Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 3/4 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch 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 Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of State Lands (DSL) Elliott State Research Forest Forestry Land Use and Housing Reduce/Recycle Water Wildfire Volunteers Needed By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team Budgets/Revenue By Peggy Lynch SB 5701 , the omnibus budget bill for 2024 was amended at the end of the session. The League was pleased with the breadth of programs funded as well as the policy bills that were also funded. But there were disappointments, too. Scan the amended bill for items of interest to you. Included in the amendments were eleven budget notes : instructions to agencies to collaborate on projects, to report back on how monies were spent and to study issues such as how to fund wildfire programs. HB 5201 and HB 5202 are the bonding bills and were amended as well. F ees adopted by state agencies since the 2025 session were approved in SB 5702 . SB 1501 was the “program change bill”, used to address miscellaneous changes to agency programs. The agency budget process for 2025-27 is beginning. Look for presentations to agency Boards and Commissions soon. Quarterly revenue forecasts will be provided on May 29 and August 28. Then the November 20 th forecast will be the basis of the Governor’s Recommended Budget to be presented on December 1 st. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team The Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 5201 as amended in Section 5 (2) increases the uses of the bond monies that have been deposited in the Oregon Business Development Department Coos Bay Channel Fund in previous sessions not only to “deepen and widen the Coos Bay Federal Navigation Channel” but also “for the design, engineering, permitting and land acquisition efforts related to the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project.“ Oregon has a pilot mapping tool to better understand carbon storage in Oregon estuaries, in hope of s upporting long-term goals to preserve them. Dept. of State Lands (DSL) By Peggy Lynch DSL has a new website: Oregon.gov/DSL The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working with DSL to identify In Lieu lands (part of the 1,400 acres of land still owed Oregon on statehood). Click here to view the BLM Proposed Classification Decision , and a public notice that two forestland properties in Linn County have been identified for some of those In Lieu lands. Learn more . Provide public comment through April 9th . Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch Work is continuing on eventual adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan and a Forest Management Plan for ESRF. Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . A recommendation with structural governance may be before the State Land Board on April 9. If approved, look for appointments to the new ESRF Board at their June 11 tth meeting. The $4 million that had been allocated to the ESRF Authority was transferred to DSL in the omnibus budget bill, SB 5701. Forestry (ODF) By Josie Koehne The Board of Forestry met March 6 and 7. State Forester Cal Mukumoto has recommended staying the course on the Habitat Conservation Plan per Board packet .pages 116-118. On Thursday, March 7, State Forester Cal Mukumoto proposed passage of the recommended state Western Habitation Conservation Plan (HCP). Everyone acknowledged the great amount of passionate public testimony that has already been heard on both sides - in support and in opposition - to the plan over the past five years. Public comments were made about the harm that will be done to the logging community with less timber harvest on western state forest land and stated that more mills will close. Arguments in support centered on the necessity to meet the federal requirement to preserve habitat for endangered species and avoid potential lawsuits. Delay in starting over (up to 4 years) and evaluating other HCP options will further endanger protected species and other wildlife. You can watch the meeting and read more in this OPB article . Part of the challenge in making this decision is that certain western Oregon counties and local jurisdictions have relied on the timber harvest income and have not increased their local property taxes or found other economic development opportunities to plan for this income loss. There have been discussions at the legislature around how to increase that revenue ever since the severance tax was eliminated, leaving only the Forest Products Harvest Tax and greatly reducing harvest revenue. We can expect this discussion to continue in 2025. There are a number of bills this session around funding ODF and fighting wildfire with some bills increasing timber harvest revenue without increasing the actual harvest. For information on the various bills, s ee the Wildfire section of this report below. Land Use & Housing By Peggy Lynch The Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities rules adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission were appealed to the Oregon Court of Appeals and a ruling was handed down on March 6 th . Most elements of the rules were upheld. HB 4026 passed and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. The bill determines that urban growth boundary decisions cannot be voted on and are “administrative” in nature. The bill is retroactive, so the measure will stop a vote in North Plains this May, although we expect that it is possible this legislation may be challenged in court. The “relating to elections” clause of the bill allowed the legislature to “gut and stuff” the bill with this provision. The League provided testimony and is concerned that “ the amendment would take away voters’ rights to the referendum process. Furthermore, changing the constitutional referendum process and making the amendment retroactive are likely to be unconstitutional and invite a lawsuit. “ The Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee is recruiting for a new member from Oregon’s Third Congressional District. Applications are due by March 18, 9 a.m. Follow the work of the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Rulemaking Committee on the department’s Housing Rulemaking webpage . And watch their meetings on the department’s YouTube channel. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Reduce/Recycle By Camille Freitag The League weighed in again this year on a Right to Repair bill, SB 1596 . We also joined others in support of the bill. The bill passed both chambers and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. DEQ is conducting rulemaking to clarify and implement HB 3220 (2023) , which updates and makes necessary changes to the statewide electronics recycling program, Oregon E-Cycles. To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee please visit the Oregon E-Cycles rulemaking web page . The meeting agenda and materials for the sixth Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee has been posted on the Recycling 2024 website. The meeting will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 14. To attend please Register via Zoom . DEQ staff will be providing updates about previously- presented rule concepts and will be introducing new topics about: defining limited-sort facilities, commingled materials and reload facilities, outbound contamination rates and certification for out-of-state commingled recycling processing facilities. Water By Peggy Lynch The Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) announced that the draft of Oregon’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) is accepting initial public review and comment, March 5 through April 5. An updated draft is then anticipated to be available for a second public comment opportunity in May. The Oregon Water Resources Commission will hear public testimony and consider adoption of the 2024 IWRS at their September meeting. For more information about this process, please visit the IWRS page on their website. The League hopes members will engage since we were actively engaged in the original legislation and in the 2012 and 2017 IWRS documents. This new draft takes an entirely new slant from the current IWRS. It will be important that the original documents not be invalidated but instead enhanced by this proposal. OWRD has announced revised groundwater allocation rules . The department is providing multiple opportunities to engage. OWRD will be hosting informational sessions before each public hearing where staff will review the proposed rules. Public comments will not be accepted at the information sessions but will be accepted at the public hearings following each session . For more context, please see the background information , informational flyer , and Frequently Asked Questions . The omnibus budget bill, SB 5701, included an allocation of $1 million General Fund added to the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund . The League was engaged in helping create this fund in 2021 and supports this allocation. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers Things have wound down for the 2024 Short Session of the Legislature, during which hopes for a solution to the lack of sustainable funding for wildfire programs were officially dashed. The League continued following Representative Marsh/Senator Steiner’s HB 4133 , the last of the three bills which attempted to address the wildfire funding issue. It had been scheduled for a Work Session before the Joint Subcommittee on Capital Construction, but was pulled at the 11th hour due to a technical issue with the funding structure, and is dead. The Capital Chronicle published this article on March 7, with a summary of the fates of most of the wildfire-related bills, including the other two funding bills which had already failed. OPB also covered this story. For the Oregon Dept. of Forestry, a major issue is cash flow since, when they fight fires, the money for contractors goes out, but reimbursement from FEMA and others often takes months or years. Some other wildfire-related bills succeeded. Representative Marsh’s Prescribed Fire Liability and Home Hardening Grant Program bill passed. Also, two bills which address taxes on wildfire victims both passed. The first, SB 1520 , allows wildfire victims to take income tax subtractions for settlements and judgements related to wildfire damages, as well as attorneys’ fees. SB 1545 allows counties to offer a property tax break to wildfire victims who rebuild their homes. Among highlights in SB5701 , the Budget Reconciliation Bill, $8 million was allocated for the Department of the State Fire Marshal to support prepositioning, readiness response, and cash flow constraints for the 2024 fire season. Also, a Budget Note was included, which directs the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Department of the State Fire Marshal to convene a facilitated workgroup to collaborative on finding sustainable wildfire funding solutions with stakeholders representing a broad swath of interests, in a clear recognition that this remains a high-priority, difficult issue. The money ODF received was really a fund shift, so there is $10 million from the General Fund for landscape resilience, but it was just money allocated in 2023 that had been placed in a different fund. SB 1552 , Sections 40-42, allocated $300, 000 for a study of forestry workforce. Advocated by the Association of Oregon Loggers, the study is to be inclusive of many groups, including youth groups, currently involved in workforce training and forestry experiences. Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered.

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

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone 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 Privacy Campaign Finance Redistricting Government Ethics By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team **Action Needed: Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support these Bills ** Many have increased relevance in light of the DMV data breach, see our blog post. These bills have been referred out to Joint Ways & Means: HB 2049 B Rules were suspended to move this Cybersecurity Center of Excellence bill, passed the House floor 56 in favor, 1 excused, on June 13. League testimony i n support. HB 2052 B Rules suspended to move this AG Data Broker bill, passed the House floor 49/9/1 on June 7. League testimony in support. These bills await Senate readings and subsequent action: HB 2107 A : This OHA extension of automatic voter registration passed the House on a partisan vote of 34/25/1, so votes in Senate Rules need our support (sent from the Senate floor). HB 2490 This cyber omnibus bill awaits third Senate floor reading, June 20. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). HB 3073 A awaiting first Senate reading, scheduled June 16, passed from the House floor, May 31, 55 to 1. See our Feb 16 testimony in support of candidate and incumbent home address privacy. SB 619 B This larger bill from the AG’s bill consumer data protection task force got carried over by unanimous consent on the Senate floor to June 20 . See our testimony . Cybersecurity and Privacy By Rebecca Gladstone The OR Senate walkout from May 3 finally ended on June 15, with a quorum present. 394 bill actions were scheduled including 40 from the House, which suspended rules to increase by 10. 144 bills have already been signed by the Governor ( Axios ). Stand by for advocacy support news, possibly on short notice from the League. The lack of transparency and access, not scheduling public hearings for bills and amendments progressing in committees, is a serious problem the League expects to address after this session. Please help us advocate for the bills listed above for Governance Action. These also relevant bills now awaiting Senate attention. Many are League priorities: HB 2806 A Relating to public meetings and cybersecurity, further re-scheduled for Senate reading June 20. See our testimony . This bill passed the House 58/0/2. HB 3127 A : We are following this “TikTok” bill, relating to the security of state assets. Currently further rescheduled for June 15 and 16, dates subject to change. SB 166 Enrolled : The Senate concurred with House amendments June 15, 22 to 0, for final passage of this Secretary of States’ omnibus bill to address privacy and harassment concerns among many other topics. There is a proposed cash “physical currency” limit to directly address dark money concerns, of $100 annually, for aggregated cash campaign contributions. See our March 14 testimony and previous extensive reports, predating amendments. SB 510 Enrolled : The Governor has signed this Public Records Advocate and Council funding, effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die. There has been no legislative action on SB 417 , the related policy bill, since the February 7 public hearing for which we attended weekly work group sessions from February to May. Campaign Finance It was announced in the June 8 House Rules Committee no CFR bill will be moved forward during this long session. The interim will be used to continue these discussions to hopefully bring back a bill in next year’s short session. 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. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2038 B : 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. 6/13: Passed House, 51-5; 6/14: Senate first reading and referred to Ways and Means. SB 168 Enrolled : 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. 6/15: Passed Senate 22 to 0.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - November Interim Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Highlights Natural and Working Lands/Natural Climate Solutions LWVUS Climate Advocacy Oregon Public Utility Update Oregon Global Warming Commission November Leg Day Policy Committee Meeting Review Environmental Justice Council Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Volunteers Needed Climate Emergency Highlights Senator Michael Dembrow is expected to sponsor a bill (follow-up to SB 3409, 2023) during the 2024 Legislative Short Session (Feb 5 to March 10) to update Greenhouse Gas Emission targets to net-zero by 2050, into statute in 2024. It’s been 15 years since targets were set. There may be a divestment in the dirty coal bill specific to PERS funds. It’s unclear at this point if any follow-up on 2023 HB 2763 State Public Bank ( vetoed / unsigned by Gov Kotek ) will be filed. There will likely be an opportunity for LWVOR (with many other Climate coalition members), to oppose any natural gas legislation which weakens current DEQ and or DOE GHGE reduction goals. (See DEQ CPP rulemaking status). It is expected the following policy/budget topics will be moved to the 2025 long session: Water, Transportation, Air, Fracking moratorium update, DOE climate curriculum, and likely the data center (and crypto mining facilities) GHG emission reduction goals. Natural and Working Lands/Natural Climate Solutions The NCS coalition met recently and discussed collecting comments on the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) Report published in September. The Institute for Natural Resources (ORS 352.808) “works to deliver management-relevant information that informs discussions and decisions about the long-term stewardship of Oregon’s natural resources, and works to advance centralized, science-based natural resource information for Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.” This is part of the climate package that included the Natural Working Lands bill, HB 530 (2023 LWVOR testimony ) about meeting Oregon’s carbon sequestration and storage goals. There were discussions about the new Advisory Council additions that were part of the bill. There were questions about the process and approvals needed for allocations of the initial $10 million NWL Fund to be used for increasing agency budgets for grants and for increased capacity within the agencies to address climate change. Additional NCS resources: HERE . Budget: Given the Nov 15 favorable Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast, Climate related Budget / funding state agency and environmental justice items will likely be added to the end of session budget bill. Note most of the new federal climate funds (IRA,..) require state matching funds. LWVUS Climate Advocacy Sept 2023: The Climate Crisis and the Urgent Need for Government Action | League of Women Voters Take Action: URGE CONGRESS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE In Aug 2023 LWVUS Urges Congress to Support the Children’s Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution ; “which recognizes the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the health, economic opportunities, and fundamental rights of children and the need for a national, science-based climate recovery plan to meet necessary emissions reduction targets and stabilize the climate system.” As in previous years, LWV UN will send observers to UNFCCC COP28 (Nov 30-Dec 12.) Robin tokmakian, LWV Portland and NWEC Advocate for LWVOR will be the designated LWV UN Observer for Climate. LWV is also an active NGO-approved UN IPCC observer . Global and Federal Climate report: ‘Uncharted territory’ imperils life on Earth | Oregon State University, Climate Scientists Fear the “Uncharted Territory” Earth Has Entered | Atmos.earth , US climate assessment lays out growing threats, opportunities as temperatures rise | Reuters, U .S. and China Agree to Displace Fossil Fuels by Ramping Up Renewables |The New York Times, Companies need to integrate climate reporting across functions to comply with California’s new law | Reuters, In California and Europe, a new dawn for corporate climate disclosure | The Hill, New Report Provides Comprehensive Plan to Meet U.S. Net-Zero Goals and Ensure Fair and Equitable Energy Transition | National Academies SEM. State and Region EQC action: The Environmental Quality Commission adopted these rules at its meeting on Nov. 16, 2023 . Item D: Climate 2023 Rulemaking (Action) Item D Presentation Slides Attachment A Attachment B Addendum A Opinion: Transition to clean energy in Oregon homes will prevail, despite fossil fuel industry’s tactics – Oregon Capital Chronicle, Federal regulators approve natural gas pipeline expansion through Oregon, Washington – Oregon Capital Chronicle, Sept: New analysis shows that, in a decisive decade for climate action, Oregon must aim higher | EDF, Portland approves 5-year, $750 million climate action plan | OPB. June 2023: After the longest walkout in Oregon’s history, the state’s climate progress hangs in the balance |EDF; “…One bill that currently hangs in the balance is HB 3409, a Climate Resilience Package that would set some of the most ambitious climate targets in the nation, aligned with what the latest climate science tells us is necessary to reach a safer, more stable climate. The update is long overdue, as it would be the first time Oregon has adjusted its climate targets in over 15 years.” States with net-zero carbon emissions targets - CSG ERC Oregon Global Warming Commission Meeting November 17, 2023, 9am – 1pm Online Meeting “Meetings of the Oregon Global Warming Commission are open to the public. Public comment is welcome. Agenda items are expected to be addressed in the order listed during the meeting. However, the Chair may elect to reorder agenda items during the meeting or to delay action on an item until the next meeting to accommodate the priorities of the Commission…” Oregon Public Utility Update By Greg Martin HB 2021 requires Oregon’s large investor-owned utilities and electricity service suppliers to decarbonize their retail electricity sales to maximize direct benefits to local communities. The utilities’ Clean Energy Plans (CEPs), overseen by OPUC, are the key regulatory mechanism for implementing the emissions reduction targets prior to 2030. OPUC undertook this investigation to identify key implementation issues that are within the commission’s authority to address. Administrative Law Judge John Mellgren presided over the hearing. Parties and intervenors included PacifiCorp, PGE, Oregon CUB, Green Energy Institute, Rogue Climate, NW Energy Coalition, Oregon Solar and Storage Industries Assn., NewSun Energy, Climate Solutions, and the Sierra Club. Discussion revolved around this memorandum’s four major issues. OPUC made no determination on these issues but sought input on its legal authority to require utilities to address certain factors arising from HB 2021 -- for example, the force of policy statements in the statute as distinct from concrete requirements. Not surprisingly, environmental groups argued that OPUC should have broad latitude in applying the law's language in utility proceedings. An interesting comment toward the end of the hearing: Regarding OPUC's approach to ensuring that utilities demonstrate “continual progress” toward meeting the clean energy targets, NewSun's counsel asserted that Oregon utilities don't fear the consequences of failing to show continual progress, whereas utilities in Washington are "scared" about it. Oregon Global Warming Commission By Josie Koehne The OGWC started off with Debbie Colbert, Deputy Director of the Oregon Department Fish & Wildlife stating that the $10 million approved by the Legislature available Natural & Working Lands Fund won’t be available for distribution to agencies for carbon sequestration incentives and technical assistance until April, 2024. The NWL Fund will be distributed to four agencies, ODFW, AG, ODF and OWEB, which ODOE will be distributing at the recommendation of the Global Warming Commission. ODOE is building capacity within its agency for this climate work. Catherine Mac Donald, OGWC Chair, gave an overview of the Natural and working Lands Proposal (approved Aug 4, 2021) and its proposed implementation strategies as outlined in bundled climate bill, HB 3409, passed in 2023. She went over requirements of the bill sections related to Natural and Working Lands, Sections 53-67 (originally HB 530). NWL requirements in the legislation: Establishes a 15-member Advisory Committee for implementing the NWL bill Identifies the Institute of Natural Resource of OSU (Lisa Gaines in charge) to build a baseline inventory of carbon for blue, brown and green carbon (wetlands, agriculture, grasslands, rangeland, and forestlands. The methodology for doing this inventory were Basic (EPA guidelines with additional modifications) and Advanced, which is more robust and collects more data points. The four OGWC subcommittee members (Apter, Ford, MacDonald and Rietmann) recommended using the Advanced methodology. The INR report included recommendations that are open to public comment to be collected through December, with the approval vote on this revised INR Report scheduled for January. So far over 1000 comments have been submitted. Includes Tribal consultation and process To be advised by both a Technical Team and the Advisory Committee Requires a Workforce Study and Report in consultation with the four agencies Defines a framework with metrics for Community Input (Pages 28-31 in the INR report) Includes Workforce Training and Assessment Includes activity-based metrics for carbon sequestration A discussion followed of the advisory committee member selection process, for their expertise, and expansion of representation on the advisory as an option in the bill. Note: LWVOR supports the comments of Lauren Anderson of Oregon Wild during this meeting on the lack of specificity in the forestry recommendations for activity-based metrics. In addition, our LWVOR comments: The term "better managed forests” as used in OSU’s INR report often carries the unstated assumptions of using the private industrial practices of fertilizing and herbicide use (which harms natural microbial action), and “thinning to reduce ladder fuels” with burning slash piles “to reduce wildfire risk.“ These practices would add CO2 to the atmosphere and reduce carbon sequestration while compacting the soils and interfering with beneficial microbial action that captures CO2 in the soil. As observers on the ground in federal and state public forests ((Paula Hood's group of PNWCA forestry team) have reported, “thinning” often equates to clear-cutting, so this term must be carefully defined and monitored. What is appropriate for industrial forestry is inappropriate for public lands with its requirements to serve many public purposes beside timber products production. Since fire resistant mature and old growth trees store far more quantities of carbon than young growing trees, their protection and promotion on both public and private forests should be included as a major carbon sequestration strategy. In addition, our limited NWL carbon sequestration funds should not be used for wildfire mitigation, which will soon get ample sources of federal and state funding. November Leg Day Policy Committee Meeting Review By Arlene Sherrett On November 13, 2023, the Oregon Department of Energy (DOE) hosted a webinar about the implementation of the State Energy Strategy authorized by HB 3630 . The webinar introduced the process for creating the Energy Strategy but did not go into the strategy itself. Brief presentations were given by each State of Oregon department that will have a role in formulating the strategy and implementing laws concerning climate change in Oregon. Oregon PUC, DOE, DEQ, DLCD, DOT and Business Oregon were represented, each giving their perspective on the strategy and the energy landscape in Oregon. Stakeholder engagement for the project was explained and public comment opportunities were highlighted. The process will culminate in delivery of a final report to the Governor and the Legislature on November 1, 2025. Learn more and sign up for email updates at the State Energy Strategy webpage . Senate Interim Committee on Energy and Environment – November 8, 2023 The Committee met for informational panels on four topics. Denmark's GreenLab and Circular Energy Infrastructure Development Christopher Sorensen, CEO, GreenLab, a Danish private/public collaboration, presented how the GreenLab concept works and how it helps with the transition to clean energy. By transforming any waste power, heat or fuel, in a usable form, storing that energy and preserving it for use to provide something someone else in the complex needs, all the businesses work together in a symbiotic fashion. Mr. Sorensen stated that an agreement had been reached between the Danish Foreign Ministry, the USDA, and GreenLab to share these concepts and to scout sites in the US that might be suitable for building similar facilities. Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Vicki Walker and Christopher Castelli from the Department of State Lands presented the development of a program to provide for proper disposal of abandoned vessels. The Department has the responsibility to clean up abandoned vessels and protect our waterways and ecosystems from toxic chemicals often found onboard. Since the Department also has the responsibility to provide funding for Oregon schools, expenses from vessel clean-up deplete school funding coffers. The Abandoned and Derelict Vessels (ADV) program will be designed to focus on prevention to avoid these high costs wherever possible. Of the vessels cleaned up and dismantled so far, one cost $1M and another cost $7M. The Legislature had given State Lands $18.8 M initially from the Monsanto settlement to do this work. Residential Solar in Oregon Christy Splitt, Government Relations Coordinator and Rob Del Mar, Senior Policy Analyst, both with the Oregon Department of Energy, presented on Oregon’s existing solar and storage incentives program. Mr. Del Mar reported that the Department has applied for a Federal Grant program called Solar for All, which would cover more people. Pacific Northwest Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Janine Benner, Director of the Oregon Department of Energy, gave an overview of the Pacific Northwest Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub which has gained initial acceptance from the US Department of Energy, to try for one of the grants it is offering. Kate Hopkins, Chief Development Officer for NovoHydrogen, introduced the concept for a hydrogen node planned for Baker, Oregon, to manufacture and supply fuel for heavy trucking. House Interim Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment The Committee hosted three informational panels at their 11/6/2023 meeting Transmission 101- Local electricity and high-voltage transmission professionals appeared before the committee for an informational update on issues with Oregon’s current electricity transmission system. With no established planning and controlling authority in place for the Northwest, panel members discussed how local transmission planning entities (the BPA, OPUC, and individual investor-owned utilities with individual IRP processes) can cooperate on a least cost, inclusive plan to adequately address the complexities of a highly interconnected system, design transmission capacity additions that serve everyone, and provide for the expanding electricity needs of the population between now and 2050, while at the same time, finding equitable cost-sharing solutions. Climate-smart agriculture Dr. Jeffrey Steiner, OSU, Greg Harris, Threemile Canyon Farm, and Shelby Leighton, Nez Perce Tribe Enterprises, appeared before the Committee to share the climate-smart agriculture project they have been working on. For this five-year, $50 billion USDA grant project, the group will grow potatoes (yes, they do taste different when grown using smart practices) using climate-smart techniques, such as use of cover crops, crop rotation, soil compaction, and regenerative ag. Across the US, USDA grants are being invested in similar research projects with regionally specific crops. Scientist Dr. Jeffrey Steiner is researching if climate-smart practices work and if they can increase CO2 sequestration in soils. Wildfire Funding Workgroup update A workgroup was convened by Senator Steiner to examine problems with wildfire funding. Dr. Steiner has been working with Doug Grafe, Wildfire and Military Advisor from the Office of the Governor, and has put together a group of experts to work on this critical problem until resolution is found. The workgroup has already identified one way to simplify funding by addressing the complexity in funding pathways, possibly through legislative action. Action probably will not be taken until the 2025 session. See Agenda and Meeting materials. Climate and environment bills for next session Rep. Mark Gamba gave a presentation to climate group Engineers for a Sustainable Future on November 14, 2023. He spoke informally about the difficulties of getting bills through the Legislature, including the number of bills to consider and the short time to consider them in, and the lack of organization around climate issues. Rep Gamba will be initiating the need for electrical transmission lines in the region. He wants to see a regional transmission organization (RTO) created by 2030, putting planning coordination into the hands of an appropriate entity. He would also like to create an organized climate caucus with funding in the state budget. A caucus would provide a way for climate bills to be considered together and be handled more effectively. Environmental Justice Council By Claudia Keith The new Oregon Environmental Justice Council has met a number of times and now includes an EJ Mapping subcommittee. EJ Mapping Subcommittee - November 13, 2023: 2pm - 3:30pm - ZOOM Council Meeting - December 5, 2023: 9am - 1pm Location: 700 NE Multnomah St, Portland, Oregon 97232 (Lloyd 700 Building 3rd Floor L700 Conference Room) October 17, 2023 Agenda Item 3: EJ Mapping Tool , Item 5: EJC Charter Draft Item 7: Zenith ADCP Letter , Item 7: DEQ Zenith Response Letter Watch the recorded meeting Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust By Claudia Keith The HILL: OPINION > ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ‘ Big Oil’s day in court is coming — and it’s long overdue’ by Dana Zartner , JD, Ph.D., is a professor of international and comparative law with a focus on environmental justice at the University of San Francisco. Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Gas, oil companies argue against Oregon’s emission deadlines during Court of Appeals hearing -- Several dozen people gathered afterwards to support those rules, which require a 50% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. -– Oregon Capital Chronicle. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are several active state federal lawsuits , (Nov 2023 update) 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 69 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON. Climate Emergency Team and Volunteers Needed Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Transportation and ODOT state agency Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

League of Women Voters Member since 1998 League of Women Voters U.S,- Ruth S. Shur Membership and Leadership Fellow 2011-2013 Founder Yellow Rose Events-Women's History Celebrations, 2010 to present 1st Vice President, League of Women Voters of Butte County, CA President, League of Women Voters El Dorado County, CA Events Chair, League of Women Voters of Oregon Events Chair, League of Women Voters, Marion-Polk Counties, OR Eileen Burke-Trent Events Chair League of Women Voters Member since 1998 League of Women Voters U.S,- Ruth S. Shur Membership and Leadership Fellow 2011-2013 Founder Yellow Rose Events-Women's History Celebrations, 2010 to present 1st Vice President, League of Women Voters of Butte County, CA President, League of Women Voters El Dorado County, CA Events Chair, League of Women Voters of Oregon Events Chair, League of Women Voters, Marion-Polk Counties, OR

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: vacant Energy Policy: Claudia Keith Environmental Justice: vacant Natural Climate Solution Forestry: Josie Koehne Agriculture: vacant Community Resilience & Emergency Management: see Governance LR: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: see NR LR Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Federal Oregon Joint Ways and Means CE Funding Topics Oregon Treasury Other Climate Bills Climate Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee Chamber Votes There are 13 days until the end of session and a number of bills and agency funding priorities are still waiting to move. The League expects some funding for existing state agency Climate related programs will be in the end of session reconciliation bill. Transportation Legislation HB 2025 is a major topic these last few days. ‘Oregon transportation bill gets panned by Republicans – even those who negotiated it ‘- Jefferson Public Radio. ‘ Tax hikes in proposed Oregon transportation packag e would eventually raise more than $2 billion per year, new report says’ - oregonlive.com Special Session? The League is aware of a possible special Sept session that could address a number of significant Federal Admin policy funding issues. Federal The Trump administration has shut down more than 100 climate studies | MIT Technology Review Study Says Clean Energy Rollbacks Will Cost Economy $1.1 Trillion by 2035 - Inside Climate News Department of Justice Gives Trump Go-Ahead to Eliminate National Monuments - Inside Climate News Transportation chief seeks to weaken fuel economy standards , calls Biden-era rule 'illegal' | Consumer | centraloregondaily.com EPA to propose rolling back climate rule for power plants Wednesday - POLITICO Science policy this week : Jun 9, 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 Power shutoffs banned during extreme summer heat in Oregon - oregonlive.com Oregon lawmakers weigh increased oversight of state's embattled transportation department • Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon transportation bill gets panned by Republicans – even those who negotiated it | Jefferson Public Radio Oregon lawmakers propose tax hikes and new taxes to fund 2025 transportation bill - Statesman Journal Oregon Democrats’ transportation funding bill could raise $2B per year, analysis shows - OPB 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 all the following 8 JWM budget topics: 1). Transportation ODOT Package HB 2025 is Priorities 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. Protecting Oregonians with Energy Responsibility (POWER Act) ( HB 3546 ): waiting for Governor’s signature. 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 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 : still in Rules, new 5/23 amendment and new SMS now. An agriculture workforce labor standards study, HR PH was 5/29. New -7 amendment changing the bill to a study with $616K fiscal. WS 6/16 possibly w néw amendments. League Testimony . 7 . Natural and Working Lands HB 3489 Timber Severance Tax. House Committee on Revenue. League Testimony for original bill and for -1 Amendment . 
 
 
 
 
 
 HB 5039 financial administration of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board; JWM NR SC, League testimony 


 
 
 
 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 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 
 
 
 
 
 
 See 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.] See Climate Emergency April 28: CEI emergency management package update. The Bigger Picture: ASCE's ( American Society of Civil Engineers , founded in 1852), Oregon received a C- grade Infrastructure Report Card . Oregon Treasury: Oregon Divest/ Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates By Claudia Keith Oregon Divest / ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance Updates HB 2081A : Senate vote moved to 6/16, Senate Finance and Revenue WS was 6/2. NO fiscal listed. 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. Passed House along party lines. WS Senate Finance & Rev was 5/28. Oregon Public Financing / BANK 

 HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, 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 Study of Nuclear Energy ( HB 2038 ) in JWM: This measure proposes that the Oregon Department of Energy study nuclear energy and waste disposal. SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , SEE Work session 2/17, Gov. Kotek & DOE, Senate voted 21-7, moved to House 3/4, House passed, 5/20. Governor signed 5/28 
 
 HB 3546 Enrolled , POWER Act , House Speaker and Senate president signed 6/9. passed 6/3 House concurred 6/5. new GIS The bill requires the Pub lic 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 has approved being listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . HB 3963 Offshore Wind: in Senate Rules, 6/17 Public Hearing. House passed June 5. 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 2566 A : 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 B: Senate vote 6/12 passed, climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald 


 
 
 SB 688 A: -5 , Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, PH 3/12,& 3/19, work session was 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. 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. 
 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. 
 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 JWM 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. EENews: Alaska youth file appeal in bid to block LNG project They say it would triple the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and violate their right to a livable climate. Press releases from Our Children’s Trust June 14, 2025 Youth Plaintiffs Seek Emergency Court Order to Halt Trump’s Fossil Fuel Executive Orders June 12, 2025 Alaska Youth File Climate Appeal to State Supreme Court; Lawmakers and League of Women Voters Join in Support with Amicus Brief Highlights of House and Senate Policy Committee and Chamber Votes Senate E&E Committee Meeting June 9, 2025 Informational Meeting: Overview of Washington Cap & Invest Program Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Majority Leader, Washington State House of Representatives Joel Creswell, CCA program leader, Washington State Department of Ecology WA’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) passed in 2021 (all Democratic votes), took effect 1/1/2023 and has been a “great success” with functioning carbon markets, significant revenues from auctions, and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The legislature has amended the statute each session since 2021 to address lessons learned. CCA program mechanics and emission reduction targets are similar to those of Oregon’s CPP. Regulated entities in WA buy emission allowances (called compliance instruments in OR) under a declining emissions cap. Some entities get free allowances, including utilities and energy-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) industries. Air quality protections are built in at the statutory level. The carbon market decides where emission reductions take place—i.e., not necessarily everywhere—but air quality monitoring expands to protect overburdened (EJ) communities from disproportionate impact – if air quality doesn’t improve as carbon emissions fall, remedial regulatory procedures kick in. The CCA covers 75% of the state’s total emissions, excluding small industrial facilities, agriculture, maritime, and aviation. WA holds quarterly auctions of emission allowances, in which prices fluctuate between the state-imposed price floor and ceiling. Average market prices have ranged between ~ $25 to $56 since 2023. To date, the auctions have brought in $2.9 billion. Revenues from sale of utilities’ free allowances are consigned to the utilities to offset rate impacts to customers. Linkage with CA and Quebec markets (formal agreement expected in 2026) is a key statutory requirement. Each jurisdiction will determine how many allowances it will sell but the auctions will be held jointly – there will no longer be state allowances but linked allowances. This is expected to reduce compliance costs, making the required GHG reductions achievable more cost-effectively, and to stabilize prices – as the joint market is six to seven times larger than WA’s market, individual bidders can’t affect the market disproportionally. Oregon’s participation would help all states by expanding the carbon market further. New York and Maryland appear likely to join the linked market, and possibly Colorado and New Mexico in the future Auction revenues go into three main accounts focused on decarbonizing transportation, air quality and health disparities improvement, and clean energy transition. Since 2023, CCA investments have totaled $3.2 billion, of which $1.2 billion for clean transportation and the remainder for building decarbonization, advancing EJ, agriculture sequestration, climate resilience and adaptation, clean energy. 10% of CCA investments must benefit tribes and up to 40% for EJ. Specific funded projects include: $429 million for public transit grants and projects – e.g., youth under age 18 can ride public transit anywhere in the state at no cost $159 million for energy vouchers for low- and moderate-income residential electricity customers $64 million to convert the state’s three largest ferries to hybrid electric $30 million for schools to replace old HVAC systems $15 million for landfill methane capture grants Q&A time: Sen. Golden – how do you deal with very sharp partisan differences about this program? And what about a state’s competitiveness vs. others who don’t have such a program? Rep. Fitzgibbon: We have had good collaboration on program implementation across the aisle. Traditional stakeholder groups have been divided internally on some program provisions. Regarding competitiveness – EITE industries (pulp and paper, steel and aluminum, etc.) get free allowances on a per-unit of production basis, so if they reduce their energy intensity, they can profit by selling their allowances. Sen. Brock Smith: We sequester more carbon in natural and working lands in this state than we produce. How do you define overburdened communities? Republicans didn’t want the CPP to begin with, but now they’re concerned about how their districts will benefit from investments. Has WA had bipartisan agreement on this? Fitzgibbon: More than 80% of CCA investments have been in transportation and capital spending budgets, which tend to be bipartisan. Offset protocols apply to projects in forestry, livestock methane capture, ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, etc.) that can show they sequester additional carbon. Offset credits are essentially equal to allowances but are limited to 8% of compliance obligation. Benefits must accrue only in WA, so for practical purposes, offset projects must be located within the state boundaries. Sen. Robinson: Puts his climate change denial on record again – no proof that carbon is affecting the climate. Was there a scientific discussion of the need for GHG reductions or was it just assumed? Fitzgibbon: We’ve known for 150 years that CO2 traps heat, you can detect this in the atmosphere and oceans. So we didn’t spend a lot of time discussing this. If you want conclusive science, look to EPA’s endangerment finding issued in the 2000s. Robinson challenges him to a “friendly” debate the next time he’s in Salem. Golden wants to watch with popcorn. 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 Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 3/27 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • 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 Immigration Basic Needs Anti-discrimination in Employment Oregon Health Authority Budget Other Health Care Bills Housing By Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan It has been another busy week for the Legislature as it works to meet a first-chamber deadline of April 4, when bills must be sent out of committee, either to the floor for a vote or to another committee for further consideration. If the deadline is not met, a bill will not move forward. Governor Kotek’s major housing and homeless bill was adopted and other housing bills are moving ahead in the process. On Wednesday, March 29, the Governor signed the housing and homelessness bills into law. The $200 million funding package includes HB 2001 B , the policy bill, and HB 5019 A , the budget bill. Expenditure details are here. The League provided HB 5019 testimony . We added our logo to House and Senate floor letters along with many other supportive organizations. Housing bills moving forward HB 2680 : This bill strengthens and clarifies legislation passed in 2019 related to screening fees charged for rental applications. HB 2680 would require landlords to refund screening fees within 14 days if the apartment is filled before screening the applicant or if the application is withdrawn before the screening takes place. If the landlord fails to return the fee, damages the applicant may recover increase from $150 to $250 under the new legislation. A work session in the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness is scheduled on April 4. HB 3462 : If passed, people displaced by major disasters would be eligible for emergency housing benefits provided through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management regardless of their immigration status. Under federal law, these services are not available to undocumented immigrants. The House Committee on Housing and Homelessness will hold a work session on April 4. SB 599 : This bill passed the Senate by a vote of 27 – 3 and was referred to House Early Childhood and Human Services. If enacted into law, the legislation would require landlords to allow tenants in rental housing to provide childcare services if the home is certified or registered with the Office of Child Care, the tenant has notified the landlord, and the home does not violate zoning, homeowner association’s governing documents, or Early Learning Council rules. Landlords may require liability insurance. This legislation is intended to increase the supply of much-needed childcare services in Oregon. HB 3042 A applies to publicly supported housing after the landlord withdraws the property from a government contract. It would prohibit landlords from evicting tenants from their homes for three years after the contract ends. Rent increases would be allowed no more than once a year during that period and would be limited by state limits on rent increases. A work session before House Housing and Homelessness was held on March 23, and the bill passed with amendments. It was scheduled for a second reading in the House on March 29 and a third reading on March 30. SB 1076 would require licensed hospitals to include in their discharge policy specific procedures for when they discharge homeless patients. Hospital staff would work with patients and supportive services to discharge patients safely, regardless of their housing status. Unfortunately, homeless patients have been discharged with no real destination and left with no resources, outside on the street. A public hearing was held before Senate Health Care on March 27, with a work session scheduled on April 3. HB 3151 A addresses policy updates affecting manufactured home parks, including clarification of the improvements that landlords may require of tenants; extension of the sunset for grants for legal assistance for low-income facility tenants and for Manufactured and Marina Communities Dispute Resolution Advisory Committee; amends the legal assistance grant program; expands affordable housing developed on nonresidential lands. The bill also expands the state manufactured dwelling park preservation loan program to allocate money to develop new parks. On March 22, the bill was carried in the third reading by Senate Housing and Development. Immigration By Claudia Keith Bills we are supporting or following: HB 2957 the -4 amendment Work Session was held on 3/29 . It passed out of committee to JW&Ms. New description: Financial assistance to non-citizens for specified purposes. (>7M$). A large portion of the source funding is Federal ARPA funds. Rep Ruiz, House EC&HS Public Hearing was 2/22 . League Testimony supports. HB 3176 Work Session 4/3 . Requires Dept HS and Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, to award contracts to organizations to provide support services to immigrants and refugees. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund. Directs Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement to convene representatives from state agencies, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to coordinate policy recommendations. Representative Reynolds, Senator Jama, House ECHS then to JW&M. Public Hearing was March 8 . Fiscal is not yet posted. Bills moved from Policy Committee to JW&Ms: SB 627 : Funding for universal (legal) fees for non-documented individuals ($15M) Sen Lieber. Passed out of Sen Judiciary, DO Pass, Feb 7, sent to JW&Ms. The League has supported this policy/funding category in the past. Fiscal Analysis . Bills of Interest or possible League support: (Bills that have been posted to OLIS that may move forward via a committee public hearing. – an Incomplete list) SB 849 Public Hearing 2/28 with -1 amendment . Preliminary SMS -1 : Work session was 3/14. Now in JW&Ms. Fiscal $20M grant fund. Requires professional licensing boards to provide culturally responsive training to specified staff members, publish guidance on pathways to professional authorization for internationally educated individuals and waive requirement for English proficiency examination for specified internationally educated individuals…. Sen Labor & Business. Senator Jama, Dembrow, Frederick, Campos, Manning Jr, Woods, Representative Chaichi, Nguyen H. SB 185 Public Hearing and Work Session 4/3 : Requires the DoJ to study immigration in this state; may include legislation recommendations to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15, 2024. Requested by Attorney General Rosenblum. In Sen Judiciary. Sunsets January 2, 2025. Basic Needs SB 610 : Work Session 4/3 . Establishes Food for All Oregonians Program within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), unclear what the funding ask may be. Chief sponsors: Senator Campos, Representative Ruiz, Senator Manning Jr, Gorsek, Representative Bowman, Dexter, Gamba . Sen Human Services then to JW&M. Public Hearing was 2/27. Legislative Summary HB 2990 -1 : Work session 3/27 . Moved to JWM. Resilience Hubs. Directs Oregon Health Authority to develop and implement grant programs to support resilience hubs and networks in Oregon. Fiscal Statement May partially replace the ‘Workers Relief Fund’ . ‘Oregon Worker Relief measures impact in infrastructure’| Statesman Journal. Anti-discrimination in Employment By Trish Garner HB 2800 , clarifying what constitutes "because of age" for the purpose of workplace employment discrimination and prohibiting employers from requiring disclosure of age prior to an initial interview or conditional offer of employment, was initially scheduled for a Work Session on April 3, 2023, but it was removed from the calendar of House Business and Labor. It will not proceed in the 2023 Session. Other Bills SB 613 : Creates Commission for Indigenous Communities. In Senate Rules. SB 216 Passed out of SCHC 3/1 , Now in House Behavioral Health and Health Care. Related to data collected by OHA. (Request of Governor Kate Brown for OHA). The Oregon Health Authority set a goal of eliminating health disparities by 2030 including those based on race, ethnicity, language, or disability (REALD) and sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). HB2905 : Now in Senate Education. Expands list of individuals whose histories, contributions and perspectives are required to be included in social studies academic content standards and in related textbooks and instructional materials. Passed House Committee by Unanimous Vote . SB 421 Work session is 3/30 establishes a youth advisory council. Prescribes youth standardsadvisory council membership and duties. DOE to establish a work group to establish for the selection process of members of the youth advisory council. PH was 2/28 Staff Measure Summary HB 2458 : Died in Committee. Prohibits conversion therapy. Public Hearing was 2/24 . No League testimony. Oregon Health Authority Budget - Governor’s Budget Summary By Claudia Keith SEE HB 5525 OHA Budget The following is specific to the Public Health Div which includes Healthcare. Natural Resources and Climate Emergency policy funding topics. Governor’s Budget Summary OHA - Public Health Division ”The Governor’s budget includes a total investment increase of $65 million, which includes $57.7 million General Fund, over CSL. Included in this is a modified reduction to CSL of $6.7 million Other Funds related to revenue shortfalls for both the Oregon Psilocybin Services program ($6.4 million) and the Health Licensing Office (HLO) of $0.4 million. Other significant investments include: Public Health Modernization: In 2013, HB 2348 initiated a series of legislation and funding to address the modernization of the public health system in Oregon. Oregon’s public health modernization effort is a top agency priority, with core objectives being to ensure the right public health protections are in place for everyone, the public health system is prepared and sufficiently resourced to address emerging health threats, and the system is structured to eliminate health disparities. In 2016, an assessment completed by state and local public health agencies identified significant gaps between Oregon’s public health system and a fully modernized system that provides core public health services to all Oregonians. $60 million General Fund has been invested to date: $5 million in HB 5026 (2017), $10 million in SB 5525 (2019), and $45 million in HB 5024 (2021). The Public Health Advisory Board is established by ORS 431.122 and reports to the Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) and is accountable for governmental public health in Oregon, to include aligning public health priorities with available resources. The Governor’s budget includes a $50 million investment in this area. Universally Offered Home Visiting: Family Connects Oregon is a nurse home visiting model that helps families identify what they need and want from local resources, and then provides an individualized, non-stigmatizing entry into a community system of care. The system includes referrals to other, more intensive, home visiting programs and health and social supports around the state, such as obstetricians and primary care providers, pediatricians and family practice physicians, childcare options, mental health services, housing agencies and lactation support. The Governor’s budget approved the agency’s requested policy option package requesting an additional $5.9 million General Fund and five positions (3.75 FTE). LFO 2023-25 Budget Review (Steve Robbins) 22 February 12, 2023. Domestic Well Safety Program: The Domestic Well Safety Program (DWSP) uses data collected under the state Domestic Well Testing Act to inform people in Oregon about the importance of testing drinking water from wells and provides guidance about how to improve poor water quality - leading to improved health outcomes. The Governor’s budget includes $3 million General Fund and one position (0.75 FTE) to support this program and permanently add a dedicated DWSP position. Other Proposed Increases: Also included in the Governor’s budget are funds and a position for environmental justice mapping, an Other Funds position to support regional residential hospitals for disaster response, $1 million General Fund and two positions (1.50 FTE) to support personal protective equipment and medical supply management, $1.9 million and two positions (1.50 FTE) for the newborn bloodspot screening program (funded by fee ratification), Other Funds investment in Oregon’s environmental Lab Accreditation Program, and an investment in youth/adult suicide intervention and prevention plans.“ Other Health Care Bills By Karen Nibler The House Behavioral Health Committee has responded to the criticism of the BM 110 rollout process . The funds have been allocated to local providers of behavioral health services, so interventions are available. Oversight will come from the Oregon Health Authority under the Behavioral Health Director. HB 2513 directs accountability measures in the implementation process and requires reports on administrative expenses. The next audit will be in December of 2025. It is an evolving process according to a Lane County Commissioner. The Sunday Oregonian contains a comprehensive article on this bill and the work on the refinement of the services for Substance Abuse. HB 2538 asked for interpretation services for health care patients. HB 2539 A allocated funding for the Oregon Center for Children, Family and Community Health on the Trillium Portland campus. Ways and Means will hear the bill. HB 3126 A establishes acute care centers at regional hospitals, which was supported by NAMI and by the Association of County Mental Health Programs. The pilot programs will be through Providence to establish Regional Child Psychiatric Centers. The bill will be reviewed in the Human Services Subcommittee of Ways and Means for funding decisions .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/19 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone 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 Protecting privacy, consumers, and public officials State information portal & rulemaking update Elections Artificial Intelligence Rule Making Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill HB 3392 is said to be the vehicle for a gut and stuff of the technical fixes for HB 4024 (2024) . This bill is currently a study of campaign finance by the Secretary of State. Complex amendments are under discussion among Honest Elections, the Secretary of State’s Election Division, the Attorney General’s office, Oregon Business and Industries, Oregon unions and legislative staff. However, no amendments are yet posted on OLIS. The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is asking the public for feedback until August 22 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. Protecting privacy, consumers, and public officials By Becky Gladstone HB 3766 had a second public hearing in the Senate Judiciary after passing unanimously from the House Floor. League testimony supported the bill as written to allow civil action against an adult who, unbidden, digitally sends intimate images (cyber-flashing) with the intent to harass, degrade or humiliate. Updated League testimony was filed and presented to address amendments quantifying defendant age and limiting damages to $10,000. We recommended reading Criminalising Cyberflashing . SB 470 A : A work session on May 15 in House Judiciary passed 7 to 0 for this popularly supported bill, with unanimous support from Senate Judiciary and the Senate floor. League testimony supported the original bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos. SB 473 A has a work session scheduled in House Judiciary for May 19, to create a crime of threatening a public official, after passing unanimously on the Senate floor, League testimony, in support. SB 952 A has a public hearing set for May 19, followed by a work session on May 21, in House Rules, after passing on the Senate Floor, along nearly partisan lines, 26 to 13, to consider interim US Senator appointments, League testimony in support. HB 2008 B passed a May 13 work session unanimously in Senate Judiciary, after unanimous House Commerce and Consumer Protection support and then also on the House floor. This personal data bill is detailed, basically about protecting personal data for teenagers. League testimony in support. SB 430 A : 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 is up for a second work session in House Commerce and Consumer Protection on May 20. 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 creates a new crime of unlawful private data disclosure, punishable by a maximum of six months' imprisonment, $2,500 fine, or both. Notably, this calls for criminal court action that can deliver punitive sentences, versus civil court actions, for plaintiff recompense and possible restraining orders. It passed a Senate floor vote unanimously with a House Judiciary May 20 work session. League testimony was filed and presented, supporting the amendment relating to data broker issues, specifically written to protect the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. HB 2930 had a second public hearing on May 14 in Senate Rules, for conflict of interest of public officials’ household members. The League supported this bill brought by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, with presented and written testimony . It passed unanimously from House Rules and from the House floor. State information portal & rulemaking update The second quarter EPAB meeting (Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board) is rescheduled for June. EPAB was one of the website oversight providers presented in the Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology informational meeting on May 16, as a follow up to the public hearing for HB 3931 , calling for a Task Force to study a coordinated state portal for licensing, applications, etc. See League testimony and our May 5 Legislative Report for the provider listing, mirrored in the May 16 hearing agenda. HB 3931 has no work session set, but a public hearing was held on May 2 to create a Task Force to consider a coordinated state portal for licensing, applications, etc. League testimony was updated verbally to include new information from the staff summary on the background of state websites (first in the video agenda, League at 26.30). 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. Sen. Sollman asked about this concept of a central state rulemaking site in the context of the HB 3931 follow up information presented on May 16, above. Elections By Barbara Klein SB 580 A-Eng. This Senate bill passed unanimously in that chamber and had a first reading in the House where it has been referred to the Rules Committee. The bill requires more and quicker transparency when candidates file information. Concessions were made to accommodate challenges between large/small, urban/rural counties. This bill would help the League’s voter service work. Without comment, SB 44 was passed over in the agenda on May 14th at which time it was to have a work session. While re-scheduled for May 19th, that work session was later removed from the committee agenda. An attempt to reach a committee member on this matter was unsuccessful. Related to elections, SB 44-4 (for which the League provided testimony ) changes statutes to account for vote recounts, tallying or write-in votes when using Ranked Choice Voting, which four Oregon jurisdictions currently do. Another amendment to the bill changes the language of voter registration “cards” to “applications”. HB 5017 relates to the financial management of the state library. There was a work session held on 5/15 by the Joint General Government Subcommittee . At that time the 2025-2027 budget, as recommended by the Legislative Fiscal Office (LFO) for HB 5017 and -1 and -2 amendments, was passed and sent to the full W&M committee. Not everything that had been requested for the library system was granted, but there were increases in the budget, representing levels of inflation only. LFO analysis can be viewed here . The League submitted testimony in February on the bill. In part, that testimony stated: “ The Oregon State Library lists partnerships with 39 organizations, the League of Women Voters being one of them. We have been partners for many years, supplying information about Oregon elections. The State Talking Books Library helps us provide voting information that is accessible to the Library’s registered clients.” Artificial Intelligence (AI) By Lindsey Washburn HB 3936 A regards acquisition of AI from other countries. Rep. Nathanson's office called for confirmation of the League's position on this bill based on our previous testimony. We support the bill passed with amendment to remove "country of origin." The bill passed the House and is now back to JLCIMT. HB 2299 Enrolled added deepfakes to the category of unlawfully disseminated intimate images. Passed and the President has signed. The League supported this bill but did not submit testimony. 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. 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 and HB 2454 in House Rules. 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. 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 Legislative Report Education Legislative Report - Week of 2/6 By Anne Nesse, Education Portfolio House Education Meeting 2/6/23 3PM, takes an important look at locally elected school board responsibilities and the non-discriminatory rights of all students. We submitted written and virtual testimony on SB 2750 , which prohibits charging fees or requiring participation in fundraising activities as a condition of participating in interscholastic activities. The law also includes authorization to use moneys in Statewide Education Initiatives, Account for costs incurred by school districts, and public charter schools as result of this law. The law does not prohibit communities from raising such monies needed to fund the law. Our testimony made clear that the LWV, since its founding, has believed in the fundamental right of equal rights by law, to a non-discriminatory public education, without asking families to pay additional fees for education or recreational services. There was only positive testimony on this Bill, with some concern about the high potential cost. A number of school districts have already begun, and are succeeding in eliminating “pay to play” fees. Here is a link to the live recording of this hearing, with LWV testimony in the last few minutes. I was able to add my personal experience of coaching after school interscholastic activities, in two areas: team critical thinking and problem solving competitions in Odyssey of the Mind, and instructing after school string orchestra. Here is the recording of public hearing of this Bill , held first on the agenda. A public hearing was held on HB 2751 , to establish a Task Force to study and collect data on school starting times. Much convincing long term medical, health, and educational data was presented, as to why High School and Middle School students should not start school before 8:30AM, while younger grade levels can usually adapt. A public hearing was held on HB 2753 , allowing a district school board to choose to provide directors with a monthly stipend, and requires the board to provide reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses if board does not provide stipend. There was little data presented about the difficulty of filling school board vacancies. The amount of work required to be a school board member was considered significant enough to warrant a modest salary of some kind. Details and potential consequences of this Bill have yet to be worked out. A public hearing was held on HB 2669 , declaring children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind have the same rights and potential as children who are not. Requires school districts to provide children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind with hearing and vision screenings and assessments, communication and language support and access to relevant services and programs at the earliest possible age and throughout education experience. Our next news in education will cover 2/7-2/13, as we are changing our sequence of reporting.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 2/27 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • 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 Gun Safety Criminal Justice Human Services Housing Gun Safety By Marge Easley As implementation of Measure 114 (permit-to-purchase and high-capacity magazine ban) remains in limbo awaiting court decisions, a bill has just been introduced by several Republican legislators that would, in effect, allow counties to opt out of enforcing the measure. HB 3445 gives a county the authorization to adopt an ordinance to make Measure 114’s permit-to-purchase requirements optional for county sheriffs, police chiefs, gun dealers, and county residents. Although the bill will likely fail to progress and has not yet been referred to a committee, we will keep you informed of its progress. SB 993 , sponsored by Senator Brian Boquist and referred to the Senate Judiciary, is an interesting bill that we will be keeping an eye on. It creates the crimes of pointing a firearm at another person and unlawful carrying of a handgun, increases penalties for crimes of criminal trespass while in possession of a firearm, and directs the Oregon State Police to maintain a database of those convicted of crimes related to firearms. Meanwhile, gun sales continue to soar in Oregon. Here are some alarming facts from a recent article in 247wallst.com : “ The FBI conducted an estimated 55,581 background checks related to firearm sales in Oregon in January 2023, up 88.7% from the same period in 2022. Adjusting for population, this comes out to about 13.1 background checks for every 1,000 people, the most among states.” Criminal Justice By Marge Easley & Karen Nibler The League submitted supportive testimony on two bills, both heard on February 27 in the House Judiciary, related to programs at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. HB 2535 establishes a doula program for pregnant and postpartum adults in custody that would provide an array of doula services overseen by an onsite pregnancy coordinator. The bill also prohibits shackling during labor, childbirth, or postpartum recovery. HB 2731 authorizes the long-term continuation of the Family Preservation Project under the auspices of the Oregon Justice Commission (OJC) and the Department of Corrections. This program, supported by the League in previous sessions, promotes family connections during incarceration and is a lifeline for inmates and their children. The League submitted testimony on HB 2327 , which was heard on March 2 in the House Judiciary Committee. The bill permits county juvenile departments to provide preventive services for children under 12 who engage in delinquent behavior. The League is pleased that another criminal justice bill we have supported is moving forward: SB 529 , relating to alternative incarceration programs for those suffering from addiction disorders, passed the Senate on January 22 and is now awaiting referral to a House committee. The Senate Judiciary scheduled SB 519 A for a hearing on March 2 on an amendment. The bill related to juvenile delinquency records and expunction will stipulate the process within the juvenile system. The amendment proposes requirements for the destruction of records and possible damages for confidentiality violations. The League did not testify on the legalities in this bill but supports expunction of juvenile records. SB 763 is a related bill that has opposition from the District Attorneys Association and has not moved forward. Human Services By Karen Nibler Senate Human Services took testimony on March 27 from many citizens on the need for food programs through the Department of Human Services . SB 609 , SB 610 and SB 856 covered higher education graduate students, immigrants from Asian countries and Pacific Islanders, who expressed the need for the food programs. The Human Services Ways and Means Subcommittee will consider the costs and the decisions in the Department of Human Services Budget process. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Significant strides are being made to address Governor Kotek’s executive order declaring housing and homelessness a state emergency. A bipartisan and bicameral process is in action, and bills are being passed on near unanimous votes. Legislators are meeting more frequently than originally scheduled. HB 2001-11 Oregon Housing and Community Services Governor’s Budget The Oregon Legislature is moving quickly to address urgent homeless and housing priorities. On 2/28, the House Committee on Housing and Homeless passed HB 2001-11. The estimated $200 million dollar package will fund the Governor’s Homeless State of Emergency, prevent more people from becoming unhoused, make affordable housing a top priority for the state, and much more. The bill is headed to Ways and Means, and lawmakers aim to pass the final package by mid-March in response to the current housing and homeless crisis facing Oregonians. A complete list with descriptions of the bill’s 11 amendments can be found at: HB 2001-11 Metro Regional Multi-Agency Coordination Group On Friday, February 24, Governor Kotek convened the first meeting of the Metro Regional Multi-Agency Coordination Group. This group includes representatives from local jurisdictions, public housing authorities, local homelessness agencies, rapid rehousing service providers, shelter developers and operators, landlord associations and behavioral health providers. Its formation came out of the governor’s declaration ( EO 23-02 ), of a homeless state of emergency. MAC groups also will be established in other regions: 1) Central Oregon, 2) Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County, 3) Medford, Ashland, and Jackson County, and 4) Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties. The MAC groups will provide planning, coordination, and operational leadership and be responsible for working with landlords and unsheltered people to move them into housing stability. They will work with Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Office of Emergency Management to meet the following goals by January 10, 2024: Prevent 8,750 households from becoming homeless statewide; Add 600 low-barrier shelter beds in emergency areas; and Rehouse at least 1,200 unsheltered households in emergency areas. This work depends on the Legislature passing the governor’s proposed funding package. SB 976 - Mortgage Interest Deduction Oregon’s largest housing subsidy, the Mortgage Interest Deduction, costs the state about $1 billion per biennium in reduced revenue. Benefits primarily go to wealthier homeowners who live in urban areas. SB 976 would place limits on the deduction by prohibiting its use for second homes and reducing the amount a household can deduct based on income. The resulting increase in state revenue would be placed in a newly created Oregon Housing Opportunity Account. Resources in the account would flow through Oregon Housing and Community Services to promote affordable homeownership and prevent homelessness. Write your senators and encourage them to schedule a hearing on this common sense proposal.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 2/27 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch 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 Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Land Use/Housing Recycling Water The League is watching major housing bills as they move forward. We will be interested in the rebalance of the 2021-23 budget this week as well. Will there be funding for the Governor’s housing emergency and for semiconductor manufacturing? The next important session date is March 17 when policy bills will need to be scheduled for a Work Session or they are dead for the session. Budgets/Revenue The Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) was heard on Feb. 21-22. Here is the agency presentation . Public testimony was allowed on Mar. 2 due to snow closure on Feb. 23rd. The Oregon Marine Board budget ( SB 5521 ) agency presentation and public hearing was on Feb. 27. The League provided testimony in support. The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) budget ( HB 5020 ) was heard Feb. 28 & Mar. 1 & 2, with public testimony on March 2. Here is the ODF agency presentation . See the POPs on Page 72. The League will provide testimony requesting that the climate change budget requests that were not included in the Governor’s budget be added back to this budget. The Land Use Board of Appeals agency presentation and public testimony is Mar. 6. The Dept. of State Lands budget ( HB 5037 ) is Mar. 7-9 with public testimony on 9. DSL one-pager . The Columbia Gorge Commission budget will be heard March 13—both agency presentation and public testimony. The Oregon Dept. of Agriculture (ODA) budget ( HB 5002 and HB 5003 ) is tentatively scheduled for March 14-16. Oregon Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) budget ( SB 5509 ) week of March 20. Dept. of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) ( HB 5018 and HB 5019 ) week of March 27. Here’s the DEQ one-pager . Tentative date for the Oregon Water Resources Dept. (OWRD) budget ( HB 5043 ) is early April. Here is their one-pager . Have you heard of “the kicker”? Here’s an article for you. Kicker amounts won’t be finalized until the 2021-23 budget is closed in Sept. SB 5543 , Bond Authorization, SB 5544 , Capital Construction, SB 5545 , 2021-23 Allocations Bill and HB 5045 , 2021-23 Budget Rebalance were all heard in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction March 3. Look for a Full Ways and Means Committee meeting this week. At the writing of this report we don’t know if the rebalance bills will include early funding for housing/homeless needs ( HB 2001 with the -11 Amendment and HB 5019 ) and SB 4 semiconductor funding requests. Oregon’s reserves are at $2 billion and those funds are not expected to be used, nor is the $3.9 billion kicker money that is expected to be returned to taxpayers. 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 Coastal League members have raised the alarm about a new bill recently filed. HB 3382 would provide certain Ports with an exception from our land use planning system to allow dredging and other activities around these Ports without the current public process and federal consistency requirements. The League has shared our concerns with others. Columbia River Treaty By Phillip Thor The League recently received an update on the negotiations around the U.S. and Canada on the Columbia River Treaty. This included: From 2018 to 2023, the two countries held 15 rounds of negotiations, with the last round of negotiations held on January 25-26, 2023. 27 According to the State Department, the U.S. negotiating position is guided by the U.S. Entity’s Regional Recommendation and includes participation on the negotiating team by the Department of State, BPA, the Corps, the Department of the Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The State Department and the Province of British Columbia have also convened town halls and community meetings to discuss the status of negotiations with the public. Dept. of Environmental Quality The League has followed the story of the water quality/nitrate concentrations that for years, have been affecting the health of residents in the Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Leaguers might want to listen to two residents of Boardman on OPB’s Think Out Loud program. Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) By Peggy Lynch The League follows the work of this agency and provided testimony in support of SB 220 that would provide a fee to pay for implementation of a new e-permitting system for mining interests instead of using $2 million in General Funds. We also provided t estimony in support of SB 221 to provide ongoing funding for this new system and testimony on SB 222 to allow DOGAMI to accept credit cards and to add the credit card fee to the permittees if they choose to use a credit card. Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch We are dismayed by the fact that SB 4 includes “supersiting” authority by the Governor for many acres of farmland “just in case” the semiconductor industry might want to build a new facility in Oregon. There are a number of industrial sites in current urban growth boundaries that will be able to accommodate all but the largest facility. For instance, HP, in Corvallis, is looking at expanding—on its current land. While our housing volunteers follow housing policies, at natural resources, we follow the land use elements of any bills. HB 2001 with the -11 Amendment will include work by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), including enforcement mechanisms for DLCD—to assure that cities are meeting the targets in the bill. It has been sent to Ways and Means. It is unclear if HB 2001 and HB 5019 will be part of the budget rebalance reported above in this report. A news release issued Feb. 22 announced that HB 5019 will be amended and will be the vehicle for funding the policies in HB 2001-11. See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Recycling By Kathy Moyd A Work Session will be held March 7 in Senate Energy and Environment on SB 545 . A -1 Amendment has been posted for consideration. The bill directs the State Department of Agriculture and Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules allowing consumers to use their own containers for refilling with food at a food establishment. The League provided testimony on the base bill in Support. DEQ will be holding the fifth Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee meeting from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 10. DEQ will be presenting rule concepts related to Confidentiality, Entry of New PROs, Covered Product Estimates, and will be providing a proposal for an implementation transition period. There will also be further discussion related to the practicability benchmark, the responsible end market definition, and specific materials on the materials acceptance list. To attend the meeting please register through this link . To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking web page at: Recycling Updates 2023 . Water By Peggy Lynch The League has strong positions on water quality and the importance of wetlands. For a number of years, the League has supported an increase in removal/fill fees so it was easy for us to support HB 2238 . Place-based Planning is a concept that the League has supported since its inception in 2014. We participated in the HB 5006 Work Group where members suggested updating that planning program. HB 3163 would create a special Fund for these regional planning efforts. The League testified in support of the Fund. We are working with others on the specific criteria listed for qualifying for access to the Fund. The Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) is being updated . Go to the website for opportunities to participate. The League is engaged in discussions on HB 3100 related to the IWRS. We were excited to see that Oregon will receive $19 million to address PFAS chemicals in water systems in small and low-income communities. This OPB article helps explain the award. We have just learned that HB 3207 will be up for a public hearing on March 7 related to domestic well water testing and HB 3208 that would expand the Environmental Quality Commission’s authority to annually adjust additional water quality fees up to 3% per year. The League has participated in a rules advisory committee related to 3% fees for other water quality permits and has been invited to do so again this year. 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 throughout Oregon and League members may want to check the U.S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Above you can see the names of League volunteers who covered one or more issues. Volunteers are needed. Please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. The 2023 legislative session is almost 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 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 Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Age-Related Issues Behavioral Health Education Gun Policy Healthcare Housing Legislation Immigration Age-Related Issues by Trish Garner SB 548 , a bill that sets age 18 as the minimum age for marriage, was unanimously passed by the House Judiciary Committee and now heads to the House for a vote. It has already been passed in the Senate. The League submitted testimony in support. HB 3187A , the workplace age discrimination bill, has passed the House and Senate and is heading to the Governor’s office for signature. The bill prohibits employers from asking for a date of birth or graduation date on job applications unless it is a job requirement or an offer of employment has already been made. LWVOR submitted testimony in support. Behavioral Health By Trish Garner HB 3835-A5 - A Public Hearing was held in the House Committee on Rules regarding this bill which is long (107 pages) and has undergone significant changes since first introduced. It currently attempts to address problems in providing care to children needing residential behavioral health treatment that have arisen as a result of prior legislation passed in 2021 ( SB 719 ). The Chief Sponsors of SB 219 included Senators Sarah Gelser-Blouin and James Manning, Jr. When initially filed, HB 3835 also related to school settings, but those provisions have been removed. HB 3835 arose from recommendations made by the legislatively mandated (2019) System of Care Advisory Council which is comprised of numerous stakeholders, including providers, agencies, youth, families, experts and others (See, SOCAC Bylaws, description) . Among other duties, SOCAC is charged with developing a long-term plan for Oregon’s behavioral health care. settings, including out-of-state placements of children. It notes that between 2021 and 2024 Oregon has seen a 41% reduction (from 90 to 53 facilities) in licensed residential facilities that can serve children and youth with behavioral or psychiatric treatment. Oregon has also lost more than half (from 31 to 14) of its programs that certify foster parents who provide specialized behavioral health treatment and support ( SOCAC testimony) . In sum, HB 3835 clarifies that trained staff at residential treatment facilities can intervene, restrain or seclude youth only if the behavior poses a reasonable risk of imminent “serious physical harm” to the child or others, including staff. The current standard is more restrictive and requires establishing whether the behavior is at a level to cause “severe bodily injury” before an intervention can take place. There are numerous provisions that relate to how and when abuse complaints can be brought against staff which can result in loss of a provider’s license. In addition, the bill allows for but adds rules for out-of-state residential treatment placement. These rules, for example, require a court to approve the placement, out-of-state providers must meet Oregon standards, representatives from ODHS and OHA must personally visit and approve the facilities, youth must be advised of their rights, and an in-person visit by ODHS must take place every 15 days while a child is in care. HB 3835 also establishes rules regarding licensed secure transport providers. Proponents of HB 3835 state that the current rules regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in residential child-care settings are so overbroad that any intervention to prevent suicide or assault must be reported and investigated as child abuse. These rules include, for example, that a child must be provided water and an opportunity to use the bathroom every 5 minutes. If a complaint is justified, even for minor violation of these rules, providers may be found to have committed child abuse and so lose their license. The duty to report all incidents to ODHS and OHA is burdensome to treatment facilities. Providers cannot work during the investigation period. As a result of this system, staff are unwilling to work in these settings lest they lose their licenses. Because of the current law many residential treatment centers no longer do business in Oregon, which in turn has resulted in too many of Oregon’s at-risk children waiting in emergency departments or hotels waiting to get the care they need. The Chief Sponsors of HB 3835 include Representatives Rob Nosse and Ed Diehl. Others in favor of passage include Oregon Division of Health Services: Child Division, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Education Association, Trillium Family Services, Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association, the Oregon Council of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, NAMI and others. Governor Kotek testified in strong support of this bill. She stated that it clarifies Oregon’s regulatory framework for child caring agencies, ensures safeguards, and guarantees access to care even across state lines when necessary. She stated that Oregon should work for a regulatory environment that protects children by preventing abuse in care while also providing clear guidance for people doing the care so they can do their jobs. Those opposed state that the bill would eliminate much needed protections for youth in care and place them at further risk. If enforcement through possible license termination is severely restricted or eliminated, compliance with rules regarding restraint and seclusion will be largely ignored. Regulations about in-person facility approval and visits while youth are in these facilities can also be delegated. The leading opponent of the bill is Senator Gelser-Blouin who also filed SB 1113 in this legislative Session. A Work Session in the Senate Committee on Human Services was held on that bill on April 3rd but under legislative rules the bill is no longer viable in this Session. Disability Rights Oregon, Our Children Oregon, parents and children also oppose HB 3835. If approved by the House Rules Committee, HB 3835 would be sent to Ways & Means for further consideration. Education By Jean Pierce Once again, the work session when the House Education committee would consider SB 1098 , the Freedom to Read bill, was postponed. Now it is scheduled for May 19. LWVOR provided testimony in support. HB 2586A has made it to the floor of the Senate. The bill would permit an asylum seeker who is a student at a public university to receive an exemption from nonresident tuition and fees. LWVOR filed testimony in support. Third reading was scheduled for May 15, but it has been carried over to May 19. Now that LWVOR has approved K-12 education positions for Assessment, Attracting and Retaining Well-Qualified Teachers, and Not Using Public Funds for Private Schools, we can report on the progress of the following bills. Our new positions permit us to support the first two and oppose the third. SB 141 directs school districts to administer and review interim assessments in math and language arts to measure student academic growth – in Ways and Means HB 3200 A Would require that a specific amount from the Fund for Student Success be allocated to the scholarship program for diverse teacher candidates – in Ways and Means. SJR 24 Would amend the constitution to establish “School Choice Accounts for non-public education – in Senate Rules since January. How Federal Actions are Affecting Education in Oregon Pell Grants Congress is currently deliberating a budget reconciliation bill that cuts $330 billion from the budget. If passed into law, the bill would make it harder for students with financial need to attend college by cutting financial aid in the following ways: Restricting Pell Grant eligibility, eliminating interest subsidies, and ending graduate PLUS loans Reducing protections against predatory schools, capping lifetime borrowing, and linking loan limits to the median cost of programs Currently, 77,275 Oregonians are receiving an average of $4,644 in Pell Grant funding. The Proposed changes could mean nearly two out of three recipients could lose some or all their federal grant aid and incur up to an additional cost of $7,400 for a bachelor’s degree and $3,700 for an associate degree. National School Voucher Program The budget reconciliation bill also contains a national school voucher program. On May 14 the US House Ways and Means Committee passed an amendment to the budget package which includes a $20 billion voucher program—$5 billion per year for four years. ( See p. 57-71 .) More details on the current version of this voucher bill are here: " Dangerous National Private School Voucher Program Included in House Budget Legislation ." It is smaller than previously proposed, and it has weak provisions requiring private schools to follow students' Individualized Education Programs. Like all voucher programs, this one would mostly subsidize families that already send their children to private schools, and, because the income limits are set so high, even families making more than $300K will be able to receive vouchers, with no limits on the size of the voucher. Moreover, because it is structured as a tax-credit scholarship program, it would also be a tax shelter for the wealthy , one that drastically changes the incentives for all charitable donations, by increasing the incentives for taxpayers to contribute to voucher-granting organizations instead of any other cause. Although the budget reconciliation bill was blocked this week by Republicans who do not believe it goes far enough in making cuts, it is expected to pass the House and the Senate, which is prohibited from filibustering that type of bill. Gun Policy By Marge Easley SB 243 A with the -9 amendment was heard in Senate Rules on May 12. The amended version still contains a ban on rapid fire devices and an expansion of the number of public areas where guns may be prohibited, but unfortunately much has been stripped from the original bill. This is largely because of fiscal impacts that would most likely endanger its passage, given the current budget crisis. No longer in the bill is an age restriction of 21 for gun ownership, a 72-hour wait period before the transfer of a firearm, and the ability of cities and counties to ban firearms in the adjacent grounds of certain public areas. The amended bill passed out of Senate Rules on May 14 on a party line vote of 3 to 2 and is now on the way to the Senate floor. The fate of several gun bills ( SB 1015 , HB 3075 A , and HB 3076 A ) that now sit in Ways and Means is still unknown, but the League concurs with other gun safety supporters on this important point: “The first and strongest argument when it comes to funding should always be that fewer deaths and injuries will save the public an average of $500,000 to $2 million per injury/death, which is much higher than the total funds for all of these bills combined.” (Based on calculations from Everytown for Gun Safety) Healthcare By Christa Danielson SB 951 A would stop Management Service Organizations from making patient care decisions. This will allow the medical professionals to decide what will be the best course of treatment for the patient. This bill received a Do Pass recommendation this week from the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona Steady progress has been made in addressing our state’s housing crisis by investing in affordable housing production and preservation. Now thousands of Oregonians have housing stability with affordable homes. Housing advocates are being encouraged to take action now by sending messages to members of the Oregon Legislature's Joint Subcommittee on Capital Construction, and top housing leaders in both the House and Senate, to invest in bond resources in the 2025-2027 state budget. Bills Passed by the House and Senate SB 814 A will be administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to expand eligibility criteria for the agency’s existing Long-Term Rent Assistance Program. Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) youth under the age of 25 would have an opportunity to access long-term rental assistance to help achieve a greater level of housing security. This measure also requires OHCS to consult with the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), among other stakeholders. Youth assisted will be exiting a childcare center or a correctional facility. At least 14% of youth who were committed to OYA since October 2022 have already experienced some period of homelessness. Studies indicate that housing instability increases the risk for recidivism. This bill will assist youth by providing a safe and stable home so they can devote their attention to employment, education, and family. This bill passed the Senate and House on May 14. The League submitted testimony in support. SB 973 protects residents of publicly-supported housing by requiring notices from landlords when affordability restrictions are ending. This applies to tenants who are living in subsidized units, applicants, and new tenants. For existing tenants, the bill would extend the notice requirements from 20 to 30 months. It will require landlords to warn tenants that their housing will no longer be affordable. For applicants and new tenants who are entering into a new rental agreement, landlords of publicly-supported housing must provide written notice of when the affordability period will end, prior to charging a screening fee or entering into a new rental application. These tenant protections are critical to giving low-income Oregonians additional time to find stable housing they can afford. The Senate and House passed this bill on May 14. The League submitted testimony in support. Bills in Progress SB 5531 authorizes lottery bond revenue for affordable housing preservation, and infrastructure to support new housing production. There is widespread recognition of Oregon’s housing shortage, particularly for very low-income households. Thirty-six affordable housing properties in Oregon face foreclosure in the next two years. An additional 76 properties are operating at a monthly deficit due to unsustainable operating costs. Losing these homes will force even more Oregonians into homelessness or housing instability. Preservation is a cost-effective and efficient approach to address our housing crisis. Allocating $160 million for preservation of rental housing and $25 million to preserve manufactured housing parks is a sound investment. In addition, the $100 million Housing Infrastructure Fund will address one of the barriers to housing production—the lack of infrastructure needed to support development. This allocation is consistent with HB 3031 (also supported by LWVOR) that, if passed, would provide financial assistance through the Housing Infrastructure Fund for municipal infrastructure including transportation, water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities. The financial assistance program will result in affordable housing for families and individuals with very low, low, or moderate incomes. The Senate held a public hearing on May 9, and an informational hearing will be held on May 16. The League submitted testimony in support. HB 3054 would limit rent increases for homeowners in manufactured home parks and marinas and curtail other landlord practices that can threaten residents’ ability to stay in their homes. The bill passed the House and is scheduled for a work session on May 19 in the Senate Committee on Housing and Development. LWVOR submitted a letter in support. Did Not Pass HB 2735 would have raised the cap on the tax credit that funds the Individual Development Accounts program from $7.5 million/year to $16.5 million/year. The state matches participants’ savings up to 5–to-1 giving them the opportunity to put aside money for college, homeownership, or starting a business, among other things. The League submitted testimony supporting this bill. The House Revenue Committee held an informational meeting, but it did not advance to the Senate. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith Highlights - News America closed: The refugee crisis at our front door - OPB: KLCC Trump administration brings 59 white South Africans to U.S ., says they’re persecuted refugees - Oregonlive.com 20 state AGs sue feds for tying transportation and disaster funding to immigration enforcement • Oregon Capital Chronicle Legislative Bulletin — Friday, May 16, 2025 - National Immigration Forum Oregon Legislature - BiPoc Press Releases Find below links to Oregon Legislature Bipoc caucus 2025 press releases. Many of the members are first or second generation immigrants. Statement from BIPOC Caucus on Revenue Forecast Statement from the BIPOC Caucus in Memory of Senator Aaron Woods Oregon BIPOC Caucus Decries U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Alien Enemies Act Oregon Senate Passes Fair Housing Protections BIPOC Caucus Co-Chairs, Senator Campos and Representative Ruiz, Advocate for Fair Housing for All BIPOC Caucus Announces 2025 Policy Priorities Click Scroll Bar on Bottom of Table to View All Columns Bill # Description Policy Committee Status Fiscal M$ Chief Sponsors+ Comments SB 149 Immigration Study JWM waiting for Fiscal Y Sen Jama -3 amendment SB 599A Immig status: discrimination in RealEstate transactions House Passed Both Chambers N Sen Campos WS 5/8 do pass 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 PC: No recommen dation Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony 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. Sen RepHudson, SenCampos 5/7. WS do pass HB 2543 funds for universal representation and gives funds to Oregon State Bar for legal immigration matters HC Jud ? 15 Rep Valderrama, Sen Manning Jr, Rep Walters, Andersen, McLain, Sen Campos DAS - see sb 703 HB3193A Farm Worker Relief Fund JWM 10 Rep Marsh, SenPham, RepValderrama OHA HB 5002 JWM-GG ? 7 Das Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources , and Revenue report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/26 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone 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 Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/19 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone 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 Other Governance Bills Privacy & AI, Campaign Finance, Elections, & Alice Bartelt, In Memoriam By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance By Norman Turrill A placeholder bill, HB 4024 , is being pressed into service from unusual partners , labor (which is otherwise promoting IP 42 against IP 9), and business. They are presumably hoping to forestall the impending faceoff between the two competing campaign finance initiative petitions. A three-hour hearing was held 2/23 in House Rules on a complex 43-page -3 amendment to HB 4024. The debate was vigorous with good government groups, including the League’s written testimony , opposed and labor, business, and small c(4) groups beholden to labor in favor. It remains to be seen if legislative leaders can push through such a complex bill with just over two weeks left in the short session. Remember that every legislator is an expert on campaign finance, at least on their own campaign’s finance. Other Governance Bills HB 4021 requires the Governor to fill U.S. Senator office vacancies by appointment within 30 days until a special election can fill the vacancy. House Rules had a public hearing and scheduled a work session. HB 4026 , amending is proposed in House Rules for this elections placeholder bill, to retroactively prohibit the use of a referendum on any urban growth boundary expansion. This would block a referendum in the City of North Plains in Washington County. The LWVOR submitted written testimony opposing the amendment and saying the bill is likely unconstitutional and may invite a lawsuit. The bill House Rules work session is scheduled for 2/27. HB 4031 , which requires the Public Records Advisory Council to study public records, passed out of committee without recommendation and was sent to House Revenue, where a hearing was held 2/21. An amendment is proposed to protect taxpayer information from disclosure. HB 4032 , which removes the requirement that the word “incumbent” appear on the ballot with the name of incumbent candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, and circuit court, had a public hearing and a work session is scheduled in House Rules. HB 4117 , which authorizes the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) to issue advisory opinions on the application of the public meetings law, and which is a correction to a bill passed in the 2023 session, passed the House immediately and unanimously. The bill then had a hearing and was scheduled for a work session in Senate Rules. SB 1502 requires public schools and college boards to livestream their meetings and post the meeting recordings on their websites and social media sites. It allows remote testimony for most school and college board meetings. The bill was amended and passed out of Senate Education with referral to W&Ms rescinded. The bill is scheduled for a 2/26 hearing and possible House Education work session. SB 1538 , an election law clean-up bill that makes many changes, was amended in several details and passed out of Senate Rules on 2/15. The amended bill was then passed by the Senate 20 to 10, sent to the House, and a hearing is scheduled 2/27 in House Rules. Privacy & AI, Campaign Finance, Elections, & Alice Bartelt, In Memoriam By Rebecca Gladstone Landmark Victims’ Rights package , HB 4146 : This sexual abuse bill addresses victims’ rights and provides technical protection fixes, including image privacy, even if images are not directly identifiable to an individual. We will support, relating to our privacy positions. The revenge porn aspect invites consideration of altered images, which could be relevant to SB 1571 -3, below. See MIT Technocrat, Dec 1, 2023 about student AI revenge porn victims . HB 4146 passed House Judiciary unanimously, with OJD implementation timing reservations addressed in amendments. It will be heard in Sen. Judiciary Feb. 26. See Oregon House approves bill changing laws on revenge porn, restraining orders , KOIN, Feb. 21, and Oregon's current law requires that victims of revenge porn be "reasonably identifiable" in the image , Feb. 15, KOIN. From Multnomah County DA’s office Policy Director Aaron Knott: “This is a small change that will make an enormous difference in the lives of crime victims who see intimate images of themselves distributed without their consent, but who may nevertheless be denied justice — or forced into a deeply traumatizing legal process to determine whether their body is reasonably identifiable.” AI, synthetic media in campaign ads, SB 1571 A : The House passed this bill unanimously. It awaits a Senate hearing assignment, League testimony. We are networking and expanding the conversation. Elections Campaign Finance Reform, HB 4024: Details are addressed elsewhere in this report. The 43-page -3 amendment to this brief placeholder bill was released one day before House Rules dedicated a 3-hour public hearing solely to the bill. The amendment was crafted between legislators, unions, and Oregon business, who face unevenly competing campaign finance initiatives for the fall, with their IP 42 trailing good government groups’ IP 9. The LWVOR opposes HB 4024; see our testimony . See former legislator Marty Wilde’s Money in Oregon Politics and earlier in the week, OPB, cautious hope for a campaign finance breakthrough . LWVOR is actively collecting IP 9 signatures ( get petition forms ). A LWVOR member is a Chief Petitioner. Automatic Voter Registration for students SB 1577-3 : This bill to expand automatic voter registration for higher ed students, through the Dept of Revenue, was amended to study viability, benefits and challenges. After passing from Senate Veterans on a 3 to 2 partisan vote, it awaits a J W&Ms hearing. Increasing Voters’ Pamphlet languages from 5 to 10, SB 1533 , is up for a Feb. 26 work session in Joint General Government, after passing unanimously in Senate Rules on Feb. 15 th . League testimony addressed the language increase; see other details in this report. Commemoration for Alice Bartelt, SCR 203 . This resolution, researched and written by LWVOR at sponsor Senate President Sen. Rob Wagner’s request, was heard and passed unanimously from Senate Rules on Feb. 22, League testimony and hearing video .

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 Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • Gender-Related Concerns, Reproductive Health, Age Discrimination: Trish Garner • Gun Safety & Gun Issues, Rights for Incarcerated People: Marge Easley • Hate and Bias Crimes: Claudia Keith/ Becky Gladstone /rhyen enger • Health Care: Christa Danielsen • Housing: Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan Note: Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE . Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills . Jump to topic: Age-Related Issues Behavioral Health Criminal Justice Education Gun Policy Hate Crimes Housing Legislation Immigration Age-Related Issues by Trish Garner SB 548 has been signed into law by Governor Kotek. This bill establishes 18 as the minimum age for marriage. LWVOR testified in support. Behavioral Health By Trish Garner HB 2481A-11 passed unanimously in the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response with a do pass recommendation and referral to Ways & Means. As one might discern from the number of amendments, this is a complicated and comprehensive bill which relates to individuals charged with a crime who have been found to be unable to assist aid and assist in their defense. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley HB 3532 A , which eliminates civil statutes of limitations for sexual assault survivors, unanimously passed the House on May 29 and now awaits a hearing in Senate Rules. This bill represents a major step forward in acknowledging the importance of removing arbitrary deadlines in the reporting of sexual assault, since it often takes many years before a victim is ready to come forward. According to the press release from bill sponsor Rep. Annessa Hartman, “Under current law, adult survivors have just five years from the time they discover the connection between the assault and their injuries to file a civil suit. For child survivors, the limit is five years from discovery or until they turn 40—whichever is later. But trauma experts and survivor advocates point out that the average age at which a child sexual abuse survivor comes forward is 52.” Education By Jean Pierce The Governor has signed HB 2586A into law. The bill permits an asylum seeker who is a student at a public university to receive an exemption from nonresident tuition and fees. LWVOR filed testimony in support. The Joint Ways and Means committee on Education and the Joint Ways and Means Committee both gave Do Pass Recommendations to SB 141 A . The bill requires entities receiving money from the State School Fund to measure student academic growth in mathematics and language arts. At the same time, the bill is intended to streamline grant-reporting processes. It also prescribes requirements for tools and support through coaching from the Department of Education if those targets are not met over time. The amendment allocates over $2.6 million to the endeavor. This amount is part of the calculation for SB5516 A which also received Do Pass Recommendations from both committees. In recognition of the revenue forecast, this bill would provide for an adjusted current service level of almost $11.4 billion. The committee is anticipating 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. Gun Policy By Marge Easley After many iterations, SB 243 B finally made it to the Senate floor, where it passed on a party line vote following long and impassioned speeches from both sides of the aisle. Prior to the vote, Republican senators attempted to substitute a minority report for the committee report, but as expected the motion failed. It will have a first reading in the House on June 2. SB 243 B was originally a four-part omnibus bill, but over the course of the session two provisions were stripped away to lessen its fiscal impact. The final bill bans rapid fire devices, such as bump stocks, and allows cities and counties to prohibit the carrying of firearms inside buildings where public meetings are held. This prohibition includes those with concealed handgun licenses (CHLs), which was one of the main points of contention during the floor debate . The League submitted supportive testimony on an earlier version of the bill on May 12. Hate Crimes By Becky Gladstone Coalition Against Hate Crimes update, May 13, 2025 LWVOR is a CAHC member. The challenge, we want more cross-state participation. Currently it is mostly PDX based. We’re hoping the coalition can expand to cover more events around the state by redesigning the website; to be posted in a few weeks: · Homepage, a history of the coalition, the importance of reporting hate crimes · How to report! Hot lines, education about civil rights violations · List of partners, with links, awareness of the need for privacy · The 4th page is for news, upcoming events, for justice. · Link to the DoJ dashboard. Upcoming EVENTS · Join us for World Refugee Day 2025 ! Soccer, stories, and community celebration for refugee, immigrant, and low-income youth. Friday, June 20 | East Portland. Create better relations to prevent a 2020 replay, to prevent violence toward activists & PDX Police, to pull in community members. We are a Sanctuary STATE & City. Fear that local police will be deputized to ICE. · Building bridges event, at Muslim Educational TRUST. We will come together in-person, with shared human values, to work for violence prevention. Cities- Portland, Gresham, etc., with youth voices and teachers from Reynolds School District, Centennial, David Douglas, etc. They are looking for projects they can do, working with the Portland Police Bureau Equity Office, Behavioral Health, substance abuse, violence prevention, music, artistic expression. Building Bridges East Community . · From the Antidefamation League , An Audit of Antisemitic Incidents . OR DoJ Hate crime reporting Closing the data year for Sanctuary Promise on May 31st, summary due in July. We’ve seen “pretty significant” increase in public body reporting from communities. The Federal Immigration Authority is reaching out for information that would violate sanctuary privacy. We expect new VISA request info at the end of June: What does it mean to be a new Sanctuary state, how we interact with federal agencies. Confusion is real with frequent changes, conflicting messaging for sanctuary, deputizing, posse comitatus reminds us of the old wild west “posse”. Hate crime patterns, looking at particular groups targeted, for example with COVID, the AAPI, seems to be more toward LatinX now. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona SB 5011 is Oregon Housing and Community Services Department ‘s (OHCS) budget bill for the 2025-27 biennium. One aspect of the proposed bill is $6 million for eviction prevention services to address our state’s housing and homeless crisis. We have an urgent need to preserve and stabilize existing affordable homes. An Oregon Capital Chronicle May 29 article reports on our state’s eviction crisis: “Oregon sees a rise in eviction filings but rent assistance programs are working”. The article underscores the importance of eviction prevention programs to reduce eviction filings to help keep Oregonians housed. OHCS and legal aid programs such as the Oregon Law Center and Legal Aid Services of Oregon are making this possible. Bills in Progress HB 2964 : Requires the 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, where a work session was held on May 21. A second reading was held on May 28, and on May 29, the bill was carried over to June 2 by unanimous consent. LWV testimony supports passage of the bill. HB 2735 : The House Committee on Revenue held a work session on the Independent Development Accounts (IDAs) bill on May 22. On May 29 the House Committee on Revenue recommended a do pass with amendments and the bill was referred to Tax Expenditures by order of the Speaker. The League submitted a letter in support. The Legislature created the IDAs program in 1999. The state matches participants’ savings up to 5-to-1. Money can be used to invest in the individual financial goals most important to each person’s own circumstances, such as buying a home or enrolling in higher education. The state tax credit that funds IDAs has not kept up with inflation. HB 2735-3 would raise the cap on the tax credit from $7.5 million/year to $16.5 million/year. The cap has not changed since 2009. If the Legislature does not act this session to “fix the funding” for IDAs, the program will shrink to serve 50% fewer Oregonians each year. HB 2958 : The House Committee on Revenue held a work session on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on May 22, and recommended passage with amendments. On May 29, the committee recommended passage of the bill with amendments and referred it to Tax Expenditures. The bill would extend the sunset date to 2032 and increase to 25 percent the EITC for families with children under three years of age. Other families with children will receive 20 percent of the federal credit. With the -2 amendment, the bill no longer extends the benefit to all childless working adults over age 18. The League submitted a letter in support. The bill, if passed, will put more money in people’s pockets and help avoid the trauma, instability, and costs to society and affected individuals that come from losing one’s home, deferring medical care, or missing meals. Immigration By Becky Gladstone and Claudia Keith Highlights - News League of Women Voters Files Brief Opposing Executive Order Attacking Birthright Citizenship | League of Women Voters A ttorney General Dan Rayfield Urges Court to Uphold Orders Blocking Trump Administration's Attack on Refugees - Oregon Department of Justice : Media Congress House budget bill cuts benefits, raises fees tied to immigration : NPR Axios: State Department seeks to create “Office of Remigration” New York Times: Afrikaners See Trump as the Ally Who “Heard Our Cries” BBC: Fleeing U.S. deportations, it took this family of asylum seekers three tries to enter Canada Hindustan Time: In Kenyan refugee camp, US aid cuts mean no period pads, no school Democracy Forward: Refugee Advocates to Court: U.S. Government is Attempting to Slam the Door Shut on People Fleeing Persecution ProPublica: Death, Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking: Fallout From U.S. Aid Withdrawal Hits the World’s Most Fragile Locations News from Homeland Security: Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law | Homeland Security Asylum seekers in Oregon can now qualify for in- state tuition | OPB Legislative Bulletin — Friday, May 30, 2025 - National Immigration Forum Oregon lawmakers will not move forward this year with a proposed agricultural labor standards board that would set wages and workplace conditions for farmworkers. 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 PC: No recommend dation Rep Valderrama, Nelson , Munoz League Testimony 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 All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 6/16 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch 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 Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Please see Natural Resources Overview here . Jump to a topic: Air Quality Budgets/Revenue Climate Coastal Issues Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) Forestry Governance Land Use & Housing State Land Board (SLB) Transportation Water Wildfire AIR QUALITY SB 726 A would direct the Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules requiring the use of advanced methane detection technology for surface emissions monitoring at municipal solid waste landfills, beginning 1/1/2027. The A7 amendment limits the bill's application to a landfill located in Benton County (e.g., Coffin Butte). Awaiting Governor’s signature. Related to this bill is HB 3794 , a bill that would create a Task Force on Municipal Solid Waste in the Willamette Valley. HB 3794 has been assigned to the Ways and Means Capital Construction Subcommittee. BUDGETS/REVENUE By Peggy Lynch Following are the budget bills we are watching in Natural Resources. However, there are currently over 500 bills in Joint Ways and Means, with many of the agency budget bills now moving through that committee and to the floor and then on to the Governor. Dept. of Agriculture: SB 5502 Dept. of Agriculture Fees: SB 5503 Both bills awaiting the Governor’s signature. Five bills related to department’s various fee increases also passed Full Ways and Means. HB 2805 Relating to food establishment licenses ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2806 Relating to license fees for commercial instruments ( Meeting Materials ), HB 2809 Relating to pesticide registration fees ( Meeting Materials ), SB 1019 A Relating to brands ( Meeting Materials ), SB 832 A Relating to civil penalties for laws implemented by the State Department of Agriculture ( Meeting Materials ) Columbia River Gorge Commission: SB 5508 LFO Recommendation Awaiting the Governor’s signature. Dept. of Environmental Quality: SB 5520 League testimony . LFO Recommendation and Meeting Materials Awaiting a vote on the House floor. Oregon Dept. of Energy: SB 5518 and Oregon Dept. of Energy Fees: SB 5519 Meeting Materials . Passed the House June 13. Now awaiting the Governor’s signature. Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: HB 5009 ( LFO Recommendation ), along with HB 2342 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to fees concerning wildlife, HB 2343 A ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to the Columbia Basin endorsement and HB 2345 ( LFO Recommendation ) Relating to Oregon hatcheries. These three bills passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 and now head to chamber floors. HB 5009 passed the House floor June 13. Conservationists, with HB 2977 (a -2 amendment has been filed), would add 1% (or 1.5%) for conservation programs. That additional money would go to a special Fund at the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. It had a hearing in House Revenue on May 8. Oregon Dept. of Forestry: SB 5521 . Meeting Materials ; LFO Recommendation Passed Full and and Means on June 13. Headed for chamber votes as is HB 2072, Harvest Tax, LFO Recommendation . Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI): HB 5010 LFO Recommendation . Passed Full Ways and Means on June 6, passed the House floor and now headed to the Senate for a vote. Public hearing Feb. 5-6; Meeting materials LWVOR testimony LWVOR supports SB 836 , a bill that would significantly increase permit fees for mining related activities. Here is the LFO Recommendation for SB 836. It too passed Full Ways and Means and will go to the chamber floors. Dept. of Land Conservation and Development: SB 5528 LWVOR testimony . The budget passed Full Ways and Means on June 13 and now heads to the chambers for votes. This budget and the Oregon Housing and Community Services budget ( HB 5011 ) have been part of a challenging conversation between the Governor and the Ways and Means Co-Chairs with the Governor’s recommended budget being more than the May revenue forecast can afford. LFO Recommendation Land Use Board of Appeals: SB 5529 Public hearing Feb. 27 LWVOR testimony . The bill is awaiting the Governor’s signature. Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB): HB 5021 and HB 2558 A modifies the definition of "charter guide" for purposes of outfitter and guide laws. Both bills are awaiting the Governor’s signature. HB 2982 A , a bill that increases boating permit costs estimated to increase revenue to OSMB by about $1 million for the 2025-27 biennium, most of which will be used to address Aquatic and Invasive Species (AIS) management in partnership with the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife were considered together. Here is the Legislative Fiscal Office recommendation for each of the three bills. HB 2982 passed the House chamber. Awaiting a vote in the Senate. Dept. of State Lands: SB 5539 LWVOR testimony in support. LFO 2025-27 budget recommendation . Awaiting the Governor’s signature. LFO budget recommendation for SB 147. Awaiting the Governor’s signature. Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.: HB 5026 Public hearing March 5. Meeting Materials LWVOR testimony in part to address comments by the Legislative Fiscal Office. The bill passed Full Ways and Means. passed the House. Now headed to the Senate chamber. LFO Recommendation . There is a bill related to contracting rules ( SB 838 B ) which is waiting Senate concurrence of House amendments. Another, SB 565 , would move the Capitol State Park back to the control of the Dept. of Administrative Services, may come back in 2026. Water Resources Dept.: SB 5543 Public hearing Feb. 18-20. Meeting Materials . LWVOR testimony . And the fee bills: support HB 2808 and support HB 2803 (The - 3 amendment was adopted, reducing the fees significantly which will cause the department a revenue shortfall should the amendment stand the scrutiny of Ways and Means where it now lies.) The budget and fee bills passed Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee on June 10 along with HB 3544A , a bill that revises current statutes on contested case procedures related to new water right applications and water right transfer applications (contested cases) and the bills are headed to Full Ways and Means. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: HB 5039 . Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-27 LWVOR testimony . Meeting Materials . Work Session June 2 where it passed the Subcommittee and passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 . Passed the House June 13. Now headed to the Senate for a vote. LFO Recommendation Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board 6-Year Limitation: HB 5040 (Limits expenditures of lottery funds from the Watershed Conservation Grant Fund for local grant expenditures by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for a six-year period beginning July 1, 2025.) Info mtg. & Public hearing Feb. 25-26. Work Session June 2 where it passed the Subcommittee and passed Full Ways and Means on June 6 . Now headed to both chambers for a vote. LFO Recommendation Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT): SB 5541 info hearing 3/03-6, public hearing 3/11. The budget for ODOT has now been assigned to the Capital Construction Ways and Means Subcommittee. Separately, HB 2025 is the comprehensive Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) and it is being worked in a new committee: Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment . The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. Legislative Administration Committee, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Counsel Committee, Legislative Fiscal Officer, Legislative Revenue Officer, Commission on Indian Services and Legislative Policy and Research Committee: HB 5016 Info hearings 4/29-30. Public hearing May 1st. This bill has been assigned to the Capital Construction Ways and Means Subcommittee. Lottery Bonds: SB 5531 : an average debt capacity of $564 million in each Biennium. Public hearing May 9 and May 16 @ 1p. The League supported two of the requests: $160 million for preservation of rental housing and $25 million to preserve manufactured housing and $100 million Housing Infrastructure Fund in Section 14. There are over $2 billion in requests for a variety of projects around Oregon! Emergency Board: HB 5006 This bill will be populated with an amount for the Emergency Board to spend at will and amounts in Special Purpose Appropriations if needed when the legislature is not in session. General Obligation Bonds, etc.: SB 5505 : an average debt capacity of $2.22 billion per Biennium. Public hearing held April 18. Second public hearing, this time on university and community college requests, was held May 2. Six-Year Limitation/Bonds: SB 5506 (Limits for the six-year period beginning July 1, 2025, payment of expenses from fees, moneys or other revenues, including Miscellaneous Receipts, but excluding lottery funds and federal funds, collected or received by various state agencies for capital construction.) Public hearing held May 2. CLIMATE By Claudia Keith and Team See the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report. There are overlaps with this Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL ISSUES Coastal Program meetings on Offshore Wind Energy, Ocean Acidification and the Ocean Science Trust coming soon. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The League supports HB 3580 eelgrass stabilization LWVOR signed letter of support and HB 3587A Protection of Rocky Habitat LWVOR signed letter of support ( fiscal impact statement ). To help these bills get funded, consider LWVOR’s Action Alert . If either of these bills are funded, it is most likely to be HB 3587. The League signed on to a letter of support for HB 3963 , a bill that extends the timeline for the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to provide a report on offshore wind conversations from 2025 to 2027. The League signed on to testimony in support. A work session was held May 29 where the bill passed committee in a partisan vote. The bill passed the House floor (34/18 with 2 excused) and now is headed to the Senate Rules Committee for a public hearing June 17. DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) By Peggy Lynch SB 1154 was filed by the Governor to address the groundwater/nitrate issue in Morrow and Umatilla counties per this OPB article . See also in the Water section for a presentation of interest. The bill has a public hearing and possible work session for June 9 in Senate Rules. An A3 amendment is posted. The Governor’s office provided this slide show to help explain the policy implications. After the public hearing, they moved the work session to June 10. It seems that there is still division and supporters of the original bill aren’t happy with the amendment while some of the opposition may be neutral on the amendment. There have obviously been MANY work group meetings. This Oregon Capital Chronicle article helps explain the controversy. The bill passed out of Senate Rules on a party line (3/2) vote and now goes to the Senate floor. DEPT. OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES (DOGAMI) By Joan Fryxell The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries has released multiple new reports in the first part of 2025. Open-File Report O-25-01: Earthquake and Tsunami Impact Analysis for the Oregon Coast. This report is the final in a series of evaluations of the potential impacts of a Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake and accompanying tsunami affecting communities and parks along the length of the Oregon Coast. The analyses presented here update previous countywide studies completed by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) between 2020 and 2023. This new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-01.aspx . Open-File Report O-25-02: Ecola State Park Landslide Risk Analysis, Clatsop County, Oregon. Landslide hazards have been an issue at Ecola State Park since its designation in 1932. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the current and future landslide susceptibility and risk within and surrounding Ecola to assist the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) in making decisions to reduce landslide risk, with an emphasis on roadways. This report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-02.aspx . Open-File Report O-25-03: Landslide Inventory Map of Western Hood River County, Oregon. Landslides are one of the most widespread and damaging natural hazards in Oregon. This map is an inventory of existing landslides in the study area and is one of the essential data layers used to delineate regional landslide susceptibility. This landslide inventory is not regulatory, and revisions can happen when new information regarding landslides is found or when new landslides occur. This new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-03.aspx . Open-File Report O-25-04: Beaches and Dunes of Clatsop County, Oregon: 1975 to 2022. New lidar-based mapping along the Clatsop County coast provides updated spatial extents of beach and dune features exposed to existing and future storm-induced wave erosion, runup, overtopping, and coastal flooding. Side-by-side comparisons between 1975 and the latest mapping of beach and dune feature highlight important spatial changes in coastal geomorphology that have taken place. This new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-04.aspx . Open-File Report O-25-05: Path Distance Tsunami Modeling for Oregon Tsunami-Hazard Zones. The Oregon Coast is threatened by tsunamis originating from megathrust earthquakes on the Cascadia Subduction Zone as well as from distant earthquake sources, the nearest being Alaska. This GIS data release includes path distance evacuation modeling for all five local Cascadia and two Alaska distant tsunami inundation scenarios. These data are the basis for undertaking tsunami evacuation modeling. The new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/ofr/p-O-25-05.aspx . Special Paper 55: Multitemporal LIDAR Analysis of Pre- and Post-Eagle Creek Fire Debris Flows, Western Columbia River Gorge, Hood River and Multnomah Counties, Oregon. The paper presents an evaluation of debris flows both prior to and post-2017 Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge. The paper also presents a method for evaluation of debris flows using multitemporal light detection and ranging (lidar). The intended audiences for this paper include those in government, industry, academia, and the public who are interested in debris-flow hazards prefire and postfire in western Oregon. The new report can be accessed at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/pubs/Pages/sp/SP-55.aspx . The Grassy-Mountain Gold Project Technical Review Team will meet June 16th. Information can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_projectDocuments.aspx . The League continues to follow this project as the first consolidated permitting project to be held in Oregon. ELLIOTT STATE RESEARCH FOREST (ESRF) The ESRF Board of Directors met in North Bend June 11. Click here to download the meeting agenda and materials . The Board approved the 2025-27 Biennial Operations Plan and recommended research grant proposals one and two and the tier two level with verbal support for proposals three and four without funding at this time. FORESTRY SB 1051 , which transfers the authority to appoint a State Forester from the State Board of Forestry to the Governor, subject to Senate confirmation had a Work Session June 11 in the Senate Rules Committee where -4 amendment was adopted and the bill has moved the the Senate floor for a vote. GOVERNANCE HB 3569 , a bill that would require a Chief Sponsor (legislator) of a bill to be a part of a rules advisory committee (RAC) for legislation they had a hand in passing, passed the House. The League provided testimony with our concerns and opposition to the bill. The bill passed Senate Rules on June 5 and now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. The League continues to have discussions with Legislative Leadership and the Governor’s office on these RACs bills, explaining our concerns. We have provided testimony in opposition to HB 2692 , a bill that would create complicated and burdensome processes for agencies to implement legislation with their rulemaking procedures. The League joined others in sharing concerns about this bill to members of House Rules. It was pulled from the scheduled work session on May 28th. The League continues to follow the bills listed on the March 17 agenda of the Senate Committee On Rules since some of the bills relate to the process of rulemaking ( SB 437 , SB 1006 , SB 370 , SB 483 ) and SB 411 , SB 895 also in Senate Rules. HB 2454 passed House Rules with the -1 amendment and 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. From Leader Bowman’s office: “ HB 2454 changes the statutory authority related to audits and audit reviews from the Legislative Fiscal Office to the Legislative Audit Officer (LAO) and authorizes the LAO to hire necessary staff to carry out assigned functions. The LAO and his/her staff will be housed under the new Legislative Performance Oversight and Government Accountability Office. The bill does substitute LFO for the LAO on a number of responsibilities. LFO will continue fiscal analyses and other duties, while audits and oversight will be housed under the LAO.” We are concerned with HB 3382 , since the requirements of the Secretary of State to gather ALL the state agencies’ rulemaking, including all materials would be overwhelming. Individual state agencies provide that information on their rulemaking websites. A work session was held May 28 where the -2 amendment was adopted to delay the web work and the bill sent to Ways and Means. Separately, the League was invited to a conversation among state agency rules staff on addressing concerns of the Governor and in an attempt to standardize the process statewide. The Governor has provided Rulemaking Guidance to state agencies: This document includes questions received from agencies since the Governor’s letter. This document includes additional resources for agencies including direction to post updates to the Transparency site, a website template that agencies can use (if they choose) to develop their pages, and links to other comprehensive agency rule making sites to review. There is a broader discussion to increase transparency and consistency in the state agencies’ rulemaking process. A second meeting related to the state agency rules process is set for June with an invitation to the League to continue to participate. See also the Governance section of this Legislative Report. LAND USE & HOUSING By Sandra U. Bishop/Peggy Lynch HB 2138 , the Governor’s follow up on a middle housing bill had a work session along with the Housing agency’s budget bill on June 10 and passed Full Ways and Means Committee on June 13. LFO Recommendation The League engaged on elements of this bill over the summer but chose to stay silent due to some of the provisions in the bill. HB 2258 , a bill that authorizes the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt rules requiring local governments to approve certain land use applications for residential developments using building plans preapproved by the Department of Consumer and Business Services passed Full Ways and Means on June 13. LFO Recommendation The League provided testimony in support of HB 3939 , a bill that provides a list of infrastructure projects to fund for smaller Oregon cities so they can build more housing. We have also supported HB 3031 A (already sitting in Ways and Means) but know there might be limited dollars this session so called out that link in our letter. The -1 amendment to HB 3939 was adopted and the bill moved to Ways and Means. HB 2316 : Allows designation of Home Start Lands to be used for housing. HB 2316 -4 frees up approximately 3,500 acres of state land which can now be used for housing production, all within the urban growth boundaries. The A6 amendment was adopted and the bill sent to Ways and Means. The Land Conservation and Development Commission will meet June 26-27 in Salem. Guest presenters include Oregon Water Resources Director Ivan Gall, and Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) Coordinator Crystal Grinnell, who will provide updates on the 2025 Draft IWRS before its scheduled adoption by the Water Resources Commission this fall. agenda See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. STATE LAND BOARD (SLB) The SLB met June 10, but did NOT appoint a new Director. They have scheduled an executive meeting on June 16 to interview the two finalists and then will call a special meeting to appoint the new Director. TRANSPORTATION HB 2025 is the comprehensive Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) which is being worked in a new committee: Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment . The League signed on to a letter in support of increased transit funding. Rep. McLain, Co-Chair, said she would share information by the first of the coming week. Written testimony was taken thru Saturday. You can listen to the hearings from last week: Informational meeting on House Bill 2025 Public hearing on ODOT Accountability and Anchor Projects Public hearing on Transit, Active Transportation, and Rail Public hearing on Maintenance, Operations, and Safety Republican legislators have proposed House Bill 3982 a no-new-taxes alternative that prioritizes real infrastructure needs without increasing costs for families. It will be interesting to see if any portion of this bill is included in amendments to HB 2025 in order to pass a final bill with bipartisan support. The House bill doesn’t include alternative transportation elements. The proposed 2025 Transportation Plan, if not agreed upon by the legislature in a truly bipartisan manner, is expected to be taken to the voters by a new political action committee “No Gas Hikes’ per this OPB article . “ Bills passed by Oregon lawmakers can be referred to voters if organizers collect enough valid signatures within 90 days of the Legislature adjourning. This year, a referral would require at least 78,115 signatures, equal to 4% of the people who cast a ballot in the 2022 gubernatorial election.” WATER By Peggy Lynch From Rep. Ken Helm: The beta version of the pilot portal for the Oregon Water Data Portal is live and ready for testing. The pilot portal is accessible at https://www.oregonwaterdata.org/ . This project is about improving access to data and information to help users make water and water infrastructure decisions and was funded by the Legislature in 2021 and 2023. The concept of a water data portal was initially described in the implementation portion of Oregon’s 2017 Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) and Oregon’s 100-year Water Vision . The League has supported funding of the Portal and and engaged in the IWRS and Water Vision. This Oregon water data pilot portal was developed through a collaboration with multiple Oregon agencies, Oregon State University, and the Internet of Water Coalition based on the experience and knowledge of this group as well as the input and questions the team has received through various engagements. The objective of this initial pilot portal is to test functionality using limited data and will evolve over the next six months as data are added and improvements are made based on user feedback. The team will continue to build their understanding about user needs and experiences through this pilot portal phase. Users can provide feedback about the beta version of the pilot portal by completing a survey or emailing OWDP@deq.oregon.gov . Changes to the pilot portal will be made intermittently from input received during the beta testing until June 2025, as resources allow. HB 2169 had a work session on June 3 in the Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee. LFO Recommendation The bill directs the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to establish and lead . an interagency water reuse team to encourage and expand water reuse in Oregon. Full Ways and Means passed the bill on June 6 so it now goes to both chambers for a vote. HB 2947 also had a work session on June 3. “ Directs the Oregon State University Extension Service and the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University to study the distribution and occurrence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in biosolids applied to agricultural fields that do not produce crops intended for human consumption.” LFO Recommendation . Full Ways and Means passed the bill on June 6 so it now goes to both chambers for a vote. HB 3806 , a bill that authorizes the Oregon Water Resources Commission to approve a Deschutes River water bank pilot program if the charter is approved by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and adheres to all requirements. It sunsets the pilot program on January 2, 2034, had a work session in Jt. Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources on May 29th. It was noted that funding for this pilot will be provided by the Deschutes River Conservancy. The bill passed and was sent to Full Ways and Means where it passed on June 6 and now goes to both chambers for a vote. LWV Deschutes County submitted a letter in support of SB 427 , a water rights transfer bill meant to protect instream water flows. The bill sits in Senate Rules. SB 1153 , an alternate bill provided with help from the Governor’s office had a work session April 8 where the bill was sent to Senate Rules. A work session was held June 9 on SB 1153 where the -10 amendment was adopted and the bill passed on a party line vote 3/2. Water Right Process Improvements ( HB 3342 ). A - 4 amendment was adopted and the bill is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. Harney Basin Groundwater Management ( HB 3800 ). A work session was held and the bill was sent to House Rules without recommendation as to passage. Water Rights and Public Interest ( HB 3501 ) A work session was held and the bill was referred to House Rules without recommendation as to passage on a 6 to 3 vote. HB 3525 is related to tenants’ right to well water testing. The League submitted testimony in support. House Rules had a public hearing April 30. A work session scheduled for May 12 has been cancelled. A number of amendments have been offered. The controversy seems to be around timelines for testing—how often—and what exactly gets tested. The League hopes to see this bill move forward, even if there are constraints. It would be a beginning and a recognition that water needs to be safe for everyone-homeowners and renters. SUMMER PREPARATION TIPS League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. An Abnormally Dry designation has increased in NE and NW Oregon and now we also see our first level of Drought (Moderate) in some of those areas (over 8% of Oregon is in moderate drought (D1) and over 35% is abnormally dry (D0)). Here is a more complete website about drought in Oregon and a long range climate prediction . We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms (HABs). “When in doubt, stay out.” Visit the Harmful Algae Bloom website or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 to learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body. Information on current advisories can be found on the OHA’s cyanobacteria bloom webpage at healthoregon.org/hab . The OHA has an online photo gallery to help community members identify signs of potentially harmful blooms. WILDFIRE By Carolyn Mayers “The tick of the clock is really loud right now,” Sen. Jeff Golden, an Ashland Democrat and staunch advocate for fire funding, said last week. That quote from this Oregon Live article sums up perfectly the current landscape for wildfire funding at the Oregon Legislature. In the face of uncertainties around staffing as the result of cuts to some of federal agencies, and a looming session’s end with no clear funding solution in sight, there is a real sense of dread around the wildfire community. The federal situation is outlined in this OPB article . Adding to the growing pessimism is the recent forecast from the weather folks at the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) that this fire season will likely be a very challenging one, with the entire state as well as the entire Northwest region expected to be a high risk for large wildfires by August 1. This is a month earlier than usual, and that prediction comes when the aforementioned federal cuts are delaying the process of getting all the personnel ready for the season - a season that is already underway. As of Thursday, June 12, ODF’s dashboard showed there were 36 wildfires burning in the state, with 3 classified as “large” and one already requiring the Governor to invoke the Emergency Conflagration Act. In that fire, the Rowena fire between the Dalles and Mosier, there have been over 40 homes burned. Details from the Oregon Department of the fire Marshal may be found here . One fact that amplifies these fears of personnel shortages for the upcoming season is the fact announced by ODF recently that 1,600 “red-carded” federal employees, meaning they are fire-qualified and mobilized to handle incident management and some fire suppression duties when resources are strained, will not be fielded this season. When last season was, at one point an all hands on deck situation with ZERO personnel available to send to new fires, that 1,600 fewer fire fighters seems ominous. There has been very little movement with bills related to wildfire in the past week. Tangentially related to wildfire is SB 1051 , which would transfer the power to appoint the State Forester to the Governor from the Board of Forestry. A Work Session on this bill was held on June 11 before the Senate Rule Committee at which the -4 amendment was approved and the bill was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. SB 83 , which would repeal the State Wildfire Hazard Map and accompanying statues related to it, remains in House Rules where it has been since May 20. It seems that the bill is now being used as trade bait to find funding for wildfire according to a news release from Sen. David Brock Smith. Speaker Fahey responded by arguing that if lawmakers are going to repeal requirements for how Oregonians in high-risk areas must harden their home against wildfire, then she wants to see dedicated funding to support alternative fire prevention efforts. “It’s not about holding anything hostage. It’s about holding ourselves accountable to delivering that funding mechanism,” she said. “You can’t take something away without a plan for what’s replacing it.” saying that, repealing the map without a plan to provide funding for these lands is irresponsible. SB 75 A , removes the wildfire hazard map as a guide for allowing ADUs and requiring higher building codes in rural areas is also still in House Rules where it was sent May 22nd . It is likely to stay there while negotiations continue on wildfire funding. Here is a short report on status of the bills mentioned last week: The Omnibus wildfire funding bill, HB 3940A , had a robust Public Hearing before the House Committee on Revenue on May 1. Legislative Revenue staff provided a table to help understand the various elements of the bill. Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office have stated the minimum annual need for wildfire funding to address the growing wildfire crisis is around $280 million. The bill has a provision related to increasing the bottle deposit to help pay for wildfire funding. This provision was widely opposed, but another concept has been floated where the unclaimed deposits (now used to help pay for the collection system) would be instead used for wildfire funding. This bill is still part of the wildfire funding conversation. SB 1177 is still before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue. It had a public hearing on April 7. This bill would establish the Oregon Wildfire Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and redirect the “kicker” to it, one- time, for financing wildfire related expenses, by using the interest earned. A 5% return would yield approximately $170-180 million per year, or just over half of the aforementioned projected ongoing costs to fund wildfire mitigation and suppression. (The Governor has expressed interest in using only the amount of kicker that would go to large income earners for wildfire costs.) SJR 11 also remains before the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue after its April 7 public hearing. It would dedicate a fixed, to-be-determined percentage of net proceeds of the State Lottery to a wildfire fund created by the Legislature. Its passage would mean an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, which would have to go to the voters for approval. Finally, HB 3489 , which imposes a severance tax on owners of timber harvested from public or private forestland, had a Public Hearing April 24 before the House Committee on Revenue. The League has supported a severance tax in past sessions and provided testimony at the hearing. Rep. E. Werner Reschke has suggested using the interest generated by Oregon’s Rainy Day Fund savings account to pay for wildfire. For the 2025-27 session, that interest is around $160 million – which gets lawmakers more than halfway to the $280 M target. He has also suggested pulling more money out of the body of the Rainy Day Fund itself to cover the other half, though doing so would be complicated. However, the Governor and others have insisted on “new money” for wildfire funding rather than using “current money”. Speaker Fahey has said she expects the House Revenue Committee to unveil a plan to fund wildfire soon. SB 454 A requires the Department of the State Fire Marshal to create an advisory committee to advise the department on funding options for rural fire protection districts (RFPDs), instructs the committee to develop funding recommendations based on the review and report to the Legislature by December 31, 2026. The House Revenue Committee will have a public hearing on June 16. The League is also still following other non-funding related bills, such as SB 926 , which would prohibit the recovery of certain costs and expenses from customers that an electric company incurs as a result of allegations of a wildfire resulting from the negligence or fault on the part of the electric company. It was passed by the Senate. The House Committee on Judiciary adopted the A 10 amendment and the Speaker sent the bill to Ways and Means. HB 3666 remains in the Rules Committee. This bill would establish wildfire mitigation actions and an accompanying certification for electric utilities in an attempt to standardize their approach. Because our Rural Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) are seeing a huge increase in their fire fees, Rep. Owens has offered the following: “ I introduced HB 3349 and HB 3350 to ensure our RFPAs have access to the tools they need. These bills propose establishing a dedicated funding stream to help RFPAs obtain gear from the Oregon Department of Forestry and better access federal resources. Importantly, this support does not change their volunteer status but simply gives them the resources to be more effective and safe while serving our communities.” HB 3349 had an A-2 amendment and an LFO Recommendation of $1 million placed in a new Rangeland Protection Association Fund in Joint Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee on June 11. The amended bill passed the Subcommittee to Full Ways and Means Volunteers Needed What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The long legislative session begins in January of 2025. Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, at peggylynchor@gmail.com . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Governance , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 5/29 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch 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 Parks and Recreation Department: Jim Buck Oregon Dept. of Transportation: Janice Thompson Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch Jump to a topic: Air Quality Budgets Climate Coastal Issues Elliott State Research Forest Land Use/Housing Recycling Toxics Water Wildfire By Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, and Team It’s mostly about budgets now, unless the Senate Republicans return to vote on policy bills awaiting a Senate chamber vote. Of interest is a new strategy of creating large budget bills combining a number of policy bills that need funding. Look for “packages” in this report’s Budget section. The latest word is W&Ms may finish by June 9 th and then will wait for a return of Senators to the Senate chamber for a quorum. Otherwise, adjournment is June 25. Air Quality LWVOR joined with others in support of HB 3229 , to modify federal air quality (Title V) operating permit program fees. The bill sits in W&Ms without recommendation. We should see the DEQ budget next week. Budgets The Full Ways and Means Committee met May 31 st with this agenda . Bills in this report not included here may be scheduled for June 2 nd . We expect them to meet again June 7 and 9. The Capital Construction Subcommittee may meet next week also. Look for large bills packaging groups of policy bills that were sent to W&Ms under themes such as “drought” or “climate”. Bills assigned to each subcommittee are listed under those subcommittees. HB 3124 is expected to be amended. See the Drought Package Press Release . The League provided comments on the bill, including a list of our priorities, using our participation in the HB 5006 Work Group as our guide when the bill was heard in the policy committee. Expected to be included are three of LWVOR’s priorities: HB 3163A , to renew the Place-Based Planning program with a Fund to help groups participate in this program, sent to W&Ms. The League participated in a Work Group last year to help develop program sideboards, and provided testimony in support. HB 3100 A , addressing the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS), is in W&Ms. The League provided testimony when the bill had its public hearing. Then we worked behind the scenes to provide guidance as the IWRS is updated and we support the bill. HB 2813 A , a bill that creates a grant program to protect drinking water sources, is in W&Ms. LWVOR supports . The climate package bill is HB 3409 . Look for a substantial amendment that will include a number of bills supported by LWVOR. (See Climate Report) One bill included and followed by Natural Resources is HB 2647 A . The League supports HB 2647 A to continue to address harmful algal blooms, a public health issue. In addition, a number of Agency Policy Option Packages (POPs) and new climate-related programs are included in the Climate Package. We have yet to see the Dept. of Environmental Quality budget posted for a Work Session but expect it next week. HB 5020 , Oregon Dept. of Forestry budget: LFO Recommendation - Revised (Moves 2 Capital Construction projects from this bill to the Capital Construction bill to allow for 6-year implementation) Work Session held May 30. LWVOR testimony HB 2087 Relating to forest products harvest taxation -1 amendment , LFO Recommendation (The changed rate is required to support up to 40% of the budgeted expenditures for administration of the Forest Practices Act based on projected harvest volumes as of 3/31/23) Work Session held May 30 th . LWVOR testimony HB 5002 , Oregon Dept. of Agriculture budget: LFO Recommendation . Work Session held May 30. HB 5003 Department of Agriculture - fee bill: LFO Recommendation Work Session held May 30. SB 5509 , Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: LFO Recommendation Revised Work Session held May 31 st . Among changes in this and some other budgets, includes directly assigning money to the state agency assigned the task rather than “pass through” monies from one agency to another because the program idea originally came from one agency. For instance, monies to the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) for poaching prosecution will show up in the DOJ budget rather than to ODFW and being “passed through” from ODFW to DOJ, thereby saving administrative work. SB 488 A requires the owner or operator of municipal solid waste incinerator (Covanta in Keizer) to develop a plan for continuous monitoring or sampling of specified emissions for 12 consecutive months, was worked in W&M Natural Resources Subcommittee. LFO Recommendation includes -A 7 and – A 8 amendments, passed out of Committee May 31 st . SB 835 A Directs Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules authorizing single-family dwelling and accessory dwelling unit constructed on same lot or parcel to be permanently connected to same subsurface sewage disposal system or alternative sewage disposal system. LFO Recommendation The League engaged w/the sponsor and DEQ to get the bill amended to require the rules to assure septic systems have the capacity to accept additional sewage. The bill passed out of Committee May 31 st . SB 931 A Permits Department of Environmental Quality to issue a permit to repair or replace a subsurface sewage disposal system or alternative sewage disposal system without regard to the availability of a community or areawide sewerage system under certain circumstances. LFO Recommendation The bill passed out of Committee May 31 st . HB 2914 A Establishes the Oregon Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Program in the Department of State Lands (DSL). LFO Recommendation . The League has consistently supported funding for this program outside of the Common School Fund. The bill passed out of Committee May 31 st with the statement that funding for this program would be in the end-of-session bill, SB 5506 , and may be from the Monsanto Settlement Agreement per the Governor’s recommendation. SB 5524 : Oregon Business Development Dept.: LFO Recommendation (includes $10 million for distribution to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay to support the continuation and final completion of the engineering and design work related to deepening and widening the Federal Navigation Channel at Coos Bay to support existing businesses and promote new business opportunities. The original $15 million appropriation was provided to the agency in the 2022 legislative session.) A Work Session was held May 31st and the bill passed W&M Transportation and Economic Development Subcommittee. HB 3410-2 is one of the many “package” bills and includes a variety of economic development funds/grant programs, mostly for rural Oregon, LFO Recommendation adopted May 30 th . To learn the policy bills folded into this bill, listen to Rep. Gomberg’s testimony . SB 5527 , the Oregon State Parks and Recreation budget bill, was heard June 1 st . LFO Recommendation . It includes updating the park reservation system, additional staff in Central Services, additional limitation for parks repairs and authorizes additional hours for parks seasonal staff positions. HB 5048 with -2 amendment funds, starting Jan. 1, 2024, for new Elliott State Forest Research Authority Board staffing and expenses, LFO Recommendation . Heard June 1, it is expected that the 2024 session will review this new agency’s fiscal needs, but this funding provides for an Executive Director and two other positions. SB 546A (toxic free cosmetics) had aMay 30 th Work Session, passed to Full W&Ms. LFO Recommendation . SB 5506 is the end-of session (Christmas Tree) bill. We are learning of items to be included as hearings on other bills are worked. The League provided testimony in support of funding for the Oregon Conservation Corps in HB 5025 , the omnibus Higher Education Coordinating Commission budget bill. LFO Recommendation with a Work Session set for June 1 st . We do not see money for the Corps in the recommendation so can hope it will be included in the end-of-session bill. Sb 538 A would allow DOGAMI and other agencies to offer permittees the ability to use a credit card to pay fees and the agencies to charge for processing costs charged by those card businesses. On May 25, the bill was moved to House Rules. The Governor signed HB 5046 , to allow state agencies to continue to operate until Sept. 15 th at current levels. With the current Senate Republican walkout, this bill is increasingly important. Climate By Claudia Keith and Team We encourage you to read both of the overlapping Climate Emergency and Natural Resources sections of this report. Coastal Issues By Christine Moffitt/Peggy Lynch HB 3382 A has an -A 11 amendment posted for a June 1 st public hearing and Work Session in House Rules. The amendment clarifies which tribes can apply for an exception and also states that no fossil fuel projects would be allowed to be approved. HB 2903 A , funding to continue work on marine reserves, is in W&Ms, LWVOR supports . This 10-year-old program now has support from a diverse set of interests in coastal communities. We were disappointed that this position was not included in the ODFW budget but Sens. Anderson and Dembrow both encouraged inclusion in the end-of-session bill, SB 5506 . Dept of Environmental Quality (DEQ) We are awaiting DEQ budget posting. In the meantime, work goes on at the agency DEQ will hold two virtual listening sessions to discuss updating its Supplemental Environmental Project policy in which funds from violations can go towards a community project that benefits public health or the environment: Session #1 : June 6, 2023 | Noon – 1pm, Zoom: ordeq.org/sep-mtg1 Session #2 : June 7, 2023 | 6– 7pm, Zoom: ordeq.org/sep-mtg2 The focus of these listening sessions is to hear how community-based organizations and communities think DEQ could update policy to be more equitable and accessible. Read more about supplemental environmental projects . Feedback can also be provided by email: sep@deq.oregon.gov . Dept. of State Lands HB 2238 A , filed to provide permission for robust rulemaking to increase fees for the removal/fill awaits a vote in the Senate chamber. It will need to go back to the House for “concurrence”—to agree with the Senate amendment. The League continues to support . Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) By Peggy Lynch The prospective Board will meet June 6th via Zoom from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Join the meeting: Zoom meeting link . Meeting agenda Meetings of the prospective board are open to the public and include time for public comment. See the Department of State Lands Meeting notes and YouTube channel video. They tentatively plan to meet again July 24th (time and location TBD). Visit DSL's Elliott webpage to learn more . Land Use/Housing By Peggy Lynch Until the end of session, LWVOR will continue to watch the bills in this report. HB 3414 would create a new Housing Accountability and Production Office in DLCD and also includes a section 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 has a new public hearing in House Rules June 1st where a new amendment may address some prior hearing concerns. The League has concerns about the burden being placed on cities and we’re not clear if that issue has been resolved. HB 3179-A7 sits awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. The bill would double the maximum allowable acreage for solar photovoltaic power generation facility siting in the context of county land-use planning, allowing counties to approve more and larger solar projects while preserving existing protections for land use and wildlife. The amended bill now requires an applicant for a land use permit for a renewable energy facility to provide a decommissioning plan to restore the site to "a useful, nonhazardous condition," assured by bonding or other security. The Siting Table group will continue during the interim to address ways to site renewable energy projects while also protecting farmland and addressing environmental concerns. There are still a number of land use planning bills sitting in Senate and House Rules Committees, not subject to deadlines until Leadership closes those committees, so we wait and watch—holding our breath that these bills are not trade bait should the Republican Senators return to their chamber to vote before the end of session. SB 1096 to “expand development into farmland”, has been referred to Senate Rules. The bill, similar to SB 1051 which the League vigorously opposed and has died, is a topic of discussion. The bill continues the false narrative that simply adding land to urban growth boundaries will solve Oregon's housing crises. No new news 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 bill is in Senate Rules. SB 70A would allow housing on acreage in Malheur County. The League provided testimony in opposition on Feb. 8th. On April 3, the bill moved without passage recommendation to Senate Rules. LWVOR still opposes. SB 1013 , to allow a recreational vehicle to be sited on a rural property, was amended by the -4 amendment and passed the House floor. The League worked with the sponsor and Sen. Hayden to assure that, should a recreational vehicle be allowed, issues of sewage and clean drinking water would be addressed by the counties. Rep. Helm also stated that for the record in committee, which the League appreciated. Again, this bill will require “concurrence” with the Senate. HB 3442 A , a bill to allow coastal communities to develop in hazard areas under certain conditions, passed to the Senate floor on May 10 where it sits until there is a quorum. The amended bill responded to League concerns on the original bill. HB 2983 A , to help with manufactured housing and housing parks is in W&Ms. LWVOR supports . See also the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report. Northwest Energy Coalition (NWEC) By Robin Tokmakian A Semi-Annual NWEC meeting was held on May 18. The primary business was to adopt a resolution on Gas Utility decarbonization. A caucus of the Oregon members was held May 24. Most of the work in Oregon relates to the Public Utility Commission including activity on Utility Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs), Utility Clean Energy Plans (CEPs), Distribution Planning by the utilities (PUC activity), Rate Cases, and transportation electrification (TEs) plans.(Contact , if you need more information on this.) NWEC has 6 priority bills in the legislature: * HB 2531, the clean lighting bill that would phase out mercury-based fluorescent light bulbs; * HB 3459, which would extend the temporary increase of $5 million in energy assistance for two more years; and * SB 868, 869, 870, and 871 which form the Building Resilience package stemming from the Re-Building Task Force last year. We believe these bills will be in the climate package, HB 3409 .NWEC is helping to facilitate the Community Cohort - spelled out in HB 2021 - that requires Clean Energy Plans be submitted to the PUC by energy companies active in Oregon. This activity provides a unique opportunity to reshape how utility regulation analyzes and distributes benefits in the context of emissions reductions. A group led by Coalition of Communities of Color, Rogue Climate, Multnomah Office of Sustainability, and Verde and supported by NWEC is engaging with about a dozen community members from around the state to educate them about PUC processes and help them identify key issues that are important to their communities so that those issues can be amplified in the regulatory process. Started about six months ago, the great work of the community cohort is beginning to be integrated with the broader work of other energy advocates. Reduce/Recycle The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is proposing rules to clarify and implement the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act of 2021. The Act requires producers of packaging, paper products and food service ware to support and expand recycling services in Oregon for their products. This is the first of two anticipated rulemakings related to the Act. For this first rulemaking, DEQ is proposing rules related to topics including producer responsibility program plan content; DEQ's administrative fees; the funding and reimbursement of local governments for eligible recycling-related expenses; and the materials suitable for recycling collection in Oregon. The DEQ is seeking public comment on the proposed rules. Anyone can submit comments and questions about this rulemaking. More information on this rulemaking, including the draft rules, can be found on the Recycling Updates 2023 Rulemaking Page . DEQ will accept comments by email, postal mail or verbally at the public hearing. Send comments by email to recycling.2023@deq.oregon.gov or mail to Oregon DEQ, Attn: Roxann Nayar/Materials Management, 700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 600, Portland, Oregon 97232-4100. Please register prior to these DEQ Public Hearings: Tuesday June 27, 11am, Register via Zoom prior to the meeting. Thursday, June 29, 5pm. Register via Zoom prior to the meeting. DEQ will only consider proposed rules comments received by 4pm, July 6. DEQ will hold the first Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee meeting for the second rulemaking. DEQ will be providing an overview of the Act, the rulemaking process, and will be presenting the Commingled Processing Facility Worker Living Wage and Supportive Benefits rule concept. Thursday, July 13, 9am - 12:30pm. Register via Zoom . To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking page, Recycling Updates 2024 . SB 542 A (Right to Repair) continues to sit in Senate Rules until more amendments are made or until there are enough votes to pass it in the full Senate. The League provided testimony in support on Feb. 14 th . Toxics By Paula Grisafi HB 3043A was amended by the A3 amendment and is awaiting a quorum on the Senate floor. The bill revises provisions relating to chemicals in children’s products. SB 426 A (toxic free schools) was sent to W&Ms without clarity on the fiscal impact. The bill’s advocates are working to assure that the fiscal impact statement is not over inflated by agency staff. Water By Peggy Lynch It’s time to engage in the Integrated Water Resources Strategy 2023 update. See the survey link on the webpage. HB 3207 A , related to domestic well testing and data collection, is in W^Ms. LWVOR supports . HB 3125 would create a Ratepayer Assistance Fund to help low-income people pay for sewer and water bills. It is in W&Ms, LWVOR supports . 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. Thanks to a substantial snowpack, our drought in many parts of Oregon has lessened. However, the recent hot weather has begun to melt that “storage”. League members may want to check the U. S. Drought Monitor , a map that is updated every Thursday. Governor Kotek has signed drought declarations under ORS 536 for these counties: Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Deschutes, Wasco, and Harney. Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Sherman and Lake counties through Executive Order 23-08 . Jackson County has requested a drought declaration. In addition, many counties in eastern and southern Oregon have received Secretarial Disaster Designations from the US Department of Agriculture due to continuing drought conditions. Wildfire By Carolyn Mayers SB 80A , the omnibus Wildfire Programs bill, is in W&Ms as is SB 509A , which aims to scale out neighborhood collaboratives in order to help whole neighborhoods reduce risk. LWVOR provided support for SB 509 A. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. Volunteers are needed. The 2023 legislative session is half way 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 9/21 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone 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: Overview Oregon Elections 2026 Campaign Finance Reform Oregon 2026 General Election Funding Cybersecurity Oregon Primary Elections Legislative Outcomes Review Outcomes Review Bills EPAB: Oregon Electronic Portal Advisory Board Overview By Rebecca Gladstone, Coordinator Please read our September Legislative Days Governance reports; these reports felt urgent! The League is leading the national defense of vote by mail balloting, with breaking judicial news this week and strong LWVOR advocacy in Oregon, Rebecca Gladstone. LWVOR is again central to campaign finance reform, kicking off a new 2028 initiative, Norman Turrill. Funding boosted to protect Oregon’s 2026 general election, Rebecca Gladstone. See the legislative outcomes review concept overview, Peggy Lynch, and hearing details, Rebecca Gladstone. We continue to be vigilant about local and national issues and will review other presentations last week. We can use your help to prepare for the 2027 legislative session. Now is a great time to step up! We could use volunteer help to build our bench with all of these issues. Let’s talk about your interests and how you can help, find a good match for your time and energy. Write to lwvor@lwvor.org and staff will direct your message to each of our relevant coordinators. Participating in the League is an excellent way to know you are making a difference ! Voting in Oregon , 2026 voter registration deadline is October 13. Oregon Elections 2026 By Rebecca Gladstone Thanks to LWV litigation , SCOTUS ruled on Sept. 14 that there is not enough time “to reasonably implement” Executive Order 14399 . See Section 2, to establish “state citizenship lists”, with other federal databases. ArtI.S4.C1.2.1 States and Elections Clause , for states’ rights and especially footnote 9, lists several cases addressing imminent election intrusions and voter identification rules. This federal intrusion into our elections runs afoul of constitutionally granted states’ rights to determine how we run our own elections. The ruling, citing inadequate timing before November’s election, implies that this could return after the election, whose outcome could influence those actions. Federal overreach into USPS is a concern for ballot delivery in both directions: sending TO voters and for timely ballot RETURN to our county elections offices. The US Mail, USPS, should not be responsible for determining who can get ballots. LWVOR has recommended using ballot drop boxes , where possible and Oregon’s prepaid postage is not charged in drop box use. If you need to send your ballot in USPS mail, we recommend you go to a post office counter and ask for a hand post mark. Important Election Dates from the SoS: October 13, 2026: Last day to register to vote. Registration cards postmarked by this date or submitted online no later than 11:59 pm are valid. October 14, 2026: First day ballots are mailed to voters. November 3, 2026 Election Day: County Clerk's office open 7 am - 8 pm. Last day for voter to return ballot. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked by election day. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8 pm on election day. December 10, 2026: Final election results certified. Campaign Finance Reform By Norman Turrill Stomp Out Dark Money in Oregon Elections The League and Honest Elections Oregon (HEO) filed the IP-34 constitutional amendment initiative with the Secretary of State last week and are now collecting the required 1000 signatures to start the ballot title process. LWVOR President Mark Kendall of Salem is one of the three Chef Petitioners and an author of Sunday’s Oregonian/OregonLive op-ed . This proposal is modelled after the Montana Plan, the state that started the idea. Supporters in Montana recently submitted enough signatures in 11 weeks on a statutory initiative petition to force it onto the Montana November ballot. The Hawaii legislature also recently passed a statute implementing it for that state . We expect both to be challenged in the courts. The idea originated with a former Federal Election Commission staffer. It stems from the recognition that all corporation powers and privileges have been granted by state and federal laws but not state constitutions. The U.S. Supreme Court created a new corporate power with the Citizens United v. FEC case that gave corporations the right of free speech. This proposal defines an “ artificial person ” as any entity that is not an individual. This very comprehensive term includes every type of corporation: for-profit, nonprofit, union, trust, trade association, foundation, religious organization, partnership, unincorporated association, etc. Each of these types of corporations has a separate section in Oregon statutory law, but they are never mentioned in the Oregon Constitution. This Oregon version proposes to revoke all powers and privileges granted by the state to artificial persons, then reinstate these without including campaign finance privileges. However, artificial persons are not entirely blocked from participating in elections. All such entities are permitted to establish and administer a political committee that only individuals can contribute to. Most labor unions already have such a political committee and usually don’t contribute to candidates from their union treasury. HEO believes this must be a constitutional amendment because the Oregon Legislature has shown for decades that it is hostile to any attempt to reform campaign finance. Contribution Limits and Disclosures HB 4018 (2026) on campaign finance (CFR) is now law, rammed through by the House and the Senate during the last legislative session. Because the Legislature betrayed the deal made in 2024 with HEO for withdrawing Initiative Petition 9 in exchange for passage of HB 4024 (2024) , HEO now believes that it has no choice but to draft a new constitutional amendment initiative on campaign finance. HEO believes this must be a constitutional amendment because of the hostility that the Oregon Legislature has shown to any attempt to reform campaign finance. HEO has now drafted such a constitutional amendment initiative and will file it soon with the Secretary of State. Literally all types of campaign contributions would be limited. The proposal would also require the disclosure of these contributions down to the original source of the money, not just the last person that touched the money. ORESTAR In the meantime, the Elections Division under the Secretary of State is struggling to implement the requirements of the 2026 bill by January 1, 2027. In testimony to House Rules on September 8 , a representative of the SoS said it will be difficult to meet this deadline, but they are committed to doing so by modifying ORESTAR, the Oregon Elections System for Tracking and Reporting. This is exactly what HEO and the League said should happen earlier this year when the SoS wanted to replace ORESTAR at great expense. Oregon 2026 General Election funding With urging from LWVOR and the Joint Interim Subcommittee on Human Services , Oregon’s 2026 general election got unanimous E-Board support votes to fully fund: DROP BOXES AND STAFFING 20 new ballot drop boxes and county elections offices staffing to support ballot processing, with higher anticipated use. Amid postal service uncertainty, Oregon election officials turn to ballot drop boxes , Oregon Capital Chronicle, Sept. 3, 2026 BALLOT TRACKING so voters can see where their ballots are as federal executive orders increase voter uncertainty. This service can also fulfill an Oregon Elections Division Directive 2026-08 required action: Track Ballots Rejected for Processing: Record any ballots that USPS rejects for processing, including the stated reason for rejection. Promptly report these rejections to the Elections Division. INACTIVE VOTER NOTIFICATION Oregon to Resume Routine Cleanup of Outdated, Inactive Voter Registration Records This could help voters prevent unexpected removal, in time for the 2026 general election. Note that ballots are not sent to inactive voters. The League supported Secretary of State Dennis Richardson’s 2017 rule extending inactive voter status from 5 years to 10 years. Cybersecurity By Rebecca Gladstone The Joint Information Management and Technology Committee has several new members, facing that cybersecurity funding often suffers in competing in Ways & Means. The Sept 10 meeting ( video ) focused on Oregon’s cyber preparedness, ranked near the middle for state security and resilience, when a cyber emergency crosses over into a physical emergency. This is should be required reading, since “nobody told us” is not a responsible defense. We must be ready as a state, assuming that we won’t be a high national priority in a coordinated attack. We are building resources to respond but need more fundamental protective structures. Crisis prevention costs much less than response. Cybersecurity is a newer form of war. It affects all of our LWVOR portfolios, for example, water as a natural resource. Drinking water, though is administered under OHA, the health authority, and public awareness, into our public education curriculum, is usually social policy. The Cybersecurity Cener of Excellence update is reassuring for collaborations and cyber workforce development. EIS recommendations should be implemented. Imminent threats are alarming. Oregon’s critical infrastructures Oregon is on the front line for attacks for data centers and high tech firms, the silicon forest, and ocean cables. Cyber awareness should expand statewide, as part of our public education curriculum. See Oregon’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence report , p. 5, cybersecurity forecasts. The 6 shown sectors of 15 followed are at high risk of cyber-attack, with water systems and energy grid at very high “state actor battlespace” risk. If attacked, they predict a cascading failure through multiple sectors. Power would fail within 7-12 hours, then water, telecommunications, then fuel, so with 72 hours, we’d have chaos. Federal intelligence shows imminent threat in the next two years. Considering the highest risk concentrations from China and Russia/Hybrid together, these reach critical status for probable 2026-2027 state-sponsored attack. We need system assessments and further, to assign who will fix them and who will pay. Incident reporting and assessment legislation was considered in the 2026 short session, deferred for comprehensive consideration, knowing that those under attack could be ill-equipped to respond, let alone quickly assess conditions. We need to fund protection and responses. Federal CISA and DHS support to local governments is greatly reduced. Security clearance delays are hampering collaboration. Drinking water For example, the Governor’s EO 25-26 mentions water resilience for climate change and watershed enhancement but not as a critical infrastructure needing protection. The relevant drinking water safety operational technology is administered under the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Services program, covering ~3,450 Oregon public water systems. See the report above, p. 6. We lack good data, outside of Eugene and Portland. Election cybersecurity Social media disinformation merited comment as “the old spy games in the digital world now.” Tech companies met before the last national election and refused to comply with a federal movement to restrict social media manipulation undermining democracy. It became a recommendation. Data Privacy The mandated Dept of Revenue race and ethnicity data privacy report , to implement SB 1 Enrolled (2023), for data privacy, also is for studying tax policy equity. See the 2026 summary , p. 13. The data control and privacy laws seen in the European Union are simply “advisories” at the federal level here. Oregon’s Primary Elections By Rebecca Gladstone Barbara Klein has been following this. For Interim House Rules, the Legislative Policy and Research Office presented a History of Proposals to Change Oregon’s Primary Elections , from 1998 to 2025, none of which gained ballot access. See the video, a legislator asked why placement in the Oregon constitution mattered and the analyst asked to get back to them. Audience members are not encouraged to comment during legislative hearings. A relevant example is legislative campaign finance reform in statute, HB 4024 Enrolled (2024) , with League testimony , which was largely gutted by HB 4018 (2026) , negotiated in a very short time with limited public access. Upcoming issues we’re following: Retail algorithms, data privacy and electronic shelf labeling (ESL). This was addressed in House Commerce and Consumer Protection, see Affordability in Retail Pricing & Privacy in the Age of Algorithms - Thomas McBrien (presentation) Data centers Increasing public awareness of their costs and lack of local economic support. Legislative Outcomes Review By Peggy Lynch The House Interim Committee On Rules held a public information hearing on “Outcomes Reviews Process Overview and Update” during their Sept. 8 th meeting ( Meeting Materials ). Legislators reviewed bills they had championed and shared what they had learned. It was important that it was the legislators who supported the bills who were doing the reporting. But some legislation takes years before it is really implemented and legislators come and go. So perhaps reviews should happen in the committee that passed the bill. Part of what was learned was the need to be clearer in writing legislation to allow for it to be implemented in a way that leads to the outcomes wanted. Oregonlive provided an editorial in support of the process. Legislators need to consider the cost of this process and, if they move forward, should limit the number of bills reviewed. Outcomes Review Bills By Rebecca Gladstone See Peggy Lynch’s coverage above. We heard presentations to evaluate 3 bills using the Outcome Review Process initiated by House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, aiming to evaluate whether legislation accomplished what was intended and whether it needed changes. See the video . Paraphrasing from Sen. Gomberg’s newsletter: The House Rules Committee updated the Outcomes Review Process Coming back to review whether bills actually worked is risky. Do I really want to know if the measure I wrote made a difference? Do I want the public to know if it didn’t? The answer should be a resounding yes! And that’s why I volunteered to be one of five legislators auditing one of our bills. Bills covered included HB 4022 Enrolled (2026), Rep. Bowman presented, to fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. See the presentation materials . Note, please share the program registration to check availability in your area, for Oregon’s children, aged 0-5 years old. HB 3410 Enrolled (2023) Rep Gomberg presented this $100 million bill addressing a number of needs, including a small part for maritime jobs on the coast, proposes increasing consumption of local Oregon seafood. 90% of the seafood served in Oregon restaurants is not from Oregon. A boost from 10% to 20% could have a $90 million impact on the fishing industry. See the presentation materials . SB 554 Enrolled (2021) Sen Reynolds presented this firearm access and secure storage bill. Compare the (partial data) “significant decrease” in unintentional shootings by a child in Oregon, from 2015 to 2025, graph on p. 4 pf the presentation materials, to the national figures, not showing significant decreases, by contrast, on p. 5. We note that CDC data on firearm suicide deaths, by year and age, in Oregon, has been “suppressed”. This article is (gifted access) shared press: Trump Administration Guts Efforts to Prevent Gun Violence , July 7 2026. Online access to data may be intermittent. EPAB Oregon Electronic Portal Advisory Board By Rebecca Gladstone The board’s quarterly meeting, August 20, addressed board member term limits, updates to the and. This board member posed questions about ease of website searching the Governor’s Newsroom website, visibility / awareness of user’s data being shared in Secretary of State websites, and how we are ensuring that the DoJ compliance for accessibility rules are being followed. This will go on to our next agenda. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 3/17 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • 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: After School and Summer Behavioral Health Education Gun Policy Healthcare Housing Reproductive Health After School and Summer By Katie Riley During the week of March 10 the Joint Committee on Ways & Means on Education heard testimony from the Department of Education regarding their budget requests. The reports included another review of the results of the 2024 HB 4082 summer funding and proposed 2025 funding of $78.5 million (includes funding for 7 ODE positions to collect and analyze data). On March 13th HB 2007 was filed to amend the summer learning grant program to provide specific requirements to increase accountability regarding academic learning. The bill does not differentiate between summer school and after school hours' activities. On March 12 the Senate Committee on Education heard testimony on SB 141 to study methods to increase accountability in education. This bill seems more aspirational in terms of designing accountability for the future. Possibly, there may be some meshing of requirements. It is hoped that separate funding of afterschool and summer after school hours funding can be provided through SB 876 and HB3162. Behavioral Health By Stephanie Aller HB 2059 directs the Oregon Health Authority to create a unit dedicated to building sufficient adult behavioral health facilities in the state. The bill will have a public hearing before the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care on March 25. HB 3129 establishes the Higher Education Behavioral Health Workforce Expansion Fund. The bill had a public hearing in front of the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development on February 25. LWVOR submitted testimony for that hearing. Another public hearing and work session has been scheduled for March 18. SB 527 had a public hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health on March 13. The bill directs OHA to distribute grants to local workforce development boards. The local workforce boards would partner with other entities to conduct behavioral health education and training for high school students. Senator Patterson testified that SB 527 is the only bill this session focused on training workers for entry-level jobs in behavioral health. It is based on a successful pilot program in Marion County. Education By Jean Pierce Recent Advocacy – Removing Cap on Special Education funding HB 2953-A LWVOR submitted testimony supporting HB2953-A, which would remove the percentage cap on the amount of money distributed from the State School Fund to districts for special education students. Eighty-eight percent of school districts throughout Oregon have exceeded the cap, but the waiver which is available to those districts has covered only 30% of the amount of funding which they received for students under the cap. Since public schools are required to accommodate these students’ needs, they must make cuts in other programs. Education Budget Request Reports The Joint Subcommittee on Education is currently hearing from agencies describing how they have used funding and their plans for the future. Resources for the discussion include the powerpoint for this week’s presentations which address provisions of SB5515 . This gives a valuable overview of Department of Education agencies. Presentations are scheduled to continue at least until March 25th. Impact of Federal Actions on Oregon During the past week, the workforce at the U.S. Department of Education was slashed in half. Although shutting down the Department altogether would require a vote from Congress, slashing the staff would achieve a similar result. Just last month, hundreds of millions in research grants funded by USED were cut . According to OPB. ”public records provided by OSU and Portland State University, the grant-funded work that’s been directed to stop varies widely from wildfire research to cybersecurity training to behavioral healthcare studies. The orders originate from a dozen different federal agencies. Among others, PSU has received orders to pause studies funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Department of Energy. OSU received similar directions from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Interior Department.” The University of Oregon is frequently updating this webpage announcing federal executive orders and research activities. Thousands of hearings on discrimination in the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) were cancelled when half of the OCR offices were closed around the country. Oregonians are referred to the Seattle branch of OCR, which remains open. More than 300 employees in the Federal Student Aid office were terminated, as well, slashing more than a quarter of the division in charge of student loans and college tuition grants. Nevertheless, the DOE claims that it will "continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency's purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking. Unfortunately, no plan has been suggested for how that might happen. The Education Law Center has a helpful tool showing how much federal funding for K-12 education each state is receiving for FY 2025. The total for Oregon is more than $433 Million. This includes close to $200 million for Title 1 (funding for educating low income students) and more than $170 million for IDEA (funding education of students with special needs). While chaos in the Department of Education is capturing the headlines, Congress is also poised to consider S 292, The Educational Choice for Children Act, a $10 billion dollar annual national private school voucher program. Donors would receive tax credits for up to 10% of their adjusted gross income. In Oregon, this could mean initiatives like school vouchers, tax credits, or education savings accounts (ESAs) that would allow parents to use public funds for their child's education at a school of their choice, including private and homeschooling. Many of these private schools are religious. Equally concerning is that the bill prohibits measures of accountability – donors would simply need to claim that the expenses have some connection to education. It is possible that this measure, which is proposing a change in the tax code, will be folded into a large budget reconciliation bill. The bill represents the federal government’s plans to phase out funding of public education. The loss of roughly 10% (or more for some districts) of total funding that comes from the federal government would be devastating to students and schools in public schools in Oregon. Gun Policy By Marge Easley On March 13, the House and Senate Judiciary Committees held a joint informational hearing on gun policy with invited testimony from a wide range of gun violence prevention groups, including the Alliance for a Safe Oregon, OHSU Gun Violence Prevention Research Center, Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Violence Solutions, Portland Police Bureau, Brady United, Giffords Law Center, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Multnomah County Public Health Department. The purpose was to underscore the need for additional gun safety laws and to set the stage for upcoming hearings. HB 3075 , the first gun bill of the session, contains the nuts-and-bolts implementation details for Measure 114 and will be heard in House Judiciary on March 17. Measure 114, strongly supported by the League and passed by voters in 2022, requires a permit to purchase a firearm and bans high-capacity magazines. Since that time it has been held up in the courts on constitutional grounds, but on March 12 a long-awaited verdict from the Oregon Court of Appeals declared it constitutional. A likely appeal will take the case to the Oregon Supreme Court, but passage of HB 3075, along with the -1 amendment , will help to ensure a smooth roll-out of the measure. HB 3076 , which d irects the Department of Justice to study the establishment of a state gun dealer licensing program, has a March 20 hearing date. The aim is to prevent the flow of illegal guns to our communities by way of gun shop thefts and straw purchases. The League will be submitting supportive testimony. Healthcare By Christa Danielson HB 2010 A will continue critical state funding for the Oregon Health Plan by continuing the assessments on health plans, hospitals and the Oregon reinsurance program. The bill has passed through the House and Revenue Committees and will be having the final reading in the Senate on Monday March 17th. The League submitted testimony. HB 2040 would establish a complaint process for providers to submit complaints against health insurers to the Department of Consumer and Business Services or Oregon Health Authority, Still in committee, no hearing as yet. SB 296 would study 1) ways to expedite eligibility for Medicaid for patients leaving the hospital, 2) needed changes to regulations around adult foster homes and residential care facilities and 3) how to expand medical respite programs.This bill was formed from a work group to study discharges from the hospital to relieve bottlenecking and long stays in the hospital. Has passed the Senate. Referred to Ways and Means. HB 3225 stipulates that to have controlling interest in a practice of medicine the physicians must be licensed in this state, be actively involved in managing patient’s care and reside within the state. Public hearing scheduled 3/25. Housing By Nancy Donovan and Debbie Aiona LWVOR submitted a letter in support of HB 2968 -- Delayed schedule fee payment, Municipal Development Protection Fund . This bill, if passed, will reduce development costs for new housing projects and at the same time ensure that local jurisdictions receive the System Development Charge (SDC) payments they need to build the infrastructure needed to support the growth that comes along with new housing. HB 2968 allows local governments to defer SDC payments owed by developers until 180 days after the certificate of occupancy has been issued. Affordable housing developers would have up to one year to pay their fees. Oregon Housing and Community Services would create a Municipal Development Protection Fund to cover the cost of unpaid fees. The Fund would be responsible for collecting unpaid fees from the developers. This program will reduce costs for all housing developers by reducing the need to take on debt in order to cover their fees but will benefit low-income housing developers to an even greater extent. SB 722 is scheduled for a public hearing on March 19 before the Senate Committee on Housing and Development. The bill would prohibit residential landlords from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to artificially set rents or occupancy rates. The bill would amend the Landlord-Tenant Act to prohibit the use of price-fixing AI software. This practice is the subject of national attention and concern, and Oregon has joined a federal lawsuit in opposition of this practice. Many local jurisdictions are trying to curtail the use of this tool to protect renters from such rent spikes. It also shortens the new construction exemption for rent stabilization from 15 years to 7 years, protecting Oregonians in newer units from unlimited rent hikes while still promoting development and preventing gentrification-driven displacement. HB 2964 is scheduled for a public hearing by the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on March 19. This bill would require Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to fund predevelopment costs to develop affordable housing for low-income households to rent or own. The Department will also provide technical assistance to nonprofits who receive grants or loans. The bill would establish an Affordable Housing Predevelopment Loan Fund. Money from the General Fund will be allocated to the department to award grants and loans for predevelopment costs of developing housing subject to affordability restrictions to make the properties affordable to low-income households. Reproductive Health By Patricia Garner SB 548, that requires an individual to be age 18 in order to marry passed the Senate with only one Nay vote. It has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. At this time there is no organized opposition against the bill. The League submitted testimony for it. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , and Natural Resources report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Social Policy Legislative Report - Week of 5/22 Social Policy Team Coordinator: Jean Pierce • After School and Summer Care: Katie Riley • Behavioral Health: Trish Garner • Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice: Marge Easley/Sharron Noone • Education: Jean Pierce • 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 Criminal Justice Housing By Debbie Aiona, Nancy Donovan, Debbie Wallace, Penny York Fortunately, many critical housing policy bills and funding passed earlier in the session, but some are still under consideration or awaiting Senate action. SB 599 A : Allows tenants to operate home-based childcare by requiring a landlord to allow a renter to use a dwelling unit for a family childcare home if it is certified or registered with the Office of Child Care. The landlord can require a tenant to pay for improvements necessary for certification and carry some form of liability coverage. This bill has passed both the House and Senate and is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature. SB 225 : This bill will address a problematic issue with how private activity bond resources are used to fund low-income housing. In addition to other provisions, it will eliminate the current “blackout period” that begins with the start of the new biennium and ends when the Governor signs the bond authorization bill. During that time, Oregon Housing and Community Services cannot move forward on affordable housing developments. Eliminating this period will prevent construction delays and resulting cost increases. This bill has passed the Senate and is scheduled for third reading in the House. SB 702 : The Governor signed this bill requiring home appraisers to receive bias training to receive certification. The League submitted a supportive testimony letter. Key housing bills awaiting a vote by the full Senate: HB 2680 would require more transparency when tenants submit applications for rental housing. The bill is awaiting a second reading in the Senate. HB 3151 would limit improvements manufactured home park landlords could require of tenants. It would also extend the sunset date on a landlord/tenant dispute resolution program. The Senate scheduled a second reading on May 25 and a third reading on May 26. HB 3462 would ensure that individuals covered by federal, and state fair housing laws are eligible for emergency housing when an emergency declaration is made. This extends to people regardless of their immigration status. The Senate rescheduled a second reading to May 30, and a third reading on May 31. SB 611 B modifies the maximum annual residential rent increase for affected units to the lesser of 10%, or 7% plus the consumer price index one-year change. It applies the rent increase limit to units from which a tenant was evicted. The bill is awaiting a second reading in the Senate. HB 3042 A This bill would require tenant notification in rental units with expiring affordability contracts and limit rent increases for three years. It offers protections to residents of housing with expiring affordability restrictions The bill is awaiting a Senate vote. Criminal Justice By Marge Easley The results of final decisions on criminal justice bills include the passage of SB 519 A on County Juvenile records, which can be destroyed, but motor vehicle, game violations or municipal court cases will still exist. SB 745 A passed both chambers requiring sex trafficking screening after January 1, 2024, and training of staff by July 1, 2024. SB 1052 passed the Senate and was scheduled for a House floor vote on May 23 to require state employee training on human trafficking offenses. The House Behavioral Health Committee passed HB 3610 A on May 17 at its last meeting. The bill proposes additional taxes on alcohol and sets up a Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services. The Governor will appoint 16 members, and the Speaker of the House will appoint two members. The Task Force will consult with the Legislative Revenue Office. The bill was sent to Ways and Means due to costs for the Task Force. The Oregon Judicial Department Budget for the coming biennium scheduled a final hearing in Public Safety Ways and Means on May 25. The Oregon Public Defense Services Consortium Budget was considered in Ways and Means earlier on May 3. A workgroup had recommended that public defense services be transferred from the Oregon Judicial Department to the Department of Administrative Services. The Public Defense Commission will be abolished on January 1, 2024. The new Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) will be scheduled to transfer to the executive branch on January 1, 2025. Contract terms are still in consideration with hourly and flat fee pay issues still unresolved. SB 337 A recommended the administrative transfer on January 1, 2024, with payment formulas to be set by April 1, 2024. A work session scheduled for May 25 did not occur, which may mean further amendments are being considered. SB 1093 -5 stipulates Commission member and counsel regulations. The Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) Budget, SB 5505 , was increased 45% due to the continuation of the Justice Reinvestment Project recommended in SB 344 from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2033. The CJC has been progressive in the establishment of prison and parole programs to reduce recidivism.