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< Back Revenue LWVOR Advocacy Positions Note: these are condensed versions. See the complete positions in Issues for Action . 2026 Legislative Priority ASSURE ADEQUATE REVENUE from all levels of government to provide essential services while promoting equitable and progressive tax policy. Address changes in federal taxation. Consider new revenue to fund services Oregonians need. Positions Governance Economic Development Revenue Bonds LWVOR supports the authority to issue Economic Development Revenue Bonds by the state, ports, and cities with more than 300,000 population. 2. In addition to the Economic Development Revenue Bond program, LWVOR supports other state and local economic stimulants Fiscal Policy Evaluating Taxes —any tax proposal should be evaluated with regard to its effect on the entire tax structure. Fiscal Responsibility —local government should have primary responsibility for financing non-school local government. Local services mandated by the state should have state funding. Income Tax—i ncome tax is the most equitable means of providing state revenue. The income tax should be progressive, compatible with federal law and should apply to the broadest possible segment of Oregonians. Sales Tax— A sales tax should be used with certain restrictions Property Tax —local property taxes should partially finance local government and local services. Exemptions to the general property tax include: a. Charitable, educational and benevolent organizations, etc. b. School District Financing. The major portion of the cost of public schools should be borne by the state, which should use a stable system to provide sufficient funds to give each child an equal, adequate education. Previous Next

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 6/23 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Transportation Water Wildfire AGRICULTURE 2025 Farm Stand Rulemaking Advisory Committee to Meet June 24, 2025: Information : The public comment and consultation period for this rulemaking will close on November 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. To make public comment in writing, please email farmforest.comment@dlcd.oregon.gov at any time. AIR QUALITY SB 726 A would direct the Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology for surface emissions monitoring at a landfill located in Benton County (e.g., Coffin Butte). June 16: Governor signed. Related to this bill is HB 3794 , a bill that creates a Task Force on Municipal Solid Waste in the Willamette Valley. HB 3794 passed Ways and Means on June 20. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources. However, there are currently over 500 bills in Joint Ways and Means, with many of the agency budget bills now moving through that committee and to the floor and then on to the Governor. Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Both bills awaiting the Governor’s signature. Five bills related to the department's various fee increases also passed Full Ways and Means. HB 2805 Relating to food establishment licenses ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2806 Relating to license fees for commercial instruments ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2809 Relating to pesticide registration fees ( Meeting Materials ), SB 1019 A Relating to brands ( Meeting Materials ), SB 832 A Relating to civil penalties for laws implemented by the State Department of Agriculture ( Meeting Materials ) SB 5508 LFO Recommendation Columbia River Gorge Commission:June 16: Governor signed. Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 League testimony . LFO Recommendation and Meeting Materials Waiting Governor’s signature. Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 and Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 Meeting Materials . Waiting the Governor’s signature. Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 ( LFO Recommendation ), along with HB 2342 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to fees concerning wildlife, HB 2343 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to the Columbia Basin endorsement and HB 2345 ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to Oregon hatcheries. These three bills passed both chambers. From the Environmental Caucus newsletter: HB 2977 , the 1% for Wildlife Bill, would increase the Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) that is collected at lodging establishments, from 1.5% to 2.5% total. The revenue from the increase would go towards habitat and species restoration and conservation. On Tuesday, the House Revenue Committee adopted an amendment that adds another .25% increase to the TLT, bringing the total to 2.75%. The additional .25% revenue will go towards anti-poaching efforts, the Wolf Management Compensation and Proactive Trust Fund, wildlife connectivity and stewardship, and invasive species control. The bill passed out of committee with bipartisan support, passed the House floor and is headed to the Senate. Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . Meeting Materials ; LFO Recommendation Passed the Senate and now headed to the House for a chamber vote. HB 2072 , Harvest Tax, LFO Recommendation , is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI): HB 5010 LFO Recommendation . Waiting the Governor’s signature. Meeting materials LWVOR testimony LWVOR supports SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. Here is the LFO Recommendation for SB 836. It passed the Senate and is awaiting a vote in the House. Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 LWVOR testimony . The budget passed the Senate and is waiting for a vote in the House. This budget and the Oregon Housing and Community Services budget ( HB 5011 ) have been part of a challenging conversation between the Governor and the Ways and Means Co-Chairs with the Governor’s recommended budget being more than the May revenue forecast can afford. LFO Recommendation HB 5011 is waiting for a vote in both chambers. Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB): HB 5021 and HB 2558 A modifies the definition of "charter guide" for purposes of outfitter and guide laws. Both bills have been signed by the Governor. HB 2982 A , a bill that increases boating permit costs estimated to increase revenue to OSMB by about $1 million for the 2025-27 biennium, most of which will be used to address Aquatic and Invasive Species (AIS) management in partnership with the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife were considered together. Here is the Legislative Fiscal Office recommendation for each of the three bills. HB 2982 is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 LWVOR testimony in support. LFO 2025-27 budget recommendation . LFO budget recommendation for SB 147. June 16: Governor signed both bills. Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 Public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. The bill is waiting for the Governor’s signature. LFO Recommendation . There is a bill related to contracting rules (SB 838 A) also waiting the Governor’s signature. Another, SB 565 , would move the Capitol State Park back to the control of the Dept. of Administrative Services, may come back in 2026. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 and support HB 2803 (The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies.) The budget and fee bills passed Full Ways and Means along with HB 3544A , a bill that revises current statutes on contested case procedures related to new water right applications and water right transfer applications (contested cases). The bills now go to the chambers for a vote. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials . Waiting for the Governor’s signature. LFO Recommendation Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 LFO Recommendation Also waiting for the Governor’s signature. Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT): SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. The budget for ODOT has now been assigned to the Capital Construction Ways and Means Subcommittee. Now that HB 2025 , the comprehensive Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) has passed out of the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment , we expect to see the agency budget to move. However, it may await the outcome of votes on HB 2025. The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Info hearings 4/29-30. Public hearing May 1st. This bill has passed Full Ways and Means and is headed to the chambers for votes. Among the changes are increased security due to full opening of the Capitol building in 2026, replacement/upgrades of the OLIS and 3 new legislative analysis and research positions to reflect increased workload. There will also be money to contract for a review of salaries and number of staff needed by legislators. Sen. McLane supported an amendment to increase staff. There was a discussion and assumption that having more information by the February session will help in any staffing increase change decisions. The following four bills (and a few others) are expected to show up in the Ways and Means Capital Construction Subcommittee Monday, June 23—or later in the week: Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing May 9 and May 16 @ 1p. The League supported two of the requests: $160 million for preservation of rental housing and $25 million to preserve manufactured housing and $100 million Housing Infrastructure Fund in Section 14. There are over $2 billion in requests for a variety of projects around Oregon! Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be populated with an amount for the Emergency Board to spend at will and amounts in Special Purpose Appropriations if needed when the legislature is not in session. It is expected that this will be the end-of-session (Christmas Tree) bill. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing held April 18. Second public hearing, this time on university and community college requests, was held May 2. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) Public hearing held May 2. CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL ISSUES SB 504 A relating to bioengineering for the protection of coastal resources passed Full Ways and Means along with SB 1047 B , a bill that may well open up a new golf course south of Bandon Dunes on the south coast. This project has been at odds with conservation interests due to the need for water and development issues. This is another bill where the legislature is overriding our land use planning system. Coastal Program meetings on Offshore Wind Energy, Ocean Acidification and the Ocean Science Trust coming soon. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The League supports HB 3580 eelgrass stabilization LWVOR signed letter of support and HB 3587A Protection of Rocky Habitat LWVOR signed letter of support ( fiscal impact statement ). To help these bills get funded, consider LWVOR’s Action Alert . If either of these bills are funded, it is most likely to be HB 3587. The League signed on to a letter of support for HB 3963 , a bill that extends the timeline for the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to provide a report on offshore wind conversions from 2025 to 2027. The League signed on to testimony in support. The bill passed the House floor (34/18 with 2 excused) and is headed to the Senate floor. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch SB 1154 was filed by the Governor to address the groundwater/nitrate issue in Morrow and Umatilla counties per this OPB article . See also in the Water section for a presentation of interest. This Oregon Capital Chronicle article helps explain the controversy. The bill passed the Senate 18/12. A work session is set for June 23 in House Rules. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) By Joan Fryxell The State Land Board met on June 10th and received yet another presentation/slide show from the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries on geologic carbon sequestration. The DOGAMI Board will meet on June 24. Here is the agenda . The Grassy-Mountain Gold Project Technical Review Team met June 16th. Information can be found here . The League continues to follow this project as the first consolidated permitting project to be held in Oregon. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The ESRF Board of Directors met in North Bend June 11. Click here to download the meeting agenda and materials . The Board approved the 2025-27 Biennial Operations Plan and recommended research grant proposals one and two and the tier two level with verbal support for proposals three and four without funding at this time. FORESTRY SB 1051 , which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, was amended by the -4 amendment and the bill has passed the Senate. It now has a work session in House Rules on June 23. GOVERNANCE HB 3569 , to require a Chief Sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee (RAC) for legislation they had a hand in passing, passed the House. The League provided testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill. The bill passed both the Senate and House and awaits the Governor’s consideration and possible signature. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill to create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. The League joined others in sharing concerns about this bill to members of House Rules. It was pulled from the scheduled work session on May 28th. The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking ( SB 437 , SB 1006 , SB 370 , SB 483 ) and SB 411 , SB 895 also in Senate Rules. HB 2454 passed House Rules with the -1 amendment and sent to Ways and Means. The bill creates a new Audits Officer (with possible additional staff). The Jt. Audits Committee would hire the Officer. We are concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials, would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. A work session was held May 28 where the -2 amendment was adopted to delay the web work and the bill sent to Ways and Means. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies: This DAS document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This Transparency website document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process, in particular the Natural Resource agencies, was held June 17. The Governor’s staff attended as they worked with agencies and others to develop a template for rules advisory processes. A draft of the plan was shared. Not only would there be three tiers to determine the level of engagement needed, but whether or not Commission members should be a liaison to more complicated rulemakings. See also the Governance section of this Legislative Report. LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra U. Bishop/Peggy Lynch HB 2138 , the Governor’s follow up on middle housing bill has passed the House and is headed to the Senate for a vote. LFO Recommendation The League engaged on elements of this bill over the summer but chose to stay silent due to some of the bill provisions. HB 2258 , a bill that authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt rules requiring local governments to approve certain land use applications for residential developments using building plans preapproved by the Department of Consumer and Business Services passed the House and is headed to the Senate for a vote. LFO Recommendation The League provided testimony in support of HB 3939 , a bill that provides a list of infrastructure projects to fund for smaller Oregon cities so they can build more housing. We have also supported HB 3031 A which has been assigned to the Ways and Means Capital Construction Subcommittee. The -1 amendment to HB 3939 was adopted and sits in Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. HB 2316 -4 frees up approximately 3,500 acres of state land which can now be used for housing production, all within the urban growth boundaries. The A6 amendment was adopted and the bill sent to Ways and Means. The Land Conservation and Development Commission will meet June 26-27 in Salem. Guest presenters include Oregon Water Resources Director Ivan Gall, and Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) Coordinator Crystal Grinnell, who will provide updates on the 2025 Draft IWRS before its scheduled adoption by the Water Resources Commission this fall. A genda See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. TRANSPORTATION HB 2025 is the comprehensive Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) assigned to the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment . The League signed a letter in support of increased transit funding. A work session on HB 2025 was held June 20 where a number of amendments were offered but it was the -23 amendment that was adopted and it passed out of committee on a party line vote with Senate President Wagner substituting himself instead of Sen. Meek. Revenue Impact Statement . Because it raises taxes, HB 2025 needs a 3/5 majority to pass—18 of 30 Senators, 36 of 60 Representatives. 2 Oregon Democrats balk at transportation bill as session nears its end (OPB), and Divided Oregon panel sends massive transportation funding bill to House floor (OR Capital Chronicle). The proposed HB 2025 Transportation package, if not agreed upon by the legislature in a truly bipartisan manner, is expected to be taken to the voters by a new political action committee “No Gas Hikes’ per this OPB article . “ Bills passed by Oregon lawmakers can be referred to voters if organizers collect enough valid signatures within 90 days of the Legislature adjourning. This year, a referral would require at least 78,115 signatures, equal to 4% of the people who cast a ballot in the 2022 gubernatorial election.” But the bill must pass the legislature before it can be referred to voters. WATER By Peggy Lynch HB 2169 is awaiting the Governor’s signature. LFO Recommendation . The bill directs the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to establish and lead an interagency water reuse team to encourage and expand water reuse in Oregon. HB 2947 is waiting for the Governor’s signature. “Directs the Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University to study the distribution and occurrence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in biosolids applied to agricultural fields that do not produce crops intended for human consumption.” LFO Recommendation . HB 3806 , a bill that authorizes the Oregon Water Resources Commission to approve a Deschutes River water bank pilot program if the charter is approved by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and adheres to all requirements. It sunsets the pilot program on January 2, 2034, and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ). A - 4 amendment was adopted and the bill is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. The bill sits in Senate Rules. SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office was amended by the -10 amendment and sent to Ways and Means. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ). A work session was held and the bill was sent to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) A work session was held and the bill was referred to House Rules without recommendation as to passage on a 6 to 3 vote. HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. The League hopes to see this bill move forward, even if there are constraints. It would be a beginning and a recognition that water needs to be safe for everyone-homeowners and renters. The House Rules Committee had a work session on June 16 where the A-12 amendment was adopted. The House passed the amended bill and it heads to the Senate. SUMMER PREPARATION TIPS League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. 35% of Oregon is now classified under “moderate drought” and 65% of the state is “abnormally dry. “ This time last year, the water supply outlook hung around slightly below to near normal conditions, while this year it has mostly been below normal” per an article in the Estacada News. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon and a long range climate prediction . We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers " We are preparing for what is likely to be an even more aggressive and increasingly difficult to control wildfire season this year,” “What’s striking is the size of the fires we’ve seen this early in the season,” Oregon Department of Forestry wildfire spokeswoman Jessica Neujahr said. “It’s not unusual for us to have wildfires in June, especially on the east side of the state, but to have them this large and just back-to-back-to-back is unusual." Summer may have just officially begun, but wildfire season is already well underway with a large number of fast-moving wildfires. Oregon has had more than 400 fires so far, with least 56 homes lost and over 20,000 acres burned, mostly east of the Cascades. This is just short of twice the 10-year average of 13,000 acres burned by this point in the fire season. This June 20th article in the Statesman Journal , from which to two opening quotes of were drawn, provides important details on the season so far, and sobering information on what might be ahead. There are some very alarming predictions therein. It is against this backdrop that the Legislature, with the end of the session looming, is still trying to find a path to provide at least some funding for our state’s wildfire crisis. There has been precious little movement to no movement on some bills as well as scrambling on others to try and find creative solutions. The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office have stated the minimum annual need for wildfire funding to address the growing wildfire crisis is around $280 million. Toward that end, the “one big beautiful” (forgive the dark humor) omnibus wildfire funding bill, HB 3940 B , is one that has seen a flurry of activity in this past week. A Public Hearing was held on June 18 before House Revenue, followed by a Work Session June 19 at which the -A 24 Amendment was adopted, and the bill sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. This is an extremely complex bill, with the newest iteration proposing a tax on the sale of "oral nicotine products" like synthetic nicotine pouches. This brief summary from The League of Oregon Cities covers the basics of the current status of this critically important bill. Included is a proposal to use 20% of the interest on the Rainy Day Fund for wildfire mitigation. The total of these two measures would bring in approximately $60 million. During the League of Oregon Cities Legislative Update on June 20, Legislative Affairs Director Jim McCauley suggested that another $180 million was anticipated from the Christmas Tree bill at the end of the session. Among bills that did see movement was SB 1051 A , which would transfer the power to appoint the State Forester to the Governor from the Board of Forestry. A Public Hearing was held June 16 before House Rules and a work session is set for June 23. SB 83 would repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map and accompanying statutes related to it, remains in House Rules where it has been since May 20, its fate likely hinging on the disposition of the remaining wildfire funding bills. SB 75 A , removes the wildfire hazard map as a guide for allowing ADUs and requiring higher building codes in rural areas, also still in House Rules where it was sent May 22nd. Like SB 83, it is likely to stay while negotiations continue on wildfire funding. With the movement of HB 3940, the following bills may be dead for the session: SB 1177 would establish the Oregon Wildfire Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and redirect the “kicker” to it, one- time, for financing wildfire related expenses, by using the interest earned. A 5% return would yield approximately $170-180 million per year, or just over half of the aforementioned projected ongoing costs to fund wildfire mitigation and suppression. (The Governor has expressed interest in using only the amount of kicker that would go to large income earners for wildfire costs.) SJR 11 remains before Senate Finance and Revenue after its April 7 public hearing. It would dedicate a fixed, to-be-determined percentage of net proceeds of the State Lottery to a wildfire fund created by the Legislature. Its passage would mean an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, which would have to go to voters for approval. Finally, HB 3489 , which imposes a severance tax on owners of timber harvested from public or private forestland, had a Public Hearing April 24 before House Revenue, where it remains. The League has supported a severance tax in past sessions and provided testimony at the hearing. Rep. Reschke suggested using the interest generated by Oregon’s Rainy Day Fund savings account to pay for wildfire. For the 2025-27 session, that interest is around $160 million – which gets lawmakers more than halfway to the $280 target. He also suggested pulling more money out of the body of the Rainy Day Fund itself to cover the other half, though doing so would be complicated. However, the Governor and others have insisted on “new money” for wildfire funding rather than using “current money”. It seems that Rep. Reschke’s idea had some merit as the idea is part of the proposed HB 3940 amended bill. SB 454 A requires the Department of the State Fire Marshal to create an advisory committee to advise the department on funding options for rural fire protection districts (RFPDs), instructs the committee to develop funding recommendations based on the review and report to the Legislature by December 31, 2026. The Senate has passed the bill and it is waiting for a vote in the House. The League is also still following other non-funding related bills, such as SB 926 , which would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. It was passed by the Senate. The House Committee on Judiciary adopted the A 10 amendment and the Speaker sent the bill to Ways and Means, where it remains. HB 3666 remains in the Rules Committee. This bill would establish wildfire mitigation actions and an accompanying certification for electric utilities in an attempt to standardize their approach. HB 3349 had an A-2 amendment and an LFO Recommendation of $1 million placed in a new Rangeland Protection Association Fund. A Work Session on HB 3349 B was held before full Ways and Means on June 17, and sent to the House floor with a do-pass recommendation. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 5/1 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 Gun Safety Housing By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan To address the state’s Homelessness State of Emergency Governor Kotek launched earlier this year an emergency response initiative made up of seven regional multi-agency coordinating groups (MAC). On April 28, the Governor and Oregon Housing and Community Services announced that the funding agreements have been signed and are being sent to the regional MAC groups to effectively distribute this critically needed emergency resource. HB 3462 Emergency Housing for All. This bill would ensure that safe temporary emergency housing is provided when a state of emergency is declared in a manner consistent with nondiscrimination laws, including the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This legislation would ensure emergency housing for households regardless of their immigration status. HB 3462 passed the House on April 14 and is scheduled for a work session in the Senate Committee on Housing and Development on May 8. HB 3042 Renter Protections in housing with expiring affordability contracts. This would require owners of rental housing who intend to end their government affordability contract to give three years notice to tenants, increase rent no more than once a year during that three-year period, and comply with state-imposed limits on rent increases. This legislation is intended to give tenants time to seek other housing and hopefully avoid homelessness. The House passed the bill on April 5. Senate Housing and Development has a May 15 work session scheduled. SB 702 Adopt Training for real estate appraisers and assistants. At the present time, appraiser education requirements do not include provisions specifically covering racial bias or appraiser responsibilities under state or federal fair housing laws. The League submitted testimony in support. The House held a work session on April 27 with a do pass recommendation and a third reading on May 4. SB 611 A : Rental Assistance to keep Oregonians stably housed. General Fund monies would appropriate $25 million to Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) for the biennium beginning July 1, 2023. The funds would provide tenant assistance to people who are disabled, elderly, victims of domestic abuse, veterans, or members of households with incomes at 60% or less of the area median income. OHCS indicated that as of December 2022, the agency paid over $426 million in rental assistance to 67,522 Oregon households. Program funding has been exhausted but the need remains high. Senate Rules scheduled a May 4work session. SB 611 A would also modify the maximum annual residential rent increase to the lesser of 10% or 5% plus the consumer price index one-year change. It applies the rent increase limit to units from which a tenant was evicted, and limits increases to no more than once in any 12-month period on tenancies other than week-to-week. HB 2680 Screening fees charged for rental applications. HB 2680 would require the landlord to refund screening fees within 30 days if the landlord fills the unit before screening the applicant or if the application is withdrawn before the screening. If the landlord fails to return the fee, damages the applicant may recover range from $150 to $250 under the new legislation. A work session in the House is scheduled for May 15. HB 3151 A Manufactured Home Park Modifications. This legislation builds on policies adopted in recent years to protect manufactured home park dwellers and provides legal assistance grants for low-income residents. It would limit improvements a landlord could require of tenants and prohibit requiring improvements that could not be removed at the end of the tenancy. It would also prevent charging tenants for system development charges. The House passed HB 3151 on March 22. Senate Housing and Development will hold a May 10 work session. Gun Safety By Marge Easley The big news is the May 2nd passage on the House floor of HB 2005 B , the omnibus gun bill that bans undetectable firearms (“ghost guns”), raises the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21, and allows cities and counties to create gun-free zones. Although rhetoric on gun safety bills is normally heated, it is a relief to report that representatives on both sides of the aisle remained calm and respectful throughout the debate. The bill passed with 35 ayes and 24 nays.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of October 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 Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: National Guard to Portland Emergency Preparation Consumer Protection Cybersecurity and AI Voters' Privacy Rights Violation Sanctuary Counties Federal pressure on Oregon resonated throughout legislative hearings and made news for national guard activation against small peaceful ICE protests. Revoked federal funding is wreaking havoc on our strained budgets, across the board. Legal resistance will follow federal lawsuits against 4 Oregon counties for observing sanctuary standing and to reveal voters’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII). National Guard to Portland The Oregon National Guard was “activated” to Portland, under federal authority, widely seen as unneeded and an unwelcome presidential partisan retaliation, with restraining orders and countersuits stopping 200 from Oregon, then CA and TX guard. The LWVOR had written to the Governor and Attorney General urging preparation to resist the impending “federalization” of our guard members, repeatedly threatened in social media from the White House. We followed with a joint statement, League of Women Voters Condemns Unjustified National Guard Deployment to Portland . Despite opposition from Governor Kotek, 37 Oregon Mayors, the Oregon Attorney General, the League, and others, unwanted national guard intrusion plans progressed quickly during this week. 200 Oregon guard members were ordered to federal ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) facilities in Portland and Oregon leaders’ press releases rapidly followed. Sending Oregon’s national guard against fellow Oregonians as provocative, unwarranted, and a personal, partisan executive overreach. Legal action progressed as an emergency motion, then temporary restraining order stopped presidential orders for Oregon National Guard members. He then called California members, with similarly prompt and emphatic press conferences and legal actions from California. An Oregon judge ruled that their arrival was in "direct contravention" of her restraining order against activating members from Oregon. She found that order further relevant for orders to bring Texas national guard members to Oregon. Pending litigation, their deployment, boots on the ground, is on hold. This was seen in hearings as a misuse of the guard’s intended mission purposes and training. Masked ICE agents and Oregon Law Enforcement Identification Standards and Practices The Joint Senate and House Judiciary committees spoke to deep concerns for law enforcement distrust building as purportedly federal ICE agents, not clearly marked as law enforcement, and masked, have been seizing individuals. One Rep said from a citizens’ point of view, we should feel/be safe to take pictures of unmarked, masked individuals acting as law enforcement, and not expect to retain details of uniform insignia under stress. Of Oregon’s 174 law enforcement agencies, 160 use Lexipol , to apply ORS conspicuous display requirements for clearly marked and identifiable police presence, labeled with first and last names and clearly as police on uniform fronts and backs, helmets and vests. The policy goal is public transparency. ID must be provided on request, and replies must be received within 14 days. A panelist’s aside comment to ID and stalking law was unclear, and may foreshadow future legislative work. Amid lots of concern, working with Legislative Counsel, legislators wondered if we’d be preempted from asking national guard or others for ID and if federalized forces would have to observe our local ID disclosure standards. The answer was no, apparently not. There has always been variance and some confusion between local law enforcement jurisdictions, but our officers for “de-escalation and comfortability.” One fear is that national guard sent to Oregon will not have that primary perspective. In the Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs, Brigadier General Gronewold, head of the Oregon National Guard (TAG, or The Adjutant General) said his soldiers know they do not have to obey unlawful orders. He hopes people will try hard to differentiate between ICE and the national guard. They would be sending a military police unit, an infantry unit, and a Headquarters unit. They chose the ones in Oregon with the most training for this kind of mission. Questions included if this deployment would count towards active duty in a war zone. Many VA benefits depend on this. A common plea is to remember that these soldiers are Oregon citizens, having to leave their jobs and families for this work. Emergency preparation, a budget challenge example The House Emergency Management and Veterans Committee ( see video ) discussed emergency preparation and the worsening costs of delaying attention. Federal funding cuts are further looming, recognized as retribution for progressive stances in 16 states. This especially hurts long-range projects, like funding Cascadia seismic preparation and cybersecurity because Ways and Means have prioritized more immediate policy issues pressures like health care and housing. ODOT officials discussed road and bridge access for rescue and evacuation. Rep. Gomberg described the tsunami warning he got this summer. Rep. Evans described the gravity of emergency management, underscored by Oregon city and county speakers and the Benton County Sheriff. State and local agencies plan and practice on an ongoing basis. Meeting materials included maps. Between the Cascadia threat of earthquake and wildfires, there are lots of risks, ODOT and others take a 2-prong approach: resiliency and planning, then response and recovery. Land slides are one of our biggest risks with erosion and earthquake damage. Some local residents were forced to reroute onto 4,5, and 6-hour diversions. The ShakeAlert Early Warning System is working. It is possible to get various alerts on your cell phone . This could be helpful for the impending Cascadia earthquake. 95% of Oregon’s fuel is in Portland, and we don’t have enough fuel for evacuations. Two league volunteers cover our CEI (Critical Energy Infrastructure) Hubs. See Multnomah CO , or Portland Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub Policy Project. Consumer Protection, Another budget challenge example Speaking to “Economic Justice in Oregon: Fighting for Working Families” In the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, Attorney General Rayfield discussed the Oregon DoJ reorganizing. Several divisions have merged to focus more on front line issues. They’ve identified 14 FTEs and are already hiring, noting the quality of applicants who’ve left federal employment. As feds pull consumer protection funding, states must try to fill gaps. Oregon’s Consumer Protection capacity is doubling, but still only half the size of Washington’s. The Consumer Protection Hotline (877.877.9392), with a new economic justice section, is averaging 200 calls a week Cybersecurity and AI. League member Lindsey Washburn is covering AI and helping develop an LWVOR AI policy. She organized the AI Workshop for Cities on October 3 and is joining the Technology Association of Oregon delegation to the Tallinn Digital Summit in Estonia. Voters’ privacy rights violation Oregon, our Secretary of State, (and Maine) were sued in federal court by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to get personal protected information for all 3 million Oregon voters. See press , The Department of Justice is sharing voter roll data with the Department of Homeland Security, Stateline reported last week .) See LWV “ Class Action Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration’s Unlawful “National Data Banks” That Consolidate Sensitive Personal Information Across Federal Agencies , Sept 30, 2025. Sanctuary counties The US Government sued four Oregon counties to provide immigration information to deport 10 convicted immigrants. ( press ) Subpoenas were issued in July, but Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Marion counties did not provide the information. Oregon’s 1987, first-in-the-nation sanctuary law, bars state and local officials from providing information or resources for the federal government to enforce immigration laws without a court order signed by a judge. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

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

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - 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.

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 Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/31 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Bottle Bill Update Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Services Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Water Wetlands Wildfire AIR QUALITY SB 726 requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR supports. A possible work session is set for April 2 in the Senate Committee On Energy and Environment . A -2 amendment has been posted. AGRICULTURE By Sandra Bishop HB 2647 would allow cities to bring land within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for industrial use. We will likely oppose this proposal unless it is made clear that this bill does not preclude review and adherence to statewide land use planning goals and laws. A public hearing is scheduled 3/31 in the House Housing & Homelessness Committee. A work session is scheduled 4/7. HB 3928 would allow counties to supersede all statewide land use planning laws to site housing on rural lands. The League will likely oppose this bill. This bill is scheduled for a public hearing 3/31 and work session 4/7 in the House Housing & Homelessness Committee. HB 3496 requires the Development of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to write guidelines for citing childcare facilities to be used by city and county governments, including recommendations for childcare as a home occupation. Work session is scheduled 4/01 in House Early Childhood and Human Service Committee. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) meeting on March 20th included a public hearing on rulemaking for solar siting in eastern Oregon. The rules are required to implement HB 3409 (2023 session), specifically to reduce conflicts in siting solar projects. The rules will be considered for adoption by July 1st, 2025. The final meeting of the Rules Advisory Committee will be April 4th. The public comment period ends April 11th. Proposed rule amendments to the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 660 divisions 4, 6, 23, and 33, pertaining to Goal Exceptions, Forest Lands, Goal 5, and Agricultural Lands. Submit comments to: denise.johnson@dlcd.oregon.gov , gordon.howard@dlcd.oregon.gov , jon.jinings@dlcd.oregon.gov , adam.tate@dlcd.oregon.gov SB 78 – Replacement dwelling bill, will have a p ossible work session scheduled on April 8 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire . LWVOR testified in support of SB 78 . BOTTLE BILL UPDATE By Sandra Bishop HB 3940 , the omnibus wildfire funding bill, will have a public hearing and possible work session April 1. A -1 amendment (Rep. Lively’s amendment) and -2 amendment (removing the surcharge on bottle bill sections) have been posted on OLIS. There are two bottle bill related bills still alive and at least one of them is kicking. The other is a sidekick, or fallback plan in case the important one gets bogged down. Eight bills related to Oregon’s bottle bill have surfaced so far this session. Six of the bills did not receive a hearing by the deadline, but the content of four of these bills is being amended into one bill. Three bills are not moving forward in any form. Wine bottles are not going to be added to the Oregon bottle bill. HB 3433 would have included wine bottles under the Oregon bottle bill. It’s likely that wine bottles will never be part of the stream of beverage containers redeemed under Oregon’s bottle bill. Wine in cans will be covered under the bottle bill beginning July 1, 2025 as a result of legislation that passed in the 2022 Oregon Legislature. Wine bottles will be folded into the recycling system one way or another. The wine industry has until July 1, 2025 to decide whether to join the bottle bill redemption system or be responsible for the cost of collecting and recycling wine bottles through the new extended producer responsibility (EPR) system that was passed in 2021 as part of the Recycling Modernization Act. The failure of HB 3433 to move this session would seem to indicate that wine bottles will ultimately fall under the EPR. In that case, wine purveyors have until July 2026 to get wine bottles firmly on the recovery and recycling path. The distributors cooperative responsible for handling the majority of redeemed beverage containers in the state does not want the expense of weighty wine bottles in their redemption system. The cost of handling wine glass in the current deposit system would be very high with no real-world value from recycled glass to balance it out. Two other bottle bill related proposals are not moving this session: SB 963 would direct the OLCC to establish a grant program to facilitate setting up redemption centers in each city with a population greater than 10,000. It called for an appropriation of $5 million. This bill did not receive a hearing. SB 329 would require the distributor cooperative that redeems and recycles beverage containers to implement and manage a system for reusable beverage containers. It would dictate sales rates and require 5% of all beverage containers sold in Oregon by Jan 2031 be reusable. This would racket up to 25% by Jan 2036. The bill would mandate return rates for reusable beverage containers starting at 60% by Jan 2034 and increasing to 95% return rate by Jan 2038. No hearing was held. SB 992 with the -3 amendment is the omnibus bottle bill with various changes proposed to Oregon’s beverage container redemption system. It is scheduled for work session April 2nd in Senate Energy & Environment Committee. The League has not taken a position on the various changes proposed in this bill, but the League has always supported the bottle bill and continues to support the most appropriate, effective, and environmentally sound recycling and recovery of beverage container materials. Contained in the bill and possible amendments: Returned beverage containers must be accepted for redemption during the hours 8am to 8pm when the business is otherwise open for business. They may refuse to accept during all other hours. SB 869 A winery may refuse to accept and pay the refund for beverage containers of a brand and size they don’t sell. HB 3432 OLCC may deny or revoke approval for operating a redemption center if determined that it is having or may have a negative impact on the livability of the surrounding area that outweighs the convenience to the public for redeeming beverage containers. HB 2921 – siting and approval of redemption centers] Authorizes OLCC to approve one or more Alternative Access Redemption Centers (alternative to a full-service redemption center) at which people may return beverage containers and receive payment of refund value. This is intended to make it easier for individuals who redeem beverage containers on a daily or near daily basis. Requires Alternative Redemption Centers be established and operated by a nonprofit that has entered into an agreement with a distributor cooperative and is located within a city with a population greater than 500,000 (Portland). Some large dealers (sellers) that occupy 5,000 square feet or more, that choose not to participate in the Alternative Redemption Center must accept and refund up to 350 beverage containers per person per day and must provide services equivalent to the Alternative Redemption Center. HB 2068 – Alternative Access Redemption Centers] SB 869 is a stand-alone bill that is still standing. This bill would limit the hours during which beverage containers must be redeemed; 8am to 8pm when the business is otherwise open for business. This is an Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) - sponsored bill. It seems to be a backup plan. The limited hours requirement is included in SB 992 but if that bill fails to move on April 2nd at least the same proposal has a chance of passing in SB 869 during an April 9th hearing & possible work session scheduled in the Senate Energy & Environment Committee. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Per a press release from Senate President Wagner: “ On Thursday, the Oregon Health Authority announced that $117 million in federal money for state health programs in Oregon has been canceled by the Trump administration, a decision that will harm Oregonians across the state. These COVID-era grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) were ended more than a year earlier than expected, which will cause disruptions within OHA and for the people these programs serve.” The Co-Chairs of Ways and Means provided their framework for the 2025-27 state budget. Note on the last page the potential effect of federal budget cuts. This Oregonlive article suggests some of the most painful cuts. Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Meeting Materials Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 Info mtg. and public hearing March 13 Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet info mtgs. April 7-8, public hearing April 9 Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 info hearing 2/10, Meeting Materials , public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 , public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2; Meeting Materials , Apr. 3 ODFW Hatchery Assessment; Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials (See Wildfire section for more information.) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials ; LWVOR testimony ; Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR points out that KPM #4 , mine inspections has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. A work session is set for March 25 to be moved to another committee. HB 2785 modifying fees for DOGAMI is scheduled for a work session April 2nd to move it to another committee Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase (Passed the Senate Mar. 11. Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. ) Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021 ; Public hearing Feb. 17 Meeting Materials Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. OPRD will need additional revenue sources for the 2027-29 biennium. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 Info hearing March 17. public hearing March 19. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony in support. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet; Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget. Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here . Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 ( Public hearing March 31; Work session April 7 ) and HB 2803 (Public hearing March 31; Work session set for April 7) . Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & P ublic hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & P ublic hearing Feb. 25-26 Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024 ;Info mtgs. 3/12, 13 & 17. Public Hearing 3/18 Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 info hearing 4/7&8. Public hearing 4/09; Office of the Governor: SB 5523 Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20. Dept. of Transportation: SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11 Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06. Meeting Materials Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing in April. Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be a vehicle to accept testimony from the public during six community meetings around the state from March 22 ending April 25 on the public’s priorities for the 2025-27 budget. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing in April. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL A work session was held March 26 for the Eelgrass Action Bill (HB 3580) , a bill for kelp and eel grass conservation. The League signed on to a letter in support. of HB 3580 . The -2 amendment was adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. A work session is scheduled on March 31 on a bill to protect Rocky Habitat ( HB 3587 ). Here is a one-pager : Rocky Habitat Stewardship Bill (HB 3587) . The League also signed on to a letter in support. A -3 amendment will be considered. We asked for funding for a staffer in the Dept. of Land Development and Conservation budget to continue to address rocky habitat, an element of the Territorial Sea Plan which the League has supported as elements were added and updated over the years. HB 3786 is a bill that would provide new funding for the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST). The League has supported the creation and funding for this important program in the past and are hopeful that this bill will move to Ways and Means and receive final approval. Minor edit in -1 amendment . Work session scheduled March 31. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League supports SB 830 , a bill that m odifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. The bill p assed the full Senate March 6 and has been assigned to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment . Here is the Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking webpage . Because of the League’s work on SB 391 (2021) and additional bills in 2023, a League member served on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. On Feb. 26 the advisory committee approved the Fiscal Impact Statement. A public comment period is expected in May. You are welcome to Sign up for email updates about this rulemaking via GovDelivery . The League again served on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases. A meeting was held on Feb. 25th where the committee agreed to forward their recommendation for the allowed annual 3% fee increase to the DEQ Director. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Water Quality Fees 2025 . DEPT. OF STATE LANDS (DSL) DSL is seeking comments on a proposed sale of state-owned land located on the south shore of the western side of Hayden Island in Multnomah County. The 45-day comment period is open from March 5 – April 19. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The Dept. of State Lands is seeking comments on the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Operations Plan. Click here to view or download the proposed plan, project overview map, and appendices. Click here to view only the proposed plan (P DF). The comment period has been extended to 5p on April 7. Here is a more complete notice of the plan with opportunities for virtual public meetings. EMERGENCY SERVICES By Rebecca Gladstone The League spoke and filed testimony on HB 2581 in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. The bill has passed the House. The Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs passed and is on the Senate floor, awaiting third reading. FORESTRY (ODF) By Josie Koehne The League will continue to follow SB 1051 , assigned to the Senate Rules Committee and which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. A public hearing was held March 24. Because the bill is in Senate Rules, there is no current deadline for action on the bill. HB 3103 , a bill that would direct the State Forester to establish “sustainable” harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and develop a timber inventory model to inform sustainable harvest levels while ignoring the court affirmed “greatest permanent value” was heard on March 3rd in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . The League OPPOSED . A work session is scheduled for March 31. A new -5 amendment has been posted on OLIS. See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. GOVERNANCE The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies : This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. The League also attended a separate rules process discussion led by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development, with attendance from two of the Governor’s Natural Resource staff. This is part of a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. The League will continue to be engaged with potential meetings in May and June. We continue to watch a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255 , HB 2303 , HB 2402 and HB 2427 . We are also concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership. Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures . LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra Bishop/Peggy Lynch Bills we are following: HB 2138 : Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands, filed at the request of the Governor. A public hearing was held on March 3rd and another on March 26 in House Committee On Housing and Homelessness . A -2 amendment may be considered from Rep. Marsh and a -4 amendment is being offered by Rep. Boshart Davis at a work session on April 2. HB 3145 : Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing. A work session was held and the -2 amendment was adopted. The bill was sent to Ways and Means due to the fiscal impact statement . HB 2950 : A bill to update Goal One and Public Participation is being sponsored by Oregon’s American Planning Association. The League is interested in the bill, but has some concerns. Scheduled for a Work Session March 31st in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . A -4 amendment has been posted. It provides specific direction to DLCD on appointees to help with rulemaking and further instructions on funding and rulemaking directions. Because of the requirement to do rulemaking, the bill, if passed by the Committee, will be sent to Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. These lands are currently a variety of state-owned lands scattered around the state. A public hearing was held March 26. A work session is set for April 2nd. There is a -1 amendment and a -2 amendment posted on OLIS. We understand there might be a -3 amendment considered at the work session. HB 3062 : Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. A public hearing is scheduled for April 1 and work session on April 3. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. WATER By Peggy Lynch The League continues to follow the update of the Integrated Water Resources Strategy . See this YouTube presentation and discussion. We should see the next draft out for public comment in the next month. The League is pleased to see some of the concerns we expressed on the last draft have been addressed. Bills we are following in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water : Deschutes Basin Water Bank Authority ( HB 3806 ). Work Session scheduled for April 7. Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ) . Work Session scheduled for April 7. Contested Case Process Improvements ( HB 3544 ). An other public hearing will be held April 2 and a work session is set for April 7. Place-Based Water Planning ( HB 3116 ) Work Session scheduled for April 7 . League supports. Chewaucan Basin Collaborative ( HB 3114 ) A -4 amendment was adopted. Because of the fiscal impact statement , the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ) A work session is set for April 7. 3/31: Water Right, Dam Safety, and Well Related Fees ( HB 2803 , HB 2808 ) League supports. Needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD. Public hearing scheduled for March 31 and Work Session for April 7 on both bills. 4/2: Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) Work Session set for April 7. Other water bills we are following: HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. Work session set for March 31. HB 3526 would require well water test reporting in property sales. The League supported this concept in past sessions and did again this session. Work session set for April 7 . HB 3364 makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept. Testimony provided comments and concerns with agreement that all parties would continue to work on finding agreement on an amendment. A -2 amendment may be considered. Work session set for March 31 HB 2988 : Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery. A work session is scheduled for April 7. HB 3573 , a bill that addresses funding for a variety of water measurement strategies. The League supports. No work session was scheduled. However, a new bill, HB 3343 , with the -3 amendment will be considered in a public hearing April 2 and work session on April 7. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. Possible work session scheduled for April 8 . SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office, may have more of a chance of passage. It had a public hearing on March 25 with a work session also set for April 8. HB 3106 is the Oregon Water Data Portal funding bill for which the League provided testimony in support. A work session is scheduled for April 7 in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water where a -1 amendment was shared that would create an entire multi-agency system for gathering the water data needed for good decision making. The League has yet to determine if this new proposal is good for Oregon. See the following presentations and presentations . The League has not weighed in on the amendment. The Co-Chairs of the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water are working on a broad package of water-related bills, the 2025 Water Package . There is a Water Caucus raising the awareness of the need to address Oregon’s water needs. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” V isit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. House Bill 3314 , sponsored by state Reps. Rob Nosse and Mark Gamba, would direct about $1 million to Oregon State University to finish designing a channel that would cut through Ross Island. See coverage here. The -1 amendment was adopted and, due to the fiscal impact statement , was sent to Ways and Means. WETLANDS A new Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been formed related to Permitting and Mitigation in Oregon's Wetlands and Waters. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers HB 3940 , the omnibus wildfire funding bill, will have a public hearing and possible work session April 1. A -1 amendment (Rep. Lively’s amendment) and -2 amendment (removing the surcharge on bottle bill sections) have been posted on OLIS. The League or Oregon Cities has been closely following the Legislature’s work on trying to craft bills to try and implement some of the recommendations of the Wildfire Funding Workgroup. This helpful summary published March 21 succinctly describes this wildfire funding framework. SB 75 defines "high wildfire hazard area" for purposes of developing an accessory dwelling unit on lands zoned for rural residential uses or a replacement dwelling on lands zoned for resource uses. A public hearing was held March 27. A work session is set for April 3. A -3 amendment , -2 amendment and -1 amendment may each be considered. We are following SB 82A , a bill that modifies consultations that are required for a grant process that supports work conducted by the Oregon Conservation Corps Program (OCC Program). It appropriates funding for grant-supported projects related to the OCC Program. The measure declares an emergency, effective on passage. Due to the fiscal impact statement , the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Sadly, both Oregon and Washington face budget woes per this OPB article . March 18 brought a Public Hearing on HB 3666 -1 before the House Committee on Judiciary. This bill would require an electric public utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification, and allow a consumer-owned utility to apply for a wildfire safety certification. It aims to address inconsistencies in the current mitigation process undertaken by utilities. A Work Session is scheduled for April 1 . This article from the Oregon Capitol Chronicle describes recent tweaks to the bill meant to allay fears over the original bill relieving utilities of liability. The League was pleased to see SB 85 , a bill that directs the State Fire Marshal to establish a neighborhood protection cooperative grant program, will have a public hearing on April 1 and a work session on April 3. A -1 amendment has been posted on OLIS. Bills we are watching: Senate Bill 1051 , Governor Kotek is seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester. HB 3077 , a bill which would allow local government employees to volunteer for up to 30 days in a year to serve as volunteers in wildland fire suppression in emergency situations. A work session will be held April 1. SB 926 would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. A work session is set for April 2. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 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 Rulemaking and Audits Campaign Finance and Initiatives By Norman Turrill We are still waiting for urgently needed technical amendments to HB 4024 (2024) on campaign contribution limits, which are expected to be amended into HB 3392 . Since we are nearing the end of the session, we fear that this will not happen or will happen haphazardly. Discussions are happening among Honest Elections, the Attorney General’s staff, the Secretary of State’s staff and the Democratic majority staff. No input has been received from other stakeholders, the business community or unions. SB 686 A requires online websites, when news stories are copied, to pay digital journalism providers or donate to the Oregon Civic Information Consortium. Senate Rules recommended the bill Do Pass with a partisan 3-2 vote. However, a Minority Report was also filed for the bill, so both reports went to the Senate floor. The Senate then referred the bill back to Senate Rules by a voice vote. That may kill the bill for now, since there is little time left in this session. The League has not taken a position on this bill but is generally sympathetic in support of local journalism. General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection By Becky Gladstone Bills are progressing more quickly, standing by for late-breaking action at this point. HB 3954 tells the Oregon Adjutant General not to allow the Oregon National Guard to be called to active service, except for certain reasons, timelier now with the California National Guard in the news. HB 3954 had a May 5 public hearing, but no subsequent work session. We wrote a commenting letter and sent it to the Governor's staff, the Attorney General, Chair and House Rules Committee members, and bill sponsors, to urge action on this bill, considering amending if it is needed. We compared work done in other states, included in our letter’s end notes, as recommended by House Rules staff. The chief and another bill sponsor have written back, including that the bill’s language was advisedly chosen over Washington state’s “Defend the Guard” bill, HB 1321 , signed by Governor Ferguson in April. We are standing by as requested, for updates. The Impact Project Map is now GLOBAL, showing the impact of “federal changes and their localized effects”. This dynamic map is relevant in Oregon, showing layoffs, program cuts, building closures and “disposals”, “contracts terminated for convenience”, funds frozen or paused under review, etc. The loss of federal support and fear of federal overreach has global stability impacts for Oregon and our trading partners, buying from us and selling to us, and for our family and friends who live around and outside of Oregon. Bills We are Watching SB 430 Enrolled The Governor has signed this bill for comprehensive business transparency to protect consumers. League testimony in support addressed extensive amendments. This may indeed be one of the top most important bills of the session. HB 3766 Enrolled passed on the Senate floor unanimously. Amended League testimony addressed quantifying defendant age and limiting damages to $10,000, with earlier League testimony in support to allow civil action against an adult who, unbidden, digitally sends intimate images (cyber-flashing) intending to harass, degrade or humiliate. We recommend reading Criminalising Cyberflashing . HB 3569 A is on the Senate floor, would invite a sponsoring legislator, committee chair or designee onto a bill’s Rules Advisory Committee, as a non-voting member. Our testimony opposes for myriad reasons, presented and filed. HB 5012 , which is Oregon Judicial Department budget bill, had a work session on June 13 and got a Do Pass recommendation in the full Ways and Means. The League was invited again to speak to this. League testimony in support was written and presented. The Ways and Means Committee members expressed a desire to see increased salaries for our judiciary and encouraged the Co-Chairs to consider additional funding in the end-of-session bill. SB 224 A in support of privacy for campaign committee staff home addresses, passed a House Rules work session unanimously, then passed the House floor unanimously. League testimony supports. SB 1014 to allow political party statement translations in online voters’ pamphlets, passed unanimously from House Rules, and is on the House floor. League testimony in support. SB 1121 B to create a new Class B misdemeanor crime of unlawful private data disclosure, passed the House 54 to 2. It is now in the Senate for consideration of House amendments. League testimony was filed and presented, supporting the bill, including the amendment relating to data broker issues. Elections By Barbara Klein SB 580 A-Eng. The bill has passed both chambers. The purpose of the bill is to provide more timely transparency to voters showing declarations or withdrawals of candidates. With concessions for various counties, it requires filing officers in each county and city to make publicly available on their websites certain election documents that are filed with the officers within a specified period, other than for precinct committeepersons. The League submitted testimony on this bill based on the needs of our work producing League Voters’ Guides and Vote411 publications. HB 5017 A-Eng . Since passing out of the House and reaching the Senate, on June 12th the bill had its third reading and passed 25-2. It appropriates monies from the General Fund to the State Library for biennial management expenses. The League submitted testimony in February on the bill. Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) analysis can be viewed here . (The increase in the budget chiefly represents levels of inflation only.) HB 3908 relates to party membership and registration requirements. It was filed by the House Rules Committee 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 be a major political party. There was strong opposition to this bill, primarily by Republican members. On June 10th a motion was made to substitute a Minority Report Recommendation . In brief, the minority report would have allowed only candidates of major parties to cross nominate other major party candidates. Under the minority recommendation, minor party candidates could only be cross-nominated by other minor parties; minor parties could not cross-nominate a major party candidate. On the House floor, the motion to substitute the minority report failed 22 to 35. The main bill then passed the House 31 to 26. In the Senate the bill was referred to Senate Rules. On June 16th and 17th, a public hearing and subsequent work session are scheduled. Staff reports have been posted (6/12) and show no fiscal impact. The Oregon Working Families Party, Pacific Green Party and Oregon Progressive Party have all given their support to this effort led by the Oregon Independent Party. The LWVOR did not address this bill. Artificial Intelligence By Lindsey Washburn HB 3936 A Enrolled prohibits any hardware, software or service that uses artificial intelligence from being installed or downloaded onto or used or accessed by state information technology assets if the artificial intelligence is developed or owned by a “covered vendor”. Passed the Senate 27-0. HB 3592 A establishes the Oregon Commission on Artificial Intelligence to serve as a central resource to monitor the use of artificial intelligence technologies and systems in this state and report on long-term policy implications. A 6/11work session in House Information Management and Technology amended the bill and then referred it to Ways and Means without recommendation. HB 2299 Enrolled modifies the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image to include the disclosure of digitally created, manipulated or altered images. Will go into effect as law on January 1, 2026. Chapter 116 (2025 Laws) Rulemaking and Audits By Peggy Lynch HB 3569 , a bill that would require a Chief Sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee (RAC) for legislation they had a hand in passing, passed the House. The League provided testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill. The bill passed Senate Rules on June 5 and now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. The League continues to have discussions with Legislative Leadership and the Governor’s office on these RACs bills, explaining our concerns. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. The League joined others in sharing concerns about this bill to members of House Rules. It was pulled from the scheduled work session on May 28th. The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking ( SB 437 , SB 1006 , SB 370 , SB 483 ) and SB 411 , SB 895 also in Senate Rules. HB 2454 passed House Rules with the -1 amendment and was sent to Ways and Means. The bill creates a new Audits Officer (with possible additional staff). The Jt. Audits Committee would hire the Officer. From Leader Bowman’s office: “ HB 2454 changes the statutory authority related to audits and audit reviews from the Legislative Fiscal Office to the Legislative Audit Officer (LAO) and authorizes the LAO to hire necessary staff to carry out assigned functions. The LAO and his/her staff will be housed under the new Legislative Performance Oversight and Government Accountability Office. The bill does substitute LFO for the LAO on a number of responsibilities. LFO will continue fiscal analyses and other duties, while audits and oversight will be housed under the LAO.” We are concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. A work session was held May 28 where the -2 amendment was adopted to delay the web work and the bill sent to Ways and Means. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies: This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

< Back Revenue LWVOR Advocacy Positions Note: these are condensed versions. See the complete positions in Issues for Action . 2026 Legislative Priority ASSURE ADEQUATE REVENUE from all levels of government to provide essential services while promoting equitable and progressive tax policy. Address changes in federal taxation. Consider new revenue to fund services Oregonians need. Positions Governance Economic Development Revenue Bonds LWVOR supports the authority to issue Economic Development Revenue Bonds by the state, ports, and cities with more than 300,000 population. 2. In addition to the Economic Development Revenue Bond program, LWVOR supports other state and local economic stimulants Fiscal Policy Evaluating Taxes —any tax proposal should be evaluated with regard to its effect on the entire tax structure. Fiscal Responsibility —local government should have primary responsibility for financing non-school local government. Local services mandated by the state should have state funding. Income Tax—i ncome tax is the most equitable means of providing state revenue. The income tax should be progressive, compatible with federal law and should apply to the broadest possible segment of Oregonians. Sales Tax— A sales tax should be used with certain restrictions Property Tax —local property taxes should partially finance local government and local services. Exemptions to the general property tax include: a. Charitable, educational and benevolent organizations, etc. b. School District Financing. The major portion of the cost of public schools should be borne by the state, which should use a stable system to provide sufficient funds to give each child an equal, adequate education. Previous Next

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Privacy and Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Election Policy Access Government Ethics Privacy and Cybersecurity By Becky Gladstone Bills addressed: SB 470 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this privacy bill. We respect to necessarily comprehensive legal rosters describing the terms used, we simplified the gist to : If you are staying in a motel, the folks there may not take an audio or video of you, any place where you would expect privacy. And you can sue, if they do. There was a thoughtful discussion, and the bill may be amended. HB 2570 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this privacy bill. It would make a new [non]disclosure law to keep PII (personally identifiable information) confidential for employees working with OSHA investigations or inspections. Thoughtful discussion included concern for retribution impeding communications, both from fearful employees and employers. HB 2581 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this bill to coordinate resiliency services with the State Resiliency Officer (SRO). It would replace the word “seismic” with hazards, to include storms with flooding and slides, COVID, and wildfires, in 2024 expanding to extreme heat, further drought, the fentanyl crisis, and a tsunami warning. The SRO testified and included the importance of cybersecurity in protecting our infrastructure. HB 2341 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this bill to add veterans’ email addresses to shared information in providing services. These would be covered by the same privacy protocols as other personal information and could help to efficiently expedite services. We are researching these upcoming bills for when public hearings are scheduled: SB 826 was brought by the Oregon Dept of Emergency Management, to make sure that public safety systems are compatible. Artificial Intelligence We are watching for AI and further cybersecurity and privacy bills, welcoming two new volunteers who will have AI bill reports soon. Note this from the National Conference of State Legislatures: AI 2024 Legislation . In 2024 legislative sessions, at least 45 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., introduced AI bills, and 31 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands adopted resolutions or enacted legislation. We are watching numerous other bills that haven’t yet been scheduled for hearing. Election Policy We have been invited to collaborate on HJR 9 , a referral for recall timing. HB 3012 would allow 16- or 17-year-olds, who are registered to vote, to vote in school board elections. HB 3384 League testimony was written and held for discussion for this election bill. It would require that initiative and referendum petitions not be processed from 75 days before an election until 35 days afterwards. It was submitted at the request of the Oregon County Clerks Association. We will consider supporting this bill at a future hearing. Access HB 5017 is the State Library budget bill. We are asking for more specific information. HB 3382 , brought to House Rules by Oregon Business and Industries, asks the Secretary of State to make an online system about administrative rules, telling state agencies to make most rules data accessible online. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2727 further limits what lobbying a legislator can do after leaving office. It will be heard in House Rules Feb. 10. The League will likely support this bill. HB 3130 would allow district school board members, who are not paid, to not file statements of economic interest (SEIs) with the Government Ethics Commission. It will be heard in House Rules Feb. 10. The League will likely oppose this bill.

Stephanie Haycock is a global media and entertainment technology executive with over 18 years of expertise in product strategy, team leadership, and digital transformation. During her tenure at Disney, she orchestrated the launch of Disney+ across 202 countries in 16 languages, architected enterprise content planning systems, and managed multi-million dollar technology portfolios. As a world traveler with experience in 50+ destinations, she brings a unique global perspective to product development, emphasizing customer empathy and cultural inclusion in creating seamless user experiences. Drawing from two decades of Disney magic-making, she recently founded Wonder Works Consulting, a company that transforms technical challenges into compelling narratives for businesses through social media technology, website development, and comprehensive technical services. Her mission is to help every business tell their story brilliantly, creating "wow" experiences that captivate audiences and drive success in today's digital landscape. Stephanie Haycock Issues and Positions Chair Stephanie Haycock is a global media and entertainment technology executive with over 18 years of expertise in product strategy, team leadership, and digital transformation. During her tenure at Disney, she orchestrated the launch of Disney+ across 202 countries in 16 languages, architected enterprise content planning systems, and managed multi-million dollar technology portfolios. As a world traveler with experience in 50+ destinations, she brings a unique global perspective to product development, emphasizing customer empathy and cultural inclusion in creating seamless user experiences. Drawing from two decades of Disney magic-making, she recently founded Wonder Works Consulting, a company that transforms technical challenges into compelling narratives for businesses through social media technology, website development, and comprehensive technical services. Her mission is to help every business tell their story brilliantly, creating "wow" experiences that captivate audiences and drive success in today's digital landscape.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/17 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Bottle Bills Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. Of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Emergency Services Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Natural Resources Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) State Land Board Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire AIR QUALITY Bills we are watching: SB 726 : Requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR to support. HB 3244 : Replaces the requirement that an owner or operator of a municipal solid waste incinerator conduct continuous monitoring or sampling of specified air contaminants with a requirement that the monitoring or sampling be conducted annually. LWVOR would oppose. The bill relates to the Reworld facility out of Keizer and League members have testified of their concerns in past years. AGRICULTURE By Sandra Bishop Chair Jeff Golden announced four specific Senate bills that will be considered by the committee: SB 78 – Replacement dwelling bill SB 77 – Home occupation reform bill SB 73 – Spot zoning reform SB 79 – Prohibits certain dwellings on resource lands LWVOR will watch and may support with our strong positions on protection of Oregon’s valuable agricultural lands. Also, we are watching HB 3158 relating to photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on lands zoned for exclusive farm use. Allows certain photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on lands zoned for exclusive farm use to operate alongside farm or allowed nonfarm uses on a tract. LWVOR is watching this one before taking a position. BOTTLE BILLS By Sandra Bishop So far this session six bills have been introduced that would make changes to the Oregon beverage container return system; the iconic Oregon bottle bill that was passed in 1971. The League has been a consistent supporter of this program. SB 992 calls for an Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) study on how to modernize the Oregon bottle bill system. A hearing is scheduled on Feb 17th in the Senate Committee On Energy and Environment . The emergence of this committee bill may be an indication that legislators do not expect to pass any major changes this session to the current system for collecting, accounting for, and recycling beverage containers in Oregon. Requiring a study that is not due to be reported to the Legislature until late in 2026 is kicking the can down the road (pun intended). There are major opportunities and challenges with the current bottle bill system and recycling in the state. Distributors, who benefit most from the current beverage container collection system, may be supporting such a study to ensure no substantive changes will be made to Oregon’s bottle bill for at least another three or four years. SB 963 would require beverage container redemption centers in cities with a population of more than 10,000. HB 2921 would change the criteria for location of redemption centers. SB 869 would allow restricting the hours during which retailers and other dealers are required to take back returned beverage containers. HB 3433 would add wine bottles to the deposit return system. SB 329 is intended to increase the use of reusable beverage containers. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 tentative 3rd week of March Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 tentative 3rd week of March Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 DEQ: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet Public hearing tentative set for mid-March Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 info hearing 2/10, Meeting Materials , public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 , tentative public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2 Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . Tentative public hearings March 10-12; Department of Forestry / Department of the State Fire Marshal - Wildfire Funding Workgroup Work Session/report to be a part of the ODF budget presentation Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials ; LWVOR testimony ; Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR points out that KPM #4 , mine inspections, has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 ; Governor’s budget; DLCD Fact Sheet ; Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials ; LWVOR testimony Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Oregon State Marine Board: HB 5021 ; Public hearing Feb. 17 Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 ; Public hearing tentative set for March 8 Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Shee t ; Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget. Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here . Public hearing Feb. 18-20 Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Public hearing Feb. 25-26 Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Public hearing Feb. 25-26 Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024 Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 Office of the Governor: SB 5523 Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20 Dept. of Transportation: SB 5541 Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium Emergency Board: HB 5006 General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) The next Revenue Forecast will be Feb. 26th. The legislature will use that forecast to do a final rebalance of the 2023-25 budget. Then the May 14th forecast will be the basis for the legislature to determine the 2025-27 state budget. 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. CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL A bill League is following is SB 504 related to shoreline stabilization. Our coastal partners have been working with the sponsor, and we are hoping for a positive amendment to talk about “non-structural nature-based solutions” instead of “bioengineering”. A work session is scheduled for Feb. 18 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire . We now have bill numbers for kelp and eel grass conservation (HB 3580) and protection of Rocky Habitat (HB 3587) —both bills the League will support. We asked for funding for a staffer in the Dept. of Land Development and Conservation budget to continue to address rocky habitat, an element of the Territorial Sea Plan which the League has supported. The Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) is currently developing its 2026-2030 Program Enhancement Assessment and Strategy ( Link to draft 2026-2030 Program Enhancement Assessment and Strategy ). A Draft Assessment and Strategy has been published, and the public was invited to provide feedback. The draft 2026-2030 Program Enhancement Assessment and Strategy can be found on their Public Comment webpage . UPDATE : The program received updated guidance from its federal funders – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on February 10. As a result, OCMP needs to revise the draft developed between October 2024 and January 2025. See the announcement on Offshore Wind Energy Roundtable Feb. 20-21 in Lincoln City or you can watch on Zoom. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League supports SB 830 , a bill that modifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. A work session is scheduled for Feb. 18 in the Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire . HB 2947 had a public hearing in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water on Feb. 10th related to treated sewage being used on farms. OP B provided great coverage of the concerns related to this usage. Here is the Onsite Wastewater Management Program 2025 Rulemaking webpage . Because of the League’s work on SB 391 (2021) and additional bills in 2023, a League member is serving on the rules advisory committee to address sewer availability and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) issues. There is a meeting set for Feb. 26. You are welcome to s ign up for email updates about this rulemaking via GovDelivery . The League will again serve on an annual rulemaking advisory committee on water quality fee increases. A meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25th. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee you can view the rulemaking web page at: Water Quality Fees 2025 . DEPT. OF STATE LANDS (DSL) By Peggy Lynch The next State Land Board meeting is a special meeting in March (date still unknown), followed by a regular meeting April 8. See below for more information on the State Land Board. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) You can read the latest about the Elliott State Research Forest in their latest press release. Included is that t he Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is seeking comments on administrative rules for the Elliott State Research Forest. The comment period is open from February 3 - March 5 (closes at 5 p.m. Pacific). Then DSL is seeking comments on the proposed Elliott State Research Forest Operations Plan. Click here to view or download the proposed plan, project overview map, and appendices. Click here to view only the proposed plan (PDF) The 45-day comment period is open until 5 p.m. on March 31. Here is a more complete notice of the plan with opportunities for virtual public meetings. At the State Land Board meeting on Feb. 11, Kaitlin Lovell was appointed to the Elliott State Research Forest Board to fill the vacancy created by the loss of Bob Sallinger. EMERGENCY SERVICES By Rebecca Gladstone HB 2581 : The League spoke and filed testimony in support of a statute change, substituting the word “seismic” with “hazards”, to coordinate coverage efforts through the State Resiliency Officer. A work session was held on Feb 6 in H Comm On Emergency Management, Gen Gov, and Veterans where the bill passed unanimously. It now goes to the House Floor for a vote. FORESTRY (ODF) Curry County Commissioners are discussing the possibility of taking over management of federal lands in their jurisdiction See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. GOVERNANCE Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we frequently comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. We were pleased to see an attorney who has represented businesses also provided opposition testimony . The sponsor of the bill shared an instance where OHSA may have exceeded their authority when adopting rules related to farmworker housing. The League believes that agencies should adopt rules to implement legislation but should NOT exceed their authority by creating policies not passed by the legislature. LAND USE & HOUSING By Peggy Lynch On Feb. 10th the House Committee on Housing heard testimony on the following bills that the League believes would allow housing outside of cities and some could violate Goals 3 and 4 of our land use system so we will follow these bills and may provide testimony with our concerns: HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. These lands are currently a variety of state-owned lands scattered around the state. HB 2400 : Allows the owner of property outside an urban growth boundary to site an additional dwelling on the property for occupancy by a relative of the owner. HB 2422 : Requires that lands zoned to allow density of one or fewer dwellings per acre to be considered a rural use. We are pleased to learn that Business Oregon’s Infrastructure bill, HB 3031 , with an amendment to clarify the criteria to be used to access the proposed $100 million fund has been filed. The League looks forward to supporting this important bill. The amendment to the bill will be filed shortly. Other bills we are following: HB 3013 : Details the process by which a permit or zone change that is based on provisions of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation that fail to gain. acknowledgment is voided and any resulting improvements or uses are removed or revoked. LWVOR supports with -1 amendment. HB 3062 : Requires local governments to map sensitive uses as part of a comprehensive plan. LWVOR may support. HB 2138 : Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands. LWVOR may have comments. Some provisions we support; others not so much. We expect a -1 and then a -2 amendment. Will wait to read them before making a decision on the bill. HB 3145 : Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund monies for factory-built housing. LWVOR should support. HB 2347 : Authorizes the Department of Land Conservation and Development to provide planning assistance for housing production to federally-recognized Indian tribes and makes other technical changes to laws relating to land use planning. A public hearing was held on Feb. 5th in House Housing. A Work Session is scheduled on Feb. 19th where a -2 amendment may be considered. HB 2950 : A bill to update Goal One and Public Participation is being sponsored by Oregon’s American Planning Association. The League is interested in the bill, but has some concerns. We understand there will be an amendment proffered. A public hearing was held Feb. 12th in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . Because of the requirement to do rulemaking, the bill, if passing the Committee, will be sent to Ways and Means. SB 462 : Requires the Oregon Business Development Department to establish an education course for land use planners for local governments, special districts and state agencies. LWVOR supports educational efforts but there are other training opportunities so this proposal might be redundant. SB 525 : Amends expedited land division criteria and processes. LWVOR has concerns. May need to oppose. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. NATURAL RESOURCES HB 3173 – Establishing OregonFlora in statute passed committee with a -3 amendment on Feb. 12th and it was sent to Ways and Means. OregonFlora provides comprehensive information about ~4,700 vascular plants in Oregon to the public; state and federal agencies; educational institutions; businesses; consumers; and scientists, providing significant economic, social, and educational benefits. HB 3173 info sheet . The bill has widespread support statewide and the League hopes to see this program that supports many natural resource areas funded this session. OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB) By Lucie La Bonte Our League volunteer interviewed an OWEB staffer related to OWEB’s funding for 2025: The staffer shared that the lottery funding is a stable source of funding for OWEB. In the Governor’s Budget recommendation there is adequate funding for the new programs OWEB has been tasked to take on. This includes enough funding for staffing the new programs. Some funding will be for a limited duration, and some is permanent funding. The Natural Resources Ways and Means Subcommittee will meet to discuss OWEB on February 25th and 26th . On the 25th there will be discussion with staff, on the 26th there will be public comment. OWEB has many partners and much support on both sides of the aisle. The outlook is positive. A recommendation will go to the full Ways and Means Committee after the revenue forecast in May. STATE LAND BOARD (SLB) By Peggy Lynch The Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer (SLB members) held a quarterly meeting on Feb. 11th that you can watch on their YouTube channel. Here . They shared a great report on their Real Property Program, sharing the lands owned by the state, their market potential and actions taken to increase revenue. The meeting materials packet is here . The Board adopted rules on Rocky Habitat Designations and approved initiating a potential land sale o f a portion of West Hayden Island to ODOT. The purpose of the proposed sale is to provide mitigation land for the proposed new I-5 bridge project. They appointed Kaitlin Lovell to the Elliott State Research Forest Board to fill the loss of Bob Sallinger to that Board. The Common School Fund passed its audit. The Director reported that the state may have completed negotiations for 80 acres of Bureau of Land Management land near La Pine (and Roslyn Elementary School) to be deeded to the state as part of its still-needed statehood-owed lands. Lastly, Director Walker has announced her retirement plans as of June so an open public recruitment process for a new Dept. of State Lands Director has begun with the intent for the SLB to select their choice at their June 10th meeting. For many this is an obscure agency, but the League believes this agency, with its mission to protect the waters of the state (including our wetlands), to assure stewardship of the Common School Fund, oversight of the South Slough National Estuarine Reserve and now the Elliott State Research Forest are all critical. LWVOR has positions related to support of each of these programs. WATER By Peggy Lynch On Feb. 17 in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water two bills of interest to the League will have a public hearing: HB 3525 related to tenants’ right to well water testing and HB 3526 that would require well water test reporting in property sales. The League has provided support in past sessions and may do so again this session. Water bills we are following: HB 2988 : Instructs the Water Resources Department to take certain actions related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery. A public hearing was held Feb. 12th. HB 3108 : Requires the Water Resources Department to implement additional rules and requirements for the review of limited license applications for an aquifer storage and recovery permit HB 2803 : Increases certain fees related to water. LWVOR will support. Expect amendments. Fees are needed to provide current service level staffing at WRD. The Co-Chairs of the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water are working on a broad package of water-related bills. There is a Water Caucus raising the awareness of the urgency to address Oregon’s water needs. Oregon Water Data Portal debuted Jan. 31st. The multi-agency effort to release a beta version of the pilot portal for the Oregon Water Data Portal project debuted on January 31. The pilot portal is accessible here . Users can provide feedback about the beta version of the pilot portal by completing a survey or emailing OWDP@deq.oregon.gov . League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” V isit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. WEATHER Oregon’s state climatologist provides a view of Oregon’s January and our warm, cold and snowfall changes. As Americans depend on weather forecasts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Oregon has a NOAA facility in Newport, here is a concerning statement as reported by the New York Times Climate: NOAA staff members have been told to search their existing grants for terms that include “climate science,” “climate crisis,” “clean energy,” “environmental quality” and “pollution.” WETLANDS The League testified in opposition to SB 511 , a perennial salmon tax credit bill filed by Sen. David Brock Smith that would create a new program to allow private property owners to get a tax credit for salmon habitat on their property if allowed to be used by a developer to destroy wetlands in another area of Coos and Curry County. This session’s version of the bill narrows the use of the credit from statewide to the two coastal counties. But the concept is complicated and this area of the coast is a critical salmon habitat. A bill of concern to the League related to our removal/fill program has been filed: SB 400 . As proposed, the League will oppose. Another wetlands-related bill we will be watching: HB 2054 . WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers It was a slow week for wildfire legislation, but there has been press coverage of issues that the League feels are worth mentioning. This February 10th article from the Oregon Capital Chronicle, describes how Senator Golden, in response to negative feedback from constituents, is proposing revisiting how the recently- released second version of the Oregon Wildfire Hazard (previously “Risk”) Map has areas of hazard broken down. Where the previous map had assigned risk on a broader area scale, an approach that was determined to be a problem, the new map assigned risk at the parcel level. Now, it appears there is some question as to the wisdom of that decision in accomplishing the goals set out for the map. Time will tell if this idea gains momentum. There was news of another $50 million in settlements paid out by Pacificorp for the role of its subsidiary, Pacific Power, in the devastating 2020 wildfires. This February 7th piece from Oregon Public Broadcasting provides details. According to the article, “At least eight more trials are scheduled, and the company could be on the hook for billions in damages.” It also states that rates for Pacific Power customers are up 50% since 2021, a trend that will continue as our wildfire seasons worsen, and mitigation efforts by electric utilities increase their operating costs. Finally, the Wildfire Funding Workgroup established by the Governor at the end of the 2023 short session, to look for a solution to the wildfire funding problem, will be presenting its recommendations to the Legislature soon. No firm date is available as of this writing. This much- anticipated report, the culmination of months of effort by 35 individuals, will set the stage for the Legislature’s work to find a long term, durable and equitable solution to the growing wildfire funding shortfall. Stay tuned! Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry Land Use and Housing Reduce/Recycle Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch SB 5701 is the omnibus budget bill for 2024. It is currently populated with the items approved during the November and January Legislative Days. Budget requests are being considered by the Co-Chairs and Legislative Leadership now that the Housing and Measure 110 “fix” bills have been funded. The major housing bills were funded at $376 million and HB 5204 , the funding bill for HB 4002 includes about $211 million . The League has a number of requests that you can read about in various sections of this Legislative Report that we hope will “appear” in the final version of SB 5701. There are still opportunities for some policy bills to be considered in the Ways and Means Capital Construction Subcommittee and then on to Full Ways and Means. Capital Construction met on Feb. 28 and March 1 and passed all of the bills considered to the Full Ways and Means Committee which met Feb. 28 , March 1 and has a meeting scheduled on March 4 . HB 5201 and HB 5202 are the bonding bills. The public hearing on Feb. 16 in Ways and Means Capital Construction was instructive of the multiple requests to be considered. Like the budget bill, these bills will reflect changes and possible additions to the 2025 approved bonds. Bonding capacity remains the same: $65.8 million in remaining general obligation bond capacity and $27.4 million in remaining lottery bond capacity for the 2023-25 biennium. SB 5702 will be populated with new or increased fees adopted by state agencies since the 2025 session. HB 5203 may be the “program change bill” to address miscellaneous changes to agency programs. SB 1562 passed the Senate with unanimous support and will have a Public Hearing and Work Session on March 5 th in House Revenue. It raises the cap of money on Oregon’s Rainy Day Fund, allowing Oregon to better prepare for future economic uncertainty. However, this increase reduces the General Fund resources available until the new cap has been met. The Rainy Day Fund was created in the 2007 legislative session based on information from previous economic recessions. Since then, the General Fund revenue has tripled and the state has provided more services to Oregonians. The agency budget process for 2025-27 is beginning. Look for presentations to agency Boards and Commissions soon. Quarterly revenue forecasts will be provided on May 29 and August 28. Then the November 20 th forecast will be the basis of the Governor’s Recommended Budget to be presented on December 1 st Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 4132 , Marine Reserves, passed Full Ways and Means with a General Fund allocation of just under $900 million. It is now scheduled to go to the House floor and then the Senate floor for final votes. The League signed on to a letter in support early in the session. HB 4080 A , providing for funding for the public engagement and staff at the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development and the Bureau of Labor and Industries related to the possibility of offshore wind energy projects off the Oregon South Coast passed Full Ways and Means and is scheduled for a vote first on the House and then Senate floors. T he League provided comments on HB 4080-1 and is pleased with the funding provided. Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch DSL has a new website: Oregon.gov/DSL The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working with DSL to identify In Lieu lands (part of the 1,400 acres of land still owed Oregon on statehood). Click here to view the BLM Proposed Classification Decision , and a public notice that two forestland properties in Linn County that have been identified for some of those In Lieu lands. Learn more . Provide public comment through April 9th . Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch Work is continuing on eventual adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan and a Forest Management Plan for ESRF. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . A recommendation with structural governance may be before the State Land Board on April 9. If approved, look for appointments to the new ESRF Board at their June 11 tth meeting. We hope to see the $4.1 million that had been allocated to the ESRF Authority will be transferred to DSL in the omnibus budget bill. Forestry (ODF) The Board of Forestry will meet March 6 and 7. State Forester Cal Mukumoto has recommended staying the course on the Habitat Conservation Plan per pages 116-118 of the Board packet . There are a number of bills this session around funding wildfire. For information on the various bills, s ee the Wildfire section of this report below. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch SB 1537 , the Governor’s housing bill, and SB 1530 , the Housing Chairs’ housing bill, were amended, passed Ways and Means and the Senate. They await a final vote in the House and then on to the Governor’s desk to be signed. A news release by the Senate President explains the elements of both bills. HB 4134 was amended, also passed Ways and Means and is awaiting a vote on the House floor and then will move to the Senate floor. The League supported HB 4134, and we worked for months with others on SB 1537 and SB 1530. As is usual, land use issues bring out interesting “one-off” bills or amendments. HB 4040 relates to economic development, but the “relating clause” (relating to economic development) provided Sen. David Brock Smith with an opportunity to recommend the A6 amendment to bypass the land use system to permit the expansion of Bandon Dunes golf course. The amendment, although heard, was not adopted. But it is another learning experience to be sure and review amendments filed on bills and watch for the use of a relating clause for items such as this “one off” proposal. We also provided testimony on HB 4026 with the -1 amendment “relating to elections”. The City of North Plains has approved a major Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion. Residents gathered signatures to force a vote on the expansion at the May election. The League is concerned that “ the amendment would take away voters’ rights to the referendum process. Furthermore, changing the constitutional referendum process and making the amendment retroactive are likely to be unconstitutional and invite a lawsuit. “ We understand that legislative Counsel determined that the matter was “administrative” and not subject to referendum. The amended bill has passed the House and awaits action in the Senate. The Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee is recruiting for a new member from Oregon’s Third Congressional District. Applications are due by March 18, 9 a.m. Follow the work of the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the department’s Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Reduce/Recycle By Camille Freitag The League weighed in again this year on a Right to Repair bill, SB 1596 . We also joined others in support of the bill. The bill passed the Senate Chamber, the House Committee and is awaiting a vote in the House Chamber. DEQ is conducting rulemaking to clarify and implement HB 3220 (2023) , which updates and makes necessary changes to the statewide electronics recycling program, Oregon E-Cycles. DEQ is holding its first meeting for the Oregon E-Cycles Rulemaking Advisory Committee on March 7 at 9 a.m. – noon. To attend this virtual meeting, please pre-register via the Zoom online platform . To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee please visit the Oregon E-Cycles rulemaking web page . The meeting agenda and materials for the sixth Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee have been posted on the Recycling 2024 website. The meeting will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 14 on Zoom. To attend, please Register via Zoom . DEQ staff will be providing updates about previously presented rule concepts and will be introducing new topics about: defining limited sort facilities, commingled materials and reload facilities, outbound contamination rates and certification for out-of-state commingled recycling processing facilities. Water By Peggy Lynch Proposed new Groundwater Rules are being considered. The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) is providing multiple opportunities to engage. OWRD will be hosting informational sessions before each public hearing where staff will review the proposed rules. Public comments will not be accepted at the information sessions but will be accepted at the public hearings following each session . For more context, please see the background information , informational flyer , and Frequently Asked Questions . Many items in the amended HB 4128 were folded into SB 1530, so the bill is dead. However, we are hopeful that the omnibus budget bill, SB 5701, will include an allocation of $3 million to be added to the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund . The League was engaged in helping create this fund in 2021 and supports this allocation. The League has continued to report on the Lower Umatilla groundwater issue where many domestic wells are contaminated with dangerous levels of nitrates. Some residents have filed a lawsuit to recover damages from some businesses and farms, a source of the nitrates. OWRD anticipates releasing a draft of the updated Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) for public review and comment starting March 5th. An updated draft is then anticipated to be available for a second public comment opportunity in May. The Oregon Water Resources Commission will hear public testimony and consider adoption of the 2024 IWRS at their September meeting. For more information about this process, please visit the IWRS page on their website. The League hopes members will participate since we were actively engaged in the original legislation and in the first two IWRS documents. We understand that this new draft takes an entirely new slant from the current IWRS. It will be important that the original documents not be invalidated but instead enhanced by this proposal. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” V isit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations under ORS 536 for the counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Deschutes, Wasco , Harney, Sherman, Lake, Jackson , Gilliam, Douglas, Lincoln and Morrow counties . Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Movement continued on some of the wildfire bills the League is following this session, which is now beginning to enter the home stretch. Regarding the remaining funding bills, the House Committee on Revenue held a work session on Representative Marsh/Senator Steiner’s HB 4133-A , on February 26. After expressions of concern from Chair Nathanson and other members about the bill, the committee voted 4 - 2 to send it to Ways and Means. This bill would require a 3/5ths vote to pass because it deals with an increase in the Forest Products Harvest Tax. The Governor has weighed in on this bill, asking Leadership to support it as a first step in reducing wildfire funding complications. There is an expectation of a Budget Note on the bill directing the Dept of Forestry, Oregon State Fire Marshal, “… working in collaboration with the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council and broader stakeholder interests from local fire service entities and others…” to convene a Work Group to provide recommendations for the 2025 legislative session. On February 28, the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue held an Informational Meeting on HB 4133-A and then held a Public Hearing on Senator Golden’s funding bill , SB 1593, where the League provided testimony in support. No future meetings are scheduled for SB 1593. It is dead for the session. On February 26, the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue held a Work Session on HB 1545-A , which relates to property tax breaks on rebuilds of homes destroyed by the 2020 wildfires. The bill, with the -1 Amendment, passed the Senate on March 1. An Informational Meeting was held on February 27 before the House Committee on Revenue on HB 4007-2 where this bill and SB 1520 -2, and their nearly identical provisions, were discussed at length. This one-pager succinctly outlines the details of the most current versions of these bills and their Federal counterpart. SB 1520-2 has passed the Senate and is scheduled for a Public Hearing and Work Session in House Revenue on March 4. OPB provided an explanation of the relief this bill may provide to wildfire victims. At the same meeting, HB 4007-2 will have a Work Session where a number of amendments have been proposed. Discussions were ongoing between interested parties to determine the best path forward. There was a clear determination to get one of these bills passed, which would provide significant tax relief to victims of wildfires who wish to rebuild their homes using monies from a settlement or judgment. The posted amendments on HB 4007 may address different issues related to taxation on these wildfire victims. On February 27, a Public Hearing was held on Representative Marsh’s omnibus wildfire bill, HB 4016-A , before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. At a subsequent Work Session on February 29, it was moved to the Floor with a do-pass recommendation. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) gave an update on progress made on the new draft of the State Wildfire Hazard Map to the House Committee on Climate, Energy and the Environment on February 28. Officials described the enhanced public involvement process required by SB 80 , the 2023 wildfire legislation, as well as a list of modifications to the map to be made based on public input, and a general overview of the science and future intended use of the map. An article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle discusses the soaring premiums and lack of property insurance options for Oregonians in Central, Southern and Eastern Oregon. Finally, in another blow to electric utilities and their liability relating to wildfire damages, this OBP article describes the prospect of possible lawsuits by the Federal Government and Oregon against PacifiCorp, the parent company of Pacific Power. Damages that may be sought include firefighting and cleanup costs, and structure losses, due to the power company’s negligence during the windstorm that led to the devastating Archie Creek and Susan Creek fires of Labor Day, 2020, which damaged thousands of homes. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 6/2 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Agriculture Air Quality Bottle Bill Update Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Environmental Restoration Council (OERS) Transportation Water Wildfire AGRICULTURE By Sandra U. Bishop The first meeting of the Farm Stand Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) was held on May 16th. ( OAR 660-033-0130: Regarding farm stands in exclusive farm use (EFU) zones and agri-tourism) Staff introduced the topics and areas of endeavor that will be considered by the RAC. The online meeting was live-streamed and recorded and may be reviewed on the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) YouTube channel . The 20-member RAC is expected to meet 4 or 5 times. The public hearing will likely be in September. 2025. This is Phase 1 of the Farm Stand Rulemaking. After the conclusion of this rulemaking process, DLCD will recommend a work plan for phases of OAR changes to address agri-tourism and other commercial events, use of soils reports, replacement dwellings and non-farm dwellings. The public comment period for this rulemaking will close October 5, 2025. To submit public comment please email written comments to: farmforest.comment@dlcd.oregon.gov Comments must be in writing to be considered part of the rulemaking record. People may also make brief public comments at the RAC meetings. The next RAC meeting is Tuesday June 3rd. Rulemaking webpage AIR QUALITY SB 726 A would direct the Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology for surface emissions monitoring at municipal solid waste landfills, beginning 1/1/2027. The A7 amendment limits the bill's application to a landfill located in Benton County (e.g., Coffin Butte). May 29: The bill failed on the House floor; 29/22! However, Leader Bowman served notice of reconsideration. It will be up for another vote in the House on June 2nd. Related to this bill is HB 3794 , a bill that would create a Task Force on Municipal Solid Waste in the Willamette Valley. HB 3794 is sitting in Ways and Means. BOTTLE BILL UPDATE By Sandra U. Bishop The omnibus bottle bill SB 992 A , a conglomeration of several bills introduced this session to address problems with beverage container redemption in the Portland area, is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources. After passage by the Full Ways and Means Committee, the bills go to each chamber for a final vote and then on to the Governor. These agency budgets are moving quickly now that the Co-Chairs know the revenue they have to spend: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Both bills passed Full Ways and Means and are now headed to the Senate and then House floors for a final vote. Five bills related to department’s various fee increases also passed Full Ways and Means. HB 2805 Relating to food establishment licenses ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2806 Relating to license fees for commercial instruments ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2809 Relating to pesticide registration fees ( Meeting Materials ), SB 1019 A Relating to brands ( Meeting Materials ), SB 832 A Relating to civil penalties for laws implemented by the State Department of Agriculture ( Meeting Materials ) Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 LFO Recommendation The bill passed Ways and Means and the Senate. Now to the House chamber for a final vote and on to the Governor for her signature. Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 League testimony . The budget bill had a work session on May 21. LFO Recommendation and Meeting Materials The bill passed Full Ways and Means after a contentious discussion and now heads to the Senate and then House floors for a final vote. Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 and Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 Meeting Materials . Bills passed Full Ways and Means and are now headed to the chamber floors for a vote. Among the good news is that the Oregon Climate Action Commission is being provided with one full time permanent staffer. Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 . Conservationists, with HB 2977 (a -2 amendment has been filed), would add 1% (or 1.5%) for conservation programs. That additional money would go to a special Fund at the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. It had a hearing in House Revenue on May 8. Work Session on HB 5009 on May 28 ( LFO Recommendation ), along with HB 2342 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to fees concerning wildlife, HB 2343 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to the Columbia Basin endorsement and HB 2345 ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to Oregon hatcheries. “The recommended investments support monitoring and fish screening efforts in the Klamath Basin, fish and wildlife passage projects, monitoring and prevention of harmful algal blooms and aquatic invasive species, chronic wasting disease surveillance, climate solutions policy and projects, administration operation efficiencies, and the Private Forest Accord grant program.” Additionally, POP 125 of HB 5009 “establishes one permanent full-time Natural Resource Specialist 4 position (0.88 FTE) as a climate policy lead for the agency to integrate climate science into planning, research and implementation of programs in the Habitat Division .” POP 101 “ provides $100,000 General Fund, one-time, to support increased legal costs associated with instream water rights disputes. The Department received $100,000 General Fund, one-time, in SB 5506 (2023) to help reduce the backlog of instream water right applications under protest. Approximately 16 disputes are expected to be resolved during the 2023-25 biennium bringing the current backlog to 166. ” POP 801 provides $10 million in General Funds for implementation of the Private Forest Accord. It “ was adopted by the Oregon Legislature in 2022 to implement a negotiated agreement between the timber industry and conservation groups concerning private forestland practices and the protection of natural resources. The Oregon Forest Practices Act (SB 1501, 2022) established the Private Forest Accord Mitigation subaccount within the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund to support projects that mitigate the impacts of forest practices. This package provides $10 million General Fund for deposit into the Private Forest Accord Mitigation subaccount, which is continuously appropriated to the Department for the PFA Grant Program” Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials ; See the April 15 informational meeting on the Private Forest Accord. (See the Forestry and Wildfire sections for more information.) Work Session was set for May 27 and then cancelled. LFO Recommendation as posted but may change when the bill is reposted for a Work Session. The budget recommended that payroll be transferred to the Dept. of Administrative Services. POP 801 provides funding for the Private Forest Accord and Habitat Conservation Plan work. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI): HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials LWVOR testimony Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR supports SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. A public hearing was held on May 19 and the League provided verbal testimony on the proposed amendment (not posted). A Work Session was held May 28 where the -4 amendment was adopted. Sen. Golden had hoped to see an indexing of these fees so they would increase with costs over time. Sen. Manning mentioned a proposed budget note that would allow the industry more influence in these fees. The League will be paying attention to the budget note language to be sure it meets standards. The fiscal impact statement indicates a substantial increase that will allow the agency to hire more staff and maybe even do more inspections. The bill now goes to Ways and Means. Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . The bill passed Full Ways and Means and is awaiting votes in the Senate and House. SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase. Governor signed SB 817. Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB): HB 5021 and HB 2558 A modifies the definition of "charter guide" for purposes of outfitter and guide laws and HB 2982 A , a bill that increases boating permit costs estimated to increase revenue to OSMB by about $1 million for the 2025-27 biennium, most of which will be used to address Aquatic and Invasive Species (AIS) management in partnership with the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife were considered together. Here is the Legislative Fiscal Office recommendation for each of the three bills. HB 5021, HB 2558 and HB 2982 all passed the House chamber and moved to the Senate. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 LWVOR testimony in support. LFO 2025-27 budget recommendation . LFO budget recommendation for SB 147. Both bills passed the Senate and now go to the House chamber for approval. Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. Work Session June 2. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget. Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here . Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 (Bill moved to Ways and Means) and support HB 2803 (The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies.) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials . Work Session June 2. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-26. Work Session June 2. Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024 Info mtgs. 3/12, 13 & 17. Public Hearing 3/18. Additional informational meetings: Held April 7 and April 22. A work session is set for June 3. Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 info hearing 4/7&8. Public hearing 4/09; Work Session May 21. LFO Recommendation . Also worked were SB 234 (LFO Recommendation) and SB 826 (LFO Recommendation) SB 826 transfers duties, functions, and powers from the State Chief Information Officer regarding the Oregon Statewide Communication Interoperability Plan (OSCIP) to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM). Part of the decision on this agency budget is to create a new finance division (but removing that responsibility to the DAS budget—below.) Office of the Governor: SB 5523 LFO meeting materials . April 28 Public hearing. Work Session was held May 28 where the bill was passed to Full Ways and Means. LFO Recommendation Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20. Work Session scheduled for June 4. Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT): SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. The Joint Committee on Transportation ended its work on May 23rd but a new committee ( Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment ) has taken over in hopes of coming to agreement on a comprehensive package before the end of session. See below for more information on the latest plans to address ODOT’s revenue needs. Dept. of Administrative Services (DAS): HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06. Meeting Materials Work Session May 29 and the bill was sent to Full Ways and Means. Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Info hearings 4/29-30. Public hearing May 1st. Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing May 9 and May 16 @ 1p. The League supported two of the requests: $160 million for preservation of rental housing and $25 million to preserve manufactured housing and $100 million Housing Infrastructure Fund in Section 14. There are over $2 billion in requests for a variety of projects around Oregon! Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be populated with an amount for the Emergency Board to spend at will and amounts in Special Purpose Appropriations if needed when the legislature is not in session. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing held April 18. Second public hearing, this time on university and community college requests, was held May 2. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) Public hearing held May 2. CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL ISSUES After researching marine reserves as part of our Coastal Study , and supporting them with new League positions, it is good to see Oregonians support them. “Researchers from Oregon State University (OSU) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) have been collecting data on local residents’ attitudes toward the state’s marine reserves for more than a decade. Their work showed these Oregonians viewed the marine reserves in an increasingly positive light over time. Residents who live near the reserves and residents of densely populated metropolitan areas had the most favorable views overall. Their new research paper presents a fresh analysis of these attitudes and how they have changed over time.” The League supports HB 3580 eelgrass stabilization LWVOR signed letter of support and HB 3587A Protection of Rocky Habitat LWVOR signed letter of support ( fiscal impact statement ). To help these bills get funded, consider LWVOR’s Action Alert . The League signed on to a letter of support for HB 3963 , a bill that extends the timeline for the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to provide a report on offshore wind conversations from 2025 to 2027. A public hearing was held May 19. The League signed on to testimony in support. A work session was held May 29 where the bill passed committee in a partisan vote and is headed to the House floor. The Oregon Coastal Management Program (OCMP) is currently developing its 2026-2030 Program Enhancement Assessment and Strategy. Draft Strategy The OCMP has selected to focus on wetlands, coastal hazards, and ocean resources in this 2026-2030 planning horizon. See the Draft Assessment and Strategy and provide feedback during the comment period of May 12 - June 12, 2025. The draft 2026-2030 Program Enhancement Assessment and Strategy can be found on their Public Comment webpage . Please provide comments on or before June 12. Send comments: E-mail Comments: coastal.policy@dlcd.oregon.gov Written Comments: OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League supports SB 830 , a bill that modifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. May 28: Governor signed! Now we hope that Ways and Means will pass HB 2168 to fund this program. LWVOR testimony in support. SB 1154 was filed by the Governor to address the groundwater/nitrate issue in Morrow and Umatilla counties per this OPB article . See also in the Water section for a presentation of interest. The bill is sitting in Senate Rules while negotiations continue. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) By Joan Fryxell The Central Oregon Geoscience Society’s presentation earlier this week, on Carbon Sequestration, by Richard Walker of DOGAMI was very interesting ( https://www.cogeosoc.org/event-5991444 ). The two things he made clear were: 1. They are definitely looking at the already fractured (and therefore permeable) zones at the flow tops and bottoms, to avoid needing to do any fracking. 2. The proposed project that is in front of the legislature this session is to drill cores and evaluate both the cores and the down-hole characteristics of the rock, and not to inject any CO2-charged fluids. They are proposing to do the background research first,so they have a very good idea of what the rocks are like before they do anything further. See above in “Budgets” information on the DOGAMI fee bill, SB 836. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) Habitat Conservation Plan adopted for the ESRF per this press release . “ The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced approval of the habitat conservation plan for the Elliott State Research Forest and issuance of an Endangered Species Act permit for implementing the plan over the next 80 years. “ FORESTRY The Board of Forestry meets June 4 and 5 per this press release . GOVERNANCE HB 3569 , a bill that would require a Chief Sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee for legislation they had a hand in passing, passed the House and now goes to Senate Rules. The League provided testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill for the public hearing that was scheduled for May 28. The hearing was postponed to June 4 and a work session set for June 5. Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. The League joined others in sharing concerns about this bill to members of House Rules. It was pulled from the scheduled work session on May 28th. The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking ( SB 437 , SB 1006 , SB 370 , SB 483 ) and SB 411 , SB 895 also in Senate Rules. HB 2454 passed House Rules with the -1 amendment and sent to Ways and Means. The bill creates a new Audits Officer (with possible additional staff). The Jt. Audits Committee would hire the Officer. It is unclear, if funded, what the relationship will be with the Secretary of State’s Audit Division and the work of the Legislative Fiscal Office staff. We are concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. A work session was held May 28 where the -2 amendment was adopted todelay the web work and the bill sent to Ways and Means. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies: This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. See also the Governance section of this Legislative Report. LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra U. Bishop/Peggy Lynch HB 2647 passed the House floor and was assigned to the Senate Housing and Development Committee where it passed the committee with the A 5 amendment and now goes to the Senate floor. HB 3921 is a bill that will allow by law land swaps for City of Roseburg/Douglas County per this preliminary staff analysis . The Governor has signed. The League provided testimony in support of HB 3939 , a bill that provides a list of infrastructure projects to fund for smaller Oregon cities so they can build more housing. We have also supported HB 3031 A (already sitting in Ways and Means) but know there might be limited dollars this session so called out that link in our letter. The -1 amendment to HB 3939 was adopted and the bill moved to Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. HB 2316 -4 frees up approximately 3,500 acres of state land of which can now be used for housing production, all within the urban growth boundaries. It provides revenue to the state from the sale of the land, and it also provides revenue to our cities because the land becomes taxable for property taxes five years after purchase. The bill was sent to Revenue where a public hearing was held on May 15 and a work session was held May 27. The A6 amendment was adopted and the bill sent to Ways and Means. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. OREGON ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION COUNCIL (OERC) A new Council has been created by the Governor to administer the settlement funds from the Monsanto legal settlement: “ The Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund (OERF or Fund) was established in 2024 by Senate Bill 1561 to invest the proceeds of a historic, nearly $700 million settlement against Monsanto for long-term harm caused by the company’s polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) chemicals to Oregon’s land, water, fish and wildlife. The proceeds of the settlement will go to projects and purposes that benefit Oregon’s environment and its communities. “ “ The Fund has been set up to function similarly to an endowment. The settlement dollars will earn investment and interest income, and, on a biennial basis, the Council will authorize the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) to distribute that income to three sub-funds: The Tribal Nation Natural Resource Program Fund will distribute 25% of the disbursement to federally recognized sovereign tribal nations (Tribes) in the state of Oregon. These payments will be made in equal amounts to each of the nine federally recognized Tribes who may use funds to invest in their stewardship of natural resources. The State Agency Program Fund will receive 50% of the disbursement to support the work of state agencies whose mission has a nexus with the settlement terms. The Disproportionately Impacted Community Fund will receive 25% of the disbursement. A grant program will support projects and programs that directly benefit impacted communities. “ TRANSPORTATION A report by an independent firm finds issues at ODOT per this article by OPB. “ The Oregon Department of Transportation is beset by high staff turnover, decades-old financial software, cost overruns and delays that have eroded trust with elected leaders .” WATER By Peggy Lynch HB 3806 , a bill that authorizes the Oregon Water Resources Commission to approve a Deschutes River water bank pilot program if the charter is approved by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and adheres to all requirements. It sunsets the pilot program on January 2, 2034, had a work session in Jt. Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources on May 29th. It was noted that funding for this pilot will be provided by the Deschutes River Conservancy. The bill passed and was sent to Full Ways and Means. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. A work session was held April 8 where the bill was sent to Senate Rules. SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office had a work session April 8 where the bill was sent to Senate Rules. After weeks of negotiations, a public hearing is set for June 3 with a work session set for June 5 on SB 1153. A -3 amendment is being proposed. Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ). A - 4 amendment was adopted and the bill passed the House. Amended by the A 8 amendment, it passed the Senate. On May 29th the House concurred with the Senate amendment and it passed the House floor. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ). A work session was held and the bill was sent to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) A work session was held and the bill was referred to House Rules without recommendation as to passage on a 6 to 3 vote. HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. House Rules had a public hearing April 30. A work session scheduled for May 12 has been cancelled. A number of amendments have been offered. The controversy seems to be around timelines for testing—how often—and what exactly gets tested. The League hopes to see this bill move forward, even if there are constraints. It would be a beginning and a recognition that water needs to be safe for everyone-homeowners and renters. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. An Abnormally Dry designation has increased in NE and NW Oregon and now we also see our first level of Drought (Moderate) in some of those areas. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. As the weather gets warmer and more people and animals visit Oregon’s water bodies, it is important to watch for potentially deadly algal blooms. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. As a result of concern around HABs along the coast, the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife budget includes “one permanent full-time Natural Resource Specialist 2 position (0.88 FTE) and two permanent 12-month seasonal Biological Science Assistant positions (1.00 FTE) to monitor and respond to harmful algal blooms along the coast. The revenue source is recreational shellfish license fee revenue. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers Along with the transportation package, wildfire funding has been a challenge for the legislature. The Governor has weighed in on the concept of taking at least a part of the “kicker” to fund wildfire: lawmakers have an option if they can agree on a better use for the kicker money. With two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber, they can opt to suspend the refund. That’s happened once since the policy was enacted in the late 70s. A 2/3rds supermajority vote means at least two Senate Republicans and four House Republicans would need to approve along with all legislative Democrats. Because our Rural Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) are seeing a huge increase in their fire fees, Rep. Owens has offered the following: I introduced HB 3349 and HB 3350 to ensure our RFPAs have access to the tools they need. These bills propose establishing a dedicated funding stream to help RFPAs obtain gear from the Oregon Department of Forestry and better access federal resources. Importantly, this support does not change their volunteer status but simply gives them the resources to be more effective and safe while serving our communities. Then the House Leadership decided to move SB 83 , which would repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map and accompanying statues related to it, to House Rules at a Work Session on May 20. It seems that the bill is now being used as trade bait to find funding for wildfire according to a news release from Sen. David Brock Smith. SB 75 A , removes the wildfire hazard map as a guide for allowing ADUs and requiring higher building codes in rural areas. The bill was moved to House Rules on May 22nd by the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment where it is likely to stay while negotiations continue on wildfire funding. The Oregon Capital Insider provides information on the Dept. of Forestry’s budget and what’s happening at the federal level. Here is a short report on the status of the bills mentioned last week: SB 860A The bill would allow the State Fire Marshal and an agency to take actions for fire protection and makes changes related to the Governor's Fire Service Policy Council. The Governor’s signed. SB 861 , a measure which would include grant funds, reimbursements, and moneys received from judgements and settlements as funds in the State Fire Marshal Mobilization Fund has been signed by the Governor. It requires that the Department of the State Fire Marshal submit a report to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on the amounts in the fund and expenditures from the fund on or before March 31 of each odd numbered year. SB 85A directs the State Fire Marshal to establish a neighborhood protection cooperative grant program to help communities collectively reduce their wildfire risk. May 28: Governor signed! The Omnibus wildfire funding bill, HB 3940A , had a robust Public Hearing before the House Committee on Revenue on May 1. Legislative Revenue staff provided a table to help understand the various elements of the bill. Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office have stated the minimum annual need for wildfire funding to address the growing wildfire crisis is around $280 million. SB 1177 is still before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. It had a public hearing on April 7. This bill would establish the Oregon Wildfire Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and redirect the “kicker” to it, one- time, for financing wildfire-related expenses, by using the interest earned. A 5% return would yield approximately $170-180 million per year, or just over half of the aforementioned projected ongoing costs to fund wildfire mitigation and suppression. (The Governor has expressed interest in using only the amount of kicker that would go to large income earners for wildfire costs.) SJR 11 also remains before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue after its April 7 public hearing. It would dedicate a fixed, to-be-determined percentage of net proceeds of the State Lottery to a wildfire fund created by the Legislature. Its passage would mean an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, which would have to go to the voters for approval. Finally, HB 3489 , which imposes a severance tax on owners of timber harvested from public or private forestland, had a Public Hearing April 24 before the House Committee on Revenue. The League has supported a severance tax in past sessions and provided testimony at the hearing. The League is also still following other non-funding related bills, such as SB 926 , which would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. It was passed by the Senate and had a work session on May 20 in the House Committee on Judiciary where the A 10 amendment was adopted. The Speaker sent the bill to Ways and Means. HB 3666 remains in the Rules Committee. This bill would establish wildfire mitigation actions and an accompanying certification for electric utilities in an attempt to standardize their approach. SB 1051 , which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, remains in the Senate Rules Committee. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

KARISHMA CHIDAMBARAM (she/her) KARISHMA CHIDAMBARAM (she/her) Youth Media Director youthmedia@lwvor.org

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/17 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Jump to topic: Behavioral Health Child Care Criminal Justice Education Housing Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Public Safety Behavioral Health By Stephanie Aller On February 10, the House Committee on Education held a work session on HB 2596 (Interstate Licensure Compact for School Psychologists). The Committee voted to move the bill to the floor with a “Do Pass” recommendation. Rep. Neron will be the carrier of the bill on the floor. On February 11, the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care held public hearings on HB 2013 and HB 2041 . HB 2013 would amend ORS 743A.168 to include outpatient treatment clinics that employ certified alcohol and drug counselors (CADCs) as providers for purposes of mental health insurance coverage. Phil Broyles of Teras Intervention and Counseling testified that most private insurers will not reimburse CADCs for doing the same care as other providers. This has limited access to care because CADCs are a significant part of the workforce for substance use disorder treatment. HB 2041 would require insurers to reimburse mental health providers at the same rate as physicians and other medical providers when performing the same services. Representatives from insurance companies testified in opposition to the bill stating that it would drive up costs. The representative from the Oregon Psychological Association (OPA) testified that OPA was neutral on the bill but stated that the problem of low reimbursement rates is the major factor limiting access to care. Due to the low reimbursement rates, behavioral health providers opt out of participating in the insurance networks. HB 3185 was scheduled for a hearing on February 13, but the hearing was cancelled due to the weather. The bill involves a pilot program for students from Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University. The students receive a tuition reduction and placement at a non-profit . HB 3185 would prioritize those students whose studies focus on underserved fields such as behavioral health, housing insecurity, and K-12. On February 11, the Senate Committee on Health Care began a public hearing on SB 140 . At the hearing, behavioral health executives from hospitals testified about their reimbursement rate problems and discussed ways to better coordinate care and streamline processes in the system. The hearing was carried over to February 13, but that was cancelled due to the weather. Child care By Katie Riley The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education held an informational meeting on Monday, February 10 to review the Oregon Department of Education's (ODE) three reports on the results of the 2024 Legislative session on HB4082 which provided $30 million for 2024 summer learning and set up a task force to plan for the future of summer and after school. They include a Final Report on the task force as well as a report on the process of implementing funding and a participant survey . The ODE review in the legislative committee was glowing about the results of summer school activities; however, the Oregonian reported concerns about inadequate and uneven tracking of goal outcomes. In addition, there was no split between summer school outcomes and after hours care spending and outcomes. Reporting on the use of community-based organizations did not differentiate between care and enrichment organizations, and there was no attempt to look at their effectiveness. Funding is key to providing adequate care during non-school hours. SB896 was heard the previous week. It would allocate funds for after-school care. HB3039 which provides for summer funding has not been heard yet. Neither bill has a funding amount attached at this time although the Governor has proposed $78.5 million for summer funding. ODE’s HB4082 final report included $50 million per year for the next two years. League Testimony supported HB3011 which Establishes the Early Childhood Education Workforce Development Fund and appropriates moneys in the fund to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to provide funding to community colleges and public universities in this state that offer early childhood education degrees and certificates. No funding was attached to the bill. Potentially, these funds could also support afterschool staff. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley The League submitted supportive testimony on February 13 for HB 2233 , which continues funding for a legal services program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The Re*Membering program, established by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, provides legal assistance to adults in custody or those newly released for civil matters that are barriers to successful reentry into the community, such as child custody, divorce, domestic abuse, debt, housing, employment, or property. Education By Jean Pierce Testimony was prepared for two bills which were scheduled for a Public Hearing in the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development on February 13. But since all committee meetings were cancelled due to inclement weather, the testimonies will be filed at a later date. HB3182 directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide affordable housing support to low-income students. A 2023 survey of Portland Community College students revealed that 56% were dealing with housing insecurity. HB3183 would appropriate money to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for the Open Educational Resources Program which provides no-cost, low-cost textbooks and course materials for higher ed students. A single textbook can cost as much as $600, so a 2022 survey of students at Oregon State University revealed that 61% had not purchased textbooks due to the cost. Open Oregon Educational Resources data collected over six years from Community College students in the state have revealed that “the average materials cost for the two-year Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree in 2021 was $1,143.62, a 47% drop since the study began in 2015”. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Public hearings have been held on several housing-related bills to address our state’s low homeownership rate. According to Census data, Oregon’s homeownership rate is approximately 64%, ranking Oregon 43rd in the nation [ American Census Survey Homeownership Data ]. In addition, of the 74% of Oregonians who rent, 48% consider achieving homeownership a top priority. These numbers are even higher among younger generations, Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X (81-88%), and Black, Indigenous, Latino/a/x, and People of Color (96%). Oregon Realtors Statewide Housing Survey . Listed below are housing priorities of the statewide Housing Alliance, of which our League is a member. HB 2090 currently in the House Committee on Revenue is proposing to extend the manufactured dwelling park closure tax credit for displaced residents. The bill would mitigate the cost to manufactured dwelling park households who are forced to move due to market forces, development, or landlord closure. The tax credit sunset would be extended from 2026 to 2032 and allow for a refundable income tax credit of $5,000 for residents of manufactured dwellings who rent space and are displaced when a park closes. HB 3236 is a housing tax credit for lending for affordable homeownership. It expands the Affordable Housing Lender Fund to provide funds for origination and servicing of mortgage loans and related costs for eligible homebuyers. The state Department of Revenue is to allow a tax credit against taxes to a lending institution that makes a qualified loan to the Lender Fund to assist eligible home buyers. HB 3235 The state Housing and Community Services Department would award grants to organizations to support first-time home buyers to purchase residential property to build equity ownership in the residential property through below market interest rates and accelerated loan terms. This program would provide a new resource for homebuyers by blending private bank capital with state funding. HB 2698 sets a goal of attaining a statewide homeownership rate as determined by the American Community Survey of the U.S. Census Bureau. It requires the Housing and Community Services Department to track goal progress as part of the Housing Needs Analysis. It is required to update a publicly available statewide housing production dashboard of progress toward the homeownership goal based on the homeownership rate and in the aggregate, and by race and ethnicity. Immigration By Becky Gladstone We are researching this immigration-related bill, not yet scheduled for a hearing. SB 703 directs DHS to give service providers grants to help noncitizens change their immigration status. Public Safety By Karen Nibler The House Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee scheduled a hearing for HB 3079 , which would require the Department of Human Services and the Housing and Community Services Department to study options for allocating 30 percent of their respective budgets in the 2027-2029 biennium toward reducing the number of youth aging into adult homelessness. Due to cold weather, the February 13 hearing will be rescheduled. The newly-emancipated youth at 18 can rarely afford to pay current rents without family or agency assistance. Those without family support require highly-paid jobs to afford current rent prices. Those in college programs can apply for rental assistance, but those without resources are not able to pay current rents. The Joint Addictions Subcommittee heard testimony on SB 782 on February 12, 2025. This bill is a follow-up on HB 4002 (2024) which provided funds for deflection programs within county mental health programs. However, those who testified reported that the initial funds through the Criminal Justice Commission grants were not sufficient to operate county-wide programs for housing, jail space and behavior health treatment programs. These programs are needed for those charged with alcohol and drug offenses and subsequently supervised by county probation staff and state parolee staff.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/27 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Land Use/Housing Recycling Water The League is watching major housing bills as they move forward. We will be interested in the rebalance of the 2021-23 budget this week as well. Will there be funding for the Governor’s housing emergency and for semiconductor manufacturing? The next important session date is March 17 when policy bills will need to be scheduled for a Work Session or they are dead for the session. Budgets/Revenue The Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) was heard on Feb. 21-22. Here is the agency presentation . Public testimony was allowed on Mar. 2 due to snow closure on Feb. 23rd. The Oregon Marine Board budget ( SB 5521 ) agency presentation and public hearing was on Feb. 27. The League provided testimony in support. The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) budget ( HB 5020 ) was heard Feb. 28 & Mar. 1 & 2, with public testimony on March 2. Here is the ODF agency presentation . See the POPs on Page 72. The League will provide testimony requesting that the climate change budget requests that were not included in the Governor’s budget be added back to this budget. The Land Use Board of Appeals agency presentation and public testimony is Mar. 6. The Dept. of State Lands budget ( HB 5037 ) is Mar. 7-9 with public testimony on 9. DSL one-pager . The Columbia Gorge Commission budget will be heard March 13—both agency presentation and public testimony. The Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) is tentatively scheduled for March 14-16. Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) budget ( SB 5509 ) week of March 20. Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) week of March 27. Here’s the DEQ one-pager . Tentative date for the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ) is early April. Here is their one-pager . Have you heard of “the kicker”? Here’s an article for you. Kicker amounts won’t be finalized until the 2021-23 budget is closed in Sept. SB 5543 , Bond Authorization, SB 5544 , Capital Construction, SB 5545 , 2021-23 Allocations Bill and HB 5045 , 2021-23 Budget Rebalance were all heard in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction March 3. Look for a Full Ways and Means Committee meeting this week. At the writing of this report we don’t know if the rebalance bills will include early funding for housing/homeless needs ( HB 2001 with the -11 Amendment and HB 5019 ) and SB 4 semiconductor funding requests. Oregon’s reserves are at $2 billion and those funds are not expected to be used, nor is the $3.9 billion kicker money that is expected to be returned to taxpayers. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt Coastal League members have raised the alarm about a new bill recently filed. HB 3382 would provide certain Ports with an exception from our land use planning system to allow dredging and other activities around these Ports without the current public process and federal consistency requirements. The League has shared our concerns with others. Columbia River Treaty By Phillip Thor The League recently received an update on the negotiations around the U.S. and Canada on the Columbia River Treaty. This included: From 2018 to 2023, the two countries held 15 rounds of negotiations, with the last round of negotiations held on January 25-26, 2023. 27 According to the State Department, the U.S. negotiating position is guided by the U.S. Entity’s Regional Recommendation and includes participation on the negotiating team by the Department of State, BPA, the Corps, the Department of the Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The State Department and the Province of British Columbia have also convened town halls and community meetings to discuss the status of negotiations with the public. Dept. of Environmental Quality The League has followed the story of the water quality/nitrate concentrations that for years, have been affecting the health of residents in the Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Leaguers might want to listen to two residents of Boardman on OPB’s Think Out Loud program. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League follows the work of this agency and provided testimony in support of SB 220 that would provide a fee to pay for implementation of a new e-permitting system for mining interests instead of using $2 million in General Funds. We also provided t estimony in support of SB 221 to provide ongoing funding for this new system and testimony on SB 222 to allow DOGAMI to accept credit cards and to add the credit card fee to the permittees if they choose to use a credit card. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch We are dismayed by the fact that SB 4 includes “supersiting” authority by the Governor for many acres of farmland “just in case” the semiconductor industry might want to build a new facility in Oregon. There are a number of industrial sites in current urban growth boundaries that will be able to accommodate all but the largest facility. For instance, HP, in Corvallis, is looking at expanding—on its current land. While our housing volunteers follow housing policies, at natural resources, we follow the land use elements of any bills. HB 2001 with the -11 Amendment will include work by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), including enforcement mechanisms for DLCD—to assure that cities are meeting the targets in the bill. It has been sent to Ways and Means. It is unclear if HB 2001 and HB 5019 will be part of the budget rebalance reported above in this report. A news release issued Feb. 22 announced that HB 5019 will be amended and will be the vehicle for funding the policies in HB 2001-11. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Recycling By Kathy Moyd A Work Session will be held March 7 in Senate Energy and Environment on SB 545 . A -1 Amendment has been posted for consideration. The bill directs the State Department of Agriculture and Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules allowing consumers to use their own containers for refilling with food at a food establishment. The League provided testimony on the base bill in Support. DEQ will be holding the fifth Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee meeting from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 10. DEQ will be presenting rule concepts related to Confidentiality, Entry of New PROs, Covered Product Estimates, and will be providing a proposal for an implementation transition period. There will also be further discussion related to the practicability benchmark, the responsible end market definition, and specific materials on the materials acceptance list. To attend the meeting please register through this link . To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking web page at: Recycling Updates 2023 . Water By Peggy Lynch The League has strong positions on water quality and the importance of wetlands. For a number of years, the League has supported an increase in removal/fill fees so it was easy for us to support HB 2238 . Place-based Planning is a concept that the League has supported since its inception in 2014. We participated in the HB 5006 Work Group where members suggested updating that planning program. HB 3163 would create a special Fund for these regional planning efforts. The League testified in support of the Fund. We are working with others on the specific criteria listed for qualifying for access to the Fund. The Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) is being updated . Go to the website for opportunities to participate. The League is engaged in discussions on HB 3100 related to the IWRS. We were excited to see that Oregon will receive $19 million to address PFAS chemicals in water systems in small and low-income communities. This OPB article helps explain the award. We have just learned that HB 3207 will be up for a public hearing on March 7 related to domestic well water testing and HB 3208 that would expand the Environmental Quality Commission’s authority to annually adjust additional water quality fees up to 3% per year. The League has participated in a rules advisory committee related to 3% fees for other water quality permits and has been invited to do so again this year. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Above you can see the names of League volunteers who covered one or more issues. Volunteers are needed. Please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. The 2023 legislative session is almost halfway over. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Child Care and Summer Learning Age Discrimination Education Gun Policy Housing Legislation Immigration Age Discrimination By Trish Garner HB 3187A passed the House and was referred to the Senate Labor and Business Committee. A Public Hearing is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 29th, and a Work Session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1st. This is a workplace age discrimination bill but has been amended so that the only surviving language relates to prospective employers and employment agencies not being able to request or require disclosure of an applicant’s date of birth or graduation dates, unless a conditional offer of employment has been made or age is a job requirement. Child Care and Summer Learning By Katie Riley Summer school HB 2007 which modifies requirements for the summer learning program to emphasize literacy and accountability was passed and signed into law by Governor Kotek.The League submitted testimony commenting on the bill. The accompanying funding bill HB 5047 provides $35 million for summer 2025 and $47 million in 2026 and 27. It also moves the funds into a special summer learning grant fund in the Treasurer’s office outside the general fund; thereby, establishing a sustainable funding source that allows for advance planning. ODE has issued information about eligibility and grant application procedures. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) The CASA program operates with a combination of federal and state funds to receive training and coordination to advocate for foster children. With the possible termination of federal funds, the state is being asked to backfill the gap: HB 5002 – provides funding for the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), including $7 million in state funding for the Oregon CASA Network and Oregon’s 19 local CASA programs. The bill is currently in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means subcommittee on General Government. It bill has had informational hearings but has not yet been referred out to the full Ways and Means committee. HB 3196A (copy not available yet)– would provide $3 million in backfill funding for the anticipated shortfall in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants, which provide vital support to CASA and other victim services. It has been referred to Ways and Means. Education By Jean Pierce K-12 Most of the Education bills for which LWVOR has submitted testimony this session have been referred to Ways and Means or Revenue committees. We do not expect to see movement on them until after the May 14th revenue update. SB 1098, opposing book bans based on discrimination in schools, passed the Senate and has been referred to the House Education Committee. HB 2550, the Oregon Promise Grant, was not considered in a work session. Hopefully that funding will be part of a “Christmas Tree” omnibus funding bill. Higher Education The League is submitting testimony for HB 2586 which is in the Senate Education Committee. The bill would permit an asylum seeker who is a student at a public university in this state or Oregon Health and Science University to receive an exemption from nonresident tuition and fees. Impact of federal actions on schools in Oregon President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 23 aimed at bringing artificial intelligence into K-12 schools in hopes of building a U.S. workforce equipped to use and advance the rapidly growing technology. The University of Illinois discussed pros and cons of AI in education. The Oregon Department of Education has issued this guidance on the use of AI in K-12 classrooms . LWVOR has provided testimony in support of SB 1098 , which would promote access to books which do not discriminate.. This is timely, since, as of April 22, the Supreme Court appears to be poised to rule in favor of a group of Maryland parents who want to be able to opt their elementary-school-aged children out of instruction that includes LGBTQ+ themes. According to KOIN as of April 25, at least nine institutions of higher education in Oregon have signed the American Association of Colleges and University(AACU) Call for Constructive Engagement: Chemeketa Community College, Lewis and Clark, Linfield University, Pacific University, Portland State University, Reed College, University of Oregon, University of Portland, and WIllamette University. This alliance was inspired by Harvard’s resistance to administrative overreach. In addition, Reed College has signed onto an amicus brief supporting a federal case challenging recent student visa revocations, detentions and deportations. According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle , visas for international students have been abruptly revoked at Portland State University, the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. In some cases, students have alleged they were targeted for participating in pro-Palestinian protests. On April 21,a federal judge in Oregon ordered the government to reinstate visas for two Oregon students and blocked Immigration and Customs Enforcement from deporting them. Gun Policy By Marge Easley SB 243 A , which mandates a 72-hour wait before the purchase of a firearm and places a ban on rapid-fire devices, was moved to Senate Rules. This allows the bill to bypass legislative deadlines and gives supporters additional time to lobby for support. A LWVOR Action Alert on SB 243 A was sent to members on April 16. If you have not yet done so, we urge you to contact your legislators to urge passage of this important gun safety bill. LWVOR submitted testimony on the parts of the bill: SB 429 , SB 696 , and SB 698 Three other gun policy bills are sitting in Ways and Means: SB 1015 (grant program for community violence prevention), HB 3076 A (gun dealer licensing program), and HB 3075 A (Measure 114 implementation details). On April 15, Measure 114 was appealed on constitutional grounds to the Oregon Supreme Court, and it is hoped that a favorable ruling will soon allow the measure to go into effect. On the federal level there was news on April 21 that may impact the 30 states that have laws placing age restrictions for firearms. The US Supreme Court declined to review an appeals court’s decision that Minnesota’s law violates the Second Amendment rights of 18-to-20-year-olds. SB 697 was the Oregon bill to set a prohibition on the purchase and possession of firearms to those under 21, but it failed to pass out of committee. The League submitted testimony for SB 697. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona HB 3054 A – Limits annual rent increases in home parks or marinas LWVOR continues to focus on housing challenges experienced by people with the lowest incomes. Affordable homes in Oregon are in short supply, making it important to strengthen resident protections, as proposed in HB 3054 A. The bill seeks to limit rent increases for homeowners in home parks and marinas that are experiencing escalating rents and curtail landlord practices that may threaten residents’ ability to stay in their homes. This bill with the -2 amendment establishes the maximum annual rent increase percentage for homeowners in a home park or marina with more than 30 spaces to 6% from the current level of 7% plus changes in the consumer price index (CPI). It also prohibits a landlord from requiring that a selling tenant or prospective home purchaser make aesthetic improvements or allow internal housing inspections. Only maintenance or repairs carried out by the homeowner would be required under this bill. Parks and marinas with 30 or fewer spaces are exempt and covered by the current rent cap of 7% plus changes in the CPI, capped at 10%. The House Committee on Housing and Homelessness passed HB 3054 A on 4/16. It is scheduled for a public hearing on May 7 by the Senate Committee on Housing and Development. The League submitted testimony. Oregon has more than 140,000 manufactured homes, with 62,000 located in more than 1,000 privately owned parks across the state. Manufactured housing is one of the largest sources of naturally occurring affordable housing. Residents on fixed or limited incomes have few options when costs escalate and far exceed what they can afford. HB 3054 A would help ensure continued affordability of this critical housing supply. SB 814 A : On April 26, the House Committee on Homelessness and Housing held a public hearing on SB 814 A and scheduled an April 30 work session. LWVOR provided testimony in support. The bill would modify eligibility criteria for the Oregon Housing and Community Services long-term rent assistance program by adding youth exiting Oregon Youth Authority custody or child care centers. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith Click Scroll Bar on Bottom of Table to View All Columns Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 Immigration Study JWM waiting for Fiscal Y Sen Jama -3 amendment SB 599A Immig status: discrimnation in RealEstate transactions H Judiciary Sen Campos H J Ws : 4/30 SB 611 Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented JWM 8 Sen Campos Rep Ruiz amendment -1 SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill JWM 6 Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G Testimony HB 2548 Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. H Rules PC: No recommen dation Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. JWM 1.5 Rep Hartman HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - HC ECHS - JWM dead Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds * likely end of session Reconcilation Bill HB 2586 A nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Sen Ed RepHudson, SenCampos 4/28 PH HB 2543 fundsfor universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters HC Jud ? 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS - see sb 703 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund JWM 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama OHA HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund / JCWM-GG ? 7 Das HB 2586 nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers; S Ed PH 4/28 Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

local leagues Local Leagues In Oregon We have members throughout the state of Oregon and 15 local Leagues or state Units. Members who don't reside near a local League can join at the state level as a Member-At-State (MAS)! Most Leagues offer free or discounted membership for students. Join the League in your area! LWV of Clackamas County PO Box 411 Lake Oswego, OR 97034 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Coos County PO Box 1571 Coos Bay, OR 97420 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Corvallis PO Box 1679 Corvallis, OR 97339 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Curry County PO Box 1859 Gold Beach, OR 97444 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Deschutes County PO Box 1783 Bend, OR 97709 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Klamath County PO Box 1226 Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Lane County 175 West B Street #2 | Island Professional Center Springfield, OR 97477 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Lincoln County PO Box 1648 Newport, OR 97365 Become a Member Go To Website Linn County Unit 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Marion/Polk Counties P. O. Box 421 Salem, OR 97308 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Portland PO Box 3491 Portland, OR 97208 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Rogue Valley PO Box 8555 Medford, OR 97501 Become a Member Go To Website LWV of Umpqua Valley PO Box 2434 Roseburg, OR 97470 Become a Member Go To Website Union County Unit 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 Become a Member Go To Website Washington County Unit 1330 12th St SE Suite 200 Salem, OR 97302 Become a Member Go To Website