Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

Bad Bills Alert! - GUN BILLS (4)

Senate Committee on Judiciary 3:00 pm

SB 429 - POSSIBLE THREAT TO 2nd AMENDMENT RIGHTS - Relating to firearms; prescribing an effective date. Digest: The Act requires gun dealers to wait 72 hours from the time of asking for a background check, and to have the approval number from the check, before giving a firearm or certain unfinished firearm parts to a buyer. The Act takes effect on the 91st day after sine die. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.7).

Prohibits a gun dealer from transferring a firearm or unfinished frame or receiver until 72 hours have elapsed from the time the gun dealer requested a criminal background check, and the gun dealer has received the background check approval number from the Department of State Police. Provides that a gun dealer who has the approval number and allows the required time period to elapse before transfer has immunity from civil liability for use of the transferred firearm or unfinished frame or receiver by the purchaser.

Takes effect on the 91st day following sine die

Featur ed Testimony: Patriots who gave their lives protecting our rights deserve better!

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Special Message from an Oregon Ctizen:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

VOTE NO ON SB 429!

SB 429, yet another unconstitutional and gun controlling bill this legislative period making Oregon now number 1 all time for state legislative periods nationally in quantity of gun "safety" bills presented in a single session. But let's not kid ourselves about the slight of hand here, these bills are about control and doesn't make anybody safer but the criminals who prefer to prey on the weak and unarmed civilians.

People who want to take their lives will find a way so let's not kid ourselves with the suicide arguments, as gun free Marxist descending societies such as England, Germany, France, Australia, and Canada have suicide rates that parallel America's. Germany and France have murder rates and weapons related crime rates that are on par with America's and England's is higher than ours, and the Europeans are seeing it by way of knives, hammers, and other tools. But i don't see liberals in those countries or ours making a push to ban and regulate those weapons and tools. No this has always been and always will be about control. And gun control is the issue.

Let's talk about what a 72 hour wait period will do if liberal law makers force this unconstitutional bill upon us. 72 hours from purchase to possession will make sure that a woman who is a victim of domestic violence and stalking, will be beat again, she will be raped again, and some of these women will be murdered. Or in case of the children, the mothers wont be able to prevent the children from being beat by their bully fathers again or raped by their pedophile fathers or grandafthers. Pick your poisons, these are all actualities in every day society. All because they could not possess the great equalizer in their time of victimhood.

The red coats from the Moms Demand Action Army bring emotions to the table and legislature, but they don't consider that there are 2 sides to that situation coin.

Let's talk about us rural folks who have to drive long distances and sometimes hours just to get to a city with a gun shop to purchase and transfer are weapons and do the background checks. Now we will have to drive all the way back to our homes and repeat the process 3 days later to pick up our purchased property? This is not only cumbersome and wrong, it's unconstitutional and would not past the Bruen test as settled law of the land by the U.S. Supreme Court.

This is just one more step by out of control woke legislatures to regulate our constitutional rights away from us, and it would not survive a court challenge all the way up through the channels, especially once it made it's way off the west coast and beyond the looney 9th circus appeals court with their 82% fail and return to sender rate.

Please do not burden WE THE PEOPLE and infringe upon our rights and our property. The founding fathers before writing the 2nd amendment stated that "When the people fear the government their is tyranny, but when the government fears the people there is liberty." This led them to write as forever enshrined law of the land; "The right of the people to KEEP and to BEAR arms shall not be infringed." Please stay in your lane and zones of control and vote down this bad bill. Thank you. .

--Oregon Citizen Testimony

SB 696 - POSSIBLE THREAT TO 2nd AMENDMENT RIGHTS - Relating to rapid fire activators; declaring an emergency.Catchline/Summary: Digest: The Act creates two new crimes concerning rapid fire activators. The Act takes effect when the Governor signs it. (Flesch Readability Score: 72.5).

Creates the crime of unlawful transport, manufacture or transfer of a rapid fire activator. Punishes by a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both. Creates the crime of unlawful possession of a rapid fire activator. Punishes by a maximum of 364 days' imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Specifies exceptions for both crimes.

Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Featur ed Testimony: Rapid Fire Misnomers!

Special Message from an Oregon Citizens Lobby:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

VOTE NO ON SB 696!

SB 696, Fully automatic firearms are already more strictly regulated than fentanyl. This bill is clearly designed to give cartel the upper hand. If legislators were interested in public safety, they wouldn't be attacking lawful gun owners so hard and rewriting the 2nd Amendment.

The Law Insider says, "Rapid fire trigger activator" does not include a semiautomatic replacement trigger that improves the performance and functionality over the stock trigger. The bill includes "The rate at which the trigger is activated increases to a faster rate than is possible for the firearm without the device..." which seems to describe a semiautomatic replacement trigger.

--Oregon Citizens Lobby

SB 697 - POSSIBLE THREAT TO 2nd AMENDMENT RIGHTS - Relating to firearms. Digest: The Act limits gun possession for people who are under 21 years of age. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.7).

Prohibits a person under 21 years of age from possessing firearms with specified exceptions. Punishes by a maximum of 364 days' imprisonment, a fine of up to $6,250, or both.

Prohibits a person from transferring certain firearms to a recipient the person knows, or reasonably should know, is under 21 years of age. Punishes by a maximum of 364 days' imprisonment, a fine of up to $6,250, or both. Specifies exceptions.

Featur ed Testimony: Army Veteran questions Adults in everything BUT a rifle?

Federal appeals court rules handgun ban on adults under 21 is "unconstitutional"

Special Message from an Oregon Citizens Lobby:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

VOTE NO ON SB 697!

SB 697, Does not apply to or affect police officers, certified reserve officers, reserve officers or active or reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard or Marine Corps of the United States or of the National Guard.

Does the constitution provide for a dual citizens status that forbids ownership of a firearm to a legal citizen unless they are employed by government? Federal court ruled that handgun ban on adults under 21 is unconstitutional. Since the court has already ruled, it should not be allowed as a bill.

--Oregon Citizens Lobby

SB 698- POSSIBLE THREAT TO 2nd AMENDMENT RIGHTS - Relating to the possession of firearms in certain public areas. Digest: The Act changes the public areas where a person with a CHL can possess a gun. (Flesch Readability Score: 79.5).

Authorizes the governing bodies of certain public entities that own or control public buildings to adopt a policy, ordinance or regulation limiting the affirmative defense for concealed handgun licensees for the crime of possessing a firearm in a public building. Provides that in a prosecution for possessing a firearm in a building or on grounds subject to such a policy, ordinance or regulation, the concealed handgun licensee affirmative defense is not a complete defense, but results in a Class A misdemeanor conviction punishable by 364 days' imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both.

Featur ed Testimony: Statistics DO NOT agree with this bill!

Special Message from an Oregon Citizens Lobby:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

VOTE NO ON SB 698!

SB 698, Inch-by-inch they are taking away our constitutional right to carry as they add more and more places to the gun-free-zones.

The statistics do not back this bill up. People with concealed handgun licenses aren't the ones committing crimes, but have stopped more crimes than the news reports. The people who are committing crimes don't stop to read signs and don't stop because of a potential misdemeanor like carrying a concealed firearm, and won't stop murders.

This bill only stops the law abiding citizens, who follow the law, from their ability to defend themselves and others in a terrifying situation. If Oregon legislatures truly care about lowering these crimes, then they would introduce legislation to be tougher on criminals and force District Attorneys and judges to stop dropping charges against criminals!

--Oregon Citizens Lobby

Senate Committee on Energy and Environment 3:00 pm

SB 1187 - POSSIBLE CARBON TAX - Relating to greenhouse gas emissions; prescribing an effective date. Digest: This Act creates a program to recover the costs of climate change. (Flesch Readability Score: 81.8).

Establishes the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program as an interagency response to the effects of climate change. Directs the Department of Land Conservation and Development to serve as the lead agency of an interagency team. Requires the department to conduct an assessment on the costs of greenhouse gas emissions.

Directs the Department of Environmental Quality to issue cost recovery demand notices to entities determined to be responsible for the costs of climate change.

Establishes the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program Account.

Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Featur ed Testimony: Creates a Kafkaesque government shakedown racket against businesses and people grounded in pseudoscience that circumvents due process!

Oregon Citizens Lobby Opposes! Bob Sowdon Testimony!

Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov

Special Message from Oregon Citizens Lobby:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

SAY NO TO CARBON TAXING!

SB 1187 is a CARBON TAX that will raise the cost of energy in Oregon and the cost for every Oregonian!

CARBON TAX was rejected in prior legislative sessions.

Exactly what negative impacts is climate change doing? Are we to believe the nonsense that Al Gore predicted in 2006, which never materialized, there is a reason the Federal Government has taken Global Warming off their websites and are defunding the hoax that the UN has imposed on the World. Carbon Dioxide is plant food, which in turn produces Oxygen which all humans need to live!

SB 1187 is not about Climate Change but is designed as DEI, as the environmental justice mapping tool is being used, developed under ORS 182.555 The Federal government has rejected DEI as a failed program.

Submit testimony before 4/7 at 3pm

Email the Senate Energy and Environment Committee:

Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov

Sen.JeffGolden@OregonLegislature.gov

Sen.KhanhPham@oregonlegislature.gov Sen.NoahRobinson@oregonlegislature.gov

--Oregon Citizens Lobby

SB 1102 - POSSIBLE CARBON TAX - Relating to energy.Catchline/Summary: Digest: Makes ODOE do a study on energy and submit a report on its findings. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7).

Requires the State Department of Energy to study energy. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy not later than September 15, 2026.

Sunsets on January 2, 2027.

Featur ed Testimony: Another Study becomes a Mandate with an Amendment after Public Hearing on Climate Hoax!

Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov

Special Message from Oregon Citizen:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

SAY NO TO CARBON TAXING!

SB 1102 was written and introduced as a "study" bill, yet now presented to Oregonians behind the scenes is a -2 Amendment placing restrictions on business and Oregonians, creating restrictions for something that more than 20,000 scientists to-date have signed a declaration that there is no climate crisis.

See SLIDE #26 of Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine:

This slide alone should cause this Committee to reject ANY proposal to place a mandate, restriction, or penalty on any Oregon citizen or business.

Oregonians deserve better representation if this is what legislators desire to do to this state based upon CONTROVERSIAL topics.

SAY ABSOLUTELY NO to SB 1102 and SB 1187 and STOP it with your so-called unproven science rulings upon the people of this state.

The climate has always gone in cycles from warm to cold depending upon various natural occurring factors. penalizing utility companies for not meeting unrealistic and totally unnecessary climate goals will lead to those penalties being passed on directly to consumers, both commercial and residential. We have already seen several double-digit rate increases from utilities here in our state. The former combined with inflation is making energy unaffordable for some in our state. Even higher utility rates will lead to an economic downturn and the further Exodus of taxpayers from our state. Therefore, I strongly urge that this bill die the death it deserve.

Submit testimony before 4/7 at 3pm

Email the Senate Energy and Environment Committee:

Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov

Sen.JeffGolden@OregonLegislature.gov

Sen.KhanhPham@oregonlegislature.gov Sen.NoahRobinson@oregonlegislature.gov

--Southern Oregon Citizen

This public hearing is an opportunity for students (kindergarten - 12th grade) to tell the committee about an energy or environment issue. You may sign up to speak at the meeting by clicking on “Register to Testify” above or submit written comment by clicking on “Click to Submit Testimony” in the staff list below. For additional assistance call 1-833-588-4500.

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Written testimony may be submitted up to 48 hours after the committee meeting is scheduled to begin. Public testimony registration closes 30 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin

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Bills to Support

House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water 8:00 am

HB 3372 – Relating to exempt uses of water. Digest: The Act tells an agency to study exempt uses of water. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.9).

Directs the Water Resources Department to study exempt uses of water. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to water not later than September 15, 2026

Featur ed Testimony: Incredibly Vague and Outrageous- NO!

Special Message from Representative Mark Owens:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

House Bill 3372 This bill will be interesting to watch unfold. It has bipartisan support, but also bipartisan opposition. For years, many Oregonians have used well water on small commercial gardens and supply produce or plants to CSAs, farmers markets, or even food banks. However, the law has not allowed this practice without a water right, and the Water Resources Department began enforcing this restriction in recent years.

With its current amendment, HB 3372 would permit small commercial gardens (no larger than one-half acre) to use up to 3,000 gallons per day (gpd) for commercial purposes without needing a water right. The 3,000 gpd limit would also apply to watering lawns and non-commercial gardens. You can watch the hearing live on OLIS, and I will share the recording in next week’s newsletter. Additionally, I’ve published a public letter on OLIS outlining the rationale and intent behind this bill.

Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue 1:00 pm

SB 587 - Digest: Exempts awards from and legal fees paid in wildfire suits from corporate excise and income tax. (Flesch Readability Score: 76.5). Creates Oregon corporate excise and income tax subtractions for amounts received in resolution of a civil action arising from wildfire. Creates Oregon corporate excise and income tax subtractions for wildfire-related legal fees paid by plaintiffs. Allows a taxpayer to amend a return to claim a refund for earliest tax year in which subtraction is allowed. Applies to declarations and executive orders issued on or after January 1, 2018, and before January 1, 2026, and to amounts received, losses incurred and legal fees paid in tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

Featured Testimony: 3 Years and counting = $0!

SJR 11 - Digest: The Act suggests a change to the Constitution to set aside money from the lottery for wildfires. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.1). Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require a certain percentage of lottery revenues to be expended for wildfire prevention, suppression or management. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election.

Featur ed Testimony: Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce Supports!

Senate Committee On Rules 1:00 pm

SB 964 - Digest: The Act defines a postmark for ballot envelopes. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). Defines "postal indicator" as an official mark stamped on an envelope by the United States Postal Service for purposes of determining the date or time at which a ballot was mailed.

Featured Testimony: No Supporting Testimonies at this writing.

SB 1054 - Digest: The Act says that county clerks must provide a live video feed of ballot counting. (Flesch Readability Score: 73.1). Requires each county clerk in this state to provide a live video feed to be made available to the public through the Internet of rooms in which ballots are tallied and official ballot drop sites. Requires each county clerk to cause the live video feed to be recorded and made available to the public through the Internet for at least two years following the election at which the live video feed was provided.

Oregon Citizens Lobby Supports!

Featured Testimony: Very Much Needed!

Special Message from Oregon Citizen Lobby:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

Support SB 1054!

Some counties have tried to push observers to a distance that they might as well forbid observing. This bill will meet ADA requirements, allowing more people to volunteer as observers on a live feed, without accommodations. It also doesn't prevent physical observers.

Senate Committee On Judiciary 3:00 pm

HB 3839 - Digest: The Act tells DSP to release level one and two sex offender information to schools. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.5). Directs the Department of State Police to ensure that level one and level two sex offender information is available to school districts and entities providing school visitor management services.

Featured Testimony: Enhancing School Safety - Please Support!

Tuesday - April 8, 2025

Bills of Concern

Senate Committee on Labor and Business 8:00 am

SB 1119 - Digest: The Act stops employers from doing certain things at work with respect to immigration. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7). Prohibits employers from engaging in unfair immigration-related practices.

Featur ed Testimony: Oregon Farm Bureau Opposes!

Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire 1:00 pm

SB 1154 – MAJOR THREAT - Relating to ground water; prescribing an effective date. Digest: This Act makes changes to laws about areas with ground water quality problems. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4).

Modifies provisions of law related to declarations of ground water quality concern areas and ground water management areas. Directs the Governor to appoint an agency or agencies to lead an interagency team in ground water quality concern areas and ground water management areas. Provides that ground water management committees shall act in an advisory capacity.

Directs or authorizes the Department of Environmental Quality, the State Department of Agriculture, the Water Resources Department, the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Land Conservation and Development to take specified actions in ground water quality concern areas and ground water management areas.

Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die

CLICK HERE for the Gut and Stuff Amendment from Senator Golden which could impact your water rights.

Featur ed Testimony: Oregon Farm Bureau Opposes!

Sen.JeffGolden@OregonLegislature.gov Sen.ToddNash@OregonLegislature.gov Sen.FredGirod@OregonLegislature.gov Sen.FloydProzanski@OregonLegislature.gov Sen.KathleenTaylor@OregonLegislature.gov

Special Message from Oregon Citizens Lobby:

Make Your Voice Heard in Salem!

SB 1154 Amendment -1 amounts to sweeping overhaul of Oregon's groundwater policy, threatening local decision-making, property rights, and transparency. This amendment grants unelected agencies excessive power to inspect private property, restrict rural development, and impose mandates without clear scientific evidence or due process. Farmers, homeowners, and rural communities will bear the brunt of these bureaucratic overreaches. We must act now to preserve liberty, privacy, and local control.

This amendment is a massive expansion of state bureaucratic power. Authorizes an unelected interagency team - under a Governor-appointed lead agency - to direct ground water investigations, inspections, permit reviews, and public messaging. Thesese agencies gain authority to:

Modify or revoke land use permits,
Rewrite agricultural operating rules,
Conduct private property inspections without a warrant, and
Restrict homebuilding and well development outside urban boundaries.

No meaningful checks or opt-outs are provided to local governments or citizens. Once declared a "ground water management area," local landowners are subject to mandates with limited appeal or due process.

SB 1154 -1 undermines local decision-making and property rights. permits counties to prohibit new homes unless they are hooked up to urban-style water systems or community wells - even in rural zones. It also allows DEQ inspectors to enter private property to examine septic systems, with only minimal notice, regardless of consent. The result is a top-down regime that weakens home rule authority and forces Oregonians to comply with broad state mandates crafted by unelected administrators.

Targets farmers without guarantees of scientific accuracy. Agricultural operations are heavily implicated in this bill, yet:

No standards are set for how contaminants are scientifically linked to farm practices,
Agencies can impose restrictions and recorkeeping mandates based on correlations, not causation,
Nutrient applications and water use can be limited with little recourse for landowners.

This opens the door for regulatory overreach that punishes aland stewards who have not proven to contribute to the problem.

Affeted: Farmers, Homeowners, Cities, Counties, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, Department of Land Conservation and Development, Office of the Governor, Oregon Health Authority, Water Resources Department.

(From Representative Ed Diehl's testimony)

EMAIL COMMITTEE

EMAIL ALL LEGISLATORS

GUT & STUFF BILL ALERT!

House Committee On Commerce and Consumer Protection 1:00 pm

HB 3074 - Digest: The Act directs the Department of State Police to study background checks for gun transfers. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.5). Requires the Department of State Police to study the efficiency of firearm transfer criminal background checks. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary not later than September 15, 2026.

There is no amendment posted yet. Come back and CLICK HERE to see if/when one is posted.

Featur ed Testimony: Firearm Studies with Predetermined Outcome-No!

House Committee On Judiciary 3:00 pm

HB 3917 - Relating to a catastrophic wildfire fund; declaring an emergency. Digest: Creates a fund to pay for damage claims arising from catastrophic wildfires. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7).

Creates the Catastrophic Wildfire Fund to pay for property damage claims arising from catastrophic wildfires that are ignited by the facilities of a public utility. Allows a public utility to participate in and capitalize the fund. Defines "public utility."

Requires the Public Utility Commission to appoint an independent administrator to administer payments of eligible claims arising from a catastrophic wildfire. Provides for an independent administrator to prepare and present a plan of operations. Provides for a process to recapitalize the fund as needed, as determined by an independent administrator. Provides for procedures if an independent administrator determines that the fund is depleted.

Establishes a claims process. Limits the amount of property and noneconomic damages that may be recovered by a claimant from the fund.

Directs the commission to investigate whether the actions and conduct of a public utility prior to the ignition of a catastrophic wildfire were prudent or imprudent. Allows the commission to require a public utility whose actions were imprudent to reimburse the fund in whole or in part.

Allows a public utility, upon approval by the commission, to issue bonds and securitize debt for costs and expenses associated with contributions to the fund.

Applies to wildfires that begin on or after the effective date of this Act.

Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Featur ed Testimony: Concerned Citiens Say No!

Bills to Support

Senate Committee on Labor and Business 8:00 am

SB 1061 - Digest: The Act requires the creation of a lumber grading training program. The Act requires DCBS to create a process for certain people to obtain lumber from those who have gone through the program. (Flesch Readability Score: 69.5). Requires the Director of the Oregon State University Extension Service to establish a lumber grading training program. Establishes the requirements of the program. Requires the State Board of Forestry to establish a certification process for those individuals who have successfully completed the lumber grading training program. Requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services to establish a process by which specified individuals may obtain lumber from an individual who is certified as having completed the lumber grading training program.

Featur ed Testimony: Wallowa School of Agriculture Supports!

SB 999 - Digest: The Act would change a definition with respect to laws about farmworker camps. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4). Modifies the definition of "farmworker camp" so that the relevant statutes apply to farmworker camps specifically in connection with workers who work on a seasonal or temporary basis.

Featur ed Testimony: Tongue Point Job Corp Supports

House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment 8:00 am HB 3944 - WILDFIRE MAP REPEAL - 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.

Featur ed Testimony: Please Support Repealing the Map!

Joint Committee on Transportation 5:00 pm

HB 3478 – Digest: The Act removes the need to buy a certain amount of fuel by cardlock users. The Act says that cardlock license holders will need to renew every three years instead of every year. (Flesch Readability Score: 69.5). Eliminates gallonage requirements for eligibility for nonretail cardlock dispensing of motor vehicle fuel. Increases cardlock facility licensing period from one year to three years.

Featur ed Testimony: No Supporting Testimonies at this writing.

Wednesday - April 9, 2025

Bills of Concern

Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue 8:00 am

HB 2092 -Digest: Updates the tie date to the federal Internal Revenue Code and other federal tax laws. Becomes law 91 days from sine die. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.9). Updates the connection date to the federal Internal Revenue Code and other provisions of federal tax law. Temporarily disconnects from the automatic, rolling connection to updates to the federal law definition of "taxable income." Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2026 .

Featur ed Testimony: Oregon Business & Industry Oppose!

Bills to Support

Senate Committee On Finance and Revenue 8:00 am

SB 387 - Digest: 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.

Featured Testimony: Bobby Levy Supports!

House Committee On Housing and Homelessness 1:00 pm

HB 3928 - Digest: This Act lets counties zone land for rural housing development. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). Allows counties to designate certain rural lands for rural housing development that are not subject to statewide land use planning laws. Exempts the lands from repayment of additional property taxes based on disqualification from special assessment.

Featured Testimony: Breese Iverson Support - Protects Farm/Forestlands

Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response 5:00 pm

SB 881 - Digest: The Act transfers duties from the OAC to the CJC. (Flesch Readability Score: 95.1). Directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to provide grants and funding for drug treatment and other related services. Transfers the duties of the Oversight and Accountability Council to the commission.

Featured Testimony: No testimonies in support at this writing

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List

Thursday - April 10, 2025

Bills of Concern

No bills of significance stand out at this writing.

IMPORTANT: Bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing, check the schedule here:

Bills to Support

No bills of significance stand out at this writing.

IMPORTANT: Bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing, check the schedule here:

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List

Friday - April 11, 2025

Bills of Concern

Ways and Means 7:00 pm - La Grande, Oregon

HB 5006 - Relating to state financial administration; declaring an emergency. Digest: The Act budgets money for the Emergency Board. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Emergency Board for allocations during the biennium. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to specified state agencies for biennial expenses. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Featured Testimony: No testimonies in opposition at this writing

https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Pages/Legislative-Video.aspx

STATE BUDGET

Eastern Oregon University

McKenzie Theater, Loso Hall (Updated Room)

1 University Blvd.

LA GRANDE

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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.

NOTE: Bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing, check the schedule here:

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List

Keep Watch On These!

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….

DMV FEES – Increase Title fees by $90 or around 100%. Current fees range from $90 to $190.
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.
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%.
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.
Tire TAX – Brand new tax that will be 3% for all tires purchased.

ACTUALLY DRIVING

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.
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***
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

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.
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.
Payroll wage TAX increase - Payroll tax is currently at 0.1%. The increase would take it to 0.18% an 80% increase.

Updates on SB 762

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.

Featured Testimony: Fixed Income families need this passed!

https://unitedconservatives.info/wildfire-map-action-appeals-and-letters/

Wildfire Hazard Analysis

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!"

JUST SAY YES!!

--Oregon Property Owners Association

E-Mail Senator Jeff Golden (D) - Ashland (Chief Sponsor of SB 762)

Jeff Golden is the Chief Sponsor of this bill (SB 762)). Put it into your own words to repeal this bill. Try to be respectful.

Legislative Contact Page: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/golden

Email: Sen.JeffGolden@oregonlegislature.gov

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1703

In the News! SB 762 Wildfire Risk Map

Wildfire Map:

If you are looking for Sample Appeals please visit;

If you are looking for Sample Affidavits please see;

https://unitedconservatives.info/example-of-affidavit-of-property-ownership/

More Information at;

https://unitedconservatives.info/category/news/wildfire/

Additional information at; https://undo762.org/

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.

Standing Room Only at Josephine County Senate Bill 762 wildfire Hazard Map Meeting.

State Senator David Brock Smith joins us live from Salem for an update on the Wildfire Hazard Map issue

>>Watch Now>>

Douglas County Town Hall Well Attended!

The Town Hall was held on 2/15/25 at Douglas County Fairgrounds with Representative Virgle Osborne as the main speaker and Senator David Brock Smith, Representatives Court Boice and Alek Skarlatos speaking. Presentations were made by Land Use Consultant Bob Hart and handouts were given encouraging all residents to appeal the fire map!

JANUARY 30, 2025 | Wildfire Hazard Map TOWNHALL (SB-762) | Josephine County Fairgrounds, 7-9pm

How to Appeal!

Public discussion regarding ODF Wildfire Map letter. Insurance, power bills, taxes, and fees ALL going up. Question and answer session. Over 1,000 Josephine, Douglas, and Jackson County residents attended.

This video is long but chalk full of good information regarding the map and actionable items you can take now. Even if you have not received a letter, you are encouraged to look up your risk rating and appeal. All of the information is in the meeting. Please everyone watch.

Douglas County is in the planning stages of a meeting possibly this or next week, stay tuned!

>>Watch Now>>

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.