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Natural Resources Read Our 2025 Priorities Here Legislative Session 2025 In 2025, your natural resources volunteers addressed issues around agriculture, wildfire and water, as well as agency budgets. We worked with our coalition partners at the Oregon Conservation Network (OCN) on both policy and budget bills. OCN provides legislators with a “Hot List” of bills OCN groups are following—supporting, opposing or having concerns. A new group, the Oregon Ocean Alliance , provided a coordinated voice for ocean and coastal issues. We are a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance , where the natural resources volunteers follow land use, infrastructure and environmental policies while our Social Policy volunteers follow other housing issues. The League determines our Priorities at the beginning of the session. The Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO) provided a 20-page review of Natural Resource legislation for 2025. Below are summaries of the work our volunteers have done this session. But the work continues between sessions as we follow natural resource boards and commissions and follow rulemaking to implement the policies passed during the session. You can find their meeting schedules on each agency’s website. LWVOR Advocacy Positions Air Quality— All segments of society (government, industry, agriculture and individual citizens) must share responsibility for improved air pollution abatement practices. Offshore and Coastal Management— Responsible and responsive government management of the public’s coastal and nearshore natural resources shall be based upon: A complete environmental assessment, cumulative impact analysis, and baseline data specific to Oregon. Recognition of coastal states and local government’s rights, jurisdictions, and responsibilities to preserve and protect marine and coastal environment and economy. Energy Conservation— LWVOR supports long-range planning for conservation and wise development of energy sources. The League believes the public should have an opportunity to influence decisions. Nuclear Energy— The nuclear power program must be managed to protect current and future generations and to maintain an environment beneficial to life. Forests— All benefits of the forests—ecological, human and economic—are inextricably interconnected Hard Rock Mining— LWVOR recognizes society's need for key minerals, and also the potential harmful environmental, health, and human impacts that mining for these minerals can produce. Land Use— Citizen participation, education, communication and ongoing reevaluation are essential elements in the comprehensive planning process. LWVOR supports a system of local government based upon constitutional home rule for metropolitan districts, counties, and cities. Statewide Planning —LWVOR supports policies that promote both conservation and development of land as a natural resource, in accordance with Oregon’s land use goals. Parks— A park’s system is an appropriate function of state government Pesticides and Other Biocides— Pesticides and other biocides should be managed as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems, and their use should be controlled. Seismic Risks— All levels of government share the responsibility of coordinating, implementing and funding an effective program to mitigate Oregon’s earthquake and tsunami hazards. Priority must be given to mitigation that protects human life and safeguards critical life support systems. Water Policy – Quality and Quantity— Water is a resource that should be managed for the benefit of the public and as sustainable habitat for all life forms. The League supports comprehensive long-range planning for conservation and management of ground and surface water and the improvement of water quality. Water Resources of the Columbia River and the Columbia River Task Force— In order to meet the present and future water needs within the Columbia River Basin, comprehensive planning is essential. League Natural Resource Positions can be found here: Issues for Action (LWVOR): Air Quality Off Shore and Coastal Management Energy Conservation Nuclear Energy Forests Hard Rock Mining Land Use Parks Pesticides and Other Biocides Seismic Risks Water Policy – Quality and Quantity Water Resources of the Columbia River and the Columbia River Task Force Impact on Issues (US League) Resource Management page 107 Environmental Protection and Pollution Control – page 110 Transfer of Federal Public Lands – page 124 Climate Change - page 125 Public Participation – page 128 Federal Agriculture Policies – page 130 Previous Legislative Reports Next

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/24 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Redistricting/Prison Gerrymandering Broadband, Vote-by-mail, Privacy Elections Government Ethics Rulemaking Redistricting/Prison Gerrymandering HB 2250 was heard in House Rules 3/19. The League submitted written testimony . The federal Census Bureau unfortunately counts prisoners where they are incarcerated rather than where they reside. This inflates the population counts where prisons are located and deflates the population counts for prisoners’ residence districts. Therefore, the representation of these districts and jurisdictions is skewed. HB 2250 corrects this injustice by requiring that the Department of Corrections determine prisoner residence addresses, as best that it can, and give the addresses to Portland State University Population Research Center. The Center will then correct the population counts that it receives from the Census Bureau and provide the corrected counts to the Legislature, the Secretary of State, or the various other jurisdictions that perform redistricting. Some Rules committee members asked about students residing at college or patients in care institutions. However, college students and patients can choose where they want to reside and be registered to vote; prisoners have no choice and don’t get any representation from public officials where they are incarcerated. Broadband, Vote-by-mail, Privacy By Becky Gladstone HB 3228 had a public hearing March 2, with League verbal and written testimony presented with committee permission by two League members together, Rebecca Gladstone in support of this bill’s cybersecurity insurance study and resilience fund, welcoming new League advocate Lindsay Washburn, who added significant AI modification comments. HB 2581 passed a Senate work session with one excused, on March 18, to coordinate expanded resiliency services with the State Resiliency Officer (SRO), League testimony in support. SB 473 , to create a crime of threatening a public official, will have a first work session on April 2, see verbal and written League testimony in support. HB 3148 has a work session scheduled for March 26, to extend broadband funding. We support equitable statewide broadband as a fundamental need, signing group letters for HB 3148 (2025) and HB 3201 Enrolled (2023). HB 2341 , had a Senate side work session, March 20, passing with one excused, to add veterans’ email addresses to shared information, League testimony in support. Watching SB 1121 : We will speak to this bill which c reates the crime of unlawful disclosure of private information, with a public hearing and possible concurrent work session vote on April 8. Elections By Barbara Klein The Open Primaries amended bill HB 3166-2 , which LWVOR strongly supported in its original form, had a hearing on March 19th in the House Rules Committee (video can be seen here around minute 19). LWVOR submitted testimony as a neutral comment , neither in support nor opposition. LWVOR strongly supports the idea of “unified” primaries, but the amended bill contains points we have historically not supported (specifically a top-two election system). There was much interest in the bill both in support (especially to encourage youth and independent voters) and in opposition (regarding protection of parties, although much of that was directed toward the original bill). Government Ethics By Chris Cobey SB 983 permits local public officials to participate, discuss, debate and vote on the adoption of a local budget that includes compensation for the public official or one of their relatives. This is a clear conflict of interest for a local official and should be avoided. However, we can understand that in small jurisdictions it can be awkward when some members cannot vote. The bill is supported by the Oregon School Boards Association and the League of Oregon Cities. HB 2330 A would establish a 21-member Task Force on Law Enforcement Interdiction Against Financial Scams on Older Oregonians. The bill passed out of the House Commerce and Consumer Protection committee 3/4 on a 10 to 0 vote and is now in the Ways and Means committee. Rulemaking By Peggy Lynch 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. After legislation is passed, agencies are required to implement those laws. 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. 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. The League will also attend a separate rules process discussion being led by the Dept. of Land Conservation and Development. See the Land Use section for more information on this issue. We continue to watch a series of bills related to rulemaking which we might oppose: HB 2255 , HB 2303 , HB 2402 and HB 2427 . We are also 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. We may sign on to a letter explaining our concerns to legislative leadership. 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 . Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/26 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Cybersecurity and Privacy Election Methods Rights of Incarcerated People Government Ethics By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance In the final days of the Legislative session, only one bill, SB 166 Enrolled , passed that included many subjects. It also included a CFR aggregate annual contribution limit of $100 cash. We understand that this was a result of huge contributions given to the Democratic Party of Oregon and others in cash. Cash is, of course, untraceable. Redistricting SB 166 Enrolled also included a provision that will help all initiative campaigns, allowing single signature e-sheets to only be signed once. Currently, these petitions have to be signed a second time to certify the signature above. This bill is effective immediately upon signing by the Governor. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 14 sheets, downloadable from its website. Thousands of signatures have already been collected, but more donations are needed. Cybersecurity and Privacy By Rebecca Gladstone These nine bills all passed in the final hectic flurry after the 43-day Senate walkout. We worked several of these concepts over numerous sessions and they all reflect awareness of privacy and cybersecurity. They now await a signature by the Governor. Elections HB 2107 Enrolled : The League supports this improvement in government efficiency, adding those served by the Oregon Health Plan through the Oregon Health Authority to automatic voter registration, expanding Oregon #MotorVoter . This brings the No Wrong Door health care concept of safety nets, networking services to support individuals, a step closer to “you’re in the right place and we are here to help you.” Now we should work on the underperforming party registration postcards. SB 166 Enrolled : This bill clarifies protecting ballot secrecy, election workers, the right to vote, and cybersecurity plans. Our elections are critical infrastructure and merit the League’s priority rating. We urged expanding these protections by amendment to address privacy and harassment concerns. See other report section for other bill features added as amendments. HB 3073 Enrolled : See our testimony in support of candidate and incumbent home address privacy. Certifying candidate filing depends on verifying in-district residence with a home address, but it needn’t be publicized. It will still be available through public records requests. Cybersecurity HB 2049 Enrolled defends our critical infrastructures, which remain at stake ( our testimony ). The adopted Cybersecurity Center of Excellence was severely short funded, with only $4.9M of the $15M requested. This was in spite of the global cyber-attack (see LWVOR Newsroom, Oregon DMV Data Breach could affect 3.5 million Oregonians ). This effort had full committee support during this and the 2022 session. HB 2490 Enrolled : See our testimony in support of protecting our cybersecurity defense plans from public disclosure. HB 2806 Enrolled : See our testimony to support updating statute for cybersecurity, privacy and safety of executive sessions, public meetings, and our critical infrastructures. HB 3127 A : This “TikTok” bill relates to security of state assets and social media access. We plan to develop coverage with a growing League youth perspective. Privacy The League has attended the Consumer Privacy Task Force since 2019, this from the DoJ on AG Rosenblum’s efforts . These two bills passed with very strong support, after not progressing last session despite strong committee urging. SB 619 Enrolled : See our testimony in support , to protect consumers’ personal data. This was listed as “ A possible walkout casualty: a privacy law for Oregonians ”. For perspective, it was listed at #28 among 182 bills on the Senate June 20 roster. HB 2052 Enrolled : See League testimony in support of this data broker registry bill, passing with strong support this session. Election Methods By Barbara Klein Passage of Ranked Choice Voting referral On the last day of the legislative session, House Bill 2004-B was heard for its third reading. Even with 5 senators absent for the vote, it passed the majority mark with a sufficient 17 aye votes! HB 2004 B refers Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) to November 2024 ballots. It would establish RCV as the voting method for selecting the winner of nomination for, and election to, offices of President of the United States, United States Senator, Representative in Congress, Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Attorney General. The Bureau of Labor and Industries Commissioner will be included, but that election is held during the primary. LWVOR has been a strong supporter of RCV and of this bill, one of 39 Oregon organizations working in coalition towards its passage. This is a historic win for the state, and is the first time that any legislature in the United States has referred a statewide RCV bill to the ballot . The choice will now be up to the voters in 2024. Among other organizations and along with election officials, the League will continue with voter education for a clear understanding of the method for all voters as they make their choices. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley The most significant bill this session related to incarcerated individuals was SB 529 , requiring a much wider range of addiction programs and services than currently exist in correctional facilities. It was signed by the Governor on May 19 and will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Three other bills passing in the waning days of the session were HB 2535 , establishing a doula program for pregnant and postpartum adults in custody at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, HB 2345 , authorizing the creation of a publicly accessible dashboard related to the use of segregated housing, and SB 270 , authorizing the Department of Correction to enter into agreements to offer higher education academic programs to adults in custody. The League was disappointed that SB 579 , allowing incarcerated people in Oregon to vote, did not advance this session. We will continue to advocate for passage in future sessions. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2038 B : Requires a statement of economic interest to include certain information about sources of income for business in which a public official or candidate, or member of the household of a 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 a candidate or principal campaign committee of a candidate from expending campaign moneys for professional services rendered by certain businesses required to be listed on the candidate's statement of economic interest. Creates exceptions. 6/22: passed Senate on third reading 22-2; 6/24: President, Speaker signed. SB 168 : 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. Provides that public employee may communicate with separate public employee or elected official about appointment of person to public office if communication is made in furtherance of recipient's official duties relating to appointment required by Oregon Constitution or state statute. 6-15 (S) Senate concurred in House amendments and repassed bill, 22 to 0; 6-20 President and Speaker signed .

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/27 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Election Methods Cybersecurity and Public Records Rights of Incarcerated People Government Ethics Governance By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Election Methods By Barbara Klein The League was able to give verbal testimony (at minute 33) for HB 2004, regarding Ranked Choice Voting. We had previously submitted written testimony , but covered different points in each testimony. Due to so much interest in these bills, two hearings were held on different dates; but still not everyone was able to testify. We were unable to present our planned verbal testimony for HB 3509 , but you can see our written report here (this submission was similar to the verbal testimony for the other bill). The RCV coalition continues to meet with individual legislators to promote HB 2004; the LWVOR has been invited to these. Advocates of another election reform, STAR (Score then Automatic Runoff) consistently testified in opposition against HB 2004. They suggest that a study group be established while they seek signatures for the ballot initiative promoting STAR statewide. Cybersecurity and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone These bills are moving across the spectrum from fully enrolled (SCR 1), to not yet assigned a bill number. Some are in W&Ms, one is in an amendment work group, others are progressing to second chamber and are being heard in committee. Cybersecurity remains a focus. We appreciated getting a thank you letter for supporting the OJD budget bill SB 5512 ( our testimony ) from the Chief Justice and State Court Administrator. A JW&Ms General Governance subcommittee forwarded these two PRAC (Public Records Advocacy Council and Advocate) bills with a do pass recommendation to full W&Ms, in a March 28 work session. SB 510 would fund SB 417, to improve efficiency, cost estimates and budgeting, and sustainable funding for the PRAC. See our testimony in support . SB 417 on Public Records Requests. We support this detailed PRAC bill to increase efficiency in processing public records requests, considering fee waivers, defining “media”, waiving records request fees when made in the public interest, and considering malicious intent in placing requests. See our testimony . HB 5032 will fund the PRAC (Public Records Advisory Council) and its Advocate. See League testimony in support, citing League work since 1993 and linking to our public records advocacy in 2017 and 2020. Bills coming up Geospatial Information: We are watching for a geospatial information bill after a JCLIMT informational hearing. We have “a tremendous amount of technical debt”. Oregon needs to update and automate systems built in the 1990’s. The League believes this means a data security vulnerability that must be addressed. Agencies are being good partners, working toward improving, and honest about their capacity to share, with some trepidation. 2021 resources have been applied for data engineers and scientists, so this will be better going forward. The League has participated with the Elections and Geospatial Data group convened by the state Geospatial Data Officer in 2022, the Oregon Tax Districts Workgroup convened by the Dept of Revenue in 2020, and as a guest, to the JCLIMT State CIO Data Sharing Workgroup , convening in 2015, to advocate for our Vote411.org and They Represent You geospatial information needs. HB 3127 A : We are researching this state data security bill, being heard in the second chamber. It relates to protecting agencies from foreign social media access. Moving Forward SB 619 : LWVOR strongly supports this AG’s consumer privacy bill, now with a - 1 amendment . ( our testimony ). A work session scheduled for March 28 in Sen. Judiciary was carried over. HB 2490 progressed with no opposition from the House, to be read in the Senate on March 27. It addresses Oregon’s growing cybersecurity vulnerability, by protecting our defense plans, devices, and systems from public disclosure, also echoing our call to balance public records disclosure transparency and privacy. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). SCR 1 Enrolled lacks any action in statute and has been filed with the Secretary of State. It calls for election worker support and applause. We urged for a larger perspective protection in statute. See our 2023 testimony for expanding election privacy and harassment protection, citing our League 2022 testimony from HB 4144 Enrolled (2022) . Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley HB 2345-1 , which mandates that reasonable efforts will be made to limit the length of time an incarcerated person can remain in segregated housing (solitary confinement), is scheduled for a work session on April 3. The bill also establishes a committee to study the implementation of this new mandate. Here is League testimony in support of the bill. After passing out of Senate Rules on March 9 with a do pass recommendation, SB 579 A remains in Ways and Means. According to the Fiscal Analysis, the Secretary of State anticipates the fiscal impact of this measure to be $749,007 from the General Fund for two positions (1.00 FTE) and associated costs for the 2025-27 biennium. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 5021 : Joint General Government, work session scheduled 3/29. Limits biennial expenditures from fees, moneys or other revenues, including miscellaneous receipts and reimbursements from federal service agreements, but excluding lottery funds and other federal funds, collected or received by Oregon Government Ethics Commission. SB 168 : Senate Rules passed this bill 3/28 with -1 amendment that would expressly prohibit 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. SB 207 : Senate floor passed this bill 21 to 8 and it is now in House Rules. This bill was at the request of Oregon Government Ethics Commission and would authorize it to proceed on its own motion to review and investigate, if the commission has reason to believe that a public body conducted meetings in an executive session that were not in compliance with laws authorizing executive sessions. SB 292 A : Senate Rules held a public hearing 3/23 with A2 and A5 amendments on OLIS. This bill would narrow the applicability of the requirement that members of district school boards must file verified statements of economic interest (SEI) to only those members of districts with a specified number of students or districts that are sponsors of virtual public charter schools. The League believes that all public officials should file an SEI and that smaller jurisdictions are where the most conflicts of interest occur, which could be revealed in SEI filings. SB 661 A : Senate Rules adopted a -2 amendment and sent it to the floor with a do pass as amended recommendation. This bill would prohibit a lobbyist from serving as chair of an interim committee, legislative work group or legislative task force. Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. Redistricting There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 19 petitions downloadable from its website. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a Governance legislation need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Climate Emergency Priorities Other CE Bills Clean Energy Clean Building Equity and Environmental Justice Interstate 5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Climate Priorities By Claudia Keith The League has identified six priority CE policy and budget topics. Find in previous LR reports additional background on each priority. Following are updates on those six topics: 1. Natural and Working Lands : Establishes Natural and Working Lands (NWL) Fund, carbon sequestration opportunities…: Natural Climate Solutions SB 530 . Public Hearing was 2/15/23 in SEN E&E . The League provided supportive testimony . Read Oregon Chapter American Planning Association testimony . Sen Dembrow and OGWC Chair MacDonald testified . Here are the meeting materials . Climate Change Solutions | Newsletter | EESI: “ It's farm bill season on Capitol Hill”. 2. Resilient Buildings (RB): Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report . The League is an active RB coalition partner. BR campaign guiding principles . SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 were posted 2/9. Find additional LR by Arlene Sherrett below. 3. Environmental Justice (EJ): 2023 Leg bills. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13 and SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB907 was posted 2/15. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 , will change "Oregon Global Warming Commission" to "Oregon Climate Action Commission" and modify membership and duties of commission and state greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets/goals. League Testimony . PH was 2/21, highlights: Sen Dembrow’s “ OGWC Modernization Presentation “ and American Planning Association testimony. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions and new clean renewable energy (DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills. 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published Jan 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . A main funding problem concerns how the favorable ending current period balance, estimated to be >$765M, can be used. It will take a 3/5 vote to pass this proposed change. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ), requesting additional agency requests that were not included in the Governor’s budget. Other CE Bills - Supporting By Claudia Keith HB 2763 Creates a State public bank Task Force with Rep Gamba, Sen Golden, Rep Walters. The League provided testimony . Work Session was scheduled for March 9 w -1 amendment . Other CE Bills – May Support By Claudia Keith The League may support or just follow these bills. This is a preliminary list. Natural Working Lands: See Rep Pham’s urban forestry bill, HB 3016 , Rep Holvey’s severance tax bill, HB 3025 to replace the harvest tax, and ODF’s Regular Harvest tax bill, HB 2087 . SB 88 climate smart Ag increases net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands. Requested: Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery. See Keep Oregon Cool, Natural Working Lands. Green Infrastructure: HB 3016 community green infrastructure, Rep Pham K, Senator Dembrow, Rep Gamba. Public & Green Banking: SB501 Bank of the state of Oregon Sen Golden. Clean Energy By Greg Martin Senate E&E moves SB 852 The committee unanimously moved SB 852 to the Senate floor with subsequent referral to Joint W&M. The 11-line bill requiring ODOE to "establish a program to provide assistance related to energy projects and activities to environmental justice communities" carries a fiscal impact estimate of $390,315 for hiring one permanent, full-time Operations and Policy Analyst 3 as a "community navigator" who would reach out to connect local and tribal governments and community-based organizations with EJ communities and the technical and financial energy resources they need. Clean Buildings By Arlene Sherrett The House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee will hold work sessions this week on both HB 3166 and HB 3056. HB 3166 a whole-home energy savings program will offer rebates for installing various electric energy high-efficiency devices and will establish a one stop for much needed information on incentives and technical assistance. HB 3056 extends funding for the heat pump grant and rebate program. Resilient Buildings (RB) is a priority for the League and this week we saw draft text for SB 868 , 869 , 870 sent out on Feb 27, 2023. All the bills follow closely with the intent in the one-pagers sent out from Senator Lieber’s office the first part of February. Unfortunately, there is no place online to access the draft bills but information on the background of each bill is available at the Building Resilience website . Access to the task force mailing list is available through Nora Apter at noraa@oeconline.org and you can email me at arlenesherrett3019@gmail.com . I will be glad to forward them to you. SB 871 the State Building energy efficiency bill will come soon. The RBC coordinator estimates that the Senate Energy and Environment hearing will be in mid-March. Refer to the adopted Legislative Joint Task Force on Resilient Efficient Buildings (REB) Dec 13 Report for background. Equity and Environmental Justice By Arlene Sherrett SB 852 will be up for a work session in Senate Energy and Environment this week. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a program especially for EJ communities to provide assistance with energy projects and activities. The bill had afirst public hearing Feb 21. The following bills include special provisions for Environmental Justice Communities but may not be exclusively targeted to the needs of those communities. HB 3196 HB 2990 Interstate 5 (I5) Bridge Project By Liz Stewart Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge project is estimated to cost approximately $6 billion and will be funded using federal and state funds from both Oregon and Washington, as well as tolling. To date, the final design has not been agreed upon. Information on the project and an FAQ can be found at Frequently Asked Questions | I-5 Bridge Replacement Program. The Executive Steering Group has no scheduled meetings at this time. The Community Advisory Group meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 4-6 pm. The next meeting is April 13. The Equity Advisory Group meets the 3rd Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 pm. The next meeting is the March 20. The community engagement calendar can be found here . There was a Public Hearing scheduled for February 28 at 5 p.m. on bills related to rail transportation in Oregon, and a Joint Committee meeting on transportation funding in Oregon on March 2 that may likely touch on the topic of the I-5 bridge as well. The Interstate Bridge Replacement Project is in its second round of assessment after the first plans received criticism from several sources . The latest proposal for the bridge is called the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative . Right now, the project is waiting on an environmental review and this LWVOR report will be updated as soon as anything comes out. Next steps from Program Administrator Gregory Johnson: 1. The program’s Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be available for public review and comment during a formal public comment period anticipated in 2023. 2. The program will refine and update the cost estimate and financial plan to reflect the key elements identified in the endorsed Modified LPA. 3. An updated financial plan is anticipated in early 2023. Sign up for email on IBR project website to find background on the project or get involved: IBR has several public groups formed to give input on the project. Find out about participation at public meetings here and here . Criticisms on the first proposal: Money: $ 5 -7.5 Billion Some legislators feel the work could be done in phases so costs could be spread out over time. Design: 4% slope is very steep for bikers, walkers and rollers. Height of passage under the bridge doesn’t meet what the coast guard sees as needed. Will light rail be included? Although IBR project leaders seem to agree on including light rail, other public figures have weighed in in dissent . Clark County residents did vote to exclude Light rail during the failed Columbia River Crossing Project a decade ago. Increasing GHG Emissions: More lanes, more GHGs. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released Feb 22. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure rule. SEC Chair Responds to Questions on Potential Lawsuit on Climate Disclosure , Fast Paced Rulemaking | ThomasReuters. Legislators urge SEC chair to finalize climate disclosure rule | Financial Regulation News. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury / Treasurer Tobias will assist with addressing the $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities - The NonProfit Times, Colorado’s green bank mobilizes $118 mil lion in clean energy projects and infrastructure statewide | EIN News HB 2601 Oregon FF Divestment: The League provided supportive testimony for Fossil Fuel (FF) Divestment: … Requires State Treasurer to address the urgency and risk associated with Fossil Fuel energy investments. Chief Sponsors: Rep Pham K, Senator Golden, Rep Gamba. Bill Calls for Oregon to Divest From Fossil Fuels | Chief Investment Officer CIO. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state and federal lawsuits , (March 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 62 lawsuits with OREGON mentioned. Climate lawsuits: How dangerous are they for businesses? |TBS. Oregon and PNW News Oregon State University researching method to trap carbon dioxide in building materials | News | kezi.com . Oregon Delegation Announces an Additional $6 Million for Major Energy Efficiency Upgrades at PDX | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon National & Global The Scientific Breakthrough That Could Make Batteries Last Longer – WSJ. Senator Whitehouse Puts Climate Change on Budget Committee’s Agenda - The New York Times. Yellen warns climate change may trigger losses in US | The Hill. The Climate Gap and the Color Line — Racial Health Inequities and Climate Change | NEJM. Short-distance migration critical for climate change adaptation – ScienceDaily. A climate education bill , spearheaded by teachers and students, gets a spotlight in Salem - oregonlive.com . Climate change: New idea for sucking up CO2 from air shows promise - BBC News Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA Climate Related Lawsuits/Our Children’s Trust Public Health Climate Adaptation (OHA) Regional Solutions / Infrastructure (with NR team) State Procurement Practices (DAS: Dept. of Admin. Services) CE Portfolio State Agency and Commission Budgets Oregon Treasury: ESG investing/Fossil Fuel divestment We collaborate with Natural Resource Action members on many Climate Change mitigation and adaptation policy topics. Volunteers are needed: The 2023 legislative session began Jan 17. If any area of Climate Emergency interests you, please contact Claudia Keith , CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/30 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Please see Climate Emergency Overview here. Jump to a topic: Additional Climate/Energy End of Sessions News/Reports CE passed priority Funding & Policy Bills, including End of Session Reconciliation fiscal line items Priority Climate Emergency Bills that died in Committee Forestry Climate The session ended Jun 27 with mixed CE portfolio results; only about half policy and or funding priority bills passed or were fully/partially funded. The League is pleased that Oregon now joins a few other states addressing Climate related risk investments , referring to Treasurer Steiner supported, Oregon Investment Council HB 2081 . ‘Oregon Passes Bill to Manage Climate Change Risks ’. This bill encourages the Oregon State Treasury and the Oregon Investment Council to actively manage and report on climate-related financial risks to the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). This bill, introduced by State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, aims to align PERS' investment strategies with the state's climate goals and requires the fund to be fully carbon neutral within the next 25 years. Be aware the current SEC has not i mplemented the League supported Climate Risk Disclosure law and this will likely negatively affect optimal investment performance outcomes. We are hopeful that Transportation Climate Friendly funding issues will be addressed in a likely September special session. Additionally, Critical Energy infrastructure, Natural Working Lands, and other Climate CE failed priorities could reappear in the 2026 short session. Note: The final Legislature- and Governor-approved outcomes will not be known until July 26; until then the Governor can choose to veto any policy and or budget bills. Additional Climate/Energy End of Sessions News/Reports What climate policies did – and didn’t – pass the Oregon Legislature – TOL OPB 2025 End of Legislative Session Wrap Up - 350PDX: Climate Justice Lawmakers consider slate of bills regulating private utilities , costs for Oregonians • Oregon Capital Chronicle CE passed priority Funding & Policy Bills, including End of Session Reconciliation fiscal line items HB 3546 Enrolled , POWER Act , new GIS . The bill requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create a new rate class for the largest energy users in the state. (data centers and other high-volume users). These regulations would only apply to customers in the for-profit utility's service areas of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. NO Fiscal, The League is listed on a coalition sign on advocacy letter . HB2548 : Environmental Justice agriculture workforce labor standards PSU and OSU study, League Testimony .
 HB 3179 (FAIR Energy Act): This bill passed and aims to curb fast-rising utility rates. It requires more transparency from utilities regarding rate increases and prohibits price hikes during winter months. HB 3365 A: climate change instruction /curriculum in public schools, League Testimony , NO Fiscal noted , Chief Sponsors: Rep Fragala, Rep McDonald , SB 688 : Public Utility Commission performance-based regulation of electric utilities, $974K fiscal , League testimony HB 3336 Enrolled Grid Enhancing Technologies will help existing electricity transmission lines become more efficient, more wildfire safe, and updated to existing technologies, which reduces the need to build new transmission lines. HB 3792 ‘Oregon lawmakers pass bill to strengthen the state’s energy assistance program ‘ – OPB. Increases from $20 million to $40 million the minimum amount to be collected from the customers of electric companies for low-income electric bill payment and crisis assistance. The End of Session Reconciliation HB5006 Includes: Detail descriptions EBA $150M Special Purpose Appropriation: natural disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. (Related to HB 3170 Resilience Hubs and Networks, League Testimony ) DAS $10M, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council: Central Oregon Ready, Responsive, Resilient (CORE3) emergency coordination DAS $3M Warm Springs Community Action Team: Warm Springs Commissary Project. $2 million for Farmworker Disaster Relief, Environmental Justice Bill (see HB 3193 A ) This funding allows farmworkers to take days off while still receiving pay when there is poor air quality from wildfire smoke or in cases of extreme weather. Other Climate Bills that Passed SB 827A : Solar and Storage Rebate , Governor signed SB 685 : Hydrogen Oversight & Public Notice Act Ensures customer information and recourse regarding utility experiments with hydrogen blending. HB 3963 Offshore Wind: Offshore Wind Roadmap and its assessment of enforceable state policies related to offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast. 
 
 
 
 HB 3653 Enrolled : Gov signed 5/27 Allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee, and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the ODOE prequalifies and approves.




 HB 2065 A and HB 2066 A : Microgrid Package budget HB 3336 A House repasses grid-enhancing technologies bill Funding for Heat pumps : HB 2567 , related to heat pump programs, passed and was signed into law, making changes to and extending the Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program and the Community Heat Pump Deployment Program. Key details about the heat pump programs in Oregon: Federal Funding: In 2024, Oregon was awarded $197 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funds through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Heat Pump Purchase Program (HP3): The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) will disburse this funding through HP3 in two rounds, one in 2025 and one in 2027. These rounds will offer incentives for heat pump installations in owner-occupied homes, rental properties, and new construction, up to $2,000 per residence. HB 2567: This bill, now law, extends the sunset of the rental home heat pump program from 2026 to 2032 and allows the ODOE to provide additional incentives for contractors installing heat pumps in rural or frontier communities. Community Heat Pump Deployment Program: This program provides grants through Tribes and community partners to help income-qualified households install heat pumps, prioritizing environmental justice communities. Existing Programs: There are also existing heat programs in Oregon, including those administered by the Oregon Department of Energy and Energy Trust of Oregon. In summary, the Oregon legislature did pass legislation in 2025 that affects heat pump programs, including extending existing programs and preparing to utilize federal funding for additional heat pump purchase incentives. AI Google Priority Climate Emergency Bills that died in Committee Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Emergency Management Package : HB 2152 : Testimony ; , HB. 2949 : T estimony ; HB 3450 A Testimony , HB 3492 : Hazmat release study bill HB 2966 A: Establishes the State Public Financing / public bank Task Force, F iscal: .94M League Testimony SJR 28 , Environmental Rights Constitutional amendment (ERA) S enate Joint Resolution - with referral to the 2026 ballot , The League provided support with comments testimony . HB 2566 A : Stand-alone Energy resilience Projects , At the request of Governor Tina Kotek, DOE presentation 


 
 
 
 
 Study of Nuclear Energy ( HB 2038 ) : This measure proposes that the Oregon Department of Energy study nuclear energy and waste disposal. 
 
 
 
 
 HB 3189 , Oregon lawmakers introduce legislation to rein in utility bills | KPTV , Citizens Utility Board CUB, CUB Presentation Here SB 1143A :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 Example: Introduction to the MIT Thermal Energy Networks (MITTEN) Plan for Rapid and Cost-Effective Campus Decarbonization. 
 
 
 HB 3609 : Makes each power company create a program for buying grid services. HB 3477 : Modifies state greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals Forestry Climate By Josie Koehne The LWVOR provided testimony in support of an additional $5 million in the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB)'s budget bill HB 5039 to support the Natural Working Lands Fund. Unfortunately, this item was not included in the adopted bill with the -2 amendment by Ways and Means as was in the Governor’s requested budget. Money in the existing fund for ODF went to pay for a guidebook for forest land managers and professional advisors on Climate Smart Forestry that will be completed and published in December. The League has been attending and provided input on the guide which includes new forest management practices to increase resilience in the face of increasing temperatures due to climate change. These practices include longer forest rotations, planting mixed species and age classes within a stand and leaving more space and gaps between trees. Although the guide provides technical assistance geared to Washington County, it is intended as a model that can be adapted for use in other counties. This budget bill awaits the Governor’s signature. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED : What is your passion related to Climate Emergency ? You can help. V olunteers are needed. The short legislative session begins in January of 2026. Many State Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly year-round and need monitoring. If any area of climate or natural resources is of interest to you, please contact Peggy Lynch, Natural Resources Coordinator, or Claudia Keith Climate Emergency at peggylynchor@gmail.com Or climatepolicy@lwvor.org . Training will be offered. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Governance , Revenue , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report section

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 6/5 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Campaign Finance Redistricting Cybersecurity and Privacy Ethics Issues Campaign Finance The June 8 House Rules Committee finally saw some CFR action, starting at ~1:20 in the video. Speaker Rayfield’s staff explained some history, concepts, and complications of crafting a CFR bill. He admitted there were small group consultations earlier in the session (not including the League) and that stakeholder groups had not changed their (conflicting) positions. Also, given the complications in the Senate, no CFR bill will go forward during this long session. Discussions to continue during interim will be used 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. Cybersecurity and Privacy By Rebecca Gladstone We posted a thumbnail list of the 52 bills currently waiting on the Senate floor, see Facebook and Twitter , June 8. This wide assortment of policies and budgets affects all Oregonians. Discussion and conjecture abound amid courtesies and the hollow procedural counts confirming quorum failure. We met with other activists to consider what can happen next, not in order of likelihood: the session ends soon with many bills dying in the Senate. Or, R’s return and process some bills as limited remaining time allows. A single special session could address a limited few urgent bills, or split special sessions could hear urgent budget and policy bills separately. An issue popularity contest could suffocate lower profile but very important policy bills, inviting “why didn’t anyone tell us?” Please keep reading. Awaiting Senate quorum: These League priority bills are listed by bill #. All dates are subject to change (again): HB 2049 A : This Cybersecurity Center of Excellence bill passed 22 to 0 from full W&Ms, June 9, to the Senate floor. See Rep Nathanson’s Spring 2023 newsletter: “Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to be jointly operated by PSU, OSU, and UO to grow the workforce pipeline (there are now over 7,000 unfilled, high paying cybersecurity jobs in Oregon) and help local governments, school districts and other public and private entities prepare for and defend against cyberattacks. The “teaching hospital” model of learning would allow students to learn on the same equipment they will use after completing the program and entering the workforce. Read more about it in my Jan.-Feb. Newsletter .” HB 2052 A : This AG Data Broker Registry bill could have Senate floor first reading, June 13. League testimony in support was filed before the current -7 amendments. HB 2107 See earlier reports for this Oregon Health Authority extension of automatic voter registration, further rescheduled for Senate floor reading, June 13. HB 2490 : This cyber omnibus bill awaits second and third Senate floor readings, June 13 and 14. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). HB 2806 relating to public meetings and cybersecurity, further re-scheduled for June 13 and 14. See our testimony . HB 3073 A passed from the House floor, May 31, 55 to 1, awaiting first Senate reading, June 13. See our Feb 16 estimony supporting candidate and incumbent home address privacy. HB 3127 : We are following this “TikTok” bill, relating to the security of state assets. Currently further rescheduled for June 12 and 13. SB 166 A awaited third Senate reading on June 13, to address privacy and harassment concerns. There is now a proposed limit to directly address dark money concerns, of $100 cash “physical currency” annually, for aggregated campaign contributions. See our March 14 testimony and previous extensive reports, predating amendments. SB 619 : This larger bill from the AG’s consumer data protection task force got rescheduled Senate floor reading dates of June 13 & 14. See our testimony . Ethics Issues 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% 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. 6/9: JW&Ms passed it 21-0. SB 168 B : Expressly prohibits public employees, while on job during working hours or while otherwise working in official capacity, from promoting or opposing appointment, nomination or election of public officials. 6/7: House passed it 48-0 with 12 excused. SB 168 B must go back to the Senate for concurrence or other process . SB 661 Enrolled : Prohibits lobbyist from serving as chair of interim committees, or certain legislative work groups, or legislative task forces. Provides exceptions. 6/2: Effective on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 4/24 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge Project By Arlene Sherrett This week we learned more about the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR or the Project) Project’s status from Just Crossing Alliance (JCA) , which published widely about their IBR’s plans objections. We spoke with Chris Smith, long-time observer of the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) plans, which failed to get us a bridge 10 years ago, and the current bridge rebuild, to Indi Namkoong from Verde, and to Brett Morgan from 1000 Friends of Oregon. They represent a local interest groups alliance which would like to see a S.A.F.E.R. bridge, in everyone’s best interests. We asked about having a hard time getting solid Project information. It seemed like there was nothing out there to follow issues raised about design, price and mobility matters. Indi shared that the draft bill (HB 2098-2) and funding plan were only made public a few hours before the informational hearing, and that JCA is “eager to see the bill brought forward for a public hearing soon so a wider range of voices can join the conversation.” Chris also pointed out that the Joint Committee on Transportation (JCT) meeting the night before was a “carefully crafted "infomercial" for the bridge with invited panels only.” Chris wrote legislative testimony opposing the -2 amendment and outlining JCA’s position. Getting the issues of bridge design and funding a broader public examination needs to be done. Anyone interested in how these issues will be resolved should read through this letter. Indi spoke to me about the draft bill. The bottom line is, we need a bill committing to the bridge project and allocating funds before May 5, 2023, in order to be in line for substantial federal funding. That deadline is all that needs to be met right now. So there is an urgency but we do not need a bill that commits to General Obligation (GO) bonds for the funding this bill proposes. Washington State has pledged a billion dollars for this project but is allocating only $300M to begin with. Oregon legislators could follow the same “pledge and allocate” model and find the amount needed in highway tax revenues instead of the general fund, which is so stretched right now. That would be a win for everyone. JCA believes the bill could be decoupled from any specific funding strategy and from the $6.3 billion spending cap. JCA suggests lowering that cap to $5 billion to force consideration of cheaper alternatives. JCA is not advocating for any one bridge plan but points us to the Alliance values . They want issues to be adequately aired before the legislature and the public. Their S.A.F.E.R. bridge platform emphasizes some issues that are not getting attention about the bridge, mobility for bikers, walkers and people in wheelchairs, for one, and points back to addressing funding issues so that State coffers for maintenance work that has been neglected in our neighborhoods would not be further drained. The Project’s unwillingness to respond to mounting criticism not only from the JCA, but many others , is troubling. Criticism that the lack of an Investment Grade Analysis or any other essential oversight of the Project, may leave us in the same situation we were in with the CRC, ignoring the very concerns that caused the failure of the bridge plans at that time. There is a lot to be considered here. It’s a huge project with a huge budget, and we should get it right this time.

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 6/12 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Budget Environmental Justice Other CE Bills News Climate State and Federal Lawsuits By Claudia Keith, Climate Emergency Coordinator Budget **Action Needed: Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support these two CE Budget Bills ** These two CE related JWM budget package bills have been approved by Full JWM. HB 3409A Climate Budget Package sits in House third Reading, $61.7M Fiscal . HB 3630A Energy Budget Package passed the House and now is waiting for first Reading in the Senate. $4.7M Fiscal . Here’s a draft of bill numbers included in these two packages. · RE Building Bills (SB 868, 869, 870, 871, HB 3166) · State Energy Strategy and Resilience Planning (HB 2534 & 3378) · Community Resilience Hubs (HB 2990) · Community Green Infrastructure Act AKA TREES Act (HB 3016) · Woody Biomass for Low-Carbon Fuels (HB 3590) · Environmental Justice and Tribal Navigator (SB 852) · Medium and Heavy-Duty EV Incentives (HB 2714) · Renewable Energy Siting (HB 3181) · Natural Climate Solutions (SB 530) · Climate Action Modernization (SB 522) · Residential Solar Rebate Program Extension (HB 3418) · Residential Heat Pump Program Extension (HB 3056) · Climate Protection Program Fee Bill (HB 3196) · Harmful Algal Blooms (HB 2647) · Community Renewable Energy Grant Program (HB 2021, 2021) The League has not received a reconciliation to determine which items are missing from the promised Climate $100M Package. Nor do we have the updated list of State Agency POPS that are affected. We expect HB3630 to receive a Senate vote soon, because of unresolved OBI (Oregon Business and Industry) unclear issues, HB3409 may be pulled from a planned Tues June 20 vote in the House. These budget packages address many climate and energy bills and some prioritized State Agency Budget POPs; they do not relate to any CE related policy changes including new SB 522 Oregon GHGE reduction targets by decade. The State of Oregon and many Oregon jurisdictions are not aligned with 2023 IPCC goals nor ‘Juliana vs U.S.‘ return to 350 ppm C02 by 2100 ; and or by 2100 limiting warming to 1.5-degree Celsius. Environmental Justice SB 907 A ‘Right to Refuse Dangerous work’ was signed by the Governor on June 7. Other CE Bills HB 2763 A Creates a State Public Bank Task Force, League Testimony . Like the 2022 session RB task force, a 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than January 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” Concerning, after a favorable House vote the Senate President sent this bill back to JWM. The House passed HB 3550 (light-duty vehicles), now awaiting referral at the Senate President’s Desk HB 3179B , Renewable Energy Permitting Process, Senate Desk awaiting 2 nd Reading. Related News Is reducing greenhouse gas emissions mandatory or aspirational? Oregon's climate package could determine | Jefferson Public Radio After the longest walkout in Oregon’s history, the state’s climate progress hangs in the balance | EDF Oregon lawmakers make deal to end Senate walkout . Here’s how key bills were changed – OPB, Pacific Power plans for net zero by 2040 in Oregon Climate State and Federal Lawsuits Young People in Historic Climate Trial Rest Their Case - Scientific American Youth Climate Lawsuit Against Federal Government Headed for Trial - Yale E360 Oregon youths’ climate lawsuit against US government can proceed to trial , judge rules - OPB

Childcare In Oregon LWVOR's recently published study, Childcare In Oregon, is meant to inform our advocacy at the state and local levels. At Convention 2021, LWV of Washington County proposed a restudy of LWVOR's 1985 Childcare Position . The current pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated childcare issues and inequities. The LWVOR Board adopted this completed restudy on January 23rd, 2023. Child care concerns have changed dramatically since our 1988 - Childcare In Oregon publication. Our advocacy position has not changed. You can find a downloadable version of the restudy here. For more information, contact Kathleen Hersh .

Mimi Alkire lived in Portland, Oregon, from 1966 until 2005, when she and her husband moved to Bend. From 1975 to 2005, she worked as a middle and high school mathematics teacher in several Portland Public Schools. Beginning in the late 1980’s, she also taught adjunct adult education mathematics courses at Portland Community College. She and her husband, John Alkire, lived and raised their two children in SW and SE Portland. After retiring from teaching in 2005, she started her own business as a mathematics education consultant for the USDOE, various state departments of education, and large urban school districts across the country. She helped teachers and administrators understand and implement the Common Core State Standards for mathematics. She retired from that work in 2023. Mimi was an active member of the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County (LWVDC) beginning in 2017. She served as the LWVDC Membership Chair from 2017 to 2021 and then as Vice President from 2021 to 2023. During her Membership Chair tenure, LWVDC membership went from about 30 to 130 members. Her Deschutes County League work also included chairing the Get-Out-The-Vote committee; roster manager, book club (Freedom Readers) organizer, DEI discussion group, fundraising committee, videographer for First Thursday Speaker Meetings, and proofreading the newsletter (Cascade Echoes). She also served as a Co-Chief Petitioner for a Deschutes County ballot measure (M9-148) that would make the county commissioner election nonpartisan. They were able to gather enough signatures to make the November 2022 ballot and the measure passed. After returning to Portland at the end of 2022, she joined LWV of Portland as a volunteer in support of Voter Service. Her passion is getting out the youth vote and is she is currently also serving LWVOR as a co-chair of the Youth Outreach committee. In that role she oversees the Student Mock Elections for Multnomah County and the state. She was elected LWVOR Secretary in 2023. Mimi Alkire Secretary Mimi Alkire lived in Portland, Oregon, from 1966 until 2005, when she and her husband moved to Bend. From 1975 to 2005, she worked as a middle and high school mathematics teacher in several Portland Public Schools. Beginning in the late 1980’s, she also taught adjunct adult education mathematics courses at Portland Community College. She and her husband, John Alkire, lived and raised their two children in SW and SE Portland. After retiring from teaching in 2005, she started her own business as a mathematics education consultant for the USDOE, various state departments of education, and large urban school districts across the country. She helped teachers and administrators understand and implement the Common Core State Standards for mathematics. She retired from that work in 2023. Mimi was an active member of the League of Women Voters of Deschutes County (LWVDC) beginning in 2017. She served as the LWVDC Membership Chair from 2017 to 2021 and then as Vice President from 2021 to 2023. During her Membership Chair tenure, LWVDC membership went from about 30 to 130 members. Her Deschutes County League work also included chairing the Get-Out-The-Vote committee; roster manager, book club (Freedom Readers) organizer, DEI discussion group, fundraising committee, videographer for First Thursday Speaker Meetings, and proofreading the newsletter (Cascade Echoes). She also served as a Co-Chief Petitioner for a Deschutes County ballot measure (M9-148) that would make the county commissioner election nonpartisan. They were able to gather enough signatures to make the November 2022 ballot and the measure passed. After returning to Portland at the end of 2022, she joined LWV of Portland as a volunteer in support of Voter Service. Her passion is getting out the youth vote and is she is currently also serving LWVOR as a co-chair of the Youth Outreach committee. In that role she oversees the Student Mock Elections for Multnomah County and the state. She was elected LWVOR Secretary in 2023.

Back to All Legislative Reports Natural Resources Legislative Report - Week of 1/10 - 1/17 Natural Resources Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Agriculture/Goal 3 Land Use: Sandra U. Bishop Coastal Issues: Christine Moffitt, Peggy Lynch Columbia River Treaty: Philip Thor Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries: Joan Fryxell Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Forestry: Josie Koehne Elliott State Research Forest: Peggy Lynch Northwest Energy Coalition: Robin Tokmakian Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Melanie Moon Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Advisory Committee: Sandra Bishop Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board: Lucie La Bonte Water: Peggy Lynch Wildfire: Carolyn Mayers Ways and Means Natural Resource Budgets/Revenue: Peggy Lynch AGRICULTURE AIR QUALITY BUDGETS/REVENUE CLIMATE COASTAL ISSUES COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY ELLIOTT STATE FOREST FORESTRY LAND USE/HOUSING RECYCLING WATER WILDFIRE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED LWVOR NATURAL RESOURCES LEGISLATIVE REPORT Ready, set, go! Bill numbers are being assigned and bills assigned to committees. Governor Kotek is developing her Recommended Budget, due Feb. 1. Session officially begins January 17. AGRICULTURE Enjoy this article on water rights, soil health and indigenous farming in Central Oregon. The U.S. Senate confirmed President Biden's appointment of Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Lauren Henderson is currently serving as Interim Director; another opening for Governor Kotek to fill. AIR QUALITY The second Air Toxics Science Advisory Committee (ATSAC) meeting will be held via Zoom Webinar on January 20 1:00-4:00 PM Pacific Time. For More information on ATSAC and to access meeting documents and Zoom link, please visit the ATSAC website. BUDGETS/REVENUE We are all awaiting Governor Kotek’s Governor’s Recommended Budget (GRB)—due by Feb. 1. The League has engaged with natural resource state agencies as they developed their Agency Request Budgets (ARBs), but it will be the GRB that agencies can then advocate for with the legislature. Hearings on those budgets will begin in the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources after the GRB is presented. Next will come a Feb. 22 Revenue Forecast with a rebalance of the 2021-23 legislative approved budget (LAB). The 2023-25 budget will be balanced after the May Revenue Forecast. CLIMATE by Claudia Keith and Team See Climate Report in the Climate Emergency section of this Legislative Report with overlaps to the Natural Resources Report. We encourage you to read both sections. COASTAL ISSUES By Christine Moffitt Coos County, City of Coos Bay, and City of North Bend have been working on updates to the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan (CBEMP). The County file number assigned to this project is AM-22-005 . Locally, our Coos County League (LWVCC) members attended two meetings regarding the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan An open house was held January 7 at the North Bend Community Center for the public to learn about the products and process going forward. There was a good turn out by the interested public from LWVCC, Rogue Climate, Oregon Shores and other interested public. They asked a lot of questions about the maps provided and how to engage. Convenors announced that the process that began in approximately 2012-3 was to provide information updates so that the CBEMP could be revised. They indicate that the project did not get to the revision due to Covid but the rest of the story is county push back due to the Jordan Cove project and pressure to not revise these zones and classifications. First stage funding is coming through DLCD, contracted with Michael Howard and Amanda Ferguson, University of Oregon, Institute for Policy Research and Engagement. This first phase is to bring the existing plan up to date with appropriate editing and make it digital for the first time as it was a typed document from the past. The contractors presented their project to Planning Commissioners on January 4. The City of Coos Bay and North Bend City Councilors and Board of Commissioners met directly following that meeting. An effort in the Yaquina led by Oregon Shores is moving and has spent years looking at a more watershed-based approach to this. The Coos County League is continuing with International Port of Coos Bay updates and are planning a zoom meeting for Saturday 21 Jan, to be recorded and posted as a YouTube. Please watch and share this latest video on understanding hypoxia and dead zones by Francis Chan and Jack Barth and produced by David Parker’s OSU Productions team with your networks. It is excellent and was produced by OSU. Atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves into seawater and is altering the oceans chemical makeup faster than ever in history. As a result, our ocean is now 30% more acidic than it was 200 years ago. The Oregon Ocean Science Trust website (OOST) has scheduled its next quarterly meeting ( Agenda) for January 25, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, on Zoom. W e will have Board approval of the Nearshore Projects selection. The Board will also review needs and priorities for Legislative funding requests in the 2023-2025 biennium. Senator Anderson and Rep Gomberg are non-voting Trustmembers. Worth reading: How Do Tidal Marshes Store Carbon? The Pacific Marine and Estuarine Fish Habitat Partnership (PMEP) just released a request for proposals for projects that will advance fish habitat conservation and restoration along the West Coast. Pacific Marine and Estuarine Fish Habitat Partnership (pacificfishhabitat.org) Their restoration synthesis report provides a comprehensive study of selected Pacific coast locations. ODFW's Marine Reserves Program has a new leader: Dr. Lindsay Aylesworth. She oversees the management and scientific monitoring of Oregon's five marine reserves and nine Marine Protected Areas and works on marine reserves policy. Her first major task was leading the roll out of the Marine Reserves Synthesis Report , an extensive overview of the first 10 years of marine reserves and an important check-in on development and execution of this relatively new nearshore conservation and monitoring program. It gives Oregonians a chance to reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, lessons learned, and contributions since the program's inception in 2012. LWVOR did a Coastal Study in 2012 and adopted updated positions that include supporting Marine Reserves. Here is a great OPB article on the new Marine Conservation Areas as a follow up on the Oregon Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) December 9 meeting. T hese recommendations now go to the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC ) for final, official designation. COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY By Phillip Thor “ The Columbia River Treaty (CRT or Treaty) is an international agreement between the United States and Canada for the cooperative development and operation of the water resources of the Columbia River Basin to provide for flood control and electric power. The Treaty was the result of more than 20 years of negotiations between the two countries and was ratified in 1961. Implementation began in 1964.” Our League volunteer reviewed the latest status update and provides this insight : Neither country has given notice of termination but both countries have indicated a desire to renegotiate with modifications, primarily to reflect new issues, namely water flows for anadromous fish, Tribal interests and sharing of hydropower benefits. A renegotiated Treaty would also specify continuation of flood control operations after 2024. The League of Women Voters of Oregon participated in these initial discussions and wrote letters expressing their interests. Other PNW Leagues were similarly engaged. The LWVOR was interested in pursuing Treaty Renegotiation, including adding “ecosystem function,” future flood control operations, and appropriate adjustments to hydropower benefits sharing. The League was also interested in furthering climate change provisions. “The United States hosted the 14th round of negotiations with the Government of Canada to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime in Spokane, Washington October 4-5, [2022]. As a result of our discussions, we have been able to find common ground on aspects of flood risk management, hydropower coordination, ecosystem cooperation, and increased Canadian operational flexibility. We will continue to work to address outstanding issues in these areas in the coming months.” Resolving flood control operations has a more pressing timeline, the so-called future approach for “called upon” flood control. In summary, there will likely be many more rounds of Treaty negotiations, with a variety of issues left to be resolved, before Congress will get the chance to ratify a “modernized” new Columbia River Treaty. ELLIOTT STATE FOREST By Peggy Lynch As reported in the last Report, the Dec. 13 State Land Board acted to officially create the Elliott State Research Forest. OPB provided a great article on how we have created North America’s largest research forest. A draft Forest Management Plan is ready for consideration. We still need to adopt a Draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), anticipated July 1, 2023. The Dept. of State Lands website provides information on the Elliott as does OSU . The OSU Board of Trustees will meet Jan. 20 from about 1-2p for a briefing on the link between OSU and the Forest. FORESTRY By Peggy Lynch The association between tree planting and mortality: A natural experiment and cost-benefit analysis. The results of the study were remarkable. The study shows the more trees planted, the lower the mortality rate of the census tract. Specifically, planting 11.7 trees in each neighborhood — the average annual number of trees planted in a tract — was associated with 15.6 fewer non-accidental deaths and five fewer cardiovascular deaths per year on average. Assigning the statistical value to an adult human life at $10.7 million — the value used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — researchers calculated that planting one tree in each of Portland's 140 census tracts amounts to an annual life-saving cost benefit of $14.2 million. The cost of maintaining those 140 trees, researchers estimate, is between about $3,000 and $13,000 annually. That amounts to a cost-benefit ratio of about 1,700-to-1, Donovan said. The Oregon Secretary of State’s Audit Division reviewed the Oregon Forest Practices Institute (OFRI) work and concluded: OFRI’s Statute Undermines its Public Benefit and the State Agency is Not Transparent About its Statutory Mandate to Support the Industry . Look for potential legislative action on OFRI again this session. See “Wildfire” below for a report on the Oregon Wildfire Council. LAND USE/HOUSING By Peggy Lynch The League participated in an hour-long Land Use 101 presentation , providing legislators with a primer on our land use planning program and potential legislative action in 2023. On Jan. 10, Governor Kotek signed 3 Executive Orders focused on homelessness and the need for more housing. The first two provide money and instructions to agencies addressing homelessness, while the third creates a new Housing Production Advisory Council to work toward a goal of 34,000 new housing units by the end of the year. The League has been involved in agency and legislative work on these issues and supports much contained in the Orders. We believe strongly that a major infrastructure investment in our current cities and Urban Growth Boundaries will provide “buildable lots” for such housing, as well as public investments to address the critical need for units priced at or below 80% of the Average Median Income (AMI). We were, however, comforted by Governor Kotek’s comment: “We don’t need to have a big conversation about land use right now, although we might in the future.” A quick update on bills this session: SB 70 is a “correction” to SB 16 (2019), a bill that would have allowed 100 homes on farmland and which we opposed , was passed but never implemented. At first glance, we will oppose SB 70 as well. We hope for more positive than negative land use bills in 2023. More to come… The League continues to be a member of the Oregon Housing Alliance and members attend regular meetings to discuss past and future legislation and programs. See the Housing Report in the Social Policy section of this Legislative Report also. RECYCLING By Kathy Moyd DEQ held a Recycling Modernization Act Rulemaking Advisory Committee meeting on January 11, most of the agenda dealing with the administrative aspects of the changes. However, one area of general interest is the list of materials to be accepted ( current recommendations presented at the meeting). To learn more about this rulemaking and the advisory committee, view the rulemaking web page: Recycling Updates 2023 . A fun factoid from Rep. Gomberg’s recent newsletter: Research indicates each American ingests about ten grams of micro-plastics each week. That’s about the volume of plastic found in a typical credit card. The City of Roses Disposal and Recycling, Inc. (Portland, Ore.) received an EPA Award to develop a real-time recycling inventory aggregation and management software for construction and demolition waste. WATER By Peggy Lynch The HB 5006 (2021) workgroup formed to consider regional water management opportunities that build on the 100-Year Water Vision and further the goals of the Integrated Water Resources Strategy. See their report to the legislature and public website . The League had a member on the work group. Recommendations include the need for adequate funding for all the water agencies, including the need for data, analysis and multi-agency coordination so Oregon can have good water management no matter what other programs might be implemented. Also being considered is a new, more expansive (with sideboards) version of place-based planning with much more rigorous public involvement. The League is also working with the Water Resources Dept. on legislation on this same issue. Both place-based planning proposals may be integrated into one bill for 2023 and a new Place-Based Planning program. The League is working with legislators and others to develop legislation around water quality, quantity and ecosystem services. We hope to support bills that improve water management and coordination among the agencies. Of major importance related to water is the Dec. 30 announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) that a final rule establishing a durable definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) to reduce uncertainty from changing regulatory definitions, protect people’s health, and support economic opportunity may correct a previous administrative rule. The final rule restores essential water protections that were in place prior to 2015 under the Clean Water Act for traditional navigable waters, the territorial seas, interstate waters, as well as upstream water resources that significantly affect those waters. As a result, this action will strengthen fundamental protections for waters that are drinking water sources while supporting agriculture, local economies, and downstream communities. More information, including a pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice and fact sheets, is available at EPA’s “Waters of the United States” website . EPA and the Army are issuing a joint coordination memo to ensure the accuracy and consistency of jurisdictional determinations under this final rule. Second, the agencies are issuing a memo with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide clarity on the agencies’ programs under the Clean Water Act and Food Security Act. EPA’s rule website contains final rule language, fact sheets for various sectors, and summaries of consultations with states/territories and tribal governments. The rule will be effective 60 days after Federal Register publication. From the Statesman Journal : “ A plan that will reshape management of 13 dams and reservoirs in the Willamette River Basin is the subject of four meetings next week in Eugene, Springfield, Sweet Home and Stayton. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is hosting the meetings after it released a 2,200 page blueprint for managing how it stores and releases over 500 trillion gallons of water used for drinking, irrigation and recreation in the Willamette Valley. A public comment period for people to weigh in on the seven alternatives the Corps are considering is underway until Feb. 23. While the meetings are good for information and to ask questions of the Corps, people still need to submit comments via email ( willamette.eis@usace.army.mil ) or mail to PO Box 2946, Portland, OR., 97208-2946. “What we’re doing now will be important for how we manage the system for the next 30 years,” Nicklas Knudson, acting project manager for the EIS revisions with the Corps, told the Statesman Journal in December. “This is the best chance to directly affect how we manage this system in the future. At this point, we can still make changes.” If your water comes from the Willamette River, this project is important to you. We all need to pay attention to the potential for harmful algal blooms. A news release explains the signs you should note. “When in doubt, stay out.” The League has followed the danger of harmful algal blooms and continues to provide a link for members to follow : 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. From the Oregon Lakes Assn. newsletter : The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has developed a website that downloads and displays satellite images of cyanobacteria for large lakes and reservoirs in Oregon. Released in the spring of 2022, the tool represents a significant improvement in how lake managers and the general public receive information about potentially harmful algal blooms across the state. DEQ developed the website as a cost-effective way to rapidly detect and examine cyanobacteria blooms in large waterbodies across Oregon. For each week from March through October, images from the Sentinel 3 satellites are downloaded and processed from NASA with methods consistent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s CyAN project. The Oregon-specific website displays the seven-day average daily maximum cell count for each waterbody and flags those that have counts >100,000 cells/mL according to World Health Organization guidelines. For flagged waterbodies, DEQ reaches out to regional managers to encourage collection of on-the-ground information as a basis for recommending additional water quality sampling. Time series data (from 2016 onward) of cyanobacteria cell counts for specific waterbodies are also available to view and download on the website. In Dec. 2020, t he EPA and the Indian Health Service (IHS) completed a formal agreement that provides more than $23 million to build a new water treatment plant at the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. IHS obligated $13,601,000 toward the project and EPA provided $10,262,000. Nearly all the funding is the result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The EPA awarded LeapFrog Design (Bend, Ore.) to develop a modular ecological water treatment system for onsite capture and non-potable reuse from single-family residences. 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. Oregonians need to celebrate the early snowfall and the rain these past weeks. But we must hope that the snow stays on until well into April or May next year. WILDFIRE By Peggy Lynch As Oregonians rebuild from the devastating wildfires, the Oregon Dept. of Energy will provide financial support to improve energy efficiency to make rebuilt homes and businesses more comfortable and provide long-term energy savings. Oregonians rebuilding site-built homes can receive $3,000 for rebuilding to current energy code or $6,000 for rebuilding to an above-code standard – those rebuilding who are also considered low- or moderate-income can receive higher rebates of $7,500 or $15,000. Some of the communities lost in the wildfires included manufactured home parks, so Oregonians replacing lost or damaged manufactured homes with energy efficient models can receive $12,500, plus an additional $5,000 for installing a qualifying heat pump system to improve heating and cooling. To date, ODOE has reserved or issued 336 incentives totaling $2,806,904. The League is supporting a renewal of funding related to SB 762 (2021) with some minor policy changes. See the Senate Interim Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire Recovery report . VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Above you can see the names of League volunteers who covered one or more issues. Volunteers are needed. What is your passion related to Natural Resources? You can help. If not actually serving on a rules advisory committee (RAC), you could simply monitor and report back on their work. The 2023 legislative session is at hand with over 2,000 bills already filed. Help! Natural Resource Agency Boards and Commissions meet regularly 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 3/17 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Redistricting/Prison Gerrymandering Broadband, Vote-by-mail, Privacy Elections Redistricting/Prison Gerrymandering HB 2250 will be heard in House Rules 3/19. The federal Census Bureau unfortunately counts prisoners where they are incarcerated rather than where they reside. This inflates the population counts where prisons are located and deflates the population counts for prisoners’ residence districts. Therefore, the representation of these districts and jurisdictions is skewed. HB 2250 corrects this injustice by requiring that the Department of Corrections determine prisoner residence addresses, as best that it can, and give the addresses to Portland State University Population Research Center. The Center will then correct the population counts that it receives from the Census Bureau and provide the corrected counts to the Legislature, the Secretary of State, or the various other jurisdictions that perform redistricting. Broadband, Vote-by-mail, Privacy By Becky Gladstone HB 3148 : had a public hearing to extend broadband funding. We support equitable statewide broadband as a fundamental need, signing group letters for HB 3148 (2025) and HB 3201 Enrolled (2023). HB 3474 : League testimony in support was filed after the public hearing for this bill calling for the SoS to study the impact of USPS changes to Oregon’s vote-by-mail system. We are watching three other bills presented in this public hearing, along with HB 3588 below, and another calling for a Secretary of State (SoS) study. HB 3588 : has a public hearing March 17, for another SoS USPS study, on the effect of requiring a physical address for business registrations in Oregon. This could relate to HB 3474 , calling for a SoS study on USPS changes affecting Oregon’s vote-by-mail system. SB 470 -1: anticipated from the public hearing discussion, the -1 amendment passed a work session unanimously. League testimony was in support of the original bill to protect lodgers’ privacy from illicitly taken videos. HB 2341 : to add veterans’ email addresses to shared information, had a Senate side public hearing after passing a House floor vote with 58 in favor. See League testimony . We are watching HB 2851 replaces “ fiber-optic cable network” with “ terrestrial-based cable or wire communication facility ” in ORS 166.122-128 , defining critical infrastructures. Defining broadband, per se, as a critical infrastructure, places it for protection with gas and rail lines and the power grid, along with data centers, dams, bridges, roads, airports, and marinas. We have further recommended protecting our elections’ systems as a critical infrastructure. LWVOR hesitation to support HB 2851, for broadband, and the earlier HB 2772 Enrolled (2023), which defined the crime of domestic terrorism, is based on consistent testimony for both, fearing vaguely defined overreach guardrails in applying punitive action for “riot, disorderly conduct, harassment and related offenses“, defined in ORS 166. We reported the lack of a cyber warfare definition noted in the JLCIMT hearing video , Feb 28 2025, on Cyber warfare and the Pacific NW power grid . The concern is urgent to protect our critical infrastructures and our free speech and civil liberties. SB 599 prohibits landlords from asking about, disclosing, or discriminating based on immigration status. The -4 version passed a work session with one dissenting vote. These three elections bills were presented together in House Rules on March 12: HB 2435 requires the Secretary of State to publish a monthly voter registrations statistical report for each Oregon county. HB 3468 prohibits a county clerk from using certain information provided by ODOT or OHA to update any information for those already registered to vote. HB 3470 requires the Secretary of State to verify voter registration information received from ODOT and OHA. Elections By Barbara Klein LWVOR had been active in working on the original bill ( HB 3166 ) related to Open Primaries , somewhat based on the Alaska model. An amendment is now proposed, which contains points we have historically not supported (specifically a top-two election system). The amended bill HB 3166-2 would require a unified primary ballot for partisan and nonpartisan offices regardless of political party affiliation, and advancing only the top two vote getters to a winner-take-all style ballot during the general election. The League strongly supports the portion of the bill calling for open (or “unified”) primaries. HB 3166 is scheduled for a hearing on March 19th. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

SHERIDAN SCHILLING (she/her) SHERIDAN SCHILLING (she/her) Youth Council Vice-President Sheridan is currently attending Winston Churchill High School, where she serves as an active member of student government in her elected position as Secretary. In Eugene, she volunteers at local charities and non-profit organizations and serves as the Student Representative for Churchill High School to the 4j School Board. Sheridan is a member of Youth Rotary Club, Book Club, and National Honor Society, and YMCA Youth and Government. She participates in local school district events and is actively involved in League activities. Additionally, Sheridan works closely with school administration to ensure student voice is heard. She is passionate about encouraging young people to participate in government. In the future, she intends to study political science before attending medical school. Outside of school, Sheridan enjoys traveling, reading, and playing golf. Through leading workshops, voter registration events and legislative advocacy, she hopes to welcome youth further into the democratic process. She is excited to advocate for voters across Oregon as a member of the LWVOR Youth Council. youthcrew@lwvor.org

HAI NGUYEN (he/him) HAI NGUYEN (he/him) Youth Events Co-Chair We warmly welcome Hai Nguyen, currently a student at Clackamas High School with plans to continue in Global Studies or Political Science at University of Oregon and ultimately Law School. Hai is involved mainly in Speech and Debate (Policy Debate) and different youth advocacy groups such as Oregon School-Based Health Alliance and Communicare. Hai feels a definite stake in the rights and participation of Asian-Americans and serves on the Youth Council and Voting teams to increase polical participation of the minorities communities across our state and work with local Leagues to encourage youth civic engagement. Email him at youtheventschair@lwvor.org or message Youth Council Instagram at @lwvoryouthcouncil youtheventschair@lwvor.org

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 2/10 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Privacy and Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence Election Policy Access Government Ethics Privacy and Cybersecurity By Becky Gladstone Bills addressed: SB 470 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this privacy bill. We respect to necessarily comprehensive legal rosters describing the terms used, we simplified the gist to : If you are staying in a motel, the folks there may not take an audio or video of you, any place where you would expect privacy. And you can sue, if they do. There was a thoughtful discussion, and the bill may be amended. HB 2570 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this privacy bill. It would make a new [non]disclosure law to keep PII (personally identifiable information) confidential for employees working with OSHA investigations or inspections. Thoughtful discussion included concern for retribution impeding communications, both from fearful employees and employers. HB 2581 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this bill to coordinate resiliency services with the State Resiliency Officer (SRO). It would replace the word “seismic” with hazards, to include storms with flooding and slides, COVID, and wildfires, in 2024 expanding to extreme heat, further drought, the fentanyl crisis, and a tsunami warning. The SRO testified and included the importance of cybersecurity in protecting our infrastructure. HB 2341 League testimony was submitted and presented in support of this bill to add veterans’ email addresses to shared information in providing services. These would be covered by the same privacy protocols as other personal information and could help to efficiently expedite services. We are researching these upcoming bills for when public hearings are scheduled: SB 826 was brought by the Oregon Dept of Emergency Management, to make sure that public safety systems are compatible. Artificial Intelligence We are watching for AI and further cybersecurity and privacy bills, welcoming two new volunteers who will have AI bill reports soon. Note this from the National Conference of State Legislatures: AI 2024 Legislation . In 2024 legislative sessions, at least 45 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., introduced AI bills, and 31 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands adopted resolutions or enacted legislation. We are watching numerous other bills that haven’t yet been scheduled for hearing. Election Policy We have been invited to collaborate on HJR 9 , a referral for recall timing. HB 3012 would allow 16- or 17-year-olds, who are registered to vote, to vote in school board elections. HB 3384 League testimony was written and held for discussion for this election bill. It would require that initiative and referendum petitions not be processed from 75 days before an election until 35 days afterwards. It was submitted at the request of the Oregon County Clerks Association. We will consider supporting this bill at a future hearing. Access HB 5017 is the State Library budget bill. We are asking for more specific information. HB 3382 , brought to House Rules by Oregon Business and Industries, asks the Secretary of State to make an online system about administrative rules, telling state agencies to make most rules data accessible online. Government Ethics By Chris Cobey HB 2727 further limits what lobbying a legislator can do after leaving office. It will be heard in House Rules Feb. 10. The League will likely support this bill. HB 3130 would allow district school board members, who are not paid, to not file statements of economic interest (SEIs) with the Government Ethics Commission. It will be heard in House Rules Feb. 10. The League will likely oppose this bill.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 3/6 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Campaign Finance Redistricting Election Methods Cybersecurity Rights of Incarcerated People By Norman Turrill, Governance Coordinator, and Team Campaign Finance No bills on campaign finance have yet been scheduled for a hearing. However, the Oregonian has published a good article explaining that Oregon Democrats say they’re serious about capping political donations, but their proposals include loopholes . Redistricting There has been no movement on redistricting in the legislature. People Not Politicians has started collecting signatures on IP 19 petitions downloadable from its website. Election Methods By Barbara Klein A Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) bill is scheduled for a hearing, currently planned for March 16 in House Rules. The bill, HB 2004, is sponsored by Rep Rayfield, Fahey, Reynolds, Marsh, Senator Sollman; and regular sponsors Rep. Pham K, Senator Dembrow and Golden. Based on LWVOR positions supporting RCV, the League has decided to endorse this bill (and allowed the use of our logo). LWVOR is represented on the steering committee for HB 2004 led by the Coalition of Communities of Color and Oregon RCV. We have encouraged members (as individuals) to write their legislators in support. Regarding the cost of implementing RCV in Oregon, transitioning to a new system will incur modest costs (for instance updating voting equipment, software and voter education). Supporters point to the advantage that in the 2021 Regular Session, SB 5538 allocated $2 million for grants to counties to modernize their election offices, technology and equipment (including updating voting machines and purchasing new processing equipment). If there are situations in which RCV eliminates the current need for a runoff in non-partisan elections, it will actually save money (and time) on taxpayer-funded elections. Cybersecurity and Public Records By Rebecca Gladstone Two major bills passing unanimously in 2022 committees, failing to progress, are moving in 2023. SB 619, for Consumer Data Privacy had a public hearing and the cyber bill, HB 2049 , is in W&Ms. Public records, judiciary, and privacy bills are moving. SB 619 : This major bill, a comprehensive protection of consumers’ personal data, had a March 7 public hearing. We encourage you to see the ( video ). LWVOR strongly supports ( our testimony ), based on our privacy and cybersecurity work . We particularly agree with Section 1 (6) (b) Consent: “The consumer’s inaction does not constitute consent.” This protects consumer data privacy rights and holds those who control and process the data responsible. Critical consumer protections include: · Right to KNOW what’s being collected · Right to Correct inaccuracies · Right to opt-out · Heightened opt-in requirements for sensitive information · Special protections for children, adding ages 13-15 HB 2052 : The data broker registry bill, which we also support ( League testimony ) relates to SB 619 and it has been sent by the Speaker to JW&Ms. HB 2112 A : This public records bill updates technical and inclusive terms, particularly for our tribes. Rules were suspended for this bill passing unanimously from the House after passing unanimously from House Rules, for a public hearing in Senate Rules, March 7. The League supports ( our testimony ). HB 2490 : This bill had a public hearing on March 9 to address Oregon’s growing cybersecurity vulnerability, by protecting our defense plans, devices, and systems from public disclosure, also echoing our call to balance public records disclosure transparency and privacy. This warrants citing the League position to promote maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defending our critical infrastructures is at stake. The League supports ( our testimony ). HB 5032 will fund the PRAC (Public Records Advisory Council) and Advocate. See League testimony in support, citing League work since 1993 and linking to our public records advocacy in 2017 and 2020. SB 417 : The public records request fee bill Task Force convening at Sen. Rules Chair Lieber’s request, has met twice, reviewing technicalities. We will probably meet a few more times before making amendment recommendations, to be inviting legislative counsel next time. See League testimony in support. SB 5512 , representing the Oregon Judicial Department budget, will have had a public hearing on March 9. The League testimony supports funding the cost of judicial services. The shortage of public defenders is dire, as covered earlier here. Chief Justice Wallace Carson, interviewed for our 2007 Overview of the Oregon Judiciary , encouraged us to work to improve pay for our judicial system workers. Fully funding these positions and supporting the system could solve our judicial labor shortage and improve many of Oregon’s judicial problems. This bill addresses costs of HB 2224, to increase juror pay, below. HB 2224 A : This bill, that would increase juror pay, passed uniformly with one excused vote from House Judiciary to JW&Ms by prior reference. See League testimony in support. HB 2049 A : This magnum opus cyber bill was sent to W&Ms by the Speaker last week. See League testimony in support. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley SB 579 , which restores the right to vote for over 13,000 incarcerated adults in Oregon, is on track to pass out of Senate Judiciary on March 9, with a subsequent referral to Ways and Means. This is the third try to pass this legislation, and although Republicans are united in their opposition, there is optimism that this time an even broader coalition of supporters under the umbrella of Guaranteeing the Right to Vote will achieve success. Endorsers include Oregon Justice Resource Center, ACLU of Oregon, Next Up Oregon, The Sentencing Project, the League of Women Voters of Oregon, and over 45 other organizations and individuals. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .

Back to All Legislative Reports Climate Emergency Legislative Report - Week of 5/15 Climate Emergency Team Coordinator: Claudia Keith Efficient and Resilient Buildings: Bill Glassmire Environmental Justice: Nancy Rosenberger Environmental Rights Amendment: Claudia Keith Natural Climate Solution - Forestry: Josie Koehne CEI - Critical Energy Infrastructure : Nikki Mandell and Laura Rogers Community Resilince & Emergency Management: Rebecca Gladstone Transportation: Claudia Keith Joint Ways and Means - Budgets, Lawsuits, Green/Public Banking, Divestment/ESG: Claudia Keith Find additional Climate Change Advocacy volunteers in Natural Resources Jump to a topic: Climate Emergency Priority Bills I-5 Bridge Project Oregon Economic Analysis Oregon Treasury Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… Natural Climate Solutions Bill Priority Bills The May 17 Revenue 23-25 forecast was very favorable. Oregon is forecasted to have $1.5-2.0 B in funds not previously reflected in the Feb forecast. Previously the Governor and Legislature majority leadership have given some direction in their commitment to a meaningful ‘Climate Package’. Related, given the new May forecast Oregon, is now in a better position to qualify for Federal matching Energy/Climate IPA funds. The CE priority bills had minimal activity in the last few weeks. Most have already moved to JW&Ms. Find additional background in previous LR (report)s on the six CE priorities. ** Action Needed: Please contact your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to support the following Climate and Environmental related Bills. ** 1. Resilient Buildings (RB) policy package: Bills are now in JW&M. The League is an active RB coalition partner. Link to League testimonies: SB 868 , 869 , 870 and 871 . · SB 868 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 869 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 870 A Staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions · SB 871 A staff measure summary , Fiscal and Follow-up Questions 2. SB 530A : Natural and Working Lands is in JW&Ms. The League continues to be an active coalition member. Fiscal . Staff Measure Summary 3. Environmental Justice (EJ) 2023 bills: SB 907 A ‘Right to Refuse Dangerous work’ public hearing was on May 10 in House B&L. The work session was 5/17, bill moved to House Desk with 6,0,5,0 do pass vote. Here is the May 9 LWVOR testimony . The bill will go to the floor; it has Minimal Fiscal Impact. The League joined the Worker Advocate Coalition on 2/13. SB 593 is one of two bills the League will follow and support. The ‘Right to Refuse dangerous work’ SB 907 A , League testimony . SB 907 amendment -6 staff measure summary. 4/4 work session, moved to the floor with do pass with amendments, a unanimous vote. SB907 Coalition Letter - LWVOR one of many organizations. 4. Oregon Climate Action Commission (currently Oregon Global Warming Commission): Roadmap , SB 522 A staff measure summary , fisca l, 4/4 Work Session moved, with 4/1 vote to JW&Ms. 5. Other Governor Climate / Carbon Policy Topics: See 20-04 Executive Order topics . This area includes other GHG emission mitigation/reductions (DEQ) and new clean renewable energy (DEQ & DOE), OHA public health, and ODOT (Dept of Transportation) policy and funding bills including state agency budget bills. (POPS and current service level spending). 6. CE related total 2023-2025 biennium budget: The governor’s budget * was published January 31; Kotek’s budget priorities . On May 17 the Governor's budget / May forecast press release did not mention the Climate Package topic. There is still some discussion concerning using available funds versus issuing additional state bonds for capital construction projects. We provided testimony on the Oregon Dept. of Energy (ODOE) budget ( HB 5016 ) and will add climate items to (DEQ) HB 5018 League 3/30 testimony . In both cases, our testimony requested additional agency requests not included in the Governor’s January budget. Other CE Bills that are still alive: HB 2763 A updated with -1 amendment: League Testimony . Creates a State Public Bank Task Force. Like the 2022 session RB task force, the 23-member Task Force is required to recommend no later than January 2024. “ The report must include a recommendation for a governing structure for a public bank.” This policy topic will likely have a bill in the 2024 session -1 staff measure summary . Moved on 3/14 with recommendation to JW&Ms with - 1 amendment. Fiscal HB 3016 A , community green infrastructure, moved to JW&Ms unanimously. Legislative -2 Staff Measure Summary . HB 3196A – Fees from Community Climate Investment funds -– Support HB 3166 A – Whole-home Retrofits and High-efficiency Electric Home Rebates–– Support HB 3056 A–– Extends Residential Heat Pump Fund until to January 2, 2026 –– Support HB3181 A -- Energy Siting process. Fiscal . Staff Summary Currently in JWM. HB2990A Resilience Community Hubs, Fiscal , Staff Summary Interstate 5 (I-5) Bridge Project By Claudia Keith No schedule meetings yet for the Legislative Joint Committee on Interstate 5 Bridge . Other related Meetings & Events | I-5 Bridge Replacement Program EXECUTIVE STEERING GROUP: ESG May 25, 2023, Meeting Thursday, May 25, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Join the meeting via Online Zoom webinar or on YouTube . This meeting will be live streamed on the IBR program YouTube channel ,with closed captioning and all past meetings available. Oregon Economic Analysis By Claudia Keith The Oregon Economic and Revenue Forecast was released May 17. (See CE LR above for details). The JW&M-recommended budget will use the May forecast to balance the budget. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has continued to ignore the recommended SEC Climate Risk disclosure proposed rule. Analysis: SEC.gov | Remarks at the 2023 SEC Municipal Securities Disclosure Conference , The Need for Climate Risk Disclosures: Emerging trends in ESG governance for 2023 | Harvard. See supportive SEC disclosure LWVOR-initiated LWVUS Testimony , June 2022. Oregon Treasury By Claudia Keith It is unclear how Oregon Treasury/Treasurer Tobias Read will assist with addressing the IRA $27B Federal funds, contingent on formation of an Oregon Green Bank. Up To $27B Available for NPO Clean Energy Activities . | TNPT. Oregon Pers Performance : Returns for periods ending MAR-2023 Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund. The Oregon Investment Council will meet May 31. The agenda and meeting materials are not yet posted. The Council met April 19; see meeting packet ; no 4/19 minutes posted yet. The April packet includes the March meeting minutes. ESG investing continues to be addressed. Climate Related Lawsuits: Oregon and… By Claudia Keith Numerous lawsuits are challenging Oregon’s DEQ CPP regulations. Here is one example of how to track them. Basically, there are a number of active state a federal lawsuits , (May 2023 update) some of which could assist in meeting Oregon's Net Zero GHG Emissions before 2050 targets and other lawsuits, which challenge current Oregon DEQ CPP policy, which would limit the use of fossil fuels, including diesel, natural gas, and propane over time. Another source: Columbia University Law - Sabin Climate DB lists 64 lawsuits , mentioning OREGON. Youth lawsuit challenging Montana's pro-fossil fuel policies is heading to trial | AP News. The challenges and promises of climate lawsuits | KnowableMag.org . Supreme Court deals blow to oil companies by turning away climate cases | NBC News Natural Climate Solutions Bill By Josie Koehne SB 530 A , the Natural Climate Solutions Bill makes it state policy to "implement strategies to advance natural climate solutions to mitigate the future impacts of climate change," and to invest in research on the effects of natural climate solutions on natural and working lands. Working lands means agricultural, forest and marine lands that naturally sequester carbon. The bill will provide incentives via grants to owners/managers of these lands for voluntarily adopting strategies to increase carbon storage on their lands. The funding from state, federal and private sources is to prepare an "inventory, baseline, activity based metrics and community impact metrics for net carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands and establish carbon sequestration and storage goals." SB 530 A passed out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee with a Do Pass recommendation, 3-2 along a party line vote. The -7 was adopted that modifies some definitions and changes the committee that is to receive and distribute the requested $20 million per biennium from the Department of Energy (DOE) to the Oregon Water Enhancement Board (OWEB), which already has the authority to write and distribute grants. The Oregon Global Warming Commission will advise OWEB and regularly report to the legislature on the uses of moneys from fund. The bill now sits in Joint Natural Resources W&Ms for possible funding, where it resided at least until the May 17 Forecast is published that helps the committee know how much money it has to spend this session. The LWVOR supports this bill and asks that you ask members of Joint NR W&Ms to fully fund this bill. The LWVOR was part of the coalition that wrote and signed this letter to J W&Ms. We hope you will contact them! Volunteers Needed By Claudia Keith Request to Local Leagues; please let us know your climate, resilience, or sustainability advocacy actions. Please consider joining the CE portfolio team; we lack volunteers in these critical policy and law areas: · Natural and Working lands, specifically Agriculture/ODA · Greenhouse Gas Emission Mitigation and Renewable Energy · 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: CE Coordinator. Orientation to Legislative and State Agency advocacy processes is available.

Back to Legislative Report Revenue Legislative Report - Week of October 13 Revenue Team Coordinator: Peggy Lynch Natalie Briggs Please see Governance Overview here . Jump to a topic: Revenue Updates Revenue Updates By Peggy Lynch The legislature received the Aug. 27th Revenue Forecast by the Office of Economic Analysis and a Revenue Summary from the Legislative Revenue Office. Bottom line: The revenue forecasted in May is now down due to many factors, including federal actions. It is expected to continue to decrease unless federal actions around tariffs and budgets change. The personal kicker has also reduced to $1,410.4 million—to show as a credit on your 2025 Oregon taxes. Final calculations on the kicker will be done by November. Federal actions may mean that Oregon will likely bring in fewer tax dollars, spend more money on administrative tasks and receive billions less in federal funding. Per an Oct. 7 Town Hall by Rep. Owens, as of now, legislators will need to address what is a $915 million shortfall. Agencies are being asked to provide a 5% cut to their budgets. These budgets will go before each Ways and Means Subcommittee during the short session. This means people need to be engaging to help agencies when choosing their cuts list. Rep. Gomberg provided some concerning information about the potential loss of federal funding here in Oregon: Thrown into uncertainty was the Oregon Health Plan. State figures show 33.5% of Oregonians are on the state’s Medicaid program. About 14% of Oregon’s annual education budget comes from the federal government, amounting to more than $1 billion each year. And 17,500 preschool children are enrolled in Head Start . A March 28 th press release from Senate President Wagner shared more data on federal losses. Planning for 2026: The co-chairs left unspent about 22% of general obligation bond capacity and 15% of lottery revenue bonds, which theoretically leaves some flexibility for lawmakers to make investments in next year’s short session. However, any reduction in General Fund and/or Lottery Funds will mean this capacity will need to be adjusted down. During Interim Legislative Days, many legislative committees provided information on both the revenue and costs side of H.R.1., also known as “The Big Beautiful Bill” passed by Congress. Both Revenue Committees heard the revenue impacts to Oregon because of our rolling connection to the federal tax code. A tax disconnect bill passed the Oregon House but not the Senate in 2025. Currently, Oregon tax code mirrors the federal code, so if something is tax exempt at the federal level, it is at the state level as well. Expect a conversation around the loss of revenue and the additional costs Oregon might incur due to changes in federal programs. It IS possible to target disconnect provisions, and that may be politically easier than a full disconnect. It MAY be the topic for another Special Session before the 2026 session. Because any bill that “raises revenue” cannot have an Emergency Clause, it would not take effect for 90 days after passage to allow for a public referral/referendum so a Special Session on this matter is not likely. The Legislature COULD delay the April 15 filing date should they decide to address the disconnect in the 2026 session. They have taken that action in the past. The next Revenue Forecast is Nov. 19. We know that both the Legislative Revenue Office and Legislative Fiscal Office are having discussions with legislators in anticipation of further revenue reductions. Pay attention to both General Funds and Lottery Funds since natural resource agencies also rely heavily on Lottery Funds. Oregon is better suited to address a significant downturn in the economy than the last major downturn because of Oregon’s Rainy Day and Education Stability Funds. But there are criteria that must be addressed in order to access those funds. On top of all that, Congress was unable to agree on funding the federal government for the Oct. 2025-Sept. 2026 fiscal year. Jefferson Public Radio did a good job of covering potential consequences to Oregon. As of Oct. 7 th , the shutdown continues. Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency , Governance , Natural Resources , and Social Policy report sections.

Back to All Legislative Reports Governance Internships Legislative Report - Week of 5/1 Governance Team Coordinator: Becky Gladstone and Chris Cobey Campaign Finance Reform: Norman Turrill Cybersecurity Privacy, Election Issues, Electronic Portal Advisory Board: Becky Gladstone Election Systems: Barbara Klein Redistricting: Norman Turrill, Chris Cobey Voting Rights of Incarcerated People: Marge Easley Jump to a topic: Walkouts, Resignation, and Bills Waiting Rights of Incarcerated People Walkouts, Resignation, and Bills Waiting By Rebecca Gladstone Republican Senators walked out (press ), citing bill summary readability; see the Flesch Kincaid Calculator . The walkout prevents a required quorum and delays progress for divisive gun safety and healthcare bills. It could provide litigation grounds against Measure 113 ( press ), a constitutional amendment voters passed last fall by a wide majority to prevent legislative work halts from walkouts. League election bill positions are not affected by the SoS resignation. Here’s a status update on bills we’re watching: HB 5032 Enrolled : We supported this Public Records Advocate funding bill ( our testimony ). Work sessions scheduled: HB 2490 work session was rescheduled for May 9 in Senate committee for this cybersecurity vulnerability bill. The League urges for maximum protection of public health, safety, and the environment. Defense of our critical infrastructures is at stake ( our testimony ). Still awaiting work sessions: The May 5 agenda posting deadline for second chamber committee work sessions does not apply to bills followed here, since most are in Rules and Joint committees. SB 11 : This access and transparency bill has strong bipartisan support, requiring virtual public state meetings to record and promptly publicize recordings. We will look for data retention rules. SB 417 : This public records bill is important to the League for timely access to candidate filing information for Vote411.org and for concerns of excessive elections records requests ( press ). We have attended the Task Force since March 7, now focused on agencies bearing the burden of proof for defending staff review assignments, for choosing the most cost-effective staff records review before public release. The bill aims for the lowest records delivery cost by the lowest salaried employee. High-level legal review is necessary for 90% of requested records. Staff could redact basic data like SSNs and birth dates. But experienced attorneys could quickly include those in a single review with complex issues that could help avert much more expensive appellate litigation referrals. See our testimony , predating this work. SB 166 : We hope the scheduling delay, referred to House Rules March 7, implies amending to address privacy and harassment concerns. See our testimony and previous extensive reports. SB 167 : See League testimony in support of this elections bill to replace candidate filing software, add efficiency improvements, address some privacy and cybersecurity issues, with efficiency tweaks. SJM 6 : This DC statehood action has not moved since the April 13 unanimous referral from the Senate floor on April 13. Taxation without representation is a fundamental democratic value we support. SB 614 : We’re watching this police body cam, personal data retention / disclosure bill, after passing the Senate, 18 to 10, on not entirely partisan votes. See details, April 17 LR. Awaiting further scheduling (mostly W&Ms): HB 2049 A : This cybersecurity omnibus bill was referred to W&Ms March 3 with unanimous do pass recommendation. The League strongly supports in previous reports ( our testimony ). HB 2052 relates to SB 619 and was referred JW&Ms on Feb 13. We support the AG’s data broker registry bill ( League testimony ). HB 2806 A : This bill passed unanimously May 2 with a Do Pass to update statute for open meetings, public safety and cybersecurity. It awaits transfer to the Senate President’s desk. See our testimony . HB 3127 A : An April 27 work session for this “TikTok bill” awaits transfer to the Senate President’s desk, with a Do Pass recommendation. SB 619 : Sent to W&Ms April 12, with Do pass with amendments by prior reference. LWVOR strongly supports this AG’s consumer privacy bill ( our testimony ), now with a coalition letter. SB 510 : This SB 417 companion funding bill passed unanimously to W&Ms on May 1 without recommendation, to improve efficiency, cost estimates and budgeting, and sustainable funding for the PRAC. See our testimony in support . SB 1073 A : Referred to W&Ms April 10, to establish a state Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). See our supportive testimony including related bills and the hearing video , details in previous reports. Rights of Incarcerated People By Marge Easley A House floor vote on SB 529 was scheduled to take place on May 4. The bill, a priority bill of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), acknowledges that addiction is a chronic disease affecting many incarcerated individuals and creates more comprehensive drug treatment programs in correctional institutions. Another DOC priority this session is a close examination of the use of segregated housing units in Oregon’s correctional facilities. There will be a Senate Judiciary work session on May 8 for HB 2345 A , which mandates the establishment of a publicly accessible data dashboard detailing race, age, misconduct status, duration in the unit, level of misconduct causing a return to the unit, and the allowable amount of time outside of a cell. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need and can offer your expertise, please contact our staff at lwvor@lwvor.org .