing and Development in January. They reported that the estimated number of people experiencing homelessness, including sheltered, unsheltered, and doubled-up, was 43,670 in 2022. People of color often experience disproportionately higher rates of homelessness than their percentage in the general population. In 2023–24, 22,072 students across Oregon experienced some form of homelessness (unsheltered, sheltered, or doubled-up). At four percent of the student population, it is the highest recorded rate in Oregon to date. Of those, 2,980 were unsheltered and 2,438 were sheltered. (See also the Higher Education Legislative Report) The House Committee on Housing and Homelessness heard an agency overview from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). Homelessness in 2023 is the worst it has been since the Great Depression. Eviction filings in 2023 are at the highest level since 2011. The OHCS plans for preservation of existing affordable housing include financing the purchase of publicly-supported housing with expiring affordability contracts and acquisition and rehab of manufactured home parks that will be owned by non-profits and resident-owned cooperatives. Between Jan. 1, 2023, and Oct. 31, 2024, OHCS funding rehoused 3,257 households, prevented 17,569 households from becoming homeless, and funded 6,147 beds across 136 shelters. LWVOR is a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance that includes nearly 100 organizations across the state. We take action to shape policy, submit testimony for upcoming hearings on bills that promote affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and expand homeownership opportunities for all Oregonians. The Housing Alliance, with member input, recently issued its priorities for the 2025 legislative session. Here are the highlights: Build and preserve affordable housing · New production of affordable rental homes: LIFT program plus permanent supportive housing, $685M in general obligation bonds · Preservation and operations support for existing affordable rental housing: $260M in lottery-backed and/or general obligation bonds · Manufactured housing park preservation: $25M in lottery-backed bonds · Permanent supportive housing operations and resident services: $11M in general funds · Governor’s housing infrastructure program: $100M in lottery bonds Homelessness prevention and response · Emergency rent assistance: $109M in general funds · Homelessness prevention services: $63.5M in general funds · Shelter operations and housing navigation: $217M in general funds · Strengthen notice requirements and supports for residents of expiring affordable housing · SB 722 : Reduce the new-construction exemption from rent stabilization from 15 years to 7 years; prohibit landlords’ use of price-fixing algorithms to set rents Expand access to affordable homeownership · Improve access to fair-market mortgages for immigrant Oregonians Unlocking Homeownership Agenda · Build new homes for homeownership (LIFT program): $100M in general obligation bonds · Homeownership Development Incubator Program: $50M in general funds · Down payment assistance: $45M in general funds · Individual Development Accounts (IDAs): $20M Reproductive Rights By Trish Garner Abortion-related bills which are being proposed this term in the legislature reflect a change in approach from straight-out abortion bans to more complex models. There are nearly identical House and Senate “Born-Alive Infants Protection Act” bills ( HB 2372 , SB 384 ) which essentially require practitioners to exercise the same degree of care to any child born of the same gestational age and if this standard is not met, a health care practitioner present at the time of the birth or a health clinic employee shall “immediately” report it to law enforcement. There are a number of additional provisions which contain some rather nuanced differences between the bills, including, for example, different provisions regarding civil liability. The Senate bill says a violation of the act can't be charged against a person whose pregnancy was terminated, but the House bill does not provide this protection . HB 2381 doesn’t technically ban or limit abortions but rather requires OHA to set up a Pregnancy Launch Program and accompanying staffed hotline that will encourage “healthy” childbirth, support childbirth as an alternative to abortion, promote family formation, and more. All persons seeking abortion services will be automatically connected to services provided through the Pregnancy Launch Program. HB 3249 and SB 66 are identical and are directly aimed at abortions. At the same time they also adopt a different approach than in times past and impose a duty on health care providers to determine gestational age. Unless it’s a medical emergency, abortion is prohibited unless the provider determines the unborn child is less than 15 weeks, the pregnant person presents a medical emergency or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Interestingly, providers must supply OHA with detailed data regarding an abortion procedure, and if they fail to do so can be sued by the pregnant person or the person responsible for fertilization. HB 3330 not only deals with abortion but also gender-affirming treatment. It prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who object to abortion, fetal transplants, gender-affirming treatment or assisted suicide. In a related vein- SB 918 provides that school curricula would be required to include information about human development from conception to birth. DEIJ HB 2439 seeks to remove the word “gender identity” from statutes.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - November Interim Jump to a topic: Education Update Non-school Supports School Funding and Accountability Higher Education State Funding of Financial Aid for Students Education Update By Anne Nesse As the Portland teachers strike continues over wages and working conditions, it is important to note that Oregon has failed to invest what is required for an equity-based public school system, for a number of years. An Oregon Quality Education Model Commission Report helps explain how we divide the funds between schools: scroll to the Summary for a shortened report. This is an unfortunate fact and it is true in all parts of the country. This is perhaps why a number of Oregon teachers are questioning their profession. House Education met Nov. 6. Rep. Jami Cate, House District 11, was a leader in the discussion on ‘Accountability’, stating she realized that complete ‘equity’ for funding public education could not be established all at once. She announced that In the coming legislative sessions, we will re-evaluate the 11% cap on funds allowed for special education and numbers of homelessness students, among other criteria. One group of slides shown by Kevin Strong, Business Manager Sweet Home School District, illustrates the difficulties we currently face with the 11% cap on special needs and achieving greater equity in public education. These statistics help to demonstrate that disparities are large, among schools and school districts. Once the 11% cap is reached, funds must be taken from other school services to meet the growing demands for those students who are falling behind more than 2 grade levels in performance. Meghan Moyer, Disability Rights Oregon, pointed out that this Federal classification for disabilities was not possible to be “over claimed” by individual school districts. Bob Estabrook, Oregon School Employees Association, reminded us that initially the Federal Government was supposed to fund the educational care of those who are classified as disabled. However, he stated that Federal funds have ‘never even come close to what we need’, and that we receive only 18% of the cost funding needed. He emphasized that ‘the current model is essentially unsustainable.’ The end result is that students who are behind in grade level performance for other reasons do not get the attention they may need. Several proposals will be forthcoming, including 3 tiers of the severity of disabilities or IEP, and adding a 1/2 ‘weight’ for homelessness. Charlene Williams, the newly approved Oregon Department of Education Director for the ODE, introduced herself to both the House and Senate Education Committees, stating her priorities and goals. Here , in relation to these goals, is an added history of Oregon school funding which has unfortunately helped to create inequities in public education, based on property tax rules in Ballot Measures 5, 47, and 50. And for further history, the Student Success Act of 2019 , was passed by the legislature to help add funds to decrease inequities. Senate Education met Nov. 7 ( video ). Summer learning programs were minimally funded this year, due to decreased Federal funds. We know these programs help to prevent academic losses during the summer and try to bring joy to learning. During the meeting, we were reminded that planning for these programs must begin early for them to occur at all. The agenda also included a report on the SB 1522 project implementation based on designing online classes for inmates within the Oregon Dept. of Corrections, to receive High School diplomas, or other classes. This includes PSU and Treasure Valley CC presently, offering classes at Coffee Creek women’s facility and Ontario men’s facility. Finally, this committee heard from the newly appointed Teacher Standards and Practice (TSPC) Director, Melissa Goff and others on the creation of pilot programs to certify new teachers in “mentorship programs”. These kinds of programs are happening across the country to assure we have a dedicated supply of educators. It was unclear from the meeting whether these mentorship candidates were already college graduates. There may soon be Federal support for this program in Oregon. The program is meant to curb the high dropout rate of teachers in the first 2 years of employment, increase the diversity of teachers in Oregon, and increase the number of special education or other needed professionals. Non-school Supports By Katie Riley Both the House and Senate Education Committees held hearings during November Legislative Days. Both meetings were reports from ODE, including work on crisis training and de-escalation for employees, PELL grants, teacher apprentice pilot programs, and ODE’s efforts to provide accountability and transparency. Tenneal Wetherell, ODE Chief of Staff, reported to the Senate Committee on summer learning. She noted that there is a group plan for a bill that would provide funding for summer and afterschool learning, approximately $50 million for the biennium. Funding for summer programs alone totaled $390 million in 2021 and 2022. Senator Dembrow noted that Rep. Susan McLain will probably be the bill sponsor. School Funding and Accountability By Jean Pierce Revenue Committee Bills Six revenue bills will be in the request submitted Thursday for consideration during the short session. The primary one for LWVOR to track regards a Constitutional change for voters to consider in the November Election. Currently assuming no changes are made to a property, its maximum assessed value equals 103 percent of the property’s assessed value from the prior year or 100 percent of the property’s maximum assessed value from the prior year, whichever is greater. The goal of the Senators proposing this bill is to try to avoid winners and losers. Explanation of the State School Funding formula The State School Fund is a combination of state and local funds, which provides about 80% of the general operating dollars to K-12 school districts and educational service districts. These funds are allocated through an equalization formula adopted in 1991. Approximately 80% of the SSF is for salaries and benefits. The next largest amount is for transportation. Attempts to provide equalization, adequacy, and equity among districts is addressed in the remaining funds (18% of the funding formula), which are allocated based on attendance (average daily membership) as well as weights allocated to the number of students classified as: · English Language Learning (ELL) · Special Education (up to 11% of the students holding Individual Educational Plans) · Pregnant and parenting · Poverty · Foster Care, neglected, delinquent · Remote Elementary School · Small High School · Post graduate scholarship (money is deducted based on those only receiving college education) These funds are not tied to an outcomes-based system of accountability. Currently, an average 14.3% of K-12 students require special education, and some districts experience as high as 50%. In fact, the state school fund is generating only 2/3 of the funds needed for special education. Districts exceeding 11% must pull resources from ELL and other programs that are not mandated. This is particularly a problem for smaller districts which tend to have higher percentages of students needing special education and fewer resources available. Superintendents report that there is very little discretionary money available to districts. Educational inflation is higher than other inflation indices. While the amount of state school funding has more than doubled since 1990, it has remained fairly constant in inflation-adjusted dollars since 1994. Accountability of school districts for spending Speakers from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) reported to the House Education Committee, that they are developing a map of Oregon’s K-12 education accountability ecosystem, and this work should be completed by January of 2024. This information will be used in a conversation over the next 6-9 months about accountability and support needed by schools and districts for the system. ODE identified 16 elements of accountability and noted that only 5 of them were highly rated for transparency and access. Financial management and reporting earned only 2 out of 5 stars for transparency and access. Higher Education By Jean Pierce Effects of University of Oregon decision on Oregon State University LWVOR believes that · cooperation and coordination should be emphasized by all Oregon public postsecondary education institutions and governing boards · the performance of independent boards at each institution of higher education should be monitored to ensure that they are responsive to the institution’s needs and the needs of the state as a whole. The House Higher Education Committee heard testimony that the decision of the University of Oregon to withdraw from the Pac 12 had not been discussed with Oregon State University and is causing significant harm to OSU, which stands to make $43 M less in fiscal year ’25 than in ‘24. OSU leadership made the following recommendations: · There is a need to define how to make the best decisions for university boards and the state · It is critical that institutions consult affected parties when a decision might adversely affect another public university. · If entities cannot come to agreement, there is a need for a mechanism for mediation. · At the same time, there is a need to preserve the independent governing structures of the universities. At the same time, OSU is requesting more financial support from the state: · Increasing sports lottery allocations by 1% · Funds to cover revenue loss and increased costs incurred during COVID (these were to be repaid from athletics revenue) State Funding of Financial Aid for Students By Jean Pierce The Oregon Opportunity Grant The Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) changed the funding formula and increased funding for low income students. The following chart shows the changes. Cost of attendance includes tuition plus room and board and other expenses. When OOG grants are combined with Pell Grants, currently these funds are covering 45% of the costs of attending community colleges and 48% of the costs of attending 4-year universities. OOG grants are awarded to students attending qualifying not for profit private schools in Oregon, such as Willamette University, but those students receive the same amount as students in 4-year public schools. Previously, students needed to apply for the grants in February, which disproportionately affected Community College students who did not enroll in the fall semester. The deadline was changed to mid-summer, but it is not possible to accept students year-round unless there is a change in the way that grants are funded by the state. College Possible and the Oregon TRIO Association The House Higher Education Committee will submit a policy bill requesting continuing support for grant programs supporting College Possible and the Oregon TRIO Association. College Possible serves 1600 low-income, first-generation students each year, 80% of whom attend college in Oregon. A majority of their students are people of color. The Oregon TRIO Association promotes educational equity and access for under-represented students applying for federally-funded college grants. They provide tutoring, counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other support. They also provide training for directors and staff running federal grants.

KYRA AGUON (she/her) KYRA AGUON (she/her) Youth Events Co-Chair youtheventschair@lwvor.org

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 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 Election Methods Cybersecurity and Public Records Rights of Incarcerated People Government Ethics By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Election Methods By Barbara Klein Another Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) bill was added to the March 16 House Rules hearing. This bill, HB 3509 , is sponsored by Rep Farrah Chaichi and appears to be an augmentation of bill HB 2004 below. The official summary of HB 3509 is that it “ Establishes ranked choice voting as voting method for selecting winner of nomination for an election to nonpartisan state offices and county and city offices except where home rule charter applies. Establishes [RCV] as a voting method for selecting winner of nomination by major political parties for federal and state partisan offices .” HB 3509 is listed as “may have fiscal impact.” The bill’s sponsor may be hoping to take advantage of the same monies noted by supporters of HB 2004. Namely, this is $2 million allocated by a previously passed bill (SB 5538 in 2021 regular session) to provide grants to counties to modernize their election offices, technology and equipment (including updating voting machines and purchasing new processing equipment). For any scenarios in which HB 3509 would eliminate the need for a runoff, it could save money. As of this writing, the League has not determined the need for weighing in on HB 3509. However, based on established positions LWVOR would have no reason to oppose this bill, and currently supports the HB 2004 RCV bill. Before the March 16 House Rules hearing, LWVOR provided testimony and encouraged members (as individuals) to write their legislators in support. Cybersecurity and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone SB 166 We support with comments, our testimony . This three-part bill would codify that actual ballots votes are not revealed (never have been). Elections workers would be protected ( offending substances shall not be thrown at them ), and elections should have cybersecurity plans. We recommend further amending, with extensive references to our earlier relevant testimony for related bills, including current ones. Technical harassment definitions should be expanded, as we note, for example to doxing, with extensive privacy issues, and extended to protect all involved in elections, even voters, from harassment and intimidation, as reported last fall by OPB . We anticipate valuing having these protections in place before the 2024 elections. We link to our other testimony supporting elections as critical infrastructure, for cybersecurity, and for protecting our cyber defense plans, as mentioned in the bill below. HB3201 We have supportive testimony prepared for this federal funding broadband bill, public hearing scheduled for March 15. A diverse, inclusive work group has been negotiating for this since last summer, posting two amendments. A surprise amendment appeared March 14, negating the content of the earlier -1 and -2 amendments, without consulting the sponsors or advisory group, a concerning omission. Numerous updated amendments have followed it. We have signed a coalition letter in support of the original bill and have written to relevant legislators with process concerns. SCR 1 This bill calls for election worker support and applause, passed the Senate on partisan lines, scheduled for a March 14 work session in House Rules. It lacks any action in statute. We urge again, our 2023 testimony for expanding election privacy and harassment protection, citing our League 2022 testimony from HB 4144 Enrolled (2022) . HB 3111 Passed from the House with no opposition votes, and was scheduled for a public hearing March 16 in Sen Rules. This privacy protection bill exempts some personal information for some public employees, focusing on retirees. As we advocated for SB 293 Enrolled (2021), we urge for less piece-meal privacy protection. See our HB 3111 testimony in support, repeating our previous calls for improvements. HB 2112 A Passed from the House floor and Rules unanimously, and was scheduled for a March 14 work session in Sen Rules. This public records bill updates technical and inclusive terms, particularly for our tribes. The League supports ( our testimony ). HB 2490 This bill was scheduled for a work session on March 16 in House Emergency Management, General Governance, and Vets. It addresses Oregon’s growing cybersecurity vulnerability, by protecting our defense plans, devices, and systems from public disclosure, also echoing our call to balance public records disclosure transparency and privacy. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). SB 417 The Task Force convening to review this public records request fee bill had a third meeting, including public records staff from the Attorney General. We hope to complete technical review with Legislative Counsel and propose an amendment in the next week. See League testimony in support. Watch for upcoming budgets and other bills and progress in W&Ms: SB 1073 to be heard in J Information and Technology, directs the State Chief Information Officer and state agencies to appoint Chief Privacy Officers. It directs the Secretary of State and Treasurer to adopt privacy requirement rules. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley A bill to reduce the time a person in custody can remain in “segregated housing” was heard on March 14 in House Judiciary. The League submitted supportive testimony on the -1 amendment to HB 2345 , which authorizes a reduction of time that adults in custody can be confined in “segregated housing” (solitary confinement) and sets a limitation of 14 days. It also appoints a committee to study the implementation of this new Department of Corrections (DOC) policy. The League strongly supports ongoing DOC efforts to humanize and change the culture of the prison environment, consistent with the 2015 United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey SB 207 : Authorizes the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to proceed on its own motion to review and investigate, if the commission has reason to believe that a public body conducted meetings in executive session that were not in compliance with laws authorizing executive sessions. The bill was reported out of Senate Rules with a "do pass" recommendation on a 4-0-1-0 vote. Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. Redistricting By Norman Turrill There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 19 petitions downloadable from its website. 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 .

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 5/22 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Jump to a topic: Housing Criminal Justice Housing By Debbie Aiona, Nancy Donovan, Debbie Wallace, Penny York Fortunately, many critical housing policy bills and funding passed earlier in the session, but some are still under consideration or awaiting Senate action. SB 599 A : Allows tenants to operate home-based childcare by requiring a landlord to allow a renter to use a dwelling unit for a family childcare home if it is certified or registered with the Office of Child Care. The landlord can require a tenant to pay for improvements necessary for certification and carry some form of liability coverage. This bill has passed both the House and Senate and is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature. SB 225 : This bill will address a problematic issue with how private activity bond resources are used to fund low-income housing. In addition to other provisions, it will eliminate the current “blackout period” that begins with the start of the new biennium and ends when the Governor signs the bond authorization bill. During that time, Oregon Housing and Community Services cannot move forward on affordable housing developments. Eliminating this period will prevent construction delays and resulting cost increases. This bill has passed the Senate and is scheduled for third reading in the House. SB 702 : The Governor signed this bill requiring home appraisers to receive bias training to receive certification. The League submitted a supportive testimony letter. Key housing bills awaiting a vote by the full Senate: HB 2680 would require more transparency when tenants submit applications for rental housing. The bill is awaiting a second reading in the Senate. HB 3151 would limit improvements manufactured home park landlords could require of tenants. It would also extend the sunset date on a landlord/tenant dispute resolution program. The Senate scheduled a second reading on May 25 and a third reading on May 26. HB 3462 would ensure that individuals covered by federal, and state fair housing laws are eligible for emergency housing when an emergency declaration is made. This extends to people regardless of their immigration status. The Senate rescheduled a second reading to May 30, and a third reading on May 31. SB 611 B modifies the maximum annual residential rent increase for affected units to the lesser of 10%, or 7% plus the consumer price index one-year change. It applies the rent increase limit to units from which a tenant was evicted. The bill is awaiting a second reading in the Senate. HB 3042 A This bill would require tenant notification in rental units with expiring affordability contracts and limit rent increases for three years. It offers protections to residents of housing with expiring affordability restrictions The bill is awaiting a Senate vote. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley The results of final decisions on criminal justice bills include the passage of SB 519 A on County Juvenile records, which can be destroyed, but motor vehicle, game violations or municipal court cases will still exist. SB 745 A passed both chambers requiring sex trafficking screening after January 1, 2024, and training of staff by July 1, 2024. SB 1052 passed the Senate and was scheduled for a House floor vote on May 23 to require state employee training on human trafficking offenses. The House Behavioral Health Committee passed HB 3610 A on May 17 at its last meeting. The bill proposes additional taxes on alcohol and sets up a Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services. The Governor will appoint 16 members, and the Speaker of the House will appoint two members. The Task Force will consult with the Legislative Revenue Office. The bill was sent to Ways and Means due to costs for the Task Force. The Oregon Judicial Department Budget for the coming biennium scheduled a final hearing in Public Safety Ways and Means on May 25. The Oregon Public Defense Services Consortium Budget was considered in Ways and Means earlier on May 3. A workgroup had recommended that public defense services be transferred from the Oregon Judicial Department to the Department of Administrative Services. The Public Defense Commission will be abolished on January 1, 2024. The new Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) will be scheduled to transfer to the executive branch on January 1, 2025. Contract terms are still in consideration with hourly and flat fee pay issues still unresolved. SB 337 A recommended the administrative transfer on January 1, 2024, with payment formulas to be set by April 1, 2024. A work session scheduled for May 25 did not occur, which may mean further amendments are being considered. SB 1093 -5 stipulates Commission member and counsel regulations. The Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) Budget, SB 5505 , was increased 45% due to the continuation of the Justice Reinvestment Project recommended in SB 344 from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2033. The CJC has been progressive in the establishment of prison and parole programs to reduce recidivism.

Barbara Keirnes-Young HR

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch REVENUE Josie Keohne, Patricia Garner, Peggy Lynch OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION YOU have an opportunity to testify to the Ways and Means Committee on the budget cuts that were proposed during the November Legislative Days. The public hearing will be held at the Capitol in Salem from 5-8p on Feb. 3, but there will be a remote link as well. Individual League members are encouraged to participate, but remember that only our League President can speak on behalf of the League. LWVOR sent an Action Alert to members to share your concerns about these cuts and to attend a rally in Salem on Feb. 5 th from noon-2p. For more information see the For Our Future Oregon website and the Jan. 13 th press release . KOIN reported on tax issues. As did KPTV . State agencies provided the Ways and Means Subcommittees with proposed cuts of up to 5% from their currently-approved budgets during the November Interim Days. Here are the costs to OHA & DHS related to H.R. 1 recently calculated. Oregonlive provides an article to explain the need for staff and software: The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority say they need $340 million more in state funding and 475 more workers between now and June 2027 to comply with new demands from Republicans’ far-reaching 2025 tax and budget-cutting bill . In addition, we are seeing all the cuts by local school districts as shared in this Oregonlive article and funding the Oregon Dept. of Transportation will need to be addressed, currently set at $242 million. In other reports, you can read about some of the cuts or cost replacements needed to provide Oregonians with the services they need. We look forward to the Feb. 4 th Revenue Forecast (8am in Senate Finance and Revenue Committee-- agenda ) so the legislature will know the expected revenue for the rest of this biennium so they can rebalance the state budget. The League has joined with others in a reconstituted Oregon Revenue Coalition, and signed on to this letter. Some Oregon counties get a pay bump from this article on Jefferson Public Radio. Bills we may be following SB 1562 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. Changes the division of allowable uses of net local transient lodging tax revenue from at least 70 percent for tourism related expenses and no more than 30 percent for city or county services, to at least 40 percent and no more than 60 percent, respectively. Allows units of local government with restricted grandfathered local transient lodging tax regimes to take advantage of the new provisions of the Act. Establishes biennial reporting by local governments of amounts and uses of local transient lodging tax revenue. HB 4148 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. Changes the division of allowable uses of net local transient lodging tax revenue from at least 70 percent for tourism related expenses and no more than 30 percent for city or county services, to at least 40 percent and no more than 60 percent , respectively. Allows units of local government with restricted grandfathered local transient lodging tax regimes to take advantage of the new provisions of the Act. Establishes biennial reporting by local governments of amounts and uses of local transient lodging tax revenue. The LOCAL Act, adjusts the post-2003 lodging tax distribution so that local governments may adjust the percentages, with up to 60% used for critical local services and infrastructure, such as first responders, and at least 40% dedicated to tourism promotion and facilities. The LOCAL Act is a bipartisan collaborative bill that updates outdated restrictions so communities can better balance supporting tourism with maintaining residents' quality of life. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process. Applies to estimates prepared on or after January 1, 2027. Requires the Department of Revenue to estimate the difference in surplus revenue calculations using stated methodologies, and transfer an amount equal to the difference for use for various purposes. Establishes the One-Time Emergencies and Finance Fund. HB 4136 : Disallows, for purposes of personal income taxation, a mortgage interest deduction for a residence other than the taxpayer’s principal residence, unless the taxpayer sells the residence or actively markets the residence for sale. Establishes the Oregon Homeownership Opportunity Account. Transfers an amount equal to the estimated increase in revenue attributable to restrictions on the deduction of mortgage interest to the account, for the purpose of making down payment assistance payments. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. SB 1507 : Reduces taxes imposed under various tax programs, operative conditioned upon imposition of a statewide retail sales tax dedicated to specified purposes. Directs the Department of Revenue to estimate the revenue lost to tax reductions and to direct an equal amount of revenue to various purposes. Public Hearing on Feb. 4. SB 1510 : Updates the terminology used to describe certain income earned by multinational corporations to reflect a change in the term used in federal law. Aligns sunset dates for earned income tax credit provisions with the underlying sunset date for the credit. Expands the tax credit for certified film production development contributions to allow the use of contributions for the production of commercials. Applies to fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Provides an exception from the annual filing requirement for the property tax exemption for property burdened by an affordable housing covenant used for owner-occupied housing. Applies to property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2027. SB 1511 : Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the estate tax. Directs the Legislative Revenue Officer to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to revenue not later than December 1, 2027. SB 1586 : Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. Adds rural reserves in Washington County to Metro to be used for high technology and advanced manufacturing purposes. See more on this omnibus bill in the Land Use section of the Natural Resources Report. The League has major concerns about sections of this bill. SJR 201 : Kicker Reform: Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require a portion of surplus revenue that would otherwise be returned to personal income taxpayers to be used for funding public kindergarten through grade 12 education, community colleges as well as wildfire prevention and suppression, if surplus revenue exceeds a certain threshold. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election. OPB covered a story about the bill . NO public hearing has been scheduled at this time. HB 4014 : Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the state financial system. Public Hearing Feb. 2. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process. Public Hearing Feb. 2. The budget was balanced when the legislature adjourned last June. Then in early July Congress passed H.R.1 (see Summary), a collection of tax cuts and program cuts. Oregon’s income tax system automatically “connects” to the federal income tax system. Between the two actions, Oregon is expected to see a reduction in revenue . We are still suffering from income inequality as shared in this Oregon Center for Public Policy Podcast/You Tube . Here is the material from the Oregon State Debt Policy Advisory Commission . Tentatively the General Obligation bond capacity for the 2026 session is $513 million. See other sections of the Legislative Report about the cuts in each area and what’s being considered to address the revenue shortfall.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 2/27 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio Informative hearings were held concerning our State Treasury, and a proposed plan to decrease carbon-intensive investments in favor of a cleaner energy economy. We also heard informative reports on statewide early childhood care. On Thursday, 2/16, LWVOR submitted written testimony on HB 2601 . I delayed posting this, as our virtual testimony was delayed, due to the number of persons testifying, and then delayed due to the winter storms. The committee chair has promised to hear all previously registered virtual testimony. A copy of our written testimony is linked here . Rep. Pham, a Chief Sponsor of the Bill, presented a convincing case for support, recorded here . Her testimony included graphs on the increased performance of non-fossil fuel related stocks, creating increased returns for our State Treasury, and increased PERS benefits. Rep. Pham ended with the statement that current fossil free investments are showing returns on investment 5X greater than more carbon intensive investments. Rep. Golden, and Rep. Gamba testified in support, as well as a coalition of representatives from the organizing group, Divest Oregon, which includes the OEA and 100 other state groups. Only a few testifiers were not in support, or suggested amendments. This bill also brought support from the former New York Controller, Tom Sazillo, testifying on how well New York State was proceeding in its transition towards a fossil free economy, within its investment portfolio. The House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services held an informational hearing on Home-Based Child Care throughout the state on 2/20. Joe Baessler, Ass. Director, Oregon AFSCME, presented a well documented report, along with others. It was obvious that home-based care is the most flexible type of child care for workers living with unusual work schedules, or who ride the bus. These home-based child care centers (10, or up to 16 children), are all licensed by the state. Workers are trained and complete CME to remain licensed. It was reported there are however major issues, with ERDC, Employment Related Daycare, including late or missing payments, and no health care or retirement benefits adequately reward workers. Not all our new providers even know about our ERDC Program. It was reported that, “Infant care is very difficult to find, every county is a child care desert, and 70% of counties are child care deserts for 3-5 yr. olds.” The greatest problem is finding, maintaining, and paying the workforce adequately Mr. Baessler stated. “Without a workforce, more facility space is useless.” Then 3 Bills were heard to help increase the workforce, through the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC): HB 2991 , HB 2504 , and HB 3029. It was unclear how these Bills would positively affect the childcare workforce to meet present needs. We are also reminded that near the start of this session SB 599-A , which was written last session to increase the renters’ ability to create child care centers in approved rental units, had passed on the floor of the Senate, 27-3. It will now move to the House. Some follow-up work was done in this Committee on 2/22, as well as a few other bills introduced. House Education also met on 2/20. There were a lot of kids with bike helmets supporting HB 3014 in a public hearing to amend the statute about the way we are allowed to fund transportation to school, or for after school activities. These amendments could fund free transit, and “walking, or bike riding school bus programs”, to allow safer transport of children to and from school. I understand this is to involve adults supervising students who walk or bicycle to school. These statutes have not been changed or evaluated since 1991. We may be able to apply for additional funding from the Dept. of Transportation. Amendments may be needed. House Education also held a public hearing on HB 2189 , the need for TSPC to ensure pathways to hire otherwise qualified individuals to teach Career and Technical Education (CTE) in some districts. In Senate Education 2/21, a work session was held on SB 819 , awaiting -3 or -5 amendments, on what is considered restricted access to a school day, especially important for teachers, students, and parents to have a voice in these decisions. This Committee also discussed SB 414, to establish ventilation system assessments throughout our state, in order to increase the circulation of air in classrooms, and bring them up to date for health standards. Lori Sattenspiel, from OSBA (Oregon School Board Association), reminds us of the millions of dollars this will require throughout our state, and that federal dollars may be necessary. Amendments may still be needed? Rep. Neron, on 2/21 in Senate Education, introduced SB 426 , a Bill requiring ODE to give technical assistance to school districts for integrated pest management plans. Both Morgan Allen from COSA (Coalition of Oregon School Administrators), and Lori Sattenspiel from OSBA recommended amendments. House Education 2/22, introduced HB 3037 , in public hearing, directing OSU Extension Service to collaborate and collect data along with ODE, relevant to the students who participate in outdoor school. Sen. Weber, Sen. Dembrow, and Rep. Wright, as well as many others, all testified as to how life changing Oregon Outdoor School has been for their own children, and grandchildren. It was generally stated that this schooling occurs at an opportune time for students during 5-6th grade, is based on “hands on science and exploration of the environment”, and creates lasting bonds for many students. This particular bill is for data collection, to make sure we are not leaving some students out of this important facet of their education. The remainder of the week canceled hearings due to inclement weather.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/27 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Resilient Buildings Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Emergency Priorities By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator CE priority bills continue to move forward. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each CE priority. (Find additional more current details below.) 1. Natural and Working Lands : expect Amendments . New Work Sessions scheduled 3/29 and 4/3 . The -6 amendment fiscal has not been posted. -4 amendment fiscal . The League continues to be an active coalition member. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): LWVOR Alert . Work sessions were held on 3/28 and 3/30 . The League is an active RB coalition partner. Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . The fiscals have not yet been posted, expect them prior to work sessions. Recently posted to OLIS: SB 868 -3 staff measure summary SB 869 -2 staff measure summary SB 870 -3 Staff measure summary SB 871-2 staff measure summary 3. Environmental Justice (EJ) 2023 bills: The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907 , League testimony . Public Hearing (#2) and Work Session was on 3/30 . New on OLIS: SB 907 staff measure summary. Given input from a number of industry reps, expect an amendment for the 3/30 work session. SB907 Coalition Sign-on Letter - LWVOR one of many … (Scroll down to page 2 for all the LOGOS.) 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , New Work Session 3/30. New -3 amendment . 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions (DEQ) and new clean renewable energy (DEQ & DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) and will be adding climate items to (DEQ) HB 5018 League 3/30 testimony. In both cases, our testimony will request additional agency requests that were not included in the Governor’s Jan budget. Another major issue, the upcoming mid-May Forecast, will likely provide new required budget balancing guidelines. Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith HB 2763 : League Testimony . Creates a State public bank Task Force. Like the RB task force, the 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than Jan 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” This topic will likely have a bill in the 2024 session. Moved on 3/14 with recommendation to JWM with -1 amendment. HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Work Session was 3/15 . Moved to JWM unanimously. Legislative Summary description . Fiscal is not clear for multiple-agency FTE adds, ~$900K, nor source of grant funds. “The Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) notes that the measure establishes a program for awarding grants for which the revenue source has yet to be identified… “ HB 2816 , -3 amendment ‘ Data Center / High Energy Use Facility. New Work Session 4/3 . 3/20 Staff Summary HB 2713 No longer active bill. The - 1 amendment, PH 3/29 and work session 4/3 OLIS postings were deleted. Local Regulation of Fossil Fuels: home rule cities and counties have constitutional authority to prohibit or limit use of fossil fuels in new buildings or installation of fossil fuel infrastructure. Permits cities and counties, whether home rule or not, to prohibit or limit use of fossil fuels in new buildings or installation of fossil fuel infrastructure. League testimony was posted to OLIS on 3/23 . Senate E&E 3/28 By Greg Martin The committee had a high old time today with the jokes and jibes flowing freely. In between the chuckles, they moved a couple of bills of interest: SB 1015 -- moved to the floor with prior reference to Joint Tax Exp. It would accelerate the depreciation of "carbon reducing upgrades" that demonstrably reduce emissions, e.g. from older heavy-duty trucks, manufacturing facilities, or building upgrades and remodels. DoR estimates the introduced bill would cost $116K GF and $29K Other Funds in 2023-25, and slightly more in the next biennium. SB 678 -- moved without recommendation back to the Senate president w/ request to refer to Rules. It would establish state policy on benefits and priorities of offshore wind development. No fiscal or revenue impacts identified at this time. Other work sessions: SB 542 , the Right to Repair bill -- the committee carried over the work session to Thursday to allow more discussion of amendments brought by Chair Sollman. Among other issues, she indicated her intent to remove the potential for class action suits. SBs 868 , 869 , 870 , and 871 : The committee spent 10 minutes or so discussing this suite of bills, all of which have amendments posted, before carrying the work session over to Thursday. House CE&E 3/20 By Greg Martin The committee moved HB 3418-1 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with referral to Joint Tax Expenditures. The bill would extend the sunset date of the Solar and Storage Rebate Program from 1/2/2024 to 1/2/2029. ODOE would have to waive the requirement that construction begin within 12 months of an award if construction were delayed because of supply chain or workforce disruptions or shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fiscal impact is estimated at $547K for 2023-25, $703K for 2025-27. ODOE received a GF appropriation of $15 million in 2021-23 and anticipates that all funds will be obligated by the end of the biennium. If additional funding were provided to carry the program forward, ODOE would change three existing limited-duration administrative positions into permanent positions. Senate E&E Meeting By Greg Martin Senate E&E held a work session 3/23 on SB 522 , the OGWC bill, for the sole purpose of inviting Sen. Dembrow to explain the -2 amendment, posted on 3/22. First, Dembrow said he had heard several concerns not yet addressed by the proposed amendment: Legacy language from the 2007 enabling legislation requiring OGWC to "examine cap-and-trade systems" as a means of achieving the state's GHG emission goals. This language was flagged before submitting testimony in support of the introduced bill. Sen. Findley said he would like to see all references to cap and trade removed, and Dembrow said he had no problem with that. Potential overlap or redundancy with SB 530 in the requirement for OGWC to develop carbon sequestration goals for N&WL; Dembrow said he would be OK with removing that language from SB 522-2 if necessary. Sen. Brock Smith's concern that adding two new members to the commission might upset the balance of interests; Dembrow suggested adding someone with expertise in fisheries. A fiscal impact statement was not available yet but Dembrow said he understands that ODOE will need more staff to support the commission's expanded work. Concern arose during the work session about the elevated targets for GHG emission reduction (including net zero emissions by 2050) in Section 1. Dembrow inserted these new targets, which the OGWC recommended at the end of its TIGHGER study, to replace the outdated targets in the 2007 statute. Findley repeatedly asked for assurance that setting these new targets in statute would not "codify EO 20-04" and "move the goalposts" for businesses struggling to comply with the CPP. Dembrow repeatedly assured him that the targets will not affect the regulation of business sectors under the CPP but represent economy-wide aspirational goals based on the best available science. Sen. Lieber pressed the point: This will not trigger a new rulemaking? Dembrow said no, and Findley asked him to say so again for the record. Findley asked why we should put aspirational goals in statute and "scare the heck out of people" rather than express them in a joint resolution. Dembrow noted that we already have climate action goals in statute; like many other states, but ours are woefully outdated. In the end, Dembrow conceded that there will have to be at least one more amendment. Findley said he wants to see the word "aspirational" in there somewhere. Chair Sollman carried over the public hearing to take testimony on the amendments, in view of the potential for what she called "confusion and heightened emotions.” No date has been set yet. House CE&E 3/27 By Greg Martin House CE&E moved these "bills of support" on the OCN hot list to the House floor with prior reference to W&M: HB 2990-1 , the Healthy Soils Bill -- requires DHS, OHA, and ODOE to provide grants, support and technical assistance for Resilience Hubs and Networks. Committee vote was 9-1 (Wallan). Fiscal impact statement appears to call for about $512K for DHS and OHA staff support in 2023-25, excluding any amounts appropriated for grants. HB 3196-1 , CPP Oversight -- allows EQC to set fees to be paid by community climate investment entities to cover DEQ's costs of administering the related portions of the CPP and establishes an interest-bearing Community Climate Investment Oversight Account for that purpose.The League submitted testimony in support of the original bill. Committee vote was 6-4 (Levy B, Osborne, Owens, Wallan). Per the fiscal impact statement, fee revenue is indeterminate but will need to be sufficient to pay for four new positions and associated costs included in Policy Option Package 115 in the Governor’s Budget for DEQ. The package includes a request for $500,000 GF and $1 million in Other Funds expenditure limitation; the GF will pay for program operations until Other Funds are received from the authorized fee. DEQ anticipates setting the fee at a level sufficient to garner $2 million in Other Funds during 2023-25. Work sessions are scheduled on 8 or 9 bills on Wednesday, April 5. Senate E&E 3/21 Greg Martin The committee sent these bills to the floor with a do-pass recommendation: SB 145 (w/ referral to Joint Tax Exp.), extends until 7/1/2032 the sunset date for the property tax exemption for the High Desert Biomass Coop, which burns "hog fuel" to produce hot water and steam for delivery in Burns. No fiscal impact (or comments, please). SB 444 (w/ referral to Joint W&M), directs DEQ to establish a Recycling Innovators Grant Program and seeds the grant fund with a $20 million GF appropriation for 2023-25. The committee also heard testimony for Sen. Hayden's SB 1015 to allow accelerated depreciation (over two years) of “carbon reducing upgrades” that could include replacement of older heavy-duty diesel trucks, manufacturing and building upgrades, adoption of clean vehicles for fleet use. Would apply to tax years beginning on or after 1/1/2020. No fiscal impact statement was available but committee members seemed favorable. Resilient Buildings By Arlene Sherrett Additional amended text was posted on OLIS for SB 868-3 , Heating and Cooling for All, 869-2 , Build Smart from the Start, 870-3 , Building Performance Standard, and 871-2 , Smart State Buildings. A short work session was held to briefly go over the amendments intents/effects. A lot of work has been done on the bills in response to issues raised at the public hearing, but the principal goals are the same. The fiscal impacts of one bill, 870-3 the Building Performance Standard, were discussed; six or seven employees would be added to ODOE to handle compliance. A second work session was scheduled on 3/30/23. HB 3166-2 was adopted with a do pass recommendation and referred to W&Ms: this whole-home energy savings program should draw IRA ($57 Mil + 56.7 Mil) funds from the federal home energy efficiency program for rebates on electric high-efficiency devices. Costs are indeterminate ; an estimate of what would be needed from Oregon general funds is just over half a million for each of the next two biennia. However, funding remains unclear. This bill dovetails with SB 869-2 (above) in creating a one-stop shopping facility for energy efficiency information, technical support, and certified contractor information. HB 3056-4 A-Engrossed version was referred with a do pass recommendation to Ways and Means. The bill extends funding for the heat pump grant and rebate program to January 2, 2026. The Fiscal Impact Statement on this bill shows a cost of $20,845,967 to be spent in the 2023-25 biennium. HB 3152-2 was scheduled for more hearing time on 4/3/2023. There was some confusion over what the bill does in the last hearing. The bill would shorten the time for the PUC to establish any change in utility ratemaking around costs of line extensions. There will be a fiscal impact, but no statement has been issued yet. All these bills will compete for funding, with others. This session there is a very tight budget with the Governor’s priority being housing. Interstate 5 (I5) Bridge Project By Liz Stewart and Arlene Sherrett The League has identified the I-5 Bridge Replacement as a key project impacting Oregonians and anyone traveling the I-5 corridor. This extensive, multi-year project is projected to cost between $5-7.5 billion and take until 2028 to complete. Washington and Oregon state transportation departments are jointly leading the project . Accountability Dashboard has extensive information and resources on financial and community accomplishments in an easily digestible format. A monthly newsletter is available to track project progress. The Executive Steering Group last met on March 21 and discussed funding in detail. The financial plan report will be released at the end of March and updated around major program milestones. Equity Advisory Group and the Community Advisory Group host regular meetings designed to educate and obtain community input on issues related to the IBR. The Joint Committee on The Interstate 5 Bridge currently has no scheduled meetings. Several bills related to tolling have been referred to Transportation and are moving forward during this session. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The next forecast is due May 17. JW&M recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. The Need for Climate Risk Disclosures: Emerging trends in ESG governance for 2023 | Harvard. The Need For Climate Risk Disclosures : A Case Study Of Physical Risk Of Two REITS, EQR And ARE | Forbes. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . | TNPT. The Oregon Investment Council met March 8; see the meeting packet . ESG is mentioned on page 7. The formal meeting minutes have not yet been posted. The agenda included ESG Regulatory Update Sarah Bernstein 7 Managing Principal, Meketa and Steven Marlowe, Assistant Attorney General, Oregon Department of Justice. Treasurer Tobias Read Releases First -Ever Oregon Financial Wellness Scorecard | OST. J an 2023 Pers Statement . Moody’s recent Oregon Bond rating rational: ‘Moody's assigns Aa1 to the State of Oregon's GO bonds; outlook stable’. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (March 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 62 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 4/28 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Governance Resilience, Privacy, Consumer Fees and Over-the-Horizon Radar Governance By Norman Turrill SB 686 would require large online platforms to pay digital journalism providers or donate to a Oregon Civic Information Consortium. This is an attempt to compensate small local media providers for news stories that are used by large national websites without compensation. It appears that Senate Rules will amend the bill and pass it out to the Senate floor. The League will likely testify in favor of the bill when it is heard in the House. SB 983 would permit local public officials to discuss, debate and vote on the adoption of a local budget that includes compensation for the public official or a relative of the public official after announcing an actual conflict of interest. This is a clear conflict of interest for these public officials, even though there are ways these conflicts could be avoided. SB 580 would require the election officer in each county and city to post within 2 business days on website any filed nominating petition, declaration of candidacy or withdrawal. The League is likely in favor of this bill in support of its Voter Services. Resilience, privacy, consumer fees and over the horizon radar By Becky Gladstone Bills with League testimony are progressing, reported here, and several not addressed in the first chamber will be considered for testimony in the second chamber: HB 2581 Enrolled The Governor has signed this bill to coordinate expanded resiliency services with the State Resiliency Officer (SRO), passed in the Senate, 27 for, one against, two excused. League testimony in support. SB 470 A had a public hearing in House Judiciary. After passing unanimously on the Senate Floor (Sen Woods excused). League testimony supported the original bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos SB 473 A had a public hearing in House Judiciary to create a crime of threatening a public official, after passing unanimously on the Senate Floor (Sen Woods excused). League testimony, in support. HB 3766 has passed unanimously from the House Floor (3 excused), and is referred to the Senate Judiciary. It would allow civil action against an adult who, unbidden, digitally sends intimate images (cyber-flashing) with the intent to harass, degrade or humiliate, League testimony in support. SB 952 has been heard on the Senate Floor, carried over by unanimous consent three times, to be heard on April 28, to consider interim US Senator appointments, League testimony in support. SB 430 -1 would improve consumer online transaction transparency. It passed in Senate Labor and Business on partisan lines, similarly passing on partisan lines on the Senate Floor,18 to 11, with a referral to House Commerce and Consumer Protection. Goods or services costs online must include all of the fees or charges (excluding taxes and shipping). Prices offered, displayed or advertised must be similarly included, also exempting listing taxes and reasonable charges for shipping goods or delivering services. An extensive listing of transactions and vendor varieties is included. The League anticipates submitting testimony in support. SB 1121 creates a new crime of unlawful private data disclosure, punishable by a maximum of six months' imprisonment, $2,500 fine, or both. It passed with a unanimous Senate Floor vote, Sen Woods excused, sent to House Judiciary. The League anticipates submitting testimony in support. SB 578 sets dates for candidates to file county voters’ pamphlet pictures or statements. It passed a Senate Floor vote unanimously, referred to House Rules. The League anticipates submitting testimony in support. PROPOSED OREGON HOMELAND SECURITY / US AIR FORCE RADAR DETECTION FACILITIES It is unusual to see national defense news relating to Oregon. The Air Force opened a 45-day public comment period on April 18, 2025, in the Federal Register with a Notice of Intent (NOI) for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of potential environmental effects. They are evaluating proposed radar transmission and receiver sites in Oregon (Christmas Valley, Lake CO, and White Horse Ranch, Harney CO), also in Idaho, and Nevada, to enhance threat detection radar from hundreds to possibly thousands of miles. The draft EIS release is planned for early 2026 and the final EIS for summer 2027. Site decisions will not be made before 30 days after the final EIS is released. This reminds us of infrastructure costs we described in our Hard Rock Mining study. Comments The Air Force is inviting comments with relevant information, studies, or analyses for potential issues, alternative actions, and environmental effects. The comment form is open at Over-the-Horizon Radar Environmental Impact Statement . Or send by USPS: OTHR NW EIS, 3527 S Federal Way, Ste. 103 #1026 , Boise, ID 83705. Public Meetings The Air Force invites the public, stakeholders, and other interested parties to attend public meetings: Mountain Home, Idaho—TU, May 6, 5pm - 7:00pm MT.American Legion Hall Post 101, 715 S 3rd W Street, Mountain Home, ID 83647 McDermitt, Nevada—WED, May 7, 5pm - 7pm PT.McDermitt Community Center by the McDermitt Library at 135 Oregon Rd McDermitt NV 89421 Ontario, Oregon—TH, May 8, 5pm - 7pm MT.Four Rivers Cultural Center & Museum, 676 SW 5th Ave Ontario OR 97914 ·Christmas Valley, Oregon—TU, May 13, 2025, 5pm – 7pm PT.Christmas Valley Community Hall, 87345 Holly Lane, Christmas Valley, OR 97641 Burns, Oregon—WED, May 14, 5pm - 7pm PT.Burns [Harney County] Chamber of Commerce, Burns, 484 N Broadway Ave., Burns, Oregon 97720 Virtual—MON, May 19, 5pm - 7pm MT. See www.othrnweis.com for the TEAMS meeting link. More Information for Oregon Canadian and US NORAD commitments continue but growing political tensions affect the defense sector. The US Air Force would build and operate northwest regional systems to enhance radar for long-range, early airborne threat detection beyond the conventional line of sight obscured by Earth’s curvature. They will consult with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, and federally recognized tribes. The EIS will include potential impacts assessment of all relevant resource areas, including reasonably foreseeable environmental effects. In Oregon, the USAF would purchase and lease land currently owned and managed by the Oregon Military Dept and seek to withdraw BLM managed land for siting and construction. Both Oregon locations would have two separated sites, 140 acres for a transmitter site and 1,350 acres for a receiving array. Extensive supporting infrastructure is estimated at more than $500 million, over three years. This echoes our 2018 Hard Rock Mining Study , which used an example mining operation that had “a road improvement budget of $450,000”. References Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Homeland Defense Over-the-Radar at Northwest Region . The Federal Register ( page ), April 18, 2025. Air Force eyes Idaho, Oregon and Nevada as potential homeland defense radar sites. Inside Defense, April 18, 2025. OTHR EIS This website includes a project overview, documents, public involvement, the schedule, and the public comment form link. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Budget Environmental Justice Other CE Bills News Climate State and Federal Lawsuits By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator Budget **Action Needed: Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support these two CE Budget Bills ** These two CE related JWM budget package bills have been approved by Full JWM. HB 3409A Climate Budget Package sits in House third Reading, $61.7M Fiscal . HB 3630A Energy Budget Package passed the House and now is waiting for first Reading in the Senate. $4.7M Fiscal . Here’s a draft of bill numbers included in these two packages. · RE Building Bills (SB 868, 869, 870, 871, HB 3166) · State Energy Strategy and Resilience Planning (HB 2534 & 3378) · Community Resilience Hubs (HB 2990) · Community Green Infrastructure Act AKA TREES Act (HB 3016) · Woody Biomass for Low-Carbon Fuels (HB 3590) · Environmental Justice and Tribal Navigator (SB 852) · Medium and Heavy-Duty EV Incentives (HB 2714) · Renewable Energy Siting (HB 3181) · Natural Climate Solutions (SB 530) · Climate Action Modernization (SB 522) · Residential Solar Rebate Program Extension (HB 3418) · Residential Heat Pump Program Extension (HB 3056) · Climate Protection Program Fee Bill (HB 3196) · Harmful Algal Blooms (HB 2647) · Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (HB 2021, 2021) The League has not received a reconciliation to determine which items are missing from the promised Climate $100M Package. Nor do we have the updated list of State Agency POPS that are affected. We expect HB3630 to receive a Senate vote soon, because of unresolved OBI (Oregon Business and Industry) unclear issues, HB3409 may be pulled from a planned Tues June 20 vote in the House. These budget packages address many climate and energy bills and some prioritized State Agency Budget POPs; they do not relate to any CE related policy changes including new SB 522 Oregon GHGE reduction targets by decade. The State of Oregon and many Oregon jurisdictions are not aligned with 2023 IPCC goals nor ‘Juliana vs U.S.‘ return to 350 ppm C02 by 2100 ; and or by 2100 limiting warming to 1.5-degree Celsius. Environmental Justice SB 907 A ‘Right to Refuse Dangerous work’ was signed by the Governor on June 7. Other CE Bills HB 2763 A Creates a State Public Bank Task Force, League Testimony . Like the 2022 session RB task force, a 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than January 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” Concerning, after a favorable House vote the Senate President sent this bill back to JWM. The House passed HB 3550 (light-duty vehicles), now awaiting referral at the Senate President’s Desk HB 3179B , Renewable Energy Permitting Process, Senate Desk awaiting 2 nd Reading. Related News Is reducing greenhouse gas emissions mandatory or aspirational? Oregon's climate package could determine | Jefferson Public Radio After the longest walkout in Oregon’s history, the state’s climate progress hangs in the balance | EDF Oregon lawmakers make deal to end Senate walkout . Here’s how key bills were changed – OPB, Pacific Power plans for net zero by 2040 in Oregon Climate State and Federal Lawsuits Young People in Historic Climate Trial Rest Their Case - Scientific American Youth Climate Lawsuit Against Federal Government Headed for Trial - Yale E360 Oregon youths’ climate lawsuit against US government can proceed to trial , judge rules - OPB

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/3 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance and Elections Courts and Privacy Government Ethics Revenue Campaign Finance and Elections Portland auditor seeks to soften city’s voter-approved campaign finance law to align with state . The League and Honest Elections oppose the Portland Auditor’s efforts which would set back many years of reform effort. Courts and Privacy By Becky Gladstone HB 5012 : The League was invited again to speak to this Oregon Judicial Department budget bill. League testimony in support was presented. HB 5012 appropriates monies from the General Fund to the department for the Oregon Law Commission, the Council on Court Procedures, conciliation and mediation services in circuit courts, law libraries and the Legal Services Program. HB 2299 , which increases the penalty for unlawful dissemination of intimate image, was heard this week in the House Judiciary committee. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2454 authorizes the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to appoint a Legislative Audit Officer and to direct the officer to perform specified duties, including investigating, reviewing activities of and oversight of executive branch agencies, taking in and investigating complaints of members of the public concerning executive branch agency programs, conducting performance audits of executive branch agencies and reporting to the committee on work undertaken by the officer. The only witnesses were Reps. Bowman and Wallan. This new legislative branch audit office (LAO) may be redundant with the Secretary of State audits division and the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO). Revenue By Natalie Briggs On March 26, the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue heard the March Economic and Revenue Forecast by Chief Economist Carl Riccadonna and Senior Economist Michael Kennedy. The Macro Forecast At the time of this report, U.S. inflation adjusted growth is 2%, while inflation is holding steady at 2.8% (above the federal reserve’s target of 2%). Unemployment is 4.2%, though it is too early to observe the impact of tariff discussions and federal job cuts. Federal job cuts will not be included in Oregon’s economic statistics until the 1st or 2nd week of March. In 2025, 2% growth is targeted, and economists anticipate a broader set of risks to economic outcomes. Implementation of tariffs could harm or help the Oregon economy, which is sensitive to trade due to the geographic and industrial characteristics of the state – manufacturing and export are higher in Oregon than other states, and Oregon may be impacted more heavily by changes to pacific trading partners, due to geographic location. Oregon Outlook/Economy Oregon GDP growth has slowed over the last year, with GDP growth reaching 1.2%. Decrease in GDP is likely tied to state-specific industries, and does not necessarily reflect national GDP trends. At the time of this report, Oregon GDP is below the US average by 1.5%. Should this deviation from national GDP trending continue, a U.S. GDP growth of 2% in 2025 would contrast with Oregon GDP growth of 0.5%. Despite Oregon’s 1.2% growth over the last 4 quarters, GDP growth over the previous two quarters was 2.9%, up markedly from -0.6% in the two quarters prior. This growth of 2.9% could indicate improvement in GDP to come. Jobs Oregon has a high percentage of labor force participation compared to the rest of the country, though hiring has slowed. Oregon employment remains at a historic high (since 2000), at 81.9%, with wage growth relatively flat and some recent indication of an upward slope. The number of unemployed Oregonians who have exhausted unemployment benefits is beginning to increase somewhat compared to 2024. Areas with the most job creation include private education, health care, and service industries. Job losses have been observed in areas including construction and manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs are down 2,500 between December 2023 and December 2024, as noted in the previous revenue report, though some signs of manufacturing improvement have been observed recently. Overall, no broad-based gains in employment were observed, and jobs trends do not appear to differ dramatically from national trends. Interest rates remain a challenge for certain industries in Oregon (automotive, housing), and are reflected in the Oregon labor market. These challenges are not unique to Oregon, and other states see similar patterns, such as migration to neighboring states where housing costs are lower. Outcomes The Oregon economy is increasingly connected to national trends, in part due to the existence of industries that are impacted by the national economy. As a result, one possible outcome for the Oregon economy is that of a soft landing – a term applied at the national level that refers to slowing of growth post-inflation rather than a transition to recession. The baseline outcome for the Oregon economy is that of a soft-landing. Other outcomes include that of a recession (downside), and continued growth (upside). Revenue Update The latest Oregon revenue projection for 2023-2025 has decreased by $89 million compared to prior forecasts, and appropriations have increased by $110 million. 2025-2027 revenue projections have increased to $551 million, and available resources have increased to $350 million. The decrease by $89 million for 2023-2025 is a result of updated information on income taxes, where Oregon personal tax refunds have accounted for $275 million more than in prior projections. Corporate income tax is also lower than expected, due to reconciliation from prior years. The variance in these forecasts may be up to $500 million. Looking forward to the next 10 years, slower growth is expected for Oregon, due to a combination of demographic changes, including an aging population and out migration of high earners, as well as slow capital gains growth. Biennial growth is expected to slow for 2025-2033, to 10.7% (down from 15.1% for 2021-2025). The current budget reserves for Oregon are 10.5% of 2025-2027 general funds. The legislature will use this Feb. 26th 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. Oregon receives substantial funding from the federal government, so the legislature is watching closely as the March 14th deadline for a federal budget to be passed again looms. Congress also needs to address raising the federal debt limit to authorize paying for bills we’ve already incurred. The federal budget is annual and runs Oct. 1-Sept. 30. Currently there is only a federal budget until end of day March 14. Additionally, the firing of federal employees who live in Oregon is beginning to affect both large and small communities in Oregon—not only the jobs they were hired to do, but economies with the loss of those employee wages to the communities. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 5/15 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency 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.

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of January 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 Please see Governance Overview here. Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Reform AI, Cybersecurity, and Privacy Governance volunteers will be watching for these possible bills. If you don’t see your issues covered, please contact us to help; we provide training, lwvor@lwvor.org . For elections, systems, audits, and open primaries, redistricting, campaign finance reform and updating voting software, voting rights for the incarcerated Emergency management, including critical infrastructure threats around Oregon. We need volunteers to help, training is provided. Cybersecurity, Privacy, and AI. Immigration, DEIJ, hate and bias crimes Please see LWVOR Legislative Reports and subscribe to our weekly email LR summaries , starting again in February 2026. Campaign Finance Reform Norman Turrill HB 4024 was dramatically passed during the last hour of the 2024 legislative session. It is a complex set of campaign contribution limits and other reforms that Oregon has never had before, and Oregon is one of the last states to adopt. In the nearly two years since, the previous and current Secretaries of State have accomplished little to implement the bill’s provisions. ORESTAR needs an upgrade, since it uses decades-old technology. However, the contribution limits in HB 4024 do not require changes to ORESTAR. The SoS is still trying to include the costs of replacing ORESTAR as part of the computer system needed to implement HB 4024. An RFP (request for proposal, from vendors) is said to be issued for this computer development work in January. The deadline for implementation for the contribution limits in the bill is January 1, 2027; the remainder of the bill must be implemented by January 1, 2028. So, because of the delays, time is very short. Therefore, there is talk in the legislature about (further) delaying the implementation. Also, a “placeholder” bill has been submitted by the Interim Senate Rules committee for technical fixes that may be necessary for the bill. The SoS is also asking for more money for implementation without any good estimate of what will be needed. The Joint General Government committee has deferred a $25 million request until the short session. In spite of the delays, SoS Read maintains that he is committed to implementing HB 4024. AI, cybersecurity, and Privacy JCIMT Summary Stephanie Haycock and Rebecca Gladstone The Joint Committee for Information Management and Technology (JCIMT) will focus for the 2026 session on a comprehensive strategy to strengthen digital transparency and public infrastructure against evolving technological threats, by modernizing state AI and data security policies. The Oregon Cyber Security Center of Excellence (OCSCE) Biennial Report included successful workforce development. The presentation stressed critical election security funding is needed to protect from foreign interference, especially to rural counties. They note growing supply chain breach risks from third-party vendors . Nik Blosser, Oregon Chief Privacy Officer, outlined a roadmap to establish an enterprise-wide executive branch privacy program, to standardize how state agencies collect and protect personal information. The DoJ presented updated implementation and enforcement on the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act, SB 619 Enrolled (2023, see League testimony ). It includes new citizens’ rights to track their data and opt out of its sale. The Department of Justice noted that the privacy violations "cure period" has ended, signaling a shift toward formal enforcement against non-compliant businesses. The Oregon Dept of Consumer and Business Services presented an implementation update on HB 2052 Enrolled (2023) for Oregon’s Data Broker Registry with rulemaking, hiring, and enforcement progress. See League testimony . This mandates that third-party data brokers register with the state and disclose how consumers can opt out of data collection. JCIMT legislative concepts were introduced: • LC 300 (Downcoding): Aims to regulate health insurers using AI to automatically reduce provider reimbursements by requiring notification and an appeals process. • LC 301 (Cyber Security): Requires local governments and special districts to report cyber incidents to the State CIO within 48 hours to improve real-time coordination. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.