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The purpose for this communication is to inform you about important legislation that is being heard for you to provide testimony and share with your communities and the state of Oregon.
It's easy to provide testimony. You are encouraged to take 5 minutes out of your busy schedules to make a difference and let your voice be heard with written testimony. Verbal Testimonies are also encouraged and there are tabs in the navigation when reading a bill to sign up to verbally testify! Legislators need to hear your voices and encouragement to stand up for Oregon!
Please share with your friends, family, and communities. Oregon is worth fighting for and Oregon needs to hear you! Join us in the Fight for Oregon!
(c) All Rights Reserved | Paid for by Douglas County Republican Central Committee | PAC 307 | Not authorized by any Candidate or Candidate's Committee
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Fight for Oregon
Listed below are Bills of Concern and Bills to Support that are coming up for Public Hearings this and next week and/or need your voice. We would like to give thanks to Senator David Brock Smith, Representative Virgle Osborne, ODF Wildfire Support Group, Oregon Citizens Lobby and more for providing the majority of the content of this Alert!
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!
Nervous about testifying? Don't be. It is actually your raw emotion and words that let our legislators truly know how a bill is affecting or may affect you that causes change. Here is a link to learn about testifying and the options you have to testify on <> (Oregon Legislative Information System)
IMPORTANT NOTE: You have up to 48 hours after a Public Hearing to submit written testimony!
This of course does 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. Visit FightforOregon.com Weekly Alerts for a more updated version of this week's bills!
Because we are committed to not inundate your email box AND because Bills are a moving target and change daily, please visit the site for an updated list so you don't miss any bills: FightforOregon.com Weekly Alerts!
IMPORTANT: Bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing, check the schedule here:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List
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For information on how to submit written testimony or register to testify on bills scheduled for a public hearing:
To access links to a livestream or recordings of legislative meetings:
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Register to Testify in Person or Remotely:
- Go to Overview of Bill Page
- Click on "Register to Testify" Tab on that page
- Fill out the appropriate information and submit the form for that Bill.
- If you are testifying remotely by video or phone, an email address and phone # are required. After registering and seeing a confirmation screen, you will receive an email with meeting details. (check spam folder if not).
Note: Registration ends 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. After that time, the registration system will close.
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Special Message from Rep. Helfrich:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
We are halfway through the session, and things are going to start heating up. Earlier this week we had the First Chamber deadline, meaning if a bill did not pass out of its policy committee in its chamber of origin, it's dead. So check back in on the bills you have been following, and see if they made it!
Late last week, the Transportation Chairs laid out their framework for addressing the budget shortfall for ODOT, outlining the increases in fees and taxes they believe would stabilize our transportation system. I am a firm believer that before we even start talking increases in revenue, we need to make sure we have accountability in that agency so we make sure we do not end up in the same situation in 10 years. There is a third party entity, spearheaded by Senator Bruce Starr (R), that is diving into the agency's methods and budgets to see what we need to implement in order to achieve that goal.
A series of concerning pieces of legislation passed out of committee or were referred to committees that are still "alive" (more on that here) this last week. Everything from increasing the number of bureaucratic boards, to bills that infringe on our constitutional rights. My office and I will continue to keep an eye on them, and do what we can to stop them from moving forward.
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Special Message from the Minority Leader:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
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 | | | |
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We WILL be re-starting our Teams Meeting on Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM featuring Representative Virgle Osborne as well as our other Representatives & Senators as they are available to discuss upcoming legislation for the week ahead and answer questions during session! Please join us!
Recurring Meeting Link: <Click Here>
As a reminder, our Legislative Bills Work Day is proceeding as planned:
- Date: Monday, April 21
- Time: Starts at 12:30 PM
- Location: Republican HQ 827 SE Cass, Roseburg
We’re looking forward to seeing you there and appreciate your continued support. Bring a sack lunch and join us in submitting testimonies as you learn how to participate with us.
Rep. Virgle Osborne is launching a podcast! This new initiative will ultimately replace our Sunday Legislative Talks in the future. However, we’ll be sending more details about the podcast soon, so stay tuned for updates.
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House Committee On Rules 8:00 am
HB 2491 A – Digest: The Act sets a process for courts to follow when deciding whether to remit criminal fines, fees or costs. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.3). Establishes a standardized process for courts to follow when a petition is filed for the remission of fines, fees or costs associated with a criminal case.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Testimonies in Opposition at this writing.
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Senate Committee on Education 8:00 am
SB 1190 - Digest: The Act changes the law for the packaging of vapes to protect the health of minors. (Flesch Readability Score: 79.5). Makes it unlawful to distribute, sell or allow to be sold an inhalant delivery system that is packaged inconsistent with rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority that are tailored judiciously to the specific purpose of protecting minors from the negative health effects of unlawfully using inhalant delivery systems.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Tax Payers Association Opposes!
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Senate Committee on Education 8:00 am
SB 277 - Digest: The Act changes the law for the packaging of vapes to protect the health of minors. (Flesch Readability Score: 79.5). Makes it unlawful to distribute, sell or allow to be sold an inhalant delivery system that is packaged inconsistent with rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority that are tailored judiciously to the specific purpose of protecting minors from the negative health effects of unlawfully using inhalant delivery systems.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Protecting Illegal Aliens over Oregonian Safety?
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Special Message from Oregon Citizens Lobby:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
Allows for the sharing of data as needed to effect an extradition for a crime of a person from outside of this country to this state. Allows law enforcement agency or public body to provide information or enter into an agreement to provide information, as required to effect an international extradition and return of a person charged with or convicted of a crime in this state and for whom a warrant of arrest has been issued.
Prohibits a law enforcement agency or public body from entering into an agreemtn to provide information about an individual in custody to a federal immigration authority. Provides exceptions. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
The statute OR 181A.823 prohibits enforcement agencies or public bodies from sharing immigration or citizenship status. HB 2466 and SB 277 adds an exception allowing for the sharing of data as needed to effect an international extradition and return of a person charged with or convicted of a crime in this state and for whom a warrant of arrest has been issued.
This will counter extradition of criminals and use Oregon taxes to bring back criminals for trial. If convicted, we have to pay for their incarceration and when freed there is no provision to deport them.
Submit Testimony before 4/23 at 3pm.
EMAIL COMMITTEE:
Rep.JasonKropf@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.WillyChotzen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.TomAndersen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.FarrahChaichi@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.ThuyTran@oregonlegislature.gov
--Oregon Citizen's Lobby
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Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue 8:00 am
SB 225 – Digest: Exempts from state income tax up to $17,500 in federal retirement pay or pension that is received for service in the Armed Forces by a person who is 63 years of age or older. The Act applies to tax years that start on or after January 1, 2025. The Act takes effect on the 91st day after sine die. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.6). Exempts from state income tax up to $17,500 in federal retirement pay or pension received for service in the Armed Forces of the United States for a taxpayer who is receiving federal retirement pay or pension for service in the Armed Forces of the United States and who has [not] attained 63 years of age before the close of the taxable year.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: United Veterans Groups of Oregon Support
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Senate Committee On Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs 1:00 pm
HB 3920 – Relating to waiver of tuition for certain qualified students; prescribing an effective date. Digest: The Act says that certain students may receive free tuition. (Flesch Readability Score: 78.2).
Increases the age limit for tuition waivers for qualified students. Permits a qualified student to receive a tuition waiver for a master's degree notwithstanding whether the qualified student received a waiver for a baccalaureate degree. Removes the requirement that a qualified student apply for a master's degree within 12 months of receiving a baccalaureate degree to receive a tuition waiver for a master's degree. Permits a qualified student to receive a tuition waiver for a master's degree if the student presents proof of eligibility for specified federal assistance.
Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Giving Veterans a break!
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House Committee On Revenue 3:00 pm
HB 2145 – Digest: The Act removes a limit on lottery proceeds allocated to the County Fair Account and adjusts the portion of lottery money going to the account. The Act starts when it is signed. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.6). Removes the requirement that the amount of net proceeds from the Oregon State Lottery allocated to the County Fair Account not exceed $1.53 million annually and adjusts the percentage of net lottery proceeds allocated to the County Fair Account.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Oregon Fairs Association Supports!
| | Wednesday - April 23, 2025 | | |
Senate Committee On Education 8:00 am
HB 3025 A - Digest: Tells the HECC to give money to certain students to help with college costs. (Flesch Readability Score: 83.8). Removes the shared responsibility model by which a qualified student, the student's family, the federal government and the state share the cost of education for the student. Directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to award grants to qualified students to assist with the students' cost of education. Establishes the bases for the commission's determination of grant amounts.
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Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Parents should pay student fees not taxpayers!
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HB 3028 - Digest: Allows the HECC to set fees by rule to pay the cost of reviewing a school's application for approval. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.3). Removes the statutory amounts that the Higher Education Coordinating Commission may charge for determining whether a school may confer or offer to confer a degree upon a person or provide academic credit applicable to a degree. Authorizes the commission to adopt rules imposing fees necessary to recover designated costs in reviewing a school's application for commission approval.
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Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: No Opposing Testimonies at this writing.
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House Committee On Judiciary 3:00 pm
SB 599 A - Relating to immigration status discrimination in real estate transactions; declaring an emergency.Catchline/Summary: Digest: This Act bans a landlord from biases in renting a home based on immigration status. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8).
[Digest: This Act bans biases in the rent or sale of property based on immigration status. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8).]
Prohibits landlords from inquiring about or [disclosing] discriminating on the basis of a tenant's or applicant's immigration or citizenship status, [or] rejecting an applicant [due to immigration status. Prohibits discrimination based on immigration status for real property transactions.] based on the type of identifying documentation or disclosing or threatening disclosure of an applicant's or a tenant's immigration or citizenship status for improper purposes. Authorizes statutory penalties.
Becomes operative 30 days after the effective date.
Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
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Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Mother of 4 opposes laws prioritizing illegals over citizens struggling to find housing!
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Special Message from Oregon Citizens Lobby:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
Prohibits landlords from inquiring about, disclosing information about, or rejecting an application due to a tenant’s immigration status.
Prohibits landlords from inquiring about or discriminating on the basis of a tenant’s or applicant’s immigration or citizenship status rejecting an applicant based on the type of identifying documentation or disclosing or threatening disclosure of an applicant’s or a tenant’s immigration or citizenship status for improper purposes. Authorizes statutory penalties. Becomes operative 30 days after the effective date. Declares an emergency, effective on passage. [Bold text is added in amendment]
The Constitution protects property rights through the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments’ Due Process Clauses and, more directly, through the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause: “nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.” There are two basic ways government can take property: (1) outright, by condemning the property and taking title; and (2) through regulations that take uses, leaving the title with the owner — so-called regulatory takings. This bill is a form of “regulatory taking” where the owner is not compensated for losses or inadequately compensated.
Property is the foundation of every right we have, including the right to be free. This bill takes away the right of the owner to protect his property. Through common law, state law, and the Constitution, it protected property rights — the rights of people to acquire, use, and dispose of property freely. The basic rights the founders recognized, beyond acquisition and disposal, were the right of sole dominion — variously described as a right to exclude others, a right against trespass, or a right of quiet enjoyment, which all can exercise equally at the same time and in the same respect — and the right of active use, at least to the point where such use violates the rights of others to quiet enjoyment
EMAIL THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Rep.JasonKropf@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.WillyChotzen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.TomAndersen@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.FarrahChaichi@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep.ThuyTran@oregonlegislature.gov
--Oregon Citizen's Lobby
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Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue 8:00 am
SB 221 A - Digest: The Act directs ODFW to support certain fish rearing projects. The Act starts when signed. (Flesch Readability Score: 86.4). Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist in the establishment of fall chinook fish incubation nursery programs, and to report on the programs to the Legislative Assembly.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Thena Lyons Supports!
| | Thursday - April 24, 2025 | | |
House Committee on Revenue 3:00 pm
HB 3489 – MAJOR THREAT TO WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES - Relating to forestry; providing for revenue raising that requires approval by a three-fifths majority; providing that this Act shall be referred to the people for their approval or rejection. Digest: The Act would impose a new severance tax on timber harvested from public or private forestland. The Act would repeal all current forest product harvest taxes. The Act would get rid of a lot surcharge, the Emergency Fire Cost Committee and the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund. The Act would make changes related to the cost of fire protection in forest protection districts. The Act would be referred for a vote at next year's general election. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.1). Imposes a severance tax on owners of timber harvested from public or private forestland. Imposes the tax at rates determined under brackets according to the acreage of forestland held in common ownership, multiplied by the pond value of timber at the time of harvest. Repeals forest products harvest taxes. Abolishes a lot surcharge. Makes changes related to the cost of fire protection provided within forest protection districts. Abolishes the Emergency Fire Cost Committee and the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund. Refers the Act to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Will Eliminate my Employment!
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Special Message from an Oregonian landowner & forester:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
I’m a family forest landowner, a forester for 50 years, an Oregon Department of Forestry retiree and a member of Oregon Small Woodlands Association and the Oregon Tree Farm System. I’m opposed to this bill for several reasons which include:
- Wildfire costs are increasing and we need an equitable way to be prepared to pay for wildfire suppression costs. Equitable means an all-Oregonians strategy and a large group has been working on this. This bill is not equitable. It put the burden on the backs of us forest landowners. It ignores HB 3940 and all that has been discovered by the group working on wildfire suppression costs.
- The bill eliminates the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI). OFRI through its publications and support for family forest owner education has been so valuable for landowners and all Oregonians. Knowledge on sustainable forest management is constantly growing. Even with a career in forestry, I continue to learn new ways to improve the health of my forest. OFRI publications and workshops are important ways I learn more about multiple resource management. Past concerns of OFRI administration have be addressed and corrected.
- There is no justification for the State of Oregon to favor one forest certification system over another. This bill acts as if only the Forest Stewardship Council is a valid forest certification program and provides incentives for landowners who use this program. The Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international organization that evaluates and approves forest certification programs that have sustainable forestry practices. The Oregon Tree Farm System as a part of the American Tree Farm System is approved by PEFC and thus a legitimate forest certification system. My forest is certified through the American Tree Farm System.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide my thoughts on this ill constructed bill.
--Oregonian & Forester
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Special Message from an Oregon landowners & stewards:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
Three generations of our family own and steward three parcels of forest land in Lane and Douglas Counties. We are active members of the Oregon Small Woodlands Association and our forests are certified for sustainability under the Oregon and American Tree Farm system guidance. We care deeply about our forests and surrounding community.
In 2019, Whitewater Forests, our family-owned business, was acknowledged as the Oregon Tree Farmers of the year. This honor recognized our sustainable forest practices, community involvement and our contribution to the environment.
HB 3489 is bad legislation and poor public policy that will harm and undermine the legacy of Oregon’s family forest owners. Aside from proposing an unwarranted tax increase as much as 800% on timber harvests under the false premise of “fire protection,” HB 3489 language will actually repeal the critical structure for funding and administering wildfire protection in Oregon.
This unconscionable bill will destroy the efforts of diverse stakeholders in the “Wildfire 35” committee seeking to reach compromise on HB 3940 and address Oregon’s wildfire funding emergency. Instead, HB 3489 uses smoke and mirrors to siphon off 40% of revenue collected to county general funds with no promise of dedication to fire protection.
HB 3489 purposely eliminates funding for the Oregon Forest Research Institute. OFRI is a credible and reliable source of education on sustainable forestry practices, promotion of wildlife habitat and protection of water quality. OFRI’s work is highly valued as an authoritative resource of best practices by small forest owners. OFRI is closely coordinating with the Oregon Department of Forestry to create educational materials supporting the “Private Forestry Accord.” No other organization is prepared for this role. OFRI is a timely and crucial source of information on wildfire mitigation and restoration for rural residents and forest owners.
HB 3489 forces a new punitive tax on small forest owners that will be many times higher than what we presently pay. This proposed “severance tax” is an outmoded idea that encourages a perverse incentive to grow lower value short rotation trees. It also includes the mistaken notion of taxing our costs of production. This amounts to layering of taxes that further discourages continued use of forestland for growing forests. HB 3489 puts the government in the business of favoring FSC certification over other programs.
Our forestland is certified under American Tree Farm, a group of 74,000 forest owners nationwide, which was established in 1941. There is no evidence that FSC is superior to our ATFS certification program. We urge forest owners to enlist the certification that assists them with their objectives. Oregon Government should not be giving preferential treatment favoring one over another.
Proponents of the bill disingenuously claim HB 3489 “doesn’t target small forest owners.” Facts are much different as the bill greatly increases our tax burden and will contribute to the demise of family forestry, discouraging the goal of “keeping forests as forests.”
HB 3489 is faulty public policy, the consequences of this ill-conceived bill will cause great harm to family forest owners. We encourage you to reject HB 3489. Sincerely from a small forest owning family,
--Oregon Landowners & Stewards
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House Committee On Judiciary 3:00 pm
SB 599 A - Relating to immigration status discrimination in real estate transactions; declaring an emergency.Catchline/Summary: Digest: This Act bans a landlord from biases in renting a home based on immigration status. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8).
[Digest: This Act bans biases in the rent or sale of property based on immigration status. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8).]
Prohibits landlords from inquiring about or [disclosing] discriminating on the basis of a tenant's or applicant's immigration or citizenship status, [or] rejecting an applicant [due to immigration status. Prohibits discrimination based on immigration status for real property transactions.] based on the type of identifying documentation or disclosing or threatening disclosure of an applicant's or a tenant's immigration or citizenship status for improper purposes. Authorizes statutory penalties.
Becomes operative 30 days after the effective date.
Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
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Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Mother of 4 opposes laws prioritizing illegals over citizens struggling to find housing!
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Special Message from Oregon Citizens Lobby:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
The harvest tax is not easy to administer and raises no revenue for either the counties or schools. Instead, the tax benefits the timber industry, much like a commodity commission. Oregon needs a better system of timber taxation than this bill. Past legislatures eliminated the severance tax that supported schools and public services including local fire departments, which has been a detriment to rural counties. Amounts going to the current programs should be frozen and additional amount should go back to county fire and emergency departments and communities.
--Oregon Citizen's Lobby
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STATE BUDGET
5-7PM, Klamath Falls
Klamath Community College
Building 4 Commons
7390 South 6th St.
KLAMATH FALLS
ASL and Spanish language interpretation will be available at the public hearing.
To access links to a livestream or recordings of legislative meetings:
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Pages/Legislative-Video.aspx
PLEASE NOTE
• Testimony may be limited to 2-3 minutes.
• Those attending this community hearing in person will be given preference to present public comment by pre-registering to testify.
• The public hearing scheduled on April 16th at the State Capitol in Salem will prioritize remote public testimony for those who wish to participate by video link or phone.
• Written comment may be submitted online up to 48 hours after the meeting start time.
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The proposed Oregon Transportation ReInvestment Package – “TRIP 2025”, is like more like a “psychedelic tax TRIP” for Oregonians. Here is what it really says.
BUYING AND LICENSING A CAR – NOT DRIVING IT YET….
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DMV FEES – Increase Title fees by $90 or around 100%. Current fees range from $90 to $190.
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Increase Vehicle registration FEES - Increase fees by $66. Current vehicle registration fees for gas powered passenger vehicles range from $126-$156. EV’s pay $316 unless they are registered in the OreGo program.
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New Car TAX (also known as the privilege tax passed in 2017 in HB2017 – ironically the last transportation package). Increases the tax applied to new vehicles from 0.5% to 0.8% or a 60%.
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The “New” Car TAX – Which will apply to all new and used cars and be in addition to the privilege tax. It will be a “one time fee of 1% of the vehicle price.
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Tire TAX – Brand new tax that will be 3% for all tires purchased.
ACTUALLY DRIVING
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Weight Mile TAX - Increase it by + 16.9%. These are the fees that trucks pay instead of the fuel tax. Former Senator Boquist and I called for a Special session on this issue in December of 2023 because the weight mile tax was already constitutionally out of balance with the fuel tax.
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Fuel TAX - Raise the current fuel tax of $0.40 per gallon to $0.60 per gallon. The Oregon gas tax was raised last year by 5%. Oregon has the nation’s 10th highest gas tax.
- ***FUTURE FUEL TAX INCREASES WOULD BE INDEXED AND TIED TO INFLATION – NO LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL, NO VOTE, NO INPUT, JUST AUTOMATIC INCREASES***
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Road Usage CHARGE for cars and pickups – pay per mile. Currently this is an optional program for EV vehicles in lieu of higher registration rates. The new program would eventually apply it to ALL vehicles.
- July 2026: Existing EVs
- July 2027: Newly purchased EVs
- July 2028: Plug-In Hybrids
- July 2029: New vehicles rated at 30 MPG or greater (starting with model year 2030).
DON’T DRIVE? – THERE IS A TAX FOR THAT TOO
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Delivery FEE – Businesses with 10 medium duty vehicles (10,000-26,000 pounds – Amazon vans, UPS, Fed Ex, Service providers like Cintas and Aramark, Batteries Northwest, Snap-on Tools, etc.) would be assessed a per mile fee somewhere in between the weight mile rate (which they do not pay today; they pay the gas tax most likely) and the road usage charge.
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Bike TAX increase — Currently the bike tax is $15 this would raise it to $24.9 for all bikes over $200. That is a 63% increase.
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Payroll wage TAX increase - Payroll tax is currently at 0.1%. The increase would take it to 0.18% an 80% increase.
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HB 3944 - Relating to wildfire; declaring an emergency. Digest: The Act repeals laws related to the building code, laws making areas less at risk for wildfire, laws about fire protection for certain lands and a map of wildfire hazard. The Act makes changes related to helping with defensible space. The Act makes changes related to certain areas near forests. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). Repeals provisions related to building code standards for wildfire hazard mitigation, defensible space requirements, fire protection for lands outside forest protection districts and the wildfire hazard map. Makes changes related to defensible space. Makes changes related to the wildland-urban interface. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Fixed Income families need this passed!
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Special Message from Oregon Property Owners Association:
Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!
REPEAL SB 762!
Legislative schedule for public testimony on HB3944 is April 8th. Register on OLIS web site.
Oregon Property Owners Association endorse this House Bill:
"HB 3944 is a practical, no-nonsense response to the wildfire management challenges Oregon has faced in recent years. The bill repeals the most flawed and overreaching aspects of SB 762—such as the disastrous wildfire hazard maps and burdensome state regulations—while preserving the programs that genuinely protect property owners and reduce wildfire risks.
By emphasizing local control, HB 3944 returns power to the communities most affected by wildfire policies, empowering them to make decisions that reflect their unique needs and circumstances. At the same time, it ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent where they matter most, supporting voluntary efforts to improve defensible space, promote forest thinning, and enhance wildfire readiness in rural Oregon.
Make no mistake, passing this bill will require a unified effort. The road ahead is steep, and success will depend on the collective voices of property owners, local leaders, and all who care about restoring common sense to Oregon’s wildfire program.
We need you to take action—reach out to your legislators, spread the word, and champion this bill and its Senate counterpart. Together, we can repeal these harmful policies, protect property rights, and build a safer, stronger future for our state. Let’s make it happen!"
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JUST SAY YES!!
--Oregon Property Owners Association
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E-Mail Senator Jeff Golden (D) - Ashland
(Chief Sponsor of SB 762)
| | | | In the News! SB 762 Wildfire Risk Map | | | |  | |
Property Owners in Eastern Oregon file Lawsuit!
he OPOA Legal Center, alongside Harney County, Grant County, and a coalition of concerned property owners, filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Forestry and the State Forester.
>>Read More>>
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State Senator David Brock Smith joins us live from Salem for an update on the Wildfire Hazard Map issue
>>Watch Now>>
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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!
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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!
>>Watch Now>>
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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.
>>Read More>>
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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)?
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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.
>>Read More>>
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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.
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Bill Meyer Show - January 17, 2025
Discussing SB 762 and Sen. Jeff Golden's Town Hall Meeting. Interviews and more.
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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.
>>Watch Now>>
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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.
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"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."
--President Ronald Reagan
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