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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.