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Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Interim Week 6/10 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Agriculture Budgets/Revenue Budgets 2025 Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of State Lands (DSL) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry Hanford Land Use and Housing Natural Resource Agencies Northwest Energy Coalition Reduce/Recycle Transportation Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed Agriculture A League member met with the new Oregon Dept. of Agriculture Director Hanson and others to discuss work on their strategic plan and 2025 budget development as well as providing an update on the Eastern Oregon groundwater issue (Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area—LUBGMA) where the League expressed frustration at the lack of very real action to address the needs of Oregonians who are still dealing with contaminated drinking water. Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch A Revenue Forecast was presented to the House and Senate Revenue Committees on May 29. The bottom line: Revenue was up BUT........we now temporarily have a $582 million personal kicker forecasted for 2026 because the new forecasted revenue is 2.5% over the May 2023 forecast. However, there are a number of forecasts before this becomes reality. The forecasters are saying interest rates won't drop until December so we are still in a "will we have a soft landing or a recession?" situation. While leadership will want to provide as many services as possible, the minority will be focusing on the potential negative and want to reduce spending. For the natural resource agencies, many need fee increases in order to try to maintain current services...and those may be difficult to get approved in 2025. Budgets 2025 By Peggy Lynch The Governor had asked agencies to present her with agency budget proposals by April 30. Since revenue may only cover the Current Service Levels (amount of money needed to fund current programs while also addressing expected increases in costs–CSL) of state agencies plus 1-2%, agencies are now discussing with the Governor’s office on why a particular program should exceed that amount. We should see Agency Request Budgets (ARBs) in July or August. The Governor’s Recommended Budget (GRB) is due to the legislature by Dec. 1st. The State Debt Policy Advisory Commission will provide bonding guidance in January of 2025. Among the challenges, the Private Forest Accord cost is $36 million General Funds and was not in the CSL. 49% of the Oregon Dept. of Energy’s 2023-24 budget was one-time money. The League is engaged in potential fee increases at the Water Resources Dept., the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and others. Expect a separate budget package for housing that will include monies in a number of different budgets to implement the Governor’s requests. Here is a good video on property taxes in Oregon. Cities and counties rely on property taxes for the services they provide. It’s possible that there will be conversations on property tax reform in 2025. The Oregonian provides some insight into that future conversation. 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 issue of offshore wind energy is dominating conversations at the coast. Here is an Oregonian article and an OPB article to help explain the issue. The League supports the concept of renewable energy but also supports our coastal estuaries. We hope that ongoing discussions will help guide decisions on whether or not offshore wind energy is right for Oregon’s south coast. Here is the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development’s Coastal Division offshore wind website . A new group, the Oregon Ocean Alliance, has been formed to advocate for ocean funding in multiple agencies in 2025. See the website for Oregon’s marine reserves. The League signed a letter in support of HB 4132 which passed and provides money for these special places. June 8 was World Oceans Day . Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch An article covering the Secretary of State audit notes that, in order for the agency to accomplish its mission for Oregonians, DEQ needs staff. The League’s budget letters every session reflect that need. However, the revenue forecast may hamper important investments. DEQ’s biennial report summarizing surface water pollution across the state will include a recognition of the impact of trash on water quality per this OPB article . Over 5,700 septic systems near the La Pine area need an upgrade—causing increases in nitrates in their well water and seeping into the Deschutes River basin system per this article in the Bend Bulletin. The DEQ Director reported to the Environmental Quality Commission: 1) The Clean Fuels program renewable diesel usage is 2 years ahead of expectations and the City of Portland calculates its population will see $90 million LESS in health care costs in part due to TriMet’s use of renewable diesel 2) They have received monies for a Community Air Action Program from the Environmental Protection Agency for 4 communities and have received interest from over 100 interested parties 3) the Materials Management Division has released grants for $1 million each of the next 2 years 4) Expect rules on Toxics at their Sept. meeting 5) The 2024 Integrated Report is available 6) There will be increased beach water monitoring this year Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch The agency will begin rulemaking to consider increasing fees for removal/fill projects. The League will participate. We are also engaged in support of an increased budget for the wetlands division. Additionally, the Governor’s office is going to ask for staffing and program dollars to help with the siting of new housing projects. We hope to see that request before the June 11th State Land Board meeting. DSL is responsible for managing state lands. School lands have supported public education in Oregon since statehood, when Congress provided sections 16 and 36 of every township “for use of schools.” Today, the Oregon Department of State Lands manages Oregon's 681,000 acres of school lands to generate revenue for the Common School Fund See Elliott State Research Forest below for the agency’s role in that issue. Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) By Sandra Bishop The League’s member was reappointed to this committee . Their next meeting is July 17. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The interim Advisory Group met on May 30th and received an update on the proposed 2025-27 budget and federal conversations. Fire costs are up 13%. With the monies allocated in 2024, hiring for a minimal management staff and the signing of contracts are occurring at DSL. There are continuing conversations with five of Oregon’s tribes and may include official consultations at their request. The State Land Board will meet on June 11 to appoint the new ESRF Board and address the transition related to the new Board’s obligations. The Forest Management Plan should be ready for public comment soon with Land Board consideration at their October meeting. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Forestry ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program received $26.6 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) through the United States Forest Service (USFS). Out of this, $10 million will be awarded to the nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, and $12.5 million will be available for all eligible entities in Oregon. This opportunity promotes equal access to the benefits of trees and aims to get more people involved in tree planting and comprehensive urban forest management. ODF's UCF Program officially issued the call for proposals for all eligible entities on May 31. The application portal and resources related to this funding opportunity can be found on the UCF subaward program webpage. See also the Wildfire section of this report below. Hanford The State of Washington and federal agencies agree on the future of Tank Waste Cleanup at the Hanford Site. The Hanford Board met on May 21st. LWVOR no longer has a member on the Board and there is a vacancy for “member of the public.” The application is here . Please contact Peggy Lynch at peggylynchor@gmail.com if you would like to follow Oregon’s Hanford Cleanup Board. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch The Senate Interim Committee on Housing and Development’s May 30th agenda focused on housing preservation while the House Interim Committee on Housing and Homelessness agenda included a presentation by Matthew Tschabold, the Governor’s Housing and Homelessness Initiative Director. Here is the Governor’s Homeless Response Framework and here is the DRAFT Housing Production Framework. The League has been engaged with Mr. Tschabold and will continue during the interim. The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development will continue to have a major role in helping local jurisdictions to meet the Governor’s housing goals and their 2025 budget will reflect that role. Follow the work of the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the department’s Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Natural Resource Agencies The Emergency Board approved funding and submission of many federal grants at its May 31st meeting, many of them related to natural resource agencies. The Senate approved a number of executive appointments , including a new Water Resources Dept. Director (Ivan Gall, who most recently served as the interim deputy director of water management) and Sara O’Brien, who most recently served as Executive Director of Willamette Partnership, to lead the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Debbie Colbert was chosen by the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Commission to be the new Director of ODFW. During the 2024 legislative session, a massive grants program was approved using monies from a settlement with Monsanto to fund significant natural resource restoration in Oregon for at least the next 50 years. Northwest Energy Coalition (NWEC) By Robin Tokmakian The NWEC had its spring conference in Idaho. Here is a summary of the meeting. Reduce/Recycle Look for a battery recycling bill in 2025—where battery manufacturers will need to pay for a recycling program in Oregon. DEQ is conducting rulemaking to clarify and implement HB 3220 (2023) , which updates and makes necessary changes to the statewide electronics recycling program, Oregon E-Cycles. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, please visit the Oregon E-Cycles rulemaking web page . Recycling Modernization Act of 2021 ( SB 582 ), which the League supported , has a rulemaking advisory committee with July 27 meetings posted on the Recycling 2024 website. See the website to submit comments on the proposed rules by July 5. Transportation Thanks to Rep. Gomberg, here is a 5-minute video on ODOT’s funding challenge. And here’s an online interactive map that shows projects and their details throughout the state. In early February, the Joint Committee on Transportation (JCT) released a 2024-25 Beginning Conversation Draft Action Plan for the development of the expected 2025 State Transportation Funding Package. Open Houses still happening: Wednesday, June 12: Burns or Ontario (Malheur County Commission Chambers) Thursday, June 13: Baker City or Pendleton (Baker City Armory, Blue Mountain C.C.) Friday, June 28: Eugene (University of Oregon) Tuesday, July 16: Medford or Grants Pass (Medford City Hall, Medford Public Library) Thursday, July 25: Bend or Redmond (Bend Senior Center, OSU Cascades, Fair & Expo Center) Thursday, August 15: Beaverton or Hillsboro (Washington County Commission) Other possible cities to visit as alternative / additions include: The Dalles / Hood River, Roseburg Look for a 2025 conversation on how to fund multiple Oregon transportation needs. This effort was last addressed in 2017. Water By Peggy Lynch Four leading water law experts on Oregon water law presented a letter to the Governor, “An appeal for gubernatorial leadership to modernize Oregon’s water laws,” and shared it with the Senate Interim Natural Resources and the House Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water Committees. This Oregon Capital Chronicle article explains the conversations. We now expect a “water package” in the 2025 session. As a part of this work, the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) has been put on pause while new agency leadership is installed. (For more information about the IWRS, visit the IWRS page .) With the appointment of Ivan Gall, it’s time for work to be completed on the IWRS, the OWRD Strategic Plan and other items that have been on hold at the agency. The League provided testimony in support of the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) draft proposed groundwater rules . Our Deschutes League has been engaged in water issues in their region and also supports these proposed rules. According to a recent article in the Bend Bulletin , hydrologists and community leaders in Central Oregon are sounding the alarm over the decline and loss of groundwater, with the discharge at the headwaters of the Metolius River down 55 percent over the past six years, while water pumped from underground aquifers "is far outpacing what nature can replace through precipitation." Last year, OWRD said more than 130 people in Central Oregon were seeking financial assistance to repair wells, mainly due to the dropping aquifer, including 114 homeowners in Deschutes County. The cost to repair a well varies depending on several factors but can range from $9,000 to $55,000, said Alyssa Rash, a spokesperson for the department. That is an expense many can’t afford. The League was pleased that a $1 million General Fund was added to the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund in 2024. The League was engaged in helping create this fund in 2021. The Environmental Protection Agency is revising standards related to tribal water rights. The Umatilla/Morrow County Groundwater (LUBGWMA) issue is still not resolved. The League has brought up this issue with WRD, DEQ and ODA quarterly meetings. The League continues to work to save Oregon’s wetlands and here’s why . We expect to engage with the Governor’s Office regarding housing needs while protecting wetlands. 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. Jefferson County has asked for a drought emergency declaration, but that request has not yet been approved. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms and practice “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. DEQ received funding for a six-month seasonal monitoring specialist position in the 23-25 Legislatively Adopted Budget which allowed the lab to expand the 2023 pilot scale recreational HAB network from 10 water bodies to 40 lakes and reservoirs this year. The lab will sample these 40 water bodies four times each from May 2024 through October 2024 in six regional circuits across the state. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers The League monitored several informational meetings during the recent Interim Legislative Session. The House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans met on May 29, and heard an update on the upcoming wildfire season from the Department of Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple. While the early part of the season shows lower than normal risk for a large part of the State, she strongly emphasized that all indications point to above average risk during the latter part of the season. This, in the face of challenges such as reduced capacity across the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System, reduced rural capacity among volunteer fire service, and continued record drought conditions in vulnerable parts of the state. She also outlined her department’s effort in the area of wildfire mitigation, including providing defensible space assessments to homeowners and community wildfire risk reduction grants. On May 30, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire held an informational meeting, devoted primarily to wildfire. All the meeting materials may be found here . First was an update from the Department of Business and Consumer Services on the state of the Homeowners’ Insurance market in Oregon, specific to cancellations and non-renewals, which have decreased slightly. The market appears to have stabilized, at least temporarily, perhaps due to the relatively less costly wildfire events of 2021 and 2022 as compared with 2020. Next was a discussion of the Wildfire Funding Workgroup, which was established by HB 5701, budget note 5. Kyle Williams of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Chief Ruiz-Temple of OFSM were the main presenters. There was a sense of urgency expressed throughout the presentations, with the general message being how “desperate” the involved parties are for a fix to the funding system. After several attempts to address the wildfire programs funding crisis failed during the 2024 short session, the mood can best be described as grave concerned “alarm” that there is less overall funding currently than in recent years to fight or prevent this season’s fires, with no solution in sight. It was emphasized repeatedly that this was not a time to “re-litigate policy,” but to figure out funding. Doug Grafe also spoke and pointed out that the most effective tool in the wildfire mitigation toolbox, community resilience, received the biggest decrease in funding for this year, close to a 90% drop. Chief Ruiz-Temple expressed concern about competition for scarce resources among regional agencies in the face of unusually high risk developing in western Washington State, and how that could impact out-of-state assistance as well as risk in NW Oregon. Senator Golden closed that portion of the meeting by urging the work group to focus on getting to what can actually be done, and not let the discussion be dominated for too long by “ideas”. The work group’s first meeting was June 3. Finally, the committee received an update from the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council (WPAC). Doug Grafe, the Governor’s Wildfire Programs Director, and Dave Hunnicutt, Chair, and Mary Kyle McCurdy, Vice-Chair, gave an overview of their work in the coming months. First, Doug mentioned the schedule for the community information sessions that ODF and other agencies will be holding to help communities get answers to their questions about the new wildfire hazard map and other wildfire related issues. They will be touring in the areas of highest wildfire hazard. This was followed by brief descriptions of the work the WPAC will be doing this summer, mainly focusing on prescribed fire, community risk reduction, and the wildfire funding workgroup. There have been other items of interest recently. On May 15, Governor Kotek and members of various agencies held a press conference to discuss the 2024 wildfire season. This press release describes what was covered. Lastly, sadly the “good news” that SB 1520 passed during the short session, to ensure that recipients of settlements or judgment from wildfire losses-related lawsuits would avoid being excessively taxed in Oregon on those proceeds, is now tempered by the bad news that a similar federal tax law is “stuck”. This Oregon Live Article describes the difficulty this legislation faces in Congress. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

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

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio Testimony on Bipartisan HB 3235 , in House Early Childhood and Human Services 2/27, attempts to create refundable child tax credit in Oregon of up to $1,200.00 per child under age 18, based on family income. Watch the House Early Childhood hearing , for HB 3235, called the “Oregon Kids Tax Credit”, particularly at the beginning, Rep. Valderrama, Rep. Greg Smith, Sen. Campos, and Rep. Grayber, gave moving testimony on why giving a tax credit to low income families in Oregon was the ethical way to govern and prevent the many long term effects of childhood poverty, for as many children as we could. View a copy of our LWV testimony here. Our verbal testimony was based on research, that living in poverty has a profound negative effect on children’s development, even as our teachers are working hard to educate them. And as many others had testified, simply giving these families even a small amount of extra money, helped the children develop more normally. Also heard in this Committee on 2/27, a pilot study bill HB 2726 for Jackson and Josephine Counties, would coordinate national, state and local services, to combat childhood poverty, ages 0-5. Former Governor and MD John Kitzhaber spoke in support. It was stated by Rep. Marsh that this study could be a model for the whole state on completion, to avoid the effects of generational poverty. On 2/27 House Education held an informational meeting on how school districts calculate their budgets and submit their requests for monies to the State School Fund. The recording is here of Mike Wiltfong, Director of School Finance. The documents in his slide show are difficult to read, without a finance background, but they did make many things clearer. In the past, school funding was calculated with 1/3 of the funds coming from the state, and 2/3 of the funds coming from local sources. Today, because of Measures 5, 47, and 50, our state’s costs have increased, requiring the State School Fund to adjust its funding, and attempt to create a degree of equity throughout our state. HB 2710 was also introduced by Rep. Valderrama, and Sen. McLain in House Education, 2/27. The hope is that this Bill will give the public more transparency on exactly what our public education money is being spent on. OEA is neutral on the Bill, based on the possible financial impact, as written. Amendments, or a technical work group, may be necessary according to some testimony. Senate Education 2/28, finished up technical fixes on several bills SB 819A (applying only now to students with recognized disabilities), SB 767 -4, SB 281 , SB 292A , and SB 129 and the -2 amendment, which will end the auction program for opportunity grants. All were sent to the Floor with Do Pass Recommendations. Sen. Wagner presented SB 3 -1. The Bill has a graduation requirement for one credit of future planning, and financial knowledge. The Bill has some bi-partisan support. Sen. Thatcher, stated in written testimony that students need instruction in savings and intelligent spending habits. It is interesting to me that many students will need a certain amount of maturity to understand these concepts. 3/1 in House Education, HB 3177 was introduced, a $20 Million expenditure bill for recruiting and retaining teachers, as well as mentoring projects. The “grow your own educator” project was discussed, allowing teachers’ aides or other staff, who were naturally talented at education, to apply for scholarships in training to become a licensed teacher. Reed Scott-Schwalbach, OEA Pres., also spoke on HB 3178 -1, expanding scholarships for aspiring counselors and other staff to increase racial diversity in the educational workforce. Rep. McIntire asked a pertinent question about how these scholarships would work for those living in poverty or in rural areas. On 3/1 in the Early Childhood Committee, HB 2872 , the Imagination Library Project was presented, with much positive testimony about the reading readiness this fostered, to have 60 books sent to homes with children, from ages 0-5. This is a $2.5 Million investment, and both Washington State and California aim to fully fund their programs by 2024, 1/2 funded by the Dolly Parton Foundation. Here is a copy of our testimony by Marge Easley. A public hearing on HB 2717 -1 was also heard in Early Childhood that day, on establishing all day outdoor preschool programs, to increase the availability of care centers for the preschool age group. Washington State reports better school readiness and safety ratings than the average preschool. The pictures of the kids in colorful rain suits and the reports of the children’s imagination, storytelling, and living outdoors with nature, made you want to be with them all day, to discover what they were learning! On 3/2 in Senate Education, SB 523 was introduced by Rep. Patterson to allow community colleges throughout the state to begin a plan to offer Bachelor of Science Degrees in Nursing Programs, to assist with the current shortages of skilled nurses in our state. Currently about 55% of our working nurses are 55 and older, and we have the 3rd fewest graduate nurses per capita nationally. Rep. Patterson stated that we have more students who are qualified to enter nursing careers, than we currently have places to educate them. The testimony in opposition was written by current university programs, while many community colleges and hospitals support this plan.

Forums from the League of Women Voters of Oregon.. To see this working, head to your live site. Categories All Posts My Posts LWVOR Member Forum Welcome! Have a look around and join the discussions. Create New Post General Discussion Follow Views Posts 5 Share stories, ideas, pictures and more! Membership Chat Follow Views Posts 1 Post here if you have questions or news to share about membership! DEIJ Chat Follow Views Posts 1 Welcome! Have a look around and join the conversations. Voter Service Chat Follow Views Posts 7 Have tips to share, success stories from your League, or questions about voter service? You're in the right spot! Communications Chat Follow Views Posts 37 Welcome! Have a look around and join the conversations. Forum - Frameless

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/2 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection Elections Campaign Finance and Initiatives By Norman Turrill The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is asking the public for feedback on draft administrative rules that would implement HB 4025 (2024). It has also appointed a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to work on these new administrative rules. General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection By Becky Gladstone This week included new testimony on two bills and updates on others. HB 2006 places limits on long session bill requests to legislative counsel. This contentious bill got a May 29 first public hearing, League supporting testimony written and presented. HB 3569 A to invite a sponsoring legislator, committee chair or designee onto the bill’s Rules Advisory Committee, as a non-voting member. This was bounced in Senate Rules, rescheduled twice. We oppose for myriad reasons, see our testimony, presented and filed. SB 430 B passed 35 to 15, 7 excused, from the House floor May 29, to the Senate for a concurrence vote. League testimony in support addressed extensive business transparency amendments for consumer protections. SB 470 A : passed on the House floor with 29 ayes, 7 excused, on May 29. This bipartisan-supported bill got unanimous House and Senate Judiciary and Senate floor support. League testimony supported the original bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos. SB 473 B received a Do Pass with Amendments, to be printed B-Engrossed, from a House Judiciary work session, to create a crime of threatening a public official, with amendments to include those elected, appointed, or filed to serve an established office, adding numerous judicial branch roles. See League testimony, in support. HB 5017 , the State Library budget bill, had a second work session on May 23 in Ways & Means, yielding a Do Pass with amendments, to be printed as A-Engrossed, with a vote of 21-0. League testimony is still the only one filed and is in support of our partnership for League Voter Service information. They share our Voters’ Guides in the Talking Books and Braille Library . SB 952 A got a Do Pass recommendation from House Rules, rules suspended to carry over for a third House floor reading, to consider interim US Senator appointments, League testimony in support. SB 1121 B got a Do Pass with amendments to be printed B-Engrossed from House Judiciary, almost unanimously, to create a new Class B misdemeanor crime of unlawful private data disclosure. League testimony was filed and presented, supporting the bill, including the amendment relating to data broker issues. This is from the dissenting Legislator, lightly edited: There is already a civil response not being used, already laws criminalizing harms described in statute. Law enforcement officers basically argued it's too hard as is and making bigger crimes is the solution. In my office, criminalizing actions like this is viewed with skepticism because it does not solve the problem and contributes to the unrepresented crisis. The bar is high for me to say yes in that scenario. The property destruction component was just the deciding factor. Find language relating to property damage in the adopted -5 amendments to the A-Engrossed SB 1121 which will now go back to the Senate for consideration. Thanks for your advocacy, Rep Chaichi. HB 3382 passed a May 28 work session in House Rules unanimously, after the February 12 public hearing, directing the Secretary of State to maintain an online Rulemaking Information system. We are watching HB 3382 based on Sen Sollman asking about a central state rulemaking site in the context of the HB 3931 coordinated state portal Task Force proposal presented here earlier, League testimony . Elections By Barbara Klein HB 3908 provoked interesting discussion in the House Rules hearing during a 5/29 work session. The bill, related to party membership and registration requirements, was filed by the Rules Committee at the request of the Independent Party of Oregon (IPO), and had a public hearing on 3/31. The bill increases the percentage of voters in the state required for a party to be a major political party from five percent to 10 percent. This would make the development of a new major party more difficult. The LWVOR did not address this bill. The thought-provoking part of the conversation at the work session was due to a -1-amendment introduced by Rep Drazen. She explained that she doesn’t support the concept of HB 3908 as believes the Independent Party should now (under current rules) be considered a major party. (A reminder that it is the IPO who wants to remain a minor party.) In her explanation, the dash -1 would encourage minor parties to want to be major parties, providing incentive. The amendment allows for cross-nominations only for major parties. She wants to stop “coattail” parties, as she called them. She thinks “fusion” doesn’t serve Oregonians and the amendment would allow “fusion” voting (or cross nominations) only from one major party candidate to another major candidate. Chair Bowman strongly opposed the -1 amendment. He sees value in fusion with a minor party endorsing a major party candidate. He believes it “tells voters more about candidates” and that fusion is one way to help avoid the spoiler effect. The -1 amendment failed. Rep Drazen added that she doesn’t believe that the legislature should support fewer major parties only to save the state money when running elections. She also believes the bill is simply a “political calculation.” The motion without the amendment passed. HB 5032 was at the request of the Oregon Dept of Administrative Services and relates to the financial administration of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). It was heard in a work session on 5 /23 in Ways & Means. The act creates an agency budget, appropriating monies from the General Fund for DPSST. Its limits were listed as “limits biennial expenditures from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by the department. It also limits biennial expenditures by the department from federal funds.” During the 5/23 hearing, most Legislators were complimentary of DPSST changes, improved training schedule and successes. The bill represents an increase of 1.7% from state general funds. DPSST provided much information under the testimony section of the bill. At the 5/23 hearing it passed with adopted -2 amendment sections which include details of purposes, funding sources and amounts for related DPSST needs. The amendment noted $7,967,812 established (for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025), as the maximum limit for payment of expenses from federal funds collected or received by DPSST. On 5/28, A-Engrossed (with amendments) was recommended with a do-pass. On 5/29 it had a second reading in the House. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Jim joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as Voter Newsletter Editor in 2023. Jim Buck Voter Newsletter Editor Jim joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as Voter Newsletter Editor in 2023.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce After-School Care and Children’s Service: Katie Riley Behavioral Health: Trish Garner Education: Jean Pierce Equal Rights for All: Jean Pierce, Kyra Aguon Gun Safety and Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith, Becky Gladstone Higher Education: Jean Pierce Immigration/Refugee/Asylum: Claudia Keith Health Care: Christa Danielsen, M110 Public Safety, Justice Issues: Karen Nibler School-Based Health Centers: Chloe Acosta, Anai Beng Housing: Debbie Aiona, Nancy Donovan Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner 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: After School and Summer Age-Related Issues Behavioral Health Education Gun Policy Housing Legislation Immigration Public Safety After School and Summer By Katie Riley This past week was extremely busy. HB 3039 which would have appropriated moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Education and would have required the Department of Education to study methods for increasing the availability of summer and after-school academic and enrichment programs was dropped. HB 2007 which would modify requirements for the summer learning program to emphasize literacy and accountability was amended to HB 2007-A and heard in the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education, and the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education where it was passed. The accompanying funding bill HB 5047-A was also heard at the same time and passed. HB 5047 provides $35 million for summer 2025 and $47 million in 2026 and 27. It also provides for a special summer learning grant fund outside the general fund; thereby, establishing a sustainable funding source that allows for advance planning. The Oregonian published an article about the swift action on these bills that is a good description of the process. It is disappointing that the funding that has been passed for HB 2007 will be tightly focused on literacy and testing and will not go to all districts; however, it is encouraging that funding will be provided for summer learning, the funding is being established in a separate fund outside the general fund, and it will be provided over three years to allow for advance planning. It is hoped this bill will set a precedent for future allocations that will include specific funding for after school hours care with enriched programming that allows more opportunity for children to enjoy their time outside regular school hours while being inspired to pursue academics toward interesting career paths. HB 3941 which was introduced to allocate $4,990,000 for a grant program to establish up to 5 community schools at $170,000 per year in matching funds was scheduled for a a work session on April 7th but it was removed from the schedule. It is now dead. SB 1127 which would have provided for grants to develop and provide educational activities during recess, lunch or after school for Title I elementary schools was voted down in the Senate Committee on Education. It was noted that school foundations might be a better source of funding for these activities. It appears that some legislators are introducing amendments to bills to clarify that bills cannot “discriminate” against certain groups of people. They appear to be motivated by the federal administration’s desire to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts that prioritize groups that have been underserved. Since the bills are largely neutral and not specifying DEI activities, most of the amendments were not passed. However, HB 3008 was amended to include wording that allocations “will be based on merit and without discrimination or preferential treatment on the basis of race or ethnicity.” The bill would allocate funds to different agencies for investment in the child care workforce, including $9 million from the General Fund to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) in the 2025-27 biennium for distribution to Portland State University to fund recruitment and retention payments to childcare providers working in Oregon through the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education. The measure also includes a one-time appropriation of $6.5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in the 2025-27 biennium for distribution to childcare workforce training programs. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. HB 3011 , which establishes the Early Childhood Education Workforce Development Fund and appropriates moneys for community colleges and public universities in this state that offer early childhood education degrees and certificates had a work session on April 8th in the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. Testimon y was submitted earlier in support of this bill. The bill received a Do Pass recommendation for a House floor vote. HB 2593 which would direct the Department of Early Learning and Care to study the impact on student parents and working parents who are on the Employment Related Day Care subsidy waitlist (currently over 10,000) had a work session on April 8th in the House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services. It was sent to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Age-Related Issues By Patricia Garner HB 3497A Amendment 1 requires 14-plus State agencies to consider the effects of their actions on older adult populations. It passed unanimously (with one excusal) in the House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services and was referred to Ways & Means. The portion of HB 3187A that authorized employees to present evidence of disparities in salary, length of service and pension/retirement status in order to prove a workplace age discrimination case has been eliminated, leaving only the language that prohibited employers from asking about an applicant’s date of birth or graduation date, unless a conditional offer of employment had already been made or age was an intrinsic feature of the job (i.e, a bartender). On a party line vote, the House Labor and Work Standards Committee passed the amended bill (HB 3187 A – Amendment 1) with a “do pass” recommendation. Behavioral Health By Stephanie Aller and Patricia Garner On April 8th the House Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee unanimously passed HB 2015 Amendment 3 with a “do pass” recommendation and a referral to Ways & Means. This wide-ranging bill addresses regulatory barriers in building and operating secure residential treatment facilities (SRTF’s), residential treatment facilities (RTF’s) and residential treatment homes (RTH’s) in Oregon. It directs the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to study nursing requirements in SRTF’s and to assess alternative methodologies for reimbursement. At the present time federal reimbursement rates are much higher when a bed is actually occupied by a patient. This seems to make sense until one appreciates that there are situations where, for example, a temporary leave is appropriate to foster a good placement. The current reimbursement system incentivizes these facilities to keep individuals continually and for longer periods than might be necessary. HB 2467 Amendment 3 passed unanimously in the House Judiciary Committee with a do pass recommendation and a referral to Ways and Means. The last-minute referral to Ways and Means was unexpected and may reflect some opposition that hasn’t surfaced to date. If it passes, HB 2467 Amendment 3 will likely have a significant state-wide impact because it clarifies the standard by which someone is considered sufficiently dangerous to self and others such that civil commitment is warranted. HB 2480 Amendment 1 passed unanimously without recommendation in the House Judiciary Committee and was referred to the Joint Committee Addiction and Community Safety Response. The bill itemizes factors that courts may consider when determining whether a defendant is mentally competent to proceed, or “aid and assist” in their defense, in a criminal proceeding. These include, for example, prior evaluations, evidence of a prior diagnosis by a certified evaluator or qualified mental health practitioner, prior commitments, and/or the defendant’s conduct as observed in court. HB 2480 Amendment 1 also authorizes the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator to provide guardianship services for criminals whose criminal proceedings have been suspended because of a lack of mental competency. A temporary guardian may also be appointed. Two bills ( HB 3835 - Amendment 1 and 2 and SB 1113 ) were filed at the beginning of the Session. Both addressed restraints and seclusions in schools and health care agencies, as well as out-of-state placements. Senator Sara Gelser Blouin sponsored the Senate bill. Representative Nosse is the Chief Sponsor for HB 3835. The Senate bill used a more restrictive standard in allowing restraints and seclusions, but a scheduled Work Session was removed from the Senate Human Services Committee’s calendar and so will not be proceeding. The House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services unanimously adopted HB 3835 Amendment 3 , with two excused, but without recommendation as to passage. It was referred to Rules. At the conclusion of the hearing the Committee Chair Representative Nosse gave a strong statement that this bill was not being sent to Rules to die but that were still some items to discuss and he anticipated the bill’s passage. HB 2202 Amendment 1 (coordinated care organizations) passed the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care Committee with a do pass recommendation and a referral to Ways and Means. The vote was on party lines, with Democrats voting in favor. The bill looks like a work study bill and the OHA is directed to report its progress to the legislature by September 15, 2026, but there are a number of other more substantive provisions. As an example, it adds standards and requirements for CCO annual reports and requires OHA to convene an accreditation advisory committee annually rather than as needed. Funding bills – A number of bills relating to behavioral health matters were passed in Committee and referred for further budgetary consideration, including: HB 2024 Amendment 3 - unanimous, $20 million OHA to develop and implement incentive payments which are designed to increase the wages of residential, out-patient, outreach and medically assisted treatment providers so they are competitive with for-profit and hospital providers; $20 million in grants to behavioral health care providers for defined services, $5 million for the purpose of establishing a program designed to enhance training, education and apprenticeship programs HB 2056A Amendment 1 – unanimous, $64,890 appropriation to OHA for distribution to community mental health programs HB 2059 Amendment 3 – unanimous, $90 million appropriation for building residential treatment facilities. League testimony HB 2729A Amendment 6 – party line vote with Democrats voting aye, $7 million appropriation for OHA to develop and implement grant programs for school districts, education services districts and entities that provide physical or behavioral health services to be used to increase and improve school-based mental health services and substance abuse prevention SB 920 was sponsored by Senator Daniel Bonham (Republican). It directs the Oregon State University Extension Service to accelerate the promotion of behavioral health in Oregon by convening local communities to develop plans that promote behavioral health and facilitate community conversations about mental health and substance abuse. All members of the Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health Committee voted for the bill except for Representative Diane Linthicum (Republican) who did not state her reasons for voting against it. Education By Jean Pierce Bills of interest receiving Do Pass Recommendations: HB2009 A / SB141 A are identical bills, both of which received Do Pass recommendations from their respective Education Committees, with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.. They require the Department of Education to study the adequacy of public education in Oregon. SB 315 A would require the Oregon Department of Education to review and make recommendations for recording student absences by school districts as well as school districts' responses to student absences that exceed10 days. (Senate Education) HB 2251A would require school district boards to adopt policies for the use of personal electronic devices by students (excluding laptops) that prohibit the use of personal electronic devices by students during instructional time. It requires policies to provide for the use of devices if medically necessary or part of a student's individualized education program or Section 504 plan.(House Education) Two bills of interest received Do Pass recommendations with referrals to Ways and Means from the House Education Committee. Currently, LWVOR has no K-12 position addressing the need for Attracting and Supporting Well-Qualified Teachers. This is one of the positions being proposed for Concurrence at our state convention. HB 3200 A would provide scholarships for teacher candidates who have experience with diverse populations. HB 3040 A would provide grants for professional development for early literacy coaching for schools and districts for students with the highest needs in 3rd grade proficiency. Impact of Federal Actions on Oregon Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Title I Funding On April 10th, Oregon’s director of education, Charlene Williams responded to a US Department of Education letter requiring states to end programs supporting DEI or lose millions in Title I funding. Dr. Williams reported that Oregon is refusing to sign a letter which would have confirmed compliance with the edict. Oregon receives close to $134 million in Title I funds, which go to 40% of the state’s schools and serve over 200,000 students from low-income families. Lawsuit Concerning Cuts in Funding for Math and Literacy Project: Last week’s Legislative Report noted that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) had lost millions of dollars in federal funding for literacy and math programs. On April 10th, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined with 15 other Attorneys General to sue the Trump administration for suspending the funding. Math Instructional Framework - Development of a math instructional framework to ensure students across the state are receiving the highest quality math instruction to support their learning and boost their outcomes. Oregon Literacy Practitioners Network - Establishment of a network of Oregon literacy ambassadors sharing best practices among educators to improve the quality of literacy instruction students receive around the state. Oregon Adolescent Literacy Framework Professional Learning Resources - Development of training modules, a collection of research and other literacy resources, as well as practical tools to support educators implementing the newly released Oregon Adolescent Literacy Framework for grades 6-12 in their classroom instruction. Instructional Framework - Development (including research and engagement) of a statewide instructional framework so that regardless of zip code Oregon students can count on excellent instruction. Regional In-Person Training For Educators - In partnership with Oregon’s Education Service Districts, provide five summits throughout the state (along with a communication campaign) for teams to use the new instructional resources in Early and Adolescent Literacy and prepare to bring this learning into their schools and classrooms. ODE detailed the cuts as follows: $1.5 million for a series of different instructional frameworks and the resources to accompany them, $1.2 million for educator development opportunities, $745,000 toward communications and technical assistance. Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) An executive order calling for the end of the Institute for Museum and Library Services has led to the termination of grant programs including the Oregon Battle of the Books. OBOB is a statewide initiative, which invites students in grades 3-12 to compete in teams to answer questions about a variety of books. Congress had approved funding for the program, which brought $26,000 to the state for this popular program. Gun Policy By Marge Easley There was mostly good news on the progress of gun policy bills as the Judiciary Committees reached their deadline for first chamber bills. On the House side, two of the most evidenced-based bills, HB 3075 and HB 3076 , were amended and passed House Judiciary on a 5-3 vote with a do pass recommendation and referred to Ways and Means. HB 3075, containing implementation details for Measure 114 (2022), requires permits to purchase a firearm and bans high-capacity magazines. HB 3076 creates a gun dealer licensing program. However, a big disappointment was the cancellation of the hearing for HB 3074 -1, which would have increased the use of Extreme Risk Protection orders with the goal of lowering Oregon’s high rate of suicide. Hopefully this bill will resurface in 2026. Also cancelled was HB 3884 , which would have facilitated the ability of gun dealers to temporarily store firearms for those at risk of suicide. On the Senate side, two key wins were the passage out of committee of SB 1015 and SB 243 . SB 1015, authorizing funding for community violence Intervention and prevention program, unanimously received a do pass recommendation and a referral to Ways and Means. SB 243, an omnibus bill that originally combined four previous bills, passed out of committee on a 4-2 vote with a Do Pass referral. Although the age restriction of 21 to purchase a firearm was stripped from the bill, it still contains a 72-hour waiting period for a firearm purchase, a ban on rapid fire devices, and a watered-down expansion of the ability of public spaces to be declared “gun free zones.” Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Long-term rent assistance for youth On April 16, the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness will hold a hearing on SB 814 A . This bill, administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) would expand eligibility criteria for its existing Long-Term Rent Assistance Program. Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) youth under the age of 25 would have an opportunity to access long-term rental assistance to achieve a greater level of housing security. Youth assisted would be those exiting a childcare center or youth correctional facility. This measure also requires OHCS to consult with the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), among other stakeholders. At least 14% of youth who were committed to OYA since October 2022 have already experienced some period of homelessness. Studies indicate that housing instability increases the risk for recidivism. Achieving success for youth following involvement with the juvenile justice system is challenging at best. Many of these youth have experienced trauma and instability in their childhood and young adult life. Finding suitable housing with a criminal record and no rental experience poses additional hurdles. This bill will assist youth by providing a safe and stable home so they can devote their attention to employment, education, and family. Investing in the success of youth can help them achieve long term stability and success. Also, stable housing can offer a solid foundation for growth and opportunity. The League wrote in testimony in support of this important bill. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 Immigration Study JWM waiting for Fiscal Y Sen Jama -3 amendment SB 599A Immig status: discrimnation in RealEstate transactions H Judiciary Sen Campos SB 611 Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented SC HS - JWM Work Sess 4/8 Y Sen Campos Rep Ruiz amendment -1 SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill JWM 6 Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G Testimony HB 2548 Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. H Rules Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. JWM Rep Hartman HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - HC ECHS - JWM dead Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds * likely end of session Reconcilation Bill HB 2586 A nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Sen Ed RepHudson, SenCampos HB 2543 fundsfor universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters HC Jud ? 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS - see sb 703 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund JWM 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama OHA HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund JCWM-GG ? 7 Das Public Safety By Karen Nibler HB 2677 on the expunction process for juvenile court records was tweaked again this session. The expunction laws for law violations by youth under 18 have been revised in the more recent sessions. The court can grant expunction within 60 days of application if there were no felonies or misdemeanors involving violence. So this should be the final revision. The bill was passed with Amendment 7 and sent to Ways and Means. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - November Interim Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce After-School Care and Children’s Service: Katie Riley Behavioral Health: Trish Garner Education: Jean Pierce Equal Rights for All: Jean Pierce, Kyra Aguon Gun Safety and Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith, Becky Gladstone Higher Education: Jean Pierce Immigration/Refugee/Asylum: Claudia Keith Health Care: Christa Danielsen, M110 Public Safety, Justice Issues: Karen Nibler School-Based Health Centers: Chloe Acosta, Anai Beng Housing: Debbie Aiona, Nancy Donovan Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner Jump to topic: Behavioral Health and Public Safety Housing and Homelessness Immigration Behavioral Health and Public Safety By Karen Nibler The Joint Interim Addiction and Community Response Committee held an in-depth discussion on the controlled substance crimes of unlawful possession, manufacture or delivery of illegal drugs during November interim legislative days. Felony and misdemeanor crimes were reviewed, and Class E possession of small amounts of drugs were explained under BM 110. Sentencing for Class E violations (BM 110) could draw a fine of $45 to $100. Screening or treatment cancels the citation. Failure to respond draws no consequence. The police and sheriff representatives held that addiction and mental illness are health issues and they have no tools to abate. They need places to take drug users for services and need tools to shut down public use and open markets. City and county law enforcement requested that the legislature consider new legal options for diversion and drug treatment. The BM 110 providers are not connected with law enforcement. The Court system has diversion and treatment options but the inadequate availability of public defenders continues to be problematic. Expect these issues to be examined in the 2024 legislative session. Public Defense Services Commission The Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee heard reports on PDSC salary plan increases and classification changes. In January new members will join the commission and the agency will move under Governor’s Office oversight. Current court system actions are to reduce the number of filings, speed up case disposition, hire additional attorneys, and increase the capacity of attorneys in the system. The Criminal Justice Commission staff are monitoring district plans and implementation now. House Judiciary heard a progress report on a Restorative Justice Grant that serves crime victims in 7 areas for one year. The grant was set up and is monitored by the Criminal Justice Commission. The Mental Health Courts Workgroup is scheduled to report to the 2025 session on the civil commitment procedures and assisted outpatient treatment in the state court system. Statistics submitted showed 8,000 cases in 2022 with only 6% committed to the hospital, 15% in diversion programs, 29% dismissed after investigations, and 61% dismissed prior to investigation. The Oregon State Hospital has been at capacity due to Aid and Assist evaluations resulting in efforts to treat locally. Community Mental Health Programs in counties bear the responsibility for patients discharged from the state hospital who need housing or secure facilities. State funding is needed for these services as well as case management. Marion County District Attorney commented on the numbers of homeless persons released from the OSH. Many of these patients are currently unserved in the Salem community without follow-up care after leaving the hospital. It was estimated that Marion County bears a $2 million cost for released patients. School Based Health Center supporters testified in the House Behavioral Health Committee on the preventive services offered by nurses in school based health centers on public school campuses. The nurses managed chronic conditions, preventive options, mental health and physical health referrals. Continued funding for nurses is requested for school clinics. Housing and Homelessness By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan The Oregon Housing Alliance is gearing up to propose its 2024 legislative priorities and concepts. On 11/16 it held its annual membership meeting in Salem. Representing the League of Women Voters, a member of the Housing Alliance, were Nancy Donovan, LWV of Oregon and Beth Jacobi, LWV of Deschutes County. The following guest speakers provided overviews of the 2024 legislative session: · Representative Maxine Dexter, Chair of the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, · Policy staff from Governor Kotek’s Office on Housing and Homelessness: Housing and Homeless Initiative Director, Taylor Smiley Wolfe, and Housing Advisor, Matthew Tschabold. · Christopher Allanach from the Legislative Revenue Office reviewed the newly released 11/15 quarterly state revenue forecast. The Housing Alliance presented their proposed 2024 legislative priorities and strategies below for the 2024 short session. The Housing Alliance did not ask meeting members to vote at this early juncture. Homeownership 1. Individual Development Accounts (IDAs): $10-12 million from the general fund to provide Individual Development Accounts and financial education for additional 600-700 households statewide. 2. Housing Production: $7-15 million from the general fund, to be paired with the state’s Local Innovation and Fast Tract (LIFT) bonds to build new homes for first-time buyers in the state. 3. Mortgages for homebuyers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to remove barriers to mortgage lending for borrowers to use their ITIN numbers to establish their identity. Affordable Housing Preservation 1. $125 million to keep Oregonians housed by acquiring and or renovating buildings, including those with expiring affordability restrictions. 2. $2 million for tenant outreach, education, and resource navigation. Grants would enable community-based organizations to help residents in buildings that are scheduled to lose their affordability restrictions. Homeless Prevention and Shelter Operations 1. (TBD) million to keep Oregonians housed by providing emergency rent assistance. Due to the high cost of rent, over 80% of evictions are for non-payment. 2. (TBD) million to maintain homeless shelter operations in Bend, Cottage Grove, Eugene, Medford, and Salem, which were established using American Rescue Plan Act money. The Senate and House interim committees on housing and homelessness met during the Legislative Committee Days in early November. The topics below provide a preview of possible hot topics to be considered during the upcoming short session. Interim committees are authorized by the Legislative Assembly to study subjects between sessions. The House Interim Committee on Housing and Homelessness held an interim informational meeting on 11/17. The housing and homeless topics presented by organizations are below. · Medicaid 1115 Waiver Housing Component Implementation · Homelessness Response Strategies · Regional Homeless Services Coordination · Land Readiness and Infrastructure in Cities · Manufactured Housing: Stability and Affordability for Residents · Urban Unincorporated Areas in Metro Counties Workgroup The Senate Interim Committee on Housing and Development met on 11/6/2023. The following housing topics were discussed during the meeting. · Statewide Eviction Landscape · Joint Task Force on Addressing Racial Disparity in Homeownership · Land Availability within the Faith Communities Immigration/Refugee/Asylum By Claudia Keith There continues to be growth in Oregon Immigration and Refugee populations that will affect a number of state agencies. This policy topic will likely not be addressed in 2024 however given the favorable revenue forecast additional funding may be added during the 2024 short session. LWVUS Joins Letter Urging President to Finalize Rule on Health Coverage for DACA Recipients | League of Women Voters Oregon has $3.6 million in grants to help refugees from Afghanistan – Oregon Capital Chronicle, Immigrants' Rights | ACLU of Oregon, Unaccompanied Children Released to Sponsors by State | The Administration for Children and Families

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/3 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Social Policy, Immigration, Hate Crimes Government Ethics Election Systems Social Policy, Immigration, Hate Crimes By Becky Gladstone We are following numerous bills relating to immigration, discrimination, bias and hate crimes, including as they relate to privacy. We are following national executive orders and memos that relate to our December action alert, anticipating developments. See the LWVOR alert and the LWVUS press release . HB 2341 : The League’s was the only testimony filed. We supported adding email address access for certain veterans and service member correspondence, based on “efficiency in government”. The bill passed unanimously in work session, from H Comm On Emergency Mngmt, Gen Gov, and Veterans . SJM 1 : We are preparing testimony on this bill, urging Congress to protect rights of armed forces and their families. It mentions bias and hate crimes. A work session is scheduled in Sen Comm On Vets, Emergency Management, Fed and World Affairs on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 1pm to return the bill to the Senate President for committee reassignment. SB 5535 : Time allowing, this DAS agency budget bill may be addressed, public hearing Wed, Feb. 5. New LWVOR Action Committee volunteers have joined to work on artificial intelligence and other cyber issues. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey The House Rules Committee heard five bills from the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) on Jan. 27. The OGEC Director Meyers said that these bills are “simply efforts to clean up inconsistencies and eliminate confusion with respect to the application of the statutes.” HB 2923 specifies some business roles that must be included on a Statement of Economic Interest disclosure form. HB 2927 permits the OGEC to prolong an investigation into alleged ethics law or lobbying violations by no more than 60 days. The current 30 days allowed is ineffective since it would not extend to the next OGEC meeting. HB 2928 removes the prohibition on offering gifts in excess of $50 per calendar year to a public official, candidate, or to a relative or member of their household. This is the OGEC’s most controversial proposal since they justified it with a 2009 court case that overturned this statute. However, later written testimony said that a 2020 court case “abrogated” the 2009 decision. See Oregonian, Should special interests get to offer Oregon officials luxury gifts? Four people opposed this bill, and the League will also likely oppose it. HB 2930 applies conflict of interest laws to people who live in the same house as a public official. The only two witnesses (OGEC executive director and another OGEC employee) were in favor of the bill. Two public comments were received (one from Dan Meek on behalf of the OR Progressive Party), both in support of the bill. HB 2932 allows a public official to get paid for teaching at certain schools, even when related to their public office. Election Systems By Barbara Klein A bill related to Open Primaries ( HB 3166 ) on which LWVOR has been working, has not yet been amended. The anticipated amendments may change LWVOR support (or no support) status. It has been moved to the Rules committee. HB 2876 seeks to conform all county election structures statewide, making every county commission a nonpartisan board of five (5) commissioners (unless voters of the county choose not to do so). It is currently in Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans.

Never sign a petition “just to get it on the ballot so people can vote on it.” / Voting / Think Before You Ink / Think Before You Ink YOUR SIGNATURE IS VALUABLE ONLY SIGN PETITIONS YOU SUPPORT! Never sign a petition “just to get it on the ballot so people can vote on it.” Just as voting in primaries has more impact than voting in general elections, signing petitions has more impact than ballot measure voting. HOW MANY SIGNATURES ARE NEEDED? The threshold number for statewide petitions to become ballot measures is defined by the number of votes in the last Governor’s race for a full term. “Certification” is randomly sampling petitions, comparing signatures in the Oregon Certified Voter Registration (OCVR) database. Invalid or duplicate signatures are not counted. WHAT ARE PETITIONS? Petitions can send decisions to ballots as ballot measures, if enough certified signatures are collected. INITIATIVE Registered voters can put issues on ballots to change laws, Oregon Revised Statutes, or to amend the Oregon State Constitution. REFERRAL The Legislature can refer an undecided issue or a bill they passed to voters for approval. Any bills that amend the Oregon Constitution must be referred to voters and do not require petition signatures. REFERENDUM Registered voters can try to reject (veto) bills passed by the Legislature by petitioning to put a referendum on the ballot. A referendum may only be filed once a bill has passed in both legislative chambers and has either been signed by the Governor or the Governor's veto deadline has elapsed. Note: A referendum petition allows voters to adopt or reject any nonemergency Act or part of a nonemergency Act. Think Before You Ink Campaign Toolkit Get It Here LOOK UP WHO IS BEHIND IT Chief Petitioners are listed on the Oregon Secretary of State Initiative, Referendum, and Referral Search page . Chief petitioners and funders of ballot measures are not required to be Oregonians. Search ORESTAR for ballot measure, candidate, and PAC (political action committee) official filing and financial information. Print or Request Think Before You Ink Brochures Print brochures in English or Spanish . Or request printed copies below. Email Us

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week 1/30 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Agriculture Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Elliott State Research Forest Land Use/Housing Toxics Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team We have two new volunteers for Natural Resources: Paula Grisafi is providing testimony on Toxics bills. She worked on the Pesticides and Biocides Study and can now put the new positions to use. Carolyn Mayers is following Wildfire issues. She followed the Wildfire hearings at the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development and has concerns with residential buildings in the Wildland Urban Interface. Consider joining them covering issues of your concern. Agriculture The League has been invited to present information at the February Board of Agriculture meeting. We have provided a letter sharing our natural resource area priorities for 2023, along with the full League Action Committee Priorities . On Jan. 31 st , the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a report from the Dept. of Agriculture on the Oregon Disaster Assistance Program (with slides ). While there was success in helping farmers and ranchers as they dealt with drought, floods, ice storms and excessive heat, there was discussion on a future focus of resiliency programs for agriculture. Look for another Drought package to be introduced this session. Learn more about dry land farming in Western Oregon here . Air Quality By Kathy Moyd SB 488 , the Medical Waste Incinerator Bill (Covanta), is scheduled for a hearing in early February. LWVOR and LWV Marion Polk have provided testimony with concerns about the Covanta facility in past sessions. You might j oin Beyond Toxics, 350 Salem, and Clean Air Now on Feb 6th at 7:00 pm for an overview of the bill (Medical Waste Incineration Act) and hear about upcoming action alerts and how you help reduce air toxics in Oregon! Register here. Budgets/Revenue Governor Kotek’s first biennial budget is here . For natural resource agency budgets, start on page 143 of the web document. The Ways and Means (W&Ms) Subcommittees will begin hearing agency budgets as soon as the bills are introduced. Look for the Parks budget Feb. 7 th . The Governor’s budget is “balanced” with the use of the ending fund balances of $765 million from 2021-23 that would have gone to the Rainy-Day Fund. Oregon’s reserves are at $2 billion and those funds are not expected to be used, nor is the kicker money expected to be returned to taxpayers. More information on potential kicker distribution amounts will be provided during the Feb. 22 nd Revenue Forecast. Kicker amounts won’t be finalized until the 2021-23 budget is closed in Sept. The House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee held an informational hearing on Jan. 23 rd with experts who provided insight into the potential federal programs that Oregon might access from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. LWVOR continues to encourage the Governor and the Legislature to provide staffing to search for and write grants and assure we have staff to implement any programs funded by these federal dollars. The Governor’s budget seems to provide some staffing at the agency level for this work. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See Climate Report in the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt Peggy Joyce, a “public” representative on the Ocean Policy Advisory Council shares a report from their January meeting: All six of the Rocky Habitat Management strategy proposals approved at the December meeting will now begin their journey toward implementation with a recommendation letter to the Land Conservation and Development Commission. The six proposed and approved Territorial Sea Plan Part Three Rocky Habitat Management Strategy programs are: Ecola Point as a Marine Conservation Area; Chapman Point as a Marine Education Area; Cape Lookout as a Marine Conservation Area ; Fogarty Creek as a Marine Conservation Area with an allowance of subtidal research and a preference for observational research; Cape Foulweather Complex as a Marine Conservation Area with no change to commercial invertebrate harvest and Blacklock Point as a Marine Conservation area. The Board also received an update on the Territorial Sea Plan Part Four Workgroup process on underseas cable placements along the Oregon coast that should be wrapped up after its next group meeting, Feb 1 st . A comprehensive update was presented to the Council by the Elakha Alliance’s efforts to re-introduce sea otters along the Oregon coast. A great deal of research and study along with the hiring of an Executive Director (Jane Bacchieri) last summer has boosted the confidence of the Alliance that they will be able to begin relocation efforts in 2024. Dept. Of Environmental Quality The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission will meet next February 9 and 10 , for a special meeting to interview the two finalists (Leah Feldon and Jamie McLeod-Skinner) for DEQ Director. The special meeting will be held by Zoom, with a toll-free telephone option for audio-only connection, and more information about the interviews and EQC process are available at the agenda webpage . League members engage in this agency’s multiple missions and will be interested in the Commission’s decision. Elliott State Research Forest By Peggy Lynch On Feb. 1 st , the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a presentation from the Dept. of State Lands on the establishment of the Forest and the nexus with Oregon State University ( calendar links provided ). The League shared our December 2022 State Land Board testimony with committee members. The OSU Board of Trustees is expected to consider the terms of a potential agreement on the role of OSU in the Elliott at its April 14 meeting. If adopted, the resulting agreement would be voted on by a new Elliott State Research Forest Authority Board of Directors anticipated to be formed by the state on Jan. 1, 2024. An advisory Authority Board was appointed by the State Land Board at its December meeting to help shepherd this process. Emergency Services Governor Kotek’s Housing Executive Order 23-02 included a role for the newly formed separate agency: the Oregon Dept. of Emergency Services (ODEM). The agency has 90 staffers. Interim Director Matt Garrett shared in a committee hearing that they have been asked to “Create a construct to receive requests” and will work with OHCS. After rural counties expressed concern that they were not included in ExO 23-02, the counties were instructed to submit a letter to ODEM with information on the extent of and growth of homelessness in their counties from 2017 to 2022. The Governor has since requested $1.8 million to “support the emergency response being coordinated by…” ODEM as part of her urgent budget request on Jan. 26 th . Fish and Wildlife On Jan. 31 st , the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a presentation from the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife on the success of funding projects related to drought and the effect on our aquatic creatures. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch The League provided testimony on HB 2983 in support of manufactured housing and testimony on SB 534 in support of a pilot $3 million fund to provide financing for the development of infrastructure and other costs, usable only for housing to remain affordable to moderate income households for at least 30 years. HB 2487 allows weddings or other events east of the summit of the Cascades on EFU lands. LWVOR did not testify, but has real concerns that this law change will affect ranching in Eastern Oregon. These properties are also served by water wells, septic systems and rural farm-to-market roads. SB 70 will have a hearing Feb. 8 th in Senate Natural Resources . The bill amends the definition of high-value farmlands for residential rezoning of lands within the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region from SB 16 (2021). LWVOR opposed SB 16 due to conversion of EFU lands and the need for water and septic systems for rural housing; however, it did pass in 2021. Because Malheur County has concerns about implementing SB 16 EFU definitions, SB 70 has been filed this session. We continue to be concerned. More land requests being considered by the Semiconductor Committee: two each 500 acres, 4 each of 50 acres and 8 each of 15 acres. Unfortunately, much of this acreage would be at the loss of agricultural lands—the second most important and most stable economic engine in Oregon. HB 2889 : Establishes Oregon Housing Needs Analysis within Housing and Community Services Department. LWVOR supports. You can watch a presentation of this concept in the House Housing Committee on Jan. 17. This is a Priority housing bill for LWVOR this session. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Radioactive Waste By Shirley Weathers The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) has provided to the Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) a first draft of proposed rules for Division 050 Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) on radioactive waste and a matrix presentation of results of a member survey done last year. Members have until March 1, 2023 to submit informal comments to staff. The precise schedule of activities after that point, including a public comment period on the more advanced draft, has not yet been announced. Recycling By Kathy Moyd The Right to Repair bill, SB 542 , will have a hearing Feb. 9 th at 1p. We hear an amendment will be submitted. See the Senate Energy and Environment hearings on Feb. 14 th for bills related to polystyrene and plastics. Toxics By Paula Grisafi LWVOR will follow the Toxics Free Schools bill when it is filed. More to come. Water By Peggy Lynch LWVOR has a statutory seat on the OHA’s Drinking Water Advisory Committee and we need a volunteer! The Secretary of State (SOS) did an advisory report on water. The Oregon Capitol Chronicle provided a good article on the issue. LWVOR participated in a year-long process to consider water processes. A report was provided to the legislature with a series of recommendations. Of particular note is Section 1: Overarching Recommendations. OPB points to the issue of enforcement and decentralized water management. The 2017-2022 Integrated Water Resources Strategy Progress Report provides a list of funding requests. The SOS did a presentation to the House Agriculture, Land use, Natural Resources and Water Committee on Jan. 31 st . Crook County has declared a state of drought emergency for the fourth consecutive year. The measure was taken so that its residents can tap into state funds to alleviate the financial burden brought on by the exceptionally dry conditions. The Governor has to officially declare these drought emergencies. According to the US Drought Monitor, nearly 64% of Oregon is experiencing moderate (D1) to exceptional (D4) drought conditions. Changes over recent weeks include a number of improvements and degradations. Reservoir storage contents in most U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (including Klamath) projects are measuring well below average, with many showing similarities to the past couple water years. The League is reviewing HB 3100 , a bill that updates requirements for the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS). Section 1 of the bill has many positive additions but Section 2 requires yet another standing Advisory Committee. Committees take staff time and resources and the Water Resources Commission provides adequate oversight. We’ll listen to others as we consider testimony on this bill, but we wholeheartedly support the guidance of the IWRS as it links multiple water agencies towards “abundant clean water for all”. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” V isit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. We have an on-going drought throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers See hearings on Feb. 6 th in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources for bills related to wildfire. Volunteers Needed Above you can see the names of League volunteers who covered one or more issues. V olunteers are needed. What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. The 2023 legislative session is at hand with over 2,000 bills already filed. Help! Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - September Interim Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Columbia River Treaty Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Dept. of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry Emergency Services Hanford Cleanup Board Land Use Radioactive Waste Reduce/Recycle Regional Solutions Toxics Water Wildfire By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team We hope you read the October 1 st LWVOR All-Member Newsletter with the list of volunteers needed for the League’s Natural Resources Team. The League depends on YOU to help advocate—using our adopted positions. Our voice is respected because of our studies and nonpartisan volunteer voices. A fun survey—Please take the 2023 Oregon Values and Beliefs Center Typology survey to help strengthen Oregon’s civic culture. Your voice can steer public policy. HCR 38 (2023) sets the process for the February 2024 short session that runs Feb. 5 through March 10th. The legislative calendar is posted on the Oregon Legislature website . There were three days of legislative meetings Sept. 27-29 and more interim days in November and January. Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch On August 30 th , a new quarterly Revenue Forecast was provided to the legislature. The total available resources for the current 2023-25 biennium was increased by $437 million after accounting for a bigger beginning balance which was the result of a larger ending balance in the previous 2021-23 biennium after it closed this summer. There will be another forecast Nov. 15 and one on February 7 th which will determine potential revenue that can be spent during the 2024 session. During these Sept. interim meetings, we understand that Tax Measures 5 & 50 which capped yearly property tax increases at 3% were discussed. Mayors from around Oregon testified in support of increasing the cap to improve local services funding. The League has often supported a review and possible changes to our property tax system, in particular because of these constraints on our local governments. The League is hopeful there will be additional bonding capacity available as we advocate for spending on infrastructure for needed housing. The Legislative Fiscal Office shares that the State Debt Policy Advisory Commission (SDPAC) issues an annual report, so there will be a 2024 report that includes the most current revenue and interest rate projections. However, typically any additional debt capacity resulting from an increase in forecasted revenues is attributed to future biennia. Based on the 2023 SDPAC report and bonding authorizations approved in the 2023 session, there is $65.8 million in remaining general obligation bond capacity and $27.4 million in remaining lottery bond capacity for the 2023-25 biennium. The final “kicker” amount of about $5.6 billion will be returned to taxpayers as a credit on their 2024 tax returns. The 1979 Oregon Legislature passed the "Two percent kicker" law, which requires the state to refund excess revenue to taxpayers when actual General Fund revenues exceed the previous odd-year May revenue forecast amount by more than two percent. The Legislative Fiscal Office has published its 2023-25 Budget Highlights which provides summary information on the legislatively adopted budget from the 2023 session. You can look for the Natural Resource Program Area for specifics on the monies provided to our 14 state agencies. The Emergency Board met right after Sine Die to adopt rules for their work during the interim. They were provided $50 million in the 2023 end-of-session bill, SB 5506 , to spend on emergencies until the next session, as well as a number of “special purpose appropriations” for expected expenses such as additional wildfire funding and salary increases. Otherwise, agency budgets are only changed by an act of the entire legislature. At the time of this report, the League understands that the Emergency Board does not plan to meet before the 2024 session. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report which overlaps with Natural Resources. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch LWVOR continues to advocate for protection of wetlands and estuaries. Here is a PEW Research article on Oregon’s work to leverage coastal wetlands to help address climate change. The Coos County League is preparing testimony on the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP). The County file for this project is AM-22-005 . The Coos League continues to watch with concern for a potential federal grant to help dredging deeper and wider the Port of Coos Bay. It is unclear if there is an official proposal to create a container ship proposal moving forward. The Coos League is having trouble getting information from the Port on these issues. (See the LWVOR 2023 Sine Die issue for more information.) The Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is listening to comments related to proposed ocean energy sites offshore from Brookings and Coos Bay. Information is available on the BOEM Oregon state activities page . To comment on the draft WEAs please go to regulations.gov and search for docket number BOEM-2023-0033. BOEM will accept comments through 11:59 pm ET on October 16, 2023. The Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) has approved revisions to the Territorial Sea Plan Part 4 . This plan now goes to the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) for adoption. OPAC was “disappointed” the Governor’s representative did not attend the meeting. OPAC sent a letter expressing concern that the Governor does not seem to understand the impact of our coastal industry, communities, its ecological value and the important role of OPAC as a voice for those communities. We do note that the Governor has added temporarily a staffer from the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife to her natural resources advisors and perhaps that will help with the myriad of natural resource issues on the Governor’s plate. See the League’s 2012 Coastal Study to learn more about wave energy. Columbia River Treaty By Philip Thor On August 14, 2023, a ”Media Note” was released by the “Office of the Spokesperson,” presumably, from the United States Department of State, which announced that “The United States and Canada conducted the 18th round of Columbia River Treaty regime negotiations on August 10-11 in Seattle, Washington.” The note went on to state “As committed by President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau at the conclusion of the President’s March visit to Canada, the U.S. negotiation team has further accelerated negotiation efforts towards an agreement that meets the needs of the Columbia Basin with greater certainty and improved results.” To that end, the United States recently put forward a range of options for Canada to consider that the U.S. believes provides both countries with increased certainty in managing flood risks, planning for Treaty hydropower operations, integrating Canada’s desire for greater flexibility, establishing mechanisms for incorporating tribal and indigenous input, and taking advantage of opportunities to strengthen Treaty ecosystem provisions and collaborate on ongoing salmon reintroduction studies. During the session negotiation teams exchanged views on this set of proposals. The United States is focused on ensuring that resource planners, operators, and others have time to make plans to implement a modernized Treaty regime or rely on the current Treaty regime as it exists today. And, finally, the note said that the U.S. government would hold a virtual listening session on August 22, 2023 “to engage the public about treaty regime modernization…” Below is some of what various representatives had to say about Treaty renegotiations in this session: U.S. Government negotiators opened the meeting with statements (State Department, Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration). Many of the next speakers were from PNW Public Utility Districts (PUDs), Cooperatives (Co-Ops), and power-related associations. It appeared that they had prepared in advance since their key messages were very similar. Namely: Flood control should be paid by taxpayers, as elsewhere in the US. The Canadian Entitlement is unbalanced – Canada gets more hydropower returned to them which they then sell back to the U.S. at great profit. Wildfires are occurring in both countries and Canada has a right to choose how they release water. Climate change is affecting us. “We share the fires, we share the floods, so we should share the water.” The marketing of power (i.e., the imbalance) impacts many smaller communities, which are vulnerable. Electricity rates are increasing, as is overall electrical demand – both effects are especially hard on rural folks, served by the smaller PUDs and Co-Ops. Renegotiation is taking too long – Canada is delaying the new treaty so they can continue to get more than their fair share of benefits. Many other speakers commented that the renegotiations needed to speed up. Most of the remaining speakers were from environmental groups, Native American Tribes and other like organizations. Their statements were like what had been presented before, namely: Inclusion of Ecosystem Function is critical and should become the third leg of the CRT purposes. The U.S. Entity should be expanded to include representatives from PNW Native American Tribes. They should be given a manager role in the CRT, not as a consultant. Ecosystem Function should include: A Spring freshet Flow augmentation A dry-year strategy Salmon reintroduction is another critical piece of Ecosystem Function. Temperature has been higher than 70 degrees since mid-July at main stem dams, considered lethal to salmon. BPA and COE have failed in managing the river as the U.S. Entity. Adding Ecosystem Function would improve this. So, given what I have heard now and before this, and with my background, I would offer the following conclusions: There appears to be some interest to resolve negotiations, largely so that flood operations in 2024 can be managed, and to avoid “pay for flood control regime” then. But, the perceived imbalance of hydroelectric power sharing between the two countries is (in my opinion) a monumental hurdle that may not be easily overcome. This could stall negotiations for a long time. Both countries currently think they are not getting their fair share of the power benefits. This may be a negotiation tactic. Adding Ecosystem Function as an important component of a new Treaty is likely to occur, but the “devil is in the details.” What is included in Ecosystem Function and how will it be provided? This listening session was the first one that identified what some of the specifics are, namely – reintroduction of salmon into Canada (a rather tough objective since Grand Coulee Dam is very high and Lake Roosevelt is quite long), a spring freshet (already largely have increased flows in the spring now), flow augmentation (more water will not likely cool the river much, if at all), and a dry-year strategy (useful concept but defining it is a challenge; also its implementation could impact other river users, such as recreation – deeper drawdowns in storage reservoirs during the summer period causing lower reservoir refill probabilities in subsequent years, particularly if another dry-year occurs). The other important note is that the negotiators are being very closed lipped about details, which is fully understandable. So, there is no telling when an agreement will come together since the public has no method for judging how close the talks may be. We will continue to stand by and watch for announcements. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League continues to follow the Grassy Mountain Gold Project in Malheur County, using a streamlined permitting process. Here is the latest on this project. Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch As part of the discussions on housing, the Governor’s Housing Production Advisory Council (HPAC), shared a proposal to significantly change our wetlands protections laws and rules. The League provided testimony in opposition with comments explaining our prior actions to support more assets for wetlands permitting and data. The Governor has recently said this HPAC proposal will not be part of her housing proposals for 2024, but we may well see a bill from an individual legislator. If you want to receive notices of HPAC meetings, click here . HB 2238 passed in 2023 and allows for rulemaking to increase fees related to removal or fill permit applications, wetland delineation reports and general authorizations. We will work with the agency to increase processes for clearly identifying wetlands in urban growth boundaries to be sure lands that should be developed can be and those that can’t should be are removed from the buildable lands inventory. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The League continues to engage in the ESRF, including attending their prospective Board meetings. The prospective ESRF Board met September 22 ( agenda ). Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . They plan to meet again October 16, Noon to 4 p.m. in Corvallis and December 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meeting videos are posted to the Department of State Lands YouTube channel and meeting notes are posted to DSL's Elliott website . Work is continuing on eventual adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan and a Forest Management Plan for the forest. Of concern to the League is how their plan can be financially viable without excessive timber harvest. See also the OSU College of Forestry website here as they work on the proposed Forest Management Plan. The Shutter Creek facility has been transferred to the Dept. of State Lands and federal monies awarded to upgrade the facility to be used as the headquarters for the ESRF as well as potential opportunities for local tribes. Here is an OPB article with the latest on the Elliott. We may see an ask for additional General Funds to pay for starting up this new agency in 2024 since any timber harvest will not occur for a few years. They were allocated $4.1 million in 2023 but will need to hire an Executive Director and limited staff while working on all future plans for research, for recreation and for limited harvest in the forest. The OSU Board of Trustees will receive an update at their Oct. 20 meeting. There will be a special OSU Board meeting in December when the OSU Board will consider final approval of OSU’s engagement with the ESRF. The State Land Board will meet Dec. 12 to provide a final decision on the ESRF going forward. Forestry Oregonians can help shape the future of Oregon’s forests: Oregon’s Kitchen Table posted a survey, available through October 9. Oregon’s forests provide a variety of social, economic, and ecological benefits to Oregonians. The Oregon Board of Forestry and ODF are responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies that promote forest health and resilience to preserve those benefits for future generations. They are in the process of updating their shared strategic plan that will guide the policy and operational work for the next several years. They’ve partnered with Oregon Kitchen Table—a program of Portland State University—to hear from as many Oregonians as possible to ensure the plan covers what matters most to people when it comes to our forests. As the Board of Forestry makes decisions on our state forests, including potential adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan, future harvest plans, and their strategic plan, we remind you that Oregon’s forests are managed for the greatest permanent value : “healthy, productive, and sustainable forest ecosystems that over time and across the landscape provide a full range of social, economic, and environmental benefits to the people of Oregon.” The state has received more than $58 million in federal funds aimed at increasing tree canopy in community spaces and neighborhoods that most need to reduce impacts of extreme heat. Emergency Services Register for The Great Oregon ShakeOut , a self-led earthquake drill, at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19 th . Also consider signing up for the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system for earthquakes in the area with a magnitude of 4.5 or greater. This can provide critical seconds of advance warning to seek cover from falling objects and brace ourselves. ShakeAlert uses science and technology to detect significant earthquakes quickly, to send an alert to people on cell phones. Hanford Cleanup Board By Marylou Schnoes The Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board will hold a meeting on October 10, both online and in person in Richland, WA. The meeting will begin at 2:00 pm and conclude after the public comment period that will take place at approximately 5:00 pm. Public participation is welcomed and encouraged. A full meeting agenda, information on how to participate, and other meeting materials are available online . Learn more about Hanford and Oregon’s role . New public Board members are needed. We are grateful for the time Marylou has spent serving on this Board. Land Use/Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) & Housing By Peggy Lynch The League has been feverishly engaged with the Governor’s Housing Production Advisory Council as it now meets bi-weekly and has five less-than-public work groups making recommendations to the Governor. Some ideas have merit but many attack our environmental protections and our public involvement opportunities at local levels. The League has always supported our statewide land use planning program with local implementation. We are seeing local elements eroded by some of the recommendations. See the League’s website where the plethora of our testimony is posted. If you want to receive notices of HPAC meetings, click here . We are working with partners, with the Governor’s Office and legislators, as we expect bills in the 2024 session that we may want to support or oppose. This is the latest article on challenges. Look for additional articles AND look for the League’s voice as we work to support affordable housing for ALL while also protecting other Oregon values. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Oregon Marine Board The League has supported Oregon’s boat inspection program. We are alarmed that Quagga mussels have been spotted in the Snake River near Twin Falls, Idaho. We support the boat permits under the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Dept. with monies transferred to the Marine Board to enforce protections. Radioactive Waste By Shirley Weathers The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) continues its work to protect Oregon from the acceptance, accumulation, and storage of hazardous levels of radioactive waste. Since the 2023 Sine Die issue of the Legislative Report (see for background, scroll down to Radioactive Waste), LWVOR and other members of the Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC) submitted informal input on the third draft of revised rules for OAR 345-050. Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) Staff presented a final proposed draft to the Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) on September 22, 2023. After some discussion, the Council voted to put the draft out for public comment. There are several issues of concern, most pertaining to the League’s priority for rules that will best safeguard the public health and safety over short and long terms. On some elements of the rules, tension exists between that and costs of detection/identification and management to Oregon entities that generate and otherwise manage wastes containing radioactivity would incur. There has been an unfortunate shortage of participation in RAC activities by those sharing the League’s focus, but we are working to inform and bring in others for public comment. The deadline for comment is Friday, October 27 at 5 p.m. Materials can be found on the ODOE website (scroll down to Radioactive Waste Materials). Reduce/Recycle The League supported the 2023 Right to Repair bill, SB 542 , that required the original equipment manufacturer to make repair information available to owners of consumer electronic equipment or independent repair providers. The bill did not pass, but we expect a version to return in 2024 or 2025. Sen. Sollman’s staff attended the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. The Right to Repair movement was in full swing at this year's event which featured a Repair booth helping attendees with free phone screen replacements on their cell phones. One of NCSL's live-streamed seminars, titled "Will You Let Me Fix This Thing?", also focused on Right to Repair and how states across the country are leaning into this policy. The panel included Representative Lew Jones from Montana who spoke about challenges for his constituents in repairing agricultural equipment and also Representative Scott Nishimoto from Hawaii with information on his right to repair bill that he has been working on since 2018. Included on the panel were Gay Gordon-Byrne from the Repair Association and Walter Alcorn, representing Consumer Technology Association. You can watch the panel discussion here . Look for a new version of this bill in 2024 or 2025. Regional Solutions The Regional Solutions Team is working hard across the state. See the latest report on their work. Toxics By Paula Grisafi The League engaged in three bills in 2023. Here is an updated report from our volunteer: SB 546 (Toxics Free Cosmetics Bill) is a first step to protect both children and adults from the adverse effects of chemicals listed in the bill. The chemical compounds included in the bill like formaldehyde and phthalates are known to have cumulative toxic effects through exposures from multiple sources. While some of these chemicals are used ubiquitously in many industries, beginning to free ourselves and the environment of them by their removal from products that are applied directly to our bodies seems the most intelligent place to start. This bill was passed in the 2023 legislative session. HB 3043 (Toxics Free Kids Bill) is important because it allows more than 5 chemicals to be added to the list of high priority chemicals concerning known impacts to children’s health per year. It also requires consideration of chemical classes instead of individual chemicals, so that small chemical changes that may not improve safety are not sheltered from addition to the list. The bill passed in the 2023 legislative session. SB 426 (Toxics Free Schools Bill) provides a much-needed update to the original Toxic Free Schools legislation that includes structured plans to help implement the bill’s intent. It included systems that will improve expert and stakeholder oversight over the use of pesticides on school grounds, standardize the use of Integrated Pest Management at Oregon schools, develop even-handed school funding for managing pesticide use, and increase transparency of IPM in schools throughout the state. This bill did not pass in the 2023. Water By Peggy Lynch The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) presented an update on new groundwater rules being considered by the Water Resources Commission. As with all water issues, this is a contentious proposed policy as explained in this OPB article . If we don’t do a better job of regulating groundwater, more and more people and farms will be in water crisis. The League has been watching but not engaging directly in this rulemaking. We learned that the legislature has created a Joint Water Caucus with members from both the House and Senate, with both major parties as leaders. These caucuses can often be powerful voices for the issues they support. Here’s the latest Integrated Water Resources Strategy 2023 public engagement . The League is very concerned by the report that quagga mussels were detected on Sept. 18 in the Snake River at Twin Falls, Idaho. That is approximately 60 miles from the Oregon border. Quagga mussels can seriously damage lakes, streams, irrigation, and water delivery systems. This is why the League supports boat permits and a robust boat inspection system at our borders. EPA Statement on Waters of the U.S. rule: “EPA and Army statement regarding intent to amend WOTUS rule in wake of U.S. Supreme Court’s Sackett decision – On June 26, EPA and Army released the following statement regarding next steps for the agencies’ WOTUS rule: “The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army (agencies) are in receipt of the U.S. Supreme Court's May 25, 2023, decision in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. In light of this decision, the agencies are interpreting the phrase “waters of the United States” consistent with the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett.” Oregon has our own wetlands rules and laws, so wetlands in the jurisdiction of Oregon will continue to be protected unless the legislature changes those laws. (See Land Use above.) We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. . League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations under ORS 536 for these counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Deschutes, Wasco, Harney, Sherman, Lake and Jackson counties. On Sept. 6, the Governor declared a drought in Gilliam, Douglas and Lincoln Counties through Executive Order 23-20 and Executive Order 23-22 , This is concerning since the forecast El Nino weather pattern may well mean a reduced snowpack this winter. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Senate Interim Natural Resources and Wildfire met on September 27. Senator Elizabeth Steiner, Co-Chair of Full W&Ms and candidate for State Treasurer, and Doug Grafe, Governor Kotek’s Wildfire and Military Advisor, gave an update on the work of the Wildfire and Forestry Workgroup. Senator Steiner, who serves as “convener”, listed the group’s stakeholder groups and described the complexities of various funding mechanisms, which the group seeks to “decomplexify”, and then outlined the group’s “Guiding Principles”. See details of her presentation . Senator Girod raised concerns about the role of federal lands in wildfires on the Oregon landscape. Senator Golden expressed his concern that the severity of cuts to funding as a result of the last legislative session will dramatically impact Fire Adapted Communities’ efforts, geared at community level wildfire mitigation plans and actions. He also felt that monies from the General Fund would likely never be adequate. Senator Steiner proposed that it may be helpful to try and persuade legislators that investments in mitigation, prevention and suppression would, by reducing the need for expenditures as the RESULT of wildfires, actually end up saving enough money to enable the General Fund to cover the cost of these programs. She urged a focus on how spending more on these activities and programs would end up, ultimately, costing the State less. Later in the meeting, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) reviewed their Final Report on the Landscape Resiliency Program and 20-Year Strategy (LRP). The LRP was established through SB 762 (2021) to improve forest restoration and resiliency. It appropriated $20 million General Fund to be spent by the end of the 2021—2023 biennium by ODF. This program was set up to fund landscape-scale projects that reduce wildfire risk on public and private forestlands, rangelands, in communities near homes, and around critical infrastructure through restoration of landscape resiliency and reduction of hazardous fuels. On September 28, Senate Interim Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs met and received an update on the 2023 wildfire season so far. Mike Shaw, ODF Chief of Fire Protection, gave an update, highlighting how well ODF and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s (OFSM) new department have worked together, extremely well to “catch” and quickly suppress several wildfires around the state. He highlighted the wildfire events in the northwestern part of the state, calling it “unusual timing”, as those events most often do not happen before September. He also pointed out that the dry lightning event with over 1,000 strikes, igniting hundreds of wildfires in western Oregon on August 24 and 25, was extremely unusual. He stated that the “effectiveness of the lightning was very high, and not in a good way”, and that he was proud of their response, in partnership with OSFM. Prepositioning OSFM assets and Regional Mobilization, programs begun with funding from SB 762, also played a large role in keeping fires small. Under the Emergency Mutual Aid System, as relayed by Travis Medema, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, OFSM assets were deployed to assist in structure protection efforts. In these cases, as highlighted by Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple of OFSM, not a single structure was lost. Find more information here. Also in her report, Chief Ruiz-Temple pointed out the alarming trend of declining interest in firefighting, both as a career and for volunteer firefighters. She said: “The pipeline is not keeping up.” Underlining the potential problem, she shared that in the past decade there has been a 246% increase in structures lost to wildfire. Finally, she serves on the Federal Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. In closing she shared the Commission’s report, aptly titled On Fire , published the day before, September 27. It described how.“The face of wildfire is changing.” While there have been many successes in Oregon this wildfire season, there was a distinct air of caution, if not outright pessimism, about the future we face both as a state and as a nation. SB 80 was one of the important wildfire bills passed in 2023. The Dept. of Forestry has been meeting with counties as ODF and OSU work on developing a new Wildfire Hazard Map. Watch for upcoming public meetings to consider the new map when a new draft is proposed. OFSM has launched a Defensible Space website , which provides a multitude of resources to help Oregonians make their home more resilient in the face of increasing wildfire risk, including the ability to schedule a home assessment based on entering your home address. Here is a review of the 2020 wildfires and the status of our friends who suffered from tragic loss. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. The short 2024 legislative session is Feb. 5-March 10. There are interim committee meetings in November and January. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources interests you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training is offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - September Legislative Days Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce After-School Care and Children’s Service: Katie Riley Behavioral Health: Trish Garner Education: Jean Pierce Equal Rights for All: Jean Pierce, Kyra Aguon Gun Safety and Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith, Becky Gladstone Higher Education: Jean Pierce Immigration/Refugee/Asylum: Claudia Keith Health Care: Christa Danielsen, M110 Public Safety, Justice Issues: Karen Nibler School-Based Health Centers: Chloe Acosta, Anai Beng Housing: Debbie Aiona, Nancy Donovan Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner Jump to topic: K-12 Education Higher Education Child Care Healthcare Housing Social Policy By Jean Pierce, Social Policy Coordinator and Team K-12 Education By Anne Nesse House Revenue, 9/24/24, 2:30 PM, held report and discussion about how parameters of distribution of dollars of equalization between our school districts is decided, based on poverty, special education, individual education plans (IEP’s), etc.. A report from Revenue Dept. was that any changes to this plan would create winners and losers among school districts. The written report is printed here . Joint House and Senate Education, 9/23/24, 11:30 AM, Several Joint Task Force reports were heard on chronic school absenteeism, recruitment and retention of substitute teachers, and teacher’s salaries. Our teacher’s salaries are currently competitive nationally for experienced teachers, it was stated, but low for beginning teachers. The universal free school meals program was presented by David Whelan, and has been expanding in our State to include all but 65 of the 197 school districts in Oregon. This fact is thanks to the lowering of the Federal classification requirements for poverty, and our State’s Student for Success Act dollars. All the youth in these schools, on any day can receive free meals, without the need for record keeping. These egalitarian meals are known to have a positive life long effect on children. Food waste, a climate change problem, was discussed among the legislators. The legislators seemed to agree that students needed sufficient time to eat their meals, so that food was not thrown away, and healthy foods should be presented pleasingly. House Education, 9/23/24, met after the joint meeting. SB 1557 was discussed, giving increased Medicaid funding for behavioral health issues, administered by OHA. There is continuing increase in participation among school districts. Senate Education, 9/23/24, met after the joint meeting. SB 819 was discussed about the supervision of abbreviated school days by ODE. Tom Stenson, from Disability Rights Oregon, stated that there was significant evidence that families were being told it was beyond their control to keep some students in school, and that this was not being reported to the ODE accurately. Sen. Dembrow stated that ODE would continue to try and address this problem. Higher Education By Jean Pierce Easy Transfer of Credit Between Schools The House Committee on Higher Education heard an update on progress in implementing SB233 (2021) which created a Transfer Council in order to ensure the easy transfer of credit between public institutions of higher education in Oregon. A Core Transfer Map has been created to identify common core courses, and work is proceeding on Major Transfer Maps. Common courses are identified with a Z (e.g.Math 100 Z).So far, maps have been created for Computer Science, Business, Biology, English, and Elementary Education. Workforces are still meeting for Human Development and Family Services, Sociology, and Psychology. The Criminal Justice work force is no longer meeting. This will be an ongoing project as courses are revised and the need for new courses is identified. Communicating the system to students will take more work. It is hoped that a transfer portal will be created. Even some private universities in Oregon are agreeing to accept transfer credits. Financial Aid for Students According to the State Higher Education Finance Report looking at data from 2022-23, the Oregon legislature Oregon ranks 44th in the nation for public funding of higher education and 37th in the nation for per-pupil funding. Although the legislature’s investment has increased recently, the state is still contending with over a decade of underfunding higher education. This year an Oregon Student Association Survey identified four top concerns of students in higher education in the state: Housing Food and other basic needs Mental Health Support Investment in Higher Education Despite a rocky rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Oregon has practically caught up to where it should be at this time of year. This was a tremendous effort which took a lot of outreach with partners and intensive staff training. 60,000 students are currently authorized for Oregon Opportunity Grants, with 74% of recipients receiving the maximum allowable (over 44,000 students). The number applying has been increasing each year since the pandemic. The Class of ‘24 saw 11% more applications than the class of ’23. The award covers up to 75% of the average cost of tuition at Community Colleges and Universities. Oregon Promise awards an amount of the average cost of community college tuition. The Student Aid Index (determined from the FAFSA) increased in July, 2024, and more students became eligible for the award. 81% of students authorized for aid did indeed attend classes. Nevertheless the need for financial support far exceeds current efforts. Child Care By Katie Riley The Senate Education Committee held a joint session with the House Education Committee on 9/23/24 and had an interim report on the results of HB4082 to date. A total of 43 school districts and 13 ESD's received summer funding and 50,000 kids were served with the $30k that was allocated by the legislature. The bill also provided for a task force to do planning for the future. It was remarked that sustainable funding is needed. The task force has reviewed information from other states and made early recommendations. A summit was held for 130 people and additional input was received. A final report on results of evaluations and recommendations will be drafted in November and finalized in December. There was no indication of preliminary recommendations. Healthcare By Christa Danielson The Senate Committee on Health Care met on 9/23/2024 and discussed boarding in emergency rooms and its effect on patient safety as well as potential serious problems with health in a community. This was followed by a report by OHA directors around capacity and future needs for facility beds to provide housing and care for people boarding in the hospital and emergency room. Please see the dashboard for further information. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) Agency presented an overview of its state agency budget request, and fielded questions and feedback from Housing Alliance members. LWV of Oregon is a member and attended the meeting. Housing Alliance priorities mostly mirror the state OHCS requested budget. Oregon Housing & Community Services Agency Request Budget for the 2025-2027 Biennium, investing in stable, affordable homes for all Oregonians Prevent homelessness and provide lifesaving shelter and services Rent assistance and homelessness prevention, $150 million Homeless shelter operations, maintain statewide network of emergency shelters Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program, $54M K-12 youth homelessness prevention, $15M Preserve Oregon’s existing affordable housing supply Investments to preserve Oregon’s existing affordable housing supply, $200M Tenant outreach and support services, $2M Affordable housing operations and stability for residents, $150M Expand affordable homeownership, and build new homes for affordable homeownership General Obligation bonds for the LIFT homeownership program, $100M Homeownership Development Incubator Program, $50M Develop new manufactured housing parks and resident-owned cooperatives, TBD Support lower-income homebuyers and homebuyers o Individual Development Accounts, $35M o Down Payment Assistance funds administered by culturally responsive organizations, $45M o Accelerated-equity mortgages, $20M o Foreclosure prevention counseling, $3.5M o Fair housing investigation and enforcement, $5M o Regional Housing Centers, TBD Develop new affordable rental housing in all parts of the state, build new affordable rental homes, including permanent supportive housing (PSH) General obligation bonds for the LIFT program and PSH, $500M o Private activity bonds, All available Farmworker Housing, $20M Housing development pipeline, for all categories of regulated affordable housing Land acquisition, $25M Pre-development lines of credit for affordable housing developers, $50M Project-specific pre-development loans, $10M Project feasibility and community engagement for projects on nonprofit-owned land, $10M Reserve fund for disaster recovery, TBD

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Sine Die 2024 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Agriculture Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Budgets 2025 Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Dept. of State Lands (DSL) Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry Land Use and Housing Pesticides Reduce/Recycle Transportation Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed Agriculture The League provided comments to the Board of Agriculture as the 2024 session began. Oregon agriculture is the second most important and most stable industry in Oregon because of the hundreds of “crops” grown here. The League will be following farm advocates to protect Oregon’s farmland and support opportunities to help these lands address climate change. Air Quality The Cleaner Air Oregon (CAO) program established a prioritization protocol for calling-in existing facilities to perform their Risk Assessments. DEQ created three Prioritization Groups – with groups one and two consisting of 20 facilities each and all the remaining (about 300+) facilities in group three. DEQ began calling-in Group 1 facilities in March of 2019 and completed the call-ins for this group in March 2022. CAO has updated its website with information about Group 2call-ins. DEQ is proposing to call-in two facilities every other month beginning in April 2024. See the Prioritization website for details regarding Group 2 facilities including the proposed month and year call-in order. Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch SB 5701 , the 2024 omnibus budget bill was amended at the end of the session; scan for items of interest to you. Included in the amendments were eleven budget notes : instructions to agencies to collaborate on projects, to report back on how monies were spent and to study issues such as how to fund wildfire programs. HB 5201 and HB 5202 are the bonding bills, amended as well. F ees adopted by state agencies since the 2025 session were approved in SB 5702 . HB 5203 modifies lottery and other revenue allocations within the resources predicted in the March 2024 revenue forecast. SB 1501 was the “program change bill”, used to address miscellaneous changes to agency programs. SB 1562 with the -1 amendment passed. It increases the limit for making contributions into the Rainy Day Fund from 7.5% to 12.5% of General Fund revenue but leaves the contribution cap unchanged at 1% of General Fund appropriations. Budgets 2025 By Peggy Lynch The 2025-27 agency budget process is beginning. The latest word is that revenue may only cover state agency Current Service Levels, the amount of money needed to fund current programs while also addressing expected cost increases, plus 1%. Look for presentations to agency Boards and Commissions. Agencies are to turn in their lists of additional funding to the Governor by April 30. The Governor’s office will consider which should be in the Agency’s Recommended Budget (ARB) by June 30. The Governor’s recommended budget is due to the legislature by Dec. 1st. The State Debt Policy Advisory Commission will provide bonding guidance in January, 2025. Below are a few of the first round of agency budget requests (Policy Option Packages—POPs) of natural resource agencies available at the publication of this report: Dept. of Environmental Quality and March 22nd presentation slides Dept. of Land Conservation and Development Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and ODFW April 4th Presentation Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. Oregon Water Resources Dept. with a note: “… our official general fund target from DAS for new POPs for the Agency Request Budget and have been approved to request up to $1,022,150 General Fund ….” Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board See this good video on Oregon property taxes . Cities and counties rely on property taxes for the services they provide. It’s possible that there will be property tax reform conversations in 2025. The Oregonian provides some insight into that future conversation. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. T here are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch/ Barbara Keirnes-Young Included in the end of session SB 5701 was $572,019 in grant funding to the Oregon Ocean Science Trust . A League member attended the Trust meeting on March 22. The Board designed the beginning of a mission statement, linked to strategic priorities and the ranked priorities of the summit. There were areas important to the League: The work of the trust as significant to coastal communities, the state, the country, the world. Informing the public (not educating) will be important for engaging advocates and securing funding. There are only two trusts of this kind in the world: Oregon and California. Working together may be a path to consider. The League is encouraged to engage with the Trust, including public outreach - advertising meetings, providing space, and inviting Trust members to League meetings. Intense competition for government grants will require advocacy and support so an informed public will be a critical part of the work. League advocacy at the legislature will further the quest for funding. The League has been an advocate from the formation of the Trust and continues with on-going funding support. A new group, the Oregon Ocean Alliance, has been formed to advocate for ocean funding in multiple agencies in 2025. The League signed a letter in support of HB 4132 , Marine Reserves. The bill passed. HB 5201 Enrolled increases the uses of the bond monies deposited in the Oregon Business Development Department Coos Bay Channel Fund in previous sessions not only to “deepen and widen the Coos Bay Federal Navigation Channel” but also “for the design, engineering, permitting and land acquisition efforts related to the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project.“ The League provided comments on HB 4080-1 that would both address union labor IF offshore wind projects happen on our South Coast and create a robust public engagement process before project approval. The bill was amended and passed with monies to the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to develop a “road map” with broad public engagement. The public process by the federal government Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has been lacking. Oregon Congressional members provided a letter requesting additional public comment time per this Oregon Capital Chronicle article. The Coastal Caucus and the Governor also sent letters of concern around the public process and asking for a delay. Oregon's Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Plan was disapproved in 2015 under the federal Coastal Zone Amendments and Reauthorization Act. Since then, Oregon has been revising its plan. DEQ staff provided an update on Oregon's work to revise its plan and to resubmit it to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the fall of 2024. Although the Dept. of Forestry has also taken some steps to gain approval, it is unclear if these actions will help return federal funding to DEQ and to DLCD’s Coastal Program. The Oregon Capital Chronicle covered concerns around the effect of climate change on our warming oceans. Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch The League participated in an annual rules advisory committee meeting to consider increasing water quality program fees by 3%. The recommendation was approved by the Environmental Quality Commission. Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch Oregon’s land department received public input on its 10-year plan for managing state lands. The plan would increase the development of renewable energy and wildfire resiliency on state school lands and focus on maintaining and improving lands, rather than selling off land providing lower revenues. The agency’s new program on addressing Abandoned and Derelict Vessels is completing program implementation rules. On April 9, the State Land Board received an update (starting on page 112) on the work. The League has been engaged in this effort for years and was pleased by the passage of HB 2914 (2023). See also Elliott State Research Forest below for DSL’s role in that project. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) From the Mineral Land Regulation and Reclamation Spring Newsletter : DOGAMI continues to experience an unprecedented volume of applications, inquiries, complaints, and compliance actions that has resulted in an increase in processing and response times. Drinking Water Advisory Committee (DWAC) By Sandra Bishop The League has a member on this committee . Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The State Land Board approved the interim Advisory Group’s recommendation of a new structural governance on April 9. See the State Land Board’s packet starting on page 94. Appointments to the new ESRF Board are expected at their June 11tth meeting. The $4 million that had been allocated to the ESRF Authority was transferred to DSL in the omnibus budget bill, SB 5701 . Work is continuing on eventual adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan and a Forest Management Plan for the forest. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Environment Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) covered the Environmental legislation considered in 2024. Forestry (ODF) By Josie Koehne The Board of Forestry voted 4 to 3 to pass the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for State Forests. You can read more in this OPB article . Part of the challenge in making this decision is that certain western Oregon counties and local jurisdictions have relied on the timber harvest income and have not increased their local property taxes or found other economic development opportunities to address this income loss. There have been discussions at the legislature around how to increase that revenue ever since the severance tax was eliminated, leaving only the Forest Products Harvest Tax, greatly reducing harvest revenue. The Governor has expressed interest in this discussion in 2025. A number of bills this session were around funding ODF and fighting wildfire with some bills increasing timber harvest revenue without increasing the actual harvest. For information on the various bills, s ee the Wildfire section of this report below. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) provided a summary of 2024 legislation. The League was engaged in a number of these bills. One, SB 1537 , was the focus of an OPB Think Out Loud program . The bill was amended with input by the League (although we continued to oppose the urban growth boundary provision) and passed. T he League supported HB 4134 , providing infrastructure project monies for middle housing. SB 1530 included monies for specific infrastructure projects as well as a number of other programs supported by the League. The Governor was considering a veto of a few of the funded projects unless they will provide housing within five years. However, after a review of the housing projects and statements from the cities that housing will happen in a reasonable timeline, she provided a signing letter withdrawing her veto threat . A news release by the Senate President explains the elements of both bills. The League worked for months on housing policy and continues to do so for 2025. The League also provided testimony on HB 4099 , a bill that would have provided a fund to help with development fees. Although this bill did not pass, a Revolving Loan Fund was provided in Section 24 of SB 1537 that will help with these costs. On Feb. 22, Rep. Hartman presented a number of housing concepts to be considered in 2025, including some water related programs, many of which the League has advocated for in the past. The Governor provided a signing letter expressing some concerns although she signed the bill. The Governor appointed a Housing Production Advisory Council (HPAC) in 2023. Their final report was submitted to the Governor in February and she will be reviewing which of the 59 ideas should be considered for the 2025 session. Her office is engaging with a wide variety of interested parties, including the League. We provided a number of comments to HPAC as they were considering these proposals. DLCD is seeking members for an Advisory Committee on Community Green Infrastructure Investment. Apply by April 28th. HB 4026 passed. The bill determines that urban growth boundary (UGB) decisions cannot be voted on and are “administrative” in nature. The League provided testimony from a governance perspective. We are concerned that “ the amendment would take away voters’ rights to the referendum process. Furthermore, changing the constitutional referendum process and making the amendment retroactive are likely to be unconstitutional and invite a lawsuit. “. A judge is allowing the North Plains vote on their UGB expansion while the issue winds through the courts. Follow the work of the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the department’s Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Pesticides OPB provided an article on how pesticides can rid your home of cockroaches or farm fields of unwanted insects, but they also can harm fish and potentially even people. Reduce/Recycle By Camille Freitag The League weighed in again this year on a Right to Repair bill, SB 1596 . We also joined others in support of the bill. The bill passed. Apple recently announced it will allow used parts in the repair of its products. DEQ is conducting rulemaking to clarify and implement HB 3220 (2023) , which updates and makes necessary changes to the statewide electronics recycling program, Oregon E-Cycles. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee please visit Oregon E-Cycles rulemaking . Recycling Modernization Act of 2021 ( SB 582 ) which the League supported has a new rulemaking advisory committee with meetings posted on the Recycling 2024 website. You can attend these meetings. Transportation Look for a 2025 conversation on how to fund multiple Oregon transportation needs. This effort was last addressed in 2017. The Oregon Capital Chronicle article provided some of the challenges facing legislators. Water By Peggy Lynch The League continues to follow the concerns of Morrow and Umatilla County residents affected by nitrates in their drinking water. OPB shares the latest . KGW’s "The Story" did a series on this important public health issue the week of Nov. 13. The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) has announced revised groundwater allocation rules . The department is providing multiple opportunities to engage. The League has been following this process. Read more in OPB’s article . We have not yet officially weighed in but expect to support the rules that require the Water Resources Dept. to approve only those groundwater permit applications where there are data to assure that the groundwater is available and will replenish when drawn down. For more context, please see the background information , informational flyer , and Frequently Asked Questions . The Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) is being updated. There was a public comment on the first 2024 draft . A second draft will be available in May after incorporating comments from the April outreach. Columbia Insight did a great article about the project. The Oregon Water Resources Commission will hear public testimony and consider adoption of the 2024 IWRS at their September meeting. For more information about this process, please visit the IWRS page on their website. The League was actively involved in the first two IWRS documents and supported funding for the staffer to work on this project. The omnibus budget bill, SB 5701 , included an allocation of $1 million General Fund added to the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund . The League was engaged in helping create this fund in 2021 and supports this allocation. The legislature was provided with a report on HB 2145 (2021). The League continues to work to save Oregon’s wetlands and here’s why . We expect to engage with the Governor’s Office regarding housing needs while protecting wetlands. Quagga mussels continue to be a concern per an OPB article . The League agrees. As we continue to address water shortages, it is time for each of us to take personal action per EPA's Fix a Leak Week website. “Common water leaks around your home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads—all of which can be fixed with a little do-it-yourself effort,” said EPA Office of Wastewater Management Director Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year—the amount of water needed to wash 300 loads of laundry—and could be adding as much as 10% to your water bill.” 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 April 8th Water Report includes this information: The seasonal climate outlook indicates probabilities leaning towards below average precipitation for northwestern portions of the state and equal chances of above or below average precipitation for the rest of the state. The seasonal outlook also indicates probabilities favoring above average temperatures statewide. 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. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Amid welcome increased recognition this session among Legislators that the wildfire situation in Oregon is on an unsustainable trajectory in terms of funding across the board, that funding issue and the proposed solutions figured prominently, and are likely to continue to remain at the forefront in future sessions. Also, there were some notable shifts in messaging from the wildfire community. One shift was the acknowledgement that wildfires in the Western part of the State are increasing in frequency, as outlined in this KTVZ report on an OSU/U.S. Forest Service study released in February. Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal, throughout the session and even before it began, repeatedly stressed that Oregon is in uncharted waters with this development, calling it “alarming”, since these communities are not prepared. The other noticeable shift was more urgent language around the need for meaningful investments in funding of mitigation measures, with one expert stating, “We are not going to suppress our way out of this crisis.” Set against that background, the 2024 Short Session saw an unusually large number of wildfire related bills, including 3 very different bills, each with a different approach to addressing the lack of adequate, sustainable wildfire program funding. HB 4133 , which was supported by the Governor, SB 1593 , on which the League gave testimony in favor, and HJR 201 / HB 4075 ; however, all failed. In spite of the dire need, the right solution could not be found. This Capital Chronicle article provides a good accounting of each of the bills and their collective demise. In hindsight, perhaps a short session didn’t provide adequate time to refine any one of these very complex bills, all with good elements, to a point where any of them could garner the support needed to pass. One bit of good news is that this Budget Note was included in the SB5701 Budget Reconciliation bill, which directs the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Department of the State Fire Marshal to convene a facilitated workgroup to collaborate on finding sustainable wildfire funding solutions with stakeholders representing a broad swath of interests. As suggested in the opening paragraph above, this remains a high-priority, difficult problem with no simple solution. So, the work continues. Ironically, the one bill that could have directly addressed the community wildfire mitigation issue also failed. SB 1511 would have created a Neighborhood Protection Cooperatives Grant Program, administered through the Dept. of the State Fire Marshal. It also would have directed the Dept. of Business and Consumer Services to work with insurance companies to explore the possibility of “rewarding” communities that participate in standardized risk reduction programs with more favorable rates for homeowners’ insurance. The League testified in support of this bill. One bill that did pass, as is mentioned in the above referenced OPB article, was SB 1520 . This bill provided for an income tax subtraction for settlements or judgments received by wildfire damage victims, covering payments for damages incurred as far back as 2018. The impetus for this bill was that legal settlement and judgment proceeds were being taxed at 70%, with the remaining 30% also being taxable income, and legal fees not being deductible, leaving little left with which to rebuild. California already had passed similar legislation. The passion and motivation to get this bill passed was palpable, and it did so unanimously. And in another win for wildfire victims, SB 1545 also passed, which allows counties to offer a property tax break to wildfire victims who rebuild their homes. Another bill that passed, HB 4016, was an omnibus wildfire bill which provides some technical fixes and tweaks to a prescribed fire liability program, extends the deadline for home hardening grants to wildfire victims, and requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services and the Oregon State Fire Marshal to report to natural resources-related committees of the Legislative Assembly by September 15, 2024 on a proposal for a proactive home hardening program. This would theoretically establish a program designed to support home hardening efforts in advance of wildfire events, as opposed to the current program which only applies to rebuilds of homes destroyed by wildfire. This is one of many mitigation measures homeowners could take advantage of to help mitigate wildfire damage. Speaking of the need to mitigate wildfire damage in communities, ODF recently announced that Oregon ranks the #2 state in the nation in the number of active Firewise USA sites. In 2023, Oregon added 39 new sites creating more fire-adapted communities. Jackson County with 75 sites and Deschutes County with 73 sites are 4th and 5th in the number of sites in a county. This type of neighborhood level cooperation is a key factor in limiting the catastrophic losses associated with the new reality of increasing size, number and severity of wildfire events. Finally, the reworked Wildfire Hazard map has been under development, with a draft map having been shared with Counties around the State to gather feedback. Rulemaking Advisory Committee meetings were held in March. These will be followed by more public outreach, and it is anticipated the new map should be ready for release by January, 2025, at the latest. The Governor’s Wildfire Programs Advisory Council continues to meet and will follow the mapping project as well as other wildfire policy issues. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/13 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Election Methods Voter Registration Public Records Law By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Election Methods By Barbara Klein The Oregon Election Reform Coalition has filed an initiative by the same name (now IP 19). It’s an open primaries proposal using a ‘Final Five’ system similar to the Alaska model, as well as other reform features. The LWVOR action committee supported the idea of an identical bill, and LWVOR will review this as a ballot measure. See the full text . Members of the League were involved in developing this initiative. Work is still behind the scenes, and no hearings have yet been scheduled for the three Ranked Choice Voting bills ( SB 506 , HB 2004 and HB 3107 ) nor for the STAR (Score then Automatic Runoff) bill ( HB 3107 ). Voter Registration By Marge Easley The League delivered testimony on HB 2107 to House Rules on February 14. This bill extends automatic voter registration to the Oregon Health Authority when eligible individuals have provided pertinent information to the Oregon Health Plan. Current law only provides for the automatic process through the Department of Motor Vehicles, so this is a welcome expansion that will facilitate an opt-out voter registration process for more citizens, especially those who are low income, homeless, or disabled. HB 2107 originally included the establishment of a pilot program at Powder River Correctional Facility for automatic voter registration of incarcerated individuals upon release, but the Secretary of State asked that this provision be removed. Public Records Law By Rebecca Gladstone HB 2821 may relate to recent articles in the Malheur Enterprise, SPECIAL REPORT: Smith pledges scrutiny of Nyssa rail project budget, can’t produce one , and this follow up, Findley blocks access to records on his rail funding efforts, invoking immunity . Note, author Les Zaitz has agreed to be LWVOR Convention Keynote Speaker, May 19-21. We are watching, marked for public records, open meetings, and budget concerns. A hearing has not been scheduled. After Sen Rules Chair Lieber requested a Work Group, we assembled a roster and began outreach for bill collaboration networking. A meeting is set for Feb 20. See last week’s LR. Thanks to committee admins for help with managing testimony presentations since numerous bills came up during concurrent hearings this week. HB 2585 : We strongly oppose (our testimony ) this bill to repeal Motor Voter. HB 3073 : We support this bill ( our testimony ) to protect candidate and incumbent personal information, with comments, again urging for a more efficient coverage in statute, not just for some data, for some Oregonians. HB 2806 : We support this bill to update statute for open meetings, public safety and cybersecurity law. See our testimony . Next week, or soon after, we expect to speak to these bills: HB 2049 : We will support this cybersecurity omnibus bill, with a Feb 22 public hearing. HJR 4 : Testimony is ready for this same-day voter registration referral, follow up to HJR 11 (2021) and a companion to HJR 20 . We will post testimony when the hearing is scheduled. HB 3201 : We have supportive testimony for this broadband bill, awaiting hearing scheduling. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Freedom to Vote < Back About the Issue League Supports Senate Voting Rights Bill, the Freedom to Vote Act The League of Women Voters supports the combined Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act , a bill that protects and expands the right to vote, decreases the influence of money in politics, and curbs partisan gerrymandering. The Freedom to Vote Act protects and expands ballot access for millions of Americans, especially those who are often targeted by anti-voter laws — voters of color, voters with disabilities, formerly incarcerated voters, women voters, young voters, and elderly voters.

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

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 3/13 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio Senate Education held hearings on an educational plan to begin curriculum design for climate change study, within all subjects, grades K-12, available for the entire state. Justice and saving lives was also in the forefront. This curriculum for climate education Bill, SB 854 , was well represented on 3/9 by Co-Sponsors Sen. Patterson, and Sen. Manning. The purpose of this Bill was quite clearly stated: this is about our species survival on a healthy planet, and it represents an important vote. Several members of the Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) were also interviewed that day on the front page of the Oregonian. LWV submitted written testimony in support here . A recording of the hearing includes the introduction of the Bill here by Senators, and OECE members included with student testimony here . There were well over 100 written testimonies in support of this Bill. Senate Education also heard Sen. Campos introduce SB 600 , a $4.8 M Bill to resolve legal problems, like eviction, and domestic violence for low income clients, utilizing mediation. Law students, advisory attorneys, and low income clients testified to the life saving justice this can provide. SB 551 , was introduced on 3/7 in Senate Education, by Sen. Sollman, a bill that hopes to bring some additional education to parents and students on safer gun and medication storage. This information would be placed on the school district’s website, and social media sites, and take effect throughout the state. LWVOR wrote testimony by Marge Easley, here , and I added some virtual testimony, on Oregon statistics from 2022, showing a significantly higher rate of youth suicides, compared to national statistics. Oregon has unusually higher statistics on this kind of data, year after year. The average rate for youth suicide deaths nationally in 2022 was 14.2 youth per 100,000, while Oregon’s youth suicide death rate was much larger at 18.5 youth per 100,000, sourced from americahealthrankings.org , therefore increasing the need for this kind of education on websites, throughout our state. SB 238 was introduced by Sen. Gorsek, asking the Oregon Health Authority, and State Board of Education and Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to collaborate on developing curricula supplements related to synthetic opioids dangers, including fentanyl or any substituted derivative of fentanyl, and counterfeit, and fake drugs. This hearing was very emotional, as it began with a family who had lost a son to one dose of fentanyl, hidden within what he thought was a medication that might help his chronic anxiety symptoms. listen here to the overwhelming support this Bill had. Senate Education also heard SB 48 -2, on 3/7, sponsored by Sen. Findley and Rep. Mannix. This Bill will develop a successful process for dealing with chronic truancy in our public schools, now reaching an unfortunate 36.1%. It was agreed by many on the committee that actually enforcing consequences helped the student and the family deal with this problem, as was proven in the past, when a better Oregon law was in place. Also presented by Rep. Mannix was SB 49 , a study Bill to explore funding means throughout the state for competition-size swimming pools at every high school. It was stated that Oregon ranked the 13th highest in the nation for drownings. And testimony was given that we simply were not investing statewide in early swimming education for Oregon children. On 3/6 House Education heard HB 3031 , (identical to SB 414), to assess and study all state school ventilation systems, as well as CO2 monitors, to determine if they meet health standards. It was testified by experts in the state that the end result of this Bill would likely have little fiscal impact, and possibly even a net increase in revenue. The Bill would likely provide career opportunities for installation of HVAC systems, federal funding, look towards reduction of operating costs of schools, decrease energy costs, and eventually have an effect on increasing attendance in schools. Rural contractors can do this, and it is required that workers hired for this purpose will make a living wage. A companion bill, HB 2638 , requires goals for air conditioning, heating, and cooling requirements, with HVAC in all schools statewide, by 2029. Class size in negotiation of contracts with teachers in all districts, statewide HB 2703 , was also discussed in House Education. Currently it was agreed by law that only the Title 1 schools were given special consideration because this was where the highest degree of need was. Morgan Allen, COSA Director, and OSBA Director were opposed, based on making sure the greatest need schools were served first. They both stated, it is always possible for other school districts to include class size as a part of contract negotiation. A number of teachers and OEA supported the Bill. House Education heard several Bills on 3/8. HB 3288 -1 on requiring ODE and school districts to collect data on race, ethnicity, languages, sexual preferences, and disabilities, in standardized manner throughout the state, so that legislative decision making can be improved. HB 3068 allows a student, with parental approval, and has received a certificate for passage of the General Educational Development (GED) exam, who is 16 yrs. old and in grades 11 or 12, to receive a high school diploma. The testimony for this Bill was presented by Tom Holt. It will serve students who know what they want to study in post-secondary education or career goals, allowing them to move out of high school towards their goals. HB 3204 -1 attempts to change the timelines for when a student can receive approval to enroll in a virtual public charter school, not sponsored by the local school district, (and subject to the 3% cap), from several weeks to a shorter timeline. Morgan Allen, from COSA, testified that the deadline of 5 business days, as stated in the law, would be difficult to meet.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - December Interim 2024 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Highlights December Legislative Days & OCERA Lobby Day Oregon Environmental Justice Council Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust (OCT) Climate Emergency Highlights By Claudia Keith There are over 80 Environment / Climate Legislative Concepts/Bills likely to be posted to OLIS in January. At this point a few have been identified as potential League policy and budget priorities: Update to Greenhouse Emission Reduction Goals. Bringing back SB 1559 (2024) Natural and Working Lands ( OCAC NWL Report ) Treasury: Fossil Fuel Divestment Community Resilience Hubs and Networks Study on Small-Scale Renewable Energy Solutions/Projects Study / Task Force on public financing ( 2024 HB 4155 ) Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Referral Climate Friendly Transportation LWV Oregon’s environmental coalition partner Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) has recently selected their policy and budget priorities which include two Climate-related topics: Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability. There will be more in the next Legislative Report. December Legislative Days & OCERA Lobby Day By Claudia Keith The League attended , several committee hearings Dec 10 and 11th and participated in OCERA ( Oregon Coalition Environmental Rights Amendment) Dec 11 Lobby Day LC 2562 -- the Right to a Clean, Safe, and Healthy Environment. At this point the League agrees with the concept of LC 2562. Because this is a constitutional amendment it requires referral to the 2025 ballot . One of OCERA’s major sponsors is Our Children’s Trust , with a number of other Oregon partners . Policy topics heard during the day included: K-12 Climate Curriculum and Public Financing Task Force LC’s. Both of these policy/budget topics failed to move during 2024 session. House and Senate Environment Energy Climate committee s agendas included a number of timely topics: House: Climate Friendly Equitable, Community Resiliency, detail LC list, Nuclear Reactors and Wildfire funding. Senate: Oregon Climate Action Commission, detail LC List, Clean Energy Act ( 2021 HP2021), Deq CPP and Regional Power Planning follow-up. Oregon Environmental Justice Council Dec 12 and 19 2024 Meetings: Environmental Justice Mapping Tool - Meeting Materials Meeting Agenda included leadership updates, annual reporting and next steps. See 2022 HB 4077 for original legislation Comprehensive Legislator Nov and Dec 2024 Newsletters Sen Dembrow Rep Gomberg Rep Marsh Sen Brock Smith Rep Owens The Legislative Environmental Caucus will be posting to this page priority updates starting soon. Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust (OCT) By Claudia Keith Recent OCT Press Releases: December 9, 2024: Juliana Plaintiffs Take Standing Fight for Constitutional Rights to U.S. Supreme Court with Petition for Certiorari December 5, 2024: Our Children’s Submits Intervention to European Court of Human Rights in its Newest Climate Case with Latest Scientific Findings Here is one example of how to track DEQ CPP cases. Basically, there are several active federal lawsuits , Dec 2024 update) ‘Oregon Federal Court Said Youth Plaintiffs Could Proceed with Due Process and Public Trust Claims in Climate Suit’, some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets, and other lawsuits, that challenge the current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 83 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON.