Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/20 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Budgets/Revenue Climate Governance Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team The Feb. 22 (quarterly) Revenue Forecast provided guidance to legislators as they consider bills for the next few months. Of course, it will be the May 17 forecast that will be used to balance the state 2-year budget for 2023-25. We now have a list of most of the bills to be heard this session—with the exception of some “priority” bills that take the permission from the Senate President or Speaker of the House. The next important 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 quarterly Revenue Forecast was shared on Feb. 22 in House Revenue. The Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) was heard on Feb. 21-23. The Oregon Marine Board agency presentation and public hearing will be 2/27. The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) budget ( HB 5020 ) will be scheduled Feb. 28 & Mar. 1 & 2, with public testimony on March 2. We understand that tentatively the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) is scheduled for the week of March 13. Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) budget ( SB 5509 ) week of March 20. Dept. of State Lands ( HB 5037 ) mid-March and Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) week of March 27. No date has been announced for the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ). The agency provided their one-pager on the Governor’s Recommended Budget with the list of Policy Option Packages included. See Governor Kotek’s biennial budget . For natural resource agency budgets, start on page 146 of the web document. The Governor’s budget is “balanced” with the use of the ending fund balances of $765 million from 2021-23 that would have gone to the Rainy-Day Fund. Oregon’s reserves are at $2 billion and those funds are not expected to be used, nor is the $3.9 billion kicker money that is expected to be returned to taxpayers. Kicker amounts won’t be finalized until the 2021-23 budget is closed in Sept. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See Climate Report in the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Dept. Of Environmental Quality (DEQ) The League provided testimony with concerns on SB 835 . In listening to the bill sponsor, the concern is that DEQ is not equally administering permits. The bill seemed to require that a single septic system be used for both the main home and an accessory dwelling unit placed on a lot where a septic system is used. The sponsor and DEQ are to clarify the concerns of the sponsor to assure that permits are being considered consistently. LWVOR agrees but wants to be sure that permits are given to use the same system ONLY if it is adequate and in good condition and able to handle the increased waste. This is a public health and safety issue. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The DOGAMI budget ( SB 5510 ) was heard. The League provided testimony , both supporting the Geologic Survey and Services Division where science is king and acknowledging the importance of the Mined Land Regulation and Reclamation (MLRR) Division, although we have concerns about the new General Funds proposed for the MLRR program—a program once only funded by fees. Governance By Peggy Lynch The League noticed a couple of bills in Senate Rules and provided testimony in opposition. SB 42 would require agencies to add even more factors related to business when calculating the cost of doing the rulemaking and those consequences. It goes so far as to allow only a few people to file a petition to hold rules hostage. The League provided testimony in opposition. SB 38 would require certain agencies to process permits even if state or federal laws or rules changed during the permit processing. The League provided testimony in opposition. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch HB 2001 is being “stuffed” with the -8 amendment that includes a number of bills LWVOR supported. Section 11 would provide “financing, including refinancing, to local governments or housing developers for predevelopment costs, including infrastructure, site acquisition, planning, reports, surveys and consultants.” LWVOR testified in favor of SB 534 which is now incorporated into this bill as well as some other provisions, including HB 2889 , the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis bill. A news release issued Feb. 22 announced that HB 5019 will be amended and will be the vehicle for funding the policies in HB 2001-8. The Joint Semiconductor Committee Co-Chairs have introduced SB 4 that includes monies to help semiconductor industries and would allow the Governor to “supersite” industrial lands for this industry. The League is concerned with the land use provision. Some of the lands being considered are prime farmland. And some were promised as “rural reserves” in a “grand bargain” from about 10 years ago—so that farmers could plan for investments on that land for 40-50 years. We have supported the concept of “shovel-ready” lands for industry as well as housing, but infrastructure takes investment and it’s unclear if the monies requested in the bill will help pay for servicing any raw land. The need for infrastructure within our Urban Growth Boundaries should be addressed for these lands to be used for any need. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Radioactive Waste By Shirley Weathers On February 13, the RAC member representing Waste Management proposed a number of changes to the schedule ODOE has put forward to address proposed rules for Division 050 of OAR 345 relating to radioactive waste. They requested that ODOE 1) grant an extension of the March 1 deadline for members of the RAC to submit informal input on the initial draft of proposed rules on radioactive waste for Division 050 of OAR 345 provided by ODOE to RAC members in December; 2) agree on a “new more protective approach” that “. . . will be designed to incorporate the most current radiological science;” 3) convene a series of RAC meetings beginning in April designed to obtain consensus on the new approach; and 4) accept a draft rule package of their own on the basis of their new proposed approach in lieu of submitting comments to the draft concepts currently before the RAC as developed by ODOE. On February 15, ODOE agreed to an extension and to explore possible April meeting dates with RAC members. Recycling By Kathy Moyd The League provided testimony on three recycling bills after doing research: SB 542 requires original equipment manufacturers to make repair information available to consumer electronic equipment owners or independent repair providers. The League provided testimony in support, but pointed out two areas where changes should be made: clarify what was included under the bill and deal with the enforcement method. Preferred versions were included in the New York law. SB 543 prohibits food vendors from using polystyrene foam containers in sales of prepared food. A - 1 amendment was posted three hours before the public hearing. LWVOR provided written testimony after the public hearing. SB 544 directs the Environmental Quality Commission to establish a program for source reduction of single-use plastic food ware and single-use packaging and achieve 25% source reductions compared to 2023 levels by 2030. A -1 amendment was posted three hours before the public hearing. LWVOR provided written Testimony after the public hearing. Toxics By Paula Grisafi LWVOR provided testimony in support of SB 426 , the Toxics Free Schools bill for a Senate Education Committee Feb. 21 hearing. Water By Peggy Lynch On Feb. 15, Governor Tina Kotek declared the first drought declaration of 2023, in Crook and Jefferson counties through Executive Order 23-05, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. All or a portion of Crook County has been classified as having exceptional drought (D4) conditions since early July 2021. The data indicates the 36-month average ending in January 2023 is by far the worst on record. Current conditions in the Crooked River watershed are less than 30% of the average and reservoir storage is only 10% full. The Klamath and Harney basins may have groundwater restrictions in the future. The two Oregon regions are grappling with water shortages and could soon have new groundwater restrictions as a mega-drought continues to parch the U.S. West. The Water Resources Department may create new critical groundwater areas in Harney Basin in eastern Oregon and the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon, according to agency spokesperson Alyssa Rash. The decision would give the agency wide latitude to mandate groundwater use cuts by setting pumping limits or by denying new permits to pump from underground aquifers. The Oregon Capital Chronicle provided a good article on this important issue. 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 will work with others on the specific criteria listed for qualifying for access to the Fund. The League participated in a meeting by Oregon Kitchen Table as the Integrated Water Resources Strategy is being updated . The meeting was to consider how to reach out to more Oregonians and what issues might be of interest. An LWV Deschutes member also attended and shared some of the Deschutes basin concerns. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” We provided testimony in support of HB 2647 , a bill that declares harmful algal blooms to be a menace to public health and welfare. An amendment will be considered to narrow the bill since some issues were addressed in previous sessions. 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: 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.

Jean was introduced to the League in 2008 after she retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Her first experience was serving on the national League’s study committee which developed the Federal Role in Public Education position. She headed the equity part of the study. After that experience, she joined the LWV of Illinois Issues and Advocacy Committee, which she chaired from 2014-2023. In 2023 she moved to Oregon, joining the Washington County Unit and the LWVOR Action Committee. Currently, Jean serves as Chair of the Action Committee for the state League. She is the Coordinator of Social Policy, with a focus on Education issues. Jean Pierce 2nd Vice President and Action Chair Jean was introduced to the League in 2008 after she retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Her first experience was serving on the national League’s study committee which developed the Federal Role in Public Education position. She headed the equity part of the study. After that experience, she joined the LWV of Illinois Issues and Advocacy Committee, which she chaired from 2014-2023. In 2023 she moved to Oregon, joining the Washington County Unit and the LWVOR Action Committee. Currently, Jean serves as Chair of the Action Committee for the state League. She is the Coordinator of Social Policy, with a focus on Education issues.

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

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 5/5 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Agriculture Bottle Bill Update Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Columbia River Gorge Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Transportation Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Water Wetlands Wildfire AIR QUALITY SB 726 A requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data as specified in the Act. LWVOR supports. The bill has been referred to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment where it had a public hearing on May 1 and a second hearing on May 6 for those who signed up but were unable to testify on May 1st. AGRICULTURE By Sandra U. Bishop SB 1129 A Requires Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) to amend rules on urban reserves. The bill deals with prioritizing lands to be added to urban reserves. The bill passed the Senate, had a public hearing April 28th in House Committee on Housing & Homelessness and now has a work session set for May 5th. HB 3560 A Expands the areas where childcare centers are allowed to be sited. The nexus with farm and forest land is a provision in the bill to allow a county to impose reasonable conditions on establishing a family child care home in areas zoned for exclusive farm use, forest use, or mixed farm and forest use. The proposal would also move statutes governing the siting of childcare facilities to the chapter of Oregon Revised Statutes relating to comprehensive land use planning. The bill has passed the House, had a public hearing May 1st in Senate Committee on Early Childhood & Behavioral Health and now a work session set for May 6th. BOTTLE BILL UPDATE By Sandra Bishop SB 992 is the omnibus bottle bill. The -3 amendment replaced the original bill, was adopted, and the bill passed the Senate and has been assigned to the House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment where it is scheduled for a public hearing on May 8 . This bill is Portland-centric and contains various changes to the bottle redemption centers in Portland to address problems and make it easier for those who return and redeem beverage containers on a daily or near daily basis. It also contains a provision that would allow a winery to refuse to redeem containers of a type or brand they do not sell. The League has not taken a position on the specific changes proposed in SB 992, but has always supported the bottle bill and continues to support the most appropriate, effective, and environmentally sound recycling and recovery of beverage container materials. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch 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. On Friday President Trump published a general outline of his proposed budget for the federal government (Oct. 1, 2025 to Sept. 30, 2026). The document assumes much of the funding for this fiscal year that he has held back will continue and a 22% additional cut in “discretionary spending”. We now need to see what our May 14th state revenue forecast will be. Then our legislators need to decide how much, if any of those federal cuts will be backfilled by state monies. This Oregonlive article suggests some of the most painful cuts. Each day we learn of more and more federal funding that was assumed to have been awarded and now may be cancelled. In some cases, these funds were reimbursements, meaning that the state or other entities have spent money and expected the federal government to pay them for all or a portion of that expense. Depending on the May 14th forecast and federal actions, many policy bills with costs will be left to die due to lack of available state revenue. League has been informed that, with the exception of three budgets, the other 11 natural resource agency budgets will be considered after May 14. Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources: Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 I nfo mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Meeting Materials Of critical importance is their request for a new IT system—ONE ODA--one of the many IT bonding requests this session. Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Info mtgs. March 24 and 25 with public hearing March 26. Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 Info mtg. and public hearing March 13. Washington Legislature passed a slimmed down budget (27% cut). We expect Gov Ferguson to sign. A Work Session has been set in Oregon for SB 5508 on May 8. Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 . Governor’s budget DEQ Fact Sheet Meeting Materials . info mtgs. April 7-9, public hearing April 16. League testimony Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 info hearing 2/10, Meeting Materials , public hearing 2/11. April 28: Natural Resources Subcommittee info hearing on Department of Energy - Grid Resilience. Meeting materials Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 info hearing 2/10, public hearing 2/11 Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 , public hearings Mar. 31 & Apr. 1-2; Meeting Materials , Apr. 3 ODFW Hatchery Assessment; See also the April 15 informational meeting on the Private Forest Accord and Aquatic and Invasive Species. Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . info hearing March 10 & 11. Public hearing March 12. Meeting Materials ; See the April 15 informational meeting on the Private Forest Accord. (See the Forestry and Wildfire sections for more information.) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI): HB 5010 Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials LWVOR testimony Aggregate industry testified against the staffing and fee increases. LWVOR points out that KPM #4 , mine inspections has consistently NOT met the small 20% target so, if staffing is needed to meet that target AND fees increased to pay for them, we will continue to support. LWVOR supports SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. See the agency’s presentation to understand the reasons for these increases. On March 25 the bill was moved to Senate Rules without recommendation. A performance audit was prepared. The League will continue to be involved in SB 836 because we need DOGAMI staff to do more than 14% inspections of mining operations. On 4/23 League did outreach to the Senate Rules Committee members with a history of LWVOR engagement with DOGAMI and explanation of our support for SB 836. The Dept. of State Lands budget ( SB 5539 ) included up to $10 million to be transferred to DOGAMI to begin work on a project in NE Oregon on carbon sequestration. The hope is that it will be on Common School Fund lands and will provide a return on investment over time. Separately, Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee is to hear grant requests May 6. Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 Governor’s budget DLCD Fact Sheet Public hearing Feb. 3-4; LCDC 1/24 presentation ; Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . SB 817 is a bill to request a minor fee increase. It has passed the Senate. A public hearing was held on April 23 in the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water . Work session set for May 5. Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB): HB 5021 Public hearing Feb. 17 Meeting Materials See also the April 15 informational meeting on Aquatic and Invasive Species. Work Session set for May 7 along with HB 2558 A modifies the definition of "charter guide" for purposes of outfitter and guide laws 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 management in partnership with the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Here are the Legislative Fiscal Office recommendation for each of the three bills. Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 info hearings March 3-4, public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 Info hearing March 17. public hearing March 19. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony in support. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources will have an informational meeting on the Elliott State Research Forest on April 22. Meeting materials . Work Session set for April 30 for SB 5539 and for SB 147A, Elliott State Research Forest policy and funding bill. LFO 2025-27 budget recommendation . The League was pleased that many of our testimony requests were funded, but disappointed that POPs 500 and 502, both General Funds requests to help communities prepare land for housing and assistance with wetlands permit issues were not included. However there was increased staffing provided for the removal/fill program. LFO budget recommendation for SB 147. Both bills were moved out of committee and to Full Ways and Means. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Governor’s budget WRD Fact Sheet Here is a summary of the Governor’s budget. Governor's Budget and Agency Request Budget documents are available online here . Info Mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 (Bill moved to Ways and Means) and support HB 2803 (The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies.) Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-26 Oregon Business Development Dept.: HB 5024 Info mtgs. 3/12, 13 & 17. Public Hearing 3/18. Additional informational meetings: Held April 7 and Scheduled April 22. Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management: SB 5517 info hearing 4/7&8. Public hearing 4/09; Office of the Governor: SB 5523 LFO meeting materials . April 28 Public hearing Oregon State Fire Marshal: SB 5538 info hearing 2/19, public hearing 2/20. Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT): SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. Here is an article from oregonlive reporting on the potential 2025 transportation package with proposed revenue sources. The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. The Joint Committee on Transportation may begin having public hearings on elements of the 2025 transportation package starting May 12th. See below for more information on conflicting plans to address ODOT’s revenue needs. Dept. of Administrative Services: HB 5002 info hearings 3/03-5, public hearing 3/06. Meeting Materials Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Info hearings 4/29-30. Public hearing May 1st. Legislators provided testimony on their need for increased staffing and support for the departments mentioned above. Staff provided testimony on their need for full time employment and a work/life balance. A number of staff are only hired for the legislative sessions. The workload for our “citizen legislature” has increased tremendously—not only dealing with bills during session, but constituent services year-round. Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing May 9. Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be populated with an amount for the Emergency Board to spend at will and amounts in Special Purpose Appropriations if needed when the legislature is not in session. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing held April 18. Second public hearing, this time on university and community college requests, will be held May 2. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) Public hearing 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 Ocean Policy Advisory Council Meeting, May 7. OPAC will meet virtually from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meeting information will be made available via the Oregon Ocean Information website . Contact: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League supports SB 830 , a bill that m odifies provisions of the on-site septic system loan program to allow for grants. It also allows for the program to consider mobile home parks in need of septic upgrades. A public hearing was held April 17 in the Hou se Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment . The League then shared with each committee member our testimony in support of HB 2168 , a bill that would fund this grant and loan program. A work session was postponed. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) The Trump Administration listed the Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project on its Permitting Dashboard. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for part of the permitting and a “ permitting timetable will be published for this project on or before May 16, 2025.” The state has permits that need to be addressed as well and have been working thru a consolidated permitting process the past few years. The League has been following this project and the permitting process. FORESTRY (ODF) By Josie Koehne The League provided testimony in support of HB 3489 , a timber severance tax bill that would help fund ODF, provide funding for wildfires and monies that would go to counties where timber is harvested. A public hearing was held on April 24 where the League supported also the -1 amendment proposed by the sponsor. The Legislative Revenue Office provided explanations of a variety of taxes on timber harvest before the hearing on HB 3489. The Board of Forestry April 23rd mtg. agenda is focused on a process for selecting a new State Forester. The Board wants to address their current role as appointee. However, they are aware of the Governor’s bill in the legislature. Here is the latest article from OPB on the recruitment. The League will continue to follow SB 1051 , assigned to the Senate Rules Committee, which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor. A public hearing was held March 24. Because the bill is in Senate Rules, there is no current deadline for action on the bill. See also the Wildfire section of this report below and the separate Climate section. GOVERNANCE On Thursday afternoon the League learned that 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, will have a Work Session Monday, May 5. We have been following bills related to changing processes around rules advisory committees and were surprised that this bill is getting a Work Session. Our partners, equally concerned that these implementing groups would relitigate the policies passed by the entire legislature, have reached out to the sponsors and to the Chair of the House Rules Committee to explain our concerns. Stay tuned. The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies or facilitate an agency’s mission. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies : This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. We continue to watch a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255 , HB 2303 , HB 2402 and HB 2427 . We are also concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership. Because the League is often engaged in rulemaking, we regularly comment on legislation that would affect changes in Oregon’s current Administrative Rules. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures . LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra U. Bishop/Peggy Lynch Regional Solutions provided a webinar on April 30th around housing. We will provide a link to the webinar in next week’s Legislative Report. HB 2647 passed the House floor and was assigned to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. On April 29 it had a work session “solely for the purpose of moving it to another committee”. On May 2nd it was assigned to the Senate Housing and Development Committee—without recommendation as to passage. HB 3921 is a similar bill in that it would allow by law land swaps for City of Roseburg/Douglas County per this preliminary staff analysis . The bill passed the House and had a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing and Development on April 30 and a work session set for May 7. The League provided testimony in support of HB 3939 , a bill that provides a list of infrastructure projects to fund for smaller Oregon cities so they can build more housing. We have also supported HB 3031 A (already sitting in Ways and Means) but know there might be limited dollars this session so called out that link in our letter. The -1 amendment to HB 3939 was adopted and the bill moved to Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. HB 2316 -4 frees up approximately 3,500 acres of state land of which can now be used for housing production, all within the urban growth boundaries. It provides revenue to the state from the sale of the land, and it also provides revenue to our cities because the land becomes taxable for property taxes five years after purchase. The bill was sent to Revenue with a subsequent referral to Ways and Means. See also the Agriculture section above and the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. TRANSPORTATION On April 30, Oregon House Republicans released their plan to provide funding for the Oregon Dept. of Transportation by reducing many programs. Oregon Democratic Transportation Co-Chairs released their plan the first part of April, a plan that includes increased taxes and fees. The Legislature has until the end of session to agree on a final plan that addresses the many varied transportation needs of Oregonians statewide. OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD (OWEB) By Lucie La Bonte Funding possibly zeroed out of President Trump’s Budget Proposal – FY 25 Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Funds (PCSRF) could delay FY25 Award Process. Good news – PCSRF is often not in the President’s Budget and may be restored in Congress. OWEB is still working through the 21-24 awards, and they were big. Even without new FY 25 PCSRF funding available, OWEB would not likely see impacts for at least a year. The OR, WA, ID, CA and AK delegation is well aware of the funds, importance and working closely with other vulnerable Pacific State enterprises to advocate and plan. In the Legislature - OWEB is tracking bills with impacts and are down to two bills outside of OWEB budget bills: HB 3131 – 17.3 million Oregon Cultural Heritage and HB 3341 – 5 million Drinking Water Protection. These are being considered by Ways and Means and OWEB has no position on them because they were not in the Governor’s budget. There is no change in OWEB’s Budget Bills. They are still above permanent funds as presented in February. A work session on these bills has not yet been scheduled. WATER By Peggy Lynch Oregon's Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) provides a statewide inter-agency framework for better understanding and meeting Oregon's instream and out-of-stream water needs. Here is the IWRS website . Oregon's Water Resources Commission adopted the first IWRS in 2012 and the second in 2017. A League member served on the Policy Advisory Group for each. Oregon Revised Statute (536.220) was updated in 2023 to require that the IWRS is updated every 8 years.  Draft 2 is now available for Public Review and Comment. Please submit your written comments to WRD_DL_waterstrategy@water.oregon.gov on or before May 7, 2025. Bills we are following: Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ) . A - 4 amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the House. It has been assigned to the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire, had a public hearing on April 29 and is set for a possible work session on May 6. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ). A work session was held, and the bill was sent to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) A work session was held, and the bill was referred to House Rules without recommendation as to passage on a 6 to 3 vote. HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. House Rules has a public hearing set for April 30 consider the A10 amendment that will extend the timeline for testing to 2027 in groundwater management areas The League has worked on the intent of this bill. Although narrowed, we are pleased to see this bill possibly move forward. A work session scheduled for May 1st was cancelled but rescheduled for May 7. HB 3364 makes changes to the grants programs at the Water Resources Dept. The bill passed the House floor, had a public hearing on April 24 in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire where a work session was held and the bill passed the committee so will now go to the Senate floor for a vote. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. A work session was held April 8. SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office, may have more of a chance of passage. It had a public hearing on March 25 with a work session April 8. These bills were moved to Senate Rules without recommendation as to passage to allow for further conversation. SB 1154 was amended by the -1 amendment and sent to Senate Rules without recommendation as to passage in a 4 to 1 vote. An article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle explains the bill and its controversy. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. The good news is currently Oregon is NOT in drought! However, the latest long-term forecast is for a hot (90 deg) May and a hot (100 deg) June! We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. As the weather gets warmer and more people and animals visit Oregon’s water bodies, it is important to watch for potentially deadly algal blooms. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WETLANDS The League participated in rulemaking on Removal-Fill Program Fees earlier this year. After review by the Dept. of Justice and comments are received, adjustments to the proposed rules will be shared on May 1st. The Dept. of State Lands will be hosting a second comment period from May 1 – 31, as well as two public hearings online. Please find a PDF copy of the notice on the DSL website here. A new Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been formed related to Permitting and Mitigation in Oregon's Wetlands and Waters. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers Many wildfire related bills saw some movement this week, though the future of, perhaps, the majority of them remains far from certain. SB 83 , which would repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map and accompanying statues related to it, was passed unanimously by the Senate on April 24, and referred to the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment. A public hearing has been scheduled for May 6. Also headed to that Committee, and scheduled for Work Sessions on May 6 are SB 75 A , that, as amended, simply removes the wildfire hazard map as a guide for allowing ADUs and requiring higher building codes in rural areas; and SB 85A , which directs the State Fire Marshal to establish a neighborhood protection cooperative grant program to help communities collectively reduce their wildfire risk. The League supports this bill as an extension of the work done in previous sessions. The Omnibus wildfire funding bill, HB 3940A , 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. All eyes were on this hearing as wildfire season approaches and funding is shrouded in uncertainty. Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office have stated the minimum annual amount needed for wildfire funding to address the growing wildfire crisis is around $280 million. It is quite unclear at present which of the several funding mechanisms in this bill, which were generated by the Wildfire Funding Workgroup, will move forward. Drawing the most attention in opposition was the provision to increase the bottle deposit. The other main issue was the need for rural fire district associations to find relief from the assessments they are expected to pay, especially for those in Eastern Oregon. Also in wildfire funding news, 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. 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 on April 23 and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. SB 1051 , which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation, remains in the Senate Rules Committee. HB 3666 remains in the Rules Committee. This bill would establish wildfire mitigation actions and an accompanying certification for electric utilities in an attempt to standardize their approach. Finally, while the effects of Federal cuts on staffing and other areas of wildfire mitigation and suppression generally remain uncertain, it was announced recently by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) that Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants funding has been ceased by FEMA. The BRIC grant program provided money to help communities prepare for natural disasters before they happen. This act will result in a loss of wildfire mitigation funding, along with many other needed preparedness actions. In addition, some funds already allocated will be withdrawn. OEM outlined the impact the April 4 announcement from FEMA canceling the fiscal year 2024 BRIC grant program has on Oregon in this April 24 announcement . This development adds to the urgency of finding viable and substantial wildfire funding solutions this session. Bills we are watching: Senate Bill 1051 , Governor Kotek is seeking the authority to choose the next State Forester. The Board of Forestry has begun the recruitment process. 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 Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 4/10 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Budget/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Elliott State Research Forest Land Use/Housing Radioactive Waste Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire Natural Resources By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team Fun and games at the Capitol—and some bills passing out of chambers. After the Senate decided to hold all day sessions on April 10 and 11, that was extended to the entire week and the House joined in the marathon sessions. Bills were getting backed up and needed to get to the second chamber if they were to stay alive. The next deadlines are May 5 to schedule a Work Session and May 19 for the bill to move out of committee. Budgets/Revenue On April 6, the League provided testimony in support with comments on the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ). The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ) wastentatively scheduled for April 17 and 18 with public testimony on the 18 th . Expect agency budgets for small agencies to see Work Sessions next: Marine Board, LUBA, Columbia River Gorge Commission (Washington State legislative session ends April 23 and the Oregon budget allocation needs to match equal funding for the Gorge Commission.). As we await the May 17 Revenue Forecast, here’s some food for thought from the U.S. Federal Reserve: “Staff members at the central bank, who brief policymakers before interest rate decisions, had long expected GDP growth to slow this year in the wake of the Fed’s fight against inflation. But last month they upped the odds of a downturn, according to the minutes of the Fed’s March 21-22 meeting . Their projection was for “a mild recession starting later this year, with a recovery over the subsequent two years,” according to the minutes, released Wednesday…. They estimated the economy would fully recover by 2025.” A series of public meetings will provide Oregonians with an opportunity to share their priorities for the state budget and HB 5006 , Emergency Board funding and other funding for 2023-25, including a virtual public meeting session on Friday, May 5, 5-7 p.m. Plan on no more than 2 minutes each! We await the May 17 Revenue Forecast that will be the guide for the final balanced budgets for 2023-25. 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/Peggy Lynch The League joined other groups concerned with HB 3382 policy and submitted a letter explaining the serious threat to our coastal planning that could reduce or remove the opportunity for future coastal NOAA grants. We need your voices to tell your legislators to Just Say NO! A newly updated DLCD Coastal Grants webpage now highlights the new Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding program being administered by OCMP/DLCD. The next solicitation for projects will be in May, 2023. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) is considering the adoption of amendments to Part Three of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan (TSP), the Rocky Habitat Management Strategy. A draft of the proposed rules is available on DLCD’s website. LCDC is scheduled to consider adoption of the new amendments during their April 20-21 meeting. Please contact Casaria Taylor, Casaria.taylor@dlcd.oregon.gov for further information. Address written comments to the Chair LCDC, care of Casaria Taylor via email. If you have questions, contact Andy Lanier at 503-206-2291, or email: Andy.Lanier@dlcd.oregon.gov . The agenda for LCDC’s April 20 meeting will be available on DLCD’s website . LWVOR has supported this work in the past. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch A League member attended the ESRF prospective Board meeting on April 10. There was extensive discussion on the financial viability modeling by both the Dept. of State Lands (DSL) staff and separately Oregon State University staff. Work on the Habitat Conservation Plan has hit a bump around protection of riparian areas for the marbled murrelet, making the harvest levels less than expected. Timber harvesting in certain areas is where the funding for this new Authority gets its revenue. We may see an increase in a funding request from DSL for the 2023-25 session to address transition expenses. The group will meet in a retreat, April 17-18, to try to resolve these challenging issues. The website may provide more detailed information soon. The League did remind the Board of our continuing concern related to financial viability and hopes the Board can resolve the issue. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch The League watched the hearing on SB 1087 , a bill that “appeared” unexpectedly in Senate Rules on April 8. The bill was filed on behalf of a farm in Lane County where they want to add a “café” on their Exclusive Farm Use (EFU)-zoned property. League members might want to read the testimony from 1,000 Friends since the request was to develop a 5,000-square-foot facility with outside seating and 25 parking spaces. The bill would set standards for the establishment of farm cafes on lands in Lane County zoned for exclusive farm use. It requires the Oregon Health Authority to review the land use compatibility statement before licensing a farm cafe. The bill also authorizes OHA to revoke, deny or suspend licenses upon certain violations of land use conditions. The overwhelming testimony filed was opposed to this bill. The League is concerned with the precedent that would be set by allowing this activity in Lane County as other counties could ask for the same use on their EFU lands in the future. LWVOR will wait to see if the bill has legs and may want to send opposition testimony to Rules Committee members if a Work Session is scheduled. Another bill of interest is HB 2659 , brought “at the request of Cities of Springfield, Happy Valley, Troutdale, Medford, Hillsboro and League of Oregon Cities”. The bill seeks relief from the Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities rules adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC). The bill now sits in House Rules while, on April 20, LCDC will consider new temporary rules meant to address at least some of the concerns of those cities. A lawsuit is also pending on the adopted rules. We will see after April 20 if the parties can come to an agreement. You can read more about this issue on the LCDC website . HB 3414 with the -4 amendment would create a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD and also includes a Section 2 related to processing of variances under certain circumstances. Variances are used to address exceptions to a code’s “clear and objective standards”. It is unclear how this provision will change a community’s control over residential development. The bill was moved without recommendation as to passage, referred to House Rules, and then to Ways and Means. SB 70A would allow housing on acreage in Malheur County. The League provided testimony in opposition on Feb. 8. On April 3, the bill was moved without recommendation as to passage to Senate Rules. LWVOR still opposes it. There are a number of bills related to siting solar in Oregon. HB 3179A was sent “do pass” to the House chamber. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Radioactive Waste By Shirley Weathers Oregon Dept. of Energy staff has set the meeting of the RAC requested by the member representing Waste Management for 9a-12 noon on April 24. No details about what Waste Management will present at the meeting are available at this time beyond their initial request for the meeting back in February. In that, they indicated that they will seek consensus acceptance of a draft rule package of their own on the basis of their new proposed approach in lieu of submitting comments to the draft concepts currently before the RAC as developed by ODOE. The League will attend the virtual meeting. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd/Greg Martin SB 543A will have a public hearing on April 17 in House Climate, Energy and Environment and a Work Session on April 19. The bill would prohibit the use of polystyrene foam containers and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sales of prepared food. The League provided testimony in support on Feb. 17. SB 542-7 , the Right to Repair bill, passed out of Committee to the Senate floor on April 4. The League provided testimony in support on Feb. 14. See the interesting OPB article on the bill. The House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee held a Work Session on SB 545A on April 17. The amended bill simply requires OHA to "adopt rules allowing for a restaurant to allow a consumer to fill a consumer-owned container with food." It also gives OHA an additional 6 months to adopt the rules (by June 30, 2024). (ODA was removed from the rulemaking mandate since the department adopted changes to the Retail Food Code in February.) The League provided testimony in support when it was heard in the Senate. Toxics By Paula Grisafi HB 3043 A has a public hearing scheduled on April 20 in Senate Energy and Environment. SB 546 A (toxic free cosmetics) was sent to W&Ms although there was NO fiscal for the 2023-25 session because, although the measure takes effect January 1, 2024, all substantive portions of the bill are not operative until January 1, 2027. SB 426 (toxic free schools) moved out of committee with the -2 amendment and was sent to W&Ms without clarity on the fiscal impact. Water By Peggy Lynch A major water bill, HB 3124 , was moved to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. The bill is a $250 million Drought Relief and Water Scarcity package. and includes some of the other bills we’ve seen this session. You can view the committee presentation here and Drought Relief and Water Security Slides and comprehensive explanations: Bipartisan Drought Relief and Water Security Package (BiDRAWS) . A “public comment” opportunity has been set in House Agriculture, Land Use, Agriculture and Water on April 18. The League will provide comments on the bill and its various elements, using our participation in the HB 5006 Work Group as our guide. A priority of the League is HB 3163A , a bill that renews the Place-Based Planning program with a Fund to help groups participate in this program, sent to W&Ms. The League participated in a Work Group last year to help develop program sideboards and provided testimony in support. HB 2238 would have authorized rulemaking to consider an increase in fees for the removal/fill program. The League supported the original bill. Instead the bill was amended and now just clarifies what DSL can do with personal belongings when they clean up sites on their property. The League is disappointed. We will continue to follow the bill in the Senate. 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 info 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. California is looking better, but Oregon continues to have concerns. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations for the counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant and Deschutes. Wasco County has also requested a drought declaration. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers The House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment, on April 5, held an informational meeting on SB 82A , relating to insurance companies and consumer protections with regard to homeowners’ insurance and wildfire risk. Doug Grafe, Wildfire and Emergency Response Advisor to the Governor, gave a brief history of wildfire and its spread in terms of both geography and intensity, for context. This was followed by an overview of past and current wildfire related legislation. He outlined the intersection of SB 82A with SB 80A , the omnibus Wildfire Programs bill, and how the wildfire mitigation programs for homeowners and neighborhoods outlined therein, when taken advantage of, should figure into insurance company’s ratings calculations. The informational meeting was immediately followed by a SB 82 A Public Hearing. Andrew Stolfi, Director of the Oregon Department of Business and Consumer Service, (and State Insurance Commissioner), gave a bill overview, emphasizing it is primarily for the purpose of consumer protection and increased transparency. He also mentioned that as part of their work, an increase in payment limits under the FAIR Plan had been secured, a real win for homeowners in this high-risk pool. Next up was Senator Golden, who reiterated the need for insurance companies to consider homeowner and neighborhood mitigation measures when rating a policy or policies. He called it a “companion” to SB 509 A , which aims to scale out neighborhood collaboratives in order to help whole neighborhoods reduce risk. Also on April 5, there was an informational meeting before W&Ms on HB 5036 , about funding and spending authority for the new recently established Department of the State Fire Marshal, taking the place of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Previously, this office operated as part of the Oregon State Police (OSP). One negative bit of information from the meeting was that funding for the continuation of wildfire Community Risk Reduction Programs, to be continued under SB 762, the original 2021 wildfire legislation, was to be cut from $75 million to $40 million. The Governor’s budget decreases or eliminates a number of wildfire related programs. On April 6, this same committee held a HB 5036 public hearing, with a number of speakers testifying in favor and lauding the work of the State Fire Marshal. Chair Mark Bennett, Wildfire Programs Advisory Council (WCAP), also lent his support, saying he was “…glad it’s no longer the bastard step-child…” of OSP. WCAP was scheduled to hold their next meeting on April 14 to discuss the wildfire hazard map and current legislation. This very interesting Oregon Live article outlines circumstances before and while the 2020 wildfires broke out, where State officials had a pointed discussion with public electrical utilities about considering Public Safety Power Shutoffs in light of the developing wind and wildfire situation. Finally, demonstrating the continuing benefits of the 2021 wildfire bill, SB 762 as “the gift that keeps on giving”, this KEZI article reports on new special, state of the art, wildfire fighting engines and tankers purchased for localities around the state by the Department of the Fire Marshal. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is 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.

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

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 4/24 Education By Anne Nesse Governor Kotek’s SB 1045-2 sets a significant legal precedent for education in our state. The -2 amendment names certain “vulnerabilities of students” in education, for which all school districts need to comply with state law. This principle of equity in education has long been supported by the League of Women Voters. All last week House Education held an important informational hearing on the large Omnibus Workforce Training Education Bill, SB 283 A . Sen. Dembrow introduced and explained the 31 Sections, in a simplified version below. This Bill was the result of a number of workgroups that gathered online to address the crisis of recruitment, retention, working conditions, and compensation for all groups of teaching and staff in our public education system. The League participated in one of the groups, as did many of the professionals involved in the educational process. Sen. Dembrow reminded us that this problem was happening before the Pandemic and is happening nationally. He listed just a few of the major issues such as the high new teacher dropout rate, the difficulty of the jobs teachers do (considering more money is offered in other professions), increasing costs of living, the lack of diversity in employment, and a high degree of rural area staffing issues. Sen. Dembrow stressed that we are working on short and long term strategies with these problems. The following is a summary of the Bill in Sections: Section 1 calls for the need for increased workforce data, not just anecdotal. TSPC and UO will be working on this. Section 2 directly addresses the knowledge of why teachers leave the profession, with better exit surveys and an annual report. Section 3 calls for up to a 20% pay increase differential for teachers and classified employees working in Special Education 75% of the time. This measure was polled and classroom teachers supported this, but we don’t yet know the full cost. Sections 4-5 clarify rules so classified staff will always be compensated above minimum wage. This is currently not occurring, due to limiting staff hours in Special Education classes. Sections 6-8 grant that Special Education staff will be given the protection of no firing without a just cause. It addresses the fact that this is a physically demanding job. Sections 9-13 address the problem of inadequate substitute teacher positions, by respecting them as school district employees, giving them some access to training and PERS in 2023-24. Sections 14-15 address the fact that minimum salary levels are different in different districts, and the need for applying some kind of standard so that we maintain excellence throughout the educational system, as Washington State has done. Sections 16-17 study teaching as an apprenticeship model, with recommendations to be finished by 9/15/2024, as well as paying student teachers for their work. Sections 18-19 bring together a task force to study statewide salary guidelines in preference to local control. This also includes an educated task force for calculating our biennial educational budget (CSL) and collecting data on extra individual school district spending above that level. Section 20 includes “grow your own” programs study (a type of apprenticeship), that includes mentorship grants that help local candidates become teachers who have roots in communities, using student for success act dollars. Sections 21-22 create investment in public relations campaigns to promote interest in education careers, ideally matched by local funds and philanthropy. Sections 23-25 smooth the process of licensure after retiring, for teachers and classified staff to become substitute or part-time teachers. Sections 26-29 allow teachers to work full time and still receive PERS at retirement. This also protects ESD Superintendents from firing without just cause, as last year's SB 1521 did for elected School District Superintendents. Sections 30-31 remove excess background checks for differing educational jobs that are actually similar. Section 32 is the Emergency Clause to enact this legislation.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 1/27 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Priorities Natural and Working Lands Climate Emergency Legislative Environmental Caucus Climate Priorities There are now over 120 Environmental/Climate Legislative Bills posted or soon to be posted to OLIS in January and Early Feb. Some of these bills are just placeholders. At this point here are a few that have been identified as potential League policy and/or budget Climate priorities: Climate Priorities Public Hearing Posted – League will submit Testimony HB 2966 Establishes the State Public Bank Task Force (see 2023 HB2763 , vetoed by the governor) Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans 
, Jan 28 1PM, HC CCP, 2023 LWVOR Testimony Other Priorities Update to Greenhouse gas Emission Reduction Goals. Bringing back SB 1559 (2024)

 Natural and Working Lands ( OCAC NWL Report ) (see NWL LR below)
 SB 681 Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium 
 SB3170 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks 

 HB 2566 Stand-along Energy resilience Projects – Governor Tina Kotek
 SB583 Study/Task Force on public banking/financing ( 2024 HB 4155 )
- Sen Frederick
 SJR 28 Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Leg Referral
- Senator Golden, Representative Andersen, Gamba, Senator Manning Jr, Prozanski, Representative Tran 
 SB 682 Climate Super Fund, Sen Golden, Rep Andersen, Gamba, Sen Campos, Pham 
 SB 679 Climate Liability, Sen Golden SB 680 Climate Science / Greenwashing, Sen Golden and Manning SB 688 Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, Sen Golden, Sen Pham, (Senate Energy and Environment - SEE) SB 827 Solar and Storage Rebate, Gov Kotek & DOE, SEE Carbon sequestration/storage see DOGAMI Agency Budget
(see NR LR) – Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) . Transportation package that prioritizes climate, equity, and wildlife: This package would build on the historic gains of HB 2017 (which included investments in public transit, Safe Routes to School, and vehicle electrification), to shift the focus to multimodal, safety, and climate-forward investments. This will create a system that saves money over time and builds a more resilient, equitable, and healthy future for all Oregonians. (see OCN Press Rel ) Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package* ( HB 3081 , SB 88 , LC 1547): Oregonians are struggling to keep up with skyrocketing utility bills in the face of ever-worsening climate impacts. HB 3081 would create an active navigator to help Oregonians access energy efficiency incentives all in one place. SB 88 limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. SB 553 LC 1547 ensures that large energy users (i.e. data centers) do not unfairly burden Oregon households. (*see OCN Press Rel ) Natural and Working Lands By Josie Koehne On Tuesday, Jan 21, the first meeting of the 2025 session in Senate Natural Resources & Wildfire Committee kicked off with an informational hearing on Farm and Forest Land Loss in Oregon presented by Hilary Foote, Farm/Forest Specialist at Department of Land Conservation and Development. She reported that although our land use laws were successful in preserving 97% of zoned farm and forest land since 1987, the figures do not reflect the many changes on the landscape. Two hundred sixty-seven farms - most of them small - were lost, and over 600,000 acres were lost from production. Between 1984 to 1913, 172,000 acres of forest land and 182,000 acres of agricultural land were lost. There were some conversions to residential areas through the gradual expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary over the years, from farm to Forest land and vice versa, corporate land for energy production including solar, and mining. Some of the land zoned exclusively for farm and forest is being used for non-resource use but is still being protected. As of 1994, 10,200 homes were approved in wildland forest areas representing a 7% decline in forestland; most were one-off exception requests that the counties approved. Jim Johnson from 1000 Friends of Oregon discussed the importance of Oregon’s largely specialty crop production to the state’s economy, roughly $326,039,000, or 19% of the state’s total traded sector exports. One out of eight jobs in Oregon (12%) are agricultural-related. Population pressures on nearby land have jacked up per-acre prices for agricultural land, making it very hard for new farm start-ups and causing farmers to consolidate, buying up neighboring farms that can’t keep up with rising costs. There are loopholes in existing natural resource laws, such as replacement dwellings on land zoned exclusively for forest and farm use; large mansions are replacing small dwellings. Some owners have only a small portion of their land in production, such as keeping a small herd of sheep, or working at home full-time, and yet they still get a farm or forest special assessment. Several bills have been introduced this session to close these loopholes or ensure that new dwellings do not encroach into sensitive areas or areas with high wildfire risk. Look out for SB 73, SB 77, SB 78 among others. Other bills put restrictions on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in wildland urban Interface (WUI). Thursday, Jan 23 was the second meeting for this committee. The first presentation outlined four priority areas for groundwater and water right transfer policy reforms. Current processes are long outdated with a huge backlog of permits needing completion, and are not processed in a timely, consistent or orderly manner across the state. Chandra Ferrari and Geoff Huntington, Governor Kotek’s natural resource policy advisors presented. Next, the former Senator Dembrow and the Chair of the all-volunteer Oregon Climate Action Commission (OCAC) (formerly the Global Warming Commission), Catherine MacDonald, spoke about the intent of the Natural Working Lands Fund. Catherine presented a report on the implementation of the bill which was funded by the omnibus bill HB 3409 in 2023. See our previous testimony here . LWVOR works with the Natural Climate Solutions Coalition (NCS) monitoring the implementation of the Natural Working Lands Fund. The legislature approved $10 million to implement the Climate Change and Carbon Plan (CCCP) which was approved by the Oregon Department of Forestry in 2021. The funds are coordinated and channeled through the Oregon Water Enhancement Board (OWEB) to the other Natural Resource agencies, the Dept of Agriculture, Oregon Fish & Wildlife and the Dept of Forestry (ODF) and are earmarked for grants for climate smart incentives. Each agency reported on their progress to date. Andrea Kreiner, Executive Director of Oregon Association of Conservation Districts ended the day’s session. Local Soil and Water Conservation districts and water boards are responsible for seeing that the grants and incentives provided by the fund are allocated to local natural working landowners and managers for various climate-smart projects and practices. She stressed the importance of the legislature appropriating continuous funds that landowners can plan for and rely upon for their work. See this video for more information. Climate Emergency This week, key state agencies presented invited testimony to the House Climate, Energy & Environment Committee to explain their missions, programs, funding, and upcoming issues facing the legislature. Following are some highlights. Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) View ODOE slide presentation ODOE by the Numbers This year is ODOE’s 50th anniversary – the agency was created in a time of energy transition not unlike the present. ODOE relishes its role as a “think tank,” publishes an annual recap of energy-related legislation and conducts studies to inform proposed legislation. ODOE’s Biennial Energy Report published in November 2024 presents “ Energy 101 ” reports related to upcoming bills. Some popular grant programs will have no funding going forward in 2025; these include the Solar + Storage Rebate grants, the Energy Efficient Wildfire Rebuilding program, and the Community Heat Pump Deployment program. The governor’s budget proposes to continue the Community Renewable Energy Grant program that, as of December 2024, had reserved or disbursed $41 million and had $23.7 million remaining. ODOE has awarded 94 projects in 28 counties and estimates that more than 20% of grant funds to date are serving Environmental Justice communities. ODOE’s one-stop online resource for the state’s many available incentive programs has gone live and is in beta testing. Federal dollars are a key funding source. ODOE draws down and monitors federal funds that now total $280 million. First-round awards of Grid Resilience grants to electric utilities in March will total $18.9 million to 13 utilities in 17 counties; Home Energy Rebate grants totaling $113 million for high-efficiency home improvements, especially for low-income households, should be available later this year. County resilience planning grants, created by HB 3630, provide up to $50,000 per county to develop those plans— HB 3170 (Marsh) would change some program requirements and appropriate $10 million of the state general fund (GF). The legislature has given ODOE a lot of new assignments in the past few years, bolstered by federal funds. The governor recommends an overall budget of $174.5 million with an operating budget of $60 million, funded by state GF, federal funds, fees from site certificate holders, and the Energy Supplier Assessment (ESA), charged to fuel providers and utilities. In 2024, ODOE assessed $7.9 m illion of ESA charges on $8.5 b illion of gross operating revenues, equating to $1.87 per Oregonian per year. The governor’s budget would raise the ESA by 18%, driven by cost-of-living adjustments for staff and increases in state government service charges that all agencies face, but utility bills won’t necessarily go up that much because rates depend on a multitude of factors. ODOE estimates that most customers’ bills would be about 4 cents higher. Incoming federal funds could displace some state funding and serve to lower the ESA. Rep. Anderson asked about the outlook for future federal funding in light of President Trump’s executive order freezing the disbursement of Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds, particularly for EV charging stations. ODOE Director Janine Benner said a large number of signed performance agreements are in place with investments targeted in many states both red and blue, making it difficult for the new administration to claw back that committed money. Benner said ODOE is cautiously optimistic that those investments will go forward as planned. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) View ODEQ slide presentation ODEQ’s presentation did not address the agency’s budget request; the currently approved budget totals $753 million in all funds, 860 FTEs. Much of ODEQ’s activity is determined by the federal government (delegated by U.S. EPA) but the agency also administers state programs that predate federal environmental law. Federal funding for these activities has been stagnant or declining over the years. DEQ also generates a lot of data for other agencies’ environmental programs. Air quality monitoring is gaining importance due to increasingly severe wildfires and the resulting particulate matter in the air. ODEQ monitors greenhouse gas emissions and has implemented oversight programs that include the Clean Fuels Program and the Climate Protection Program (CPP). ODEQ reran the entire CPP rulemaking in 2024 to reestablish the program’s goals and mandates. New elements include a direct connection between ODEQ and the Oregon Public Utility Commission to mitigate natural gas price increases. Key manufacturing industries are now directly regulated by ODEQ, per their preference, but are exempt from CPP rules for the next 3 years as ODEQ develops rules to regulate the industries according to their carbon intensity. ODEQ has adopted two sets of rules to implement the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act of 2021. The Producer Responsibility Organization program is expected to go live this year. Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) View OPUC slide presentation OPUC has three full-time commissioners, no more than two of whom may be of the same political party. Chair Megan Decker’s second and final term ends March 31, 2025, so the Senate will need to confirm a new commissioner in February. Gov. Kotek has nominated her natural resources advisor, Karin Power. OPUC determines utility rates, presides over quasi-judicial proceedings, and implements policy. OPUC receives no GF, but is funded by an assessment of 0.45% of utilities’ gross operating revenues. The commission regulates rates of investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, and telecom utilities, considering more than a thousand individual issues per year with a variety of opposing positions. OPUC sets rates to balance the interests of the utilities and their customers. Rates must be just and reasonable but must provide sufficient revenue for operating expenses and the capital costs of the business—otherwise the state may be argued to have taken utility property without compensation. Utilities almost never get as large a rate increase as they request—typically less than half. OPUC staff (142 FTEs) make specific recommendations to commissioners on how to resolve issues and provide expert analysis of utility proposals and rate filings. OPUC evaluates utility filings in three major categories: Rates (general rate cases and annual cost adjustments), planning (utilities’ Integrated Resource Plans, clean energy, wildfire mitigation, and distribution system plans), and programs such as net metering, community solar, EV charging, and demand response. Besides the regulated utilities, participants in OPUC decision-making can include the Citizens’ Utility Board, environmental and community organizations, trade associations, energy developers and others. HB 2475 (2021) expanded OPUC’s ratemaking authority with regard to low-income customers. Groups that represent low-income and environmental justice (EJ) communities can receive intervenor funding assistance of up to $500,000 per year. OPUC’s new online comment portal makes it easier for the public to comment. Staff consolidates public comment into the record of each judicial proceeding. OPUC’s role in climate policy has changed dramatically—the commission is much more focused on this than in the past and has staffed up to address it. Wildfire readiness has become a huge part of utility operations, overseen by OPUC’s Safety Division. Equity and energy burden is a new and important role, legislatively directed. Rep. Osborne asked about the rate process. What’s keep utilities from gaming the system by asking for a lot more than they need? Nolan Moser, OPUC’s executive director, replied: OPUC’s rates team understands which costs are justified and which are not, and can separate the wheat from the chaff in rate filings. Rep. Helm: The House CE&E Committee will be considering some OPUC bills with complex issues, including where the utilities’ clean energy plans stand. The committee needs to dig more deeply into OPUC’s approach before those bills arrive. Rep. Wallan asked what is OPUC doing to ensure grid reliability? Moser said reliability is a core part of OPUC’s mission and a major focus of the Safety Division. Standards are extremely high–utilities are expected to operate all the time in all conditions. Wildfires are happening all over the country and threatening reliability and safety. Costs will go up a lot if we can’t get our hands around this problem. OPUC Commissioner Letha Tawney is well regarded as a regional wildfire expert. Rep. Gamba asked how the utilities are doing toward meeting their HB 2021 clean energy targets. Moser: They are moving forward as best they can but have different constraints. PGE has restraints around ensuring they can procure resources in a cost-effective way. PacifiCorp is a multistate utility pulled in different policy directions—has almost the same size of Oregon’s load compared to Utah, where coal is still being used. OPUC interprets HB 2021 language as creating a role for the commission in ensuring that the utilities review all procurement options to meet legislative intent. OPUC believes it has the authority to require a utility to issue an RFP for renewable resources—PacifiCorp has challenged that position in court. Rep. Marsh: Huge energy load demands are coming our way. Does OPUC have the tools it needs to help utilities manage those loads without a huge rate impact on customers? Moser: OPUC needs to reevaluate that—“We’re at a moment when our previous assumptions need to be completely reimagined.” Legislative Environmental Caucus Climate Priorities Performance Based Regulation for Utilities (SB 688) Transmission package aiding the expedited buildout of the electrical grid and increase efficiencies in existing infrastructure Enabling Changes to Electricity Rates of Large Power User Microgrids (HB 2064, HB 2065, HB 2066) Hydrogen Oversight at the PUC (SB 685) Transportation : The Caucus supports a transportation package that includes increased funding for public transit, Safe Routes to School, an emphasis on sustaining and expanding infrastructure for multimodal transportation, and policies that align with our climate action goals, along with creating a safer transportation network for people and wildlife. Schools : These policies make schools safer and more resilient by leveraging federal funds to improve infrastructure and environmental health. Transitioning to Electric School Buses (HB 2945) Positions at ODE to Support Climate Resilient Schools (HB 2941) Climate Protections and Policies : The climate package includes bills that have broad and long-ranging protections for Oregon’s environment and natural resources. Make Polluters Pay (SB 682) Updating Oregon’s Emissions Reductions Goals (LC 1440) Environmental Rights Amendment (SJR 28) Treasury Divestment from Fossil Fuels (SB 681) Legislative Environmental Caucus Climate Priorities

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/9 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop 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 Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Forestry (ODF) Governance Land Use & Housing Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Recycling Regional Solutions State Land Board Transportation Water Weather Wetlands Wildfire Intro Information on the 2026 session is live ! Bills are posted and committee agendas are beginning to be posted. We encourage you to e-Subscribe to the bills you want to follow and the committees of interest. Below you will find bills that our volunteers found of interest. You will need to look on OLIS to find the Committee to which the bills have been assigned. We will review bills for a linkage to League positions to determine if we will provide testimony for or against. Be sure and note amendments being posted at the day of a public hearing or work session on a bill. Testimony is accepted for up to 48 hours after a public hearing. If you miss that deadline, you can email legislators directly with your personal concerns. Only our League President can speak for LWVOR. The Revenue Forecast is here. Although we saw an increase in funds, it is not enough to cover costs so cuts will happen . The League continues to share our concerns. For natural resource agencies, we appreciate the Water Caucus's engagement. Read their letter here . Read their verbal testimony here . League members engaged with Leadership as well to explain the nexus between our agencies and public health. Although we can accept not filling agency vacancies—or delaying hiring—we hope to preserve staff positions for the biennium. We also note that some agency staff need 6-12 months of training in order to do their job as required. This is especially true for permit processers. See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report and sections of other Legislative Reports. AGRICULTURE Sandra U. Bishop HB 4130 : Relating to farm use. A public hearing was held on Feb. 4 in the House Committee on Revenue. The stated intention of the bill is to clarify the meaning of preparing agricultural products in defining farm use for purposes of determining assessed value of farm land for taxation. The bill proposes changes that would tie definitions of preparation of farm products or by-products to a new term “farm unit” (meaning all parcels used for farming whether owned or leased) and to where a majority of the preparation occurs. Preparing products or by-products “… means but is not limited to cleaning, treating, cutting, sorting and packaging.” There was no discussion during the hearing about suggested changes to language in the bill governing biofuel production on agricultural land. Staff measure analysis does not address the meaning or consequence of proposed language changes regarding biofuel processing that would seem to open farmland for increased biofuel production. The League continues to monitor the bill based on concerns linked to our positions on the importance of agricultural lands for agriculture. HB 4153 : Relating to farm stores. Feb. 4 Public Hearing was held in the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. Co-Chair Helm continued the hearing until Monday Feb 9 th . Only a few people had a chance to testify. There were 53 people signed up to testify (24 opposed, 27 support, and 2 neutral). Those on the sign-up sheet who did not get to testify on the 4 th will be called to testify on Monday. More than 900 written comments have been submitted. Advocates for the bill were given substantial time to address the bill while opponents just had 1-2 minutes each. The bill with -1 amendments and -2 amendments under consideration would eliminate any reference in statute to farm stands and add new language for “farm stores” on Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) zoned land. Permissive and vague language in the bill would allow many more types of event and sales of items unrelated to agricultural operations in up to 10,000 square foot permanent retail stores. There are no protections or consideration for adverse effects on nearby agricultural operations. As written, the bill states that counties “…may adopt siting standards for farm stores…” County staff determining standards on a case-by-case basis or ignoring such commercial development on EFU land is insufficient. Proposed changes in this bill could have profound economic and operational effects on farms and other agricultural undertakings in Oregon. A bill as complicated as this should not be rushed through in a short session. More public scrutiny and comment is needed, as well as more time for deliberation by legislators. The League has submitted testimony in OPPOSITION based on our positions on the importance of maintaining agricultural lands for agriculture. We appreciated the presentation posted on OLIS from Mike McCarthy, Ag for Oregon. Held over Public Hearing Feb. 9. Work Session Feb. 11. OPB article : Oregon farmers are divided over a proposal that would lift some limits on the type of business they can conduct on agricultural land. Some are pushing to change state law so they can make more money from sources other than agriculture, saying it’s necessary to stay in business. Others worry that changing the rules – and inviting more tourism to rural areas – could harm working farms and transform farming communities. Good news for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area (LUBGWMA): The federal government awarded: $2 million for well inspection and constructing monitoring wells in the LUBGWMA, including design and construction of eight new wells, filling gaps in OWRD’s current regional monitoring network with new wells at different aquifer levels. $600,000 to complete a groundwater analysis in LUBGWMA, including consumptive water use in the LUBGWMA from 1985-2023. See the Feb. 2 nd Legislative Report for details on the LUBGWMA. BUDGETS/REVENUE Peggy Lynch The Revenue Forecast provided around $300 million General Fund and $33 million Lottery Funds that legislators can now consider as they balance the 2025-27 budget again. Because that is not enough to cover costs, we expect cuts. The Co-Chairs of the Ways and Means Subcommittees have provided Leadership with their recommended cuts lists, but they have yet to be made public. Working in the natural resource world which is less than 3% of the state’s budget, each cut reduces the ability for Oregon to protect our air, land and water. The Water Caucus filed this letter to the Full Ways and Means Committee related to proposed funding cuts and investment priorities. The League continues to work to support bills that help narrow the funding gap. See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information. We encourage you to read ALL sections. CLIMATE 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 Christine Moffitt SB 1525 would establish the Blue Economy Task Force to study and report on economic development plans or strategies for the “blue” (coastal) economy and opportunities for the state to nurture sustainable blue economy businesses while preserving and protecting Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. It would authorize the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST) to create a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity to advance the trust’s mission. Chair Sollman testified in favor, as did a trust representative. The trust has distributed $2 million in competitive grant funding for high-impact research projects, but more research is needed. The 501(c)(3) would serve as a dedicated fund-raising arm of the trust—“technically clean, fiscally noncontroversial, and urgently needed.” The task force would be sunsetted on 12/31/2027. The bill is starred for subsequent referral to Joint W&M. The League has been a continual supporter of the OOST. Public hearing set for Feb. 4. Work Session set for Feb. 9. HB 4097 : Authorizes the Oregon Ocean Science Trust to create and maintain a nonprofit organization. LWVOR can support this bill. Bill passed the committee on Feb. 4 and is headed to the House chamber. On Friday, the Full Ways and Means Committee introduced LC 321 : Modifies previously approved lottery bonding provisions. (Includes monies for the Port of Coos Bay) Bond Authority Senate Bill. The bill was described as simply a correction/allocation issue. League members will follow up. Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. Undersea Infrastructure and Easements in Oregon’s Territorial Sea Rulemaking begins Feb. 11. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) HB 4102 : Modifies the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality to enter into agreements with regulated entities to expedite or enhance a regulatory process. It would allow DEQ to hire third-party contractors to expedite environmental permitting, as a response to DEQ’s sizable permitting backlog. Tech organizations and other advocates said the bill would speed up permitting for large projects and give businesses the certainty they need to grow jobs in Oregon. LWVOR opposed the bill in written testimony , expressing great concern about the use of outside contractors to perform important permitting work, especially if those contractors are paid by the regulated businesses. Multiple environmental organizations objected on the same grounds and pushed for sideboards to ensure that DEQ could identify qualified contractors and screen out those with conflicts of interest. Several committee members acknowledged these concerns and regretted that the tight deadlines of the short session prevented them from diving deeper into these issues. Other members suggested that agencies’ normal procurement practices would result in proper vetting of potential contractors, and this business-friendly bill was too important to delay. The committee essentially chose to punt these concerns to the Senate, assuming passage in the House, though the House would need to repass any amended bill. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 5. Vote in House chamber set for Feb. 10. We will continue to follow the bill if it moves to the Senate. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) Joan Fryxell The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources heard a presentation on Feb. 4 on the status of ePermitting, a concept that will allow DOGAMI to piggyback on the work by the Dept. of Environmental Quality’s electronic permitting system. Progress is being made. The League supported this effort as both a savings for permit applicants and access to information by the general public. FORESTRY (ODF) Josie Koehne The following is a list of bills we will be watching and possibly commenting on: HB 4004 : Provides that additional taxes otherwise imposed upon disqualification of land from certain forestland special assessment programs may not be collected if the disqualification is due to the suspension of reforestation requirements as a result of insects or disease. HB 4105 : Directs the State Forester to determine the available state forestland, establish sustainable harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and manage available state forestland. Allows certain persons to seek a court order if the State Forester fails to establish sustainable harvest levels or manage available state forestland. The bill has a subsequent referral to Ways and Means. LWVOR opposed a version of this bill in 2025 and will do so in 2026. Public Hearing Feb. 11. HB 4056 : Appropriates moneys to the State Forestry Department to offset landowners’ costs of fire protection provided by the department. For the biennium ending June 30, 2027, out of the General Fund, the amount of $9,000,000, for the purpose of offsetting potential increases in landowner forest patrol assessments. SB 1590 : Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 10 (3 amendments posted). GOVERNANCE Peggy Lynch The Natural Resources Team often follows bills related to permitting processes. Among the bills we are following: HB 4073 : Modifies provisions relating to administrative law. As with HB 2692 (2025), this bill creates burdensome and inefficient Administrative Rules Processes. LWVOR 2025 testimony . Public Hearing Feb. 10. HB 4019 : Requires certain agencies to base approval or denial of an application for a new permit on the rules and standards that are applicable at the time that the agency determines the application is complete. HB 4020 : Requires certain agencies to specify the authority justifying the denial of a permit application and provide the applicant a guide on how to contest the denial. Public hearing 2/03 -1 amendment was discussed and staff summary provided. LWVOR provided Comments . Work Session Feb. 10 (-1 amendment). HB 4084 : Establishes the Joint Permitting Council. A -1 amendment has been posted. The bill creates a fast-track permitting process for major projects, expands economic “enterprise zones,” and invests $40 million in industrial land site readiness to promote manufacturing. The Governor provided testimony on the bill at the Feb. 4 th Public Hearing . HB 4021 : Requires certain agencies to make adoption, amendment or repeal of administrative rules effective only on January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1. Public Hearing Feb. 10. SB 1586 : Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. This Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill. The League is watching and may oppose. HANFORD The U.S. Dept. of Energy sent this bulletin on Feb. 3 rd and announced: that it is partnering with American nuclear fuel company General Matter for the potential use of Hanford ’s Fuels and Materials Examination Facility (FMEF). This partnership holds great promise for rebuilding the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and unlocking nuclear energy critical for meeting growing demand for affordable, reliable baseload power needed to fuel the artificial intelligence (AI) race. FMEF is a 190,000-square-foot facility originally intended to support the Liquid Fast Breeder Reactor Program but was never used in any nuclear capacity. The facility has not supported a DOE mission since 1993 and has since remained in a dormant surveillance and maintenance status. LAND USE & HOUSING Peggy Lynch The League joined others in support of Oregon’s Land Use Planning Program in a letter on Feb. 2 nd : A United Voice for Oregon’s Land Use Program. Bills we are watching: SB 1564 : Adds specified lands to the City of Woodburn's urban growth boundary. Public hearing Feb. 10, Work Session Feb. 12. SB 1522 : Was a “study” bill, but the -1 amendment focuses the bill on processes for designating urban reserves. Public Hearing and Possible Work Session Feb. 12. HB 4113 : Requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development) to study housing development opportunities conditioned upon land conservation. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to land use no later than September 15, 2027. The bill relates to prior legislation and property in/near the Metolius. Public Hearing Feb. 10. Possible Work Session Feb. 12. HB 4035 : Expands eligibility for cities and Metro to amend their urban growth boundaries under a temporary program. Authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) to issue grants to implement the commission’s duties. The bill was filed after a Work Group conversation to consider reducing the sideboards from SB 1537 (2024) to expand UGBs. Presentation by Rep. Marsh. An amendment was discussed but not yet available. LWVOR engaged in SB 1537 and Work Group members have reached out during this process. Besides tightening up the use of exclusive farm land, we are concerned by the recommendation to expand the amount of acreage in HB 4035. We will hope that the amendment mentioned will address our concerns. Public Hearing Feb. 5. Possible Work Session Feb. 10. HB 4082 : Adds to a temporary UGB addition program an option for each city or Metro to also add to its urban growth boundary a site for manufactured dwelling parks, or for housing for older persons, that is affordable for households with incomes not more than 120 percent of area median income. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Possible Work Session Feb. 10 where -1 amendment will be considered. SB 1586 : Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. Adds rural reserves in Washington County to Metro to be used for high technology and advanced manufacturing purposes. See more on this omnibus bill in the Revenue Legislative Report. The League has major concerns about sections of this bill. Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill. SB 1578: Allows counties with a population density of less than 30 people per square mile to rezone up to 50 acres to be divided and developed for residential dwellings of at least five units per acre. The League has concerns related to parcellation of ag and forest lands and adding more private wells and septic systems in these rural areas. Public Hearing Feb. 10. HB 4108 : Requires a city to annex noncontiguous land upon receipt of a petition from all owners of the land that satisfies four eligibility criteria. Public Hearing held Feb. 3. Possible Work Session Feb. 10. The League supports the concept of this bill as good planning with the -1 amendment . The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by the LCDC on Oct. 24. There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone, including: Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025) and ( Rulemaking to clarify and allow housing and other needed development outside of wetlands. The rulemaking would create an optional, alternative compliance pathway for wetlands resources when a city is preparing bill annex lands from the urban growth boundary (UGB) to accommodate needed housing and economic development. See their Rulemaking page for more info on all the rules work being done by this agency. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. OREGON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW) Melanie Moon HB 4134 is a bipartisan bill that would increase the state tax from 1.5% to 2.75% for transient visitors to Oregon including camping, hotels and vacation rentals. This 1.25% increase has the potential to raise tens of millions of dollars urgently needed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect hundreds of imperiled species and the habitat that supports them. As an added benefit, this investment in wildlife and habitat would help protect clean drinking water and provide protection from drought and wildfires. LWVOR signed on to a letter in support . High Country News provides an article on this bill. Public Hearing Feb. 4. RECYCLING HB 4144 : Requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization and implement a battery producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of batteries. Public Hearing Feb. 2. Work Session Feb. 10. Currently set to move to Ways and Means so there is an expectation of a fiscal impact. REGIONAL SOLUTIONS The Regional Solutions Program : Within each of the 11 Regions, which are tied to Oregon’s federally designated Economic Development Districts, a Governor-appointed Advisory Committee sets Regional Priorities and a cross-functional Team of state agency staff works together to move projects forward. If you know anyone who may benefit from these publications, please direct them to this signup page . The public is welcome to attend virtually or in person. Go to the program website and to the region to find the agendas and meeting materials posted a few days before the meetings. Public Comment is usually scheduled. Upcoming Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) Meetings: Regional Solutions: South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties) February 17th from 9:00am-11:00am Mid-Valley (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties) March 12th from 1:30-3:30pm Southern (Jackson and Josephine Counties) March 25th from 12:00-2:00pm South Valley/Mid-Coast (Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn Counties) March 26th from 1:00-3:00pm STATE LAND BOARD Peggy Lynch The State Land Board will meet Feb. 10. The agenda and meeting materials are available. The meeting can be viewed on their YouTube Channel . Items on the agenda: Draft legislative concepts being developed by the Department of State Lands for the 2027 Legislative Session; An annual report from the Oregon Department of Forestry on management of the Common School Fund forest lands; The annual audit of the Common School Fund; The annual report on the state’s Real Property program ; and A climate action spotlight highlighting DSL’s work aligned with Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 25-26, including updates on two climate resilience projects: The Geologic Carbon Sequestration Project (in partnership with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries); and the Elliott State Research Forest Carbon Project. TRANSPORTATION (ODOT) Bills we are watching: SB 1599 : Moves the election date for the parts of chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2025 (special session), referred to the people by Referendum Petition 2026-302, to the primary election held on May 19, 2026. Bill was assigned to the new Joint Special Committee On Referendum Petition 2026-302 . Public Hearing Feb. 9. SB 1542 : Measure What We Drive: Performance-based scoring system to allocate road project funding, to include safety, climate and emissions. Annual Report Card. (Senate Transportation Committee) Informational meeting held Feb. 2. Public Hearing and Possible Work Session set for Feb. 9. SB 1543 : Guardrails for Good Governance: Adopt a transportation debt management policy with better transparency. Broaden representation on the Oregon Transportation Commission. (Senate Transportation Committee) Informational meeting held Feb. 2. Public Hearing and Possible Work Session set for Feb. 9. HB 4126 : Get the Data for a Better Road User Charge (RUC): Require ODOT to report the total biennial cost of maintenance and preservation for the state’s road system, and to report the total mileage driven. This data could later be used to calculate the RUC. Public Hearing and Possible Work Session set for Feb. 11. HB 4008 : Transit Funding Task Force To determine the level of funding needed to maintain adequate transit service statewide and explore funding mechanisms to achieve that funding. House Transportation Committee) The League supports. Public Hearing Feb. 9 A press release from ODOT on Jan. 14 reports: Impacts if Funding Gap Isn’t Addressed. In the upcoming short session, legislators will be looking at a $297 million funding target to support ODOT’s operations beyond June 30, 2027. Without new resources for the current budget cycle, the agency estimates it would need to reduce its workforce by more than 1,000 positions, including eliminating570 vacant positions and laying off approximately 470 current employees. KATU reminds Oregonians of the need for road maintenance. From ODOT press release : Learn more about our capital improvement plan for state and federally funded projects by visiting the draft 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, also known as the STIP, online open house . The online open house will be available through March 20. We may use your comments to make adjustments as we begin designing projects in the STIP. All comments will be included in the public comment record. This record will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission before they approve the final STIP in June. See what we're doing on the roads in and around your community by visiting our construction webpage . Explore our interactive map to see what we're working o n. WATER Peggy Lynch Bills of concern: HB 4006 : Authorizes holders of certain Columbia River water rights to change the point of diversion or use the water right on land to which the right is not appurtenant, provided certain conditions are met. Public Hearing Feb. 9. HB 4049 : Directs the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between ground water users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels. -3 amendments posted. Public hearing Feb 4. Work Session Feb. 11 League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in eight counties ( map ) . 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. 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. WEATHER State climatologist Larry O’Neill predicts weather change—possibility of snow starting Feb. 8 in an article in the Feb. 3 rd Statesman Journal . Forecast models show that ridge breaking down beginning around Feb. 7-8 and opening a “trough” that should allow storms back into Oregon. Often, this sort of trough, when it comes with northwest flow, brings both wet and cool conditions ripe for mountain snow, O'Neill said. Indeed, some of the forecast models are predicting as much as 44-72 inches in the Cascade Mountains by Feb. 18. Feb. 5 th OPB article on Oregon’s snowpack. Without more mountain snow in the coming weeks, wildlife, farmers and ranchers could all face hardship this summer. Oregon last had a record-breaking low snowpack year in 2015 . It could break winter records again this year if it doesn’t get more snow before the end of March. That’s usually when regions hit their peak snowpack of the season. WETLANDS Peggy Lynch SB 1584 : Directs the Department of State Lands, in consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, to develop a salmon credit pilot program to encourage the voluntary restoration of salmonid habitat in the Coquille and Coos watershed basins. Establishes the Salmon Credit Trust Fund. Directs the Department of State Lands and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to consult with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to seek federal approval for a bank instrument and authorization of activities that occur in navigable waters of the United States. Becomes operative on the date that the federal authorization and bank instrument are approved. Provides that the Department of State Lands may not approve a salmon credit project on or after January 1 of the sixth year following federal approval. The League has opposed similar bills in the past, including SB 511 (2025). We provided testimony again in opposition. Public Hearing Feb. 3. WILDFIRE Carolyn Mayers The 2026 Short Session of the Oregon state Legislature is underway, and the League is following two wildfire related bills, both of which had public hearings this week before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire. The first of these, SB 1551 , was heard on February 4. This bill would prohibit Homeowner’s Associations from preventing their members from taking certain home hardening actions, such as removing flammable fences and other structures and building materials from their properties, and replacing them with fire resistant materials. There were many questions from the committee around the question of fences on property lines and how they would be handled. There was testimony by representatives of state homeowner’s associations in opposition, and the bill has not yet advanced to a work session. Work Session Feb. 10 (-1 amendment). The second bill, and one that the League offered testimony in support of, SB 1541 , was heard on February 5 and would establish a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. A nearly identical bill did not advance last session. In a nutshell, this is a “Make Polluter’s Pay” bill, where it would require an assessment of damages caused by climate change driven wildfires and other catastrophic events such as heat domes and floods between 1995 and 2024, and require the largest oil and other greenhouse gas producing companies to pay into a fund. This fund would then be distributed via grants and loans to help the state, and local governments, recover costs associated with these disasters, and help to cover mitigation and resilience projects. Nearly all of the testimony was in favor with several timber and business-related organizations coming out in opposition. There is a -1 amendment which changes the party responsible for the rule-making around dispersal of funds from the Department of Land Conservation and Development agency to the Land Conservation and Development Commission. Much more detail in available in this article from the Oregon Capital Chronicle. Work Session Feb. 10. SB 1540 : Requires an insurer that uses a catastrophe model or wildfire risk model to provide the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services a description of each model, along with related information, and an explanation of how the insurer uses the model in underwriting decisions. Specifies elements that an insurer must include in each model and requires the insurer to give a premium discount or adjustment, or other incentive, to a policy holder that demonstrates having undertaken a property-specific mitigation action or that a community-level mitigation action occurred in proximity to the policy holder’s property. The Wildfire Programs Advisory Council met in January and released a required report on the Oregon Conservation Corps. The WPAC meets next on April 17. The Joint Subcommittee On Natural Resources heard a presentation on Landscape Resiliency on Feb. 2. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/26 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Other Governance Bills Privacy & AI, Elections, & In Memoriam for Alice Bartelt By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance During the 2/29 public hearing on the -3 amendment to this placeholder bill, HB 4024 , good government groups severely criticized the amendment for leaving huge loopholes for special interest organizations to still make 6-figure campaign contributions. See the League’s written testimony . After a week of private negotiations, a new -5 amendment was posted just minutes before a deadline before an 8 am Monday 3/4 hearing and possible work session. The good government groups have not yet had a chance to analyze this 48-page amendment. Stay tuned! Other Governance Bills HB 4021 , which requires the Governor to fill a vacancy in the office of U.S. Senator by appointment within 30 days until a special election can fill the vacancy, had a public hearing and a work session is awaiting action on the House floor. HB 4026 , which was a placeholder bill related to elections, was amended in House Rules to retroactively prohibit the use of a referendum on any urban growth boundary expansion. This would block a referendum in the City of North Plains in Washington County. The LWVOR submitted written testimony opposing the amendment, saying the bill is likely unconstitutional and may invite a lawsuit. The bill passed the House 49 to 5 and is now awaiting Senate action. HB 4031 was amended in House Revenue to protect taxpayer information from disclosure. It now awaits House floor action. HB 4032 , which removes the requirement that the word “incumbent” appear on the ballot with the name of incumbent candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, and circuit court, had a public hearing but no further action yet in House Rules. HB 4117 , which authorizes the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to issue advisory opinions on the application of the public meetings law, and which is a correction to a bill passed in 2023 session, passed the House immediately and unanimously. The bill then had a hearing and work session in Senate Rules and now awaits Senate floor action. SB 1502 requires public schools and college boards to live stream their meetings and post the meeting recordings on their websites and social media sites. It allows remote testimony for most school and college board meetings. The bill passed the Senate 29 to 1. The bill had a hearing and work session in House Education, which recommended “Do Pass” for the House floor. SB 1538 A , an election law clean-up bill that makes many changes, was passed by the Senate as amended on a 20 to 10 vote. The House Rules held a hearing and a work session, which recommended a “Do Pass” House floor action. Privacy & AI, Elections, & In Memoriam for Alice Bartelt By Rebecca Gladstone Late breaking: the Oregonian invited submission for this March 3rd Op-Ed: Opinion: Oregonians should not fall for Legislature’s fake campaign finance reform . A public hearing for HB 4024 -5, the bill mentioned in the Op-Ed was set after going to press, for 8am Monday March 4 in House Rules. An Action Alert is being prepared. Our Legislature went into Sine Die, 1-hour notice for bill hearings, on Feb 27, becoming both a sprint and a marathon. Rumor predicts that the last day will be Friday, 3/8. AI, synthetic media in campaign SB 1571 A : This was presented in House Rules after passing unanimously in the Senate. We updated and presented supportive verbal testimony, see video , first bill on the agenda. We expect a work session and passage in the final days. The Senate Memorial Commemoration for Alice Bartelt, SCR 203 , was heard and passed unanimously from the Senate floor on Feb. 28. See the video , at 20 minutes for the presentation and vote. Our thanks to Senators Deb Patterson, Lew Frederick, and Rob Wagner for supportive comments, especially for Alice’s daughters, unable to attend, and for the League (look in the gallery). LWVOR researched and wrote this resolution at sponsor Senate President Sen. Rob Wagner’s request. See League testimony . It was heard in House Rules, and we expect a work session and passage in the final days. Increase Voters’ Pamphlet languages SB 1533 : This bill to increase the number of languages other than English for State Voters’ Pamphlets passed unanimously on the House floor and has been sent to the Senate, with supportive League testimony . We expect a work session and passage in the final days. Automatic Voter Registration for students SB 1577 -3 . This bill to expand automatic voter registration for higher ed students, through the Dept of Revenue, was amended to require the Legislative Policy and Research Director to study its viability, benefits and challenges. After passing from Senate Veterans on a 3 to 2 partisan vote, it still awaits action in Joint W&Ms.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/24 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge Project By Arlene Sherrett This week we learned more about the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR or the Project) Project’s status from Just Crossing Alliance (JCA) , which published widely about their IBR’s plans objections. We spoke with Chris Smith, long-time observer of the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) plans, which failed to get us a bridge 10 years ago, and the current bridge rebuild, to Indi Namkoong from Verde, and to Brett Morgan from 1000 Friends of Oregon. They represent a local interest groups alliance which would like to see a S.A.F.E.R. bridge, in everyone’s best interests. We asked about having a hard time getting solid Project information. It seemed like there was nothing out there to follow issues raised about design, price and mobility matters. Indi shared that the draft bill (HB 2098-2) and funding plan were only made public a few hours before the informational hearing, and that JCA is “eager to see the bill brought forward for a public hearing soon so a wider range of voices can join the conversation.” Chris also pointed out that the Joint Committee on Transportation (JCT) meeting the night before was a “carefully crafted "infomercial" for the bridge with invited panels only.” Chris wrote legislative testimony opposing the -2 amendment and outlining JCA’s position. Getting the issues of bridge design and funding a broader public examination needs to be done. Anyone interested in how these issues will be resolved should read through this letter. Indi spoke to me about the draft bill. The bottom line is, we need a bill committing to the bridge project and allocating funds before May 5, 2023, in order to be in line for substantial federal funding. That deadline is all that needs to be met right now. So there is an urgency but we do not need a bill that commits to General Obligation (GO) bonds for the funding this bill proposes. Washington State has pledged a billion dollars for this project but is allocating only $300M to begin with. Oregon legislators could follow the same “pledge and allocate” model and find the amount needed in highway tax revenues instead of the general fund, which is so stretched right now. That would be a win for everyone. JCA believes the bill could be decoupled from any specific funding strategy and from the $6.3 billion spending cap. JCA suggests lowering that cap to $5 billion to force consideration of cheaper alternatives. JCA is not advocating for any one bridge plan but points us to the Alliance values . They want issues to be adequately aired before the legislature and the public. Their S.A.F.E.R. bridge platform emphasizes some issues that are not getting attention about the bridge, mobility for bikers, walkers and people in wheelchairs, for one, and points back to addressing funding issues so that State coffers for maintenance work that has been neglected in our neighborhoods would not be further drained. The Project’s unwillingness to respond to mounting criticism not only from the JCA, but many others , is troubling. Criticism that the lack of an Investment Grade Analysis or any other essential oversight of the Project, may leave us in the same situation we were in with the CRC, ignoring the very concerns that caused the failure of the bridge plans at that time. There is a lot to be considered here. It’s a huge project with a huge budget, and we should get it right this time.

I have a Bachelors in Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters and PhD in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I was a Professor at Illinois State University, where I taught Child Development and Family Relations, for about 20 years. I engaged in interdisciplinary, qualitative research with the same research team from the time I was a graduate student until I retired. In collaboration with Dr Brenda Krause Eheart, Founder of Hope Meadows/Generations of Hope, we studied the Generations of Hope Community, Hope Meadows, from its inception in 1994 until about 2014. A Generations of Hope Community is an intentionally created, intergenerational neighborhood, where some of the residents face a specific challenge around which the community organizes. Hope Meadows was developed to support families adopting children from the foster care system. Three problems (unused housing on a decommissioned Air Force base, adoptive families in need of support, and senior citizens looking for purpose) were united to form a unique solution — Hope Meadows. With substantial funding from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, we applied what we learned from Hope Meadows to the development of intentional, intergenerational communities across the nation. These communities were designed to support not only families adopting children from foster care, but various other groups of people facing social challenges. Bridge Meadows in Portland was one of the first programs modeled after Hope Meadows (https://bridgemeadows.org). We moved from central Illinois to Cove, Oregon in 2021 to be near our son and daughter-in-law. We live on 75 acres with our four hens, three cats, two dogs and three horses. When we’re not tending to way-too-much property, my husband of 52+ years, Chris, and I enjoy hiking, gardening, camping, reading, and riding our horses. We joined LWV when we moved to Cove, but didn’t participate until the summer of 2024 when I was asked to help with a voter registration drive at Eastern Oregon University. With support from the LWVOR, we held an informational meeting on November 1, 2024 to see if our neighbors in Union County were interested in establishing a local LWV Unit. In December 2024 the LWVOR Board recognized the Union County Unit. We are thrilled with the interest and enthusiasm and we currently have over 35 members. I am a co-leader and Unit Coordinator for the League of Women Voters of Union County Unit. Also, in the Fall of 2024 I was appointed to the Eastern Oregon University Head Start Advisory Council. My intentions are to help LWVOR by adding a voice from Eastern Oregon (an underserved part of the State), helping new Units to get started, promoting civil discourse in diverse communities, and collaborating with other nonpartisan organizations. Marty Power Director I have a Bachelors in Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters and PhD in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I was a Professor at Illinois State University, where I taught Child Development and Family Relations, for about 20 years. I engaged in interdisciplinary, qualitative research with the same research team from the time I was a graduate student until I retired. In collaboration with Dr Brenda Krause Eheart, Founder of Hope Meadows/Generations of Hope, we studied the Generations of Hope Community, Hope Meadows, from its inception in 1994 until about 2014. A Generations of Hope Community is an intentionally created, intergenerational neighborhood, where some of the residents face a specific challenge around which the community organizes. Hope Meadows was developed to support families adopting children from the foster care system. Three problems (unused housing on a decommissioned Air Force base, adoptive families in need of support, and senior citizens looking for purpose) were united to form a unique solution — Hope Meadows. With substantial funding from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, we applied what we learned from Hope Meadows to the development of intentional, intergenerational communities across the nation. These communities were designed to support not only families adopting children from foster care, but various other groups of people facing social challenges. Bridge Meadows in Portland was one of the first programs modeled after Hope Meadows (https://bridgemeadows.org ). We moved from central Illinois to Cove, Oregon in 2021 to be near our son and daughter-in-law. We live on 75 acres with our four hens, three cats, two dogs and three horses. When we’re not tending to way-too-much property, my husband of 52+ years, Chris, and I enjoy hiking, gardening, camping, reading, and riding our horses. We joined LWV when we moved to Cove, but didn’t participate until the summer of 2024 when I was asked to help with a voter registration drive at Eastern Oregon University. With support from the LWVOR, we held an informational meeting on November 1, 2024 to see if our neighbors in Union County were interested in establishing a local LWV Unit. In December 2024 the LWVOR Board recognized the Union County Unit. We are thrilled with the interest and enthusiasm and we currently have over 35 members. I am a co-leader and Unit Coordinator for the League of Women Voters of Union County Unit. Also, in the Fall of 2024 I was appointed to the Eastern Oregon University Head Start Advisory Council. My intentions are to help LWVOR by adding a voice from Eastern Oregon (an underserved part of the State), helping new Units to get started, promoting civil discourse in diverse communities, and collaborating with other nonpartisan organizations.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 1/23 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • 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 Access Health Care Housing Criminal Justice Access Change in the Rules By Paula Krane The Oregon Senate Republicans will now require all legislation in the Senate to be read in full before a final vote. This is a move that will allow the R’s to slow down the D’s agenda This means that not as much work can be accomplished this session. As of now it is the only parliamentary tactic the R’s think they have to encourage the D’s to work with them. Is this right and will it work only time will tell. Health Care By Christa Danielson SB 420 —Brain Injury Navigation Bill This bill had its first hearing in Sen Human Services with testimony from Senators Patterson and Manning and others from the traumatic brain injury community. Overall, the bill is well received and has many endorsements; LWVOR was mentioned as one. The bill will now go to W&Ms. SB 704 and HB 2558 This bill establishes a Governance Board for Universal Health Care and continues the work of the bipartisan Task force on Universal Health care. It directs the Governing Board to create a comprehensive plan to implement Universal Health Care by 2027. HB 2347 , 2881 , 2882 , 2883 , 2884 , 2885 —Opiate Reduction Package These bills expand the use of Narcan and other opioid blockers to reduce death in acute opioid overdose. These medications are usually used under a physician’s supervision, but this bill will allow these life-saving medications to be managed and used in many other settings such as schools and publicly owned buildings such as libraries, etc. These bills have had their first readings in House Behavioral Health and Health Care. HB 2458 This bill makes conversion therapy Illegal by mental health care professionals for those under 18 years of age by licensed mental health professionals. This bill is in House Behavioral Health and is brought forward by sponsors Nosse and Patterson. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Governor’s Executive Orders Action is converging around Governor Kotek’s priority to address the state’s housing emergency. The Governor signed three Executive Orders Governor’s website related to housing production and homelessness. In addition to setting a statewide housing production goal of 36,000 units per year, she established a Housing Production Advisory Council. Staff from the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), Department of Land Conservation and Development, (DLCD) the Higher Education Coordinating Committee, and the Building Code Division, are providing support to the Council to recommend an action plan to meet the state’s annual housing production target. Regarding Executive Order 23-02, which declares a homelessness emergency in parts of the state, Benton County adopted a resolution asking the Governor to add Benton County to the list of counties in the executive order. This option is now available to all other counties that were not included in the original Executive Order. Oregon Housing Alliance Oregon Housing Alliance, of which LWVOR is a member, voted to endorse two proposed bills backed by the Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH) that focus on preserving existing affordable housing and protecting tenants who live in them. Over the next 10 years, use restrictions on more than 7,500 units will end, with some becoming market rate rental housing, which will impose significant hardship on low-income tenants living in them. The LWVOR Action Committee approved adding its logo to NOAH’s informational handouts shared with legislators on bills: HB 3042 and HB 2653 . Oregon Housing and Community Services OHCS and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are partnering to support youth experiencing homelessness. OHCS recently completed a $9 million interagency funds transfer to one of ODHS’s Self-Sufficiency Programs --Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program. The program will coordinate statewide planning for delivery of services to youth experiencing homelessness and support local programs. It will also support newer initiatives by investing in activities such as crisis prevention and long-term interventions. Department of Land Conservation and Development Throughout the 2023 legislative session, DLCD will review dozens of bills related to housing production and affordability under consideration by lawmakers. Perhaps the most consequential is HB 2889 , which would implement the agency recommendations published in conjunction with OHCS in December 2022 to comprehensively reform the state’s Goal 10 planning process. HB 4006 (2018) requires OHCS to annually provide cities with populations greater than 10,000 data showing the percentage of renter households that are severely rent burdened. It also requires submittal of “Permitted and Produced” surveys to DLCD by February 1 for the previous year. Last week, DLCD published datasets summarizing this information from 2018-2021. Data from 2022 is expected to be published in Spring 2023. Past downloads of “Permitted and Produced” Reports and other required housing reporting can be found on DLCD’s website . Criminal Justice By Marge Easley Data collection and dissemination have become critically important tools for the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) and the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC), according to presentations given to the members of the Joint Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee on January 24 and 25 . OJD began a concerted effort for better data collection in 2016 with the rollout of the E-Court program. Data dashboards represent the latest step forward. They graphically show data for criminal filings and caseloads for felony and misdemeanor crimes, aid and assist, expungements, and post-conviction relief. Data is critical to further CJC’s mission “to improve the legitimacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of state and local criminal justice systems.” Data is collected from police stops, arrest and corrections information, circuit court cases, specialty court cases, and grant program reports. CJC also uses dashboards to provide real-time data in a user-friendly way. For example, one dashboard illustrated: In 2020 and 2021, Covid-19 led to a significant decrease in police stops and property crimes but a surge in violent crime, particularly murder and aggravated assault. The onset of Covid led to a 50% decrease in Non-Possession of Controlled Substances arrests and to a 90% decrease in Possession of Controlled Substances arrests. The implementation of BM 110 led to further reductions.

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 Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • 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: Afterschool and Summer School Criminal Justice Gun Safety Healthcare Educatio n Housing Legislation Afterschool and Summer School, Child Care By Katie Riley During the November Legislative Days hearings, The Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education held informational briefings on early learning as well as education regarding costs, performance considerations, and proposed cuts due to the pending loss of $880 million in federal funds. Child Care: In response to the Governor’s request to outline potential budget cuts of 5% and 2.5 %, the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) recommended that no cuts be made to the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program and the Early Learning Parent Education program at the 2.5% level. Overall, recommendations showed potential cuts to administrative functions prior to programs. Programs with Reductions at 2.5% and 5.0% Scenarios 21.0M $2.4M $36.7M These are listed in prioritized order for reductions, and most are not targeted for a full 2.5% for the first scenario. Other Early Learning Grants Child Care Supports Early Learning Hubs Early Learning Professional Development Early Learning Program Supports Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten 5 Preschool Promise Health Families Oregon Relief Nurseries Early Childhood Equity Fund Programs Held Harmless for both 2.5% and 5% reductions Baby Promise Birth to Five Literacy Kindergarten Partnership Innovation Tribal Early Learning Plan & Fund (Early Learning Tribal Hub) Every Child Belongs (Mental Health & Behavior Supports) No decisions were made on reductions. Long-term effects, alternative funding sources, reserves, and income potential will all be considered. On the plus side, a report from Jessica LaBerge on 11-18-25 representing the Eastern Oregon Childcare Business Accelerator for the Southern Oregon Regional Solutions Exchange reported that the business accelerator has started its first cohort of 13 potential childcare providers across Eastern Oregon. This program will help provide childcare businesses with small business advising, childcare educational credits, curriculum support and ongoing assistance with the business side of childcare. The goal is for the participants to be fully licensed and opening their own childcare business to provide additional capacity for Eastern Oregon communities. She is hoping to find additional funding to start a Spanish speaking cohort and additional cohorts in the future. Afterschool Care New data on the demand and need for afterschool care was included in the report, America After 3 pm , published by the Afterschool Alliance, October 2025 Citing the most recent survey of over 30,000 parents nationwide, the Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant said “Families at all income levels want afterschool opportunities and those with resources invest heavily in afterschool programs and activities. But it’s concerning that, after adjusting for inflation, afterschool spending by families in the lowest income bracket has decreased since 2020, while spending by families in the highest income bracket has grown, exacerbating inequities. Afterschool programs give students a safe place to go after the school day ends, boost their academic achievement, help address the youth mental health and chronic absenteeism crises, provide alternatives to screen time, give working parents peace of mind that their children are safe and supervised, and more. Our country will be stronger and more successful when all children can take advantage of what afterschool programs offer – but, sadly, this study shows we’re nowhere near reaching that goal. We need greater support from federal, state, and local governments, businesses, and philanthropy. Every child deserves access to a quality afterschool program.” Oregon data shows that parents of 331,262 children want afterschool programs but 5 out of 6 children are not able to participate due to availability, access (location and transportation), and cost, the largest factor. “In Oregon, the demand for afterschool programs is incredibly high. Parents value the benefits afterschool programs provide for young people—keeping them safe, helping build life skills, and getting them excited about learning. They say that afterschool programs help them keep their jobs and provide peace of mind. Still, just a fraction of Oregon families who want afterschool programs have them…Overwhelmingly, Oregon parents are in favor of public funding for afterschool programs.” Recent surveys confirm this: 2025 89% 2020 90% 2014 83% 2009 79% Support for public funding is high across the political spectrum in Oregon Democrats 92% Independents 94% Republicans 81% However, currently, no public funding is available from the state specifically for afterschool care. Funds from the Student Success Act can be used for that purpose, but most school districts use that funding for teachers and counselors. Public funding is available for afterschool programs in some cities, e.g. Portland, Hillsboro. Summer care: The appropriation for summer school that was funded in the 2025 legislative session is probably not in danger of being cut because the appropriation was made into a special fund outside the general fund. Funding is still available for summer 2026 and 2027. These funds are designated to school districts for summer literacy and although there is a mandate to involve at least one community-based organization, the requirement does not include after school hours care. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley The Senate Judiciary hearing on November 17 provided an update on wrongful conviction legislation, SB 1584 (2022), and the need to pass additional legislation to ensure a more effective and timely compensation process for those who have been wrongly convicted. The 2025 Oregon Justice for Exonerees Act (SB 1007) failed to make it out of session. The Innocence Project and the Forensic Justice Project will also push for fixing gaps in current law that have allowed convictions based on flawed and outdated forensic science, including hair comparisons, bite mark analysis, and comparative bullet lead analysis. Education By Jean Pierce In the coming session, school funding will be a major concern. On November 19, Legislators heard a report from LPRO and LFO staff outlining deficiencies of the Quality Education Model used to determine equitable funding. This is an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. In addition, education agencies were not immune from the request to identify potential spending cuts. Their proposals are outlined below. However. public school administrators are urging lawmakers to allocate money from the $1.2 billion education stability fund to meet the current budget emergency. K-12 Education The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) used the following guiding principles when they decided where to make cuts: Protect student-centered supports Maintain statutory compliance Preserve organizational stability Limit disruption to districts and classrooms Establish programs to hold harmless ODE is proposing partial reductions in General Funding to some programs, including Every Day Matters, which addresses barriers to attendance Career and technical Education grants and career pathways ·High School Success Further, ODE is proposing State School Fund cuts to 10 th Grade Assessment Educator Advancement Fund English Language Learners Health Schools Fund Local Option Equalization Menstrual Products Speech Pathologist Talented and Gifted Members of the Ways and Means subcommittee expressed concerns particularly about the potential loss of the Educator Advancement Fund (EAF). The EAF provides professional development, mentorship, and Grow Your Own programs for teachers. This would mean less support for teachers who are charged with implementing the recently-approved science of reading curriculum. The Grow Your Own program recruits teachers from local communities, particularly minorities. Higher Education Proposing cuts to higher education funding comes at a particularly challenging time for colleges and universities which are experiencing cuts to research and other programs from the federal government. When the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) shared their proposals for 2.5% cuts, they noted that the cuts would result in hundreds of eliminated positions, including full-time faculty and administrators. They reported using these criteria for cuts: There would be minimal impact on support for the most vulnerable students. Other programs could continue to support the affected populations. Targeted programs were new or had received a large funding increase in the past four years. Merging or consolidating programs could increase administrative efficiency. The proposal includes cuts to The HECC agency Workforce development grants Career pathways funding for community colleges Childcare grant for student parents would no longer support new students Oregon Promise would no longer support new students The proposed cuts to the HECC budget would cause universities to increase tuition by close to 7% and community colleges to increase tuition by 10%, making higher education unaffordable for a number of students. Gun Safety By Marge Easley Supporters of Measure 114, including the League, will be pushing for the passage of a bill in the upcoming session to provide implementation details and technical fixes for Measure 114, the 2022 measure that requires a permit to purchase a firearm and bans high-capacity magazines. It has been under court review since that time. The Oregon Supreme Court hearing on its constitutionality occurred on November 6, and it most likely will take several months for the ruling to come down. Last session SB 243 set the date of March 15, 2026, for implementation of Measure 114 with the condition that the Oregon Supreme Court decides in its favor. The Christmas Tree bill also allocated over $14 million to the Oregon State Police to help cover implementation costs. Healthcare By Christa Danielson Legislative meetings held last week focused on how we are going to continue to provide our current level of services for Medicaid and SNAP in light of HR.1. Speaker of the House Julie Fahey reported cuts in the Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) budgets of up to 15 billion in future years for Oregonians. In light of this, the legislators are looking at funding sources such as decoupling some taxes from the federal budget or using the reserve fund. There is also a task force convened by the governor to consider how to sustain Medicaid benefits. The system is already straining in light of new work requirements, eligibility checks and budgeting for a possible revenue shortfall from the state, i.e. the hospital tax. Enhanced premium tax credits are due to expire at the end of 2025. They were set up during Covid via the American Rescue Plan. Some families will have to pay double what they pay now for health insurance. Average premiums could increase by 12-25 %. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Interim committees are meeting to prepare for the upcoming legislative session. They are studying policy issues, learning from invited leaders, and considering recommendations for potential legislation. Recently, the Senate and House housing committees invited agency leaders to speak on a range of housing issues as reported below. Presentations to the Senate Committee on Housing and Development, November 17, 2025 Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Executive Director Andrea Bell presented information on the impact of federal funding and policies on Oregon. The state received a little over $530 million from the federal government for housing production and services for people accessing housing and homeless programs. That amount represents about 15 percent of the state’s housing resources. Congress has not yet finalized the Housing and Urban Development budget. OHCS serves as a pass through for federal dollars to local jurisdictions and non-profit providers. Inclusionary Zoning Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) promotes mixed income housing developments by requiring developers to include affordable units in their housing projects. The policy was banned by the Legislature in 1999. They relegalized it in 2016 (SB 1533) and required developers to include a percentage of units affordable to households at 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). It does not apply to buildings with fewer than 20 units. LWVOR supported the 2016 legislation. Portland is the only city in Oregon that implemented IZ. It was fully funded for projects in the central city and underfunded for projects in surrounding neighborhoods. Underfunding led to developers creating projects with just under 20 units in order to avoid the IZ requirements. Portland recently revisited its policy and fully funded the IZ program throughout the city. It prioritized development of 60 percent AMI units in higher priced neighborhoods. In the first six months, 20 projects opted in to the program, fewer developers are proposing projects with fewer than 20 units. Regular check ins are essential. A Habitat for Humanity representative presented information on the potential for applying IZ to affordable homeownership in condominium projects. Presentations to the House Interim Committee on Housing and Homelessness met on November 18 Andrea Bell, Executive Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), began by saying her agency is tracking the evolving federal landscape on housing and homeless service programs. During the shutdown a majority of federal funds awarded to OHCS were accessible and obligated during the shutdown. When the furlough affected federal staff, some projects were on pause, such as contracts and project certifications. FY 2025 funding levels were sustained for the agency. Oregon is working, although homeless numbers continue to grow. The importance of a full continuum of services is essential to keep the system viable. New homelessness is largely economically driven, a problem that is decades in the making and will take time and effort to remedy. Jimmy Jones, Executive Director of the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency in Salem, presented information to both the House and Senate committees. He explained that his agency focuses on reducing poverty, including housing assistance, child care and youth programs, and offers support for those experiencing homelessness. He commented on the history of federal homeless housing programs, and the importance of retaining the Continuum of Care program. He also highlighted “observables” in his presentation: 1) What we are doing in Oregon is working, 2) homeless numbers continue to grow, 3) observable 2 is not connected to observable 1, 4) a new wave of homelessness is largely driven by economics, 5) criminalization will fail, 6) we need full continuum of services and they are all interconnected, 7) the problem is decades in the making and will take time to solve. He is concerned about the July 2025 Executive Order issued by the White House on homelessness and related topics. It seeks to encourage civil commitment of individuals with mental illness who pose risks to themselves or the public or are living on the streets and cannot care for themselves in appropriate facilities for periods of time. In the past, homeless individuals were expected to work their way through a stair step into permanent housing. More recently policies have prioritized Housing First and harm reduction that do not require working through specific steps to qualify for housing, but instead place clients into housing and then provide services and support. The Trump administration will fund the older failed approach to addressing homelessness. It will focus on criminalizing homelessness, reducing funding for permanent supportive housing, incentivizing treatment first and transitional housing. It will shift funds to faith-based providers, require cooperation with immigration enforcement, and disallow racial and transgender preference policies. States will need to re-compete for federal funding grants. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Social Policy? You can help. Volunteers are needed. We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning Criminal justice Hate and bias crimes Juvenile justice Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop 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 Wildfire By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team Policy bills that are priorities for committees are seeing public hearings—even work sessions—and going to chambers for votes or to Ways and Means to be funded by end of session--maybe. For now, most bills are bipartisan. But the session is beginning to heat up. All this amidst the very real limited revenue for anything other than current programs and a few Leadership and Governor priorities such as housing. 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 unless they are in Revenue, Rules, or a Joint Committee. Budgets/Revenue We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) budget ( HB 5020 ), expressing concern that staffing for climate change issues around forest management and urban forestry weren’t included in the Governor’s budget. We also provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ), requesting additional agency programs that were not included in the Governor’s budget. The League provided support for the Land Use Board of Appeals budget ( HB 2028 ) that was heard March 6. The Dept. of State Lands budget ( HB 5037 ) was heard Mar. 7 with public testimony on the 9 th . The League provided testimony in support. The Columbia River 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 scheduled for March 14-16. Public testimony on the 16 th . 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 . The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ) is tentatively scheduled the week of April 10. SB 5543-1 Bond Authorization, SB 5544-1 Capital Construction, SB 5545-1 2021-23 Allocations Bill and HB 5045-3 , Budget Rebalance were all heard in Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction March 3. Funding for housing/homeless needs ( HB 2001 A ) with the A14 amendment and HB 5019 with the -3 amendment were heard in the JW&Ms Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development on March 7. SB 4 , semiconductor funding requests, has a -3 amendment posted and was heard on March 6 and 8. A -2 amendment by Sen. Knopp requests that the funding come from the General Fund while the -3 has money coming from the Rainy Day Fund. SB 4 is meant to help Oregon access federal CHIPS Act monies. The Full W&Ms met March 10 to address most of the bills above. SB 4 was not included in this meeting, but currently has a $210 million price tag. Lastly, the Office of Economic Forecast provided sobering data on Oregon’s population. Without an increase in young people—with in-migration--our need for a variety of long term care services will explode without the incoming revenue to pay for those services! 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/Peggy Lynch Last week we reported on HB 3382 , a bill to 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 bill has been assigned to the Joint Committee on Transportation . We understand that the reason the bill has been filed by the Ports Association is in response to a Land Use Board of Appeals decision around the Jordan Cove project. Here is an article about that case. Currently the Coos Bay/North Bend area is in the process of updating their management plans for the Bay. (See past Legislative Reports on this issue.) State agencies that administer permits that could be affected by the legislation are discussing the implications of the proposed legislation. HB 2903-1 , a bill that directs certain state agencies to implement the recommendations of the Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) around marine reserves, protected areas and other management areas and provides $800,000 for that work. The League also supported this bill as a continuation of previous testimony on OPAC’s recommendations. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch Last week we expressed concern around provisions in SB 4 that 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. We provided testimony in opposition only to Section 10 of the bill. Since our testimony, a number of amendments have been proposed and two public hearings have taken place. At this time no amendments have been adopted. See above in the Budget/Revenue section of this Report for the status of last week’s housing bills and also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report for details. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd A Work Session was conducted on March 7 in Senate Energy and Environment for SB 545 , one of our priority Zero Waste bills. A -1 Amendment had been posted. The original bill directed 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. Because the amendment had been posted just before the start of the Public Hearing, the League’s written testimony dealt only with the original bill. The -1 Amendment is a complete replacement of the original bill. It removes the State Department of Agriculture and limits the bill to restaurants, not all food establishments. It removes the administrative details, leaving them up to the Oregon Health Authority, although the following statement may leave too much ambiguity: “The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules allowing for a restaurant to allow a consumer to fill a consumer-owned container with food.” The amendment was adopted on a unanimous vote; the amended bill, SB 545-1, was passed by a vote of 4 - 1. No referral was made to Ways and Means. HB 2531 prohibits the sale or distribution in this state of new screw- or bayonet-base type compact fluorescent lamps on or after January 1, 2024. It prohibits the sale or distribution in this state of new pin-base type compact fluorescent lamps and linear fluorescent lamps on or after January 1, 2025. Repeals statutes related to mercury in lighting products. It was passed on March 6 with no amendment and goes to the chamber floor. Water By Peggy Lynch It’s been a busy week for water bills for which the League provided testimony or followed with others. HB 3163 would create a special Fund for place-based 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 League has strong positions on water quality and the importance of wetlands so it was easy for us to support HB 2238 , allowing for rulemaking to increase removal/fill fees. The bill was pulled from the March 7 committee agenda and no new hearing date has been set. HB 3207 was scheduled for a public hearing on March 7 related to domestic water well testing but was pulled from the agenda. We understand it may not get a public hearing this session. HB 3208 that would expand the Environmental Quality Commission’s authority to annually adjust additional water quality fees up to 3% per year was heard and a work session on this bill is scheduled for March 9. HB 2813 A , a bill that directs OWEB to provide grants to protect drinking water sources and for which the League provided testimony in support was sent to W&Ms. The fiscal impact statement has a $5 million price tag. This money might also be able to be used as a match for federal grant opportunities. 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. A public hearing was set for March 9 . The League supports the IWRS but has concerns about the current bill . Lastly, we are aware of a newly filed bill, HB 3368 , that would stop all future water permitting applications until Oregon determines the amount of surface and groundwater water available for use that has not already been appropriated. We have no idea where this bill might go this session, but here’s a helpful Oregon Capitol Chronicle article that explains the reasoning behind Reps. Helm and Owens’ filing this bill. 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. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers The League monitored the March 3 meeting of the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council. The meeting purpose was to review a letter to the Legislature, the composition of which was assigned to a task force of the Council at their January 2023 meeting. The purpose of the letter is to advise the Legislature on a number of recommended adjustments to the Wildfire Risk Map to help ensure a successful next roll-out. Recall the original Map associated with SB 762, the 2021 wildfire bill, was withdrawn after widespread opposition to a number of its components, and work is underway to determine the best path forward. This is part of that effort. Among the recommendations made were to change the name to Wildfire HAZARD Map, which it was noted is the language California uses. Also, while emphasizing the importance of the integrity of the eventual final product, the group decided to eliminate hard deadline dates for completion of the new map that were in the original letter. It was determined there were too many variables beyond their control to set firm dates, including a number of wildfire related bills that could influence the final version of the Map. It was speculated that Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) could be used as a platform to keep work moving forward in the interim. In addition, the Council felt it was important to allow sufficient time for the community engagement process which was not successful the first time around. The final letter can be found here . On March 8, Senate Natural Resources amended SB 509 on defensible space and the CWPPS mentioned above and the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s responsibilities and sent it to W&Ms. They also amended SB 82 related to fire insurance and sent it to the chamber floor. More on these bills next week. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. 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 Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Sine Die Education Updates By Anne Nesse It is clear from LWVOR work this session that we all must invest with renewed effort to support our public education system. This is imperative for the equity of all families, income levels, and especially important for working parents. We hope you can see beginnings of positive change in the laws and testimony we made this session to help all young Oregonians and their families thrive. These bills were signed into law this session with LWVOR testimony, relating to education and the well being of children: HB 3198 Enrolled includes significantly increased expenditures and grants, new curriculum development for teachers and staff, and increased summer programs. It is a significant step toward increasing literacy and by definition learning, within all our diverse Oregon populations. See LWVOR testimony in support, on how literacy is an integral component to a democracy. Rep. Kropf, one of the bill’s principal authors, noted that this is merely the beginning of increased funding towards a major emphasis in consistent quality K-12 education throughout our state. It includes a $90M price tag, in addition to an historic increase in the biennial school budget up to $10.2 Billion dollars, in addition to property tax revenue. HB 3235 Enrolled is a child tax credit designed to benefit low income workers supporting children. LWVOR testimony reflects the gravity of the problem, that poverty itself can cause harm to childhood development, and its unintended effect on education. This tax credit was greatly reduced from the original proposal. The League was involved in discussions with legislators and stakeholders for some components of SB 283 Enrolled . It was signed into law, directing the Department of Education to develop and implement a plan to establish and maintain a statewide data system on our educational workforce. This Law includes a long list of items to help recruit teachers and staff, and to help them continue to thrive in this necessary profession. It includes pay raises totaling $9M for teachers and aides who work with special needs students. We suggested that teachers have some bargaining ability for increased planning time during the school day, and this became part of the law. We testified to these bills but did not have the time to thoroughly study them during this session: SB 854 , stated that each of our 197 school districts could develop a plan for teaching climate change, across all subject areas, in grades K-12 by June 1, 2026. The LWVOR played a part in helping with the steering committee for this bill. Like other bills written to increase oversight of our statewide school system’s quality, this will need adaptation if it is proposed next session. Our testimony submitted on March 9 emphasized the importance of survival on our planet, excessive greenhouse gasses, and that curriculum choices were already available from many sources. At the March 9 public hearing, over 100 youth were heard or represented in the Capitol live or virtually. The Oregon Teachers Association and other organizations supported this bill. HB 2601 would have required the State Treasurer to exit from certain carbon-intensive investments, subject to fiduciary duties,to develop a plan to protect state investments from risks related to climate change, and to issue periodic public reports on actual and planned progress towards completion of duties imposed under this law. Rep. Pham and Sen. Golden presented a very strong case as to why this was essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and educating the public on facts of our decreased ability to gain profits in the fossil fuel industry. The League made the case in testimony that this was a nonpartisan issue and that we all have the right to be informed of our investments. It is LWVOR’s position that all of us should be educated concerning limiting greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. HB 2750 attempted to prohibit the statewide charging of fees or requiring participation in fundraising activities as a condition of participating in any interscholastic activities. League testimony was based on equity in education for all family income levels. The bill did not make it through passage, however, because of our work with Rep. Bowman on this bill and another like it, modifying physical education requirements, the League may be helping to design a more positive school day experience in health and learning for the next session. Here are more extensive lists and descriptions of education-related bills that were passed this session or were heard in public hearings but were not passed. Copy and paste into your browser for best results. Link 1: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lpro/Publications/SOL Education & Early Childhood_FINAL.pdf Link 2: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lpro/Publications/SOL Human Services_FINAL.pdf If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for any of the areas in this Sine Die Report you would be well appreciated! So just let us know? We could use assistance in early childhood and higher education, as well as human services, research, meeting with legislators, testimony, and newsletter writing. Much of our work is virtual, so transportation is not always an issue. After School Care and Children’s Services By Katie Riley Summer and After School Care, SB 531 would have provided funding for school age kids this summer. Last year a similar bill provided $50 million and served thousands of low-income kids. This year’s bill received a hearing and was referred to W&Ms but without assignment to a subcommittee, it never had a work session or a recommendation for funding. Schools were given extra money for summer school and could spend some of it for extended care, however, depending on the school district. Children’s Service Districts, SB 858 would have provided the ability to gather signatures for local ballot measures to form children’s service districts. A public hearing was held in Senate Finance and Revenue but a work session was never scheduled so the bill never had a committee or Senate floor vote. The bill was opposed by the League of Oregon Cities (mayors) and the Association of Oregon Counties.

LILY YAO (she/her) LILY YAO (she/her) Youth Council President Lily attends South Eugene High School where she is actively involved in student government, competes in Speech and Debate, and plays varsity tennis and club Ultimate. As an environmental advocate, Lily has served as a regional leader intern with Our Future, a project of Partners for Sustainable Schools that has aimed to create a statewide, student-led climate justice network since 2022. At the same time, in roles as a City of Eugene Sustainability Commissioner and member of the Eugene Youth Advisory Council, she seeks to educate herself and others about the climate while becoming more civically aware. Similarly, as a founding member of the Lane County delegation of the Oregon YMCA Youth and Government program, she has had the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience advocating for policy solutions and participating in government simulations of the legislative process, which has further sparked her interest in civics education. Alongside her commitment to environmental issues, Lily is passionate about disaster preparedness. In her role as a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10 Youth Preparedness Council, she has educated youth in her local community and collaborated with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to promote disaster resilience. Her experience includes presenting at the 2024 Oregon Prepared: Emergency Preparedness Workshop, hosted by OEM, and as a panelist with Resource Tap Disaster Support Services at the 2024 Public Interest Environmental Law Conference, the largest and oldest conference of its kind. In addition to her advocacy work, Lily believes in promoting cultural diversity and understanding. In addition to English, she speaks both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese and is involved in various efforts to foster inclusivity and celebrate cultural heritage. This has included acting as a Mainstage Production Assistant for the Oregon Asian Celebration. Her commitment to bridging cultural gaps, as well as her passion for S.T.E.M., are demonstrated by her selection as a 2024 TechGirls Finalist. This year, Lily is taking on the role of Co-Voter Strategist with the League of Women Voters of Oregon Youth Council. She is dedicated to empowering young voters and increasing voter turnout among young people. In serving on the Youth Council, Lily hopes to learn more about the civic process, reach out to her community, and advocate for voters across Oregon. youthpresident@lwvor.org

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 5/8 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • 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 Immigration, Refugee & other Basic Rights Housing By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Despite the controversy over sensitive bills and the walkout by Senate Republicans since last May 3, legislators continue to hold committee meetings with the intention of meeting their constitutional obligation to adjourn after 160 days, which is Sunday, June 25 at midnight. This past week many important housing bills were passed by both the Senate and House. SB 702 Adopts training for real estate appraisers and assistants : This bill requires inclusion of information on state and federal fair housing laws and implicit and racial bias in training for real estate appraiser certification. The League submitted testimony in support. On May 8 the House, on third reading, passed this legislation. SB 611 B Modifies the maximum allowable residential rent increase for designated units: This bill will change from 7% plus the September annual 12-month average change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to the lesser of either 10%, or 7% plus the CPI. This will limit rent increases on tenancies (other than week-to-week tenancies) to not more than once in any 12-month period. This also applies to the rent increase limit to units from which a tenant was evicted. A May 4 work session was held by Senate Rules with a do pass. SB 599 A Allows tenants to operate home-based childcare: requires a landlord to allow a renter to use a dwelling unit for a family childcare home if it is certified or registered with the Office of Child Care. The landlord can require a tenant to pay for improvements necessary for certification and carry some form of liability coverage. House Early Childhood and Human Services held a May 8 work session and made a do pass recommendation. HB 3462 Emergency housing for all: This bill will extend access to emergency housing for all, regardless of immigration status, when the federal government declares a state of emergency in Oregon. Housing access would comply with the federal Fair Housing Act. Senate Housing and Development held a May 8 work session and made a do pass recommendation. HB 3042 Protections for residents of housing with expiring affordability contracts: will prohibit landlords from terminating a tenancy in the three years after the housing has been withdrawn from an affordability contract. It also would limit rent increases to no more than annually, and those increases could be no greater than what is allowed by law. Senate Housing and Development held a May 8 work session and made a do pass recommendation. HB 3151 Manufactured housing dispute resolution and tenant legal aid: prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to pay fees for improvements, pay system development charges, or cover the cost of repairs or improvements that cannot be removed when the tenant moves away. Senate Housing and Development held a May 8 work session and made a do pass recommendation. HB 2680 A Screening fees changes for rental applications: requires a 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 takes place. If the landlord fails to return the fee, damages the applicant may recover range from $150 to $250 under the new legislation. Senate Housing and Development held a May 8 work session with a do pass recommendation. Immigration, Refugee & other Basic Rights By Claudia Keith Bills we are supporting or following: HB 2957 A in JW&Ms, -4 Staff Measure Summary . Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Fiscal. League Testimony . HB 3176 A : ‘Welcome and Reception’ program for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, In JW&Ms with 9/1 vote. Staff Measure Summary . Public Hearing was March 8 . Fiscal . Bills moved from Policy Committee to JW&Ms: SB 627 : Funding for universal (legal) fees for non-documented individuals ($15M) Sen Lieber. In JW&Ms with a partisan vote. The League has supported this policy/funding category in the past. Fiscal Analysis . Bills of Interest or possible League support: SB 849 A Public Hearing 2/28 with -1 amendment . Preliminary SMS -1 :. Now in JW&Ms. Fiscal $20M grant fund. Requires professional licensing boards to provide culturally responsive training to specified staff members, publish guidance on pathways to professional authorization for internationally educated individuals and waive requirement for English proficiency examination for specified internationally educated individuals. Basic Needs SB 610 A : Now in JW&Ms. Establishes Food for All Oregonians Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Fiscal , Staff Measure Summary . HB 2990 A : Now in JW&Ms. Resilience Hubs. Directs Oregon Health Authority to develop and implement grant programs to support resilience hubs and networks in Oregon. Fiscal Statement Other Bills SB 216 A 5/8 governor signed . Related to data collected by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), request of Governor Kate Brown. OHA set a goal of eliminating health disparities by 2030 including those based on race, ethnicity, language, or disability (REALD) and sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). HB 2905 : 5/9. work session, vote 5,0,0,2. Expands the list of individuals whose histories, contributions and perspectives are required to be included in social studies academic content standards and in related textbooks and instructional materials. In Senate Committee Awaiting transfer to the President’s Desk. SB 421 A Work session 3/30 moved to JW&Ms with 6/1 vote, establishes a youth advisory council. Prescribes youth standards advisory council membership and duties. ODE to establish a work group to establish member selection process. Staff Measure Summary , Fiscal SB 613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities. In Senate Rules. SB 612 A Establishes Indigenous Language Justice $ 2.5M Fund . Requires nonprofit organization in this state to serve as fiscal agent to receive disbursement of moneys for purposes related to supporting Indigenous languages interpretation in this state. In JW&M. SB 911 Creates Commission for Original Peoples from South America, Central America and Mexico. Still In Senate Rules, WS was 3/28. fiscal Other Topics Oregon announces it will stockpile abortion drug – 4/20/23 - Oregon Capital Chronicle. The Washington legislature passed a bill related to this topic Governor Inslee administration submitted the request and drugs were purchased in March. Lawmakers briefed on WA plan to distribute abortion pill | The Seattle Times. Washington state purchases three-year suppl y of abortion pill | 4/4/23 - Reuters. LWVOR corresponded with Oregon Planned Parenthood on Apr 11 concerning this topic. LWVWA supported SB5768 . The Washington bill was posted 4/5 and signed by the governor 4/27.