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Agriculture

Sandra U. Bishop

HB 4130: Relating to farm use. As introduced this measure would clarify the meaning of preparing farm products and by-products. The bill introduces a newly defined term “farm unit” (all parcels used for farming whether owned or leased). Preparing products or by-products is defined as “… means but is not limited to cleaning, treating, cutting, sorting and packaging.” There is also a proposed language change regarding biofuel processing that would seem to open farmland for increased biofuel production. A public hearing was held 2/4 in the House Committee on Revenue. The intention was to make clear that land used for these types of activities in preparation of farm products would qualify for tax assessment based on farm use. During the hearing there was no mention of the proposed language changes for biofuel production. No Work Session has been scheduled. The assumption is this bill is dead for this session; however, it does sit in House Revenue, a committee that stays open until close to the end of session.  Note the ”relating to” clause. The farm unit definition from this bill is included in HB 4153.  

HB 4153: Relating to farm stores. This bill would replace farm stands with farm stores; allowing up to 10,000 square foot stores in permanent structures, selling retail items unrelated to farming in addition to farm products from an enlarged region including areas of adjacent states. The bill would allow a major expansion of agri-tourism based on vague, permission language such as allowing “… other seasonal or holiday events.”  Implementation of statewide land use planning laws could be seriously weakened under proposed language stating that counties “…may adopt sitting standards for farm stores…” .

A public hearing was held on 2/4 in the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. LWVOR opposed the measure including -1 and -2 amendments. More than 50 people signed up to testify and the hearing was held over to 2/9. The  -1 amendment introduced before the public hearing would make the proposed bill more permissive such as allowing housing as part of agri-tourism. The -2 amendment would make minor changes from - 1 amendment. The -3 and -4 amendments seem to be vain attempts to address some of the myriad problems with the bill that have been pointed out. The - 4 amendment would appear to restrict the income from unrelated retail items to 25% of gross income for small farms with 10 acres or less in production, while not applying such restriction to larger agricultural operations. This is only one of the glaring inequities in the several competing amendments introduced to try to push this complex bill through in this short session. The  -4 amendments were introduced eleven minutes before the public hearing on 2/9. The - 3 amendment was made public on 2/11 several days after the final public hearing. A work session is set for Feb 16^th. If this bill passes the House and moves to the Senate, the League will continue to oppose its passage. If passed with or without the amendments it would seriously undermine the statewide land use system. There is inadequate time for public comment and legislative deliberation on such far-reaching proposed changes in a short session. The League supports the sale of farm products at farm stands and maintaining agricultural land in Oregon primarily for agriculture use. The Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) were asked to provide a memo to clarify that farm stands as used today are still allowed, but that new farm stores will need a permitting process.  Here is the Staff Measure Summary  with 4 amendments.  It is unclear what members of the committee will do at the Work Session Feb. 16 in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.

The Oregon Capital Chronicle continues their reporting on the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area) LUBGWMA.  State agencies are increasing their monitoring and enforcement of state laws and rules.  But a lot of work remains, according to the state’s first report on its progress.

BUDGETS/REVENUE

Peggy Lynch

See the Revenue section of this Legislative Report for in depth information.  We encourage you to read ALL sections. The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Natural Resources continues to receive reports as they grapple with balancing the budget.  They will focus on the Dept. of Environmental Quality on Feb. 18. 

CLIMATE

Claudia Keith and Team

See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report.  There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections.

COASTAL ISSUES

Christine Moffitt

SB 1525 would establish the Blue Economy Task Force to study and report on economic development plans or strategies for the “blue” (coastal) economy and opportunities for the state to nurture sustainable blue economy businesses while preserving and protecting Oregon’s coastal ecosystems. It would authorize the Oregon Ocean Science Trust (OOST) to create a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity to advance the trust’s mission. The trust has distributed $2 million in competitive grant funding for high-impact research projects, but more research is needed. The 501(c)(3) would serve as a dedicated fund-raising arm of the trust—“technically clean, fiscally noncontroversial, and urgently needed.” The task force would sunset on 12/31/2027. The bill is starred for subsequent referral to Joint W&M. The League has been a continual supporter of the OOST. Public hearing set for Feb. 4.  -3 amendment  Work Session Feb. 16. 

SB 5701: Modifies previously approved lottery bonding provisions. (Includes monies for the Port of Coos Bay) Bond Authority. The bill was described as simply a correction/allocation issue.  League members will follow up. Public Hearing Feb. 13 where the issue wasn’t raised.

Public Access Rulemaking has begun to clarify how local governments will address protection of public access to Oregon beaches. 

Undersea Infrastructure and Easements in Oregon’s Territorial Sea Rulemaking begins Feb. 11.  

DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ)

HB 4102: Modifies the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality to enter into agreements with regulated entities to expedite or enhance a regulatory process. It would allow DEQ to hire third-party contractors to expedite environmental permitting, as a response to DEQ’s sizable permitting backlog. Tech organizations and other advocates said the bill would speed up permitting for large projects and give businesses the certainty they need to grow jobs in Oregon. LWVOR opposed the bill in written testimony, expressing great concern about the use of outside contractors to perform important permitting work, especially if those contractors are paid by the regulated businesses. Multiple environmental organizations objected on the same grounds and pushed for sideboards to ensure that DEQ could identify qualified contractors and screen out those with conflicts of interest. Several committee members acknowledged these concerns and regretted that the tight deadlines of the short session prevented them from diving deeper into these issues.

Other members suggested that agencies’ normal procurement practices would result in proper vetting of potential contractors, and this business-friendly bill was too important to delay. The committee essentially chose to punt these concerns to the Senate, assuming passage in the House, though the House would need to repass any amended bill.

 Bill passed the House.  We appreciated Rep. Gamba’s statement on the House floor regarding …”the potential influence on a permitting process without further sideboards.” The bill has been assigned to Senate Energy and Environment with a Public Hearing Feb. 16. An amendment has been posted that may address our concerns but goes well beyond our request. Others also opposed the bill, and the amendment may well also address their concerns as well.  

DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI)

Joan Fryxell

DOGAMI provided an update on their carbon sequestration project with the Dept. of State Lands to the State Land Board. 

ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF)

Peggy Lynch

The new ESRF Manager and ANEW, a carbon market business, presented a report on the status of forest projects to the State Land Board.  

The Ways and Means Natural Resource Subcommittee received an update on the status of the forest as they work toward self-sufficiency.  It may take another couple of years to receive timber harvest monies and carbon credit income.

FORESTRY (ODF)

Josie Koehne

The following is a list of bills we will be watching and possibly commenting on:

• HB 4004:  Provides that additional taxes otherwise imposed upon disqualification of land from certain forestland special assessment programs may not be collected if the disqualification is due to the suspension of reforestation requirements as a result of insects or disease. Work Session Feb. 11 Bill was amended and passed unanimously. 

• HB 4105:  Directs the State Forester to determine the available state forestland, establish sustainable harvest levels for harvesting timber on state forestland and manage available state forestland. Allows certain persons to seek a court order if the State Forester fails to establish sustainable harvest levels or manage available state forestland. Sponsors are working to reduce the fiscal impact in order to pass the bill this session. Look for amendments. The bill has a subsequent referral to Ways and Means.  LWVOR opposed a version of this bill in 2025. Public Hearing Feb. 11. LWVOR testimony in opposition to HB 4105. Work Session Feb. 16.  

• SB 1590 A: Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally-owned lands. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 13. Bill was amended and moved to the Senate floor on a 3 to2 party line vote.

The Oregon Dept. of Forestry appeared before the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee and gave a presentation on the Private Forest Accord.

GOVERNANCE

Peggy Lynch

The Natural Resources Team often follows bills related to permitting and rulemaking processes.  Among the bills we are following:

• HB 4073: Modifies provisions relating to administrative law.  As with HB 2692 (2025), this bill creates burdensome and inefficient Administrative Rules Processes. LWVOR 2025 testimony. Public Hearing Feb. 10. The League signed on to a letter in opposition to the bill. 

• HB 4019: Requires certain agencies to base approval or denial of an application for a new permit on the rules and standards that are applicable at the time that the agency determines the application is complete.

• HB 4020: Requires certain agencies to specify the authority justifying the denial of a permit application and provide the applicant a guide on how to contest the denial.  Public hearing 2/03 -1 amendment  was discussed and staff summary provided. LWVOR provided Comments. Work Session Feb. 12. Bill passed the Committee but was sent to Ways and Means due to potential fiscal concerns.  The League appreciates recognition of agency costs to implement the bill.  The -1 amendment was adopted.  

• HB 4084 A: Establishes the Joint Permitting Council. The bill creates a fast-track permitting process for major projects, expands economic “enterprise zones,” and invests $40 million in industrial land site readiness to promote manufacturing.  The Governor’s testimony on the bill at the Feb. 4^th Public Hearing. A -1 amendment was adopted.  The bill passed the House Committee On Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade.  Staff Measure Summary. The bill moved to House Revenue where an A5 amendment will be considered.  Public Hearing Feb. 16. The League does support the request for $40 million to help with site readiness while having concerns about the accelerated permitting.  Both Wilsonville and Eugene provided testimony in support of such an allocation in the Feb. 13 hearing on SB 5702.   

• HB 4021:  Requires certain agencies to make adoption, amendment or repeal of administrative rules effective only on January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1. Public Hearing Feb. 10. -2 amendment Work Session Feb. 17. The League’s concern is related to the need for rules to be adopted and implemented in a timely manner.  If this bill passes, we will monitor that issue.

• SB 1586: Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. This Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill.  The League OPPOSES. Public Hearing Feb. 16. 

LAND USE & HOUSING 

Peggy Lynch

Bills we are watching: 

• SB 1564: Adds specified lands to the City of Woodburn's urban growth boundary (UGB). Public hearing Feb. 10, Work Session Feb. 12. Bill died in committee but HB 4035 may allow Woodburn to use a process in that bill to consider a UGB expansion.  

• SB 1522: Was a “study” bill, but the -1 amendment focuses the bill on processes for designating urban reserves. SB 1522, -1 removes protections for farm and forest lands when designating urban reserves prior to expanding urban growth boundaries (UGBs).  Public Hearing held Feb. 12, but no Work Session is scheduled so the bill died in Committee. 

• HB 4113: Requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development to study housing development opportunities conditioned upon land conservation. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to land use no later than September 15, 2027. The bill relates to prior legislation (2009) around the Metolius.  The Metolius was designated an Area of Critical State Concern and the developers were granted an opportunity to use Transfer of Development Rights for a limited period of time.  That time has been extended a number of times but this is 17 years later!  Public Hearing Feb. 10. -1 amendment The League was part of a Sign on letter in opposition to the bill.  Bill died in committee.  

• HB 4035: Expands eligibility for cities and Metro to amend their urban growth boundaries under a temporary program. Authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission to issue grants to implement the commission’s duties. The bill was filed after a Work Group conversation to consider reducing the sideboards from SB 1537 (2024) to expand UGBs. Presentation by Rep. Marsh. LWVOR engaged in SB 1537, and Work Group members have reached out during this process.  Besides tightening up the use of exclusive farm land, we are concerned by the recommendation to expand the amount of acreage in HB 4035.  -1 amendment. Public Hearing Feb. 5. Work Session Feb. 12. -3 amendment was adopted and the bill passed the committee to the House floor.

• HB 4082: Adds to a temporary UGB addition program an option for each city or Metro to also add to its urban growth boundary a site for manufactured dwelling parks, or for housing for older persons, that is affordable for households with incomes not more than 120 percent of area median income. Public Hearing Feb. 3. Work Session Feb.  10 where -2 amendment  was adopted  This Oregonlive article explains the conversation around this bill.  The League has stayed silent, seeing both sides of the discussion.  IF the bill passes, we will monitor its effectiveness as cities consider implementation. 

• SB 1586: Modifies the tax credit allowed for semiconductor research. Creates and amends certain programs offering tax breaks related to advanced manufacturing, enterprise zones and regionally significant industrial sites. Directs certain state agencies to establish deadlines within which the agency intends to process applications for permits and make the deadlines available to the public. Directs certain state agencies to publish a catalog of permits issued by the agency within 60 days after the effective date of the Act. Adds rural reserves in Washington County to Metro to be used for high technology and advanced manufacturing purposes. See more on this omnibus bill in the Revenue Legislative Report. The League has major concerns about sections of this bill. Oregonlive article provides a great review of the bill.  The League submitted strong testimony in opposition.  Public Hearing Feb. 16. 

• SB 1578 : Allows counties with a population density of less than 30 people per square mile to rezone up to 50 acres to be divided and developed for residential dwellings of at least five units per acre. The League has concerns related to parcellation of ag and forest lands and adding more private wells and septic systems in these rural areas.  Public Hearing Feb. 10.  Work Session Feb. 12. The bill was not going to get a Work Session, but Vice Chair Nash moved the bill in an unusual process.  After much discussion, the motion failed and the bill died for the session.  However, there was much discussion around the need to address rural Oregon housing needs.  One point Sen. Nash made was that land not yet in the UGB was cheaper.  But it also doesn’t have services/infrastructure which is part of the reason it is less expensive per acre. And many small towns use individual drinking water wells and septic tanks instead of larger community systems.  As an aside, some small rural cities requested “capital” monies to build 20-50 houses in their small cities during the hearing on SB 5702, Ways and Means Capital Construction on Feb. 13. 

• HB 4108: Requires a city to annex noncontiguous land upon receipt of a petition from all owners of the land that satisfies four eligibility criteria. Public Hearing held Feb. 3. Work Session Feb. 12.  The League supports the concept of this bill as good planning with the -1 amendment. A -2 amendment was adopted limiting this policy as a “pilot project” for the City of Eugene.  We are disappointed that the bill was narrowed, but glad to see some movement on this important land use issue.  

The 2025-27 Policy Agenda 2025-27 Policy Agenda was approved by the Land Conservation and Development Commission on Oct. 24.  There will be seven rulemakings on Housing alone, including: Housing Rulemaking for HB 2138 and HB 2258 (2025) and  (Rulemaking to clarify and allow housing and other needed development outside of wetlands. The rulemaking would create an optional, alternative compliance pathway for wetlands resources when a city is preparing to annex lands from the urban growth boundary (UGB) to accommodate needed housing and economic development.  See their Rulemaking page for more info on all the rules work being done by this agency.  

See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report.

OREGON DEPT. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW)

Melanie Moon

HB 4134  is a bipartisan bill that would increase the state tax from 1.5% to 2.75% for transient visitors to Oregon including camping, hotels and vacation rentals. This 1.25% increase has the potential to raise tens of millions of dollars urgently needed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to protect hundreds of imperiled species and the habitat that supports them. As an added benefit, this investment in wildlife and habitat would help protect clean drinking water and provide protection from drought and wildfires. LWVOR signed on to a letter in support. High Country News provides an article on this bill. Public Hearing Feb. 4. The Oregon Capital Chronicle also covered this bill.  Work Session Feb. 16 in House Revenue. -1 amendment & -3 amendment to be considered. 

RECYCLING

HB 4144 A: Requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization and implement a battery producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of batteries. Public Hearing Feb. 2. Work Session Feb. 12 where the bill was amended and unanimously voted to move to Ways and Means due to the fiscal impact statement.

The League has supported the  Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act and it has been upheld by judicial action.  The federal district court of Oregon dismissed multiple claims against the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality last Friday in a lawsuit challenging the state’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The act remains in effect. The two remaining claims in the lawsuit will be decided in a trial in July. 

The court issued a narrow injunction that temporarily pauses DEQ enforcement of the act against producers who are members of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. Under the Recycling Modernization Act, producers of packaging materials are required to pay fees to help cover the cost of those materials to Oregon’s recycling system, and fund improvements to modernize and expand recycling opportunities for Oregonians. These fees are collected by a non-profit producer responsibility organization charged with implementing the act under DEQ’s oversight. However, businesses have concerns per this OPB article. 

REGIONAL SOLUTIONS

The Regional Solutions Program: Within each of the 11 Regions, which are tied to Oregon’s federally designated Economic Development Districts, a Governor-appointed Advisory Committee sets Regional Priorities and a cross-functional Team of state agency staff works together to move projects forward. To receive their reports, use this signup page.  The public is welcome to attend virtually or in person.  Go to the program website and to the region to find the agendas and meeting materials posted a few days before the meetings.  Public Comment is usually scheduled.   Upcoming Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) Meetings: 

Regional Solutions:   

• South Central (Klamath and Lake Counties) February 17th from 9:00am-11:00am

• Greater Eastern (Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler Counties) March 10th from 2:00-4:00pm

• Mid-Valley (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties) March 12th from 1:30-3:30pm

• Northeast (Baker, Union, and Wallowa Counties) March 13th from 2:00-4:00pm

• Southern (Jackson and Josephine Counties) March 25th from 12:00-2:00pm

• South Valley/Mid-Coast (Benton, Lane, Lincoln, and Linn Counties) March 26th from 1:00-3:00pm

STATE LAND BOARD

Peggy Lynch

The State Land Board met Feb. 10. The agenda and meeting materials are available. Additional meeting materials were added. The meeting can be viewed on their YouTube Channel. 

TRANSPORTATION (ODOT)

Bills we are watching:  

• SB 1599: Moves the election date for parts of chapter 1, Oregon Laws 2025 (special session), referred to the people by Referendum Petition 2026-302, to the primary election held on May 19, 2026. Bill was assigned to the new Joint Special Committee On Referendum Petition 2026-302. Public Hearing Feb. 9. Work Session Feb. 12. -2 amendment adopted and bill passed the committee on a party line vote.  Headed first to the Senate floor and then House chamber. The bill must pass both and be signed by the Governor by Feb. 25 to make the ballot. The minority party intends to use all means, including court action, to get this to the ballot in November instead of the May primary.   

• SB 1542: Measure What We Drive: Performance-based scoring system to allocate road project funding, to include safety, climate and emissions. Annual Report Card. (Senate Transportation Committee) Informational meeting held Feb. 2.  Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16. -2 amendment posted. 

• SB 1543: Guardrails for Good Governance: Adopt a transportation debt management policy with better transparency. Broaden representation on the Oregon Transportation Commission. (Senate Transportation Committee) Informational meeting held Feb. 2.  Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16. Both a -3 amendment and a -5 amendment have been posted.  

• HB 4126: Get the Data for a Better Road User Charge (RUC): Require ODOT to report the total biennial cost of maintenance and preservation for the state’s road system, and to report the total mileage driven. This data could later be used to calculate the RUC. Public Hearing and Work Session set for Feb. 16.  A -1 amendment and a -2 amendment have been posted.   

• HB 4008: Transit Funding Task Force To determine the level of funding needed to maintain adequate transit service statewide and explore funding mechanisms to achieve that funding. (House Transportation Committee) The League supports. Public Hearing and Possible Work Session Feb. 16 -5 amendment -2 amendment posted.

A press release from ODOT on Jan. 14 reports:  Impacts of Funding Gap Isn’t Addressed. In the upcoming short session, legislators will be looking at a $297 million funding target to support ODOT’s operations beyond June 30, 2027. Without new resources for the current budget cycle, the agency estimates it would need to reduce its workforce by more than 1,000 positions, including eliminating570 vacant positions and laying off approximately 470 current employees.  KATU reminds Oregonians of the need for road maintenance.    

OPB reported  on the Feb. 10^th  ODOT presentation to the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Transportation and Economic Development. Move Oregon Forward, a coalition of progressive groups, has offered a “cheat sheet” to legislators that includes options that weren’t included in ODOT’s proposal on Tuesday.  The Oregon Capital Chronicle followed up with an article on Feb. 12.  

From ODOT press release: Learn more about our capital improvement plan for state and federally funded projects by visiting the draft 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, also known as the STIP, online open house. The online open house will be available through March 20. We may use your comments to make adjustments as we begin designing projects in the STIP. All comments will be included in the public comment record. This record will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission before they approve the final STIP in June.

WATER

Peggy Lynch

Bills of concern: 

• HB 4006: Authorizes holders of certain Columbia River water rights to change the point of diversion or use the water right on land to which the right is not appurtenant, provided certain conditions are met. Public Hearing Feb. 9. Work Session Feb. 16.  The League has concerns. 

• HB 4049: Directs the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between ground water users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels. -3 amendments posted.  Public Hearing Feb. 4. Work Session Feb. 16. The League understands that Rep. Owens and the Governor’s Office are in negotiations.  It is unclear if this bill is really needed to address the representative’s concerns. 

The Water Committee for LWV Deschutes County provided comments to a recent rulemaking, encouraging better linkages between land use and water.  LWVOR has supported that concept for a very long time and we appreciate their voice on this important issue. 

League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor, a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has declared a drought in eight counties (map).  Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon. 

We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “When in doubt, stay out.”  Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab. The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. The League was concerned about the number of times during bill hearings on drinking water systems at how often potential algae blooms were mentioned.  Our continuing warming water is not only bad for fish but us humans! 

WEATHER

Scientists are issuing a Dire Warning about lack of snowpack per this Oregonlive article:   According to state climatologist Larry O’Neill, January was the fifth warmest and fifth driest on record across Oregon.  Oregon depends on our natural water reservoirs—our mountain snowpack—for summer water.  We may all wish for more rain this spring and summer!  

WETLANDS

Peggy Lynch

SB 1584: Directs the Department of State Lands, in consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, to develop a salmon credit pilot program to encourage the voluntary restoration of salmonid habitat in the Coquille and Coos watershed basins. The League has opposed similar bills in the past, including SB 511 (2025).  We provided testimony again in opposition. Public Hearing Feb. 3.  NO Work Session was scheduled by Feb. 9^th deadline.  Bill is dead. 

WILDFIRE

Carolyn Mayers

“Speed legislating” was front and center this past week of the 2026 short session as legislators try to get their bills out of committee before the February 16 deadline. 

The League continued to follow the progress of several wildfire-related bills. On February 10, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire held Work Sessions and a Public Hearing on 3 of those bills. The meeting agenda, with all details, may be found here. First, SB 1541, the Climate Superfund bill which would provide, among other things, funding toward wildfire mitigation and disaster recovery, was sent to the floor, after adopting the -2 amendment, with a do pass recommendation and referral to Ways and Means by prior reference. The vote was split along party lines, 3-2.

Next the committee advanced SB 1551, after adopting the -1 amendment, sending it to the floor with a do-pass recommendation with a unanimous vote. This bill would invalidate deed restrictions and planned community governing documents prohibiting the removal of non-fire-hardened building materials or installation of fire-hardened building materials on residential properties.

The last bill, SB 1540, which endeavors to align insurance company wildfire risk assessment with homeowner and community level mitigation efforts in an attempt to help address the rising cost of homeowners insurance, was heard. This Public Hearing covered the similarity of this bill with a bill recently passed by the Colorado legislature and one before the Washington legislature. It became apparent there was still work to be done to get all the involved parties to where they could support the bill. A Work Session was held by the same committee on February 12, where those differences seemed to have been at least partially worked out, but with hesitation still expressed by some in the insurance industry. Agreement was reached the bill could be worked further in the Rules Committee, a path that was arrived at after much discussion and a brief recess. In spite of some committee members’ apparent uneasiness with the process, the bill was advanced, after adopting the -4 amendment, with a do pass recommendation and a request for a referral to Rules.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed.  We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning 

•Air Quality (Dept. of Environmental Quality)

•Columbia River Gorge Commission

•Hanford Cleanup

•Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife

•Parks and Recreation Dept.

•Recycling/Materials Management (Dept. of Environmental Quality)

•Toxic Control

Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency, Revenue, Governance, and Social Policy report sections.