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Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 1/16 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 Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Transparency By Rebecca Gladstone Two major bills that passed unanimously from committees in 2022 and failed to progress will now be moving in 2023. SB 2052 is the AG’s Oregon Data Broker Registry bill, heard in House Business and Labor. We called attention in our League testimony in support to data brokers influencing elections. We urge ongoing legislative attention to privacy, transparency, and cybersecurity issues because they evolve quickly. Other testimony spoke to biometrics revealing pregnancy since hips widen and gait recognition may perceive changes. Gait recognition may be a more reliable individual identifier than other biometric measurements. Data brokers can market geolocation information, also a privacy issue if they sell geolocation tracking information, for example to health clinics. Chair Holvey called our attention to the companion SB 619, not yet scheduled for public hearing. The Joint Committee for Information Management and Technology has three committee bills, none scheduled for hearings yet. The committee is introducing concepts and agency staff to new committee members. HB 2049 We will continue to support his cybersecurity omnibus committee bill. SB 625 We will be examining this IT procurement pilot program bill. SB 680 We may address this committee broadband development bill for the southern Oregon coast. 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 .

Program planning is the process of completing studies and member consensus. / Program Planning / Program Planning Purpose of League Program The mission of the LWVOR is to promote political responsibility through informed positions on public policy issues and active participation on selected governmental issues. All League is work is guided by Principles, or concepts of government adopted by the LWVUS convention and supported by the League as a whole. These Principles are the basis for authorizing adoption of national, state and local program. League does not take action on any issue unless they have formally adopted a position. [LWVOR Bylaws, Article XI, 2019] The League’s ‘Program’ defines the education and advocacy platform which LWVOR adopts to advance its purpose. League program consists of Action to implement established Principles and Study of governmental issues chosen for concerted study and action. Every two years before state convention local Leagues hold program planning meetings in which the members review current positions, readopt or drop them, and/or make recommendations for studying new issues to establish positions. A League ‘Position’ states the League’s formal stance on a policy issue and is the cornerstone of League work. A position is formed through member-conducted study and agreement (consensus or concurrence), approved by the appropriate local or state board and then used as the basis for League action. Each position affirms a basic philosophy in general terms, defines the goals desired, and establishes guidelines against which proposals can be measured. The term ‘Program’ encompasses the entire process--from proposing a topic for study to acting on the position reached through that study, as well as including all positions that previously adopted by the League (at local, state, regional or national levels). Proposing a Study to Develop a Position (State, Odd Years) Program study recommendations typically reflect community concerns, member interests, assessment of existing positions needing updates, or emerging issues. Local League boards recommend program study topics for approval at the League’s annual meeting or convention. There are four main steps in developing a position: A League selects an issue to be studied at its local meeting or at its state Convention or Council. The League studies the issue in a non-partisan, unbiased and objective manner. Members come to agreement about the issue using either the process of consensus or concurrence. Based upon the result of the consensus or concurrence, a position statement is written, adopted by the respective League board, and subsequently approved by the League membership at an annual meeting or convention. Links to 2025 Program Planning Files 2025 LWVOR Program Planning: Proposing New Studies 2025 LWVOR Program Planning Instructions and Documents Proposed Education Concurrences (In order for the links in this document to work, you need to download the document and save it to your computer.) K-12 Education Study Proposal Consensus questions for Caring for Our Children Consensus questions for Assessing the Recall Process in Oregon LWVOR Positions at a Glance Watch: Program Planning Basics 2025 Recording Key Deadlines for LWVOR 2025-2026 Program Planning February 1, 2025 - Program Recommendations Due to LWVOR (three months before Convention) February-March, 2025 - LWVOR Board develops Proposed Program reflecting input from Leagues May 2025 - Convention delegates adopt 2025-2027 Program after debate and discussion at convention

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 .

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Read more about our Board of Directors. / About / Board of Directors / Board of Directors Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. All League of Women Voters of Oregon Board Officers and Directors are generally affiliated with their local Leagues and are either appointed by the Board or elected by League member representatives at our annual meeting in May. We're looking for you! Our state's next great democracy heroes are out there right now – they just don't know it yet. They're community leaders, professionals, and passionate citizens ready to make history on our Board of Directors. Could one of them be you? Sign Up President (Interim) Mark Kendall Mark is serving as interim President until May 2026. Read More president [at] lwvor.org 1st Vice President and Communications Chair Barbara Klein Barbara was born and grew up in the northeast. Step by step, living in many states, she’s made her way around the nation to land in southern Oregon. Read More communications [at] lwvor.org 2nd Vice President and Action Chair Jean Pierce Jean was introduced to the League in 2008 after she retired as a Professor of Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University. Read More advocacy [at] lwvor.org Secretary Mimi Alkire Mimi Alkire lived in Portland, Oregon, from 1966 until 2005, when she and her husband moved to Bend. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Treasurer Kermit Yensen Kermit graduated from Denison University with a B.A. in Economics, and from Harvard Business School with an MBA. Read More k.yensen [at] lwvor.org Issues and Positions Chair Stephanie Haycock Stephanie joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as Issues and Positions in 2025. Read More issuespositions [at] lwvor.org Development Chair Jackie Clary I moved to Ashland at age six, spent my idyllic childhood in Lithia Park, building dams in the creek, watching OSF rehearsals - long before paid actors - with Angus Bowmer (our neighbor) directing. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Nominating Committee Chair Annie Goldner League of Women Voters of Deschutes County since 2003 and on the local league board since 2017, as Event Chair and Program/Study Chair until present. Leader for LWVDC Study on Affordable Housing, completed in February 2021. Read More nominating [at] lwvor.org Voter Newsletter Editor Jim Buck Jim joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as Voter Newsletter Editor in 2023. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Youth Director Evan Tucker Born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, civic engagement runs deep for Evan. Read More youthpresident [at] lwvor.org DEIJ Chair rhyen enger rhyen has held the position of LWVOR DEIJ Chair since 2025. Read More deij [at] lwvor.org Membership and Youth Outreach Chair Diana DeMaria (Interim) Diana was born and spent her early years in Colorado. Read More youthoutreach [at] lwvor.org Events Chair Eileen Burke-Trent League of Women Voters Member since 1998. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Voter Service Chair Marianne Germond Marianne joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as the Voter Service chair in 2025. Read More voterservice [at] lwvor.org Director Marty Power Marty joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as a Director in 2025. Read More lwvor [at] lwvor.org Director Barbara Keirnes-Young Barbara joined the League of Women Voters of Oregon as a Director in 2025. Read More barbara.ky [at] lwvor.org

Campaign Finance In Oregon An Oregon History of Campaign Finance Reform and the League of Women Voters Recent Campaign Finance History In 2020, the League supported the Legislature’s referred constitutional amendment Measure 107 to voters to allow campaign finance limits. Voters passed it overwhelmingly by over 78%. However, three Legislative sessions passed without implementing a Measure 107 statute. Legislators could not agree on anything that limited their own campaigns; they all are experts on financing their own campaigns and all have a huge conflict of interest. In 2022, the Honest Elections group , including the LWVOR, Common Cause and other good government groups, participated in intense negotiations with unions and Our Oregon, lasting for many months. An agreement was reached on an initiative text; however, the unions backed out of the deal at the last minute. Honest Elections redrafted the proposal together with national experts from the Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause and the League. They then filed initiative petition (IP) 9 in July, 2022, after a long drafting process where IP 8 (a constitutional amendment to stop campaign finance laws impairment), IP 23 (including Democracy Vouchers) and IP 24 (including public matching of small donations) were also filed. Honest Elections settled on IP 9 as the proposal most likely to make the ballot and be adopted by voters. After an eight month ballot title certification process all the way to the Oregon Supreme Court, while Our Oregon did its best to delay the process, the Secretary of State finally approved IP 9 for circulation in May, 2023. The campaign quickly hired petitioners, organized volunteers including the League, and eventually collected some 100,000 signatures. LWVOR policy says that the League only supports ballot measures after ballot qualification, unless it was involved in measure drafting and organizing. Then Our Oregon, sensing IP 9’s potential success, redrafted the originally agreed Honest Elections initiative text (with huge loopholes for unions and other organizations). Our Oregon filed IP 42 , got a ballot title in less than 5 months, hired circulators, and began collecting signatures in January, 2024. At this point, it was clear to some legislators entering the short legislative session, that an expensive ballot battle was brewing between IP 9 and IP 42. Very quickly and historically , some union and business lobbyists got together and drafted a legislative bill. Dexter Johnson, lead Legislative Counsel, quickly drafted an LC bill. The House Rules Committee, Chaired by Rep. Julie Fahey and Vice Chair Rep. Jeffrey Helfrich, stuffed the LC bill as an amendment into HB 4024 , an unused placeholder bill. Two hearings and a work session were quickly held within a few days. The League initially opposed the bill in its -3 amendment form. Intense negotiations ensued behind the scenes between Honest Elections, some legislators, and business and union lobbyists, with the League being supportive but not directly involved. Some 40 changes were made to the 49-page bill before Honest Elections agreed that it was “ good enough ”. Part of the agreement was withdrawal of both IP 9 and IP 42. HB 4024 initially included a referral to November ballots, also removed from the final bill. The House Rules Committee quickly passed HB 4024 to the House floor, rules were suspended, and it passed 52 to 5. The very next day, the Senate Rules Committee quickly and concurrently held a hearing and work session, passing HB 4024 to the Senate floor. The Senate suspended rules, passed the bill 22 to 6, all on the last day of session . The Governor said she would sign it. It is clear that much more work needs to be done to implement HB 4024. Funding must be allocated to the Secretary of State and administrative rules must be written and adopted before the January 2027 effective date. ORESTAR must be reprogrammed for a “dashboard”,advertising disclosure, and “drill down” to see original campaign contribution funding sources. The 2025 long legislative session will undoubtedly want to consider amendments, both good and bad. This work could continue for years, if not decades. Stay tuned! Earlier Campaign Finance History Campaign contribution limits were adopted in 1908 by initiative . Those limits remained in effect until the 1970s when the Legislature repealed them in favor of campaign spending limits, a fad at the time. In 1976, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down campaign spending limits in the famous Buckley v. Valeo court case because they violated the First Amendment. However, the SCOTUS justified contribution limits because of the state’s interest in preventing “corruption and the appearance of corruption spawned by the real or imagined coercive influence of large financial contributions on candidates' positions and on their actions if elected to office." In 1994 Oregon voters again adopted campaign contribution limits by initiative with Measure 9 . They were only in effect for the 1996 election until the Oregon Supreme Court struck them down in 1997 on the basis of free speech in the Oregon Constitution, VanNatta v. Keisling . In 1998, voters approved Measure 62 , a constitutional amendment requiring campaign finance and ad financing disclosures, and allowing the Legislature to regulate signature gathering. The Legislature later prohibited paying petition circulators per signature, among other regulations. In 2000, the League helped draft initiative Measure 6 and supported it with a Voters’ Pamphlet statement., t, to provide public funding to candidates who limited campaign spending and private contributions. It failed on the ballot. Oregon voters again passed contribution limits with initiative Measure 47 in 2006. The companion initiative, constitutional amendment Measure 46 , however, did not pass, so the Measure 47 limits never went into effect. The League did not help draft these measures and later opposed them because Measure 46 required a three-fourths (3/4) legislative vote to amend previously enacted campaign finance laws, or to pass new laws. Measure 47 also required low contributions limits, perhaps unconstitutionally. Later in 2020, when the Oregon Supreme Court rescinded its repeal of campaign contribution limits, the Oregon Attorney General and Secretary of State refused without explanation to allow Measure 47 to go into effect, even though it was still in Oregon Revised Statute. In the early 2020s, the Honest Elections group , including the LWVOR, Common Cause and several other good government groups, succeeded in getting contribution limits adopted for Portland and Multnomah County, with public funding for Portland candidates, with a small donor matching fund.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 1/15 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Highlights Senate Energy and Environment Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Climate Bills Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator and team Climate Emergency Highlights By Claudia Keith Updating Oregon statute with meaningful (to align with best available science) Greenhouse Gas Emission reduction goals continues to be a League priority. See Senator Dembrow’s Jan 13 newsletter : LC 173. [now SB 1559 , a one-pager]. This topic was eliminated from the 2023 Climate Action Omnibus bill, HB 3409. LWVOR Advocacy Climate priorities are included in the recently finalized 2024 LWVOR Legislative Prioritizes: LWV Oregon’s environmental coalition partner Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) recently published their priorities which include two Climate-related topics: “1) A Strong Climate Budget: We must continue to make progress on climate every legislative session, and this year our priority is to ensure a strong climate budget. We must continue funding the incredible climate programs we passed over the last few years. We are asking for a $50 million climate budget that prioritizes two things: 1) a $15 million investment in the Healthy Homes Program to enable urgently needed home repairs including health, safety, and efficiency upgrades, and 2) a $20 million investment in the Charge Ahead Electric Vehicle rebate program to make new and used electric vehicles more affordable and accessible for lower-income Oregonians. Together, these continued investments in successful programs that are running out of funding will lower the cost of living, improve health and resilience, and reduce climate pollution. 2) Right to Repair: You may recall this bill as part of our Zero Waste Priority bill package from the last session (SB 542). Well, the bill didn’t quite make it (largely due to the historically long Republican walkout), and we’re bringing it back this year to get it over the finish line! People should be able to repair their electronics just like they can repair their car. This will save people money and reduce electronic waste. States like New York and California have passed similar legislation, but in Oregon, our bill is poised to be the strongest version passed by any state. “ Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG)/Divest & Public Banking A Public Banking LC was mentioned in Senator Golden’s recent newsletter. It would likely be a modified bill addressing Gov Kotek’s reasons for vetoing 2023 HB2763. An LC related to the Oregon Treasury divesting coal securities was also mentioned. Treasurer Tobias Read has announced a plan to address fossil fuel investments. ‘Treasurer readies plan to get state pension fund to ‘net-zero’ greenhouse gas emissions - Another proposal from a group of Democratic lawmakers would divest the state’s retirement fund of $1 billion in coal investments’. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Climate Protection Plan As explained in OEC’s ‘ the fight is not over’ Dec. article, the court ruled unfavorably based on ‘a procedural technicality’. LWVOR plans to support several efforts to solve this technical issue. It is not clear if a bill will be introduced during the short session but there will be public testimonies provided at the EQC January 24 meeting . 2025 Long Session The following policy/budget topics are expected to move to the 2025 long session: Water, Transportation, Air, Fracking moratorium update, and likely, the data center (and crypto mining facilities) GHG emission reduction goals. Senate Energy & Environment By Greg Martin Right to Repair Chair Sollman: This is the fourth time this bill concept has come forward. A big coalition has worked on the bill since the end of the 2023 session. Four other states (including CA) passed similar measures, and 20 states are working on some form. 70% of Oregonians surveyed say if they own a piece of equipment, they should be able to fix it. Key objectives = saving families’ money, supporting small businesses, reducing litter and pollution, and closing the digital divide. Charlie Fisher, OSPIRG, outlined major changes from 2023 proposals, mainly based on enacted CA legislation: · Enforcement – private right of action (consumer lawsuits) is out, in favor of attorney general enforcement · Data security – manufacturers are not required to provide tools or software that would enable hacks · Expanded intellectual property protections – added language (from CA) to protect licensing, copyrights, patents · Third-party repair services – expanded requirements for consumer protection · Look-back period for covered devices – limited to products introduced after 1/1/2021 for smartphones, 2015 for other devices such as appliances “ Parts pairing” is prohibited (not in CA statute) Kyle Wiens, CEO, iFixit: –Wants to enable a repair economy to add “main street” jobs. Largest barrier = manufacturers block after-market. Steven Nickel, Google: Supports this concept as a common-sense repair bill to serve as a model for other states. Bottle Bill Overview Eric Chambers, Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative: Oregon’s 1971 statute is still the best in the nation. Not a lot happened in statute until 2010. Refund went from a nickel to a dime in 2017, spurring more recycling. Other beverages – water, kombucha – added in 2018. Program has a $60 million budget for infrastructure (redemption centers, drop-off sites). Consumers can now return three times as many bottles to redemption centers. Statewide redemption rate = 85% vs. national average of 35%. All plastic and glass is processed in Oregon. Oregon Dept of Energy (ODOE) Proposed Statutory Adjustments ODOE’s Christy Splitt outlined three proposed “technical fixes”: Update the statewide energy security plan in response to state and federal mandates. Federal funds have been slower than anticipated – ODOE proposes to realign its deadline to the federal September 30 deadline. N&WL provisions – HB 3409 directs OCAC (staffed by ODOE) to study natural and working lands ( N&WL) inventory, workforce and carbon sequestration goals – ODOE proposes to extend the deadlines by one year, i.e., until 2025. Community Renewable Energy Grant program (HB 2021) administrative tweaks Amendment expected: The Community Heat Pump Deployment program, created by HB 2021, requires that regional administrators run the program but only 6 of 11 regions have an administrator in place. Up to $4 million in funding for those regions could be stuck in program accounts and be unavailable for deployment. Plan B is to transfer moneys to the Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump program and earmark them to be spent for underserved regions and tribes. Update on Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program Status Rachel Sakata, Oregon Dept of Environmental Quality, (DEQ): DEQ has awarded >32,000 rebates totaling >$82 million. In 2022-23, about 25% was spent on the Charge Ahead program for low-income households (at least 20% is required by law). DEQ suspended the program in May 2023 because demand outstripped available funding. The agency has a waiting list totaling about $2 million in rebates – and anticipates lifting the suspension this spring with new funding allotments. DEQ will need another $35 million to fully meet expected demand next year. Underfunding the rebate program could impede the response to climate change via EV adoption. Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust By Claudia Keith Federal judge in Oregon denies efforts to dismiss climate lawsuit filed by young people - OPB . Here is one resource to track DEQ CPP cases. Basically, there are several active federal lawsuits , (Jan 2024 update) ‘Oregon Federal Court Said Youth Plaintiffs Could Proceed with Due Process and Public Trust Claims in Climate Suit’, some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets, and other lawsuits, that challenge the current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 70 lawsuits , mentioning Oregon. Other Climate Bills By Claudia Keith LWVOR may follow or engage with several other CE bills on a long list from Climate Solutions ; including these LC’s • LC 117: Remove Barriers to Siting Battery Storage Projects: We need to update our state’s siting processes to allow for newer technologies like stand-alone battery storage. This bill lessens barriers for a developer who wants to build a much-needed battery energy storage system by allowing them to use the state Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) process to site t he project. • LC 239: Attract Clean Tech Leadership: Oregon should lead in attracting clean energy businesses and manufacturing. With Inflation Reduction Act incentives available to clean tech manufacturing like battery and heat pump components and other states putting together incentive packages, now is the time for Oregon to grab a slice of this economic development pie. • LC 58: Harness Offshore Wind Potential: Floating offshore wind on the Oregon coast has the potential to add 3 gigawatts of clean energy into our regional grid (enough to power at least a million homes). This bill would authorize the state to develop an Oregon offshore wind “Roadmap”. This Roadmap would engage stakeholders more deeply to ensure an inclusive, robust, and transparent process in developing this renewable resource. The bill also mandates fair labor standards for component parts construction and manufacturing. Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Expansion Issues: LWVOR continues to agree with Senator Merkley leadership on opposing Ferc approved LNG capacity expansion pipelines in the PNW. Climate Emergency Team and 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 Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/7 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources 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 Priority Bills That Died In Policy Committee Transportation Climate Emergency JWM Budget Concerns House and Senate Energy Climate Committee Notes House CE&E - March 25 Summary of Northwest Energy Coalition (NWEC) News and Commission Meetings Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment SJR 28 now with -1 amendment , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment 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 Sen Rules , so the Legislative deadlines are not applicable. A Work Session is not yet scheduled. The 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 having green / environmental rights constitutional topics or initiatives. These usually take the form of a legislation–referral to the people. The New Mexico green amendment campaign focuses on racial justice. News: 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. Environmental Justice Bills HB2548 : establishes an agriculture workforce labor standards board, League Testimony . Work Session is now 4/7. 
 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 now 4/8 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session now 4/8 HB 3450 : Testimony , work session now 4/8, see also CEI Hub Seismic Risk Analysis CEI energy storage transition plan, HEMGGV. Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability Package HB 3081 ( League testimony ) work session 4/8, 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. 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 Climate Treasury Investment Bills SB 681 : Dead: Treasury: Fossil Fuel investment moratorium, Senate Finance and Revenue, PH 3/19. testimony. Sen Golden. 
 HB 2200 work session now 4/8 requested by Treasury Sec Tobias ESG investing, identified as the compromise bill. League – NO Comment, HC EMGGV, PH was 3/13. 
 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing Task Force, Work Session 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), Representative Gamba, Senator Golden, Frederick, Representative Andersen, Evans , House Commerce and Consumer Protection (H CCP) 
 League Testimony 
 
 
 
 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 : work session 4/7, climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, House Cm Educ, PH was 3/12, League Testimony , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , Rep Andersen, Gamba, Lively, Neron, Senator Patterson, Pham, Taylor. 
 
 SB 1187 new Climate cost recovery Liability interagency bill , PH 4/7, possible work session 4/9, Sen. Golden, Senate Energy and Environment 
 
(Replaces SB 679 and SB 682 : 
 SB 680 : Climate Science/Greenwashing , Sen. Golden and Manning, moved to Judiciary , no recommendation, (SJ) PH was 2/26 Campos, Frederick, Gorsek, Patterson, Prozanski, 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 
 HB 3546 , the POWER Act , work session 4/8, PR 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. 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 : NEW bill , PH was 3/19 and Work session now 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. Priority Bills that died in policy committee Some of these related to funding may appear in the end of session reconciliation (Xmas 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 . 
 Transportation 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. | *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) (excerpt from OCEN network message) 
 
 House and Senate Energy Climate Committee Notes The Senate E&E Committee moved SB 726-3 to the House floor with a do pass recommendation. The bill would direct the EQC to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology for monitoring surface emissions at municipal solid waste landfills. The advanced technology is estimated to cost $20,000 per year for each landfill operated by a local government. The committee voted unanimously to move SB 1160-1 to Joint W&M with a do pass recommendation. It would require ODOE, assisted by the PUC, to study the financial costs and benefits of developing qualifying small power facilities under state and federal law, as well as small-scale renewable energy projects of 20 MW or less, and report to the interim energy committees by Sept. 30, 2026. ODOE expects to contract with a third party to support the study at an estimated GF cost of $250,000. Senate E&E has a dozen Possible Work Sessions scheduled for April 7, along with a public hearing on SB 1102 carried over from the April 2 meeting. The proposed -2 amendment to SB 1102 would authorize the PUC to impose a fine on an electric utility that fails to comply with statutory clean energy targets or to demonstrate continual improvement. It would set a new interim target for greenhouse gas emissions reduction at 50% below the baseline emissions level by 2028. The committee posted a Possible Work Session for this bill on April 9, as well as for the pro-nuclear bills SB 215 and SB 216 and for SB 1187 , establishing the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. The House CE&E Committee moved HB 3336 to the House floor with a do pass recommendation. It would require electric utilities to file strategic plans with the PUC for using grid enhancing technologies (GETs, defined in the bill) where doing so is cost-effective, and update the plans every two years. A utility would have to carry out its first filed strategic plan by January 1, 2030. The committee moved the following bills to Joint W&M: HB 2370 would increase the statutory cap on the fee PUC may charge public utilities from 0.45% to 0.55% of a utility’s gross operating revenues in Oregon in the preceding calendar year. If the PUC were to adopt the full 0.55% rate, Other Funds revenue could increase by $13.6 million in the 2025-27 biennium. The PUC would need legislative approval to implement a fee increase. HB 2067-2 would require ODOE to establish a rebate program to incentivize commercial contractors, landscape construction professionals, and landscape contractors to buy battery-powered leaf blowers to improve energy efficiency and reduce noise pollution. It would appropriate $2 million GF for deposit into the new Commercial Landscape Equipment Rebate Fund. LFO says it will prepare a more complete fiscal analysis for Joint W&M. The committee moved HB 3747 to Revenue. It would create a refundable income tax credit for the purchase of battery energy storage systems and solar photovoltaic electric systems. Further fiscal analysis is required. The committee has 28 Work Sessions and Possible Work Sessions scheduled for April 8. No Work Session was scheduled for HB 2064 , so it died in committee. The bill would have required the PUC to take certain actions to support the operations of microgrids and community microgrids. HB 3927 also died; it would have required ODOE to study the need to expand electric transmission infrastructure in Oregon. Proposed amendments would have appropriated $1.6 billion to $8 billion over the next five biennia for deposit in the Oregon Electric Transmission Expansion Fund. House CE&E March 25 HB 3823 Revenue without recommendation. The bill would provide a property tax break for personal property used by a business to generate or store energy for consumption by the business on its premises. Rep. Gamba asked for the record that Revenue clarify whether diesel generators installed at data centers would also be included in the exemption – he believes they are real property and thus would still be taxed -- and whether the exemption would apply to actual battery storage systems. Chair Lively carried over work sessions on the following bills because expected amendments are not ready yet: HB 3336 – Declares state policy for electric utilities to a. Meet the required clean energy targets set forth in ORS 469A.410; b. Develop sufficient resources to meet load growth; c. Create efficiencies and resilience in the transmission system; and d. Maintain energy affordability. Utilities would have to file strategic plans with the PUC for using grid enhancing technologies (defined in the bill) where doing so is cost-effective and to update the plans every two years. A utility would have to carry out its first filed strategic plan by January 1, 2030. HB 2961 – Increases the percentage of electrical service capacity for EV charging that must be installed in parking garages or other parking areas of new multifamily and mixed-use buildings with privately owned commercial space and five or more residential dwelling units The committee voted unanimously to move HB 2063-1 to Joint W&M with a do-pass recommendation. It would create the Agrivoltaics Task Force staffed by DLCD. Fiscal impact estimate is $238,978 for 0.75 FTE to manage the project. The committee held a work session on HB 2961 , which would raise the percentage of EV charging capacity that must be installed in parking garages or other parking areas of new multifamily and mixed-use buildings with privately owned commercial space and five or more residential units. The proposed -4 amendment would raise the threshold for installation from 5 residential units to 10, a concession to rural communities. Rep. Osborne strongly opposed the bill, saying it will raise the cost of housing, and pushed the -2 amendment, which would delay the mandate until criteria for new housing construction, housing costs, homelessness, and electricity rates are met for four consecutive years. The committee could not agree on whether to vote on the amendments. Chair Lively said more amendments are not feasible as “we’ve overloaded Lege Council.” He carried over the WS to allow more discussion offline. The chair also carried over another half dozen work sessions on bills for which amendments and/or fiscal impact statements were not available. These included HB 3336 , requiring electric utilities to file strategic plans with the PUC for using grid enhancing technologies (GETs), which had been carried over previously. Summary of Northwest Energy Coalition (NWEC) By Robin Tokmakian Oregon Mtg of Apr 1, 2025 Major OR Leg. Bills watched by NWEC Wildfire related concern from NWEC that there is not a balance between who pays the costs … ie. —- what is “fair share" HB 3917 Utility Wildfire Fund - the bill creates the Catastrophic Wildfire Fund to pay for property damage (80%) and noneconomic damages (capped at $100k) claims arising from catastrophic wildfires that are ignited by the facilities of a public utility. See U tility wildfire guidance. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/03/31/pacificorp-involved-in-bills-in-oregon-western-states-limiting-utility-wildfire-liability-damages/ HB 3666 - this bill would create applications of utility wildfire safety certificates for Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and Consumer-Owned Utilities (COUs) under the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Ratepayer cost related HB 3546 – POWER Act: bill to ensure data centers and crypto pay their fair share instead of the rest of us subsidizing their energy costs. HB 3792 - increases the amount of the energy assistance charge designated to reduce disconnections. Allows the PUC to review the charge in relation to rate increases over the previous two years and adjust it upwards if they deem it necessary. * HB 3179 & SB688 are “paired” HB 3179 – Fair Energy Act: bill helps keep energy bills low by allowing regulators to set the lowest possible rates and shifting increases away from winter when usage is highest. It also improves transparency and gives utilities flexibility to use low-cost financing to minimize customer impacts. See: https://oregoncub.org/news/blog/new-amendments-to-the-fair-energy-act/3112 2. Environmental Rights bill needs more support from Enviro Groups (one Dem legislator withholding support until he sees more support) 3. Utilities and PUC Pacific Corp (PAC) is slowly walking various items it needs to get down to comply with HB2021 (Clean energy and climate goals.). Extending coal plants’ lives in Idaho and Utah (from which OR maybe getting electricity). It is writing its Integrated Resource Plan as a 6-state plan and submitting the same plan for all 6 states (OR, WA, ID, CA, UT, and WY). PAC will take longer now to transition to clean energy 4. Wildfire Webinar sponsored by NWEC will be recorded.. Wildfire and Utilities: This webinar will cover the intersection between wildfire and utilities, policymakers, and communities. Increased fire risk is threatening communities as utilities work to mitigate risk and policymakers are deciding how to regulate them. We will explore this intersection, and the role advocates can play in the development of utility regulations, legislation, and wildfire mitigation plans that will do the most to protect Northwest communities. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/o2eW2lFPQpOzbJhjCN7oTg#/registration 5. Bonneville BPA LWV OR/WA/ID/MT BPA is pushing to approve joining an investor-led “day-ahead energy market”. NWEC is opposed to their choice and supports the alternative market. See This letter from the US Senators of WA and OR News and Commission Meetings Oregon Climate Action Commission to Meet Virtually on April 11, 2025 — Energy Info 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. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 4/24 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 Jump to a topic: Housing Behavioral Health Gun Safety Criminal Justice Social Policy Housing By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Governor Kotek created the Housing Production Advisory Council to develop comprehensive recommendations to build 36,000 homes per year. On April 25, the Council released its Framework for Action Plan, which gives priority to solutions that will have the greatest impact in addressing the state’s housing shortage, and inequity and racial injustice. The next steps the Council will take to accomplish the task will include: development of an action plan outlining immediate and long-term executive actions, policies, and investments needed to meet the production target of 36,000 housing units with one-third of them affordable to the lowest income households. The Oregon Housing Needs Analysis estimates that the state is short 140,000 homes statewide. The council’s report describes the council’s goals and the steps it plans to take to develop the action plan due to the Governor by the end of the year. The report points out that low-income and communities of color are disproportionately affected by the housing shortage. With that in mind, the council set some minimum standards for its future recommendations. They must 1) prioritize housing affordability levels by the scale of the deficit of each housing type, and 2) plan for production that is equitable and affirmatively furthers fair housing. In addition, they will look for ways to reduce barriers and increase production. The Governor emphasized need to acknowledge “past and present racially discriminatory and exclusionary housing policies that are still felt in communities today” and work proactively to fix them. Status Update on Bills Reported on Last Week: SB 702 : would require training to be adopted by the Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board for real estate appraisers and appraiser assistants to comply with state and federal fair housing laws. The League submitted testimony in support. The House held a work session on April 27. SB 893 A : would require Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to modify the state’s homeless programs and funding structure so they are more culturally responsive. It allows OHCS to create committees to work on rules and a policy framework that accomplishes that goal. The bill passed out of the Senate on April 11 and the House held a work session on April 27. HB 3443 : Prohibits landlords from terminating a lease or taking other specified actions due to the status of a tenant as a victim of a bias crime. The bill would make changes to the bias crime laws and aspects of the Oregon Department of Justice's (DOJ) Bias Response Hotline. The measure expands the confidentiality of reports. It would allow victims to break a lease without penalty and have protected leave from work. The Senate held a work on April 24, and the measure passed by unanimous vote with referral to another committee. Behavioral Health By Karen Nibler The Behavioral Health Committee proposed HB 3610 -2 but sent it to House Rules where it was heard on April 20. Distilled alcohol is a product that is taxed now but this amendment proposed taxes on beer, cider and wine. Rep. Tanya Sanchez was a major proponent as she sees addiction as a huge issue. The amendment sets up a 17 member task force and adds funding for treatment and the distribution of tax revenues. Those who testified were concerned about the distribution of funding and the impact of the tax on the industry. Others said the funding was not sufficient and allocation was controlled by current beneficiaries of grants. The BM 110 grants were disbursed to public and private agencies in 2022. An Oregon Health Authority representative stated that alcohol was the third leading cause of death, which increased during the pandemic to 2,500 people in 2020. For society the costs are in lost productivity, motor vehicle crashes, health care, and criminal justice. For the agency, alcohol abuse requires prevention, treatment and recovery services. Gun Safety By Marge Easley A showdown is expected on the House floor on May 2, the date when HB 2005 B is scheduled for a vote. The omnibus bill, with 12 Democratic sponsors, bans ghost guns, increases the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21 (with exceptions for hunting), and allows local jurisdictions to create gun-free zones. Stay tuned! SB 348 A , the implementation bill for Measure 114 is in Ways and Means where cost considerations will occur in light of the May 17 budget forecast. Besides the firearm permit requirement and the ban on large capacity magazines, the bill contains two added provisions that have caused a stir. One requires a 72-hour waiting period between the background check and the transfer of the firearm. Due to the potential for legal challenges to the bill, the same waiting period requirement is also included in the backup bill SB 393 A , which passed out of Senate Judiciary in early April. The other provision is a requirement that any legal challenges must be filed in Marion County Circuit Court. This was added to prevent judge shopping, which many suspected was the case in the Measure 114 lawsuit filed in Harney County. An excellent summary of the looming legislative and courtroom battles over firearm legislation can be found in this Capital Chronicle article (April 24). Meanwhile, firearms are flying off the shelves in gun stores across Oregon in anticipation of the passage of firearm restrictions. It was reported that in one weekend alone—April 15-16—background checks on 40,000 people were completed by the Oregon State Police. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley The movement of bills has slowed considerably, particularly on the Senate side, and at the current rate it is clear only a small percentage will make it through the session. A hearing and possible work session in House Judiciary on SB 339 A , which increases penalties for sexual harassment, was postponed until May 3. The work session on SB 234 , which gives the Chief Justice the authority to make rules for gathering data on impacts and disparities in the criminal justice system, was postponed until May 5. Several Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) bills are moving forward. These three passed out of House Judiciary on April 26: SB 902 allows those 20 or older who are resentenced to continue temporary assignment to youth corrections, SB 903 authorizes the collection of OYA staff demographics data, and SB 904 A changes the OYA staff to facility population ratio. A public hearing on SB 745 A , ensuring that adjudicated youth receive sex trafficking screening, and a work session on SB 212 A , requiring confidentiality of communications during peer support check-in sessions, will take place on May 4.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - September Interim 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 and Redistricting Elections, Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Public Records Election Methods By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance and Redistricting The LWV of Oregon has endorsed and is actively circulating IP 9 on Campaign Finance and IP 14 on Redistricting. We urge you to download, print, sign and return petitions by mail from Honest Elections for IP 9 and People Not Politicians for IP 14. Both initiative petitions are due to be filed by July 5, 2024 with the Secretary of State. Elections, Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone Joint Info Management & Technology, Cyber Advice Another ransomware attack, in Curry County, expects $3 million in recovery costs. They didn’t trust attackers to protect and return their data, not to escalate, and didn’t pay ransom. They are calling for legislation to develop, supply and fund rapid cyber response teams. Cyber Insurance is not an easy out. You can’t get cyber insurance without using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and other safety precautions. Insurance policies are less available, more expensive, with increasingly higher deductibles. Cyber firms can review your exposure, help you to improve your safety, and help to set up emergency plans. You can be prepared if you receive a note, as Curry County did on a printer: You’ve been attacked, are being held hostage. Cyber Advice: Check URLs before clicking on links. Prevent exposure, don’t let malware in. Even if messages look okay, they may be “spoofing” to get your ID, credit card number, etc. Never give out personal information if they call or email you. Don’t use their links or phone numbers. Call your bank back using a known phone number. Log on to your trusted website links, not in messages that may not be legit. Regularly back up your files and use a security scan. Curry County had NO backups. Use MFA, add a security step to be safer. Use MFA, by confirming with a code to your cell or email, using a code generator app. This can prevent most problems. Have a security protocol. Curry County now prohibits plugging in outside devices, like thumb drives, into their hardware. Make sure your group (our Leagues’ leaders, for example) know about the plans, and we all step up to not being weak links that let malware in the back door. House Rules Committee Meeting 9/28/23 We look forward to working on extensive meeting materials from the Secretary of State. Others spoke to the condition of Oregon’s local journalism, of deep concern to us, with “Free Press and the Survival of Democracy” as our LWVOR 2023 state convention theme. Electronic Portal Advisory Board ( EPAB ) The board oversees state websites, currently analyzing public survey results, overseeing agency project updates, increasing other languages access, improving cybersecurity awareness, and increasing lateral connections between agency sites, for easier navigation. The Board meets quarterly, with Governor-appointed members, including a UO Computer Science grad student just added and League member Becky Gladstone as the public member since 2018. We welcome comments, for example, from Sen Jeff Golden’s news, wanting easier navigation. “I’m retired,” he said, “and have time and ability to find information about this program online. But I can’t find what I need to know about requirements, about where and how I can have my say on proposed rules, on what incentives there could be to do the work on my land. There are too many programs and agencies to keep track of!” Action since our Sine Die report: HB 2107 effective Jan 1, 2024, to extend automatic voter registration to certain Oregon Health Authority clients. Our testimony in support , filed late in the session, glad that early support for a pilot program at Powder River Women’s correctional facility was reinstated. HB 2049 Enrolled took effect July 31, 2023, to transfer OR Cyber Ad council from EIS to OR Cyber Center of Excellence. Ceremonial signing Sept 27, LWVOR invited. HB 2052 Enrolled data broker registry, effective July 27, 2023, first in the nation. HB 2490 Enrolled effective Jan 1, 2024 for cybersecurity defense plan protection. HB 3073 Enrolled took effect Sept 24, to protect candidate home address disclosure, on request. SB 619 Enrolled effective Jan 1, 2024, for consumers’ personal data rights. Republican Aug 8 PR on unexcused Senate absences administrative rule (OAR). CFR, Campaign Finance Reform, from SoS: Clear Initiative The CLEAR initiative is a new project aiming to increase compliance with Oregon’s campaign finance laws through greater transparency and education. Everyone wins when campaigns play by the rules. This summer, the Elections Division announced three initial steps for an ongoing project: increase visibility for online campaign finance information a new database of campaign finance violations and associated penalties more training and educational materials to help campaigns comply with the rules Learn more on the Elections Division’s website . Election Methods By Barbara Klein There were no bills taken up during this interim legislative session that relate to election systems. There were rumors of some efforts to oppose Ranked Choice Voting via legislation or the ballot, but as of yet, it is unclear whether this will materialize. Due to the decision of the legislature in June 2023, Ranked Choice Voting will be on the 2024 general ballot (for implementation in 2028).

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/26 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: Campaign Finance General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection Artificial Intelligence Rule Making Campaign Finance and Initiatives By Norman Turrill The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is asking the public for feedback on draft administrative rules that would implement HB 4025 (2024). It has also appointed a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to work on these new administrative rules. SB 1180 would require the Secretary of State to send to the Legislature for odd-numbered year sessions a list of prospective initiative petitions. The purpose is said to provide the Legislature a better chance to consider initiatives. The League will probably comment that the list of initiatives is readily available on the SoS website, and that the Legislature can now do any oversight of initiatives that it wants to do. In other words, this bill is likely a waste of money. General Governance, Privacy, and Consumer Protection By Becky Gladstone SB1191 Enrolled has now been signed by both the Senate President and the House Speaker. The bill states that informing someone about their civil or constitutional rights cannot be construed as obstructing justice. The League submitted testimony and asked members to speak to the bill on our Lobby Day. Thanks to legislators for unanimously passing HB 3875 Enrolled for car makers to comply with Oregon’s privacy laws in controlling and processing the personal data that our cars collect from us. Oregon Senate Expands Protections Over Personal Data Collected By Your Car . Privacy Protections for Oregonians Are Stronger Under Legislation Passed Today in the State Senate . We regret missing HB 3875 before now. We can use volunteer help for many of our issues. This Governance portfolio section is pleased to have recently added specialists in AI, emergency preparedness, and general governance issues. HB 3569 A : We are researching comments of concern for a second public hearing for this amended bill, to (basically) invite a sponsoring legislator onto the bill’s Rules Advisory Committees, as a non-voting member. SB 473 A passed a second, House Judiciary, work session, to create a crime of threatening a public official, with amendments to include those elected, appointed, or filed to serve an established office, adding numerous judicial branch roles. See League testimony in support. SB 952 to consider interim US Senator appointments, passed a second work session in House Rules on a partisan vote, after passing on the Senate floor along nearly partisan lines, 26 to 13. See League testimony in support. SB 430 B : Our League testimony in support was filed and comments abridged for hearing brevity, addressing the extensive amendments that broadly address business transparency for consumer protections. The bill passed a second work session in House Commerce and Consumer Protection. The initial bill, for online transaction cost disclosure to improve transparency passed in Senate Labor and Business on partisan lines, similarly passing on partisan lines on the Senate Floor, 18 to 11. SB 1121 A passed a second chamber work session, almost unanimously, to create a new Class B misdemeanor crime of unlawful private data disclosure. We are following up on the dissenting vote based on conflating property destruction with personal crimes. Amendments edited for doxxing, timing to protect “basically OPB”, and adding as a provision to the Oregon Consumer Privacy Act. League testimony was filed and presented, supporting the bill, including the amendment relating to data broker issues. HB 3382 is up for a May 28 work session in House Rules, directing the Secretary of State to maintain an online Rulemaking Information system. We are watching HB 3382 based on Sen Sollman asking about the concept of a central state rulemaking site in the context of the HB 3931 coordinated state portal Task Force proposal presented here earlier. See League testimony . HB 2006 would limit long session bill requests to 25 bills from legislators to legislative counsel. We are preparing, watching for a 5/29 public hearing in House Rules, which will also consider a -7 amendment. HB 3569 A has a second public hearing, scheduled for 5/28 in Senate Rules, after passing not quite fully on partisan lines in House Rules, similarly on the House floor. SB 5537 , the SoS budget bill, is up for a 5/28 first work session after the 5/9 public hearing in Joint General Government. We are watching for opportunities to follow up on highlighted issues. Artificial Intelligence (AI) By Lindsey Washburn The Governor has signed HB 2299 Enrolled , which modifies the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image to include the disclosure of digitally created, manipulated or altered images. Rule Making By Peggy Lynch A number of bills related to agency rulemaking and the role of the legislature, many of which are listed below, are getting work sessions. The League and others have concerns about many of these bills. The legislature’s job is to set policy. The agencies are responsible for implementing that policy. That action often requires rulemaking to clarify the details around that implementation. But the League is concerned when legislators “get a second bite at the apple” by relitigating the legislation when rulemaking is only meant to implement, not change policies or facilitate an agency’s mission. Blurring those lines is problematic. 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. A public hearing is scheduled for May 28. 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 was 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 that, if funded, what the relationship will be with the Secretary of State’s Audit Division and the work of the Legislative Fiscal Office staff. 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. 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 is set for May 28. 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 . Sadly, a work session is scheduled for May 28 in House Rules. 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 - Week of October 13 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Highlights Key Climate and Energy Issues Natural and Working Lands Recent National and State News Looking Ahead Climate Lawsuits and Our Children’s Trust Highlights It is not clear at this point what to expect for the 2026 short session. Likely leadership will continue to focus on challenging fiscal issues, Federal Executive Branch constitutional / overreach issues affecting fiscal and policy issues and the Governor’s on-going priorities. As in previous short sessions the League plans to work independently and with our coalition partners on critical pragmatic focused legislation. But they have not shared their climate/energy priorities for the 2026 session. Key climate and energy issues New legislation in effect in fall 2025 Several energy-related bills from the 2025 session became effective in late September 2025 (91 days after the session's conclusion on June 27). Key legislation includes: Microgrids: HB 2066 directs the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) to establish a regulatory framework for microgrids. Grid enhancement: HB 3336 requires electric companies to plan for the deployment of grid-enhancing technologies (GETs). Investment reporting: HB 2081, the "Climate Resilience Investment Act," requires the State Treasury to analyze and report on climate change-related risks to the public employee retirement fund (PERS). Failed or stalled initiatives During the 2025 regular session, a number of significant climate and energy proposals did not pass but could be revisited in the future. These included: "Right to a clean environment": Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 28) , a proposed constitutional amendment, failed to pass. Climate Superfund: Bills ( SB 682, SB 1187 ) that would have established a climate superfund to cover the costs of climate change did not pass. Fossil fuel divestment: A bill ( SB 681 ) to prohibit fossil fuel investments by the State Treasury failed. Future policy discussions Policymakers and advocates have already set the stage for continued climate and energy debates: Oregon Energy Strategy: The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) solicited public feedback in September 2025 for a new energy strategy to help the state meet its climate goals. Ongoing debates: Issues such as utility costs for large users, transportation policy, and wildfire funding were discussed in the 2025 regular session and are expected to continue in future sessions. Looking ahead The interim work in September and October 2025, including the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment (CEE) meetings, helped to shape the climate and energy policy agenda for future sessions. Further interim legislative days are planned for November, 2025 and January, 2026. In addition, potentially effecting 2026 session, SCEE Committee Hearing included Invited Speakers Only , which heard presentations regarding: Washington’s Climate Commitment Act Green Banking: Maine’s Blue Economy Task Force Impacts of Federal Actions on Oregon’s Solar Industry The House CEE heard presentations on the Impacts of Recent Federal Actions on Energy and Environment-Related Agency Operations and Renewable Energy Development in Oregon. Natural and Working Lands (NWL) By Josie Koehne The Oregon Climate Action Commission (OCAC) report from the Oregon Department of Forestry on the NWL Fund was very minimal and did not include how much of the Fund ODF has been spent-- repeating what the Fund wis intended to fund and just a little on the seed banking with no financials or timeframes. In addition, the recording of the Sept 3 was without any visuals, was completely inaudible and one presentation had not been posted. The League complained to Chair Kelly and now the presentation and a better recording have been posted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVuDrjTwZew&t=8066s listen around 1:45. Oregon Climate Equity Network Meeting Sept. 4, 2025 The long session largely focused on expensive issues other than climate. New leadership was not well-positioned to meet the moment. With 4,000+ bills there was a lack of clear, unified priorities among the Democratic supermajorities. Climate advocates were on constant defense to prevent stalling and weakening of bills. A number of Key learnings: Need to cultivate champions now more than ever. Utilities still hold a lot of power, but their constant opposition works against them. Legislator reputation and abilities can make or break a bill. Committee leadership matters – see above. Governor’s input (when offered) can be decisive. One-time funding should be avoided; advocates should not come back with requests year after year. Legislative Days, Sept. 29–Oct. 1: Need to fill Amy Schlusser’s seat on the Environmental Quality Commission with a climate advocate – she now works in Gov. Kotek’s office. One more EQC seat to fill as well. The President is trying to rescind all IRA investments, which would drastically impact our state budget. The budget reconciliation act accelerates phase-out of solar/wind tax credits; rescinds unobligated funding from EPA programs; implements FIAT restrictions that complicate supply chains for renewable energy; and provides selective support for nuclear, hydrogen, clean fuels. USDA is blocking siting of solar on “prime farm land.” ODOE Energy Strategy comments were due 9/22. . Major pathways include energy efficiency (buildings and transp.), strategic electrification, clean electricity, low-carbon fuels for hard-to-decarbonize applications, resilience. Feedback and themes from the Nine Tribes focused on energy independence, affordability, decision making, funding access, and consultation. Calls for 42 near-term actions. ODOE will get major pushback from O&G and utilities. 2026 session (Feb. 2-March 9) priorities: Building Resilience: electrification of homes and buildings, managed transition off Natural Gas, resilience to climate harms. Clean Grid Collaborative: Address statewide transmission restraints, continue to work toward a state transmission authority. Governor support would be key. Move Oregon Forward: Road usage charge fix – raise rate from 20 mph to 30 mph; transit funding – remove the 2028 sunset. Cap and Invest conversation. Legislators are facing a critical vote on the transportation package, and they are already being attacked. Industry is trying to persuade them that the “easy fix” is to divert money from the Climate Protection Program . DEQ CPP President Wagner said no to moving forward SJR 28 , the right to a healthy environment amendment. Concerns are that it would trigger a GOP walkout, issues with the title of the proposed amendment. Likely no action in short session but still a target for the next long session. Recent National and State News Oregon to accelerate siting of renewable energy projects to beat Trump’s incentive deadline | OPB “Today, Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 25-25 to accelerate the pace of renewable wind and solar project development in the state ... Oregon officials decry Trump administration’s revocation of scientific finding on carbon emissions - OPB Oregon Lawmakers Pass Transportation Funding Stopgap, Leaving Critical Investments in Safety and Climate for Another Session | Climate Solutions Special Session Update: The Path Ahead for Transportation - Oregon Environmental Council How Oregon Can Leverage Its Nature for a Brighter Future | The Pew Charitable Trusts Oregon DOE September 2025 Newsletter — Energy Info Calendar Looking Ahead Oregon Climate Action Commission | October 10, 2025 | Via Webinar Energy Facility Siting Council | October 23-24, 2025 | Maupin and Via Webinar Current Rulemakings ( click to see details ) Other Stakeholder Groups ( click to see details ) 2025 CUB Energy Policy Conference | October 3, 2025 | ODOE Sponsoring + Presenting League of Oregon Cities 100th Annual Conference | October 2-4, 2025 | ODOE Sponsoring 2025 ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource | October 7, 2025 | ODOE Presenting Government-to-Government Summit | October 7, 2025 | ODOE Attending Regional Energy Symposium | October 9, 2025 | ODOE Presenting Can Oregon and Washington Price Carbon Pollution ? - The Climate Trust, Published: September 30, 2025, Ecosystem Marketplace's Carbon Program BPA will buy wave-energy power generated at Oregon coast test site. | Oregonian, (Related: LWVOR's Coastal study included a discussion of wave energy: 2012 – Coastal and Nearshore Oregon: Using and Protecting Our Natural Resources An overview of the complex, interconnected issues and challenges that must be addressed in making decisions to manage the natural resources of the coastline; reflects the economic, social, and cultural impacts of these management decisions with particular emphasis on marine reserves and ocean energy. Coastal and Nearshore Oregon (48 pgs; pdf) Executive Summary (5 pgs; pdf) Acronym List (2 pgs; pdf) Mapping the Dynamic Oregon Coast (pdf) Coastal Study Presentation (pdf) Links to additional Information (Word document) NPR for Oregonians Oregon is set to lose an additional $400 million in federal grants awarded for climate action along with a number of other states. Trump called climate change a ‘con jo b’ at the United Nations. Here are the facts and context | PBS News There are two major federal and global economic tax issues effecting CE: the US tariff program rolled out by the current admin and reaction to it and CBAM and CBAT, EU Carbon border tax. (Brookings) Climate Lawsuits and 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 , Climate Litigation Oct 3 Updates Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 91 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. Climate Lawsuit News October 03, 2025 Sabin Center for Climate Change Law & UNEP Release a New Climate Litigation Report October 03, 2025 Climate Litigation Updates (October 3, 2025) September 26, 2025 The Sabin Center and Climate Policy Radar Relaunch The Climate Litigation Database October 3, 2025 - Grist : The kids who sued America over climate change aren’t done yet September 29, 2025 - Inside Climate News : Climate Activists Thwarted in U.S. Courts Are Headed to an International Tribunal for Review September 29, 2025 - Rolling Stone : Inside the Fight Against Trump’s Alaskan Pipe Dream September 26, 2025 - E&E News: Juliana climate case arrives at international court 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. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 4/17 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Budget/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Elliott State Research Forest Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire Natural Resources By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team Budgets are beginning to have Work Sessions and we are seeing a number of federal grant requests from agencies due to all the federal funds available from various federal bills passed by the U.S. Congress this last year. The League is providing fewer new testimonies since we’ve spoken on bills in the first chamber. Others are awaiting the May Revenue Forecast before being considered in Ways and Means. The next deadlines for policy bills are May 5 to schedule a Work Session and May 19 for the bill to move out of committee to the second chamber. Air Quality LWVOR joined others in support of HB 3229 . The bill would modify federal air quality (Title V) operating permit program fees and authorize the Environmental Quality Commission to annually adjust federal operating permit program fees, air contaminant reporting fees, and asbestos abatement program fees by no more than three percent. By addressing fee increases regularly, there is less chance of having substantial increases in the future. Budgets/Revenue On April 24, the JW&Ms Natural Resources Subcommittee will begin with another committee orientation so that committee members understand the process for actually passing budgets to the chambers. Then they will consider the Land Use Board of Appeals budget ( HB 5028 ). The League provided testimony in support on March 6. On April 25, they will consider a federal grant request from DEQ on climate and the Oregon State Marine Board budget ( SB 5521 ). The League provided testimony in support on Feb. 27. Right now, there’s a break on the 26, but on April 27 they will consider the budget for the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development. ( HB 5027 ). The League provided comments on Feb. 14. Although we support funding for this agency, there were significant missing elements in the Governor’s budget that we advocated for inclusion. The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) budget ( SB 5539 & SB 5540 ) was heard April 19 and 20 with public testimony on the 20th. A series of public meetings will provide Oregonians with an opportunity to share their priorities for the state budget and HB 5006 , Emergency Board funding and other 2023-25 funding, including a virtual public meeting session on Friday, May 5, 5-7 p.m. Plan on no more than 2 minutes each! There was good attendance at the first meetings with a diversity of requests from Oregonians. We await the May 17 Revenue Forecast that will guide the final balanced budgets for 2023-25. But, if the testimony is heard, legislators will have a hard time providing funding for everything Oregonians said they wanted funded. The Governor has again called for use of the approximately $600 million ending-fund-balance monies that are required to be put into the already significantly full Rainy Day Fund to reduce budget cuts and provide monies for some of those requests Oregonians have asked be funded. The League has been supportive of this request to the legislature. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch The League continues to discuss HB 3382 with legislators, former State Rep. Brian Clem (one of many who requested the bill) and state agencies as we continue to express concern about the importance of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) and linkage to our statewide land use planning program. We took the opportunity to share our 2012 Coastal Study that explains the CZMA and other coastal issues with some legislators and staff. Informative, well researched League studies are a hallmark of League expertise. We truly believe that this bill is a serious threat to our coastal planning and could reduce or remove the opportunity for coastal NOAA grants in the future. We need your voices to tell your legislators to Just Say NO! A DLCD Coastal Grants webpage highlights the new Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding program being administered by OCMP/DLCD. The next solicitation for projects will be in May 2023. (It is grant funding like this that could be at risk if HB 3382 passes as written!) Columbia River Treaty By Phillip Thor The U.S. State Department and others provided a “listening session” on April 19 for the public on the negotiations between the U.S. and Canada on the Columbia River Treaty. Our partner, LWV of Washington’s Raelene Gold, shared our 4 State League concerns and requested that ecosystem function be part of any new Treaty. The next official negotiation session will be May 16-17. Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The Prospective ESRF Authority Board met in a retreat on April 17 and 18 to try to resolve a number of challenging issues. The website may provide more detailed information soon. The League continues to remind the Board of our continuing concern related to financial viability and hopes the Board can resolve that issue. Separately, SB 161 was filed by the Secretary of State (also a Land Board member) and has already passed the Senate. It has a public hearing scheduled on April 25 in the House. The bill adjusts some timelines as provided by the Dept. of State Lands’ testimony . Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch We reported on SB 1087 , filed on behalf of a farm in Lane County where they want to add a “café” (with seating for 250-300 people) on their Exclusive Farm Use (EFU)-zoned property. The League opposes this overreach of our land use program. The Statesman Journal provided a great article on the bill on April 19. On April 20, the Land Conservation and Development Commission considered new draft temporary rules on their current Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities rules. The proposal includes: · More flexibility for cities and counties applying for alternative dates · Clarity about review of major transportation projects · A more direct option for climate-friendly areas · Simplified parking reform options If adopted, the temporary rules would take effect in May and stay in effect for 180 days. HB 3442 A is scheduled for a hearing in Senate Housing and Development on April 24. The League provided testimony with concerns addressed in the House amendment and we are now neutral on the bill. HB 3414 with the -4 amendment would create a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD and also includes a Section 2 related to processing variances under certain circumstances. Variances are used to address exceptions to a code’s “clear and objective standards”. It is unclear how this provision will change a community’s control over residential development. The bill was moved without recommendation as to passage, referred to House Rules, and then to W&Ms. SB 70 A would allow housing on acreage in Malheur County. The League provided testimony in opposition on Feb. 8. On April 3, the bill was moved without recommendation as to passage to Senate Rules. LWVOR still opposes it. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Reduce/Recycle By Kathy Moyd/Greg Martin SB 545 A was sent to the House with a do-pass recommendation. LWVOR testified in support at the Senate committee hearing. The bill directs OHA to adopt rules by June 30, 2024, allowing restaurants to let consumers fill their own containers with food. SB 543 A moved to the House floor with a do-pass recommendation. As amended, the bill would prohibit food vendors from using polystyrene foam containers in selling prepared food, and would ban the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam containers or packaging peanuts, and food ware containers with intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substances, as of Jan.1, 2025. Civil penalties for violations would range from $100 to $500 per day. The original bill would have required DEQ to establish a certification program for compostable products and a public education and awareness campaign. The League provided testimony in support on Feb. 17. On April 19, House Climate, Energy and Environment heard an update from DEQ on their Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act ( SB 582 , 2021) and other Product Stewardship Programs. Many of us have heard of the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch . The Oregonian provided a sad article on what we are all doing to create this ocean trash pile. SB 542-7 , the Right to Repair bill passed out of Committee to the Senate floor on April 4. However, it has yet to be scheduled for a vote due to an uncertain Senate vote count. The League provided testimony in support on Feb. 14. Toxics By Paula Grisafi HB 3043 A was expected to have a public hearing this week in Senate Energy and Environment but none has been scheduled. SB 546A (toxic free cosmetics) was sent to W&Ms although there was NO fiscal for the 2023-25 session because, although the measure takes effect January 1, 2024, all substantive portions of the bill are not operative until January 1, 2027. SB 426 A (toxic free schools) was sent to W&Ms without clarity on the fiscal impact. Water By Peggy Lynch A major water bill, HB 3124 , was moved to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. The bill is a $250 million Drought Relief and Water Scarcity package and includes some of the other bills we’ve seen this session. A “public comment” opportunity was allowed in House Agriculture, Land Use, Agriculture and Water on April 18. The League provided comments , including a list of our priorities, using our HB 5006 Work Group participation as our guide. HB 3163 A is a League priority, to renew the Place-Based Planning program with a Fund to help groups participate in this program. It was sent to W&Ms. The League participated in a Work Group last year to help develop program sideboards and provided testimony in support. HB 2238 would have authorized rulemaking to consider an increase in fees for the removal/fill program. The League supported the original bill. It was amended and now just clarifies what DSL can do with personal belongings when they clean up sites on their property. The League is disappointed. We will continue to follow the bill in the Senate. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. We have an on-going drought in many parts of Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Oregon’s climatologist and a variety of other Oregon scientific sources provide input into the drought map. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations under ORS 536 for the counties of Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Deschutes, Wasco (through Executive Order 23-10 ) and Harney (through Executive Order 23-11 ) counties. In addition, many counties in eastern and southern Oregon have received Secretarial Disaster Designations from the US Department of Agriculture due to drought conditions. Wildfire The League provided testimony in support of funding for the Oregon Conservation Corps in HB 5025 , the omnibus Higher Education Coordinating Commission budget bill. SB 82A , relating to insurance companies and consumer protections with regard to homeowners' insurance and wildfire risk passed the House committee and is headed to the chamber floor. SB 80A , the omnibus Wildfire Programs bill, is in W&Ms as is SB 509 A , which aims to scale out neighborhood collaboratives in order to help whole neighborhoods reduce risk VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is halfway over. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 4/21 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: Initiatives Privacy Artificial Intelligence Initiatives By Chris Cobey SB 1180 : Requires the Secretary of State to submit to the Legislative Assembly, by November 1 of each odd-numbered year, a list of each prospective statewide initiative petition that has been filed for the next general election. Public hearing, Senate Rules Cmte April 16. Section monitoring . Privacy, images, data disclosure, DNA By Becky Gladstone These bills are progressing. We are watching several that we may speak to in second chambers for the first time. HB 2581 Enrolled to coordinate expanded resiliency services with the State Resiliency Officer (SRO), passed in the Senate, 27 for, one against, two excused. League testimony in support. SB 224 A has been referred to House Rules, see League testimony in support of privacy for campaign committee staff home addresses. SB 470 A has been referred to House Judiciary. League testimony supported the original bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos. SB 473 A to create a crime of threatening a public official, passed unanimously from Sen Judiciary, has been sent to House Judiciary, League testimony, in support. SB 1191 A passed a Senate vote 28 in favor, one opposed, one excused, and has been referred to House Judiciary. League testimony supports SB 1191 which excludes the act of informing another person of their civil or constitutional rights from statute defining “commits the crime of obstructing governmental or judicial administration”. This is relevant as League voter service activities and advocacy issues are newly vulnerable to Executive Order classification as domestic terrorism if not aligned with recently changed federal preferences. The League will continue to support legislation for DEI, climate change, immigration, access for voter registration and election process information, protecting our natural resources, and more. SB 1014 to allow political party statements translations in online voters’ pamphlets, passed from Senate Rules, 4 supporting, one excused, not yet referred further. League testimony in support. SB 952 passed from Senate Rules on a partisan vote, 3 to 2, to consider interim US Senator appointments, League testimony in support. Artificial Intelligence: Relating to the Security of State Assets By Lindsey Washburn Written testimony submitted to oppose HB 3936 , which would prohibit any hardware, software or service that uses artificial intelligence from being installed or downloaded onto or used or accessed by state information technology assets if the artificial intelligence is developed or owned by a corporate entity that is incorporated or registered under the laws of a foreign country. Public hearing, Joint Committee On Information Management and Technology, April 18 . 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 - Week of 4/14 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources 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 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: Child Care Education Gun Policy Hate Crimes Healthcare Housing Legislation Immigration Child Care By Jean Pierce SP 5514A received a Do Pass as Amended Recommendation from the Joint Ways and Means Committee. The League filed testimony on the original bill. Since the May 2025 Revenue Forecast projected a reduction in available Corporate Activity, so the Fund for Student Success is not able to sustain the 2025-27 current service level budget. This will particularly impact programs funded through the Early Learning Account, including Preschool Promise; Early Childhood Equity Fund; Early Learning Professional Development, Parenting Education and Program Supports; and Healthy Families. Some money is being pulled from reserves to fund the Department of Early Learning and Care. Education By Jean Pierce SB 1098 , the Freedom to Read bill, passed in the House essentially along party lines. LWVOR provided testimony in support. SB 5516 A passed in the Senate. In recognition of the revenue forecast, this bill would provide for an adjusted current service level of almost $11.4 billion. It is anticipated that local revenues will total $5.6 billion in the next two years, so total formula resources are expected to be more than $16.7 billion for the 2025-27 biennium. This represents a 10.5% increase over the 2023-25 biennium. The funds would provide a welcome boost, though it still falls short of the 30% increase recommended by the American Institute of Research which recommended a 30% increase in funding, with more attention to equitable spending for the education of low income and high needs students. On June 6 the Joint Ways and Means recommended Do Pass as Amended SB 5525 -3, the Higher Education Coordinating Committee budget For the most part, the proposed budget maintains the Current Service Level, (CSL). so this bill does nothing to address the fact that Oregon has been ranked 46th in the nation for state investment in higher education. Members of the Education Ways and Means Committee recognized that in future sessions, the thinking needs to shift from CSL to setting a higher target. Impact of Federal Actions on Oregon The Budget Reconciliation bill, which was passed by the U.S. House, contains some very damaging provisions which could affect funding for education in Oregon, including reducing spending on student loans by $350 billion by eliminating subsidized and income-driven loan repayment plans , imposing new overall limitations on student borrowing, and tightening Pell Grant eligibility. The National Association of Student Financial aid has analyzed the impacts on students. The bill would revise the definition of full-time enrollment for Pell Grant eligibility from 12 credit hours to 15 credit hours. This change would mean that over half of students currently enrolled would receive smaller Pell Grants. Additionally, the bill proposes that students enrolled less than half-time would no longer qualify for Pell Grants. About 10% of Pell Grant recipients were enrolled for less than half time. Currently, 77,275 Oregonians are receiving an average of $4,644 in Pell Grants for higher education. Another provision of the Reconciliation bill would provide a 100% federal tax credit to individuals who donate to private scholarship-granting organizations. The proposal would divert $20 billion in taxpayer money to private schools and families who homeschool. This bill would create a national school voucher program, expanding school vouchers to states like Oregon whose voters have already rejected them. Further, the bill does not mention funding for McKinney-Vento Homeless Act grants (supporting schools in serving students experiencing homelessness)—$129 million. Approximately 22,000 K-12 students in Oregon are homeless. Gun Policy By Marge Easley SB 243 B was sent to House Rules on June 3rd after it passed the Senate following a contentious floor discussion. The bill bans rapid fire devices and gives cities and counties the option to ban firearms in public buildings, including those carried by concealed handgun license holders. SB 473 B unexpectedly became a gun policy bill after the adoption of the A-4 amendment during its House Judiciary hearing on May 22. The original bill created a new crime of menacing a public official, while the amended version also prohibits the possession of a firearm by a person convicted of menacing a public official. The bill was referred to House Rules on June 2. There was some recent positive news at the federal level that may give a boost to Oregon’s gun laws. On June 2 the US Supreme Court 6-3 declined to hear two major gun cases: a challenge to a Maryland law that bans assault-style weapons and a challenge to a Rhode Island restriction on large-capacity magazines. These two laws will remain on the books for now. To counter the previous good news, a bill called the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act has been introduced in the US House. H.R. 38, supported by twenty-four state attorneys general, would override state laws to mandate that all states must recognize the concealed carry standards of every other state—even those with no permit requirement at all. According to Everytown for Gun Safety , this attempted mandate, broadly opposed by the public and long opposed by law enforcement, would “increase gun deaths and assaults in our country and would make it more challenging for law enforcement to protect our communities. Healthcare By Christa Danielson SB 951 A passed the house and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. The League supplied testimony in support. This bill restricts individuals who are not licensed medical providers from owning or controlling medical decisions. The bill also prohibits non-compete and non-disparagement agreements. Basically this allows your medical provider to make medical decisions about your care without fear of losing their job. HB 3134 is on 2nd Reading in the Senate. The League submitted testimony in support. Requires additional reporting from health insurances about prior authorization to the Department of Consumer and Business Services. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Oregon Housing and Community Services Proposed Funding for Emergency Rent Assistance and Homelessness Prevention Services In the face of a very tight budget, the Oregon Housing Alliance is urging the Legislature to continue to provide funding for the following programs: Emergency rent assistance to prevent homelessness: $109 million (POP 505) A $109 million allocation would avoid cuts to rent assistance funding and help prevent evictions over the next biennium. Emergency rent assistance can help keep families and individuals in their homes and prevent homelessness. This funding is distributed through community action agencies and community-based organizations throughout the state. Quite often, all that is needed to keep someone in their housing is one month’s assistance. Homelessness prevention services: $63.2 million (POP 504) This funding will avoid cuts to housing navigation services, landlord tenant education and outreach, legal services, tenant supports, eviction, prevention, tenant advocacy, and rapid rehousing services. Prevention is far less expensive than re-housing programs. Keeping people in their homes is less expensive than shelter and results in better health and educational outcomes. People who are offered assistance and stay in their homes are 81 percent less likely to become homeless within six months and 73 percent less likely within 12 months. Statewide, over 2,300 families face eviction proceedings each month, with evictions now one-third higher than pre-pandemic levels. The housing crisis has the greatest impact on families with children, Black and Latino renters who encounter housing discrimination, and seniors who are the fastest growing group losing their homes. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development is holding a work session on Tuesday, June 10 on the following housing bills: HB 5011 : This bill appropriates money to Oregon Housing and Community Services Department for its biennial expenses and includes the following: housing stabilization programs, project-based rent assistance, multi-family rental housing programs, single family housing programs, disaster recovery and resilience, central services, and debt service. HB 3644 A : This bill establishes a statewide shelter program under Oregon Housing and Community Services Department to reduce unsheltered homelessness and transition individuals into permanent housing. SB 829 A : This bill establishes the Affordable Housing Insurance Program and Affordable Housing Premium Assistance Fund in the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The funds would help eligible affordable housing providers and others serving low-income Oregonians cover the cost of their property or liability insurance premiums. Bills Progressing 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. The bill passed the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on April 15. It was then referred to the Senate Committee on Housing and Development. Its latest status is that on June 5, it was carried over to June 9, by unanimous consent. LWV testimony supports passage of the bill. HB 3054 A would limit 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 would fix 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. The bill passed the House, and the Senate Committee on Housing and Development held a work session on May 19 and recommended passage. On June 5, the bill was carried over by the Senate to June 9 by unanimous consent. It declares an emergency, effective September 1, 2025. LWVOR submitted a letter in support. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith Highlights - News Updated: League of Women Voters Files Briefs Opposing Executive Order Attacking Birthright Citizenship | League of Women Voters The Xenophobic Rumors Driving the SAVE Act & Threats to Voting Rights | League of Women Voters Agents Use Military-Style Force Against Protesters at L.A. Immigration Raid - The New York Times ‘A complete sea change’: Trump’s immigration crackdown goes into hyperdrive - POLITICO ICE detains another asylum-seeker outside Portland courtroom, legal petition says - OPB Trump officials crafting rule to prevent asylum-seekers from getting work permits - CBS News ICE Won’t Rule Out Retaliating Against Immigrants Who testify in free speech case Click Scroll Bar on Bottom of Table to View All Columns Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 A Immigration (support services ) JWM waiting for Fiscal Y Sen Jama -3 amendment SB 599A Immig status: discrimination in RealEstate transactions Waiting for Gov to sign N Sen Campos House passes 5/19 SB 611 Food for All Oregonians - for undocumented JWM 8 Sen Campos Rep Ruiz amendment -1 SB 703 a bipartisan immigration status update funding bill JWM 6 Sen Reynolds, Rep Neron, Ruiz, Smith G Testimony HB 2548 Agricultural Workforce Labor Standards Board. H Rules PH 5/29 Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony -7 Amendment HB 2976 funding for interpretation of indigenous languages. JWM 1.5 Rep Hartman HB2788 funding to nonprofits to assist w lawful permanent resident status / legal aid - HC ECHS - JWM dead Rep Neron, Ruiz, Sen Reynolds * likely end of session Reconcilation Bill HB 2586 A nonresident tuition exemption for asylum seekers. Gov Signed RepHudson, SenCampos League Testi mony HB 2543 funds for universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters HC Jud dead 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS - see sb 703 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund JWM 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama OHA HB 5002 Oregon Worker Relief Fund (Prev yr legal rep funds eliminated) JWM WS was 5/29, passed LFO d etails Amendment Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

Back to Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 1/15 Jump to a topic: Higher Education General Education Update Higher Education By Jean Pierce LWVOR will be tracking the progress of legislation that would appropriate $5M to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) for establishing and awarding grants for basic needs programming at public higher education institutions. This money could be used for food, housing, utilities, transport, textbooks, and other emergency needs not covered by financial aid packages. HB3561 (2023) Implementation: In 2023, HB3561 passed to provide scholarships and grants awarded to ensure Oregon has an adequate supply of early childhood care and education professionals. However, the $5.2 million requested to fund the program was denied, so now they are requesting $2.5M. The scholarship program’s purpose is to provide a diverse and well-trained supply of early childhood professionals providing childcare. Many early childhood education students are teacher assistants who do not earn sufficient money to pay teacher education costs. Higher education institutions report long waiting lists of people who would like to become qualified as Early Childhood Care and Education Professionals. Not only would this help address the teacher shortage, but it permits parents to be fully employed. General Education Update By Anne Nesse LWVOR will follow a few of these Legislative Concepts In the coming short session. From House Education Committee: 1/10/23 LC 229, would increase the weight of funding to school districts with high homeless student populations. It would also remove the state funding cap on the amount that districts receive for children with disabilities. LC 230, helps with funding and design problems for a proposed 9 (20-30 students each) High School Regional Addiction Recovery Schools. (This program is innovative in the United States, successfully begun by a pilot project during the last session.) LC 231, helps to create a statewide uniform school record-keeping method, to increase accountability. LWVOR members who have worked many years on the Dolly Parton book initiatives will be happy that HB 3198, which passed last session, included this funding concept for the Dept. of Early Learning and Care (DELC). A House Education report indicated that DELC is attempting to partner with libraries throughout the state to continue program implementation for all young children. From House Early Childhood and Human Services Committee: 1/10/23 Testimony on these issues aligns with our 2024 priorities: LC 203, hopes to provide emergency help for highly troubled youth, attempting to avoid added stress associated with temporary foster housing placement. LC 189, from Chair Reynolds, concerning establishing Nurse-Family Partnership visitations and instruction to include low-income and BIPOC families in the care of their child from 0 to the first 1,000 days of life, or until income and child care stability is established. From Senate Education Committee: 1/11/23 A required report was published by Sen. Dembrow & Committee, on the Quality Education Model , and its current inability to distribute sufficient funds, over many years, to meet our goals consistently from year to year. LC 219, the Educational Omnibus Bill will attempt to make several changes to Oregon’s education laws to improve meeting our goals. This draft document, worked on by a select committee, is 63 pages long. It begins with acknowledging the establishment of a Youth Advisory Council, understanding that these youth are the recipients of our decision-making processes. This law will address funding inequities of Oregon's quality public school education model. It attempts to solve problems associated with special education funding and many other issues. Please contact lwvor@lwvor.org if you have any questions, or wish to become involved with any of these issues.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/23 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Federal Oregon Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Oregon Treasury Other Climate Bills Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust There are less than 7 days until the end of session and a number of bills and state agency funding priorities are still waiting to move. The League expects some funding for existing agency climate programs in the reconciliation bill. Transportation Legislation HB 2025 is a major topic these last 14 days. ‘2 Oregon Democrats balk at transportation bill as session nears its end’, | OPB. The nearly $2 B package needs a majority vote for it to advance out of committee and to the floor of the legislative chamber. To pass out of each chamber the bill requires a 60% majority. We expect new bill amendments to be posted on Monday that include negotiated inputs from both parties. Special Session? The League is aware of a possible special September session that could address a number of significant Federal Admin policy funding issues. Federal ‘Set up for failure’: Trump’s cuts bring climate and energy agencies to a standstill, workers say - POLITICO How Trump’s assault on science is blinding America to climate change - E&E News by POLITICO Federal agency cuts freeze climate research, stall disaster prep, and disrupt clean energy projects June 16, 2025 - Bloomberg Law | Youth Plaintiffs Urge Court to Block Energy Executive Orders June 16, 2025 - E&E News | 22 climate activists request emergency injunction to stop Trump EOs The Trump administration's workforce reductions and budget restrictions are hobbling key federal agencies, stalling climate research, disaster preparedness... | The Daily Climate Science policy this week : Jun 16, 2025 - AIP.ORG (American Institute of Physics AIP.ORG ) 
 How the Five Pillars of U.S. Climate Policy are Threatened – Environmental and Energy Law Program | Harvard Oregon Oregon Legislature sends clean-energy investment bill to governor | Pensions & Investments Carbon-neutral public retirement plan closer to becoming law in Oregon - oregonlive.com Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics By Claudia Keith Energy Affordability and Utility Accountability The League joined a coalition sign-on letter in April requesting funding to support building resilience. The goal is to use affordable measures to protect people from extreme weather. The League supports full funding for the following 8 JWM priority budget topics: 1). Transportation ODOT Package HB 2025 The League supports OCN and other statewide NGO budget priorities: Increase funding above 2017 levels for public transit




 Increase funding above 2017 levels for a safe, complete multimodal system (i.e. GreatStreets, Safe Routes to School, Oregon Community Paths, and bike/ped both on-street and trails, etc.) 




 Dedicated or increased revenue for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicle incentives, including for charging and purchasing of ZEVs 
 (Please see Natural Resources Legislative Report on Transportation) 
 2. One Stop Shop 2.0/Energy Efficiency Navigation ( HB 3081A ): In JWM: This bill would create a navigation program at ODOE to help Oregonians access federal, state, local, and utility energy efficiency incentives all in one place 3. Get the Junk Out of Rates ( SB 88 ): still in Senate Rules: Not likely to move . This bill would stop utilities from charging certain expenses like lobbying, advertising, association fees to customers. 4. HB 3546: Protecting Oregonians with Energy Responsibility (POWER Act) Governor signed 6/16. This bill ensures Oregon households are not unfairly burdened by large energy users with grid and transmission costs. 5. Full Funding for Climate Resilience programs. (It is likely these programs will get a portion of the original ask.) Reinvesting the same amount as last biennium in three programs: 
 
 
 Rental Home Heat Pump Program (ODOE), $30m 
 
 
 
 
 Community Heat Pump Deployment Program (ODOE), $15m 
 
 
 
 
 Community Resilience Hubs (OREM), $10m ( House Bill 3170 ) 
 
 
 
 
 6. Environmental Justice Bills. (disadvantaged communities) HB 3170 : Community Resilience Hubs and networks : Fiscal $10M Work Session 3/4, passed to JWM, DHS, Sponsors, Rep. Marsh, Sen Pham and Rep Tan. League testimony 
 
 
 
 . HB2548 : in JWM SC CC WS 6/20 . An agriculture workforce labor standards PSU and OSU study, HR PH was 5/29. New -9 amendment changing the bill to a study with $667K fiscal. League Testimony . 7. Natural and Working Lands: HB 5039 A financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; passed out of House 6/13 and Senate 6/19 , League testimony 


 
 
 
 
. Budget report and measure summary lists all budget details. See -2 amendment for 6/6 changes. These NWL bills appear not to be moving out of committee. HB 3489 Timber Severance Tax. House Committee on Revenue. League Testimony for original bill and for -1 Amendment . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3103A – work session was 3/31. Moved to JWM, Overweight Timber Harvest , League Testimony , new adopted -5 amendment . 
 
 
 
 
 
 8. Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package Update, it is unlikely these bills will be moving this session. HB 2152 : Testimony ; work session held 4/8, passed, moved to Joint Ways and Means (JWM) -2 amendments , Staff Measure Summar y (SMS). $1M+ fiscal 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 2949 : T estimony ; work session held 4/8 , passed to JWM w -5 amendment new SMS. Fiscal is not available, will be completed if the bill gets a hearing in JWM NR SC. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3450 A Testimony , work session held, 4/8 passed adopted amendment -1 . fisca l >1M$. referred to JWM 4/11 . 2 bills are still viable. The fate of these bills is, first of all, dependent on what happens with the transportation package. It seems that there are two or three options on that front: (a) The Dems fail to get a transportation package that brings in revenues from new sources. In this case, they’ll need to fund ODOT from the general fund and there will be NO monies available for the many policy bills that were referred to Joint Ways & Means. The CEI Hub bills along with many others will not be funded. (b) The Dems succeed in passing a transportation package that brings in new revenues to fund ODOT. In this case, a select number of policy bills will be quickly considered and funded. Some weeks ago, leadership asked Committee Chairs to provide a prioritized list of bills. Those at the top of the priority lists are the most likely to be funded. Two CEI Hub bills are in this category, see below. (c ) third scenario, the Republicans walk out of one of the chambers now that there are less than 10 days to the constitutional end of session, June 29. Two CEI Hub bills are among the top priority bills: HB 2949 – Risk bond requirement. Rep. Tran ranked this as her committee’s top priority bill. She is in conversation with DEQ about ways to lower the cost of the bill (the bill passed through committee without a $ figure, but apparently DEQ has now provided Rep. Tran’s office with a $ figure). One cost-cutting change is to remove the requirement that DEQ report to the legislature. Not sure how this cuts costs, since any committee can call on an agency to report during a public hearing, but it apparently does. They are discussing other options for reducing the cost to the general fund. I was assured that none of these change the substance of the risk bond requirements. Notably, the WSPA/industry lobbyist has been in the building in recent weeks talking with legislative leadership in support of HB 2949. Apparently, they are most intent on preventing multiple jurisdictions setting multiple risk bond requirements. HB 2152 – geographical distribution of fuels for disaster response. This bill seems likely to be folded into a bill that Rep. Paul Evans ranked as his number one priority, thus elevating it to the top tier for consideration. This brings one substantive change: ODOE would be required to do this planning, but funding for the larger Evans bill kicks in in two years. Not ideal, but better than no bill; and having the policy mandate in place makes funding more likely. The changes described above and some still in the works won’t be filed as amendments until it’s clear whether and how leadership ultimately decides to assign bills to Ways & Means Capital Construction Subcommittee . So, they don’t appear in OLIS. Given the many uncertainties, I asked what we can do at this point to support these bills. In the meantime, staying tuned in to the fate of the transportation package is our best way of knowing whether these CEI Hub bills will be considered for funding this session. For latest developments, see today’s article in the Oregon Capital Chronicle, here . Bills that are unlikely to pass: HB 3492: Hazmat release study bill – as far as I know it wasn’t put forward as a top priority bill by any committee or committee chair. HB 3450: CEI Hub Transition Planning – the version that passed out of committee was so weak that we asked Rep. Tran to not push for enactment. Definitely dead: HB 2151: expand the possible uses of the Seismic Risk Mitigation Fund – this bill did not pass out of committee Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates By Claudia Keith HB 2081A : Passed House and Senate, speaker and president have signed on its way to the governor. Directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take certain actions to manage the risks of climate change to the Public Employees Retirement Fund. Oregon Public Financing / BANK

 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, Likely to die in committee. Work Session was 3/6/2025 passed to Joint Ways and Means (JWM), fiscal: .94M League Testimony Other Climate Legislation Environmental Rights Constitutional Amendment Likely dead, at this point in the session, it is doubtful SJR 28 has enough support to 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 OCERA coalition appears to be planning a ballot initiative campaign. ‘ Supporters of Oregon Green Amendment rally at the Oregon State Capitol ‘ | Salem Statesman Journal. Other Climate Bills - Active SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , Governor signed 5/28 HB 3546 Enrolled , POWER Act , House Speaker and Senate president signed 6/9. new GIS 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, The League is listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . 
 HB 3963 Offshore Wind: in Senate, 2nd reading 6/20. Extends the deadline from Sept 1, 2025, to Jan 1, 2027, for the DLCD to draft and submit a report to the Legislative Assembly on the department's activities to develop an Offshore Wind Roadmap and its assessment of enforceable state policies related to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast. 
 
 
 HB 3653 Enrolled Gov signed 5/27 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.



 HB 2065 A and HB 2066 A : Microgrid Package, In House – third reading 
6/23, HB 2065 preliminary budget 6/17 and Preliminary HB 2066 Budget 6/17 HB 2566 A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , Work Session was 3/20, moved to JWM, Rep Gamba was the only nay. Fiscal $169K At the request of Governor Tina Kotek (H CEE), DOE presentation 


 
 
 
 The House concurred to Senate amendments and repassed HB 3336 A by a vote of 41-12. House repasses grid-enhancing technologies bill Inactive Bills: likely will end session in committee: Study of Nuclear Energy ( HB 2038 ) in JWM: This measure proposes that the Oregon Department of Energy study nuclear energy and waste disposal. 
 
 
 
 SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session 3/24, updated $ 974K fiscal , moved to JWM, Sub Cmt Natural Resources. League testimony , Sen. Golden, Sen. Pham 
 
 
 HB 3189 in JWM . Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB presentation here . 
 
 
 
 
 
 SB 1143A : -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. Senators 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. 
 
 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. 
 
 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 , Climate Litigation June 13 Updates Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 85 lawsuits , (active and dismissed) mentioning Oregon. 2025 Congressional Resolution * — Our Children's Trust LWVOR has requested LWV to provide congressional advocacy and approval to LWVOR to lobby Oregon’s Congressional team concerning Congressional * Children's Fundamental Rights to Life and Stable Climate System resolution, supporting the principles underpinning Lighthiser v. Trump , the new case brought by 22 young Americans challenging the Trump administration’s pro-fossil fuel and anti-climate science Executive Orders. The resolution is sponsored by Representatives Schakowsky, Jayapal, and Raskin. They are also working with Senator Merkley’s office. Press releases from Our Children’s Trust June 14, 2025: Youth Plaintiffs Seek Emergency Court Order to Halt Trump’s Fossil Fuel Executive Orders 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. 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 5/22 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 Cybersecurity and Legislative Delays Rights of Incarcerated People Ethics Issues Election Methods By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing and are unlikely to be scheduled considering the walkout in the Senate. For campaign finance reform, the League wants true reform without loopholes for large special interest organizations. Redistricting People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 petitions downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have been collected, but more donations are needed. Cybersecurity and Legislative Delays By Rebecca Gladstone Sine die is technically imminent as the Speaker invoked House Rule 8.15(6) and the Senate President, Senate Rule 8.16 on May 23, a full month before the projected final session date, June 25. This reduces the 72-hour advance public hearing notice and 48 hours for all other meetings to 24-hours. It is hard to know what we can effectively influence with no news of the Senate walkout abating. We are standing by, watching carefully. Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support these bills for cybersecurity and election software updates ( outdated software is a security risk) : HB 2490 : This cyber omnibus bill awaits second and third Senate floor readings, scheduled and subject to change. The League urges maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). SB 167 includes election software updates. Outdated software is a cybersecurity risk. See our testimony in support, 2023 and 2019: “These aging computer programs are like the roof starting to leak. We see evidence of strain and do not want to wait further to begin remedial work from scratch in 2021” - League testimony , HB 2234 (2019). HB 2052 : This Attorney General’s Data Broker bill was assigned to W&Ms Transportation and Economic Development on May 22. League testimony in support was filed before the current -7 amendments. We are also concerned that these cybersecurity bills stopped for lack of a Senate quorum. HB 2107 A was re- rescheduled for Senate floor reading on May 30, after passing in the House, 34 to 25. See earlier reports for this Oregon Health Authority extension of automatic voter registration. HB 2806 , relating to public meetings and cybersecurity, was re- rescheduled to May 30 and 31, with dates subject to change. See our testimony . HB 2049 : is not yet assigned to a W&Ms subcommittee, referred March 3 Do-Pass with amendments, A-Engrossed. See our testimony in support. HB 3127 : We are following this “TikTok” bill, relating to the security of state assets. Was re- rescheduled for May 30 & 31, dates subject to change. SB 619 A : This Attorney General’s Data Broker bill had a May 24 work session in W&Ms Public Safety, no vote published. It passed Sen. Judiciary April 3, went to W&Ms April 12, with Do Pass with amendments by prior reference. See our testimony . SB 1073 A was referred to W&Ms April 10, to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). See our supportive testimony including related bills and the hearing video , details in previous reports. Not yet assigned to a subcommittee. __________________ SB 510 Enrolled : The Senate President has signed this Public Records Advocate and Council funding bill, after passing from the House floor May 23, 45 ayes, 1 excused, and the Senate floor April 17, 28 ayes, 1 excused. HB 2112 Enrolled is an updated public records law, with League support, see our testimony . SB 216 Enrolled : We are pleased to see enrollment of this bill to protect personal data in health care business with public agencies. CURRENT CYBER NEWS: Curry CO computer system ‘starting from scratch’ after ransomware attack , OPB, May 15, 2023 Oregon’s Curry CO determined to move forward after ransomware attack , OPB, May 19, 2023 Vermont Cybersecurity Council to Extend Protection Beyond State Gov , GovTech.com , May 15, 2023 Cyberattacks on City and Municipal Governments , Cyber Defense Magazine, May 17, 2023 Utah cyber audit finds shortfalls across state , Statescoop.com , May 19, 2023 Organizations reporting cyber resilience are hardly resilient: Study , CSO Online, May 18, 2023 Oregon leads $2.5 million multi-state settlement with EyeMed over data breach affected millions nationwide . KTVZ.Com May 17, 2023 A different kind of ransomware demand: Donate to charity to get your data back , Cyberscoop.com , May 18, 2023 Dallas says it 'will likely take weeks to get back to full functionality' after ransomware attack , City of Dallas, TX, The Record, May 18, 2023 Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley Adults in custody will now be afforded more educational opportunities with the House passage of SB 270 Enrolled on May 23. The bill authorizes the Department of Corrections (DOC) to enter into agreements with any community college or post-secondary academic program to offer instruction to adults in custody, as long as enrollment is consistent with DOC administrative rules and federal Pell Grant regulations. Ethics Issues By Chris Cobey HB 2038 A : Requires statement of economic interest to include certain information about sources of income for business in which public official or candidate, or member of household of public official or candidate, is officer, holds directorship or does business under if source of income has legislative or administrative interest and 10 percent or more of total gross annual income of business comes from that source of income. Prohibits candidate or principal campaign committee of candidate from expending campaign moneys for professional services rendered by certain businesses required to be listed on candidate's statement of economic interest. Creates exceptions. 5/23: House Rules work session scheduled. SB 168 B : Expressly prohibits public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. 5/19: From House Rules work session 5/18; recommendation: Do Pass with amendments and be printed B-engrossed; 5/22: House second reading. SB 661 Enrolled : Prohibits any lobbyist from serving as chairperson of interim committees, or certain legislative work groups, or legislative task forces. Provides exceptions. 5/16: Passed House, 57-0-2-1; 5/18: Awaiting Governor’s signature.. Election Methods By Barbara Klein HB 2004 A (a Ranked Choice Voting bill) was scheduled for the 3 rd reading and voted on by the House members on May 23, 2023. The bill passed (35 yea, 25 nay), and was sent to the Senate. The details of the -2 amendment were summarized in the governance area of the previous LWVOR Legislative Report. The RCV coalition supporting HB 2004 A met with members and leadership of the Oregon Association of County Clerks on May 24. LWVOR took part in that meeting with praise for the clerks, and recognizing our shared interests in protecting the vote. LWVOR shared with the clerks our view that the RCV system protects the voice of voters in several ways. As Sine Die was declared imminent, and a walkout of Senate members continuing, it is unclear (but doubtful) if the bill will be voted on in this session. More input from the clerks was sought in consideration of a short-session bill early next year. Briefly discussed was the RCV initiative, IP 27 , which would expand the provisions and offices covered by the current bill above. Since our previous report, IP 26 (constitutional amendment by All Oregon Votes) received a certified title , “Amends Constitution: Changes election processes. All voters/candidates for certain partisan offices participate in same nomination procedure.” (This is similar to the certified ballot title for IP 16, which All Oregon Votes appealed to the Supreme Court, but which the Court approved without change. IP 16 is not yet listed as withdrawn. There is nothing further to report on two additional election reform ballot initiatives: IP 11 (measure on statewide STAR -Score Then Automatic Runoff voting) and IP 19 , from Oregon Election Reform Coalition (which is a Final Five Open Primary, using RCV or STAR in the general). LWVOR supports IP 19, now by way of a new League position on Open Primaries adopted by concurrence at our May 2023 convention. 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 Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of October 13 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: National Guard to Portland Emergency Preparation Consumer Protection Cybersecurity and AI Voters' Privacy Rights Violation Sanctuary Counties Federal pressure on Oregon resonated throughout legislative hearings and made news for national guard activation against small peaceful ICE protests. Revoked federal funding is wreaking havoc on our strained budgets, across the board. Legal resistance will follow federal lawsuits against 4 Oregon counties for observing sanctuary standing and to reveal voters’ Personally Identifiable Information (PII). National Guard to Portland The Oregon National Guard was “activated” to Portland, under federal authority, widely seen as unneeded and an unwelcome presidential partisan retaliation, with restraining orders and countersuits stopping 200 from Oregon, then CA and TX guard. The LWVOR had written to the Governor and Attorney General urging preparation to resist the impending “federalization” of our guard members, repeatedly threatened in social media from the White House. We followed with a joint statement, League of Women Voters Condemns Unjustified National Guard Deployment to Portland . Despite opposition from Governor Kotek, 37 Oregon Mayors, the Oregon Attorney General, the League, and others, unwanted national guard intrusion plans progressed quickly during this week. 200 Oregon guard members were ordered to federal ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) facilities in Portland and Oregon leaders’ press releases rapidly followed. Sending Oregon’s national guard against fellow Oregonians as provocative, unwarranted, and a personal, partisan executive overreach. Legal action progressed as an emergency motion, then temporary restraining order stopped presidential orders for Oregon National Guard members. He then called California members, with similarly prompt and emphatic press conferences and legal actions from California. An Oregon judge ruled that their arrival was in "direct contravention" of her restraining order against activating members from Oregon. She found that order further relevant for orders to bring Texas national guard members to Oregon. Pending litigation, their deployment, boots on the ground, is on hold. This was seen in hearings as a misuse of the guard’s intended mission purposes and training. Masked ICE agents and Oregon Law Enforcement Identification Standards and Practices The Joint Senate and House Judiciary committees spoke to deep concerns for law enforcement distrust building as purportedly federal ICE agents, not clearly marked as law enforcement, and masked, have been seizing individuals. One Rep said from a citizens’ point of view, we should feel/be safe to take pictures of unmarked, masked individuals acting as law enforcement, and not expect to retain details of uniform insignia under stress. Of Oregon’s 174 law enforcement agencies, 160 use Lexipol , to apply ORS conspicuous display requirements for clearly marked and identifiable police presence, labeled with first and last names and clearly as police on uniform fronts and backs, helmets and vests. The policy goal is public transparency. ID must be provided on request, and replies must be received within 14 days. A panelist’s aside comment to ID and stalking law was unclear, and may foreshadow future legislative work. Amid lots of concern, working with Legislative Counsel, legislators wondered if we’d be preempted from asking national guard or others for ID and if federalized forces would have to observe our local ID disclosure standards. The answer was no, apparently not. There has always been variance and some confusion between local law enforcement jurisdictions, but our officers for “de-escalation and comfortability.” One fear is that national guard sent to Oregon will not have that primary perspective. In the Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs, Brigadier General Gronewold, head of the Oregon National Guard (TAG, or The Adjutant General) said his soldiers know they do not have to obey unlawful orders. He hopes people will try hard to differentiate between ICE and the national guard. They would be sending a military police unit, an infantry unit, and a Headquarters unit. They chose the ones in Oregon with the most training for this kind of mission. Questions included if this deployment would count towards active duty in a war zone. Many VA benefits depend on this. A common plea is to remember that these soldiers are Oregon citizens, having to leave their jobs and families for this work. Emergency preparation, a budget challenge example The House Emergency Management and Veterans Committee ( see video ) discussed emergency preparation and the worsening costs of delaying attention. Federal funding cuts are further looming, recognized as retribution for progressive stances in 16 states. This especially hurts long-range projects, like funding Cascadia seismic preparation and cybersecurity because Ways and Means have prioritized more immediate policy issues pressures like health care and housing. ODOT officials discussed road and bridge access for rescue and evacuation. Rep. Gomberg described the tsunami warning he got this summer. Rep. Evans described the gravity of emergency management, underscored by Oregon city and county speakers and the Benton County Sheriff. State and local agencies plan and practice on an ongoing basis. Meeting materials included maps. Between the Cascadia threat of earthquake and wildfires, there are lots of risks, ODOT and others take a 2-prong approach: resiliency and planning, then response and recovery. Land slides are one of our biggest risks with erosion and earthquake damage. Some local residents were forced to reroute onto 4,5, and 6-hour diversions. The ShakeAlert Early Warning System is working. It is possible to get various alerts on your cell phone . This could be helpful for the impending Cascadia earthquake. 95% of Oregon’s fuel is in Portland, and we don’t have enough fuel for evacuations. Two league volunteers cover our CEI (Critical Energy Infrastructure) Hubs. See Multnomah CO , or Portland Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub Policy Project. Consumer Protection, Another budget challenge example Speaking to “Economic Justice in Oregon: Fighting for Working Families” In the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, Attorney General Rayfield discussed the Oregon DoJ reorganizing. Several divisions have merged to focus more on front line issues. They’ve identified 14 FTEs and are already hiring, noting the quality of applicants who’ve left federal employment. As feds pull consumer protection funding, states must try to fill gaps. Oregon’s Consumer Protection capacity is doubling, but still only half the size of Washington’s. The Consumer Protection Hotline (877.877.9392), with a new economic justice section, is averaging 200 calls a week Cybersecurity and AI. League member Lindsey Washburn is covering AI and helping develop an LWVOR AI policy. She organized the AI Workshop for Cities on October 3 and is joining the Technology Association of Oregon delegation to the Tallinn Digital Summit in Estonia. Voters’ privacy rights violation Oregon, our Secretary of State, (and Maine) were sued in federal court by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to get personal protected information for all 3 million Oregon voters. See press , The Department of Justice is sharing voter roll data with the Department of Homeland Security, Stateline reported last week .) See LWV “ Class Action Lawsuit Challenges Trump-Vance Administration’s Unlawful “National Data Banks” That Consolidate Sensitive Personal Information Across Federal Agencies , Sept 30, 2025. Sanctuary counties The US Government sued four Oregon counties to provide immigration information to deport 10 convicted immigrants. ( press ) Subpoenas were issued in July, but Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Marion counties did not provide the information. Oregon’s 1987, first-in-the-nation sanctuary law, bars state and local officials from providing information or resources for the federal government to enforce immigration laws without a court order signed by a judge. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Barbara was born and grew up in the northeast. Step by step, living in many states, she’s made her way around the nation to land in southern Oregon. After becoming interested in election systems in 1999, she joined the League and has continued that work. This included co-chairing the passage of the 2020 LWVUS Voter Representation/Electoral Systems position. Her latest League role is as LWVOR VP. She is also Action Chair for LWV Rogue Valley, and serves on the LWVOR action committee. Formerly, she was a long-serving VP and then state president of LWV Arizona, as well as co-president of LWV Metro Phoenix. She has served on numerous study committees, including one for National, and was a member of both LWV United States task forces on National Popular Vote and Redistricting. Currently, she is a volunteer with OLLI at SOU, a core team member of several groups working to promote proportional representation and often organizes and speaks on voting topics. Previously, she was the chairperson of FairVote AZ. Barbara’s education and professional career are varied. She taught music and special ed, was trained as a music therapist, was a “qualified mental health professional” in NY state where she worked as a probation officer. Her masters was in health care and hospital administration and her doctorate in chiropractic medicine. Barbara is a published author and currently writes a blog entitled AgingWithPizzazz.com and runs the fitness app, PizzazzEE-25.com Barbara Klein 1st Vice President and Communications Chair Barbara was born and grew up in the northeast. Step by step, living in many states, she’s made her way around the nation to land in southern Oregon. After becoming interested in election systems in 1999, she joined the League and has continued that work. This included co-chairing the passage of the 2020 LWVUS Voter Representation/Electoral Systems position. Her latest League role is as LWVOR VP. She is also Action Chair for LWV Rogue Valley, and serves on the LWVOR action committee. Formerly, she was a long-serving VP and then state president of LWV Arizona, as well as co-president of LWV Metro Phoenix. She has served on numerous study committees, including one for National, and was a member of both LWV United States task forces on National Popular Vote and Redistricting. Currently, she is a volunteer with OLLI at SOU, a core team member of several groups working to promote proportional representation and often organizes and speaks on voting topics. Previously, she was the chairperson of FairVote AZ. Barbara’s education and professional career are varied. She taught music and special ed, was trained as a music therapist, was a “qualified mental health professional” in NY state where she worked as a probation officer. Her masters was in health care and hospital administration and her doctorate in chiropractic medicine. Barbara is a published author and currently writes a blog entitled AgingWithPizzazz.com and runs the fitness app, PizzazzEE-25.com