Last Updated: 2/2/25 11:49 PM 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 you Wildfire Risk
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 3, 2025
Bills of Concern
House Committee on Rules 8:00 AM
HB 3387– Digest: This Act gives a process for revoking a permit based on an overturned land use plan or regulation. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6). Details the process by which a permit or zone change that is based on provisions of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation that fail to gain acknowledgment is voided and any resulting improvements or uses are removed or revoked
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Kellington Law Group – Catastrophic Bill
House Committee on Housing and Homelessness 8:00 AM
HB 3054– Digest: This Act limits rent increases and sales constraints by a landlord in a home park or marina. (Flesch Readability Score: 70.1). Reduces maximum rent increases for rental spaces in a facility to match changes to the consumer price index. Limits to 10 percent the maximum increase in rent paid by the purchaser of a dwelling or home in a facility. Prohibits a landlord from requiring aesthetic improvements or internal inspections as conditions of sale of a dwelling or home in a facility. Requires the Housing and Community Services Department to study water, sewer and septic systems of facilities and to report to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to housing by September 15, 2026.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Harmony Communities Oppose
Joint Committee on Transportation 5:00 PM
HB 2931– Digest: The Act makes changes to laws about the I-5 bridge project and tolling. (Flesch Readability Score: 83.0). Modifies, adds and repeals laws related to the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Tesimonies submitted at this writing.
Bills to Support
House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water 8:00 AM
HB 3013– Digest: The Act allows for certain candidates to help county clerks count ballots. (Flesch Readability Score: 69.9). Permits a precinct committeeperson who appears on the ballot to volunteer as personnel to assist a county clerk with counting ballots. Relating to precinct committeepersons counting ballots.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Supporting Testimonies submitted at this writing
Senate Committee on Education 8:00 AM
SB 894– Digest: Directs ODE to make standards for a student to earn credit for a student activity. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8). Requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the STEM Investment Council, to conduct specified reviews for the purpose of developing and recommending standards by which technology-based competitive student activities may satisfy high school diploma requirements or career and technical education program requirements. Sunsets on June 30, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: CV Robotics Supports
Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue
SB 780– Digest: The Act concerns a limit on moneys put in the County Fair Account. The Act removes the limit. (Flesch Readability Score: 80.2). Removes the annual limit of $1.53 million, adjusted for inflation, on allocations from the Administrative Services Economic Development Fund to the County Fair Account.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Eastern Oregon Counties Assoc. Supports
Tuesday - February 4, 2025
Bills of Concern
Senate Committee On Labor and Business 8:00 am
HB 2586 – Digest: The Act allows for in-state higher learning costs for students who are seeking asylum in the U.S. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.1). Permits an asylum seeker who is a student at a public university in this state to receive an exemption from nonresident tuition and fees.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Senate Committee On Labor and Business 8:00 am
HB 2550 – Digest: The Act changes the criteria for who may get an Oregon Promise grant. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4). Changes the requirements to qualify for the Oregon Promise program by removing the requirement that a person must receive the person’s highest level of education six months prior to enrolling in a community college, removing the requirement that a person must complete high school in this state, removing the requirement that a person must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in high school and specifying that a person may qualify by enrolling in a program to earn an applied baccalaureate degree or a Bachelor of Science: Nursing degree.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No to Non-Resident eligibility and lowering standards
Special Message from Senator David Brock Smith:
I have requested an amendment that would keep the requirements that:
a person must complete high school in this state, and that
a person must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in high school
Senate Committee on Labor & Business 8:00 AM
SB 851– Digest: The Act makes changes to PERS. (Flesch Readability Score: 100.0). Modifies provisions relating to the Public Employees Retirement System.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Part Time = Full Time Pay? No!
House Committee on Climate, Energy & Environment 8:00 AM
HB 2961– Digest: Increases the number of parking spaces in some new buildings that must have what is needed to charge electric cars. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.0).
Increases the percentage of electrical service capacity for charging electric vehicles or electric vehicle charging stations that must be installed at vehicle parking spaces in the garages or parking areas of newly constructed commercial buildings, multifamily buildings with five or more units and mixed-use buildings consisting of privately owned commercial space and five or more residential dwelling units
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Waste of Taxpayer $$
Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire 1:00 PM
SB 747 – Digest: The Act tells certain persons to report the use of fertilizer on farmland. The Act allows agencies to take certain actions about the reports. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7). Requires persons with ownership interests in at least 200 acres of irrigated land used for agriculture to annually report information about fertilizer application to the State Department of Agriculture. Authorizes the department and the Department of Environmental Quality to take certain actions related to the information. Directs the State Department of Agriculture to report on the information to committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to agriculture on or before September 15 of each odd-numbered year. Authorizes the imposition of civil penalties for a violation.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: 5th Generation Family Farms Oppose
Bills to Support
House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans 1:00 pm
HB 3150 – Digest: The Act makes a new tax credit for volunteer firefighters. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and before January 1, 2032. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
HB 2136 – Digest: The Act tells ODEM to run a grant program to improve fairgrounds that are used for evacuations. (Flesch Readability Score: 70.1). Directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to develop and implement a program to award grants for fairgrounds used as emergency evacuation sites. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
ad Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Senate Committee on Human Services 8:00 am
SB 644 – Digest: The Act tells a legislative group to audit the state food bank for political spending. The Act ends at the start of 2027. The Act starts when signed. (Flesch Readability Score: 76.5). Establishes the Oregon Food Bank Audit Committee as a joint committee of the Legislative Assembly. Directs the committee to cause an audit to be performed of Oregon Food Bank financial transactions occurring during a specified period, and to identify those transactions that directly or indirectly relate to political campaign activity or political issue activity. Directs the committee to report on audit findings to the Legislative Assembly on or before November 15, 2025. Requires the membership of the committee to consist of an equal number of majority party and minority party members from the Senate and an equal number of majority party and minority party members from the House of Representatives. Provides that a quorum of the committee consists of a majority of members from the House and a majority of members from the Senate.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Oregonians deserve transparency in NGOs
HB 2136 – Digest: The Act tells ODEM to run a grant program to improve fairgrounds that are used for evacuations. (Flesch Readability Score: 70.1). Directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to develop and implement a program to award grants for fairgrounds used as emergency evacuation sites. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Help Fairgrounds Prepare for Evacuations
Wednesday - February 5, 2025
Bills of Concern
Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue 8:00 am
SB 828 – Digest: Creates the Grid Resilience Matching Fund. (Flesch Readability Score: 73.8). Establishes the Grid Resilience Matching Fund. Appropriates moneys in the fund to the State Department of Energy to provide state matching funds for federal grant funding for grid resilience projects.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Accountability. No to Solar, Wind, Charging Stations!
Bills to Support
Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue 8:00 am
SB 500 – Digest: The Act makes a new tax credit for building affordable houses. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.9). Allows a new income or corporate excise tax credit for a portion of the eligible costs of a newly constructed single-family dwelling that sells for a price that is affordable to a household with an annual income at or below 120 percent of the area median income. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Thursday - February 6, 2025
Bills of Concern
Senate Committee On Labor and Business 8:00 am
SB 916 – Digest: The Act would repeal the law that denies benefits to a person who is unemployed due to an active labor dispute. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.6). Provides that an individual otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance benefits is not disqualified for any week that the individual’s unemployment is due to a labor dispute in active progress at the individual’s place of employment. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Bills to Support
Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs 1:00 pm
SB 668 – Digest: The Act allows Oregon veterans who are 80 percent disabled not to have to pay costs for certain college classes. The Act includes the spouse and child of those disabled veterans. The Act declares an emergency and becomes law when the Governor signs it. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). Expands tuition benefits available to disabled veterans to permit veterans who are Oregon residents and are 80 percent or more disabled, and the spouse and child of disabled veterans, to have tuition waived for enrollment in a vocational program or an associate degree, baccalaureate degree or master’s degree program at community colleges, public universities and the Oregon Health and Science University. Prohibits the reduction of the amount of tuition that is waived by the amount of scholarships, grants or other aid a qualified student receives.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire 1:00 pm
SB 511 – Digest: This Act tells the DSL to make a pilot program for owners of land to restore salmon habitat. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.0). Directs the Department of State Lands, in consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, to develop a salmon credit pilot program to encourage the voluntary restoration of salmonid habitat in the Coquille and Coos watershed basins. Establishes the Salmon Credit Trust Fund. Directs the Department of State Lands and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to consult with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to develop or identify an existing programmatic general permit to authorize restoration activities under the pilot program. Becomes operative on the date that a programmatic general permit is established. Provides that the Department of State Lands may not approve a salmon credit project on or after January 2 of the sixth year following the establishment of a programmatic general permit. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
SB 504 – Digest: This Act makes LCDC and OPRD adopt bioengineering rules to protect the coast. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4). Requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt rules by January 1, 2028, to allow soil bioengineering systems for shoreline stabilization. Allows the Department of State Lands and the State Parks and Recreation Department to adopt conforming rules by January 1, 2029.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
SB 494 – Digest: The Act tells DAS to look at forestry and fire jobs and make a report. (Flesch Readability Score: 90.0). Requires the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to study classification and compensation for forestry and wildland fire positions in state government. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources and wildfire not later than September 15, 2026.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
SB 512 – Digest: The Act tells an agency to operate a fish hatchery at the Rock Creek Hatchery. The Act tells the agency to release the hatchery fish into a river. The Act gives money for those activities. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.4). Directs the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to operate a summer steelhead fish hatchery at the Rock Creek Hatchery and release the hatchery fish into the North Umpqua River. Appropriates moneys to the commission out of the General Fund for operating the hatchery and releasing the hatchery fish.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
House Committee On Revenue 3:00 pm
HB 2301 – Digest: The Act sets the estate tax exclusion amount at $7 million and imposes the tax at a flat rate of seven percent. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.4). Allows an additional estate tax exclusion of $7 million. Imposes tax at a flat rate of seven percent. Applies to estates of decedents who die on or after January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Give Working Family Business a Break!
House Committee On Judiciary 3:00 pm
HB 3070 – Digest: The Act gives money to DOJ for the Sexual Assault Task Force for SANE certification. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.5). Appropriates moneys to the Department of Justice to fund the management of the Oregon SAE/SANE Certification Commission by the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
APPEAL THE HAZARD RISK MAP NOW!
THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 8!
YES YOU NEED TO APPEAL YOUR HAZARD RISK NOW!
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
Request a Property Report: Phone: 1-844-996-2259
More Information: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Pages/index.aspx
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.
Join the ODF Wildfire Support Group on Facebook HERE
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
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.
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.
Upcoming Events on SB 762
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!
FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | Josephine County Patriots Rally (At Republican Hqz) |10:00 AM
Speakers include:
Commissioner Ron Smith
On the Fire Map and SB762!
"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!
SHARE*SHARE*SHARE* with your communities, family, and friends.
Disclaimer: Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the various authors, and not necessarily each author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual associated with in professional or personal cpacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views expressed here are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.
Monday - January 27, 2025
Bills of Concern
House committee on Labor and Workplace Standards 3:00 PM
HB 3024 – The Act would get rid of the cut in maximum benefits when a worker is barred from benefits due to not working for cause and has not earned four times weekly benefits. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.6). Eliminates the reduction of an individual’s maximum benefit amount by eight times the individual’s weekly benefit amount after the individual is disqualified from the receipt of benefits for cause and has not earned at least four times the individual’s weekly benefit amount. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Christina Buehler – Native American Opposes
House committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water 8:00 am
HB 2805 – Relating to food establishment licenses. Digest: The Act allows an agency to increase certain license fees. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3).
Makes permanent the authority of the State Department of Agriculture to annually increase license fees for food establishments by up to three percent
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Concerned Oregonian Opposes Permanent License Fee Increases per Year
HB 2806 – Relating to license fees for commercial instruments.
Digest: The Act allows an agency to increase certain license fees. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3).
Makes permanent the authority of the State Department of Agriculture to annually increase license fees for commercial weighing or measuring instruments by up to three percent, subject to certain maximum limits.
Authorizes the department to increase the license fees by a certain additional percentage for two fiscal years
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Concerned Oregonian Opposes Permanent License Fee Increases Per Year
SB 867 – Relating to investigations by the Department of Education
Digest: Makes many changes to the powers and duties of ODE for investigations at a school or school district. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6).
Prescribes sanctions that the Department of Education may impose when an elementary or secondary school or program is found to be in noncompliance with a discrimination prohibition.
Clarifies the applicability of provisions related to abuse and sexual conduct in schools when an education provider serves only students who have not yet entered kindergarten.
Specifies that provisions related to abuse and sexual conduct in schools apply to any person who provided services as an employee, a contractor, an agent or a volunteer within two calendar years prior to when the incident of suspected sexual conduct was committed.
Eliminates certain information that must be disclosed to certain persons following the completion of an investigation involving suspected sexual conduct at a school.
Requires law enforcement to make available to the department certain information received during investigations of suspected child abuse.
Modifies standards for determining if a school district or public charter school is involved in religious activity
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Strongly Oppose!
Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue 8:00 AM
SB 800 – Relating to compliance with tax laws; prescribing an effective date.
Digest: The Act requires people who seek licenses to show tax compliance. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.9).
Expands provisions requiring tax compliance as a condition of receiving a license to conduct a business, trade or profession or of entering into a contract with a state agency or political subdivision. Requires licensees and contractors to provide a tax compliance certificate from the Department of Revenue, unless a certain compliance rate is demonstrated by holders of the type of license.
Applies to licenses issued, reissued, reinstated or renewed and contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2026.
Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Opposing testimonies at this writing! Please Testify!
Bills to Support
Senate Committee On Judiciary 3:00 pm
SB 347 – The Act would end special tax assessment for land if the owner or the person in control of the land gets a civil penalty for growing pot on the land or is found guilty of growing it there. The Act would make an exception if the owner reasonably didn’t know about the pot or called the police as soon as they did know. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4). Disqualifies land from farm use special assessments upon a final civil penalty or judgment of conviction for the illegal growing of marijuana against the landowner or person in possession and control of the land. Provides an exception for a landowner or other obligated taxpayer who reasonably lacked knowledge of the illegal growing of marijuana or promptly notified a law enforcement agency of the illegal growing of marijuana. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Christina Buehler – Addresses Human Trafficking!
Tuesday - January 28, 2025
Bills of Concern
House committee on Emergency Management General Government, and Veterans 1:00 PM
HB 2200 – The Act requires the OIC and the State Treasurer to take steps to reduce the carbon impact of certain state investments. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.6). Directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to take certain actions to reduce the carbon intensity of state investments and address certain investment risks relating to climate change. Directs the State Treasurer to report on the carbon intensity of certain investments.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Paul Donheffner Opposing
Special Message from Shelly Boshart Davis:
My bill to delay Oregon’s ban on diesel trucks is scheduled for a public hearing, and we need your help.
On January 1, Oregon’s Advanced Clean Truck Rules went into effect that will begin to phase out diesel powered semi-trucks, RVs, tow trucks, heavy-duty pickup trucks like F-250s and 350s, box trucks, and more. But with President Trump’s executive order promising to rescind EV mandates, the future remains uncertain, causing chaos and confusion among Oregonians and Oregon businesses.
For months now, I have been calling for a delay to these rules and now we have a chance to make it happen. Even if President Trump’s executive order goes into effect, litigation will surely tie it up in the courts for months, if not years. Oregonians need certainty now.
This upcoming Thursday, January 30, the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment is holding a public hearing on HB 3119, my bill to delay the Advanced Clean Truck rules. We need an army of working Oregonians to make their voices heard.
Whether you’re a truck driver, someone who depends on heavy-duty pickups to make a living, enjoys an RV lifestyle, appreciates the necessity of diesel vehicles like tow trucks and cement mixers, or an everyday Oregonian who doesn’t want to see their cost of living continue to increase because of unnecessary regulations, your voice is needed NOW! Will you sign up to testify before the committee?
Here are the details:
When: Thursday, January 30th, at 8 AM
Where: Oregon State Capitol (you can also sign up for online testimony)
How: Sign up to testify by clicking <HERE>, and finding the “Register to Testify” button on the top menu.
You can watch my interview with KPTV News on Trump’s executive order and the impacts in Oregon <HERE>.
Advanced Clean Trucks in the Transportation Committee
On Tuesday, the Joint Transportation Committee asked industry experts to talk about the impact of the Advanced Clean Trucks rule. The testimony was striking. The bureaucratic jargon that comes from DEQ to whistle past the graveyard about the impact of these rules is disingenuous.
I was particularly impressed with the testimony of Sean Waters, VP of Product Integrity at Daimler Trucks North America, and Jordan Papé, CEO of Pape Kenworth and Pacific Clean Fuels. As people who sell trucks and have to deal with the real-world consequences of these regulations, no one understands them better. If you have a hard time following along with these regulations (I live it as a business owner and a legislator, and I still get confused), I would recommend you watch their entire 10-minute testimony <HERE>.
Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from their testimony:
DEQ confirmed that there is only ONE charger in Oregon that can charge semi-trucks.
It would require Oregon to build 55 commercial grade chargers per week, starting 3 weeks ago until 2035, for the commercial truck industry to be able to comply with the ACT rules. That’s just for semi-trucks, not including pickups and other medium and heavy duty EVs.
Manufacturers are already limiting the sale of new clean diesel engines. A 2010 engine is more than 90% cleaner than a pre-2010 engine. The ACT rule, in practice, is actually limiting the number of these new, cleaner trucks to be sold in Oregon.
NOx emissions from diesel engines have declined 99.8% since the first NOx emission standards were introduced in the 1980’s.
A heavy-duty battery electric truck costs about twice as much as a diesel truck but can only go about half the distance of that diesel truck. Those battery-powered trucks can only carry about 75% of the load. This will drive up the cost of everyday essentials we all need.
100 heavy-duty battery electric trucks consume about as much power as all the homes in the city of Eugene. If the entire Class 8 fleet (the heaviest heavy-duty trucks) in the United States converted to battery electric, we would need the same amount of power as Bonneville Power Administration’s 31 dams and 1 nuclear power plant to create enough power to charge them all.
We would need to build a Bonneville Power Administration every year for the next ten years to power a transition to electric trucks that the ACT regulations demand.
–Shelly Boshart Davis
Bills to Support
Senate Committee On Labor and Business 8:00 am
SB 748 – The Act would allow drug testing for an initial claim for unemployment in certain cases. The Act would make the Employment Department pay for the tests, not the claimant. The Act would disqualify a claimant who fails a drug test until the claimant requalifies and passes another drug test. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7). Authorizes the Employment Department to require drug testing for an initial claim for unemployment benefits if the claimant was fired by the claimant’s most recent employer for unlawful drug use or suitable work is available for the claimant only in an occupation that regularly conducts drug testing. Provides that the cost of the tests must be paid by the department and not by the claimant. Disqualifies a claimant who fails a drug test from benefits until the claimant requalifies and passes another drug test.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
SB 879 – The Act makes changes to how a person can rebut a presumption that certain people are not able to pay child support. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.2). Modifies procedure for rebutting presumption of inability to pay child support when an obligor earns wages from work performed while the obligor is a patient at the state hospital or incarcerated.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs 1:00 pm
SB 387 – The Act would grant higher property tax breaks for disabled veterans and their spouses if they survive them. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6). Grants higher property tax exemptions for the property of veterans with disabilities. Grants exemptions for a veteran’s surviving spouse who remains unmarried. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
SB 520 – This Act gives money to Coos and Curry Counties to transport veterans to a VA medical center. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.1). Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to provide transportation services to the Roseburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center for veterans residing in Coos and Curry Counties.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
SB 676 – Limits the interest rate to no more than the prime rate plus one percent for loans advanced under the veterans’ home and farm loan program. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.4). Limits the interest rate to no more than the prime rate plus one percent for loans advanced under the veterans’ home and farm loan program. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for deposit in the Oregon War Veterans’ Fund, for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to be used to advance loans to qualified veterans for the acquisition of farms and homes.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Wednesday - January 29, 2025
Bills of Concern
House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water 8:00 am
HB 2345 – Relating to Oregon hatcheries. Digest: Renames a fund. Makes changes related to the fund. Repeals laws creating a center. (Flesch Readability Score: 75.1). Renames the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Fund. Makes certain changes related to the fund. Repeals statutes establishing the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: OHRC Board Chair Opposes!
Special Message from Boomer Wright:
HB 2345 is a bad idea
HB 2345 renames the Oregon Hatchery Research Center to a Research Fund. Makes certain changes related to the fund. Repeals statutes establishing the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board.
With HB 2345, which renames the Oregon Hatchery Research Center to a Research Fund and also repeals statutes that establishes the Oregon Hatchery Research Center, and the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board. This is a bad idea for Oregon. The above picture of delighted children knowing the pleasure of catching a fish will be far and few between. The Oregon Hatchery Research Center and our hatcheries are directly responsible for the numbers fish and their varieties in the Oregon rivers, streams and ocean presently.
Oregon Hatcheries have a long history (starting in the late 1800s) of providing best management practices to conserve both native and hatchery produced fish in response to the decline in some of our fish populations. Without the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and the research, it provides, our fisheries could fail. Without research to provide abundance, the loss of Oregon Fisheries is inevitable.
From ODFW website: ODFW, Economic Impact
The Economic Impact to Oregon (for 2020 and 2021) created by the Oregon Commercial and Recreational Fishing industry was estimated to be $642 million, providing income to approximately 9200 jobs the statewide. Loss of the Oregon Hatcheries program and research will increase the possibility of decline in our Oregon’s coastal economic future.
FROM THE ODFW website:
” How important are hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing to Oregon?
A study by Earth Economics produced in partnership with Travel Oregon, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation (OREC), and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) found that outdoor recreation in Oregon supported $15.6 billion in spending (including trip and equipment related expenditures). Adjusted for inflation this reflects approximately $19.1 billion in 2024 dollars. A portion of that spending is generated by participants engaging in fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching activities. Earth Economics’ research indicated that in 2019 hunting, fishing and wildlife watching activities accounted for $1.2 billion ($1.47 billion in 2024 dollars) in spending and supported over 11,000 jobs. The Factsheet below shows the spending on each of these activities at a county level and the impact on jobs, wages, and state and local taxes.”
Factsheet-Economic Impact OR Counties-Earth Economics 2019.pdf
Oregon can ill afford the loss of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and the practical research it provides to create abundance in our rivers, streams and ocean.
–Representative Boomer Wright
Bills to Support
Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue 8:00 am
SB 545 – The Act makes a new tax credit for volunteer firefighters. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and before January 1, 2032. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Thursday - January 30, 2025
Bills of Concern
House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment 8:00 am
HB 2961 – Increases the number of parking spaces in some new buildings that must have what is needed to charge electric cars. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.0). Increases the percentage of electrical service capacity for charging electric vehicles or electric vehicle charging stations that must be installed at vehicle parking spaces in the garages or parking areas of newly constructed commercial buildings, multifamily buildings with five or more units and mixed-use buildings consisting of privately owned commercial space and five or more residential dwelling units.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment 8:00 am
HB 2370 – Digest: Raises the annual fee amount that the PUC may impose on public utilities to cover costs of the commission. Takes effect when the Governor signs it. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4).
Increases the annual fee amount that the Public Utility Commission may impose on public utilities for the purpose of defraying costs of the commission.
Declares an emergency, effective on passage
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment 8:00 am
HB 2961 – Relating to the capacity for electric vehicle charging required in certain newly constructed buildings Digest: Increases the number of parking spaces in some new buildings that must have what is needed to charge electric cars. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.0).
Increases the percentage of electrical service capacity for charging electric vehicles or electric vehicle charging stations that must be installed at vehicle parking spaces in the garages or parking areas of newly constructed commercial buildings, multifamily buildings with five or more units and mixed-use buildings consisting of privately owned commercial space and five or more residential dwelling units
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Stop Wasting Tax $$ on Progressive Liberal Wishes!
Bills to Support
House Committee On Climate, Energy, and Environment 8:00 am
HB 3119 – This Act tells DEQ to wait to enforce some California rules on truck exhaust. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.7). Prohibits the Department of Environmental Quality from implementing or enforcing the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations before January 1, 2027. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Cascade Timber Consulting Inc and Timber Service in Support
Special Message from Shelly Boshart Davis:
My bill to delay Oregon’s ban on diesel trucks is scheduled for a public hearing, and we need your help.
On January 1, Oregon’s Advanced Clean Truck Rules went into effect that will begin to phase out diesel powered semi-trucks, RVs, tow trucks, heavy-duty pickup trucks like F-250s and 350s, box trucks, and more. But with President Trump’s executive order promising to rescind EV mandates, the future remains uncertain, causing chaos and confusion among Oregonians and Oregon businesses.
For months now, I have been calling for a delay to these rules and now we have a chance to make it happen. Even if President Trump’s executive order goes into effect, litigation will surely tie it up in the courts for months, if not years. Oregonians need certainty now.
This upcoming Thursday, January 30, the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment is holding a public hearing on HB 3119, my bill to delay the Advanced Clean Truck rules. We need an army of working Oregonians to make their voices heard.
Whether you’re a truck driver, someone who depends on heavy-duty pickups to make a living, enjoys an RV lifestyle, appreciates the necessity of diesel vehicles like tow trucks and cement mixers, or an everyday Oregonian who doesn’t want to see their cost of living continue to increase because of unnecessary regulations, your voice is needed NOW! Will you sign up to testify before the committee?
Here are the details:
When: Thursday, January 30th, at 8 AM
Where: Oregon State Capitol (you can also sign up for online testimony)
How: Sign up to testify by clicking <HERE>, and finding the “Register to Testify” button on the top menu.
You can watch my interview with KPTV News on Trump’s executive order and the impacts in Oregon <HERE>.
Advanced Clean Trucks in the Transportation Committee
On Tuesday, the Joint Transportation Committee asked industry experts to talk about the impact of the Advanced Clean Trucks rule. The testimony was striking. The bureaucratic jargon that comes from DEQ to whistle past the graveyard about the impact of these rules is disingenuous.
I was particularly impressed with the testimony of Sean Waters, VP of Product Integrity at Daimler Trucks North America, and Jordan Papé, CEO of Pape Kenworth and Pacific Clean Fuels. As people who sell trucks and have to deal with the real-world consequences of these regulations, no one understands them better. If you have a hard time following along with these regulations (I live it as a business owner and a legislator, and I still get confused), I would recommend you watch their entire 10-minute testimony <HERE>.
Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from their testimony:
DEQ confirmed that there is only ONE charger in Oregon that can charge semi-trucks.
It would require Oregon to build 55 commercial grade chargers per week, starting 3 weeks ago until 2035, for the commercial truck industry to be able to comply with the ACT rules. That’s just for semi-trucks, not including pickups and other medium and heavy duty EVs.
Manufacturers are already limiting the sale of new clean diesel engines. A 2010 engine is more than 90% cleaner than a pre-2010 engine. The ACT rule, in practice, is actually limiting the number of these new, cleaner trucks to be sold in Oregon.
NOx emissions from diesel engines have declined 99.8% since the first NOx emission standards were introduced in the 1980’s.
A heavy-duty battery electric truck costs about twice as much as a diesel truck but can only go about half the distance of that diesel truck. Those battery-powered trucks can only carry about 75% of the load. This will drive up the cost of everyday essentials we all need.
100 heavy-duty battery electric trucks consume about as much power as all the homes in the city of Eugene. If the entire Class 8 fleet (the heaviest heavy-duty trucks) in the United States converted to battery electric, we would need the same amount of power as Bonneville Power Administration’s 31 dams and 1 nuclear power plant to create enough power to charge them all.
We would need to build a Bonneville Power Administration every year for the next ten years to power a transition to electric trucks that the ACT regulations demand.
–Shelly Boshart Davis
Senate Committee On Labor and Business 8:00 am
SB 651 – Tells the Secretary of State to study how to make it easier for a business to file papers in this state. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.6). Requires the Secretary of State to study methods for reducing the paperwork filing burden on businesses in this state. Directs the Secretary of State to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to business not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
House Committee On Behavioral Health and Health Care 3:00 pm
HB 2204 – The Act lets more health care providers get the rural provider income tax credit. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7). Adds podiatric physicians and surgeons to the types of providers eligible for the tax credit allowed to rural medical care providers. Removes the requirement of hospital consulting privileges applicable to an optometrist claiming the credit. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
HB 2549 – The Act lets pharmacists get an income tax credit if they work in rural areas. (Flesch Readability Score: 73.1). Expands the rural health care income tax credit to include pharmacist services performed in rural communities. Directs the Office of Rural Health to establish criteria for certifying pharmacists as eligible for the credit. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
HB 2365 – The Act lets more health care providers get the rural provider income tax credit. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7). Adds mental health professionals, naturopathic physicians, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and medical laboratory technicians to the types of providers eligible for the tax credit allowed to rural medical care providers. Removes the requirement of hospital consulting privileges applicable to an optometrist claiming the credit. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
HB 2390 – The Act raises the amount of the tax credit that rural medical providers can get. The Act also says that the provider can get the tax credit no matter how much money they make. (Flesch Readability Score: 70.1). Increases the amount of income tax credit allowed to rural medical providers. Removes the eligibility limitation based on the adjusted gross income of the medical provider. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
HB 2591 – The Act makes a new tax credit for CRNAs and doctors who do anesthesiology. The Act also tells OHA to make rules to let CRNAs and those doctors be part of the health care provider incentive program. (Flesch Readability Score: 69.1). Establishes an income tax credit for physicians who practice anesthesiology and for certified registered nurse anesthetists who do not qualify for rural health care provider tax credits. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. Directs the Oregon Health Authority to include as eligible providers physicians who practice anesthesiology and certified registered nurse anesthetists in the health care provider incentive program. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies submitted at this writing.
Take 1 Minute to Let Your Representatives Know to Vote YES on SB 768 TO REPEAL SB 762!
REPEAL SB 762
by VOTING YES TO SB 678!
SB 762 legislation is back and property/homeowners residing in the “Wildfire Hazard Risk Map” in RED Zones have been sent certified letters notifying them of their “High Risk” (RED) status and defensible space guidelines. These property/homeowners have only 60 days to Repeal their Risk Ratings.
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.
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
Update on SB 762 Wildfire Risk Map
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
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.
Upcoming Events on SB 762
JANUARY 29, 2025 | 6-8 PM | Medford Interagency Office, 3040 Biddle Rd., Medford, OR 97504
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will host a community meeting to share information about proposed changes to the Northwest Forest Plan January 29, from 6-8 p.m.
Meeting Details:
- What: Community meeting on proposed changes to the Northwest Forest Plan
- When: January 29, 2025
- Where: Medford Interagency Office, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504
- Time: 6-8 p.m.
The Northwest Forest Plan was created in 1994 to conserve habitat for wildlife and forests while supporting local communities. After nearly 30 years, the Forest Service is amending the plan to address today’s challenges, including wildfire risks and economic needs.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) explains these proposed changes and is open for public comment until March 17, 2025. Some of the key focuses of the updated plan include:
- Reducing wildfire risks to communities and forests,
- Supporting local economies with sustainable timber and restoration work,
- Adapting to a changing climate to increase resiliency to extreme weather events, including droughts and wildfire,
- Honoring trust responsibilities to tribal governments and communities by involving them in land management planning and implementation of forest management practices.
At the meeting, you can:
- Speak directly with Forest Service staff and experts who worked on the plan,
- Review detailed maps of the area and proposed updates,
- Pick up easy-to-understand fact sheets to take home,
- Learn how to share your thoughts during the public comment period.
Why Your Voice Matters
Public input helps shape the final version of the plan. This is your chance to share concerns, ask questions, and help ensure the plan reflects community priorities.
You can read the full Draft Environmental Impact Statement and find other resources at NWFP DEIS. For a list of all public meetings across the Northwest Forest Plan area, visit the NWFP website.
JANUARY 30, 2025 | Wildfire Hazard Map TOWNHALL (SB-762) | Josephine County Fairgrounds, 7-9pm
Public discussion regarding ODF Wildfire Map letter. Insurance, power bills, taxes, and fees ALL going up. Question and answer session. Tell your friends and neighbors.
FEBRUARY 1, 2025 | Josephine County Patriots Rally (At Republican Hqz) |10:00 AM
Speakers include:
Commissioner Ron Smith
On the Fire Map and SB762!
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!
SHARE*SHARE*SHARE* with your communities, family, and friends.
Disclaimer: Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the various authors, and not necessarily each author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual associated with in professional or personal cpacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views expressed here are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.