Last Updated: 2/18/25 12:41 AM PST
Important Notice: If a bill comes in later than 5PM on Fridays, check here for updates & changes! We will not be sending additional emails!
Clicking the bill number will allow you access to more information on the bill via OLIS.
IMPORTANT: You have up to 48 hours on most bills after the Public Hearing to submit your testimony. Beware, the time could be 24 hours on some, so testify now!
Clicking Submit Testimony Button below each bill in the list will allow you to fill out the testimony form online or upload pre-written testimony to OLIS.
Links are provided for more information, testimonies on various sites, including OLIS as featured testimonies.
The bill text, any submitted amendments and testimony that may have already been submitted is available in the tabs at the top of the OLIS webpage.
By Clicking the “Register to Testify” tab on OLIS, you can fill out the form to sign up to testify remotely through Microsoft Teams for the bill either via Teams Video or on the phone.
The bills below, of course, do not incapsulate all the bills for the coming week. Bills could also be added to committee agendas at any time and after the work to put this list together.
Are we missing bill? SUBMIT A BILL every Friday by 5PM for distribution in the weekly alert!
Fight for Oregon, Senator David Brock Smith, ODF Wildfire Support Group and more for providing the majority of the content of this Alert! Listed below are Bills of Concern and Bills to Support that are coming up for Public Hearings this week and/or need your voice.
Your testimonies are greatly needed in the fight for Oregon! Our goal is to make it easy for you to testify and share! Anyone can subscribe or unsubscribe to these alerts! Encourage folks to subscribe!
Visit FightforOregon.com Weekly Alerts for a more updated version of this week’s bills! We are committed to NOT inundate your email box because these are a moving target and change daily, so the latest news will be on the website!
Please Review the Schedule, bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List
Special Message from the Minority Leader:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
As we kick off the first week of the 2025 Legislative Session, I want to remind you that your voice is a vital part of the process. The decisions made in Salem this year will impact families and communities across Oregon, and your engagement can help shape the direction we take. Whether it’s testifying on a bill, contacting your elected officials, or following the latest updates, there are many ways to get involved and ensure your perspective is heard. Together, we can work toward a safer, more affordable, and prosperous Oregon.
–Senate Republican Leader, Daniel Bonham
Did you miss this?
Senator Jeff Golden recently had his “Annual” Town Hall Meeting in Medford, Oregon on 1/16/25 *after* certified letters were received by property/homeowners in High Risk areas according to the Wildfire Risk Map. Residents showed up unexpectedly at this town hall and the following link is a recording of that town hall. We believe it is very important for you to listen to this town hall meeting.
YouTube Video of Senator Golden’s Town Hall Meeting on 1/16/25
How to Appeal the Wildfire Risk Map
Upcoming SB 762 Bills to Oppose:
SB 73, SB 77, SB 78, SB 79
Upcoming SB 762 Bills to Support:
HB 3133 & SB 434
SB 678 – REPEALS SB 762!
SB 762 News Releases
SB 762 Upcoming Events
Monday - February 17, 2025
Bills of Concern
House Committee on Housing and Homelessness 1:00 PM
HB 3521– Digest: This Act awards damages if a landlord revokes an offer of housing. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7). Requires residential landlords to pay a minimum amount of damages for breaching an agreement to later execute a rental agreement in exchange for holding a deposit.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Oregon Housing Investor Strongly Opposes
HB 2967 – Digest: The Act bans applicant screening fees for tenants. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.8). Prohibits residential landlords from charging an applicant screening charge.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Low Income Housing Supplier Opposes
House Committee On Labor and Workplace Standards 3:00 pm
HB 2944 – Digest: The Act makes changes to the PECBA. The Act creates penalties for violating certain provisions of the PECBA. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.4). Permits a labor organization to file a civil action against a public employer for failing to timely provide the labor organization with certain information regarding public employees. Directs the Employment Relations Board to impose civil penalties against a public employer that fails to comply with certain requirements under the public employee collective bargaining act.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Bills to Support
Senate Committee On Energy and Environment 3:00 pm
SB 339 – Digest: The Act gives money to an agency for addressing the plant disease Sudden Oak Death. The Act tells the agency to spend part of the money for a task force. (Flesch Readability Score: 78.8). Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the State Forestry Department for purposes related to the plant disease Sudden Oak Death.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Senator David Brock Smith Report
Tuesday - February 18, 2025
Bills of Concern
House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment 8:00 am
HB 3018 – Digest: This Act makes new laws to prevent and dispose of food waste. (Flesch Readability Score: 95.9). Requires entities that cook, assemble, process, serve or sell food to recover and dispose of food waste as specified in the Act. Directs the Department of Environmental Quality to establish a program to educate entities on food waste separation and disposal requirements. Modifies food date labeling laws to require foods packaged with a date label to use uniform terms.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Significant Testimonies submitted at this writing in opposition.
HB 2738 – Digest: This Act bans the use of leaded fuel at race tracks in cities with 500,000 or more people. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6). Prohibits the use of leaded fuel at race tracks in cities with a population of 500,000 or greater as of January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Specialty Equipment Market Association Opposes!
Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire 1:00 pm
SB 836 – Digest: This Act increases fees charged by DOGAMI. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.7). Increases fees charged by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No More Tax Increases!
Bills to Support
House Committee On Higher Education and Workforce Development 8:00 am
HB 2441 – Digest: The Act keeps a tuition waiver from being reduced by other aid amounts. (Flesch Readability Score: 76.5). Prohibits the amount of tuition that is waived for qualified students from being reduced by the amount of specified student aid received by the qualified students.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Stop Double Dipping Tax $$!!
Wednesday - February 19, 2025
Bills of Concern
No bills were submitted at this writing.
Please Review the Schedule, bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List
Bills to Support
House Committee On Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade 8:00 am
HB 3140 – Digest: The Act says that an operator can make a person who does recreation release the operator from some types of claims. Tells OBDD to study issues for the recreation industry and make a report. (Flesch Readability Score: 62.6). Provides that an operator may require a person who engages in a sport, fitness or recreational activity in various ways to release the operator from claims for ordinary negligence. Directs the Oregon Business Development Department, with the assistance of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, to study issues facing the recreation industry and report to a committee of the Legislative Assembly related to the environment no later than September 15, 2026. Appropriates moneys for study.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Travel Lane County Board of Directors Supports
Senate Committee On Energy and Environment 3:00 pm
SB 221 – Digest: The Act tells an agency to study the salmon and trout enhancement program. The Act tells the agency to report on the study. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.4). Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to study the salmon and trout enhancement program. Directs the department to report to interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources no later than September 15, 2026.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Keep Accurate Account combats Windmills!
SB 222 – Digest: The Act tells an agency to create a program to protect salmon. (Flesch Readability Score: 74.8). Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to operate a program in southwest Oregon to control populations of species that prey on salmon.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Keep Accurate Account combats Windmills!
Thursday - February 6, 2025
Bills of Concern
No Bills have been submitted at this writing.
NOTE: Bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing, check the schedule here:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List
Bills to Support
House Committee On Revenue 3:00 pm
HB 3163 – Digest: The Act would let counties opt to grant a specially assessed property tax value for the homes of people who are at least 62 years old. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.5). Allows counties to adopt an ordinance or resolution that provides, for purposes of ad valorem property taxation, a specially assessed value for the owner-occupied primary residences of individuals who are at least 62 years of age. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Seniors Need This!
HB 3249 – Digest: The Act would grant a partial tax exemption for the home of a senior or the senior’s surviving spouse. (Flesch Readability Score: 62.8). Allows a partial exemption of ad valorem property taxes due on the owner-occupied principal dwelling of an individual who is at least 65 years of age and the individual’s surviving spouse regardless of age. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Seniors in Support of this Bill!
HB 3287 – Digest: The Act would allow some veterans and the surviving spouses of some veterans to not pay some taxes. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6). Grants a higher property tax exemption for the property of veterans with disabilities. Grants an exemption for a veteran’s surviving spouse who remains unmarried. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Give Our Brave Veterans Honor!
APPEAL THE HAZARD RISK MAP NOW!
THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 8!
YES YOU NEED TO APPEAL YOUR HAZARD RISK NOW!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Gov. Kotek’s Announcement to Pause the Map does NOT repeal the map. YOU NEED TO GET THOSE APPEALS IN NOW MORE THAN EVER!
SB 762 legislation is back and property/homeowners residing in the “Wildfire Hazard Risk Map” in RED Zones have been sent certified letters (January 7, 2025) notifying them of their “High Risk” (RED) status. Inside these notifications were various pieces of literature including quoted laws, application law statement, information on state agency programs propaganda, defensible space guidelines and an appeal for with instructions. They have put the burden on the property owner to prove them wrong. Property/homeowners have only 60 days to Repeal their Risk Ratings.
Appeal Deadline: March 8, 2025 to appeal.
Purple and green zones within the WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) are unaware that this map has returned and it’s implications on rules/regulations regarding building codes and defensible space requirements. Even though you did not get a letter or appeal form, YOU CAN APPEAL ALSO!
Didn’t get a letter? Look up your address on the map:
Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer
Download the appeal form here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/documents/wildfire-hazard-class-appeal-form.pdf
Appeal Points & Appeal Form Information:
Download this helpful document!
Appeals are limited to the creation and methodology of the map, that’s all. The form is designed so that the appeal cannot be based on what you have done to your property. Therefore, the Appeal Points you can make are:
- Not clear language, graphics, visuals, examples of the underlying criteria for assigning hazard zones is not accessible. Supposed to be publicly available and comprehensible to a public audience.
- Data is not available to the public for inspection to verify accuracy. The computer program is not public domain.
- Data is all theoretical and not verified with actual conditions
- Values are inflated
- Personal Impacts and experience
- Insurance
- House Value
- Sale
Note: If you don’t raise an issue in an appeal, then you can’t go any further and cannot bring it up again. If you want to try and get out of this program, you need to address all the issues first time through. Just because there is a little box on the form, doesn’t mean you have to stay within that box.
Write a letter to accompany that appeal form:
Download Sample Letters Here!
Ask for 120 day extension:
Download Sample Extension Request Here!
Request a Property Report:
Phone: 1-844-996-2259
More Information:
https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/index.aspx
Join the ODF Wildfire Support Group on Facebook HERE
Upcoming Events on SB 762
UNDO 762 & REPEAL THE MAP!
PEACEFUL RALLY/PROTEST
OREGON STATE CAPITAL MALL!
FEBRUARY 25, 2025!
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Help us get NATIONAL ATTENTION to this matter!
Douglas, Josephine & Jackson Counties: If you are interested in possibly riding a bus with others, contact Kelly Wine @ 541-787-1791 or email: wethepeople1791kw@gmail.com. A bus will only be chartered if there is enough interest and price will be determined when chartering based upon occupancy.
Deschutes County: If you are interested in possibly riding a bus with others, contact Bill Minnix: 541-233-3287
ATTEND UNDO762 LOCAL COUNTY RALLIES ON MARCH 1, 2025
- Douglas County will be 10:00 AM – NOON, in front of BLM Office on Garden Valley Blvd.
- Josephine County will be 12:00 NOON – 2:00 PM in front of Josephine County Court House
STAY UP-TO-DATE ON UPCOMING BILLS THAT NEED TESTIMONY AND ON SB 762 ISSUES:
Visit: https://undo762.org periodically for updated information & a calendar of meetings & events.
- 2/18/25: North Valley: 6:30 – 8:30 pm | Merlin Community Baptist Church, 361 Galice Rd., merlin, OR 97532
- 2/20/25: Illinois Valley: 6:00 – 8:00 pm | Illinois Valley High School, 625 E. River St., Cave Junction, OR 97523
E-Mail Senator Jeff Golden (D) - Ashland (Chief Sponsor of SB 762)
Jeff Golden is the Chief Sponsor of this bill (SB 762)). Put it into your own words to repeal this bill. Be respectful.
Legislative Contact Page:
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/golden
Email:
Sen.JeffGolden@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1703
Take 1 Minute to Let Your Representatives Know how you feel! Repeal SB 762! Legislators listen to numbers!
REPEAL SB 762
by VOTING YES TO SB 678!
Oregon residents need to be aware of the implications of this horrific bill and stand up to repeal it today! Whether you reside in a Red, Purple, or Green zone, you NEED to SAY NO to SB 762 and SAY YES to SB 678!
The following letters are being provided to you and written by Bill Kronert, Josephine County RCC
These letters are prototypes to be sent to every county in the state, encouraging everyone to take action.
Note: Email addresses to all State Legislators were taken on 1/19/2024 – from: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/
We make it easy for you to submit to your Representatives, to add something to share on Facebook or Twitter. Together we are stronger! Let your voice be heard NOW!
Join the ODF Wildfire Support Group on Facebook here
For Republicans:
Dear Senators and Representatives of Oregon State,
I am writing to respectfully urge your support for SB 678, which seeks to repeal the wildfire map associated with SB 762. This map has created significant challenges for homeowners without addressing the underlying issues of wildfire risk.
The wildfire map assigns fixed risk levels to properties, which remain unchanged regardless of mitigation efforts. This inflexible approach not only fails to reduce wildfire risks but also imposes unnecessary hardships on homeowners.
Furthermore, the map discourages homeowners from improving fire safety on their properties by offering no opportunity for reassessment or adjustment based on proactive measures. Risk levels are determined without any on-site evaluations, leading to a blanket categorization that often misrepresents actual conditions.
While insurance companies may not openly acknowledge their reliance on the wildfire map, its very existence sets a damaging precedent. The map undermines the welfare of Oregonians, is unnecessary, and perpetuates harm rather than fostering safety or resilience.
To effectively address wildfire risks, we must focus on improving forest management policies on state and federal lands, which comprise the majority of fire-prone areas. These lands require far more attention and resources to mitigate fire dangers meaningfully.
For the benefit of all Oregonians, I urge you to permanently eliminate the wildfire map and work toward real solutions that protect our communities without causing undue harm. Please support SB 678.
Sincerely,
EMAIL ADDRESSES:
Republican Senators:
Sen.DickAnderson@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.DanielBonham@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.FredGirod@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.CedricHayden@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.DianeLinthicum@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.mikemclane@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.ToddNash@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.NoahRobinson@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.BruceStarr@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.KimThatcher@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov
Republican Representatives:
Rep.courtboice@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.shellyboshartdavis@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.vikkibreeseiverson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.EdDiehl@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.ChristineDrazan@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.DarinHarbick@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.JeffHelfrich@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.CyrusJavadi@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.BobbyLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.EmilyMcIntire@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.VirgleOsborne@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.AnnaScharf@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.AlekSkarlatos@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.GregSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.kimwallan@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.BoomerWright@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.DwayneYunker@oregonlegislature.gov
For Democrats:
Dear Senators and Representatives of Oregon State,
I am writing to respectfully request your support for SB 678, which seeks to repeal the wildfire map associated with SB 762. This map has created significant challenges for homeowners without offering effective solutions to wildfire risks. Instead of addressing the root causes of wildfire hazards, it imposes undue hardships on property owners across the state.
The wildfire map assigns permanent risk levels to properties—levels that remain unchanged regardless of the mitigation efforts undertaken by homeowners. According to ORS 477.490, the criteria used to develop the map are limited to climate, weather, topography, and vegetation. Factors such as defensible space, proximity to a fire station, home hardening measures, and irrigation practices are excluded from consideration. This rigid framework denies homeowners the ability to improve their risk ratings through proactive efforts.
The lack of flexibility and fairness in this system has led to widespread frustration and a loss of trust among the very people you represent. Do you believe it is fair to permanently categorize properties as high-risk when homeowners have no meaningful way to appeal or improve their status? If so, why are so many of your constituents voicing their outrage?
By eliminating incentives for fire safety improvements, the wildfire map undermines the goal of reducing wildfire risks. It unfairly condemns property owners to permanent risk categories without any on-the-ground assessment to verify individual circumstances.
Insurance companies, while not openly admitting to using the wildfire map in their risk assessments, are undoubtedly influenced by its existence. This has set a harmful precedent that impacts homeowners’ access to affordable insurance and financial security.
What can be done instead?
The majority of fire-prone areas are on state and federal lands, which require improved forest management practices. A focus on better forest management, along with incentives for homeowners to adopt fire safety measures, would be far more effective in addressing wildfire risks.
The wildfire map is harmful, unnecessary, and detrimental to the welfare of Oregonians. It must be permanently repealed. We need meaningful, practical solutions—not policies that impose lasting harm on our communities.
I urge you to support SB 678 for the benefit of all Oregonians.
Sincerely,
EMAIL ADDRESSES:
Democratic Senators:
Sen.anthonybroadman@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.WlnsveyCampos@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.LewFrederick@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.SaraGelser@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.JeffGolden@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.ChrisGorsek@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.KayseJama@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.KateLieber@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.JamesManning@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.MarkMeek@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.KhanhPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.FloydProzanski@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.LisaReynolds@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.KathleenTaylor@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.RobWagner@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen.AaronWoods@oregonlegislature.gov
Democratic Representatives:
Rep.TomAndersen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.BenBowman@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.FarrahChaichi@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.WillyChotzen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.AprilDobson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.PaulEvans@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.JulieFahey@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.LisaFragala@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.MarkGamba@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.DavidGomberg@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.DaciaGrayber@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.AnnessaHartman@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.KenHelm@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.ZachHudson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.ShannonIsadore@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.JasonKropf@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.JohnLively@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.PamMarsh@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.SarahFingerMcDonald@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.SusanMclain@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.NancyNathanson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.courtneyneron@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.DanielNguyen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.HoaNguyen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.RobNosse@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.RickiRuiz@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.TawnaSanchez@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.ThuyTran@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.AndreaValderrama@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.JulesWalters@oregonlegislature.gov
UPCOMING BILLS TO OPPOSE RELATED TO SB 762
RELATED BILLS TO OPPOSE!
Here are just a few to keep on your radar
Write the Committee and Leadership!
SB 79: would prohibit a county from approving a permit on land that is zoned for farm or forest use that is in high-wildfire areas, groundwater restricted areas, land with wildlife habitat, land that is a “wildlife corridor”, and land designated as “high-value” farmland. The bill makes limited exceptions for farmworker housing and other houses used specifically by farmers and foresters.
Given the broad scope of this bill, almost all areas outside of the urban growth boundary will be off-limits for new housing. It is also unclear whether property owners would be able to replace existing homes that are lost to fire or other disaster.
SB 78: targets the “replacement dwellings” provision in Oregon’s land use laws, which was designed to help homeowners replace homes lost to fire, flooding, or decay. Despite this process already being so challenging for property owners, this bill seeks to only add more limitations on dwellings when they are rebuilt under this process.
As drafted, the bill says that a County may not approve the replacement of a home unless the county ensures that the home will not:
(i) Exceed the floor area of the dwelling being replaced by more than 10 percent; or
(ii) Have a floor area greater than 2,500 square feet.
What good does this bill do to actually help people or get people back on their feet? How does this bill improve the process? We have no idea why the advocates want this bill, other than their unending thirst for control over other people’s property.
SB 77: addresses the “home occupations” provision, which has allowed small businesses to operate on land designated for agriculture and timber production. This bill aims to “clarify” the definition of “home occupations” by limiting what types of businesses can be home occupations, limit how those businesses can advertise their services, and how many customers they can serve. If you rent the property, you cannot conduct a home business or occupation. It also limits bed and breakfast use to no more than 5 unrelated persons.
SB 73: Seeks to end case-by-case rezoning of non-resource land for residential or industrial development. While complicated and technical, the consequences for this bill are simple – if you own rural land that is so unfarmable that even the state doesn’t call it farmland, you can never change the zoning of it to allow for non-farm uses, even though no one believes it is farmland.
For example, if you owned property in say, Central Oregon, and your land has no water, extremely poor soil, or any other factor that makes the land unproductive for farming, you couldn’t change the zoning to turn it into any higher or better use. It’s a high-bar to find any property in Oregon that is so absolutely bad that even LCDC is ashamed to call it farmland, but a little of it exists. This bill would eliminate the ability of an owner of this kind of land from fixing an obvious zoning mistake. It has to just sit there as open space, and the property owner isn’t able to earn a living or develop the land to support themselves.
All of these bills are “committee” bills dropped by the Chair of the Senate Committee on Wildfire and Natural Resources. Accordingly, that committee is where these bills will begin and get their first hearing.
You can express your concerns to the committee about these bills by clicking their email addresses below, and sending them an email or calling their office below:
Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildlife
Chair: Senator Jeff Golden - Democrat - District 3 - Ashland
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1703
Email: Sen.JeffGolden@oregonlegislature.gov
Vice Chair: Senator Todd Nash - Republican - District 29 - Enterprise
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1729
Email: sen.toddnash@oregonlegislature.gov
Members:
Senator Fred Girod - Republican - District 9 - Stayton
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1709
Email: Sen.FredGirod@oregonlegislature.gov
Senator Floyd Prozanski - Democrat - District 4 - Springfield & Eugene
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1704
Email: Sen.FloydProzanski@OregonLegislature.gov
Senator Kathleen Taylor - Democrat - District 21 - Milwaukie, Oak Grove, SE & NE Portland
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1721
Email: sen.kathleentaylor@oregonlegislature.gov
Upcoming Bills To Support
HB 3133: Supporting Farmers (not just farmland) & Local Food Systems
Oregon is not losing farmland; we are losing farmers. Since the last Ag Census, we have lost over 2,000 family farms. This is because farmers are going out of business, not because people are living and building houses in rural areas.
One Fight for Oregon’s priorities for the session is to support farmers and their ability to use their land to earn a living. HB 3133 removes restrictions on the income they can earn through their farmstands, among other barriers in land use law that prevents farmers from diversifying their income streams and supporting themselves.
SB 464: Making it Easier to Replace Homes Lost to Fires and Other Disasters
Contrary to the land preservationists, we think the Legislature should make it easier on people to replace their homes after they are lost to a fire. This bill would create an alternative process to replace a home that is greatly simplified from the existing process, eliminate a trip-wire that has caused significant hardship for property owners, and limits the chance that any of these approvals are appealed.
The goal of the bill is simple: if you are putting a house basically back to where it was before, there’s no reason to have to go through the bureaucratic nightmare we have now. To be clear, there are limitations with this new process that had to be included for this bill to stand a chance. We don’t love those concessions, but if passed, this bill would significantly expedite the process to get a replacement dwelling permit.
There’s no reason to kick people when they’re down. We’re going to fix that if we can.
In the News! SB 762 Wildfire Risk Map
Sisters, Oregon — Homeowner blames Oregon Wildfire Map for home sale falling through — twice
Homeowner frustration with the latest wildfire hazard map has led to calls for its repeal. Oregon House and Senate Republicans said Monday the wildfire risk map is flawed, is causing insurance rates to rise and disproportionately impacts rural Oregonians by devaluing properties.
Central Oregon Daily News spoke with a homeowner near Sisters who is having trouble selling his home because of skyrocketing insurance rates.
Tom Bracken says his home on Deer Ridge Road has been under contract twice the past two years. Both times, buyers backed off when they saw how much insurance would cost.
Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map up for repeal, changes in state legislature
SALEM Ore. (KPTV) – Wildfires have been a growing problem in Oregon for the last few years and there is an ongoing debate in Salem about how to best address the issue.
The latest version of the Oregon Wildfire Hazard Map is raising concerns from homeowners all across the state, especially in rural areas.
The problem is that many claim the map is inconsistent.
State Senator David Brock Smith joins us live from Salem for an update on the Wildfire Hazard Map issue
Douglas County Town Hall Well Attended!
The Town Hall was held on 2/15/25 at Douglas County Fairgrounds with Representative Virgle Osborne as the main speaker and Senator David Brock Smith, Representatives Court Boice and Alek Skarlatos speaking. Presentations were made by Land Use Consultant Bob Hart and handouts were given encouraging all residents to appeal the fire map!
JANUARY 30, 2025 | Wildfire Hazard Map TOWNHALL (SB-762) | Josephine County Fairgrounds, 7-9pm
How to Appeal!
Public discussion regarding ODF Wildfire Map letter. Insurance, power bills, taxes, and fees ALL going up. Question and answer session. Over 1,000 Josephine, Douglas, and Jackson County residents attended.
This video is long but chalk full of good information regarding the map and actionable items you can take now. Even if you have not received a letter, you are encouraged to look up your risk rating and appeal. All of the information is in the meeting. Please everyone watch.
Douglas County is in the planning stages of a meeting possibly this or next week, stay tuned!
Standing Room Only at Josephine County Senate Bill 762 wildfire Hazard Map Meeting.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners hosted a Wildfire Hazard Map Town Hall from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 30th, at the Josephine County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Traffic backed up on Redwood Highway near the entrance to the Fairgrounds, and the main parking lots near the Pavilion and Commercial buildings were nearly full. A line to enter the Pavilion stretched from the building to the Commercial Building.
Critical Wildfire Map & Session Update
January 31, 2025
In this update from Salem, we’ve got good news and we’ve got bad news.
The Good News – You’ve Got Their Attention
Your emails, calls, and messages are being heard in Salem! The Legislature is hearing a lot about the maps and how they impact rural Oregon families. Legislators from both parties are talking about the map and the concerns coming from rural Oregon.
Because of your efforts, the Legislature is considering changes to address some of your issues. There are dozens of wildfire bills already dropped for Session, and we know that more are coming in the next few days that are going to try and address some of your most critical concerns related to the map.Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?
Rural Oregon Is Under Attack This Session: Take Action to Protect the Right to Live & Work Outside of Town
1/25/25 Oregon Property Owners Association This legislative session, rural living in Oregon is under siege from land preservation and environmental advocates pushing for a series of bills that threaten the right to live, work, and thrive in rural Oregon. While those who support these bills claim they are intended to “close loopholes” in our planning system, these bills stand as shocking and direct threats to our rural communities and private property rights.
While the advocates for these bills will say they are to “preserve farmland”, the reality is that almost ALL land outside of Oregon cities (97%) is farm or forestland. As such, these bills are attacks on rural living in general.
Rick Dancer interviews Courtney Bangs, one of Oregon’s most dedicated, fearless, educated and passionate Commissioners that has been silenced and sidelined and is now struggling with how to fund law enforcement, emergency services, fire departments, schools, etc for her county because the Board of Forestry passed an HCP that shuts down 40% of her county’s available harvestable timber – this interview sheds a light on the hypocrisy and mismanagement of our forests.
**Thank you, Rick Dancer, for exposing real issues of Oregonians.
Bill Meyer Show – January 17, 2025
Discussing SB 762 and Sen. Jeff Golden’s Town Hall Meeting. Interviews and more.
COMING SOON! | Douglas County Town Hall Meeting
Public discussion regarding ODF Wildfire Map letter. Insurance, power bills, taxes, and fees ALL going up. How do I appeal? I did not get a letter! Question and answer session. Tell your friends and neighbors!
JANUARY 16, 2025 SENATOR JEFF GOLDEN TOWN HALL MEETING | MEDFORD, OR
This meeting was *after* certified letters were received by property/homeowners in High Risk areas according to the Wildfire Risk Map. Residents showed up unexpectedly at this town hall and the following link is a recording of that town hall. We believe it is very important for you to listen to this town hall meeting.
Fix Our Forest Act
Watch this presser by House Republican leaders to hear about the Fix our Forest Act which was passed by the House on 1/23/25.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."
Are we missing a bill? Submit a Bill is now available! Submittal deadlines are Fridays by 5PM! We’ll try our best to get it on the list!
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