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Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - September Interim Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Action Alerts Oregon Global Warming Commission (OGWC) Climate County, State, Federal, and Global Lawsuits Climate Lawsuit News Our Children’s Trust Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator and team Please consider joining the CE team; we have several critical openings. Contact us through our “Get In Touch” website form for further information about volunteer opportunities. We expect transportation to be a major policy topic during the 2025 long legislative session. Energy Policy: Arlene Sherrett and Greg Martin Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Forestry: Josie Koehne Efficient & Resilient Buildings: Arlene Sherrett Transportation: Vacant NWL Agriculture: Vacant Public Health: Vacant Fossil Fuel (FF) Infrastructure: Vacant Our Children’s Trust and other Climate Lawsuits: Claudia Keith Climate Change Budget/Funding, OEA/Risk disclosure, ESG/FF divestment Treasury: Claudia Keith Action Alerts LWVOR ALERT to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) Climate Protection Program Rulemaking staff and the Environmental Quality Commission . Their Deadline is Oct 13, 2023. The League continues to advocate for strong ODEQ Climate Protection Program (CPP) rules. We have been participating in the CPP rulemaking since its inception in 2021. We cite our own LWVOR public comments from the Oct 5, 2023, CPP rulemaking. The League of Women Voters of Oregon (LWVOR) strongly supports the CPP’s primary goals as identified by ODEQ from the beginning of its original rulemaking: Emissions: Achieve significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions Equity: Promote benefits and alleviate burdens for environmental justice communities and impacted communities Costs: Contain costs for businesses and consumers LWVOR & LWV ALERT : Urge Congress to Address the Climate Crisis & Protect Our Youth ! “Do not let future generations inherit the climate crisis. Urge your Members of Congress to cosponsor the Children’s Fundamental Rights and Recovery Resolution to address climate change and protect our youth’s rights and future!”. Learn more by reading: Markey Joins Merkley, Colleagues in Introducing Resolution for Climate Recovery Planning to Stand Up for Children’s Fundamental Right to a Healthy, Livable Planet ’ Oregon Global Warming Commission (OGWC) August 2023 Meeting Notes By Greg Martin Introduction The Oregon Global Warming Commission, created by the 2007 Oregon Legislature through House Bill 3543, is charged with tracking trends in greenhouse gas emissions and recommending ways to coordinate state and local efforts to reduce emissions in Oregon. Opening remarks and commissioner updates. Chair Macdonald introduced new commissioner Rep. Bobby Levy. Megan Decker, OPUC (Oregon Public Utility Commission). HB 2021 requires Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power (PP) to plan to achieve aggressive GHG (greenhouse gas) reductions by 2050 as part of the CPP, Climate Protection Program. The CPP sets a declining cap on GHG emissions from fossil fuels with the goal to dramatically reduce these emissions over the next 30 years. OPUC oversight can guide the utilities toward that goal but regulatory enforcement has its limitations. OPUC requires comprehensive forward planning every two years and is now in the middle of reviewing the utilities’ first plans addressing HB 2021. The next two-year planning phase will begin in 2024 and public engagement is important. The utility websites detail opportunities for engagement. Oregon Renewable Energy Siting Assessment (ORESA) ODOE Facility Siting Division staff presented an overview of the ORESA project . ORESA was funded by a $1.1 million U.S. DOD grant. A key goal is compatibility of renewable energy siting with military facilities. The online mapping/reporting tool, Oregon Explorer , provides layers of comprehensive GIS data for energy development and other purposes, including data on “community [EJ] considerations.” The ORESA project report , a key deliverable for the grant, found that Oregon has enough renewable energy potential to meet its energy and climate goals, though tradeoffs will be needed and challenges related to transmission infrastructure will have to be met. ODOE’s 2022 Biennial Energy Report: Charting a Course for Oregon’s Energy Future ODOE’s Amy Schlusser presented a policy brief overview. Oregon’s electricity demand is projected to increase by 50 to 100% by 2050. We will need to replace existing fossil resources with tens of gigawatts of new renewable resources – a substantial effort under any scenario – while increasing energy efficiency to offset demand growth as much as possible. High costs and land use impacts will be significant challenges. We need to identify optimal pathways to achieve the needed buildout, including determining the future role of natural gas (NG). The demand for NG is projected to drop dramatically, mainly in building and industrial sectors, but some reserve capacity will be needed to ensure grid reliability. The policy brief recommended the state undertake a robust stakeholder process to develop a comprehensive state energy strategy. HB 3630 enacted in 2023 directs ODOE to take on this task and ODOE is in the early stages of planning and contracting. Key questions include costs vs. benefits, how much clean energy we need and how fast can we develop it, how we will protect vulnerable communities, and balance farm and forest land protection against the need for new transmission, etc. Legislative Update from ODOE Christy Splitt presented an overview of ODOE’s 2023 Legislative Report , an excellent summary of background and key provisions of climate-related bills enacted this session (including budget bills), as well as some bills not passed. Helpfully, it breaks out the many disparate topics of the two major Climate Package bills with reference to the bills of origin. The GOP walkout and the large number of new members helped shape the session outcomes, but the main factor that made a difference in climate legislation was the higher-than-expected state budget – e.g., making additional dollars available for energy incentive programs. Major themes:the Resilient Efficient Buildings Task Force Pre-session work paid off, as the highest-profile measures passed as part of the Climate Package. The Building Performance Standard program in HB 3409 was the largest of many tasks added to ODOE’s plate. Resilient communities (resilience hubs and plans, grid resilience, more incentive dollars) were another important focus of response to the 2020 wildfires and 2021 heat dome. Sen. Dembrow called it a “surprisingly positive” session in that we moved forward on issues we’ve been talking about for some time. He plans to bring back the GHG reduction targets (deleted from the Climate Package) in the next session with the goal of setting the targets in statute. Draft OGWC Work Plan presentation and discussion The commission’s draft work plan through 2024 was available for public and agency comment through Friday, September 1. Commission discussion focused on how to rationalize the plan for performing all of the new tasks assigned to ODOE. The next meeting was set for late Sept. or early Oct., topics including the Institute for Natural Resources report on Natural and Working Lands work undertaken during the past year. ----- OGWC Oct 9 Meeting Agenda and Meeting Materials OEA & Security Exchange Commission (SEC): The League Responds to SEC Proposal to Require Climate Risk Disclosure | League of Women Voters.(The June 2022 LWVUS testimony was proposed by LWVOR Action Committee). Related, The League is monitoring the OEA Oregon quarterly economic / revenue forecasts to the Legislature. These reports continue to ignore climate risk disclosure. Related NEWS: Oct 2023, Recent ESG developments point to progress despite polarized US political climate - Thomson Reuters Institute. Oct 2023, What CPAs Need to Know About the SEC Climate-Related Risk Proposal - The CPA Journal. Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Expansion – “Notably absent from the agenda Thursday morning was the proposed GTN Xpress project, which would increase the flow of natural gas through an existing pipeline system in parts of Idaho, Washington state and Oregon.“ “ Yesterday, Oregon Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden urged FERC to deny the project , arguing that it was incompatible with Oregon and Washington’s climate goals. EE Wire : “Oregon senators: Gas pipeline 'not in the public interest'. Note, In 2015 LWV Portland and LWVOR provided public testimonies opposing any major Oregon Fossil Fuel infrastructure expansion. Portland Oil Storage: Newly obtained records show Portland officials’ private interactions with Zenith Energy - Zenith Energy’s fossil fuel storage and transport facility faces criticism for potential environmental dangers, particularly in the event of an earthquake.| Street Roots. State Treasury: Counter to ESG / Climate Risk analysis recommendations the July 2023, Treasury has increased the Fossil Fuel investment portfolio. Multnomah County chose to sue Big Oil and McKinsey for climate damage … and the Oregon Treasury chose to invest in Big Oil and hire McKinsey . The OIC (Oregon Investment Council ) Sept 2023 meeting agenda and report . Oregon Attorney General DOJ Climate work: OFFICE OF THE AG, Spotlight: Warming Climate (list of a number of DOJ actions related to Climate issues) Climate County, State, Federal and Global Lawsuits Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Gas, oil companies argue against Oregon’s emission deadlines during Court of Appeals hearing -- Several dozen people gathered afterwards to support those rules, which require a 50% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. -– Oregon Capital Chronicle. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are several active state federal lawsuits , (Sept 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, that challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 67 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON. Youth vs Europe: 'Unprecedented' climate trial unfolds at rights court | Reuters. Climate Change in Court: New Trends and Legal Grounds - Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA | CGEP. (GUEST Michael B. Gerrard, Andrew Sabin Professor of Professional Practice, Director, Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School) Climate Lawsuit News Montana appeals climate change ruling for youth plaintiffs - Los Angeles Times. Hawaii youth-led climate lawsuit advances in the background of Maui wildfires - As residents of Hawaii work to help their neighbors on Maui recover from the worst fire in the state’s history, young people are demanding more accountability from local leaders. - A group of youth, including many indigenous to Hawaii, are suing the state’s Department of Transportation over climate change. | Wbur : Here & Now Our Children’s Trust October 4, 2023 Human Rights Organizations, Children’s Rights Advocates, Legal Scholars File Amicus Briefs in Support of Utah Youth Climate Case September 20, 2023 Attorneys for Youth Plaintiffs in Natalie R. v. State of Utah Make Case for Constitutional Climate Case to Be Heard in Court September 19, 2023 Announcing “Overturning 1.5°C: Calling for the Science Turn in Rights-Based Climate Litigation” I-5 Portland/Vancouver Bridge: I-5 Bridge Bipartisan group of Washington lawmakers tours I-5 Bridge - Program administrator: It’s important for people to see project urgency, Sept 2023, The Columbian. Recommended Newsletters: Senator Dembrow Senator Golden Rep Pam Marsh Volunteers Needed Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in critical policy science/technology, finance, and law areas. We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of 3/9 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch REVENUE Patricia Garner, Josie Koehne, Peggy Lynch The short session is over. The Governor still has to decide if she’s signing the legislation. And the work is not done. There was not enough revenue to fund the 2025-27 budget without cuts and new legislation as shared below. The Feb. 4 Revenue Forecast guided the spending for the 2026 legislative session. Carl Ricidonna, Oregon’s State Economist, provided his report, along with Michael Kennedy, Senior Economist. See pages 17 and 20 for the important numbers. And the Legislative Revenue Office’s Forecast Summary . LWVOR participated with several other volunteer and non-profit organizations in the unofficial Oregon Revenue Coalition that worked together to find ways to preserve Oregon revenue in the light of lost federal income from Congress’s passage of H.R.1 which would cut major sources of funding for Medicaid, SNAP and many other services. ( Signed on to letter in January.) We focused on a bill to limit the damage caused by Oregon’s rolling connection to federal income tax law, since legislation to disconnect from the federal law failed in the 2025 long session. This session SB 1507 A passed (Senate (17-13) on Feb. 16 and House (34/21/4/1) on Feb. 25 ) that disconnected from certain sections of the federal code that the Legislative Revenue Office (LRO) reported would save Oregon $311.6 million in revenue this biennium and $313.9 million in the 2027-29 biennium, while providing increased funding for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at a cost of $26.2 and $52.7 million per biennium respectively. The League has long supported an increase in the EITC. Summaries of the 44-page bill and its amendments can be found here . LWVOR testimony in support. At least one legislator is considering collecting signatures to place portions of the bill on the ballot per this Oregonlive article. Of concern is that the referral process allows petitioners to select parts of the bill. In this case, they could leave off the increase in the EITC while only asking voters to stop the disconnect—which, in part, is expected to pay for that EITC increase. HB 5204 is the final bill that balances the budget as required by state law. In the bill, the legislature made over $128 million in cuts , mostly in agency services and supplies and by not filling vacancies and shifting remaining funds around to fill in some gaps. This was fewer cuts than anticipated at the start of the session. But they also funded or rebalanced some agency programs and staff. The -2 amendment was adopted . See the 4 Analysis documents for the budget additions and reductions, Budget Notes and final LFO recommendation. Passed the House and Senate Mar. 6. Oregonlive article and the Oregon Capital Chronicle addressed the 2025-27 budget rebalance. The Oregonian did a final budget review . SB 1601 was the Program Change bill. The -3 amendment was adopted and includes rebalance of ODOT’s programs in Section 11-23 and clarifies the 1% of lottery monies for county fair upgrades and repairs. Passed the Senate and House Mar 6. SB 5701 amends the limits established during the 2025 legislative session for the maximum amount of bonds and other financing agreements that state agencies may issue. The proceeds from the issuance of bonds are included as revenues in agency budgets. The -2 amendment and the LFO Recommendation includes increases in general obligation and lottery revenue bonds authorized. Bond sales are not anticipated until the spring of 2027. Passed the Senate and House Mar. 6. SB 5702 : Establishes and modifies limits on payment of expenses from specified funds by certain state for capital construction . Capital Construction 6-year limitation. -1 amendment LFO Recommendation Mar. 5 passed Senate. Mar. 6 passed House. SB 5703 : Modifies amounts allocated from the Administrative Services Economic Development Fund, Veterans' Services Fund, Criminal Fine Account, Oregon Marijuana Account and Fund for Student Success. Mar. 5 passed Senate. Mar. 6 passed House. HB 5203 : Approves certain new or increased fees adopted by state agencies. The bill includes the Dept. of State Lands Wetlands processing fees set forth during rulemaking for which the League engaged. Fee Ratification. LFO Recommendation Mar. 6 Passed the House and Senate. SB 1510 : Updates the terminology used to describe certain income earned by multinational corporations to reflect a change in the term used in federal law a bill. This omnibus bill, with amendments, would provide an opportunity to explore additional tax policy for consideration in the 2027 session. It is easier to understand the many provisions of SB 1510 by reviewing the summary provided by the Legislative Revenue Office of the bill and its -4 amendments . Feb. 24: Passed the Senate (28/1/1). Passed the House Mar. 4. HB 4014 : Establishes the Task Force on Taxation of International Income with the amendments. -2 amendment replaced the “study” bill. Staff Measure Summary . Due to this complicated tax policy, parties agreed to use the interim to consider impacts on this federal tax policy on Oregon revenue. Passed the House floor (32/26/2). On to the Senate floor at adjournment. Business interests want to have this conversation behind closed doors rather than an open public Task Force. The bill died but the conversation will continue. SB 1511 : A bill modifying the estate tax that would have increased the $1 million exemption to the estate tax to $2.5 million failed this session. The tax rates would have been greatly increased for the highest valued estates but fewer estates would pay an estate tax. For the first biennium, the revenue would have been about the same as our current estate tax SB 1511 . The revenue staff provided this analysis on the A -3 amendment that was approved by the Senate) with no expected revenue loss for this biennium, but $35 million by 2029-31. The bill did not pass out of House Revenue by end of session, but may be back in the long session. Two bills focused on increasing tax incentives for economic development faced intense debate and scrutiny, and one , SB 1586 , was withdrawn on March 3 due to much public outcry about tax breaks for data centers and the expansion of the Metro’s Urban Growth Boundary into land zoned as rural agricultural land, in violation of the 2014 Grand Bargain. OPB provided an article on this contentious bill. LWVOR testimony in opposition to the bill and additional testimony opposing the -7 amendment . The bill remained in Senate Finance and Revenue at the end of session, but is likely back in some form in 2027. The other economic development bill, HB 4084 A introduced by Governor Kotek, would fast track the permitting process for certain new business development t o be completed within 120 days, by means of a specially appointed Joint Permitting Council to oversee the each permitting agency’s permitting process. This section of the bill aligns with a federal program: Permitting Council’s FAST-41 Assistance for States. In addition, in the bill as introduced, all local property taxes abatements for Enterprise Zones were to be extended. This bill was also controversial because of these extensions since it would allow data centers which are hotly contested throughout the US, and which are the primary recipients of these tax credits, to not pay local property taxes for many years. After several amendments, three were incorporated into the final bill. LWVOR comments . The final bill included these provisions as summarized by LRO: Removes the $40 million General Fund appropriation to OBDD for deposit into the Industrial Site Loan Fund. (However, HB 5204 included $10 million for the Regional Infrastructure Fund, $5 million to support horse racing events at county fairgrounds, $5 million cash and $10 million bonds into the Industrial Site Loan Fund, and $10 million in lottery bond funds. The bonding bill provided targeted investments in sewer and water projects statewide to help with increased housing development demands.) Modifies SB 1507 (2026) to limit the tax credit for job creation to certain specified qualified industries. To qualify for the tax credit, a taxpayer must receive an attestation-based certification from Business Oregon, who will develop the tax credit application process, establish job creation determination methodology, and further define the term “qualified industry” through rulemaking. Excludes any qualified property of an authorized business in an enterprise zone with an operating data center from entering into a written agreement with the enterprise zone sponsor to 1) extend the period during which the qualified property is exempt from taxation beyond the allowable three years; 2) agree to flexible hiring timelines; and 3) approve alternative performance criteria. Prohibits data center properties from authorization as an eligible business firm prior to 90 days after the adjournment of the 2027 legislative session. An amendment was added at the end that puts this one-year moratorium on all new data center development certifications by Business Oregon, starting three months after the close of session. This allows the Governor’s Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee time to consider the various impacts of data center development on Oregon, and to report back to the Legislature with their recommendations. It also limits the existing Standard Enterprise (for urban areas) tax break to three years, but allows all other currently operating data centers, including those in rural areas of the state, to continue to receive tax breaks through the extended time periods as outlined in the bill. Oregonlive provided a great analysis of the impact of data centers. Oregonlive update on data centers in this legislation. Oregon data center operators will save nearly a half-billion dollars in local property taxes this year through three different incentive programs. Kotek’s legislation, House Bill 4084 , would expand the fastest growing of those three programs. HB 4148 : Allows city and county services for which net local transient lodging tax revenue may be used to be provided either directly by the city or county or indirectly by a special district. The -7 amendment adopted that changes the percentage to 50/50 and passed the House floor Feb. 25 (40/12/4/4). Mar. 5 Passed the Senate (23/6/1). SJR 201 : Kicker Reform: Proposed an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require a portion of surplus revenue that would otherwise be returned to personal income taxpayers to be used for funding public kindergarten through grade 12 education, community colleges and wildfire prevention and suppression, if surplus revenue exceeds a certain threshold. OPB covered a story about the bill . T he League has long supported kicker reform but we also note that, with our new state economist, another kicker is not expected in the near term. The bill did not get a Work Session. HB 4136 : Disallows, for purposes of personal income taxation, a mortgage interest deduction for a residence other than the taxpayer’s principal residence , unless the taxpayer sells the residence or actively markets the residence for sale. The bill had one public hearing on Feb. 16 and died in committee. The League is hopeful that a version of this bill will return in 2027. HB 4125 : Prescribes methodology for the preparation of revenue estimates used in the budgeting process and as applicable to the surplus revenue refund process — potential kicker reform. Public Hearing Feb. 2. The bill died in Committee . On Feb. 20, the US Supreme Court declared that President Trump does not have authority to impose widespread tariffs under a specific federal statute. Oregon’s Attorney General, Dan Rayfield, led the coalition of states arguing that the President did not have this authority. HB 4061 B passed that provides monies to help Oregon businesses hurt by these tariffs. Budget Report . The bill passed the House on Mar. 3 and passed the Senate Mar. 6. On Thursday Mar. 5, Rayfield and officials from 23 other states filed a lawsuit against the new tariff at the U.S. Court of International Trade, with Oregon again leading the way. “Budget aftershocks from the Trump cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will keep hitting Oregon in future years,” said Senator Jama. “Oregon lawmakers must continue working together to make resources stretch and to help families thrive.” As we await the May 20th Revenue Forecast, we watch for data that may change the forecast. Oregonlive reports that Oregon exports are down. Then we now have a war with Iran that, so far, has increased gas and diesel prices. That increases costs to state agencies, local governments, Oregon businesses and individuals. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain — supply more than a third of the world’s urea, an important nitrogen fertilizer, and nearly a quarter of another one, ammonia. And they all use the Strait of Hormuz to export their products. So that means less food production and an increase in food prices. The February national jobs report was not good (loss of almost 100,000 jobs) and the national unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. (In Oregon, we’re at 5.2%.) As we watch the U.S. and Oregon’s economy, we note the Oregon Capital Chronicle Jobs Report article , of special concern as Oregon is an income tax state. According to this Oregonlive article , Oregonians are working the fewest hours since 2010. Oregon workers are spending less time on the job, another indication that the state’s labor market continues to sag. The average Oregonian worked less than 33 hours a week in December, according to federal data. That’s the lowest number since 2010, when the state was still digging out from the Great Recession — even worse than the sharp decline that accompanied the pandemic. As we continue to be concerned about the economy, we note a study related to AI: Brookings Institution study on AI job losses and adaptability points out metros most at risk – Portland Business Journal Roughly 30% of workers displaced by artificial intelligence will struggle to find new jobs, according to a new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research and Brookings Institution. While 70% of highly AI-exposed workers would likely be able to transition to another job, the rest may have trouble adapting “due to limited savings, advanced age, scarce local opportunities, and/or narrow skill sets. ”What’s more, of the displaced workers in low-adaptive jobs, 86% are women. The League will continue to work with the Oregon Revenue Coalition and others as we address the need for increased revenue to pay for the services Oregonians need. The Ways and Means Co-Chairs warn of increased demand and federal funding cuts for the 2027-29 and 2029-31 biennia. It's time to work with state agencies as they develop their 2027-29 budgets. Here’s some budget guidance that agencies have received: 2027-29 Budget Guidance: Governor's Letter and CFO 2027-29 Budget POP Guidance . Bottom line: The Governor has asked state agencies to provide a “neutral” budget. If they want to add a program or staff, they need to find a program or staff to remove from their budget request. You can contact the agency you want to engage with as they work to provide proposals to the Governor around June. See other sections of the Legislative Report for information about specific agencies or areas of concern.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - September Interim Jump to a topic: Higher Education Education Updates Higher Education By Jean Pierce With repayments of federal loans restarting this month, it is important for those who incurred student debt to access information addressing their questions and concerns. Borrowers need to be aware of different repayment plans as well as pathways to loan forgiveness, and recourse if they suspect fraud. LWVOR supported the implementation of SB 485 (2021) , which addresses licensing of ombuds helping graduates navigate student loans. This legislation is consistent with the Oregon League’s position that the State General Fund should give high priority to financial aid for students. Borrowers struggling with student loan debt are encouraged to contact the student loan ombuds at DFR.bankingproducthelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or 888-877-4894. We anticipate legislation addressing Oregon’s financial aid programs’ limitations could do more to promote equitable access to higher education. The House Interim Education heard testimony relating to the League’s position: “If state funding necessitates limiting access to community colleges, such limitation should consider equity as well as financial need.” The committee heard testimony describing the Oregon Promise Grant (OPG), which covers community college tuition costs for students entering those institutions directly from high school. Seventy percent of the awards granted have been to families which have been able to contribute only $2000 or less to the costs. League members can expect legislation addressing the following issues: OPGs are only available to students who enter community colleges immediately after graduating high school. This is a problem, since the average community college student age is 26-27. OPGs only cover winter and spring semesters if a student entered in the fall. This is a problem, since many students apply when they are laid off, which could be at any time during the year. Currently, because of university grants and the broader scope of state grants for university students, out-of-pocket costs are actually higher for students attending community colleges than for students attending other institutions which cost twice as much. Costs include housing, food, and transportation are not addressed by OPG. Education Updates By Anne Nesse “A few weeks ago the Census Bureau released the poverty figures. And nationally, child poverty more than doubled — the largest increase in more than 50 years”…from OCPP. Based on policy analysts at the Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCPP), Oregon calculated the same increase in poverty of families using a more complete measure of poverty today, “the United Way’s ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Index . Unlike the poverty line, ALICE takes into account all essentials: housing, child care, food, transportation, and more. It reflects what it actually takes to live and work in the modern economy. According to the most recent ALICE data, more than two in every five Oregonians live below that threshold.” The Human Services Committee met on 9/27/23 and included testimony on meeting needs of lower-income families with childcare needs and the official launch of the Dept. of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Alyssa Chatterjee and the operating manager introduced the new website . They have successfully launched $370M in grants and are now processing applications in 4 weeks, 84% of the time. As of November 4th, there will be a waitlist for ERDC (Employment Related Day Care). They are currently attempting to serve 14,000 families of lower incomes, with 4,000 families on the waitlist and a 52% caseload increase. There are special groups, TANF/TA/DVS (domestic violence survivors), who do not have to be on the waitlist and are given priority. Rep. Reynolds asked about how we were anticipating dealing with the increased demand and Rep. Hieb asked about prolonged phone wait times. Ms. Chatterjee stated she had notified the Budget Committee and that DELC was on track to increase the budget and decrease wait times so that hopefully no family would be turned away. House Education met on 9/27/23, addressing equity in education, health and mental health care, summer programs, as well as increasing outdoor time for students with volunteer programs, see meeting video . First on the agenda was Medicaid funding for special education and other Medicaid billable areas that no longer have limitations. This established the lack of licensed nursing practitioners in schools and the need to improve billing systems methods, along with establishing a more consistent statewide IEP system so all the health and mental health needs of our students can be better met. Measure 98 implementation was next, designed to increase graduation rates along with providing career and technical education (CTE). It was noted that although graduation rates were up to 93% in CTE programs, Oregon was still below most states on expenditures in CTE and 10X lower than Washington State. Summer learning program losses were presented by Parasa Chanrany of COSA (Coalition of Oregon School Administrators). She quantified the losses to half in a number of areas critical to providing equity for children and parents living with fewer resources. Finally Rep. Gomberg introduced The Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative , which includes a volunteer group, encouraging more outdoor education, and is requesting funding for increased education about natural resources. The Joint Committee on Public Education Appropriations (JCPEA) met 9/8/23 and reviewed some issues the Dept. of Education faces concerning equity in education, within Oregon’s 197 school districts. See meeting materials and the meeting video . Find individual presentations by clicking on links inside the agenda, including the “Oregon School Budget 2024-25” and “what our goals in K-12 education are.” This meeting included Post-Secondary Education, as well as the Early Learning System. An Overview of the Quality Education Model, with Melissa Goff, Education Policy Advisor from the Office of the Governor, was presented. Let’s end this report with something positive in education, because some parents may soon be asking about their student’s lower test scores in reading and math. Local teachers may be questioning their profession by striking. There are current questions circulating at the Dept. of Education and the Legislature on what best represents the requirements that our students should meet for an Oregon High School Diploma. So take a moment and look back to 1969, when Mr. Rogers testified to a Federal Senate SubCommittee on Communications for increased funding. The poem he wrote with the kid’s help at the end is particularly endearing.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/14 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Environmental Justice Bills Climate Priority Advocacy Groups Climate Priorities with League Testimony , League Endorsement Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package Climate Treasury Investment Bills Natural and Working Lands Other Priorities Other Climate Bills: New Priority Bills That Died In Policy Committee Transportation Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns Senate EE and House CEE Policy Committee Notes (4/7 - 4/10) Example of recent Chamber votes News and Commission Meetings Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Oregon Climate Policy The Trump administration actions including project 2025 and other partisan issues are and will continue to effect Oregon financial stability including Climate / Energy policies and funding. April 10, 2025: ‘Trump targets climate laws with order that could derail Oregon’s efforts ‘ | OPB. “Meredith Connolly, Oregon-based director of policy and strategy at nonprofit advocacy group Climate Solutions, said the executive order could target almost all laws that focus on climate, renewable energy and environmental justice that any city or county in Oregon have passed “even if there isn’t a constitutional or legal basis for it.” Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment At this point in the session, it is unclear if SJR 28 will move out of Sen Rules. SJR 28 proposed -1 amendment , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot, public hearing was 3/26 . The League provided support with comments testimony . The bill is in Senate Rules , so the Legislative first chamber deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The -1 a mendment is a partial rewrite and may address the League’s concerns. LWVUS has provided guidance since over 26 states have - or are in the process of voting on green / environmental rights constitutional topics or initiatives. These usually take the form of a legislative–referral to the people. The New Mexico green amendment campaign focuses on racial justice. Environmental Rights Amendment News: March 27, ‘ Oregonians ask Legislature to let voters decide on constitutional right to healthy climate - A hearing for Senate Joint Resolution 28 was packed with children and seniors asking legislators to refer to voters a constitutional amendment enshrining climate rights’| OCC Oregon Capital Chronicle. Find ERA coalition Q and A here. March 27, 2025: Oregonians Urge Senate Rules Committee to Refer SJR 28-1 to the Peopl e (Constitutional Environmental Rights Amendment) Environmental Justice Bills HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session was held 4/9 passed with no amendments, no recommendation and referred to House Rules. Climate Priority Advocacy Groups For the first time, this year most of our priorities are included in the bipartisan 2025 Legislative Environmental Caucus Priorities , Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Priorities and/or Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) priorities . OCN is the only formal environmental lobby coalition group in the capitol. Consequently, for some of these bills (especially those in a package) the League may just join coalition sign-on letters rather than providing individual testimony. Climate Priorities with League Testimony with League Endorsement and Still Alive HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package The following four bills are part of a package which was the subject of public hearings February 27 and March 6 in the House Energy Management, General Government, and Veterans Committee: HB 215 1: Testimony ; appears dead 
 HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session held, passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) with -1 and -2 amendments Staff Measure Summary (SMS) . HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session held, passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS . HB 3450 A Testimony , work session held, 4/8 passed adopted amendment -1 . S ee CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis ( The study, Impacts of Fuel Releases from the CEI Hub, is intended to characterize and quantify the anticipated damages from the CEI Hub in the event of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.) CEI energy storage transition plan Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package HB 3081 ( League testimony ) work session held 4/8, adopted -1 amendment, awaiting transfer to desk, creates an active navigator to help access energy efficiency incentives all in one place 
 
 SB 88 ( League testimony ) work session was 3/24, limits the ability of utility companies to charge ratepayers for lobbying, litigation costs, fines, marketing, industry fees, and political spending. 
 Moved to Sen Rules on 3/28. In addition to our testimony, LWVOR joined the Oregon Conservation Network, coordinated through the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, in sign-on letters supporting both HB 3081 and SB 88. PH 3/4 3/4 Climate Treasury Investment Bills SB 681 : Dead: Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, Senate Finance and Revenue, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. 
 
 HB 2200 -1 , work session was 4/8, bill was requested by previous Treasury Sec Tobias and supported by Treasurer Steiner, related to ESG investing , identified as the compromise bill. League – NO Comment, moves to the floor, no JWM required. HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), League Testimony , Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans Natural and Working Lands HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 
 
 
 
 HB 3103A – work session 3/31. Moved to JWM, Overweight Timber Harvest , , League Testimony , new adopted -5 amendment . 
 Other Priorities HB 2566A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3365 A: work session was 4/9, moved to floor with adopted amendment -4 . climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , Rep Andersen, Gamba, Lively, Neron, Senator Patterson, Pham, Taylor. 
 
 
 SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 3/24, $500K fiscal, moved to JWM , League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham, 
 
 
 
 SB 827 : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moves to House 3/4 

 first reading. 
 referred to H CEE 3/10 
 
, PH 4/22 HB 3546 , -3 the POWER Act , work session was 4/8, bipartisan vote, moved , awaiting transfer to desk. PH was 3/6, The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, on its way to the floor. The League has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 
 
 
 Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 
 
 SB 1143 : -3 , moved to JWM, with bipartisan vote, PH was 3/19, Work session was 4/7 SEE, PUC established a pilot program that allows each natural gas Co to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network (TEN) pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Senator Lieber, Sollman, Representative Levy B, Senator Smith DB, Representative Andersen, Marsh. Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 Other Climate Bills: New HB 3609 work session 4/8, moved to JWM. The measure requires electric companies to develop and file with the Oregon Public Utility Commission a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services from customers of the electric company who enroll in the program. H CEE, PH 3/11 HB 3653 work session 4/8 passed unanimous awaiting transfer to desk. Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves. Priority Bills that died in policy committee Some of these related to funding may appear in the end of session reconciliation (“Christmas tree”) bill. HB 3477 : Update to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Goals. League testimony . House Climate, Energy, and Environment (CEE), Sponsored by Rep GAMBA, Sen Frederick, Golden, Patterson, Pham K, Taylor 
 
 
 
 SB 54 : Work Session was cancelled. The bill required landlords provide cooling for residential units . The League endorsed and added our name to a OJTA Oregon Justice Transition Alliance, sign-on letter . 
 Energy Trust of Oregon neutral testimony includes a presentation slide deck posted to OLIS on March 19, 2025. “ Energy Trust of Oregon does not support or oppose SB 54, and this is in accordance with Energy Trust’s contract with the Oregon Public Utility Commission which prohibits Energy Trust from lobbying. We are a neutral party per agreement with PUC.” SB 1187 new Climate cost recovery Liability interagency bill , PH 4/7, Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment 
 
(Replaces SB 679 and SB 682 : 
 
 SB 680 : Climate Science/Greenwashing , Sen. Golden and Manning, moved to Sen Judiciary , no recommendation, S NRWF PH was 2/26, sponsors: Campos, Frederick, Gorsek, Patterson, Prozanski, Taylor 
 
 
 
 Transportation This ODOT video gives a good overview of the history and current status /challenges with Transportation funding and management strategic issues. Oregon Democrats unveil $1.9 billion transportation funding plan The plan includes raising the state gas tax to 60 cents per gallon, higher DMV fees, higher bike taxes and more. | *Oregon Capital Chronicle (OCC). ODOT answers to budget presentation questions an 18-page document dated March 13. ODOT budget presentation package detail materials can be found Here. The League is concerned with federal guidelines: “McLain and Gorsek said they’re confident in Oregon’s ability to continue to receive federal transportation grants, despite directives from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that federal funding should go toward states with high marriage and birth rates, no vaccine or mask mandates and that are committed to working with the federal government to enforce Trump’s immigration policy — all areas that don’t apply to Oregon.” See OCC article . KGW NEWS: What it could cost you to rescue Oregon's transportation funding | The Story | April 4, 2025 Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns In order to stay on track, the Legislature must prioritize investments for vital environmental justice, climate and community protection programs (CPP). Without additional appropriations this session, the following existing successful climate, CPP and environmental justice programs may run out of funding: Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 Community Heat Pump Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program/Charge Ahead (DEQ) 
 
 
 Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Rebates + Infrastructure Grants (DEQ) 
 
 
 Community Resilience Hubs and Networks (ODHS) 
 
 
 Climate Change Worker Relief Fund (DAS) 
 
 
 Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program (ODOE) 
 
 
 Natural & Working Lands Fund (OWEB) 
 Senate EE and House CEE Policy Committee Notes (4/7 - 4/10) The committee reported out many energy- and environment-related bills at the deadline, sending the following bills to Joint W&M with "lite" fiscal notes: HB 3081-1 (on OCN hot list and supported by LWVOR with written testimony ) – One-Stop Shop 2.0, creating an online navigation program at ODOE to help Oregonians obtain information on federal, state, local, and utility incentives in a single place. HB 2062-1 (on OCN hot list) – Requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization and implement it to collect and recycle batteries. The -1 amendment is a substantial replacement of the introduced bill. HB 3868 – Requires ODOE to study avoided costs paid to qualifying facilities under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) compared with the costs incurred by investor-owned utilities to acquire or maintain renewable energy generation facilities. HB 2038-3 – Requires ODOE et al. to study a broad range of nuclear energy topics, including legal pathways for the disposal of nuclear waste. The amended bill is less focused on drawing out positive aspects of nuclear energy. HB 2410-2 – Allows EFSC to issue a site certificate for a small modular reactor nuclear facility demonstration project in Umatilla County, subject to a referendum of county residents. The amendment adds requirements for consultation with tribes that have lands in the county and prohibits temporary storage of high-level radioactive waste on tribal lands without prior consultation. Republican members characterized the bill as an agreement to “start the conversation” with tribes in the county. Their votes in favor prevailed against the opposing Democratic votes. HB 3539 – Requires EQC to contract with a third party to study and determine a GHG reporting emissions factor for electricity purchased from unspecified sources. HB 2065 – Establishes a process for interconnecting microgrids and community microgrids with a public utility’s distribution or transmission system, including timelines and procedures for review and approval. Applicants could use either utility-conducted or third-party studies, and utilities would have to provide requested technical data. HB 2066-2 – Directs the PUC to investigate and establish a regulatory framework to allow ownership, deployment and use of microgrids and community microgrids. The amendment greatly expands the scope of the required investigation and gives the PUC 18 months from the effective date to establish the regulatory framework. Chair Lively noted that the PUC will need flexibility in the study timeline, as increasing demands on the commission to study policy issues will increase its workload significantly. HB 3609 – Requires each electric utility to develop a distributed power plant program for the procurement of grid services to be provided by distributed energy resources. The committee moved the following bills to the House floor with a do pass recommendation (minimum fiscal impact): HB 3546-3 (on OCN hot list) – Requires the PUC to provide for a classification of service for large energy use facilities rated at 20 MW or more (such as data centers). PUC would have to require utilities to enter into a 10-year contract with these users to pay a minimum amount or percentage for the contract term, which could include a charge for excess demand. HB 2961-7 (on OCN hot list) – Increases the percentage of electrical service capacity for EV charging that must be installed in parking areas of new multifamily and mixed-use buildings with privately owned commercial space and 10 or more residential dwelling units. The amendment limits the bill’s application to the Portland metro area. The committee moved HB 3597-1 to Joint Transportation and W&M without recommendation. The amendment replaces the original “study” bill with policy changes to the EV rebate program, allowing DEQ to adjust Charge Ahead Program rebate amounts based on available funding and expanding rebate eligibility. It also requires the EQC to allocate at least $500,000 per biennium from the Zero-Emission Incentive Fund for outreach and education, but directs DEQ to suspend activities if the fund balance falls below $1 million. NOTE: The committee removed HB 3119 from the agenda -- this is the bill that would prohibit DEQ from implementing or enforcing the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations before January 1, 2027. By a 41-13 vote, the House passed HB 3336 (Gamba), which would declare state policy that electric companies must meet the required clean energy targets in ORS 469A.410; develop sufficient resources to meet load growth; create efficiencies and resilience in the transmission system; and maintain energy affordability. It would require electric companies selling more than 2 million MW annually to file strategic plans with the PUC to use cost-effective grid enhancing technologies (GETs, defined in the bill) and update the plans every two years. An electric company would have to carry out its first filed strategic plan by January 1, 2030. By a 17-10 vote, the Senate passed SB 726 A (Gelser Blouin), directing the EQC to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology to monitor surface emissions at municipal solid waste landfills. Landfill operators would have to use approved technologies to monitor emissions across the landfill surface, report results in a standardized format to DEQ, retain monitoring records for at least 5 years, and conduct follow-up monitoring within 10 days of any exceedance. In case of an exceedance in an active landfill area, operators would have to submit a mitigation plan to DEQ. Per the fiscal impact statement, the advanced technology specified in the bill would cost local governments operating landfills approximately $5,000 per monitoring event, or $20,000 annually per landfill. Example of recent Chamber votes The originating chambers today passed two bills listed as OCN Bills of Support: By a 41-13 vote, the House passed HB 3336 (Gamba), which would declare state policy that electric companies must meet the required clean energy targets in ORS 469A.410; develop sufficient resources to meet load growth; create efficiencies and resilience in the transmission system; and maintain energy affordability. It would require electric companies selling more than 2 million MW annually to file strategic plans with the PUC to use cost-effective grid enhancing technologies (GETs, defined in the bill) and update the plans every two years. An electric company would have to carry out its first filed strategic plan by January 1, 2030. By a 17-10 vote, the Senate passed SB 726 A (Gelser Blouin), directing the EQC to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology to monitor surface emissions at municipal solid waste landfills. Landfill operators would have to use approved technologies to monitor emissions across the landfill surface, report results in a standardized format to DEQ, retain monitoring records for at least 5 years, and conduct follow-up monitoring within 10 days of any exceedance. In case of an exceedance in an active landfill area, operators would have to submit a mitigation plan to DEQ. Per the fiscal impact statement, the advanced technology specified in the bill would cost local governments operating landfills approximately $5,000 per monitoring event, or $20,000 annually per landfill. News and Commission Meetings Oregon Climate Action Commission to Meet Virtually on April 11, 2025 — Agenda , includes 2025 Legislation update, Transmission Policy issues, 
Federal Funding Status, Energy Strategy, Closing remarks and next steps. Climate Solutions : Thermal Energy Networks win win : 
 
 Carbon sequestration/storage: See DOGAMI Agency Budget– Geologic Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Interactive Map | U.S. Geological Survey ( usgs.gov ) .
 (see Natural Resources Legislative Report which covers both these topics and Geothermal Drilling. 
 pics and Geothermal Drilling. Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Here is one example of how to track ODEQ Climate Protection Program cases. Basically, there are a number of active federal lawsuits , March 2025 2 updates : March 27, 2025 Climate Litigation Updates (March 2025, Part 2) March 10, 2025: Climate Litigation Updates (March 2025, Part 1) Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. Our Children’s Trust : Recent Press Releases and News Coverage April 4, 2025: Youth Plaintiffs Ask Alaska Supreme Court to Intervene in Closed Door Transfer of Alaska LNG Project, Hear their Claims in Court March 24, 2025: Supreme Court Denies Cert in Juliana; Legacy of Youth-Led Climate Lawsuit Lives On April 2, 2025 – KLCC : Our Children's Trust: What now? April 2, 2025 - OPB - Think Out Loud ‘Founder of Our Children’s Trust on what the end of Juliana v. US means for youth and climate policy Founder of Our Children’s Trust on what the end of Juliana v. US means for youth and climate policy Oregon Climate Policy - Historical Abbreviated Outline: AI Opinion with footnotes: 4/9/25: Oregon aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with goals to achieve 50% reduction by 2035 and 90% by 2050 , through initiatives like the Climate Protection Program (CPP) and investments in carbon capture projects. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ] Here's a more detailed look at Oregon's climate, energy, and carbon reduction efforts: Climate Action Goals: [ 4 , 4 , 5 , 5 ] 2035 Goal: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 1990 levels. [ 4 , 4 , 5 , 5 ] 2050 Goal: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% below 1990 levels. [ 4 , 4 , 5 , 5 ] Executive Order 20-04: Established the 2035 and 2050 goals. [ 5 , 5 , 6 ] Oregon Climate Action Commission: Tracks emissions, recommends strategies, and prepares communities for climate change impacts. [ 7 , 7 ] Climate Protection Program (CPP): Aims to reduce emissions from fossil fuels used in Oregon. [ 2 , 2 ] Natural and Working Lands: Oregon aims to increase carbon capture and storage in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. [ 1 , 1 , 8 , 8 ] Energy and Carbon Reduction Strategies: [ 9 ] Clean Energy Targets: Require utilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity sold in Oregon. [ 9 ] Oregon Clean Fuels Program: Reduces the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by encouraging cleaner alternatives. [ 10 , 11 ] Carbon Reduction Program: A federal grant program to fund transportation projects that reduce emissions. [ 12 ] Renewable Energy: Encourages the use of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources. [ 13 ] Carbon Capture Projects: Investments in projects that capture and store carbon in forests, grasslands, and wetlands. [ 1 ] Decarbonization: Fossil fuel companies are expected to gradually decarbonize their energy supply. [ 13 ] Key Actions and Programs: [ 5 ] House Bill 3543: Established initial climate change goals in 2007. [ 5 ] Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC): Adopts rules and programs to reduce emissions. [ 2 , 4 ] Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): Tracks greenhouse gas emissions and publishes reports. [ 14 , 15 ] Oregon Global Warming Commission: (Now Oregon Climate Action Commission) tracks trends in greenhouse gas emissions and recommends strategies. [ 7 , 14 ] TIGHGER Project: Analyzed the feasibility of achieving accelerated climate goals. [ 6 ] Oregon Climate Action Roadmap to 2030: Provides recommendations for state climate action. [ 6 ] Carbon Cap-and-Trade Program: A program that places a declining cap on emissions associated with fossil fuel combustion in the state. [ 16 ] Generative AI is experimental. [1] https://www.opb.org/article/2024/01/29/oregon-climate-environment-action-commission-greenhouse-gas-investment-pollution/ [2] https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/cpp/pages/default.aspx [3] https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/geology/pages/carbon_seq.aspx [4] https://www.nrdc.org/bio/hilary-firestone/oregon-acts-carbon-cap-and-trade-administrative-rule [5] https://climate.oregon.gov/meeting-our-goals [6] https://climate.oregon.gov/reports [7] https://climate.oregon.gov/ [8] https://climate.oregon.gov/natural-working-lands [9] https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/pages/clean-energy-targets.aspx [10] https://oeconline.org/climate/ [11] https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/cfp/pages/clean-fuel-pathways.aspx [12] https://www.oregon.gov/odot/climate/pages/carbonreductionprogram.aspx [13] https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/11/21/oregon-commission-approves-redo-of-landmark-climate-program-after-lawsuit-derailed-it/ [14] https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/pages/ghg-oregon-emissions.aspx [15] https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ghgp/pages/ghg-inventory.aspx [16] https://www.c2es.org/document/us-state-carbon-pricing-policies/ Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here. Jump to a topic: From Interim Relating to Federal Laws Elections Consumer and Other Protections Ethics Resilience Catch up on interim news and highlights of some of the 40 governance bills we've identified, out of 700 bills so far this session. We’re preparing testimony for seven of them in the session’s first two days so expect more individual reports next week. Many governance bills will be in committees not limited by 10-day advancement time constraints (e.g. Rules, Ways and Means). Either way, short session wrap is March 9 th . Consider signing up to help, lwvor@lwvor.org . Please see LWVOR Legislative Reports and subscribe to our weekly email LR summaries , starting again in February 2026. From Interim Oregon AG action AG Rayfield testified to Interim Senate Rules on many issues. See his response at 34.46 minutes in the hearing video for the next big hurdles for Oregon, and as a country, His highest concern is protecting the integrity of our elections , closely followed by trust in government and in our judicial system, for a strong democracy. Rayfield’s office filed 53 lawsuits in the last year, winning an overwhelming majority, safeguarding $4.6B for Oregon (not including a tariff case). Because FEMA funding suddenly stopped, a winning suit protected $128M funding for 29 BRIC (building resilient infrastructure and communities) projects, predominantly rural. Legal action cost less than $20K, a tremendous return on investment. Another win let $134M flow for the 1 in 6 Oregonians depending on SNAP benefits, costing $25K for litigation. Relating to federal laws and actions The federal judge dismissed the case heard in Eugene on Jan 14 on the 27th. LWVOR filed an amicus brief as a friend of the court. The plaintiffs held Oregon and our Secretary of State in contempt for protecting personal voting information. A sampling of upcoming governance legislation: Withhold OR payments ( HB 4143 ) to the US government if withheld federal funding defies a court order. Civil Actions for cause against federal and out-of-state law enforcement, HB 4114 OR National Guard HB 4091 has a hearing on Tuesday and we expect to testify (not yet prepared), expecting our testimony for HB 3954 A (2025) to be relevant. See the Interim OR National Guard report , including discussion of duty to follow “patently illegal” or “manifestly unlawful” orders, hearing video , ~26 minutes in. From the materials: The “Burden of proof rests with the service member” Orders are disobeyed at the peril of the service member. Does not apply to patently illegal orders. The dictates of a person’s conscience, religion, or personal philosophy cannot justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order. Elections SB 1508 and HB 4018 look like placeholders which the League may cover. HB 4024 Enrolled (2024), updates, a major campaign finance bill ( League Testimony ). SB 1509 allows for switching President and Vice President electors if they do not vote as they pledged. See “Faithless Elector Law”, testimony in defense , here , and states with robust laws . “Faithless electors” SB 1509 allows for “switch of electors of President and Vice President if they do not vote like they pledged”. We anticipate this to be addressed in another bill, too. See “Faithless Elector Law”, testimony in defense , and here , also a list of which states have robust laws . Consumer and Other Protections Consumer Protection , HB 4024 prevents event ticket resale unless a seller has or can get tickets, relates to Sen. Prozanski’s consumer protection SB 430 Enrolled (2025), which started with hidden event ticket fees, then developed into multi-faceted consumer protection, League testimony . Protect Public Officials HB 4017 permits a candidate to use campaign contributions for protection. SB 1530 expands the crime of aggravated harassment to include threats concerning public officials. The League has testified to many bills to protecting government services, especially elections, and those who provide them, expanding to cover more people. Immigration bills will be shared with Social Policy: SB 1594 relates to enforcing federal immigration laws, HB 4001 will study immigration enforcement, and HB 4111 addresses immigration status as not admissible for civil cases. Gun bills, depending on your perspective, address protection. HB 4096 and HB 4145 will both be heard on the first day of session. (See the Social Policy Legislative Report) Ethics By Lindsey Washburn SB1589 - Lobby Reform Requires lobbyists to notify the Oregon Government Ethics Commission regarding certain information about the lobbyist's: representing certain clients, compensation, and new or different position on legislative or administrative action.\ Resilience HB 4044 and HB 4121 emergency preparedness organization. See OEM Resilience Priorities & Report . Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Sine Die Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: 2 023 Highlights C limate Budget Package E nergy Budget Package Clean Energy and Resilient Buildings Environmental Justice O ther Climate Emergency News Climate Emergency By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator and team 2023 Highlights Hottest July ever signals ‘era of global boiling has arrived’ says UN chief | UN News The League worked independently and as a partner with multiple coalitions, contributing to a very productive historical 2023 Legislative session. This session’s historical dynamics included a Republican walkout, an increase of ~$2B in available funding and high federal funding opportunities. (see revenue LR). The session ended a few days early, with all six Climate and Energy priority policy and related funding bills passing in June, bills signed or vetoed by Governor Kotek . “ Climate Resilience Package Investment ( HB 3409 , HB 3630 ): Invests $90 million in community-focused and forward-looking solutions to increase our energy efficiency, keep Oregonians safe from extreme weather, maximizing federal funding opportunities, and build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable energy system.” The League supported and in some cases provided testimony on many of the following bills. From Rep. Tawna Sanchez’s 6/26/23 newsletter: “Finally, I voted to pass HB 3409 and HB 3630, which together invest $100 million to bring in over $1 billion in federal matching funds to address the rapidly worsening impacts of climate change in Oregon.” “$90 million Climate Budget Framework Invests in Sustainable, Resilient Future for Oregon . Investments to lower utility costs, reduce building emissions, empower landowners to participate in the green economy, incentivize carbon sequestration, and improve disaster resilience.” HB 3409 A Climate Budget Package By Claudia Keith Passed along party lines $61.7M Fiscal . Resilient, Efficient Buildings Policy Package ( SB 868 , 869 , 870 , 871 ) - Leverages federal funding to improve efficiency of homes and buildings; supports healthy, affordable, resilient communities and family-wage job creation across Oregon. League Testimony , sign-on coalition letter and action alert . Community Resilience Hubs ( HB 2990 ) - Funds community resilience hubs and networks across the state to coordinate and provide access to resources and services for vulnerable populations during disasters. Natural Climate Solutions ( SB 530) - Supports cost-sharing to leverage tens of millions in federal investments for Oregon forestland owners, farmers, and ranchers to implement climate-smart land management practices, increasing carbon sequestration and improving the resilience of Oregon communities and natural resource economies . League Testimony , Action Alert , and coalition letter . Oregon Climate Council Modernization ( SB 522 ) - Provides long-overdue staffing and representation on the Oregon Global Warming Commission. League Testimony . Medium and Heavy Duty Electric Vehicle Rebate Program ( HB 2714 ) - Creates a DEQ program that can compete for $1 billion in federal IRA funding for medium- and heavy-duty zero emission vehicle rebates. Trees Restoring Economic and Environmental Stability Act ( HB 3016 ) - Creates a Community Green Infrastructure Grant Program at DLCD to fund communities to develop projects that increase tree canopy, improve livability, and support water quality and Conservation. Siting Renewable Energy ( HB 3181 ) - Directs DLCD in coordination with ODOE to find opportunities and minimize conflicts on siting of solar projects in Oregon through engaging stakeholders in a rulemaking advisory committee process. Climate Protection Program Fee Bill ( HB 3196 ) - Supports DEQ oversight and accountability of Oregon’s cornerstone Climate Protection Program to ensure the Community Climate Investment program achieves its intended climate pollution reduction goals and benefits for communities of color, rural, low-income, Tribal, and other communities across the state. League Testimony . Harmful Algal Blooms ( HB 2647 ) - Protects Oregonians from harmful algal blooms in drinking water, which are likely to occur more often due to shifting precipitation patterns from climate change. (see Natural Resources LR) Woody Biomass for Low-Carbon Fuels ( HB 3590 ) - Directs College of Forestry at Oregon State University to research development of fuel pathways for low carbon fuels derived from woody biomass residues from forestry operations. HB 3630 A Energy Budget Package By Claudia Keith State Energy Strategy ( HB 2534 ) - Directs ODOE to develop a comprehensive state energy strategy that identifies optimized pathways to achieving the state’s energy policies. County Energy Resilience Planning ( HB 3378 ) - Supports counties’ development of energy resilience planning and integration into wildfire mitigation plans. Resilient, Efficient Buildings - ODOE One-Stop-Shop ( HB 3166 ) - Leverages federal funding to improve efficiency of homes and buildings; supports healthy, affordable, resilient communities and family-wage job creation across Oregon. Environmental Justice and Tribal Navigator ( SB 852 ) - Establishes a program within ODOE to provide information about state and federal funding opportunities and other technical assistance to rural, Tribal, and other environmental justice communities as they work to develop energy projects or build energy-related capacity. Solar + Storage Rebate Program Extension ( HB 3418 ) - Extends sunset on solar and storage project rebates for residential customers and low-income service providers, extending the program through January 2029, enabling the program to potentially receive and distribute tens of millions in federal funding from EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. These rebates facilitate low- and moderate-income Oregonians to save on electric bills and retain power during outages. Residential Heat Pump Program Extension ( HB 3056) - Supports implementation of ODOE’s Residential and Community Heat Pump Deployment Programs established by the 2021 legislature to bring much-needed heat relief to Oregon communities. Community Renewable Energy Grant Program - Provides funding for ODOE’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, established by the legislature in 2021, to support planning and developing community renewable energy and energy resilience projects. CE insights from Senator Dembrow recent newsletter: -The benefit of these package bills was that we could pass sections of the package that we would not have been able to as a stand alone bill. Although they were done related to the walkout, this may become part of future legislation. -He's planning on bringing back the GHG targets that didn't pass in 2023--in 2024. -He expects the state public bank to return in 2024. With conversation w/Gov about, if not Biz OR, what agency should run the Task Force. -2025 will be the year of transportation...another BIG package. Including gas tax replacement, final on I-5 Bridge, multimodal projects/funding. Look at HB 2017 (2017) for guidance. The League is disappointed. At this time Oregon will not be added to this EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) list of U.S. states that have meaningful binding economy-wide climate target statutes . We are hopeful the Governor, the new Climate Action Commission, and legislative leadership will address this issue in 2024. Clean Energy and Resilient Buildings By Arlene Sherrett and Greg Martin HB 3409 and HB 3630 , climate and energy omnibus bills supported by the League, won final passage at the last minute after a hard-fought effort to get absent legislators executing an orchestrated walkout, back to the Senate floor. Each bill aggregated climate bills waiting in committee for the walkout to end. See highlights of some bills of the two omnibus bills. Resilient, Efficient Buildings Policy Package —( SB 868 , 869 , 870 , 871 ) - These bills leverage federal funding to improve energy efficiency of homes and buildings and support healthy, affordable, resilient communities and family-wage job creation across Oregon. The bills reduce emissions by reducing energy consumption, thus making the most of energy efficiency. SB 868 , Healthy Heating and Cooling for All, paves the way for state and federal funding to provide heat pumps to Oregonians. SB 869 , Build Smart from the Start, aligns building codes with state climate targets. SB 870 , Building Performance Standards, formulates a program to transition buildings off fossil fuels. SB 871 , Smart State Buildings, clears the way for all state buildings, whether owned or leased, to be retrofitted for energy efficiency. Oregon Climate Council Modernization ( SB 522 ) provides long-overdue staffing and representation on the Oregon Global Warming Commission, changing the name to Oregon Climate Action Commission. However, the omnibus package removed a provision updating Oregon’s GHG emissions reduction targets. HB 3056 extends the residential heat pump fund created by SB 1536 (2022), part of a cooling package in response to the Oregon 2021 heat dome event. League Testimony . HB 3166 establishes the whole-home energy savings program (HOMES) and the high-efficiency electric home rebate program (HEEHR.) Both are based on federal energy residential buildings efficiency programs. A widely celebrated bill feature is a one-stop information and technical assistance center for those wanting to make their home more energy efficient. League Testimony . Environmental Justice By Claudia Keith The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition Follow-Up . SB 907 ‘Right to refuse dangerous work’ Testimony . Other CE Bills we worked on By Claudia Keith, Arlene Sherrett and Greg Martin HB 2763 Enrolled passed in June and moved to the governor; creates a State Public Bank Task Force, League Testimony . Like the 2022 session RB task force, a 19-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than September 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” The Governor vetoed this bill; see the Governor's letter explaining her decision . Read our response . Senator Dembow expects legislation for the state public bank to return in 2024, with conversation w/Gov about, if not Biz OR, and what agency should run the Task Force. HB 3179 Enrolled , Renewable Energy Permitting Process, passed, Governor signed 7/18. On June 23 the House concurred with a Senate amendment to the A-Engrossed bill. To issue a land use permit for a larger solar power facility as authorized by the bill, the county must require the applicant to provide a decommissioning plan, bonded or otherwise secured, to restore the site to a "useful, nonhazardous condition." The Senate on June 23 passed HB 3550 by a vote of 18-6-6. The bill requires a state agency that buys or leases a light-duty vehicle on or after 1/1/2025 to buy only a ZEV unless the agency finds that a ZEV is not feasible for the specified use, in which case the vehicle bought or leased must be able to operate with an environmentally acceptable alternate fuel or as a low-emission vehicle. To the maximum extent economically feasible, DAS must use biofuels or biofuel-derived electricity instead of diesel for facilities or machinery the department acquires, designs, builds, completes, maintains, or operates as stationary or backup generation for heat and power systems. The bill was not amended, passed and signed by Gov Kotek 7/31. State Agency and other Budget Bills SB 5018 DEQ Budget Bill League testimony SB 5016 ODOE Budget Bill League Testimony End of Session Full JWM Budget Reconciliation (Xmas Tree ) Bill, SB 5506 A list of Climate related line items in SB 5506 : - Oregon Worker Relief Climate Change Fund $1M Section 309 - OSU Climate Services. $250K Section 64 HECC - DLCD Climate Friendly. & Equitable Community $3.0 M Section 148 and 149 - DOE Hydrogen Hub, cooling study, and energy development position $951.6K. sect: 176 - DOE Staff to support administration of new energy programs $513K sect: 177 - Renewable and Solar $60M (sections 172 - 175) - City of Milwaukee $375K solar project - Streetcar System - Salem. $250K (Cherriots -Study the feasibility of developing a rail streetcar system in the City of Salem) vetoed by the Governor on Aug 4 Climate related Education bills in the Education LR : SB 854 , stated that each of our 197 school districts could develop a plan for teaching climate change, across all subject areas, in grades K-12 by June 1, 2026; died in Senate ED. HB 2601 requires State Treasurer to exit from certain carbon-intensive investments, subject to fiduciary duties, develop a plan to protect state investments from risks related to climate, League Testimony . The bill ended the session in the Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans Committees. Other Related Climate News Americans’ views of climate change in 8 charts | Pew Research Center, Most Americans Disapprove of Biden’s Handling of Climate Change, Poll Shows - Inside Climate News, Climate politics has entered a new phase | Financial Times, Ocean currents vital for distributing heat could collapse by midcentury , study says | AP News, Clean energy can fuel the future — and make the world healthier | Nature, Industry Plaintiffs Drop Lawsuit Challenging Washington State’s Climate-Friendly Building Codes – Earthjustice, It’s time for buildings to stop using a third of U .S. Energy, Washington and Oregon say - The Columbian, Oregon Counties Take on Heat Mapping to Keep Residents Safe | Governing.com , Work on an OSU-led wave energy test facility will be visible from shore – OPB, Climate Change | Brookings Climate County, State and Federal Lawsuits Biden is campaigning as the most pro-climate president while his DOJ works to block a landmark climate trial | CNN Politics Aug 2023 Updates to the Climate Case Chart | Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Columbia University Hawaii's youth-led climate change lawsuit is going to trial next summer | Grist Why Multnomah County's lawsuit over heat dome is different | kgw.com Oregon Treasury, Office of Economic Analysis, ESG investing and SEC Climate Risk Disclosure Oregon Pension Fund Takes More Risk Than It Discloses, Financial Sleuth Tells New York Times| Willamette Week Private equity investments , climate change and fossil-free portfolios | IEEFA SEC.gov | Climate-Related Disclosures/ESG Investing July 2023 SEC.gov | Remarks before the Financial Stability Oversight Council: Climate Risk Disclosure 7/28/23 Oregon Revised Statutes (2017) Chapter 750, Section 163 authorizes the Office of Economic Analysis (OEA), with substantial assistance from the Department of Environmental Quality, to assess the availability of fossil and alternative fuels to Oregon. OEA 2023 Fuels Forecast (Clean and Dirty) , Sustainability: Energy is the fundamental systemic risk | top1000funds, Opportunity to follow policy topics or if you prefer just follow and testify on one bill. Volunteers Needed Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA · Transportation and ODOT state agency · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 4/10 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Cybersecurity and Public Records Rights of Incarcerated People Redistricting Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Privacy, Transparency, Public Records, and Cybersecurity By Rebecca Gladstone Bills are appearing fresh here, including some we missed in the first chamber. These are complex issues meriting careful research, some with interestingly split votes: HB 2107 extends automatic voter registration via the OHA, Oregon Health Authority. We were sorry to see an amendment for a pending work session to cut the Powder River facility pilot project from the bill. HB 2129 : This communications transparency bill addresses executive session confidentiality, recording of confidential meetings, communications in the public interest and public records issues that relate to our SB 417 Task Force discussions. It passed from the House with broad support, public hearing rescheduled to Sen. Judiciary for April 20. SB 11 requires virtual public state meetings to record and promptly publicize recordings. This has strong bipartisan support for access and transparency. We will be looking for data retention cybersecurity guardrails. HB 2095 : This traffic-cams-in-cities bill passed from the House 35 to 20, awaiting Senate floor 2 nd reading. HB 3127 A : No hearing is set yet for this “TikTok bill”, referred to Sen. Vets, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs. It prohibits installing or downloading certain “covered products” onto state information technology assets. It passed 52 to 4 from the House floor, not on strictly partisan lines. (Reminder, this will not apply to other users.) HB 5035 : We noted 100 filed statements, most very brief, many openly responding to a request for Corporate Division funding support. The League, Common Cause, The Oregon Association of County Clerks, and the Attorney General submitted on other aspects of the bill. See Lobbying email from Oregon Secretary of State’s office raises eyebrows in Salem . We support this SoS budget bill ( our testimony ). SB 510 : This SB 417 funding bill was voted all ayes, with two excused from JW&Ms on April 7, with a Do Pass recommendation. It would improve efficiency, cost estimates and budgeting, and sustainable funding for the PRAC. See our testimony in support . SB 417 : The Task Force appointed at Sen. Rules’ Chair Lieber’s request after the Feb 7 public hearing, continues to meet weekly, hoping to conclude soon to propose an amendment. This phrase is an example from the bill: “(D) Whether waiving or substantially reducing fees would create an articulable and substantial burden on the public body in a manner that outweighs the public interest in disclosure….” We support this detailed PRAC bill to increase efficiency in processing public records requests, considering fee waivers, defining “media”, waiving records request fees when made in the public interest, and considering malicious intent in placing requests; see our testimony . SB 166 passed on a 2/3 not strictly partisan vote from the Senate Floor on April 6 and was referred to House Rules. This bill is not promising for the multiple concerns that we recommended be addressed in our testimony . This three-part bill would codify that actual voting on ballots is not revealed (never has been). It only addresses protecting elections workers, offending substances shall not be thrown at them, and elections should have cybersecurity plans. We recommend further amending, citing extensive references to our earlier relevant testimony. Technical harassment definitions should be expanded, as we note, for example to doxing, with extensive privacy issues, and extended to protect all involved in elections, even voters, from harassment and intimidation, as reported last fall, OPB . We anticipate the value of having these protections in place before the 2024 elections. We link to our other testimony support for elections as critical infrastructure, for cybersecurity, and for protecting our cyber defense plans. SB 1073 passed in a Senate Information Mgmt. and Tech. WS, April 5, was referred to W&Ms with a Do Pass recommendation, adopting the -3 amendment, which we support. Growing data management risks justify this bill to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). This office in DAS would coordinate cybersecurity services with data governance and transparency / privacy concerns, would set rules, develop and share educational materials and forums. We again recommend reading our privacy and cybersecurity work. We support the networking for state agency CPOs and others around the state. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley After passing the Senate, SB 529 had a public hearing in House Judiciary on March 27 and was scheduled for a work session on April 12. The bill modifies legislative findings concerning alternative incarceration programs related to substance abuse. It requires that intensive addiction programs for incarcerated individuals address addiction as a chronic disease and include a range of treatment services. Redistricting There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

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

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

LAASYA KANAMATHA (she/her) LAASYA KANAMATHA (she/her) DEIJ Youth Chair youthoutreach@lwvor.org

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 4/3 Education By Anne Nesse SB 1050 was introduced to Senate Education on 3/30 by Melissa Goff, advisor to Governor Kotek. Those testifying pointed out how important knowledge and understanding of other ethnicities, native American cultures, and religious persecution during the holocaust was to understanding the human condition. Even though curriculum legislation passed in 2017 on these subjects, teachers were still in need of funding for professional development opportunities, to succeed in teaching these concepts. Sen. Lew Frederick reminded us that this knowledge should be apparent throughout the curriculum in grades K-12. In House Education on 3/29, Rep. Neron announced that Congress recently made Federal funding available to allow all Oregon students to eat free and healthy breakfasts and lunches, without any type of discrimination, because all students will be eligible. More news on this coming soon, she stated. These House Education bills are moving to the floor this week: HB 2656 A , requires school districts to make informational surveys on healthy environment of their school available to students statewide and to provide parents and guardians with notice and opportunity to review the survey before it is administered. HB 3068 A , provides that high school students in grade 11 or 12 may be awarded a high school equivalency diploma if the student has received a certificate for passing approved high school equivalency test and meets other conditions. HB 3584 , directs schools to provide electronic communication to parents and guardians of students attending, at which safety threat action occurred. HB 3135 , preserves additional funding for small school districts that merge with one or more school districts if certain conditions are met. HB 2690 -1 , requires school districts to pay classified school employees not less than 10% more than minimum wage that applies to all employees who work in this state and not less than 15% more than minimum wage if classified school employees provide support to students with individualized education programs or who are enrolled in special education. HB 3014 -5 , directs ODE to adopt rules that allow for reimbursement of school district expenses incurred in lieu of transporting students, such as walking or biking patrols. HB 2281 -3, requires school districts and public charter schools to designate civil rights coordinator. HB 3178 A , expands criteria for awarding scholarships to diverse teacher candidates. HB 3236 A , authorizes expenditures from Statewide Education Initiatives Account for funding of regional career and technical education programs. HB 3204 A , shortens timelines and requirements for when a school district makes determination to give approval for students to enroll in virtual public charter school not sponsored by school district, above 3% cap. HB 2895 , removes cap on amounts distributed from State School Fund to school districts for students eligible for special education as children with disabilities. These bills in Senate Education are moving to the floor this week: SB 409 -6 , prescribes information related to courses of study offered by school districts that the district school board must ensure is provided on the school district's website. SB 758 -3 , prescribes timelines and redacting requirements for records related to provision of special education. SB 275 -4 , requires ODE, TSPC, and Educator Advancement Council to conduct study to identify best means of improving alignment among state education agencies. SB 421 -1 , establishes a youth advisory council. SB 426 -2 , modifies requirements of Healthy and Safe Schools Plan related to integrated pest management. SB 3 -3 , requires students to complete one credit of future planning as a requirement for high school diploma. SB 218 , requires ODE and law enforcement agencies to make available to TSPC certain information received during investigation of suspected sexual conduct or child abuse. SB 416 , requires public universities and community colleges to pay part-time faculty at the same rate, on a per-hour basis, as public university or community college pays full-time faculty to prepare for and teach courses. SB 756 -1 , requires school district employees assigned to work with students with specialized needs to have access to specified records related to students and to be consulted when the education plan for students is reviewed or revised. SB 215 -2 , allows ODE to adjust amounts charged related to distribution of agricultural products received from the United States Department of Agriculture for school food programs. SB 596 , requires school districts to submit specified information to ODE related to talented and gifted children. SB 736 , requires ODE to conduct study to identify how to increase access to advanced instruction for the purpose of preparing students for college and career.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/5 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Highlights Senate Energy and Environment Climate Litigation News Volunteers Needed The 2024 short session runs Feb. 5 through March 10th. Bills in most committees must be scheduled for a work session by Feb. 12 and acted on by Feb. 19 th in the first chamber. The legislative calendar is posted on the Oregon Legislature website . Climate Emergency Highlights Planned League Testimony - Support SB 1559 GHG Emission Modernization - Senator Dembrow: SE&E Public Hearing is scheduled for Tues Feb 13 . One of the issues being discussed is using the word goal or aspiration goal . The most powerful legal term would be specific mandated reduction targets in 2030 or 2035 and 2040 with zero net emissions before 2050. Budget Omnibus Bill - End of Session JW&M committee: Support funding for: Healthy Homes, EV Rebate and Climate-Friendly Micro-mobility transport Programs totaling $50 million. Other Climate Emergency Bills League testimony posted, or we are following and may have testimony: Off-Shore Wind: League HB 4080 Testimony , Find discussion in NR Coastal Issues Leg Report. Clean Tech Leadership Bill HB 4112 public hearing is 2/12 and planned work session 2/14. Right to Repair: HB 1596 Find discussion in NR Leg Report, League Testimony HB 4155 Infrastructure funding study - Rep Gamba in HEMGGV committee, Public Hearing was 2/8 and new 2/13 HB 4083 Coal Act Requires Oregon Investment Council and Treasury to divest from Thermal Coal investments. Work Session HEMGGV 2/13 Environmental Justice: Budget Omnibus Bill– End of Session: Continue Oregon Worker Relief Funding Senate Energy and Environment By Claudia Keith Feb 8 th meeting was taken up solely with the public hearing on Right to Repair ( SB 1596 ). The committee was scheduled to hear testimony on SB 1581 (requiring PGE and PP to report to the legislature on their participation in a regional energy market) but carried that hearing over to Monday 2/12. SB 1596: Chair Sollman defended her bill as a hard-won compromise that addresses the main concerns raised against SB 542 last year: data security, intellectual property, safety, and liability. OSPIRG strongly supports the bill with the -12 amendment. Google also supports the bill as do dozens of small businesses including Free Geek. OBI is neutral, citing significant improvements: stronger protections for intellectual property and trade secrets and the removal of the right of private action (consumer lawsuits). Apple remains the heavyweight opponent, demanding the removal of the prohibition on parts pairing. Repair Done Right Coalition also opposes and the Consumer Technology Association has critical concerns about unintended consequences. SB 1581: Appears non-controversial. PGE is neutral since the -1 amendment would simply require the utilities to deliver an oral presentation before the appropriate legislative committee, rather than a formal written report, by January 15 each year. Other Budget Senator Dembrow‘s recent newsletter details his understanding of the status of current budget priorities. Climate Litigation DOJ Files Petition for Wit of Mandamus to end Juliana Climate Litigation - The Justice Department is wasting no time seeking to put this zombie litigation out of its misery, and the plaintiffs are not happy about it. Reason. COM. Our Children’s Trust Response . It is unclear at this time how the League’s (LWVUS and LWVOR) will oppose this new filing. News This Is Oregon Scientists’ Plan to Save the World – Portland Monthly The radical proposal of Oregon State University researchers aims to avoid climate change via greater biodiversity and more forestlands—and a no-growth economy. January 20 2024. Scientists outline a bold solution to climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice’ PHYS .org . Senator Merkley: Take Climate Impacts into Consideration when Reviewing New Fossil Gas Infrastructure Projects - Merkley . Merkley, Colleagues: Allocate Dedicated Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Independent Methane Monitoring - Merkley https://phys.org/news/2024-01-scientists-outline-bold-solution-climate.html Climate Emergency Volunteers Needed Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: • Natural Climate Solutions, specifically Oregon Dept of Agriculture (ODA) • Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust • Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) • Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team)

 • State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services)

 • CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets • Climate Migration 

 • Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment 

 We collaborate with LWVOR Natural Resource Action Committee members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: Training for Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/8 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Legislators’ Walkout Is Freezing Governance Rights of Incarcerated People Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team It appears to this reporter that the Oregon legislative session could effectively be over. Several Republican Senators will soon run out of their 9 allowed unexcused absences, but several others will alternate with them to deny a quorum in the Senate for a few more days or a week. Constitutional Sine Die is June 25, which is six and a half weeks away. However, the 25 Republican legislators in the House may now start denying a quorum in their chamber. The required House quorum is 40 members, so the absences of just 21 Republicans could stop all business in the House on a rotating basis for weeks. A deal between Democratic and Republican leaders could still allow some final budget and uncontroversial bills to be passed. We would also not rule out the Governor calling a special session. Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. We hope that the negotiations that they’re working on now lead to real progress. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected and more donations are needed. Legislators’ Walkout Is Freezing Governance By Rebecca Gladstone The ongoing Senate Republican walkout was in the ninth day as of this writing, with leadership agreeing not to hold Senate floor sessions for the remainder of this week, to allow weekend negotiations. That could avert invoking the 10-day walkout consequences that voters passed by a wide margin in November 2022. Meanwhile, bills continue to stack up, as the clock runs out pressing this now elapsing time. We hope negotiations will drop reading bills to regain that time. Most bills here are exempt from deadlines but are frozen by the walkout. We are especially concerned for responsible review and progress for bills that timed out in the 2022 session, for election security with new software in the SoS budget bill, the cybersecurity omnibus bill, the AG’s Data Broker bill, and the Chief Data Privacy Officer bill, all covered in earlier reports. Here's last week’s slim progress. HB 5032 A Enrolled : The governor signed this Public Records Advocate funding bill on May 8. ( our testimony ). HB 2490 : This cybersecurity vulnerability bill passed in a May 9 Senate committee work session, on a partisan vote for 3 in favor, 1 absent (excused for illness), and 2 absent, relating to the Republican walkout. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). HB 2806 , for public safety and cybersecurity, awaits transfer to the Senate President’s desk and scheduling for a Senate floor reading, rescheduled to May 15 and 16, with dates subject to change. See our testimony . SB 11 : This got unanimous support in a May 9 House committee, awaiting transfer to the President’s desk for signature. This access and transparency bill, with strong bipartisan support, requires virtual public state meetings to record and promptly publicize recordings. We will look for data retention rules. SB 417 : For this public records bill, we’ve attended weekly Task Force meetings since March 7, and it is forwarding findings with amendment recommendations. Intense legal discussions over careful wording distinctions had input on behalf of District Attorneys, the Society of Professional Journalists, Public Records Advocates, and others, including the League. See our testimony , predating this work. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley SB 529 , which enables the expansion and revamping of drug treatment programs within Oregon’s correctional system, passed the House on May 8 with a vote of 48 to 12. The bill affirms that addiction is a chronic disease, modifies program acceptance procedures, removes the old requirement that program participants engage in physical work and exercise, and includes a range of structured treatment services. SB 529 is a complementary bill to HB 2890 A , which directs a Corrections Ombudsman to support continuous quality improvement efforts and report back to the Governor and the Legislature within six months of appointment. The Ombudsman’s task is to “ensure all persons confined in Department of Corrections institutions have access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services during the entire period of incarceration, including access to evidence-based medication-assisted treatment options. The bill, championed by Rep. Maxine Dexter, passed House Judiciary on April 11 and was sent to W&Ms by prior reference. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of March 2 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Priority Bills Other Bills Senate Energy and Environment News Oregon Treasury Climate Lawsuits Sine die is 3/8 -now just around the corner. Very few policy only bills passed this session. The deadline for 2nd chamber for most policy bills was 2/26. A number of Climate bills with fiscals are in JWM or Rules, the League is not clear if any of these bills will move. (please see last week’s LR for how to advocate for those bills) and refer to the League's recent ALERT . Priority Bills SB 1541 A - Make Polluters Pay - Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. New SMS , Senate Energy and Environment , PH 2/5 and work session 2/10 , - 2 amendment , moved 2/12 to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) . LWVOR submitted testimony . Creates the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to assess financial impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and recover costs from responsible entities. Multiple state agencies are involved including, Department of Land Conservation and Development, DLCD, Department of Environmental Quality, DEQ, Oregon Health Authority, OHA, and Land Conservation and Development Commission. LCDC, the oversight body is Environmental Quality Commission (EQC). The League has joined the Make Polluters Pay Campaign . This climate legislation is a national effort covered today by the New York Times , reporting that a number of other states are in the process of passing and/or implementing similar legislation. Please see the League’s Action Alert. SB 1526 A - FORGE: Fund for Oregon Resilience, Growth, and Energy - New SMS , work session was 2/9, Senate Energy and Environment (SEE) moved the bill to JWM, League testimony . Creates financing tools, including a revolving loan fund, to provide more affordable, accessible long-term financing for clean energy and resilience infrastructure projects in Oregon. This is modeled on a number of other states’ legislation , some as "green" banking nonprofits.
 Please see the Action Alert. Other Bills the League is following: HB 4046A Nuclear Study Bill, work session was 2/12, moved to JWM 2/17, unanimously as amended. New SMS , directs the Oregon Department of Energy, subject to the availability of funding, to conduct a study on nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors. The -2 amendment, a substantial rewrite of the original bill negotiated with opponents, seemed to satisfy committee members that the study could be unbiased as to nuclear energy issues. 
 
 HB 4031 A : new SMS , 2/27 on its way to the governor . Exempts a renewable energy facility from needing a site certificate from the Energy Facility Siting Council if the facility qualifies for certain federal renewable energy tax credits a nd construction is scheduled to begin on or before December 31, 2028. 
 
 SB 1597 A in H Rules PH 2/27. Sen chamber vote 2/23 17,12. Makes a power provider disclose the costs to store the waste made from making any electric power. New SMS 
 
 Bill that died in Policy Committee SB 1582 , Community-Based Power: Distributed Power Plants, SEE Senate E&E Committee PH Notes Senate Energy and Environment 2/23/26 The committee held public hearings and work sessions on the following bills, and voted to move all three to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. HB 4031 A (expedited site review for renewable energy projects) -- 5-0 HB 4025 (winter rate increases for non-gas, non-electric public utilities) -- 5.0 HB 4029 A (consumer protection for solar installation customers) -- 4-1 (Robinson, concerned about restraint of competition) Chair Sollman postponed the WS for HB 4102 (third-party contracting for environmental permitting) to Wednesday 2/25. With a vote of 17-12 2/25/26 The committee voted 3-1-1 (Pham nay, Brock Smith excused) to move HB 4102 to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation. Sen. Golden: This bill has been more of a "voyage" than he imagined it would be. Senate E&E has focused mainly on Sen. Pham's proposed -2 amendment dealing with labor rights and good governance. He would have preferred to move the bill with the one-sentence -3 amendment requested by Rep. Dobson: “Before contracting with a third party to provide services pursuant to this section, the department shall consider the third party’s potential or actual conflicts of interest with the applicant, permittee or regulated entity.” However, time limitations of the short session make amending the bill at this point problematic. "Very likely we will be privatizing some of the permit process and other processes going forward" -- we would prefer that staff working for the taxpayers would do this work but we recognize that we have delays that we need to address. He wants to state on the record "triple underscored" the committee's intent that when DEQ hires a third party for permit processing, they will commit to be very vigilant in their research about conflicts of interest. Sen. Robinson: Supports the bill as a "bandaid" measure to expedite permitting whereas the larger need is to "reform DEQ." Sen. Pham: Regretful "no" as she believes the bill as introduced lacks adequate guardrails vs. conflicts of interest and fails to address important labor issues. Chair Sollman: House passed the original bill unanimously and she doesn't want to take the chance of killing the measure by sending it back amended. News Regulators to Hold Public Hearing on Large Increase for Cascade Home Gas Bills and What to Expect at Cascade Gas’s Public Hearing | Latest News | News | Oregon CUB - Citizens Utility Board Eugene groups propose climate tax to mirror Portland’s - OPB How Oregon is building back smarter after wildfire • Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon Adopts New Building Codes to Reduce Energy Costs and Increase Energy Efficiency in Newly Constructed Homes – CleanTechnica Oregon’s New Building Codes Are a Win for Home Energy Resilience - Oregon Environmental Council Oregon lawmakers seek to shine a light on balcony solar, but safety issues linger - OPB Oregon DOE Feb Press Releases – a number of updates… Oregon State Treasurer Steiner Joins 15 Other State Fiscal Officers in Warning That Immigration Enforcement Operations Threaten Economic Stability and State Revenues February 5, 2026Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner MD joined fifteen other state fiscal officers in a joint letter to President Donald Trump expressing … Oregon Treasury & Oregon Divest Building on Oregon Treasury’s 2025 Progress toward Net Zero Emissions - Part 1 (Divest Oregon ORG) New 2025 Treasury : Climate-Positive Investing : Invested for Oregon Report Tracking Net zero climate positive investment strategies. Oregon pension shows climate progress , private markets drive emissions | Private Equity Stakeholder Project.org Climate Lawsuits and Our Children’s Trust Columbia Law - Sabin Climate Center Blog – Feb 2026 updates There are a number of active federal lawsuits. Columbia University Law ( CUL) Climate Litigation Jan 30 Updates . Another source: CLU - Sabin Climate DB lists 97 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. Our Children’s Trust - In the News: February 19, 2026 - E&E News Enviros, health groups are first to sue over Trump’s big climate rollback February 18, 2026 - The Guardian Environmental groups sue Trump’s EPA over repeal of landmark climate finding February 18, 2026 - The New York Times E.P.A Faces First Lawsuit Over Its Killing of Major Climate Rule February 18, 2026 - Climate in the Courts Environment and Public Health Groups, and Youth, Sue Over Trump Administration’s Elimination of Climate Protections February 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News Healthcare Professionals, Scientists and Children Sue the EPA for Backtracking on Greenhouse Gas Regulation February 18, 2026 - Bloomberg Law Endangerment Finding Rollback Draws First Legal Challenges (1) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture · Transportation and ODOT state agency · Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s TrustDA · Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) · Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) · State Pr ocurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) · CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets · Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/12 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Artificial Intelligence: Lindsey Washburn Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Conflicts of Interest/Legislative Ethics: Chris Cobey CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Emergency Preparedness: Cate Arnold Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum: Claudia Keith Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey State Audit Working Group: Sheila Golden Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Senate and House Rules Committees House Rules Committee Senate Committee on Education Elections, Campaign Finance, and In Memoriam for Alice Bartelt By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Senate Rules Committee SB 1538 is an election law clean-up bill that makes many changes, was amended in several details and passed out of the Senate Rules Committee on 2/15. The amendments concerned translating voters’ pamphlets; removing the redundant vote tally machine certification just before tallying begins; reducing the number of voter registration cards to 500 that could be obtained, issuing a certificate of ascertainment of presidential electors; increasing the upper limits for a candidate not to be required to file campaign finance reports; and allowing campaign contributions to be used to pay civil penalties for campaign violations. House Rules Committee HB 4021 , which requires the Governor to fill a vacancy in the office of U.S. Senator by appointment within 30 days until a special election can fill the vacancy, had a public hearing. HB 4031 , which requires the Public Records Advisory Council to study public records, passed out of committee without recommendation and was sent to the Revenue Committee. HB 4032 , which removes the requirement that the word “incumbent” appear on the ballot with the name of incumbent candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, and circuit court, had a public hearing. HB 4117 , which authorizes the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to issue advisory opinions on the application of the public meetings law, and which provides a technical fix to a bill passed in 2023 session, passed out of committee to 2 nd reading, the rules of the House were suspended, and the bill was passed immediately and unanimously. Senate Committee on Education SB 1502 requires public schools and college boards to livestream their meetings and post the meeting recordings on their websites and social media sites. It allows remote testimony for most school and college board meetings. The bill passed out of committee and was referred to Ways and Means. Elections, Campaign Finance, and In Memoriam for Alice Bartelt By Rebecca Gladstone Three bills that received League testimony passed from committees this week. News swirls for others, and we are poised to act on them. These two bills were heard in Senate Rules and both passed, with League support: Increase Voters’ Pamphlet Languages SB 1533 : This bill would increase the number of languages other than English for State Voters’ Pamphlets, adjusted for predominating languages by county. We provided written testimony . As well as virtual League testimony starts at 1:25) . The bill passed unanimously, with one excused. Synthetic Media in Campaign Ads, aka Deep Fakes SB 1571 -1 : League testimony was quickly revised for the -1 amendment and our verbal testimony, (video starting at 50 minutes ), was targeted to issues raised during the public hearing. The -1 amendment replaced “artificial intelligence” with the applied term “synthetic media”. The bill passed unanimously, with four more amendments filed. See Oregon lawmakers consider regulating use of AI in campaign ads , OPB, 14 Feb, 2024. A third bill, from sponsor Sen. Manning, was heard in Senate Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs Committee: Automatic Voter Registration for students SB 1577 -3 : The original bill would have automatically registered students from their college applications via the Dept of Revenue. The amended bill would have Elections and County Elections departments study the feasibility of registering student citizen voters. The clear emphasis on eligible voters, with only citizens being eligible, was not clear to many who sent testimony. It passed from committee on partisan lines, with supportive League testimony (video starting at 1:19), and on the record . Campaign Finance: LWVOR supports IP 9 and is actively collecting signatures, as part of the Honest Elections Coalition . LWVOR and Common Cause are the good government groups mentioned in OPB this week: Democrats and Republicans often clash on the subject, but are hoping to avoid a messy ballot fight . A placeholder bill, HB 4024 , could be pressed into service from unusual partners, labor and business, who are otherwise promoting IP 42, against IP 9. This is presumably hoping to forestall the impending faceoff between the two competing campaign finance petitions. Campaign work for IP 9 is in high gear with discussions between Honest Elections, legislative members, top state leadership, and the press. Senate Commemorative Resolution, In Memoriam: Alice Bartelt, 1947-2023 , SCR 203: We understand from staff that the bill sponsor, Senate President Wagner, has moved the hearing date to Feb. 22, 3pm. It is not yet posted on OLIS. Staff requests that anyone wishing to testify please contact their office at carol.suzuki@oregonlegislature.gov , so that timing can be arranged.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/19 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry Land Use and Housing Reduce/Recycle Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch SB 5701 is the 2024 omnibus budget bill. It is currently populated with the items approved during the November and January Legislative Days. Budget requests are being considered as the Co-Chairs determine the money to be spent or saved. It has been reported that the cost for behavior health and community safety will be between $180 and $235 million. The main housing bills are expected to cost about $350 million. Legislators have shared that there may be another $1-2 billion funding requests to consider, but not enough revenue to allocate. Look for bills sent to Ways and Means (W&Ms) to be considered in their Subcommittees ONLY when they have been approved by the W&Ms Co-Chairs and Senate and House Leadership. We should see those bills posted to those Subcommittees this week and next. Many bills sent to W&Ms will still be there at the end of session. HB 5201 and HB 5202 are the bonding bills. Like General Fund requests, there are more bonding requests than money to allocate. The Feb. 16 public hearing in W&Ms Capital Construction was evidence of that fact. Like the budget bill, these bills will reflect changes and possible additions to the 2025 approved bonds. Bonding capacity remains the same: $65.8 million in remaining general obligation bond capacity and $27.4 million in remaining lottery bond capacity for the 2023-25 biennium. SB 5702 will be populated with new or increased fees adopted by state agencies since the 2025 session. HB 5203 and HB 5204 were also filed. One will be the “program change bill” to address miscellaneous changes to agency programs. The other is held in case it is needed. It may be used for containing revenue requests due to Measure 110 changes. SB 1562 with the -1 amendment has passed Senate Finance and Revenue. 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. The Joint W&Ms met Feb. 23rd and approved a list of grant requests and reports. The agency budget process for 2025-27 is beginning. Look for presentations to agency Boards and Commissions soon. Quarterly revenue forecasts will be provided on May 29 and August 28. Then the November 20 th forecast will be the basis of the Governor’s Recommended Budget to be presented on December 1 st . One concern is that mediocre returns and rapidly inflating payrolls are causing actuaries to predict that PERS will need about $6 billion in 2025-2027, hundreds of millions more than in the current biennium. Personal income taxpayers can determine their kicker amount using a “What’s My Kicker?” calculator on Revenue Online . Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section for overlaps. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 4080 A was moved to Ways and Means on Feb. 14 th related to offshore wind energy. Important to the League will be financing the public engagement in the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development’s (DLCD) Coastal Program as required by the bill. The League provided comments on HB 4080-1 and continues to advocate for funding for public engagement and staff at DLCD. On Feb. 22nd, “the Oregon Legislative Coastal Caucus has issued a resounding call for the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to address significant concerns before advancing offshore wind projects off the coast of Oregon. In a letter to BOEM Director Heidi Klein, the Caucus expressed extreme disappointment with BOEM's decision to finalize two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) without adequately addressing the concerns of coastal communities, industries, and tribes.” The League signed on to a letter in support of HB 4132 , Marine Reserves. Currently there is a fiscal request of just under $900 M for this biennium. The bill is scheduled for a Feb. 26 th work session in W&Ms Natural Resources. Oregon’s Coos Bay Estuary is reported to be a “blue carbon”source that will help Oregon address climate change. That is no news to our local Coos Bay League who continue to advocate for this largest of Oregon’s estuaries. Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working with DSL to identify In Lieu lands (part of the 1,400 acres of lands owed the State of Oregon on statehood that have not yet been allotted to Oregon). Click here to view the BLM Proposed Classification Decision , and a public notice that two forestland properties in Linn County that have been identified to meet the criteria for some of those In Lieu lands. Learn more and provide public comment through April 9, 2024. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The League supports the $4.1 million that had been set aside in 2023 for the former proposed separate ESRF state agency to instead be added to the DSL budget as the managers of the ESRF. The League encourages you to listen to the one-hour Feb. 19 th Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee meeting where a diverse set of groups provided testimony. LWVOR has been engaged in the Elliott discussion since 2014. 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 . A recommendation with structural governance may be before the State Land Board on April 9. If approved, look for appointments to the new ESRF Board at their June 11 tth meeting. Forestry (ODF) The Oregon Dept. of Forestry is holding the last of their community conversations on February 28th as they do strategic planning. The public is encouraged to participate. On Feb. 23 rd the Board of Forestry had a special meeting on Post-Disturbance Harvest Rulemaking. A number of bills this session are around funding wildfire. For information on the various bills, see the Wildfire section of this report below. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch The major housing bills, SB 1537 and SB 1530 A , have been scheduled for a Work Session in the Ways and Means SubCommittee on Transportation and Economic Development. We understand that there may be some “technical fixes” in SB 1537 in W&Mw. A news release by the Senate President explains the elements of both bills. Also on the agenda is League supported HB 4134 -A that includes a list of infrastructure projects in small towns around Oregon to be funded with a promise of new housing. We may see elements of HB 4128 A . The League is concerned that HB 4128A lists monetary grant awards to certain cities for water infrastructure without clarity on what projects will be funded. We are hopeful that, if some of those projects are added to HB 4134, the criteria in HB 4134 will apply. The Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee is recruiting a new member from Oregon’s Third Congressional District. Applications are due by March 18, 9 a.m. Follow the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Reduce/Recycle By Camille Freitag The League weighed in again this year on a Right to Repair bill, SB 1596 . We joined others in support of the bill. The bill passed the Senate Chamber on Feb. 19 th and is headed to the House Committee on Business and Labor for a Feb. 26 th Public Hearing and Work Session. DEQ is conducting rulemaking to clarify and implement HB 3220 (2023) , which updates and makes necessary changes to the statewide electronics recycling program, Oregon E-Cycles. DEQ is holding its first meeting for the Oregon E-Cycles Rulemaking Advisory Committee on March 7 at 9 a.m. – noon. To attend this virtual meeting, please pre-register via the Zoom online platform . To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee please visit the Oregon E-Cycles rulemaking web page . Water By Peggy Lynch The amended HB 4128 sent to Ways and Means includes a $3 million allocation to be added to the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund . The League was engaged in helping create this fund in 2021 and supports this allocation. On Feb. 27, there will be an Informational Meeting on “Needs of Very Small Community Water Systems”. The League continues to advocate for clean, safe drinking water for all and the issues of trained staff as well as cost of repairs and upgrades are very real. On Feb. 22, in the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, Rep. Hartman presented concepts to be considered in 2025, including a number of water related programs, many of which the League has advocated for in the past. We hope Leaguers will engage with the Oregon Water Resources Dept. as they consider changes to Oregon’s groundwater rules. This slide deck was presented at their last rules advisory committee meeting. A written public comment period will be open March 1 st - June 1 st . Regional meetings will be held April 4 th in Bend, April 18 in La Grande, May 16 in Central Point and May 21 st in Salem, with the Salem meeting available on the internet as well as in person. The Department of State Lands is creating a new statewide program (Abandoned and Derelict Vessels) to address hazardous vessels across Oregon. They want your feedback on the proposed program framework. Share your input by March 8th! See the proposed framework for the ADV program here (PDF). The League has supported creation of this program and the funding needed to remove these hazardous vessels from Oregon’s waterways. OWRD anticipates releasing a draft of the updated Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) for public review and comment starting March 5th. An updated draft is then anticipated to be available for a second public comment opportunity in May. The Oregon Water Resources Commission will hear public testimony and consider adoption of the 2024 IWRS at their September meeting. For more information about this process, please visit the IWRS page . The League hopes members will engage since we were actively engaged in the original legislation and in the first two IWRS documents. We understand this new draft takes an entirely new slant from the current IWRS. It will be important that the original documents not be invalidated but instead enhanced by this proposal. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” 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 the counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Deschutes, Wasco, Harney, Sherman, Lake, Jackson, Gilliam, Douglas, Lincoln and Morrow counties. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers The week began with some welcome progress on at least one of the wildfire funding bills the League has been following. On February 19, the House Climate and Energy met and voted to send Rep Marsh’s omnibus wildfire bill, HB 4016-1 , on home hardening and prescribed fire liability, to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The amendment removed the portion of this bill set up to fund wildfire smoke programs, eliminating the need to refer the bill to Ways and Means. It subsequently passed the House on Feb 21, referred to Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire, for Feb. 27 public hearing and Feb. 29 th work session. Next up was a Sen Vets, etc. mtg on emergency preparedness. Chief Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Dept of the State Fire Marshal (DFSM) gave a “State of the State” presentation on Oregon fire service and challenges faced. She referred to the fire service “crisis”. Among challenges are a decreasing volunteer pool, recruitment and retention problems, increasing homeless impacts including tent fires, growing wildfire event intensity and size, and firefighter behavioral health issues due to trauma and stress associated with job demands. A KTVZ study report recently released by Oregon State University reinforces current and future increase in wildfires, both geographically and in intensity, trending towards more fire on the “Westside”, west of the Cascades. The bad news is these fires have the capacity to become mega-fires due to the very factors that make them less frequent - seasonal moisture combined with lots of vegetative growth, which accumulates fuel for fires. Chief Ruiz-Temple was followed by the Row River Fire Response. This is a Rural Fire District established by community members in response to having NO fire protection DURING a fire that occurred in a neighborhood that burned 5 homes. They believe their successful public/private partnership could serve as a model for other communities around Oregon. A slide show describing their inspiring journey is worth a look, revealing a fire protection system gap. The League is following two bills, SB 1520 -2 and HB 4007 , relating to an income tax subtraction for settlements or judgments received by wildfire damage victims. Subtle differences between the two bills are being worked out in Sen Finance and Revenue and House Revenue. The impetus is that legal settlement and judgment proceeds are taxed at 70%, with the remaining 30% also being taxable income, and legal fees paid are not deductible. This results in homeowners hoping to rebuild being left with a small fraction of the initial reward, sometimes a little as 15%. California has passed similar legislation. To complicate things, Federal tax law in this area is also under review and the outcome will affect the final details of how these bills are implemented, since there is some overlap. On February 22, Sen Finance and Revenue adopted the SB 1520-2 amendment, which fixed some problems identified during public testimony, and sent it to the floor with a do pass recommendation. At this meeting, a SB 1545 work session was held, which would allow counties to offer a property tax break (using assessment from ’20-21) to owners of destroyed homes rebuilt after the 2020 wildfires. A Feb 26 work session is scheduled before the same Committee. The League has also observed some limited movement on the various wildfire funding bills. A good summary of their various stages may be found in this excellent Capital Chronicle Feb 22nd overview . Rep Evans’ public safety and wildfire funding bills, HJR 201 and HB 4075 , are “effectively dead”, according to the article, having received over 1,400 written comments, 99% opposing. Sen Golden’s wildfire funding bill, SB 1593 with amendment , would fund a study of the use of a severance tax to fund wildfire programs. (A severance tax applies to the value of trees harvested. A forest products harvest tax which Oregon currently has is levied on the volume of harvested timber.) That bill has a Feb. 28 th public hearing before Sen Finance and Revenue. The League will provide testimony in support of the proposed amendment. Sen. Steiner is also scheduled to share “Funding Wildfire Mitigation and Suppression” information. We can assume she will be discussing her HB 4133-3 bill, still in House Revenue. Last but certainly not least, the latest version of Rep Marsh and Sen Steiner’s bill, HB 4133 -3, was heard on Feb 22 before House Revenue. Sen Steiner and Doug Grafe, the Governor’s Wildfire and Military Advisor explained explained several bill changes. The first change relates to a split of funds raised by the measure between the General Fund and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Large Fire Fund, which this bill would establish. The second, in a needed attempt to broaden the conversation, directs ODF and DSFM to work with stakeholders to develop options for sustainable funding for wildfire suppression and mitigation. It was noted that Rep Marsh and SenGolden, and various fire agencies, would most likely be at the table. This is, at least in part, in response to opposition/reservations voiced by several State firefighter organizations. Toward that end, Senator Steiner submitted this letter to presiding officers. The final change relates to a land reclassification moratorium which affects the rates landowners pay for fire protection while details continue to be ironed out. Ironically, several members of the Committee expressed their difficulties in understanding this complex bill which was, in theory, designed to make the wildfire funding model less complex. A Work Session was scheduled for February 26 before this Committee. The League is so concerned with wildfire funding needs that we signed on to a budget request for additional monies to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Dept. of Forestry to address Community Wildfire Protection and Landscape Resiliency. On Feb 28, there will be an informational meeting on the Wildfire Hazard Map in the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/2 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2026 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Criminal Justice Education Gun Policy Housing Criminal Justice By Marge Easley & Sharron Noone Given the time constraints of a short session, it is striking to see the number of bills that relate to current federal government actions on immigration. The list below reflects legislators’ deep concern and sense of urgency on this issue: HB 4001 authorizes a study to address unlawful immigration enforcement. The vagueness of the bill title, “relating to immigration” may signify this is a “placeholder” for an omnibus bill. We will closely monitor any amendments. HB 4091 specifies when the Oregon National Guard may be deployed. (See also the Governance Legislative Report) HB 4114 allows a civil suit against a federal or out-of-state law enforcement body and requires notice for a planned operation in Oregon. HB 4138 requires enactment of policies on identification requirement for law enforcement uniforms and enacts a prohibition on facial coverings. SB 1594 authorizes the Office of Immigration and Refugee Advancement to establish policies, standards and procedures related to enforcement of federal immigration laws. SJR 203 amends the Oregon Constitution to include provisions on law enforcement masking and ID requirements. Here are other criminal justice bills that the League will be monitoring: SB 1515 modifies the 2022 law (SB 1584) related to compensation for wrongful convictions, which passed with support from the League. It creates a new post-conviction process for convictions based on expert testimony or now-discredited forensic science. SB 1550 makes changes to the death investigation process in cases of domestic violence or child abuse. SB 1516 and SB 1530 are similar bills adding new provisions to the crime of “aggregated harassment” to include making serious threats to a public official or a member of the official’s family. HB 4045 requires a communications provider to comply with a search warrant within 72 hours when the warrant relates to stalking or a domestic violence situation. SB 1583 moves responsibility for behavioral/mental health and deflection services to the Criminal Justice Commission. Education By Jean Pierce According to an article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle , Oregon saw a high school graduation rate of 83% this year, up slightly from pre-pandemic rate in 2020. But the rate is still less than the 87% national rate reported in 2022 by the National Center for Educational Statistics. Bills being considered in the legislature this session SB 1555 would eliminate the Quality Education Commission and make other changes related to how public education is funded.. LWVOR believes that funding is needed to provide an equal and adequate education. There is no question that the current system of determining this level of funding is flawed in Oregon. The Quality Education Commission has not used evidence-based practices in its model calculating school funding needs. While SB1555 raises a number of issues that the legislature should address, it is unlikely that these issues will be resolved in the short session. For instance, there needs to be ample time for discussions around: Is it necessary to replace the QEC, or could its model be improved? If it is replaced, what is a better system? Should the bill tie funding to a requirement that districts follow state and federal laws? What are appropriate quality goals to be used for adequate funding of public education? We know that there are vast differences among school districts, but how should standard schools be defined in order to determine adequate funding? Two proposed bills are consistent with the League position that the government has the responsibility to provide equality of opportunity for education. SB 1538 would prohibit discrimination in education related to immigration or citizenship status and requires districts to base these policies on models prepared by the Attorney General. This bill adds “immigration or citizenship status” to a list of demographic characteristics of students protected from discrimination in our schools. Currently, that list includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age or disability. The League is submitting testimony in support. HB 4149 would require districts to adopt policies for enrollment, placement, and providing services to homeless students and directs the Department of Education to designate a state coordinator to oversee the education of homeless students. Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Gun Policy By Marge Easley Thus far only two bills related to gun policy have been submitted. HB 4145 , sponsored by Rep. Kropf, makes important modifications to Measure 114, which voters passed into law in 2022 but has not yet been implemented, pending an imminent Oregon Supreme Court ruling on its constitutionality. The bill adds details to the gun permit and transfer process and to the large capacity magazine prohibition, with the intent of providing clarification and guidance to those most impacted by the measure, including gun owners, the Oregon State Police, local permit agents, and gun dealers. HB 4096 , sponsored by Rep. Ruiz at the request of Multnomah District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, creates the crime of aggravated felon in possession of a firearm when a person who has been convicted of a felony possesses three or more firearms or has certain prior convictions. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona LWVOR is a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance. It was established in 2004 and includes over 100 members from local governments, affordable housing developers and operators, housing industry allies, public housing authorities, community action agencies, and the non-profit sector. The Alliance has a process through which work groups propose legislation to the full membership for approval. The Housing Alliance’s 2026 Legislative agenda related to housing is detailed below. 2026 Legislative priorities Preservation of affordable rental homes and manufactured housing parks : This proposal ( HB 4036 ) would allocate bond funds for the purpose of preserving existing low-income housing at risk due to expiring affordability restrictions, threat of foreclosure, and the sale of affordable manufactured home housing parks. Over 10,000 homes are at risk of being lost over the next five years. Preserving existing affordable homes is much more cost effective than developing new units. Restore funding for eviction prevention and emergency rent assistance: The 2025-27 budget includes only $44.6 million for emergency rent assistance, legal aid for households facing eviction, and tenant outreach and education. This is a 74 percent cut from the $173.2 million that was needed to maintain the established level of services. Over 20,000 fewer households will receive help as compared to the previous biennium. Funding restoration would prevent more families and individuals from becoming homeless. Tenant information and privacy protections: Currently the private information tenants provide to landlords and property managers is not protected. This proposal would require written consent from tenants before this information could be disclosed unless it was in response to a court order. End tax break for vacation properties and support first-time homebuyers: Vacation home owners receive a mortgage interest deduction on their taxes in addition to the deduction they can claim for the primary residence. The bill would end the deduction on vacation homes and redirect the savings to downpayment grants for low-income first-time homebuyers. Build new home for homeownership through the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) program: The LIFT program is funded through bond sales and can be used for rental housing development or homeownership programs. This proposal would dedicate bonds from the LIFT program for development of homes for homeownership. Housing Accessibility Act: With insufficient housing stock to meet the needs of people with disabilities, the bill would require the Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to conform with state building code accessibility requirements under the Fair Housing Act. This proposed bill would prohibit the Housing and Community Services Department from funding new subsidized rental housing developments unless the housing meets the specified accessibility standards. Remove electronic barriers to tenancies: Digital and technology can be barriers for residents accessing common areas of their buildings. This bill would allow a tenant or applicant for housing to opt out of using a tenant portal or to pay by card or by electronic means. Landlords would be required to provide an alternative to access the common areas of the premises. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Social Policy? You can help. Volunteers are needed. We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning Juvenile justice Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 2/6 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Clean Energy Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… State, Regional, National, and Global CE News Local League Climate Updates National Governments Volunteers Needed Note: Members of the public are invited to join an upcoming workshop series hosted by the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). “DLCD is pleased to announce six workshops in western Oregon where the public will be invited to share how climate change is affecting their quality of life.” Events happening throughout March. Register online . Climate Emergency Priorities The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. Following are updates on those six topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB 530 . Public Hearing is Scheduled 2/15/23 in SEN E&E . Josie Koehne is the CE team member leading this effort. Please see recent 2/6 LWVOR Action NWL Alert . 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report . It’s likely these will be posted to OLIS in mid Feb. by Senator Lieber and Rep Marsh. The League is an active RB coalition partner. BR campaign guiding principles . Oregon RB in the news , here. and here . A big welcome to Arlene Sherrett, a new League and new CE team member; she will focus on REB, and Transportation portfolios. 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills are still being posted, which address (support or oppose) new or on-going EJ topics. Find DEQ EJ work: Performance Partnership Agreement : Oregon Department of Environmental Qualityand U.S. EPA Region 10 Performance Partnership Agreement . In the news: ‘Farmworker advocate legislative priorities include language access’ | Statesman Journal. The League is following this topic and likely will support. A conversation with Robert Bullard, ‘ father of environmental justice’ » Yale Climate Connections 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission" and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. Find more about this Bill in Clean Energy LR below. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/ reductions and new clean renewable energy (DOE), OHA public health, and DOT Dept of Transportation policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. ‘Kotek proposes spending $765M from reserves on homeless , other crises’| Statesman Journal. It’s unclear at this point if the estimated >$100M in CE related state agency POPs and new Legislative funding (* budget items will come from over 22 state agencies including 14 NR agencies, OHA, DAS, ODOT, ODOE, etc.) is reflected in Governor Kotek’s new 1/31 Budget. More specifics next week. It is expected some portion of the agency funding requests are specifically related to addressing multiple federal grant opportunities . (see Congressional major new funding since 2020: IIJA, IRA, Chips and what’s left in the ARPA and Dec 2022 Omnibus compromise) Other CE Bills By Claudia Keith The League may support or just follow these bills. (This is a preliminary list; a number of bills are not yet posted to OLIS.) Natural Working Lands: See Rep Pham’s urban forestry bill, HB 3016 , Rep Holvey’s severance tax bill, HB 3025 to replace the harvest tax, and ODF’s Regular Harvest tax bill, HB 2087 . SB 88 climate smart Ag increases net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands. Requested: Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery. See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment: HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. Green Infrastructure: HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Public & Green Banking: SB501 Bank of the state of Oregon Sen Golden. HB 2763 Create a State public bank Task Force, Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. Interstate 5 Bridge Legislation: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) factsheet ODOT and WDOT . 12 Things the Oregon Legislature Should Know About IBRP - Just Crossing Alliance. It is likely policy and or just funding bills will be heard and likely moved by this IBRP Legislative Joint Committee . The goal: ‘Replacing the aging Interstate Bridge with a modern, earthquake resilient, multimodal structure is a high priority for Oregon and Washington…. ‘. We welcome Liz Steward (LWVPDX) who has agreed to be a League Observer on the topic. Clean Energy By Kathy Moyd Activity Last Week and Next Week. We did not provide testimony for any bills. HB 2530 Renewable Hydrogen The House Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee (HCEE) held a public hearing February 6 on HB 2530, which as introduced would require the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to convene a work group to "examine, evaluate and develop statewide strategies to accelerate the development of a state renewable hydrogen industry and related infrastructure, technologies and end uses." Testimony focused on a -1 amendment that would replace the entire original bill with just the proposed definitions of "renewable" and "green electrolytic" hydrogen for purposes of future legislation. The definitions are based on existing statutory language in CA and WA to promote regional consistency. The League opted not to provide testimony because the amendment had not been posted. The reason given for eliminating the rest of the bill was that generation and use of hydrogen should be included in the bill in development dealing with the energy use in the state, not stand-alone. We will start working on testimony for that bill as soon as text is available. No testimony is planned for next week. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The next Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast is scheduled for Feb 22. It is unclear how the congressional debt ceiling issue, security market volatility, inflation – Fed/banking issues and other global risks will develop. The last State of Oregon quarterly forecast assumed a likely mild recession in 2023. Oregon Bond rating continues to be above average. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has never conformed to what is now recommended in the SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. SEC Plans to Finalize See supportive LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury / Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $20B Federal IRA funds which are contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. ‘'Green Banks,' Poised for Billions in Climate Funds , Draw States' Attention | The Pew Charitable Trusts. Related, The start of America’s infrastructure decade: How macroeconomic factors may shape local strategies | Brookings. Additionally, the SEC new Climate risk guidelines will affect investing and reporting decisions. Perhaps a temporary reprieve, ‘Pushback On The SEC’s Proposed Climate Risk Disclosure Rules Is A Good Sign ‘ | Forbes. Corporate Boards Are Ramping Up These Sustainability Priorities | Bloomberg. SEC’s Gensler weighs scaling back climate rule as lawsuits loom - POLITICO It's concerning to the League how these major issues will affect Oregon’s economy. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (Feb 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 60 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. News: How the Supreme Court could finally force Big Oil to face trial | Grist State, Regional, National, and Global CE News By Claudia Keith The Real Obstacle to Nuclear Power - The Atlantic. Eugene becomes first Oregon city to ban natural gas hookups | Energy News Network. A Portland high school student has Oregon governor’s ear on environmental justice - oregonlive.com The Oregon Lab Where Scientists Are Riding the Waves to a Brighter Future - Atlas Obscura. Farmers, gardeners collaborate on dry farming in Oregon – OPB. Oregon could give consumers right to repair phones, computers | Statesman Journal. Fighting climate change was costly. Now it’s profitable . - The Atlantic. Opinion | Greta Thunberg: ‘ The World Is Getting More Grim by the Day ’ - The New York Times. How the EPA values human lives lost to climate change | NPR. Vice President Kamala Harris talks about climate change at Georgia Tech – UPI. Renewables are on track to satiate the world's appetite for electricity - The Washington Post. Biden takes victory lap on climate bill in State of the Union | The Hill and E&E. Busting three myths about materials and renewable energy | MIT Technology Review Local League Climate Updates By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Each city and county in Oregon should have a Climate and or Resiliency Plan. Only these Oregon 14 cities have CAPs. Over 2300 countries, cities, counties have pledged ‘ Climate emergency declarations ’ in 2,318 jurisdictions and local governments cover 1 billion citizens - Climate Emergency Declaration…. National Governments 18 national governments and the EU have declared a climate emergency. The EU is counted as one jurisdiction in the ‘jurisdictions total’ but has not been included in the country count.’ Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - September Legislative Days Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Oregon Climate Action Commission - OCAC OCAC Biennial Report Environmental Quality Commission Meeting Highlights Climate Litigation and Congressional Climate Resolution Volunteers Needed Climate Emergency By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator and Team Department of Environmental Quality Climate Protection Program: Action Alert and Testimony LWVOR published a September ALERT related to an Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) Climate Protection Program Sept 26 rulemaking public hearing. This meeting was scheduled late August to provide for more public comments. OPB: ‘Public will get a little longer to weigh in on Oregon’s program to cut carbon emissions.’ The League continues to advocate for strong ODEQ Climate Protection Program (CPP) rules. We have been participating in the CPP rulemaking process since its inception in 2021. Find the most recent LWVOR testimony for the CPP rulemaking public hearing here . Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) action: DEQ plans to present the final CPP rulemaking proposal, including any modifications made in response to public comments, to the EQC for a decision at its Nov. 21-22 meeting. The goal continues to be a 2025 CPP implementation. Oregon Climate Action Commission - OCAC (formally Global Warming Commission): September 17, Meeting Highlights DEQ Consumption-Based Emissions (CBE) Inventory and Project Report DEQ staff briefed OCAC on the agency’s draft report and recommendations on opportunities to reduce Oregon’s consumption-based GHG emissions , mandated by 2024 HB 3409. Staff had previewed an earlier draft of this report during OCAC’s August meeting. While Oregon’s sector-based emissions peaked in the first decade of this century, CBE have continued to soar, so our overall carbon footprint has gone up, not down. DEQ and its consultant, the Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI), identified many ways Oregon can reduce its CBE—e.g., by reducing embodied emissions in new construction, the largest governmental source, through green building codes, product regulations and standards, financial incentives, etc. The report also presents marginal abatement cost curves (“bang for the buck”) for various policy initiatives. Draft recommendations: 1. The Legislature, in consultation with OCAC, should adopt a goal to reduce CBE. 2. The Legislature, OCAC, and state agencies should take more action to reduce CBE. Address high-impact categories of emissions and activities with high emissions- reduction potential. Enable consumer awareness and choices through structural and policy changes that make low-carbon choices more easy, affordable, equitable, and accessible. Align with other statewide priorities, such as increasing affordable housing, reducing negative health outcomes, and reducing food insecurity. Consider “product stewardship” approaches that engage producers of products and materials sold into Oregon. Center human well-being in policy design, paying particular attention to equity considerations, including needs and opportunities for low-income, BIPOC, and residents in rural areas. Engage cross-cutting/cross-sector approaches that can reduce multiple sets of emissions while also generating co-benefits to society. Minimize rebound effects by focusing on reducing consumption of commodities with high emissions intensities. 3. DEQ should update its CBE inventory on a timely and more frequent basis. OCAC Biennial Report The Commission reviewed and discussed draft recommendations for potential inclusion in its Biennial Report, due to the Legislature on 12/1/2024. OCAC intends to adopt the final recommendations in October. Sources of the following draft recs were OCAC’s Roadmap to 2030, the Natural and Working Land’s (N&WL)priorities, and DEQ’s CBE work. Recommendation 1: Support robust and continuous implementation of existing climate programs and regulations. Restore the CPP with same scope and ambition as before. Develop policies and programs that maximize the existing grid infrastructure, accelerate new transmission and renewable energy siting, and advance regional energy markets. Increase funding for Oregon Public Utility Commission oversight of HB 2021 and CPP implementation. Increase funding for ODOE’s Community Renewable Energy Grant program, Heat Pump programs, and Solar + Storage program; ODHS’s Community Resilience Hubs and Network Grant program; DEQ’s EV Rebate programs; and OHA’s Healthy Homes program. Recommendation 2: Update Oregon’s statutory Green House Gas (GHG) emission goals consistent with best available science – revisiting Senator Dembrow’s bill, SB522A , which failed to pass in 2023. Recommendation 3: Appropriate an additional $10 million to the N&WL Fund and to the Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program to increase carbon sequestration. Recommendation 4: Investigate options and create a sustained source of state funding to increase sequestration in N&WL, including consideration of a setting up a Green Bank to use the state’s bonding capacity to incentivize private investments. Recommendation 5: Adopt a goal to reduce Oregon’s CBE. Recommendation 6: Take targeted actions to reduce CBE from transportation, the built environment, and food waste. Recommendation 7: Direct and fund DEQ to update the CBE inventory every 2 years, and direct OCAC to report on progress toward the state’s CBE reduction goals as part of OCAC’s Biennial Report to the Legislature. Senator Dembrow and Commissioner Apter urged a special focus on transportation-related measures to prevent the expected transportation package from increasing GHG emissions. Other commissioners suggested developing additional recommendations related to climate adaptation and resilience. Oregon Environmental Justice Council Environmental Justice Mapping Tool Extension Request was adopted in Aug . New proposed deadline moves to June 2027. Other past and future OEJC meeting details find HERE. Environmental Quality Commission Meeting Highlights Report on the portions of the 9/26-27 EQC meeting bearing on the CPP 2024 rulemaking. Oral public comment on Thursday afternoon heavily favored the OCEN partners' positions. The commissioners' Friday morning discussion made it clear that they had also heard plenty from the regulated businesses, some of whom had suggested that EQC drop this rulemaking and invite the legislature to develop a cap and trade program. The commissioners expressed their determination to move forward with rules for a climate program that will be a model for best practices, providing Oregon businesses with long-term regulatory certainty to bring forth the appropriate investments and giving climate skeptics no reason to point to Oregon as an example of what not to do. The following major issues rose to the top. Community Climate Investments (CCI) program accountability: Industry, especially NW Natural, has challenged the validity and expense of this program as the primary alternative vehicle for CPP compliance. Commissioners expressed support for the program but with guardrails to ensure maximum accountability and investment performance. Chair Donegan stressed the need for a laser focus on the quality, tradability, and bankability of CCI projects to make sure these are attractive investments for potential buyers. Do the CPP rules need to define the vetting process for eligible CCI entities and projects more rigorously? DEQ's McConnaha noted that the Equity Advisory Council is set up to help prioritize work plans and that the proposed third-party fees will fund a full FTE for DEQ to oversee CCI performance. Comm. Schlusser noted that many CCI projects are likely to link with and leverage existing programs such as those of Energy Trust, but attribution of results may become challenging. Donegan suggested that the final rules should clarify EQC's role, if any, in overseeing fund allocation. CCI prices are a related concern. Donegan said the proposed price of $126 per CCI appears less expensive than the cost of neighboring states' compliance instruments, given that the CPP would award most emission allowances free off the top. Real worry is the decarbonization cost passed on to consumers over time. As our emissions cap declines and covered entities have to buy more CCIs, our program could become more expensive than California’s. McConnaha said in 2 years of experience with the CPP, we saw overcompliance with the program requirements without the CCI program in place. So while the focus on the CCI price is understandable, it’s only one of many variables affecting CPP compliance. Treatment of Energy-Intensive Trade Exposed (EITEs) industries: Public comments show widespread support for creating this new category of regulated entities (manufacturers that face competition from outside Oregon), favored with a slower emissions cap trajectory to prevent job losses in Oregon and emissions "leakage" to other states. A movement emerged late in the rulemaking process advocating that DEQ develop a method to regulate these entities according to the specific carbon intensity (MT CO2e/per unit produced) of each manufacturing process. DEQ has pledged to address this proposition and the regulation of industrial process emissions in a near-future rulemaking. Recognition of “early” emission reductions: DEQ proposes a large one-time distribution of compliance instruments to fossil fuel suppliers in 2025 to recognize what those suppliers would have banked or traded by the time the program was invalidated. DEQ believes it is important to honor those suppliers’ early emissions reductions. Environmentalists vehemently oppose this on the grounds that it would oversupply the market with compliance instruments and could derail the CCI program early on. McConnaha maintained that the move to shorter compliance periods (2 years vs. 3) will spur overall market activity for compliance instruments, including CCI investments. Comm. Moynahan asked what would be the consequence if DEQ rescinded this proposal. McConnaha replied: a tighter market with fewer instruments available and less certainty for the regulated entities. OCEN has urged DEQ to consider adopting several changes to mitigate the worst impacts of this measure, including distributing the additional compliance instruments over 10 years, beginning with the second compliance period. It is hard to know whether DEQ will revise any of the proposed rules before EQC votes on the final rulemaking in November, but formal public input is done. Stay tuned! OEA: Oregon Revenue Forecast Sept Report published 8/28/24 I encourage you to notice the number of times climate is mentioned in this report, it appears a model for climate risk disclosure. This may be the only state revenue forecast in the country that clearly addresses most climate related risks. Climate Litigation and Congressional Climate Resolution Sept 2024 Updates to the Climate Case Charts | Columbia University Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Oregon Cases – 78 as of Sept 2024 News: Some of these topics may be addressed in 2025 session Oregon continues to be in the top ten states, the State Energy Efficiency Scorecard , released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), evaluates states across six key policy areas related to renewable energy Bill McKibben in Portland: July 5, 2024. - Greg Martin McKibben gave an address on climate change at the First Unitarian Church in Portland last week. He spoke compellingly for some 40 minutes, starting with the worst disaster news and moving on to more optimistic themes, including the potential of senior activism to make a critical difference. This recording begins with a series of intros, including promotion for Third Act Oregon. McKibben starts at around the 25-minute mark . His advocacy on this subject is nothing short of amazing. Where are Fracking Bans in Place? ‘Statewide fracking bans are in place in five states: Vermont, New York, Maryland, Washington, and Oregon (Oregon’s moratorium ends on January 2, 2025). California currently has a moratorium on fracking in place and a full ban will start in October 2024. Individual counties across the country have also passed their own fracking bans.’ POSTED IN POLLUTION: HCN.: Preventing the next ‘Fukushima’ As oil and gas operations at Portland’s CEI Hub grow , so do the chances of a catastrophic spill. Isobel Whitcomb September 1, 2024 OPB : Energy demand from data centers growing faster than West can supply, experts say “In a webinar hosted by regional transmission authorities, data centers were called a “major challenge” for the energy industry, as well as extreme weather” US delays Oregon floating offshore wind lease auction amid 'low interest' | Windpower Monthly US shelves Oregon offshore wind auction after protest from governor – MarketScreener :Reuters: (Reuters) -The Biden administration on Friday canceled a planned auction of offshore wind development rights off the coast of Oregon after the state's governor said she did not support the sale. Oregon’s biggest gas company isn’t as green as it claims- EHN Agency that approves energy rate hikes explains How and Why Behind Decisions. Volunteers Needed Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the Climate Emergency portfolio team; We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley / Sharron Noon • Education: Jean Pierce / Stephanie Engle • Equal Rights for All Ballot Measure: Jean Pierce Kyra Aguon • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Age-Related Behavioral Health Child Care Education Gun Policy Healthcare Housing Legislation Immigration Age-Related By Trish Garner After a number of attempts over the last six years, a bill addressing workplace age discrimination, HB 3187 , finally passed. The League wrote testimony in support of the original bill. The bill prohibits employers from asking for a date of birth or graduation date on job applications unless it is a job requirement or an offer of employment has already been made. While a move forward, the enrolled bill also struck key provisions contained in the bill as originally filed. These were the provisions that caused the bill to be filed in the first place, but the passage of HB 3187 reflects some progress. The problem that HB 3187 initially sought to address arose from courts’ interpretations of discrimination “based on age.” This language had been construed so narrowly that all employers needed to do was to point to one other reason for an action unfavorable to its employees and they would thereby avoid liability - even if age was a factor in their decision. The first version of HB 3187 sought to address this problem by clarifying that discrimination “based on age” can include factors such as salary, length of employment service, or retirement or pension eligibility or status. HB 3497 received a “do pass” recommendation from the Early Childhood and Human Services Committee but it remained in the Ways & Means Committee upon adjournment, so it did not pass. It sought to require 14-plus State agencies to consider the effects of their actions on older adult populations. The bill also sought to establish the Shared Future Oregon Task Force which would be directed to develop a multisector plan for aging that provided a comprehensive framework comprised of Oregon state government, local governments, private and nonprofit entities and philanthropic organizations in order to implement coordinated statewide strategies and partnerships which promote healthy aging and intergenerational connections and prepare for the growth of Oregon’s older population. SB 548 establishes 18 as the minimum age for marriage. It passed the Senate with only one “nay” vote (Senator Noah Robinson) and the House passed it with two “nay” votes (Representatives Jami Cate and Darin Harbick). It was signed into law by Governor Kotek and is effective January 1, 2026. LWVOR submitted testimony in support. Behavioral Health By Trish Garner While the legislative results of the 2025 Session may not have lived up to all expectations, there were significant advances in behavioral health, and in particular to serious mental and behavioral health challenges. The immediate impetus for these actions stemmed from the ongoing challenge of providing residential or involuntary mental health services. The evidence for this situation seems to be clear. At least one of the major causes for this bottleneck stems from significant overcrowding in the Oregon State Hospital and the fact that approximately 95% of these individuals are there because they were found by a court not able to “aid and assist” in their defense of criminal charges. With the OSH full of “aid and assist” patients, there was no room for other individuals needing residential mental health services. Added to this mix were problems associated with Oregon’s law regarding civil commitment or involuntary treatment. As a result of several court decisions, the standards for commitment were unclear. This situation led Oregon courts to require a significant degree of acuity before authorizing commitment. Two bills were filed at the outset of the Session which were designed to deal with these issues. HB 2481 was directed to the unable to “aid and assist” situation and HB 2467 related to civil or involuntary commitment. As the Session moved closer to a conclusion, neither bill had passed. A very strong objection to HB 2481 had come from District Attorneys and criminal defense attorneys who objected to the very specific time limits that HB 2481 prescribed for the amount of time defendants could be hospitalized or participate in community restoration services in order to restore their fitness to proceed. For example, a defendant charged with a felony other than a violent felony could be committed for a maximum 6-12 months and remain in community restoration for 6-18 months. The attorneys claimed that these limits were unrealistic. Into this mix (June 6, 2025) came a ruling in Oregon Advocacy Center v. Mink , a federal case addressing overcrowding in the Oregon State Hospital. The judge in the Mink court held that Oregon was in contempt for its failure to comply with a previously issued injunction that “aid and assist” defendants must be hospitalized within 7 days of their being determined unable to aid and assist. Because Oregon was (and continues to be) significantly out of compliance with this order, it was held in contempt of court and faced significant fines amounting to $500.00 per person per day that an “aid and assist” individual stayed in jail beyond the 7-day maximum. (See OR Adv Center v Mink ). HB 2005 Enrolled combined the provisions of HB 2467 and HB 2481 into one omnibus bill. Although speculation, it would seem apparent that there was support for changes to the civil commitment laws but less support to pass the “aid and assist” portion of the bill. Judge Mink’s contempt order increased the pressure to pass the “aid and assist” bill over and above the DA and defense attorneys’ objections, and thus the bills were combined. District and defense attorneys remain quite concerned about the impact of HB 2005. In dealing with civil commitment, HB 2005 provides that individuals can be civilly committed based on whether they are dangerous to self, dangerous to others, are unable to meet essential needs or have a chronic mental disorder. It also details specific factors courts “shall” and “may” consider in making these determinations. The bill acknowledges the importance of anosognosia which impairs one’s ability to recognize they have a mental illness, making them unlikely to seek or comply with treatment. HB 2005 also redefines the previous legal standard which required that a danger to self or others be “imminent,” to a reasonable foreseeability that a danger exists “in the near future.” This language gives more flexibility to judges making these determinations. The bill also provides that dangerousness to self requires that a person engage in or threaten to engage in behavior that is likely to result in serious physical harm, while the “danger to others” standard uses similar language but omits the word “serious.” HB 2481’s contribution to HB 2005 is an itemization of factors that courts may consider when determining whether defendants are mentally competent to proceed, or “aid and assist” in their defense. 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. It also requires courts to appoint counsel for these defendants and if the defendant is unable to afford counsel, the court will appoint one at state expense. HB 2005 also places time limits for involuntary commitments depending on the nature of the crime and its interface with community treatment. The Judicial Department is also mandated to study the interactions between the state and tribal entities regarding behavioral health treatment and the involuntary commitment procedures in these communities. Appropriations to the Oregon Health Authority in the amount of $5,400,000 were authorized for payments to community mental health programs regarding civil commitments and $1,100,000 to the OR Public Defense Commission to provide public defense to financially eligible persons . Other Behavioral Health Bills which Passed HB 2015 focused on the many regulatory barriers to building and operating secure residential treatment facilities and homes. On the surface HB 2015 appears to be a study bill but while it was not prescriptive about what OYA needs to do to find solutions for these barriers, it directs OYA to find them. For example, Trillium Family Services is Oregon’s sole provider of a full continuum of mental health services for youth aged 5 – 24 and has a staff of 685 employees. According to current regulations such a facility must be licensed with and provide services and documentation as both a child caring agency and an adult residential treatment provider. These processes are time consuming and take away from the provision of treatment. Another example relates to nurse staffing. Current OHA rules provide that these facilities must have one nurse on site at all times, and not just on-call, which is particularly challenging for non-urban settings. OYA also currently requires a facility to be fully licensed before it can accept patients rather than allowing admission after a certain point in the licensing process. Financial compensation for residential services is based on the acuity of an individual’s treatment which might initially seem logical, but when an individual has received an appropriate level of services, by definition the acuity decreases, and the facility is paid less. Determining “acuity” for any given patient is not always easy and is frequently a dynamic process. HB 2015 groups people in facilities by level of acuity. HB 2015 also appropriates $2,250,000 in support of its goals. HB 2024 grants permission to the Oregon Health Authority to establish a grant program designed to foster the recruitment and retention of behavioral health workers. It also appropriates $7 million towards that goal. Entities eligible to receive this funding include urban Indian health programs, qualified medical providers that offer office-based medication-assisted treatment, non-hospital entities certified by OHA to provide behavioral health care or which are contracted with Oregon Youth Authority to provide care to youth, licensed opioid treatment programs and programs that provide withdrawal management services. HB 2059 which the League publicly supported , will fund residential behavioral health facilities throughout the state by allocating $65 million from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 biennium. It is estimated that this funding will increase behavioral residential facility capacity by approximately 196 new beds. These facilities include inpatient psychiatric facilities, residential treatment homes, adult foster homes, residential substance use disorder treatment programs and crisis facilities. HB 2059 also requires the Oregon Health Authority to develop guidelines for distributing these funds, which must at least include the ability to quickly put funding to use – including the availability of service providers, the bed-to-cost ratio with priority being given to shovel-ready projects, geographic equity across the state, and local community input on projects that will serve the highest need. HB 3064 requires health plans, including that provided by the Public Employees Benefit Board, to include coverage for the treatment of perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. This includes coverage for services that include hormone therapies, antidepressant mediations and osteoporosis prevention and treatment. HB 2387 clarifies circumstances when OHA may disclose otherwise confidential information obtained in an investigation of a psilocybin training program, licensee or applicant. It also prohibits medical and other professional boards from taking disciplinary action against a licensee for providing psilocybin services. Information regarding veteran status must be collected at psilocybin service center from clients. The provision of psilocybin was authorized in November 2020 with the passage of Ballot Measure 109. HB 3294 makes changes to recently passed laws [ HB 2697 (2023) and SB 469 (2015) ] regarding hospital staffing plans and minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. For example, if a hospital nurse staffing committee has adopted a staffing plan for a unit, the hospital must comply with it and may not require a direct care registered nurse to be assigned to more patients than is specified in the unit’s plan. SB 920 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. SB 834 modifies standards for certain aspects of care delivered at Oregon State Hospital, including a prohibition against treatment of patients under age 18 and allowing psychiatric nurse practitioners to evaluate patients. SB 951 attempts to close a loophole in Oregon’s Corporate Practice of Medicine law by protecting the relationship between clinicians and patients from outside monied and profit-driven interests. It restricts individuals who are not licensed medical providers from owning or controlling medical practices and prohibits noncompetition and non-disparagement agreements between practices and licensees. A management services organization and its officers are prohibited from owning, working for, managing or directing a professional medical entity. The League filed testimony in support of the bill. Behavioral Health Bills Which Did Not Pass: The most significant of these bills is HB 3835 which sought to address seclusion and restraints in child and youth residential treatment facilities and school settings and out-of-state treatment. The portion of the bill dealing with schools was removed from the bill relatively early in the Session. The bill stemmed from legislation passed in 2021 (SB 710 ), sponsored by Senator Gelser Blouin, which placed a number of limitations on these processes. Since SB 710 was enacted, Oregon has seen a 41% reduction (from 90 to 53 facilities) in licensed residential facilities that can serve children and youth with behavioral or psychiatric treatment. Oregon has also lost more than half (from 31 to 14) of its programs that certify foster parents who provide specialized behavioral health treatment and support ( SOCAC testimony) . Proponents of HB 3835 contended that these facility and program closures arose from the application of SB 719. They pointed to the overbreadth of SB 719’s requirements regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in residential child-care settings so that any intervention, however minor, had be reported and investigated as child abuse. SB 719 also required, for example, that a child must be provided water and an opportunity to use the bathroom every 5 minutes. If a complaint was justified, even for minor violation of these rules, providers could lose their licenses. The duty to report all incidents to ODHS and OHA was also seen as burdensome to treatment facilities. Providers could not work during the investigation period. As a result of this regimen, staff were unwilling to work in residential settings lest they lose their licenses. Many residential treatment centers no longer do business in Oregon, which in turn has resulted in many of Oregon’s at-risk children waiting in emergency departments or hotels until they can get the care they need. In response to this situation the legislature formed the System of Care Advisory Council (“SOCAC,” 2019) which was comprised of numerous stakeholders, including providers, agencies, youth, families, experts and others (See, SOCAC Bylaws, description) . Among other duties, SOCAC was charged with developing a long-term plan for Oregon’s behavioral health care. settings, including out-of-state placements of children. HB 3835 is the result of their consultations. Senator Gelser Blouin led the group opposing HB 3835. She had filed SB 1113 in this legislative Session which addressed the same topics but left most of the restrictions in place. A Work Session was held regarding HB 1113 in the Senate Committee on Human Services but that was the extent of its advance. Those opposing HB 3835 stated that the bill would eliminate much needed protections for youth in care and place them at further risk. If enforcement through possible license termination is severely restricted or eliminated, they argued, compliance with rules regarding restraint and seclusion would be largely ignored. HB 2202 was in the Ways & Means Committee upon adjournment and so did not pass. It identified certain redundancies, contradictions and outdated language regarding services provided by coordinated care organizations. For example, the standard for provision of CCO services must also “support an individual’s progress towards clinical goals, as defined by the individual’s service plan,” instead of the prior standard which was defined as “leading to a meaningful improvement in individuals’ lives.” HB 2056 did not pass. It would have appropriated $64,800,00 for community mental health programs. The intent of the allocation was to support early intervention instead of resorting to criminal or other last resort systems of care. It may be that at least some of this money was appropriated via the OHA budget bill HB 5025 , but there does not seem to be a clear correlation. HB 2729 was left in the Ways & Means Committee upon adjournment. It would have made a $7 million appropriation to OHA for the development and implementation of 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, screening, referral and treatment services. Again, this appropriation may have found its way in the OHA budget but that is not clear. Child Care, After School, and Summer Care By Katie Riley PASSED HB 2007 which would modify requirements for the summer learning program to emphasize literacy and accountability was passed. The League submitted testimony commenting on the bill. The accompanying funding bill HB 5047 provides $35 million for summer 2025 and $47 million in 2026 and 27. It also moves the funds into a special summer learning grant fund in the Treasurer’s office outside the general fund; thereby, establishing a sustainable funding source that allows for advance planning. The bill also included provision for an advisory council to plan for future support of both summer and afterschool care. Specific provisions were not included for afterschool care but school districts were directed to partner with community based organizations. The bill was one of the Governor's priorities and she signed it during the session. HB 5002 – provides funding for the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), and included $6.3 million ($7 million was requested) in state funding for the Oregon CASA Network and Oregon’s 19 local CASA programs. It passed with $6.3 million included in the bill. SB5514 includes appropriations for the Department of Early Learning and Care but due to reduced funding for the state from federal sources and the corporate tax it includes a $35.4 million reduction to the agency budget including a 10% reduction to the Preschool Promise program that provides preschool for 3 and 4 year olds from families whose incomes are up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, and an approximately 10% reduction to Healthy Families, which provides long-term regular visits with high-need families, as well as a 2% reduction to the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program. The Employment Related Day Care program, which provides subsidized child care for low-income working families and has a long waitlist was not cut. Originally, the cuts were supposed to be a $45 million or approximately a 3% reduction from previous funding for the department. DIED SB 896 would have provided funding for afterschool grants. Do pass recommendation and referred to Ways and Means. Died in committee. SB 1127 would have provided $500,000 for grants to develop and provide educational activities during recess, lunch or after school for Title I elementary schools. It was noted that school foundations might be a better source of funding for these activities. Work session held but no vote held. Died in committee. HB 2593 would have allocated $500,000 to 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). Received a do pass recommendation and referred to Ways and Means. Died in committee. HB 3162 would have provided funding for select afterschool programs. Did not receive a work session. Died in committee. HB 3008 -4 would have allocated funds to different agencies for investment in the childcare 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 included a one-time appropriation of $6.5 million General Fund to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in the 2025-27 biennium for distribution to childcare workforce training programs. Received a do pass recommendation and was referred to Ways and Means. Died in committee. HB 3011 would have established the Early Childhood Education Workforce Development Fund and appropriated $5 million in the fund to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to provide funding to community colleges and public universities in this state that offer early childhood education degrees and certificates. Received a do pass recommendation and referred to Ways and Means. Died in committee. HB 3039 would have allocated moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Education and Requires the Department of Education to study methods for increasing the availability of summer and after-school academic and enrichment programs. The League submitted testimony commenting on the bill. Referred to Ways & Means. Died in committee. A similar bill ( SB1113 ), also died in committee. HB3196 would have provided $3 million in backfill from the loss of federal funds to support the CASA program. Died in committee. Funding for CASA was received through HB 5002. HB 3835 would have modified rules regarding the use of restraint and involuntary seclusion for young people. This bill applies to foster children. It defines the terms and states behavior that is allowed vs behavior that is not permitted. It received a work session but died in committee. HB 3941 would have allocated $4,990,000 for a grant program to establish up to 5 community schools at $170,000 per year in matching funds. Did not receive a work session. Died in committee. Education By Jean Pierce K-12 SB 1098 , the Freedom to Read bill, was signed into law by the Governor and took effect immediately. LWVOR provided testimony in support. The law opposes book bans based on discrimination. HB2811 : Although the bill did not advance, the Imagination Library will continue to have full state coverage. League testimony is here . HB2953: This bill would have removed the cap on special education funding. It did not advance this term. The League’s testimony is here . Senate Bill 5516 has been signed by the Governor. The bill will increase the budget for Oregon’s State School Fund by more than 11% from the last biennium. Unfortunately, this increase is needed simply to keep funding at current service levels. According to the American Institute on Research (AIR) , in order to provide adequate funding for education, Oregon would need a 30% increase, with more attention to equitable spending for the education of low income and high needs students. Higher Education The Governor signed HB 2586 into law. The bill permits an asylum seeker who is a student at a public university to receive an exemption from nonresident tuition and fees. LWVOR filed testimony in support. The bill took effect immediately. HB 3183 Although the bill did not advance, the Open Education Resources program will continue to be funded, making text books and other resources more affordable. The League’s testimony is here. SB 604 : Although the bill did not advance, the Strong Start program which supports access to higher education for first generation and under-represented students, will continue to be funded. LWVOR testimony is here . The League had also supported changes in requirements for the Oregon Promise Grant, making higher education affordable for more students, but HB 2550 did not advance. SB 5525 , was signed by the Governor. For the most part, the proposed budget maintains the Current Service Level, (CSL). It is important to note that the Oregon Opportunity Grant and Benefits Navigators would at least be maintained at CSL, but legislators expressed concern that funding for the Outdoor School Program would be cut. The allocation is 6.2% below the last biennium, so this bill does nothing to address the fact that Oregon has been ranked 46 th in the nation for state investment in higher education. They recognized that in future sessions, the thinking needs to shift from CSL to setting a higher target. Gun Policy By Marge Easley To the disappointment of the League and other gun safety advocates, only one gun bill survived this session and was signed by the Governor: SB 243 . This omnibus bill bans rapid-fire devices and allows cities and counties to ban firearms in public buildings. It also sets the date of March 15, 2026, for implementation of Measure 114, with the condition that the Oregon Supreme Court decides favorably on its constitutionality later this year. The League filed testimony in support of separate bills which were combined in SB 243 and League members lobbied for SB 243. To fund the provisions of the bill, the end of session Christmas Tree Bill ( HB 5006 ) allocated over $14 million to the Oregon State Police for Criminal Justice Information Services and other associated costs. HB 3076 , which creates a gun dealer licensing program in Oregon, was killed during the final acrimonious days of the session—another instance of a gun bill being traded away at the last minute in an effort to gain votes for other legislation. Given the anticipated gutting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the loss of federal regulation of gun dealers, this bill was a session priority for gun safety advocates. Rep. Kropf, one of the bills’ chief sponsors, stated that he would reintroduce it in a future session. The League filed testimony supporting the bill. Healthcare By Christa Danielson Healthcare bills which passed: HB 2010 Extends the assessment format for funding the Oregon Health Plan otherwise known as Medicaid. The League submitted supporting testimony on February 18 and on March 10 . This funding mechanism and our state’s pledge to see all patients regardless of immigration status may reduce Oregon’s Medicaid budget by up to 10 percent threatening rural hospital viability and/or programs such as obstetrical deliveries. SB 951 Strengthens bans against a corporate entity making health care decisions by limiting the power of Management Service Organizations. LWVOR submitted testimony in support . Instead of private equity determining decisions about health care this will be the decision of the doctor/provider and the patient. HB 3134 Requires reporting of data from insurance companies to the Department of Consumer and Business services such as time from request to final determination of an prior authorization and removes requirement for surgeons to prior authorize a surgery mid procedure. Overall hope is to reduce the burden of prior authorization on physicians. The League supported the bill with testimony SB 296 - The League was also tracking SB 296. It will provide help for discharge from hospital. Most of the work centers around expanding discharge options for Medicaid patients and providing faster determination for Medicaid in the hospital. This expands work and funds work recommended from the task force on hospital discharge commissioned in summer of 2025. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona After a flurry of activity by the state legislators and the Governor’s office, supported by housing advocates, LWVOR, and many others, legislators approved three major housing budget bills. General Obligation bonds (SB 5505) Lottery bonds (SB 5531) End-of-session omnibus funding bill, the “Christmas Tree” bill (HB 5006) Below is a list of budget bills and funding allocations approved during the session. Due to declining state revenues, cuts were made across the board to agencies such as the Housing and Community Services Department, which received $2.6 billion, representing $1 billion less as compared to last year. Key session takeaways include: $204.9 million for a statewide shelter program; $468.2 million for the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) program to build new affordable rental housing through LIFT and Permanent Supportive Housing programs; $100.9 million in bonds to build new homes for affordable homeownership; $10 million in bonds for a new housing infrastructure fund; and $11.2 million to develop, rehab or preserve housing for older adults and people with disabilities. Most concerning is the $44.6 million for emergency rental assistance and homeless prevention services, representing a 74% cut from the $173.2 million needed to maintain the current level of statewide services. Preventing homelessness is much more humane and cost effective than sheltering unhoused people. On July 24, Governor Kotek sent a letter to Tobias Read, Secretary of State with concerns about the scale of the Legislature’s reductions in funding for rehousing, long-term rental assistance, and prevention services. Her letter details the anticipated outcomes and impacts due to decreased funding for these urgently needed services. LWVOR is a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance that includes over 110 member organizations and represents a diverse membership that spans the state . During the session they worked tirelessly to advocate for additional funding for emergency rent assistance and homeless prevention. That advocacy resulted in an additional $11 million, which was included in HB 5006 (Christmas tree bill). These funds will prevent evictions for an additional 1,400 households and increase funding for legal aid and other services by about $4 million. The Legislature is funding only 26% of what is needed to maintain the current level of homeless prevention services. Housing remains a huge issue statewide with rising homelessness, thousands facing eviction and not enough affordable housing being produced. Housing bills which the League supported and were passed this session: SB 814 A will be administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to expand eligibility criteria for the agency’s existing Long-Term Rent Assistance Program. Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) youth under the age of 25 will have an opportunity to access long-term rental assistance to help achieve a greater level of housing security. This measure also requires OHCS to consult with the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), among other stakeholders. Youth assisted will be exiting a childcare center or a correctional facility. 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. This bill will assist youth by providing a safe and stable home so they can devote their attention to employment, education, and family. The League submitted testimony in support. SB 973 protects residents of publicly-supported housing by requiring notices from landlords when affordability restrictions are ending. This applies to tenants who are living in subsidized units, applicants, and new tenants. For existing tenants, the bill would extend the notice requirements from 20 to 30 months. It will require landlords to warn tenants that their housing will no longer be affordable. For applicants and new tenants who are entering into a new rental agreement, landlords of publicly-supported housing must provide written notice of when the affordability period will end, prior to charging a screening fee or entering into a new rental application. These tenant protections are critical to giving low-income Oregonians additional time to find stable housing they can afford. The League submitted testimony in support. HB 2958 : The bill would have extended the sunset date to 2032 and increased to 25 percent the EITC for families with children under three years of age. Other families with children would receive 20 percent of the federal credit. It further extended the benefit to all childless working adults over age 18. The League submitted a letter in support. While HB 2958 did not advance, HB 2087, which slightly expands the tax credits, was signed into law. HB 2964 : Requires Oregon Housing and Community Services Department to award loans to non-profit affordable housing developers to cover pre-development costs of developing new housing. LWV testimony supported passage of the bill. HB 3054 A limits rent increases and sales constraints by a landlord in a home park or marina, which can threaten residents’ ability to stay in their homes. It fixes at six percent the maximum rent increases for rental spaces in a larger facility and limit to 10 percent the maximum increase in rent paid by the purchaser of a dwelling or home in a facility. It prohibits a landlord from requiring aesthetic improvements or internal inspections as conditions of sale of a dwelling or home in a facility. It declares an emergency, effective September 1, 2025. LWVOR submitted a letter in support. Housing Bills funded by the General Fund Homeless Prevention and Response HB 5011 Emergency Rental Assistance and Homeless Prevention Services: $44.6 million (requested $173.2M) HB 3644 and HB 5011 Statewide Shelter Program: $204.9 million (requested $217.9 million) HB 5011 Rehousing Initiative: $50.3 million (requested $188.2 million) SB 814 Modifies long term rental assistance for youth: $87.4 million (requested $105.2 million) Stabilize Existing Affordable Housing HB 5011 and HB 5006 Permanent Supportive Housing operations and resident services: $10.5 million (requested $11.1 million) SB 51 Property management and asset management staffing and training: $3.3 million (requested $7.3 million) SB 829 Insurance relief and cost-reduction study: $2.5 million (requested $5 million) Expand Affordable Homeownership: HB 5011 Foreclosure prevention: $2 million (requested $2.5 million) HB 2139 Tribal Housing Grants: $10 million ($12.8 million requested) HB 5006 Development, rehabilitation or preservation of housing for older adults and persons with disabilities: $11.2 million HB 3031 Developing manufactured homes and infrastructure: $2.5 million (requested $25 million) Housing bills funded by Lottery Bonds Housing Production and Preservation SB 5505 Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Rental: $468.2 million (requested $600 million) SB 5505 Permanent supportive housing: $80.9 million (requested $80 million) SB 5531 Rental housing preservation: $50 million (requested $260 million) SB 5531 Manufactured housing park preservation: $2.5 million (requested $25 million) SB 5531 Housing infrastructure fund: $10 million (requested $100 million) Expand Affordable Homeownership SB 5505 LIFT Homeownership: $100.9 million (requested $100.9 million) Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith EARLY AUGUST NEWS Fewer than half of ICE arrests under Trump are convicted criminals • Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon’s sanctuary hotline sees nearly 300% reporting increase: OregonLive Attorney General Dan Rayfield Files Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration’s Illegal Demands that States Hand Over Sensitive Personal Data of SNAP Recipients - Oregon Department of Justice : Medi Oregon leaders decry, challenge new Head Start immigration restrictions • Oregon Capital Chronic Oregon, Washington sue Trump admin for sharing Medicaid files with immigration enforcement - OPB ICE arrests of noncriminal immigrants surge in Northwest - Axios Portland Governor Kotek Releases Statement in Response to Climate Danger Rollback | Gov Kotek Press Release Northwest states, cities targeted in latest federal threats over sanctuary laws - OPB OIRA July Newsletter (O ffice of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement Updates Asylum seeker taken by ICE outside Portland immigration court to be immediately released • Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon is on Trump justice department sanctuary jurisdictions list - Eugene Register Guard Trump Administration Targets Oregon Cities and Counties in Sanctuary Jurisdiction Crackdown - That Oregon Life How this Oregon group aids immigrants as DOJ targets sanctuary cities - KOIN Bills SB 149 A - Immigration (Support Services For Case Management), died in Committee , See HB 5006 $2 MSB SB 599A - Immigration status: discrimination in real estate transactions, e ffective 5/28/25, no fiscal, Governor signed SB 611 A - Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented, died in Committee, see HB 5006 $ SB 703 - A bipartisan immigration status update funding bill , died in Committee HB 2548 - Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. Study Bill, Signed By Governor, fiscal $ .67, League Testimony HB 2976 - Funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. Died in Committee ($.8M in HB5006 ) HB2788 - Funding to nonprofits to assist with lawful permanent resident status/legal aid , Died in Committee, 10M in HB5006 HB 2586 A - Nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Governor Signed, League Testimony HB 2543 - Funds for universal representation, funds to Oregon State Bar, dead ($4.5M in HB5006) HB3193A - Farm Worker Relief Fund, died in committee, see $2M in HB 5006 HB 5002 - Oregon Worker Relief Fund, died in Committee Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.