Agenda Item - 2023-09-05 - Number 8.2 - 2023 Legislative Session Recap 8.2
COUNCIL REPORT
___ o
QREGDNI'
Subject: 2023 Legislative Session Recap
Meeting Date: September 5, 2023 Staff Member: Madison Thesing, Assistant to the City
Manager
Report Date: August 25, 2023
Department: City Manager's Office
Action Required Advisory Board/Commission Recommendation
❑ Motion ❑ Approval
❑ Public Hearing ❑ Denial
❑ Ordinance ❑ None Forwarded
❑ Resolution ❑X Not Applicable
❑X Information Only Comments:
❑ Council Direction
❑ Consent Agenda
Staff Recommendation: No Council Action is requested — informational only
Recommended Language for Motion: Not applicable— informational only
Project/ Issue Relates To: 2023 Legislative Session, Intergovernmental Relations
Issue before Council (Highlight Policy Question):
❑Council Goals/Priorities ❑Adopted Master Plan(s) ❑X Not Applicable
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL
Staff will provide a recap of the 2023 Legislative Session passed bills and the impact to the City,
as well as next steps to plan for 2024 short session and 2025 long session.
BACKGROUND
In alignment with the City's Intergovernmental Relations Policy- Resolution 20-28—and goals
for coordination with State initiatives, the City Manager's Office is responsible for tracking and
managing the City's legislative agenda on behalf of the City Council. Efforts to advocate for the
City at the state policy arena are guided by the City's legislative principles and priorities
Respect. Fx:-ellerce Trust. Servie.
503-635-0215 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO, OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
Page 2
(Attachment 1). The legislative priorities guide the City's involvement and position on
legislative actions in the context of what is happening during the session.Throughout session,
staff provided updates and received Council feedback monthly at City Council meetings. These
included: February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, and June 20, 2023.
DISCUSSION
On June 25th, the State adjourned sine die in the final hours before the constitutional deadline.
As pivotal bill deadlines approached, the Senate walk out lasted from May 3rd through June
15t". This six-week walk out is the longest in Oregon history. Once Senate was back in session
and with quorum, floor votes were conducted at all hours at a rapid pace to address the six-
week backlog in 10 days.
Of the bills that passed, staff has reviewed the potential impact to City operations. Below are
passed bills that align with the Council's 2023 Legislative Agenda that are notable by impact or
alignment with the goals. Page numbers in table below reference League of Oregon Cities' 2023
Legislative Session Summary of Bills (Attachment 2).
Ensure a safe,secure,and prepared community
Legislative Priorities Bills Passed& Impact
• Monitor policies related to public safety and • HB 3630—Provides support to Oregon
services, including statewide standards and counties to develop and adopt energy
those that could preempt local decision resilience plans to be incorporated into
making county natural hazard mitigation plans (page
• Support legislative funding packages that 19)
address wildland-urban interface
preparedness
• Support legislative funding, grants, or
opportunities to encourage community
emergency preparedness
Support business investment and job creation in Lake Oswego
Legislative Priorities Bills Passed& Impact
• Support policies and programs that invest in
workforce training in partnership with
Oregon high school and higher education
• Oppose legislative that directs or preempts
land use and conditions
Foster a welcoming and inclusive community where all people have the opportunity to thrive and
have equitable access to City services
Legislative Priorities Bills Passed& Impact
• Encourage legislative policies that promote
inclusion and equitable access to public
programs, services,facilities and policies
• Monitor policies related to public contracting
Respect, Excelferce. Trust. Servi.
503-635-0215 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO,OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
Page 3
Combat climate change and strengthen the community's resilience to climate impact
Legislative Priorities Bills Passed& Impact
• Support legislation that advances local efforts • HB 3409—Establishes Community Green
to combat climate change with local Infrastructure Grant Program (page 15);
authority, which includes opposing provide grants, support, and technical
preemptions and state mandates assistance for resilience hubs and networks.
• Support legislation that provides direct Grants are to be awarded for planning and
funding or grant opportunities to advance organizing expenses related to community
local efforts resources and services for responding to
extreme weather disasters (page 16);The
Oregon Department of Forestry will acquire
and maintain an urban tree canopy
assessment tool (page 17)
• SB 5506—Directs additional funding to
various energy and environment efforts and
grants administered by the State, including
$20 million general fund added to the
Community Renewable Energy Grant
Program &$4.9 million toward drought-
related projects and programs (page 22)
Strengthen public trust in the City through continuous improvement, outstanding customer service,
infrastructure investments,and fiscal stewardship
Council Initiatives Bills Passed& Impact
• Oppose legislation that limits or interferes • HB 2805—Prohibits a city council or other
with the City's ability to collect local revenues public body subject to Oregon's open
sources meeting requirements from conducting a
• Support legislative funding packages that serial meeting and gives the Oregon
support infrastructure investments, including Government Ethics Commission (OGEC)
highways, stormwater, wastewater, and authority to enforce the new standard (page
drinking water 33)
Invest in Lake Oswego's high-quality parks, natural areas,and recreational amenities
Legislative Priorities Bills Passed& Impact
• Encourage legislation that protects our
waterways and natural spaces, while
encouraging investment in park acquisitions
and improvements
Improve transportation connections, mobility and safety for all travelers and all types of trips in
Lake Oswego
Legislative Priorities Bills Passed& Impact
• Support legislative funding packages that • HB 2099—Increased flexibility for"safe
support transportation infrastructure routes to school" grant program by
investments.Transportation packages should expanding eligibility criteria for Safe Routes
address multimodal needs and promote local to School grants and eliminating minimum
decision-making on needs cash match for grants(page 40)
• Support legislative direction that reexamines
tolling projects and the tools available for
Respect, Excelferce. Trust. Servi.
503-635-0215 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO,OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
Page 4
funding infrastructure projects, as well as
encourage regionwide approaches for
reducing congestion
Conserve the community's character,sense of place,and quality of life by planning for change and
growth
Legislative Priorities Bills Passed& Impact
• Oppose policies or processes that allow • HB 2001 & HB 5019 (Governor's Housing
private development to guide Urban Growth Funding Package)—Appropriates moneys
Boundaries expansion, or requires City from General Fund to specified state agencies
service delivery outside of City-adopted for certain purposes related to housing under
Master Plans declaration of emergency(page 7)
• Support Oregon Mayor's Association • SB 5511—Appropriates moneys from General
proposal to direct funding to local solutions Fund to Housing and Community Services
for addressing housing and homelessness Department (Oregon Mayor's Association
• Encourage policies to include local funding Homeless Funding Proposal) (page 12)
and grant opportunities to address housing
needs
• Support policies that encourage local land
use decision and local authority
Notable bills that failed were some of the most concerning for our goals. These included:
• HB 3414 (Governor's Housing Bill)— Limit conditions under which local governments
may deny variance for housing development within urban growth boundary.
• SB 1051 (UGB Expansion)—Authorize certain cities with demonstrated need for housing
to add project area to their urban growth boundary upon certain conditions.
• SB 933 (Prohibition on Tolling)— Prohibit Oregon Transportation Commission from
establishing toll on Interstate 205 or Interstate 5, except for the 1-5 Bridge Replacement
o Instead Governor Kotek enacted tolling moratorium until January of 2026
During the City Council meeting, staff will explain the impact of the bills most notable to City
operations, as well as next steps on advocacy during the legislative break.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City of Lake Oswego—2023 Legislative Agenda, approved by Council on 2/10/2023
2. League of Oregon Cities—2023 Legislative Session Summary of Bills, August 2023
Respect, Excelferce. Trust. Servi,.c.
503-635-0215 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO,OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
ED ATTACHMENT 1 MEMORANDUM
tnt
2023 City of Lake Oswego Legislative Priorities
City of Lake Oswego Legislative Principles
The legislative principles are the overarching principles that guide our efforts at the Oregon
State Legislature. The principles are the framework through which we address policies that
transcend partisan politics or legislative sessions.
• Preserve Home Rule Authority—The City of Lake Oswego aims to preserve home rule
authority and local decision-making. Local control allows the City to act on behalf of the
interests of the community based on context, needs, and objectives. Additionally, the
City opposes efforts that pre-empt or limit local government authority.
• Avoid Unfunded Mandates—The City of Lake Oswego opposes unfunded mandates and
state-issued requirements that do not have dedicated funding or resources.
• Leverage Regional and State Partnership—The City of Lake Oswego aims to leverage
partnerships and coordination with outside agencies to achieve community goals. These
partnerships support streamlined service delivery, fiscal responsibility, and a thoughtful
approach to public services that cross jurisdiction boundaries without duplication or
waste of resources.
2023 Legislative Priorities
Legislative priorities are grounded by the adopted 2023 City Council goals, as well as previously
adopted Master Plans that guide City operations and ongoing investments, such as the City's
Comprehensive Plan,Transportation System Plan, and Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
Ensure a safe, secure, and prepared community
Council Initiatives Legislative Priorities
• Continue to oversee and guide the action • Monitor policies related to public safety
plan to implement the recommendations and services, including statewide
of the 2021 Community Dialog on standards and those that could preempt
Policing, including increased reporting local decision making
and public dialog about policing in Lake • Support legislative funding packages that
Oswego address wildland-urban interface
preparedness
Respect. Excellence. Trust. Service.
503-675-3984 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO,OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY
Page 2 of 4
• Implement a sustainable business model • Support legislative funding, grants, or
for the Fire Department that meets the opportunities to encourage community
21st century needs of Lake Oswego emergency preparedness
• Create a process for externally-based
community groups to connect and create
a plan to support residents, especially
seniors and people with disabilities, in the
event of a disaster
• Support business investment and job creation in Lake Oswego
Council Initiatives Legislative Priorities
• Ensure the North Anchor • Support policies and programs that invest
redevelopment stays on track in workforce training in partnership with
• Review the status of the City's Urban Oregon high school and higher education
Renewal Areas, including the status of • Oppose legislative that directs or
previous planning for Foothills preempts land use and conditions
• Implement the initiatives in the 2022
Economic Development Strategy
Foster a welcoming and inclusive community where all people have the opportunity to
thrive and have equitable access to City services
Council Initiatives Legislative Priorities
• Guide the highest priority • Encourage legislative policies that
recommendations of the DEI Advisory promote inclusion and equitable access
Board: Develop relationships with to public programs, services, facilities and
culturally specific community-based policies
organizations; develop and implement • Monitor policies related to public
inclusive community engagement contracting
practices; and ensure COBID
procurement process requirements are
met
Combat climate change and strengthen the community's resilience to climate
impact
Council Initiatives _ Legislative Priorities
• Integrate climate action and resilience • Support legislation that advances local
strategies into City projects, such as efforts to combat climate change with
capital improvement planning, housing local authority, which includes opposing
policy, and City facilities and fleet preemptions and state mandates
decisions • Support legislation that provides direct
• Update the Urban and Community Forest funding or grant opportunities to advance
Plan using the findings of the 2022 State local efforts
of the Urban Forest Report
Page 3 of 4
Strengthen public trust in the City through continuous improvement, outstanding customer
service, infrastructure investments, and fiscal stewardship
Council Initiatives Legislative Priorities
• Collaborate with the City of Portland to • Oppose legislation that limits or
make a financially and environmentally interferes with the City's ability to collect
responsible long-term investment in a local revenues sources
wastewater treatment plant • Support legislative funding packages that
• Lead the community visioning process for support infrastructure investments,
the Lake Oswego Public Library; including highways, stormwater,
implement a strategic plan based on the wastewater, and drinking water
recommendations of the visioning
process
• Leverage Lake Oswego's position as the
largest city in Clackamas County on
regional bodies and with other groups
such as the League of Oregon Cities and
the Metropolitan Mayors Consortium
• Conduct a long-term strategic review of
the City's finances, including revenues,
expenditures, and capital funding
Invest in Lake Oswego's high-quality parks, natural areas, and recreational amenities
Council Initiatives Legislative Priorities
• Guide delivery of the LORAC and Golf • Encourage legislation that protects our
Course Construction waterways and natural spaces, while
• Develop a Funding Strategy for Rassekh encouraging investment in park
Park, and construct the skate park acquisitions and improvements
portion
• Start the process to update the City's
Parks Master Plan
Improve transportation connections, mobility and safety for all travelers and all
types of trips in Lake Oswego
Council Initiatives Legislative Priorities
• Continue construction of sidewalks and • Support legislative funding packages that
pathways, focusing on safe routes to support transportation infrastructure
schools investments. Transportation packages
• Adopt a transportation framework plan should address multimodal needs and
for Stafford/McVey promote local decision-making on needs
• Support legislative direction that
reexamines tolling projects and the tools
available for funding infrastructure
Page 4 of 4
projects, as well as encourage regionwide
approaches for reducing congestion
Conserve the community's character, sense of place, and quality of life by planning for
change and growth
Council Initiatives Legislative Priorities
• Continue work on key housing initiatives, • Oppose policies or processes that allow
the housing production strategy, guiding private development to guide Urban
the HACC/Metro project on Boones Ferry Growth Boundaries expansion, or
Road, and support for other non-profit requires City service delivery outside of
led housing projects City-adopted Master Plans
• Conduct a comprehensive review of the
• Support Oregon Mayor's Association
City's development codes and processes proposal to direct funding to local
to make our processes more efficient and solutions for addressing housing and
homelessness
predictable and less expensive to reduce • Encourage policies to include local
the cost of housing and commercial funding and grant opportunities to
development address housing needs
• Support policies that encourage local land
use decision and local authority
i:. ATTACHMENT 2
•
-- _ rr- -a.---
4,,,t,\N „
1 t, r
.. _
n to e [ 11 ,. aoi .,d ''
[ i!dti LL LL6 66 LLL 6'i L LI L IL U
I
F
I 'DC
2023 Legislative
League of Oregon Cities
Session
Summary
of Bills
AUGUST 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2023 Legislative Session 2
Community Development 5
Finance & Taxation 25
Telecom, Cybersecurity & Broadband 36
Transportation 39
Water & Wastewater 42
Wildfire Policy & Funding 48
Voting Matrix 49
Index By Bill Number 50
17 Democrats
2970
11 Republicans Number of measures introduced
30 653
Number of measures passed
Number of State Senators 0
0 Number of measures referred to
35 Democrats voters: H B 2004, HJR 16, SJR 34
25 Republicans
41
60 Number of legislative committees
Number of State Representatives 168
Number of days in session
227 days
Longest legislative session {2003)
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 11
2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
OVERVIEW
2023 - A Session of Hits, Misses, Challenges
Oregon's 82nd legislative session ended at 4:27 p.m. on June 25,just seven and one-half
hours short of the constitutional Sine Die at midnight. Back in January, there were signs
indicating what the LOC and others would experience during the session. House
leadership started things off with a joint press conference focused on shared priorities
from Republican and Democratic leadership. The Senate, however, started the session off
with caucuses criticizing each other's leadership and priorities. This contrast in
relationships played out over the course of the session and culminated with a 42-day walk-
out initiated by Senate Republicans, denying the Senate majority a quorum to advance
legislation. This walkout was the Republican's tactic for expressing their objections to HB
2002 (women's healthcare, abortion access and gender affirming care) and HB 2005 (gun
safety), which were key Democratic priorities entering the 2023 session.
The walkout prevented floor votes, created a backup of 400-plus bills in the Senate, and left
the LOC and other interests wondering when and if the walkout would end. Once a
negotiated agreement to return was brokered, enough Senate Republicans returned to the
Senate floor on June 15. The remaining 10-days was a scramble to move bills with little floor
debate.
Typically, the last day of a legislative session is largely ceremonial. This was not the case in
2023, when the final day saw three pieces of legislation fail to advance due to lack of votes.
These included a priority housing bill from Governor Kotek (HB 3414 - Land Use). The LOC
had worked with the governor and her staff to modify HB 3414 and was officially neutral
going into the final day. Other interests from land use advocacy and environmental groups
remained opposed.
In addition, HB 3013 (Prescription Fee for Consumers) surfaced late in the session and
would have added a surcharge to LOC member prescriptions at the urging of advocates for
pharmacy benefit managers (PBM). The LOC and its members led this fight to oppose the
bill, which would have added $5 million annually to the cost of health care for CIS
members. The final bill that failed on the floor was HB 3242 (Medical Rights of Action). The
LOC was not involved in this legislation.
LOC Priorities:
The LOC entered this session with a robust set of eight legislative priorities. Our efforts to
advance these priorities were met with frustration and challenges throughout much of the
session. One key priority was a joint effort with the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA).
Despite a session-long effort, the OMA and LOC were unable to secure direct resources to
cities despite historically high funding for those services.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 12
Economic development was also a key priority going into the session, with our focus on
sunset extensions for Oregon's successful enterprise zone program and SIP-Gainshare.
Sunset extensions were included in the second phase of Oregon's semiconductor package,
HB 2009.
We found success with a series of transportation priorities, which focused on a three-
session effort to extend the use of mobile and fixed photo radar for speed management to
all cities through HB 2095, increased flexibility for "safe routes to school" program in HB
2099, and additional investment in the "great streets program" with HB 3113.
The LOC's lobby team was on top of every issue this session, and thanks to their work,
combined with grass roots advocacy from members, many legislative concepts that could
have hurt cities were stopped, or substantially amended. Our member advocacy also
helped move priority legislation and advance long-term legislative advocacy.
Patience and persistence are critical for the legislative work to have success. Without it, all
organizations will struggle. The involvement of our cities during 2023 is notable and we are
making progress, but we still have a lot of work to do. Advocacy for your cities or the
collective of the LOC is a 24-7-365 effort. Please keep up the outreach with your elected
officials. Stay engaged with LOC's lobby team, build relationships that extend beyond your
city and look for partners that share similar goals and objectives.
Going Forward
The LOC kicked off the 2023 session with City Day at the Capitol on January 25. It was a
well-attended event for members and state legislators, with all members of caucus
leadership present and Governor Kotek providing opening remarks. This helped set the
stage for what was clearly a significant increase in grass roots advocacy efforts from the
LOC's members. Every time we needed members to testify, provide comments, or contact
their members, our calls were answered. This was very important to this session's efforts to
balance other interests who did not share the LOC's objectives.
As the LOC lobby team prepares for the next session, we need members to maintain this
high level of communication. We need your assistance in helping with our education efforts
with state legislators. We urge you to invite them to council meetings, events, budget
meetings and ask that as city leaders you make sure to attend the town halls they conduct.
Every touch point between a local official and their respective state legislator is important
for both the relationship and the educational opportunity. We have a long way to go, but
the good news is that we are seeing measurable progress and we appreciate everyone who
took time this session to become advocates.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 13
How to Read the Bill Summaries
Click on the bill
number to view the
full text of the bill.
Li
HB 41uL Happy Valley Annexation from County Service District
Effective Date: February 27, 2024
Effective Date - indicates the date on which the bill
becomes effective
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 14
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PASSED BILLS
HB 2009: Economic Development Incentive Omnibus
LOC NEUTRAL
Effective Date: September 23, 2023
This legislation combined several bills with extensions and program changes for key local
government economic development programs: the Enterprise Zone Program, including the
Long-term Rural and the Strategic Investment Programs (SIP) including gain-share. HB 2009
creates a new research & development (R&D) tax credit (SB 5) as part of the semiconductor
industry incentive package, designed to help Oregon semiconductor companies be
competitive for federal investments from the CHIPS Act (2022).
The LOC supported extending the enterprise zone programs and gain-share (the SIP does
not have a sunset) and opposed changes that would limit efficacy or add administrative
burden (HB 3011)
Proposed changes that were removed from the final bill language include a 25% school
support fee, reducing the gain-share cap to $5 million, and adding a sunset to the SIP
program.
Enterprise Zones (HB 2199 & HB 3011)
• The Enterprise Zone and Long-Term Rural Enterprise Zone programs are extended for
7 years until 2032.
• School support fee: zone sponsors are required to negotiate with local school districts
to establish a school support fee between 15-30%. The fee will apply to the amount of
the property tax abatement in years 4-5 of the standard enterprise zone abatement
and years 6-15 of the long term rural; companies receiving the enterprise zone will
receive the full abatement during the first 3 years of a standard enterprise zone
agreement and during the first 5 years of the long-term rural agreement.
• Retail fulfillment/distribution centers are excluded from the program.
• Zone sponsors will need to post the terms of agreements publicly for 21 days before
finalization, except for confidential and proprietary information.
• Zone sponsors will need to notify neighboring jurisdictions about potential impacts to
infrastructure resulting from enterprise zone investments.
❖ The program changes apply to enterprise zone agreements entered after September 23,
2023. Enterprise zone agreements that have already taken place will not be affected.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 15
Strategic Investment Program (HB 3457, HB 3011, SB 1084)
• The Gain-Share program is extended for 5 years until 2030.
• The minimum investment value for SIP projects is increased from $100 to $150 million
for urban projects and from $25 to $40 million for rural projects, and adjusts yearly for
inflation.
• The real market value amount that is taxable is increased from $25 million to $50
million, from $50 million to $75 million, and from $100 million to $150 million
depending on project size.
• The Community Service Fee cap is increased from $2.5 million to $3 million, and
adjusts yearly for inflation.
• Ports and any special districts that provide emergency services and public safety must
enter into the agreement.
• Disallowed any new strategic investment zones (SIZ).
• Business Oregon must make negotiating materials available to local governments.
❖ The program changes apply to SIP agreements entered after September 23, 2023. SIP
agreements already in place will remain under the original terms of the agreement.
: Oregon CHIPS ActIIIIs
Effective Date:April 13, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
SB 4 was effectively Oregon's version of the federal CHIPS Act and served as the bridge
head for critical economic development incentives during the 2023 session. The LOC and
its members were very involved in the Oregon Semiconductor Competitiveness Task Force.
Several recommendations from the task force were part of SB 4. These include:
• $190 million for grants and loans to help semiconductor and advanced manufacturing
companies to apply for federal CHIPS dollars;
• $10 million for public universities to help secure federal research match grants;
• $10 million for industrial land development for semiconductor related projects; and
• Temporary gubernatorial authority to bring land into an urban growth boundary for
up to eight locations designated for the semiconductor industry.
The recommendations from the task force also included a suite of economic development
incentives including extensions of Oregon's Enterprise Zone program and the gain-share
component of the Strategic Investment Program (SIP). The incentive package passed later
in session (see HB 2009).
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 16
FAILED BILLS
HB 2258: Industrial Site Readiness Funding
HB 2258 would have extended the Business Oregon Industrial Site Readiness LOCSUPPORTED
Program and allocated $40 million to the program. Without the extension, the program
ended on July 1, 2023, and Business Oregon stopped accepting applications December
2022. There was some funding for industrial site readiness included in the Business Oregon
budget bill (SB 5524). HB 2258 was a recommendation of the Semiconductor Task Force.
HOUSING AND LAND USE
PASSED BILLS
HB 2001/HB 5019: Affordable Housing and Emergency Ilk
Homelessness Response Package LOC NEUTRAL
Effective Date: March 29, 2023
On her first day in office, Governor Kotek signed three executive orders aimed at tackling
the state's housing and homelessness crisis by: declaring a homelessness state of
emergency; setting an ambitious state target to increase home construction; and directing
state agencies to prioritize reducing and preventing homelessness in all areas of the state.
In response, the Legislature passed HB 2001 and HB 5019, also known as the "60-day
housing package," early in the session with broad bipartisan support. The 60-day housing
package includes the following:
• $33.6 million to prevent homelessness statewide;
• $85.2 million to rehouse people experiencing homelessness and expand shelter
capacity in emergency areas;
• $27.4 million to rehouse people experiencing homelessness and expand shelter
capacity in the 26 rural counties that make up the Balance of State Continuum of Care;
• $5 million to federally recognized Tribes to address homelessness needs among tribal
members statewide;
• $3.9 million for emergency management response (OHCS and ODEM);
• $25 million for programs supporting unhoused youth;
• $20 million for modular home production to rapidly deploy affordable housing;
• $3 million in a revolving loan fund to incentivize housing development with
predevelopment loans for moderate-income housing;
• $5 million to improve on-site workforce housing for agricultural workers;
• A compromise between tenant advocates and landlords that provides renters faced
with eviction for non-payment with more time to access rental assistance and other
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 17
services that will help them stay in their homes. The proposal lengthens the eviction
notice timeline from 72 hours to 10 days and includes a right of redemption; and
• Establishing and funding the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) program, which
applies to cities with a population of 10,000 or more. The bill includes $3.5 million in
funding at the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) for
local grants for housing planning updates. That funding, in addition to investments in
the DLCD budget, provides $4.75 million for housing and urbanization grants available
to all cities for the 2023-25 biennium.
HB 2889: Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Technical Fix III
LOC SUPPORTED
Effective Date:July 18, 2023
HB 2889 was originally introduced as the vehicle for the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis
(OHNA), which ended up being amended into HB 2001 and passing as part of the
Emergency Housing Package early in session. HB 2889 was later amended to include
technical clarifications for the OHNA that did not make it into HB 2001. The LOC supported
HB 2889 and worked on the final language to ensure that the OHNA can be implemented
as intended with minimal delay, confusion and litigation risk for cities.
HB 2984: Commercial Conversions Ilk
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 LOC NEUTRAL
HB 2984 requires cities to allow conversion of a building from commercial use to residential
use without requiring a zone change or conditional use permit. The bill prohibits cities from
enforcing parking minimums greater than the amount allowed for existing commercial use,
or the amount that may be required in lands zoned for residential uses that would allow
the converted development. The LOC initially opposed the introduced bill, as it would have
prohibited cities from charging system development charges (SDCs) for 15 years.
The final version of HB 2984 allows cities to charge SDCs provided the charge is based on a
"specific adopted policy for commercial to residential conversions" adopted on or before
December 31, 2023, or if the charge is for water or wastewater and includes an offset for
at least 100% of the water or wastewater system development charges paid when the
building was originally constructed. Cities already tailor SDCs to the specific impacts of each
development, and the LOC understands this provision will allow cities to continue charging
SDCs accordingly. HB 2984 is not intended to require cities to conduct a formal SDC
methodology review or update by December 31, 2023.
HB 3395: End of Session Housing Package lik
mi
Effective Date:June 30, 2023 LOC NEUTRAL
HB 3395, known as the end of session "Housing Package," incorporated several bills that
had advanced earlier in the session, including an omnibus housing bill, SB 847, which may
require cities to make changes to local housing development policies or processes. The bill
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 18
also includes funding for local government capacity to support housing development. The
sections most relevant to cities are:
• Residential Use of Commercial Lands (Sections 1-2): Requires cities to approve the
siting and development of housing within commercial zones if it is affordable to 60%
AMI or below, or for mixed-use structures with ground floor commercial with
residential units affordable to moderate income households. It does not require a city
to update its comprehensive plan to implement; however, this change in use may
impact a city's employment lands availability. The bill explicitly exempts cities from
having to conduct a new economic analysis or comp plan update; however, cities may
still wish to consider the impact to Goal 9 for economic development and reflect and
accommodate these impacts at a later date. HB 3395 requires cities to apply the
residential density level most comparable to the density of commercial density
currently allowed in zone, and specifies that updates or analyses relating to economic
development are not required.
• Residential Approval Procedures (Sections 3-6): Makes two changes to the appeals
process for the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) that is intended to reduce
land use appeals or reduce the duration of those appeals and workload on city staff.
First, it provides an extra seven days for a city to take final action final action on an
application for a permit, limited land use decision, or zone change, including
resolution of appeals, after an application deemed complete. Second, it allows a local
government or state agency to withdraw a decision under appeal with LUBA for
reconsideration, including decisions related to the development of a residential
structure.
• Emergency Shelter Siting (Sections 6-7): Continues the existing requirements for
when cities must approve the siting of emergency shelters and updates some of the
terms. It clarifies that cities do not have to hold a public hearing before approving a
shelter siting application under the measure; awards attorney fees to a local
government and any intervening applicant that prevail on appeal of approval, or
applicant that prevails on appeal of denial; and updates the criteria for qualifying
shelter operators. Notably, the shelter siting provisions will no longer sunset or lapse
by a certain date, but will now be in effect until the statewide point-in-time count for
total sheltered and unsheltered homeless population falls below 0.18% of the state
population.
• Single Exit Multifamily Dwellings (Section 8): Directs the Oregon Department of
Consumer and Business Services to review and adopt updates to the Structural
Specialty Code through the Building Codes Structures Board to allow residential
occupancies to be served by a single exit. This section also requires updates that
would reduce, to extent practicable, costs and barriers to mid-sized multifamily
dwelling construction while maintaining safety, and encourage less expensive housing
types allowing single-exit residential dwellings consistent with adopted building codes
such as those in Seattle, Washington.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 19
• Planned Community Act Exemptions (Section 9): Clarifies that development
established on or after January 1, 2024, in which each residential unit is subject to an
affordability restriction or is owned by a public benefit or religious nonprofit
corporation, is not defined in Oregon law as a "planned community."
• Regulation of Condominiums (Sections 10-14): Grants the state's real estate
commissioner the exclusive right to regulate submission of property to condominium
provisions of Oregon statute. This section also prohibits other restrictions or
prohibitions on condominium form of ownership, including charges, taxes, fees,
review or approval processes, or additional permitting requirements or conditions. If a
city has local regulations specifically related to condominium permitting, they may
need to be updated or eliminated.
• Subdividing for Development of Affordable Housing (Section 15): Requires a city or
county to accept as other assurance, one or more award letters from public funding
sources made to an affordable housing developer that is or will be subject to an
affordability restriction or affordable housing covenant, provided those awards total
an amount greater than the project cost. This section may require cities to update
their external and internal processes, and documents for analyzing and approving
affordable housing development related to system development charges and
entitlements.
• Single Room Occupancies (Sections 16-19): Defines "single room occupancy" (SRO)
as a residential development with at least four independently rented, lockable units
with living and sleeping space for exclusive use of an occupant, but with shared
sanitary or food preparation facilities. This section requires local governments to
allow SRO development within an urban growth boundary, with up to six units per
single-family zoned parcel, and with unit counts consistent with density standards of
parcels allowing five or more units. It also adds SROs to the definition of"needed
housing."
• Siting Duplexes (Sections 20-23): Requires cities located outside the Portland metro
area with a population between 2,500 and 10,000 to allow duplexes on lots zoned for
single family detached dwellings. In other words, this extends the duplex
requirements established in HB 2001 (2019) to an additional 50 cities and requires
those cities to adopt land use regulations or amend comprehensive plans no later
than June 30, 2025.
A city amending its comprehensive plan or land use regulations is not required to
consider whether those amendments significantly affect existing or planned
transportation facilities. The bill allows a city, no later than June 30, 2024, to request
an extension from the June 30, 2025 deadline and appropriates $1,250,000 to the
Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development to provide grants to cities
to assist them with the middle housing updates.
• Affordable Housing on Public Utility Lands (Section 29): Allows public utilities to sell
at or below market price, or gift, interest in real property for purpose of developing
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 110
affordable housing and requires such property to include an affordable housing
covenant. The bill prohibits a public utility from recovering costs of the property sale
or gift from customers.
• Local Government Housing Support (Section 37-39): Allocates $5 million to the
Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to provide grants to councils of
governments (COGs) and economic development districts (EDDs) to support housing
and community development capacity within cities, counties, and Tribes. COGs and
EDDs are specifically directed to partner and consult with local governments,
developers, financiers, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and
Development, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), other relevant state
agencies and other interested public and private partners to enable local governments
throughout the region to encourage community development and the development of
infrastructure and needed housing, by: (a) Bridging any information gaps; (b)
Identifying and securing needed resources, including infrastructure and community
facilities; (c) Connecting producers of needed housing with consumers of needed
housing; and (d) Working with representatives of historically underrepresented groups
to overcome community-specific barriers to obtaining housing.
HB 3442: Affordable Housing Development in Tsunami Zones g.
Effective Date:July 31, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 3442 clarifies that coastal cities may approve affordable housing development within
100-year floodplains or on property constrained by land use regulations based on natural
disasters and hazards, if, within the property's urban growth boundary, 60% of land is
within a tsunami inundation zone or 30% is within a 100-year floodplain.
LOC
SB 406: Tillamook County Middle Housing Updates TOOK NO
POSITION
Effective Date:July 13, 2023
This bill was introduced at the request of Tillamook County and LOC member cities to fund
and update cities' housing plans to include middle housing code. The LOC advocated
ensuring the bill included appropriate funding for the cities to implement.
HB 5027: DLCD Budget Bill
Effective Date:July 27, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 5027 was the budget bill for the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and
Development (DLCD). The LOC supported funding in the bill for small city planning grants,
with $4.75 million for housing and urbanization grants available to all cities for the 2023-25
biennium. The LOC also advocated for the budget to include $30 million for cities to
implement the Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) administrative rules,
however the Legislature allocated only $3 million.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 111
SB 551A: Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)
l
Budget Bill LOC SUPPORTED
Effective Date:July 27, 2023
SB 5511 is the agency budget bill for Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), the
state's housing finance agency. In addition to funding for the wide range of affordable
housing and stabilization services, the OHCS budget included $24.1 million to support
ongoing operations needs for certain categories of existing shelters, including Project
Turnkey shelters. A detailed summary of the 2023-25 OHCS budget is available here.
FAILED BILLS
HB 2506: Residential Facility Siting ill
LOC SUPPORTED
The LOC supported this bill that would have updated an existing requirement to
allow residential care facilities in residential zones. HB 2506 expanded the definition of
residential care facilities to include the full range of community-based behavioral health
treatment facilities that are being funded by the state. The bill also applied to existing
group homes for people with disabilities and a range of needs supported by these in-home
care facilities. The behavioral health advocates behind the bill worked with the LOC on
technical improvements. Some legislators on the House Housing Committee raised
concerns about the proximity of these facilities near schools, and the bill was moved to the
House Rules Committee for further consideration. HB 2506 was a land use bill and would
not have changed existing public safety laws that prevent people with certain criminal
histories from residing near schools. The LOC worked to advocate for the passage of HB
2506 and address any misunderstandings, however the bill did not pass.
HB 2980A: Moderate-Income Affordable Housing Financing Tool
HB 2980A would have seeded a $300 million state revolving loan program in LOC SUPPORTED
which participating cities could award grants to housing developers to encourage the
development of middle-income and affordable housing. Cities would repay loans using
property tax revenue from the new development. This opt-in bill would give cities a new
tool to encourage needed housing, including covering infrastructure costs. The LOC worked
closely with the bill proponents and other stakeholders to improve the bill throughout
session and will continue to advocate for passage in future legislative sessions.
HB 2983: Manufactured Housing Development Funds
LOC SUPPORTED
This bill included a package of funding to preserve and develop affordable
manufactured housing parks. HB 2983 also would have allocated $250,000 to the Oregon
Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to develop model codes for
manufactured parks and middle housing. The LOC supported the bill generally and with
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 112
specific support for the model code resources at the DLCD that would help cities encourage
manufactured housing and middle housing development.
HB 3569: Right to Housing
The LOC opposed HB 3569 as introduced and with a -1 amendment that would have LOC OPPOSED
required cities to approve housing development in any residential and commercial zone and largely
preempt any density standards, siting and design requirements, or ability to plan for adequate
infrastructure. While the bill advanced to the House Rules Committee, keeping it alive throughout
the session, it did not receive additional hearings or support.
HB 3414: Governor's Housing Production Bill SP`
HB 3414 was introduced two months into the legislative session as the governors LOC NEUTRAL
priority housing bill. It required cities to approve variance requests for a wide range of
residential development standards and established a new state Housing Accountability and
Production Office (HAPO) to provide technical assistance and support for local
development and investigate and enforce local violations of housing laws. Over the
remainder of the session, the LOC worked closely with a coordinated group of cities and
legislators with local government experience to gain amendments to improve
implementation and reduce administrative burden on local governments, litigation, and
development delays. In the final month of session, following numerous amendments and
negotiations, the LOC reached a neutral position on the -14 amendment, yet continued to
seek and gain additional technical improvements in yet more amendments.
In the final few days of the session, HB 3414 was further amended by a -24A amendment,
which established an optional, alternative process for cities to amend their urban growth
boundaries for needed housing development. This "land supply" concept had been
previously introduced as SB 1096, which the LOC supported after working with
development stakeholders on improvements to the concept. The "land supply" concept was
a priority for Republicans, but raised strong opposition from environmental advocates. The
day before sine die, HB 3414A passed the House and in the final hours of the last day of the
session, HB 3414A died on the Senate floor, one vote shy of reaching a constitutional
majority.
SB 847: Senate Omnibus Housing Bill
Known as the "Omnibus Housing Bill," SB 847 was introduced with 14 different
housing-related initiatives. The LOC supported the bill sections related to emergency
shelter siting and residential approval procedures and either opposed or gained
improvements to the remaining sections. Ultimately, the LOC reached a neutral position on
the overall bill, which was amended into HB 3395 and passed with bipartisan support.
SB 1051: Urban Reserves and UGB Expansion I,
SB 1051 with a -2 amendment would have allowed property owners to request LOC OPPOSED
an urban growth boundary (UGB) expansion for land within designated urban reserves
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 113
under certain circumstances. The LOC initially opposed both the introduced version and
the -2 amendment to bill, due to significant technical concerns. The -2 amendment
upended years of local and regional planning, agreements and investments behind the
ordered use of lands in the UGB and urban reserves. Urban growth boundaries are
intended to provide an indication of where development will occur at the edge of a city and
urban reserves indicate where the UGB will go next. Therefore, infrastructure planning
focuses on building the capacity needed to serve the expected growth in the UGB. This
means that capital improvement plans contemplate the capacity that is needed to serve
these areas and the financial planning that it takes to improve infrastructure meets that
expectation.
The -2 amendment would have reordered improvements, not just for the city, but also for
the other local governments that provide urban services and connect to new development.
After working closely with development stakeholders to improve the bill, the LOC
supported draft updates that did not end up being posted or publicly heard. Another
version of this concept was eventually amended into HB 3414, which did not pass.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
PASSED BILLS
HB 2530: Defining Renewable Hydrogen TO`KNO
POSITION
Effective Date:January 1, 2024
HB 2530 provides a state definition for the terms "green electrolytic hydrogen" and
"renewable hydrogen."The bill directs the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) to seek
and apply for federal funds that may be used to support green electrolytic hydrogen and
renewable hydrogen. In addition, education and increased awareness must be provided by
the ODOE for groups that include Tribes, local governments, state agencies, federal
agencies, private entities, academia, labor unions, and environmental justice communities.
For the purposes of the bill, green electrolytic hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced
through electrolysis using one of three sources of electricity:
• Electricity generated using a resource eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard;
• Non-emitting electricity that is not derived from fossil fuels; or
• Electricity that has a carbon intensity equal to or less than the average Oregon grid
carbon intensity in the commercial operation date of the electrolysis facility.
Hydropower is considered "non-emitting electricity" for the purposes of this definition.
Additionally, the bill does not specify a production pathway for hydrogen and leaves the
door open for including other production pathways.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 114
Lastly, SB 5506 included $200,000 for Oregon's share of upfront monies in a proposal to
establish a regional hub intended to move towards producing green hydrogen fuels.
Many LOC members are interested in hydrogen production and its possible application.
The LOC's main concern was to ensure that local governments receive training and
awareness about possible applications and uses of green hydrogen.
HB 3220: Modifies Electronics Recycling Program a,
Effective Date: September 24, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
Modifies provisions of Oregon's electronics recycling program and modifies criteria for an
electronics producer responsibility program. Key changes to ensure success of Oregon's
E-Cycles Program will include:
• Requiring a Producer Responsibility Organization to ensure that 95% of residents are
within 15 miles of a collection site;
• Increasing the number of sites required in cities with a population of 10,000 or more,
with more sites required based on population density;
• Ensuring that any willing permitted transfer station, landfill, or material recovery
facility can participate as a collection site;
• Expanding the list of covered devices makes it more convenient for citizens to recycle
additional items; and
• Improving program stability by requiring a 90-day notice of site changes to existing
collection sites and the public.
HB 3409: Climate Package
Effective Date:July 27, 2023 (see other effectives dates below)
HB 3409 is a climate package that includes multiple bills from the legislative session. Some
of the sections impact cities, while others have little to no impact on cities.
There are multiple sections that impact cities:
• Energy performance standards for covered commercial buildings:
Creates commercial building performance standards (BPS) for existing buildings. There
are two tiers with separate timelines. Tier 1 includes local government buildings and
commercial buildings that are 35,000 square feet or larger. If existing buildings do not
meet the BPS, owners will be required to provide upgrades to the building to meet the
standards set forth in rulemaking by the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE). HB
3409 is modeled after a similar policy in Washington state, and is in line with the
American National Standards Institute's standards for Energy Efficiency in Existing
Buildings (ANSI/ASHRAE/I ES Standard 100).
o The bill requires the ODOE to create incentives that can be used to offset some of
the costs of compliance that can be paired with federal incentives. Cities will retain
the ability to create stronger standards for buildings six years or older.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 115
o The ODOE is required to provide a support program to eligible building owners of
covered commercial buildings including information and periodic training, technical
assistance, and other efforts to assist eligible building owners to comply with the
energy performance standard, applicable energy use intensity targets, and reporting
requirements.
o The ODOE may impose civil penalties for noncompliance. Some buildings that equal
or exceed the square footage requirement may be exempt from the BPS, including
buildings that are registered as historic buildings at the local, state or federal level.
o By July 1, 2025, owners of Tier 1 buildings must be notified of energy performance
standard requirements.
o Starting January 1, 2028, eligible Tier 1 building owners must comply with the energy
performance standard, with compliance timing based on building square footage.
Owners of eligible Tier 1 buildings are to report to the ODOE concerning compliance
with the energy performance standard every five years.
o By July 1, 2029, the ODOE is required to update the energy performance standard.
• Resilience hubs and networks:
Requires the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide grants, support,
and technical assistance for resilience hubs and networks. Grants are to be awarded for
planning and organizing expenses, expanding development and operations of resilience
hubs and networks to provide protection from extreme weather or other potential
disasters, and for community resources and services to respond to disasters. The DHS is
to consult with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and ODOE on implementation of this
measure. Was appropriated $10 million. Becomes operative on January 1, 2024.
Intent for use of resilience hubs and networks:
o Facilitate communication and coordination of community services;
o Serve as a gathering place in the event of a disruption in the community;
o Enhance the ability of a community to respond to a disruption;
o Operate on a day-to-day basis to distribute food, water, information, charging
stations, and medical supplies;
o Support community cache sites and community members who shelter in place;
o Provide childcare, training, food distribution and other services for unmet social
needs in the event of an emergency;
o Provide heating, cooling, air filtration and weather protection; or
o Accommodate individuals with accessibility needs.
The LOC strongly supported these elements of HB 2990 before the bill was packaged into
HB 3409.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 116
• Community green infrastructure grant program:
Establishes the Community Green Infrastructure Grant Program to provide direct social,
environmental and economic benefits to communities across this state through green
infrastructure. The bill also provides the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and
Development (DLCD) with $6.5 million to make grants available for:
o Offsetting the cost of planning and developing community green infrastructure
projects or green infrastructure economic development projects;
o Developing or supporting native seed banks or native plant nurseries; or
o Supporting and implementing green infrastructure master plans. The DLCD may
appoint an Advisory Committee on Community Green Infrastructure Investment
that will include city governments.
• Urban tree canopies:
The Oregon Department of Forestry will acquire and maintain an urban tree canopy
assessment tool. The agency will develop and implement a program to provide technical
and financial assistance to public bodies, including local governments. Assistance may
be used for planning, responding to and recovering from damage to habitats and urban
tree canopies due to pests, diseases or other natural or human-created conditions that
lead to loss of tree canopies. This includes loss of canopy due to wildfires, drought, or
pests like the emerald ash borer infestation. The effective date is immediate upon the
governor's signature.
• Residential heat pump program; air conditioner and air filter deployment program:
This bill modifies existing law for the residential heat pump program for air conditioner
and air filter deployment to extend and provide clarity for the program. The bill also
clarifies eligibility and how to determine when entities are eligible. Money is
appropriated to the ODOE for the program and for the agency to work with Oregon
Housing and Communiuty Services on eligible entities. Eligible entities that can apply
must serve or represent environmental justice communities or communities within a
region and may partner with other eligible entities for the grant. This may include local
governments as the eligible entity to apply and implement the grant. The bill becomes
operative on January 1, 2024.
• Low-conflict solar siting:
The DLCD is tasked with formulating regulations enabling local governments to
authorize solar facilities while giving priority to siting that avoids conflicting with natural
resource lands and valuable habitat areas. The directive also designates solar facilities
as "rural industrial use" for a goal exception within Chapter 660 of Oregon's
administrative rules.
This section also instructs the DLCD to establish a rules advisory committee (RAC) to
propose recommendations for the solar siting rules outlined in Section 35. Comprising
Tribal representatives, state agencies, local governments, solar development
proponents, energy and conservation advocates, environmental justice supporters, and
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 117
various industry stakeholders, this committee will also suggest additional data for the
Oregon Renewable Energy Siting Assessment tool. The DLCD must finalize rules by July 1,
2025, and furnish a comprehensive report to the Legislature by December 31, 2025.
The LOC participated in the discussion on energy siting and fought to ensure that local
governments were at the table and consulted in any formulation of regulations.
• Renewable energy incentive program updates:
Extends the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program's sunset to January 2, 2029. The
end of session bill, SB 5506, adds $10 million to the program. An amendment to existing
legislation in Section 1 allows for solar and storage systems to be purchased together
but installed separately. The systems will still need to be paired after installation.
Section 70 pertains to the Renewable Energy Development Grant Program and permits
a waiver of the 12-month construction requirement for renewable energy production
systems if delays resulted from COVID-19-related supply chain or workforce disruptions
as long as construction was commencing between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022.
• Woody biomass for low-carbon fuels:
Mandates Oregon State University's College of Forestry to develop methods and data
for developing clean fuels pathways from woody biomass, focusing on repurposing
wood slash piles instead of burning them. Collaboration with the Oregon Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is required
to align methods with the state's clean fuels program standards. A report detailing their
findings is due to the Legislature by July 31, 2025, and the bill allocates $3 million from
the state's general fund for this effort. Additionally, Section 31 of the bill revises ORS
530.050 to empower the state forester to establish a program facilitating the marketing
of woody biomass conversion offtakes, allowing contracts or agreements for the
conversion of biomass into energy feedstock, with transactions at fair market value.
The final version had bipartisan support in the Senate but received votes along party lines
in the House. It's awaiting a final signature from the governor.
The LOC remained neutral on the bill throughout the session due to concerns about certain
provisions and their unfunded costs to local governments. Specifically for commercial
covered buildings, knowing that incentives that will be available will not cover the full cost
to meet the building performance standards. The LOC negotiated having a place on the
rulemaking advisory committee and was able to protect home rule throughout the bill's
development. The LOC's advocacy helped to protect the bill from any preemptions.
The ODOE will adopt rules to establish building performance standards and must establish
and consult an advisory committee that must include a representative from local
government. Building owners, including local governments, must receive notice by July 1,
2025 of buildings that must meet compliance and be notified of those requirements.
Starting in 2028, eligible Tier 1 building owners must comply with the building performance
standard, with compliance timing based on building square footage. Owners of eligible Tier 1
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 118
buildings are to report to the ODOE concerning compliance with the energy performance
standard every five years.
Additional detailed information about HB 3409 can be found here. The ODOE's full
legislative report can be found here.
HB 3630: ODOE Omnibus Programs Bill
Effective Date: Upon Signing by the Governor LOC NEUTRAL
HB 3630 is a package of programs related to the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE)
from varying legislation throughout the session.
• Community navigator program in the Oregon Department of Energy(ODOE):
During the legislative session, the LOC supported and advocated for a community
navigator program in the ODOE.
Over the years, Congress and the Legislature have created a variety of new energy
incentive programs like the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These investments will bring state and federal funding to
Oregon communities for energy projects. Navigating the myriad of programs and
investments can be daunting and confusing. Section 1 establishes a program designed
to provide information about potential funding resources and technical assistance to
local governments, rural communities, Tribal governments, and other environmental
justice communities. The program will work to develop energy projects or build energy
related capacity for communities.
Many cities lack the capacity or resources to learn about and apply for many of the
programs that are available. This program was designed for this purpose and will
become a critical lifeline for cities as they consider potential energy projects and what
support is available.
• County resilience planning grants:
The legislation provides support to Oregon counties to develop and adopt energy
resilience plans to be incorporated into county natural hazard mitigation plans. The bill
directs the ODOE to establish a program to award $50,000 in technical assistance grants
to support development of county energy resilience plans. A few qualifications are
required for each energy resilience plan.
It must:
o Be based on a plan for short, medium, and long-term power outages;
o Identify and map energy infrastructure, natural hazard risks in consultation with
representatives from local environmental justice communities and identify areas that
experience social vulnerability;
o Identify potential locations for community resilience centers, prioritizing areas that
experience social vulnerability;
o Inventory the energy consumption needs of critical public services facilities;
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 119
o Identify critical public services that could enhance community resilience if served
with a backup power system;
o Identify opportunities to align energy infrastructure development with critical public
services;
o Identify schedules, priorities, and potential funding sources for developing energy
resilience; and
o Identify other actions and resources needed to implement the energy resilience
plan.
The LOC was part of a work group to establish this bill. The LOC advocated for city
voices to be included in discussions on resiliency but to avoid mandating any costs on
local governments or municipal owned electric utilities. The program sunsets on
January 2, 2026, and the ODOE is required to report on program results by September 15,
2025.
• Home energy programs and a one-stop shop:
This section is designed to enable Oregon to access funding through two rebate
programs aimed at promoting energy-efficient retrofits in existing homes. These
programs are part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The first program, known as the
High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate program (HEEHR), offers point-of-sale rebates for
qualifying electrification projects in low- and moderate-income households, with a focus
on projects that enhance energy efficiency, such as heat pumps, electric stoves, and
weatherization. The second program, the Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole-
House Rebates program (HOMES), supports performance-based rebates for home
energy efficiency retrofits that achieve at least a 20% reduction in household energy
consumption.
This legislation also mandates the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), in
collaboration with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), to establish and
oversee these programs. The ODOE is directed to engage stakeholders and optimize the
utilization of both federal and state resources to maximize the benefits of the programs.
Given the new and existing federal and state incentives and rebates, the bill recognizes
the need for a simplified process for Oregonians. The ODOE is required to create a
comprehensive "one-stop shop" resource. This resource is meant to assist Oregonians
in navigating the array of incentives, providing information, technical support,
contractor identification, and financing options related to energy efficiency initiatives.
The effective administration of this resource involves data exchange coordination
among various entities, including federal agencies, utilities, and energy efficiency
program providers, while adhering to relevant federal and state regulations, such as the
Oregon Consumer Information Protection Act and ORS 192.355. The ODOE may enlist
the assistance of non-profit organizations or other entities to carry out this endeavor.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 120
HB 5016: Oregon Department of Energy Budget LOC
TOOK NO
Effective Date: Upon Signing by the Governor POSITION
HB 5016 is the budget bill for the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE). The bill provides
$121.2 million for the department in the 2023-2025 biennium. The allocation ensures
enough funding so that existing work can continue at the agency. It also provides the
authority and funding for new positions and enhances the agency's use of data and a
mapping tool. HB 5016 also allows for the ODOE's Siting Division to add staff if demand for
energy facility permitting increases.
SB 123: Study of Recyclability Claims LOC
TOOK NO
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 POSITION
Requires the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to study recyclability claims.
The bill also directs the department to submit findings to interim legislative committees
related to the environment no later than September 15, 2024.
Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582, 2021) directed the
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to establish a Truth in Labeling Task Force.
According to the task force's final report, "Public confusion about what and how to recycle
has been one of several root drivers of instability in Oregon's recycling system." To address
this confusion, the task force was directed to study smart labeling and make recommend-
ations for legislation to the Legislature. The task force expressed that a diverse group of
interested parties should identify best practices for how to integrate commonly used smart
labeling technologies into labels to ensure accessibility and comprehension.
SB 488: Modifies Emissions Standards for Municipal Solid Waste
Incinerators LOC NEUTRAL
Effective Date:August 4, 2023
Requires that owners or operators of municipal solid waste incinerators develop a plan to
continuously monitor or sample certain emissions and make emissions data available to
the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the public. The department may
make modifications to the plan to ensure quality and accurate sampling or monitoring
data. The measure also caps combustion of hospital, medical, or infectious waste at 18,000
tons per year.
SB 5506: Budget Reconciliation Bill LOC
TOOK NO
Effective Date: Upon Signing by the Governor POSITION
The budget reconciliation bill made changes to the state budget for the 2023-2025
biennium. It includes several components relevant to energy and environment:
• $10 million general fund for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program at the ODOE;
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 121
• $20 million general fund added to the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program
(CREGP) at the ODOE;
• $4.9 million toward drought-related projects and programs (part of the larger Water
and Drought Package mostly found in HB 2010 and HB 2929)
• $3 million to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development to hire a
position and otherwise support local governments in implementing climate friendly
and equitable communities measures;
• $1 million to the Oregon Worker Relief Climate Change Fund;
• $250,000 to support the state climatologist position at Oregon State University;
• Extends staffing and resources for the Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program at the
Oregon Department of Energy;
• $200,000 for Oregon's share of upfront monies for a proposal to establish a regional
hub intended to move towards producing green hydrogen fuels; and
• Provides funding for additional positions at the Oregon Department of Energy for
oversight and support for implementation of new state and federal energy programs.
FAILED BILLS
LOC
HB 2164: Fish Passage Exemption TOOK NO
POSITION
Would have exempted dams that provide hydropower, drinking water or irrigation
water from fish passage mandates in certain circumstances. Would also have removed the
requirement that the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission review exemptions from fish
passage mandates, and the requirement that certain commission determinations be
submitted to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
LOC
HB 2216: Public Utility Commission Rate Impact Study TOOK NO
POSITION
Would have required the Oregon Public Utility Commission to study rate impacts
associated with implementing reduction of greenhouse gas emissions required by HB 2021
(2021), and directed commission to submit findings to interim committees of Legislative
Assembly related to energy no later than September 15, 2024.
HB 2406: Energy Facility Equipment Waste Recycling and Disposal LOC
Needs TOOK NO
POSITION
Would have directed Energy Facility Siting Council to adopt standards, for siting,
construction, operation, and retirement of energy facilities that generate electricity from
renewable energy source, addressing impacts of energy facility's equipment waste
recycling and disposal needs over lifetime of energy facility.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 122
HB 2685: Tax Credit for Biomass LOC
TOOK NO
POSITION
HB 2685A aimed to establish a tax credit for biomass producers or collectors from
2024 to 2030. The tax credit would have been overseen by the Oregon Department of
Forestry (ODF). The credit, valued at $10 per bone dry ton, would be applicable to Oregon-
produced biomass utilized for biofuel or biochar production within the state. Eligible
materials encompassed forest woody debris, hardwood timber, agricultural residues, and
energy crops, while certain items like offal, food waste, wastewater solids, Willamette Valley
canola, and grain corn would be excluded from eligibility. This bill would have revised and
refined the existing Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit.
Biomass production can be utilized for energy purposes or hydrogen production and could
be utilized to meet the state's greenhouse gas emissions goals and an allowable use for
Oregon Renewable Portfolio Standards and support the removal of invasive species like the
western juniper. Due to some controversy around the use of biomass as a source of
renewable energy and its limited interest to certain communities, the LOC took no position
on the bill but monitored its progress in session.
HB 2713: Home Rule to Prohibit Fossil Fuels TOOK NO
POSITION
HB 2713 was a simple bill that made clear that local governments have home rule
constitutional authority to prohibit or limit fossil fuels in buildings or instillation of
infrastructure. While the LOC is supportive of legislation that reaffirms home rule, we also
were worried about the larger implications of this legislation. By declaring what is part of
home rule, it opens the door for the potential argument of what is not included. It's the
LOC's belief that home rule allows cities to have this authority but felt it was not
appropriate to weigh into this conversation and used the opportunity to educate legislative
members on home rule.
HB 2816: High Energy Use Facilities and Clean Electricity
HB 2816, with proposed -3 amendments, would have mandated new data centers
or cryptocurrency operations in Oregon to be classified as "high energy use facilities" to
adhere to decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission limits for on-site electricity
consumption. Such a facility was defined as having a base electricity load of at least 10
average megawatts annually, being a data center or cryptocurrency operation, and not
obtaining electricity from investor-owned utilities subject to clean energy regulations under
HB 2021 .
The LOC was engaged on this bill prior to and during the session. Due to significant
concerns with the base bill, the LOC was able to negotiate many changes that were brought
forward in the -3 amendment. Chief among those changes was removing a provision that
would have voided an enterprise zone tax benefit if a "high energy use facility" did not meet
the mandatory targets in the bill. The LOC sought many other changes to reduce any
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 123
possible impact to member cities and were ultimately accepted in the -3 amendment. Due
to the accepted changes during negotiations, the LOC was neutral on the bill.
HB 3202: Relating to Night Sky 1
1111
LOC OPPOSED
HB 3202 would have revised existing shielded lighting fixture requirements by
adding provisions for emitting only as much light as required to achieve the intended
purpose, and a maximum limit of color temperature of 3,000 degrees Kelvin. The
measure's provisions apply to permanent and portable fixtures, including those installed
on buildings or structures used for advertisement or illumination, such as spotlights,
searchlights, floodlights, architectural lighting, parking lot lighting, landscape lighting,
billboards, and street lighting. The measure also directs ODOT to replace outdoor lighting
fixtures, as practicable and safe, with reflective markings, lines, materials, and signs.
The LOC was opposed to the base bill because it mandated cities to make changes to
existing lighting structures and buildings without any financial resources. Many cities are
also already taking on this work voluntarily and as it becomes applicable. An unnecessary
mandate would just impose costs on cities that are already burdened by other state
mandates and a lack of revenue sources.
The LOC engaged with proponents to remove the mandate for cities in an amendment that
was created but never published due to the bill not moving in committee.
SB 54' : Right to Repair
SB 542 aimed to mandate original equipment manufacturers to provide owners LOC SUPPORTED
or independent repair providers access to necessary documentation, tools, parts, and
devices at fair terms for diagnosing, maintaining, repairing, or updating consumer
electronic equipment sold in Oregon. This also included tools or parts to disable and reset
electronic security functions during repair.
SB 542 attempted to ensure fair access to resources for independent repair providers,
empowering consumers, and third-party repair services in the electronic equipment repair
market. For the LOC, this is an equity issue for our members and their constituents and
part of the Telecom Policy Committee priorities for equitable access to and affordability of
technological devices. Cities that are located hours away from a legal entity to repair
current equipment would have opened the opportunity for those cities to host local
independent repair businesses to avoid unnecessary travel and costs for their constituents
when seeking to repair an existing device. The LOC was a strong supporter of the bill and
the amendment.
Prevents Local Governments from Prohibiting
Natural Gas
LOC OPPOSED
SB 647 would have prevented local governments from prohibiting natural gas use
in new or existing residential or commercial buildings. This is in response to some cities
that have attempted to prohibit new natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The LOC
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 124
members are split on the use, and potential benefits or negative impacts of natural gas.
Most importantly to the LOC, we opposed this bill due to potential limits on home rule
authority.
The bill never received a public hearing, but the Senate Republicans attempted to bring the
bill forward during a floor session that was ultimately unsuccessful.
SB 678: Benefits of Offshore Wind to Local Governments for LOC
TOOK NO
Energy Grid Resilience POSITION
SB 678 would have established a comprehensive state policy concerning the benefits
derived from offshore wind energy development for local and regional communities, and
economies. The bill required the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and
Development (DLCD) to collaborate with state agencies, local governments, and affected
communities for effective policy implementation.
The bill was amended to emphasize that a substantial portion of the advantages stemming
from offshore wind energy development should benefit local and regional communities,
with an emphasis on reinvesting these benefits into local economies.
While the LOC supports providing a benefit from renewable resources like offshore wind to
be shared with local governments, we ultimately took no position on the bill due to the lack
of movement. The bill pitted fisherman and some conservation groups against renewable
energy producers, advocates, and union workers that would benefit from an increase in
offshore wind projects.
FINANCE & TAXATION
PASSED BILLS
HB 2080: Property Tax Exemption Omnibus Cal
Effective Date: September 23, 2023
HB 2080 is the property tax omnibus bill that combined several bills with property tax
exemption extensions and modifications. Since property tax revenue is often the most
significant source of revenue for cities, the LOC watches property tax exemptions to reduce
impact on local revenue and generally supports local option exemptions.
The LOC supports sections 13-18, which streamlined the application process and reduced
administrative burden for cities using the Multiple Unit Property Tax Exemption (MULTE) by
allowing cities to administratively approve applications rather than requiring a city to pass
an ordinance or resolution to approve each property tax exemption application. It also
expanded the property tax exemption to include the entire multiple-unit property.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 125
The LOC also supports sections 25-27 (HB 2705), which allow greater flexibility for cities to
apply the property tax exemption for affordable rental housing created by (HB 2377) from
the 2017 session. It adds another option for jurisdictions to scale the amount of an
exemption to the percent of qualified units that are rented to occupants with an annual
income (AMI) below 120%.
Property Tax Exemption Extensions
• HB 2062, SB 26, SB 138: Deferral for certain industrial improvements newly
constructed or installed in rural areas.
• HB 2065: Federal land used by recreation facility operators under permit.
• HB 2066: Food processing machinery and equipment.
• HB 2068: Property of centrally assessed companies.
• HB 2069, SB 147: Single-unit housing.
• HB 2070, SB 148: Property of surviving spouses of certain public safety officers.
The summary of all sections can be found here.
: Local Option ADU and Conversion Property Tax '
Exemption
LOC SUPPORTED
Effective Date: September 23, 2023
SB 919 creates a local option property tax exemption designed to incentivize housing
production that a city or county may adopt by resolution or ordinance. The five-year
property tax exemption applies to properties with newly constructed ADUs or a single-
family property converted to multi-unit housing. The ordinance may include any other
provisions that do not conflict with the legislation. To qualify, the property cannot be used
for temporary vacation lodging and must be used as a primary residence. The combined
rates of taxation of the city or county and all approving taxing districts equal 51% or more
of the total combined rate of taxation on the eligible property. The city or county which
adopted the exemption must create and process applications for the exemption. It applies
to property tax years beginning on or after July 1, 2024.
HB 2576: Local Income Tax Jurisdiction LOC
TOOK NO
POSITION
Effective Date: September 23, 2023
HB 2576 provides exclusive jurisdiction over local income tax cases and legal questions to
the Oregon Tax Court, a statewide court housed in the Oregon Judicial Department that has
exclusive authority to hear tax appeals. This bill arose in reaction to recently passed
income-based taxes in the city of Portland, Metro and Multnomah County. The proponents
stated concern that more local governments will pass income taxes.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 126
FAILED BILLS
HB 2088: Assessment & Taxation Funding IF
HB 2088 would have diverted 3% of property tax revenues to fund the work of LOCOPPOSED
county assessors. The LOC opposed diverting revenue as a solution and participated in a
workgroup during the session that focused on finding a more stable funding mechanism
for county assessment. The workgroup did not identify a solution, and the LOC expects this
issue to be brought forth in future sessions.
HB 2089: Marijuana Revenue Distribution
HB 2089 would have increased the revenue share cities receive from the state LOCSUPPORTED
marijuana tax to help local governments recover from the sudden loss of revenue after
Measure 110 (2020) was enacted. Measure 110 capped the total distribution amount to the
recipients of state marijuana revenue at $90 million per biennium and diverted all revenue
in excess to fund the Measure 110 treatment and recovery programs, causing a 73%
marijuana revenue loss to local governments in the 21-23 biennium.
HB 2494: Transient Lodging Tax Flexibility '
HB 2494 would have allowed local governments to dedicate the revenue from a LOCSUPPORTED
3% increase in local transient lodging tax to public safety. This bill was introduced at
the request of the Eastern Oregon Counties Association. Under current law, the revenue
from new or increased local transient lodging tax falls under a 70/30 split: 70% must be
dedicated to tourism promotion or tourism related facilities and 30% is unrestricted in its
use. Many tourist-dependent cities would like more flexibility to use lodging tax revenue to
support the impacts of tourism and the demand on services including public safety,
emergency preparedness, infrastructure, and housing. Increased flexibility in transient
lodging tax revenue use is a priority for the LOC and we will continue to work towards this
outcome in future legislative sessions.
HB 2505: Local Marijuana Tax Increase 11111
HB 2505 would have allowed cities and counties to increase the tax applied to LOC SUPPORTED
marijuana sales from 3% up to 10%. If a city increased the tax, 20% of the revenue would
be shared with counties. Under current law, cities and counties may apply up to a 3% tax to
marijuana sales.
HB 2548: Local Income Tax Definition 41111
HB 2548 would have required local governments to conform to the state LOCOPPOSED
definition of income, including using the same method of sourcing and apportionment if a
local government imposed an income-based tax. While Portland is the only known city that
collects an income-based tax, the LOC was concerned that the effects of the bill were
unknown and advocated that it be converted into a study bill.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 127
SB 655: Property Tax Freeze
SB 655 would have frozen property taxes for property owners over the age of 68 if
who would qualify for the senior property tax deferral program run by the Oregon LOC OPPOSED
Department of Revenue (DOR), but do not because there is a reverse mortgage on their
home. Under the current senior property tax deferral program, the amount of taxes
collected by local taxing districts does not change,just which entity pays it.
The state, through the DOR, pays the property tax instead of the homeowner. SB 655
would have introduced a new structure to the senior deferral program with a frozen
assessed value. A frozen value (or exemption or special assessment) would lower the
amount of taxes owed, which reduces resources for cities and other recipients of property
tax revenue.
SB 858: Children's Service Districts 9111
LOC OPPOSED
SB 858 would have authorized the creation of children's districts and provided
them with the authority to levy permanent property taxes. Adding more taxing districts
could lead to compression and properties already in compression would see increased
compression causing further revenue loss to taxing districts. Compression is a reduction in
taxes that would otherwise be levied but must be reduced due to the 1990 Measure 5 caps
of $5 for education and $10 for local government.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
PASSED BILLS
HB 2395: Opioid Crisis '
Effective Date:August 4, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 2395 removes barriers to the delivery of more effective short acting overdose reversal
medications. Currently, state law allows first responders and a wide array of other private
and public sector employees to administer Naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.
However, similar but improved medications have come on the market that are not covered
by the statute. HB 2395 corrects that shortcoming, while also decriminalizing the
possession of fentanyl testing strips and allowing local governments access to bulk
purchasing of overdose rescue medications.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 128
HB 2513: Measure 110 Adjustments 1,
Effective Date:January 1, 2025 LOC OPPOSED
HB 2513 adjusts the delivery of treatment and harm reductions resources administered by
the Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Committee (OAC) and creates a dedicated
executive director to oversee the program within the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The
bill does make administrative improvements to the implementation of Measure 110 but
does not address the larger systemic failure of the initiative to curb Oregon's addictions
crisis.
The LOC supported the creation of a clear staffing structure in the OHA and other process
improvements but opposed the final version of the bill, as it failed to include local
government and public safety interests on the governing board. HB 2513 was needed to
address the failure of the OHA and OAC to deliver harm reduction and treatment services
on time and dysfunction in the program. The LOC advocated for more meaningful reform
of Measure 110, but legislative priority was focused on administrative improvements.
HB 2757: 988 Funding
1110
Effective Date: September 23, 2023 N
LOC NEUTRAL
HB 2757 creates the 988 Trust Fund and imposes a $.40 tax per month on each
telecommunication device line to fund that service. It also prevents local governments from
taxing, adding a fee or surcharge on telecommunications services to fund 9-8-8. 988
operates as a behavioral health emergency crisis line and connects those in crisis to mobile
intervention teams. In the event the 988 call centers are fully funded by the tax, excess
revenue may be used to fund crisis teams. Cities may access these funds but must enter a
memorandum of understanding with their county. State law already requires each county
to establish mobile crisis intervention teams, but HB 2757 creates the first dedicated
funding for this service. The LOC was opposed to the pre-emption and worked with the bill
sponsors to narrow the scope of the pre-emption and ensure that cities would have a path
to accessing the new 9-8-8 funds.
ELECTIONS
PASSED BILLS
HB 2004: Ranked Choice Voting S
Effective Date: Various OC NEUTRAL
HB 2004 submits to Oregon voters the question of whether to conduct primary elections
for President, U.S. Senate, Congressional Representative, and statewide offices by ranked
choice voting. Notably, the bill does not apply to legislators. This system of voting, also
called "instant run-off," allows voters to rank their preference for an office. Votes are tallied
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 129
by counting the first choice marked on all ballots. If no candidate receives a simple majority
in the first round, the lowest scoring candidate is eliminated in the second round and their
voters have their next ranked choice counted. HB 2004 also allows, but does not require,
cities to utilize this method of voting. The bill also requires the secretary of state to conduct
a study of and issue a report on elections laws and procedures that would impede
implementation of the bill if approved by voters. HB 2004 does not grant cities any new
authority, and some cities have already switched to this voting method. Voters will decide
the issue in the general election of November of 2024.
HEALTH INSURANCE
FAILED BILLS
HB 3013: Pharmacy Subsidies I,
HB 3013 sought to create licensing and regulation of pharmacy benefit managers LOC OPPOSED
but also sought to impose an additional $10 increase in pharmacy fees. The LOC
was neutral on licensing and regulatory requirements but opposed to requiring public
insurance plans to subsidize pharmacies. The additional fees and changes to the way
insurers negotiate with network pharmacies would have cost employers in the CIS pool an
additional $5 million. Cities procuring health insurance from other sources and self-insured
employers would have been similarly impacted. HB 3013 passed the House by a wide
margin but only garnered 14 votes in the Senate due in large part to the advocacy of city
leaders.
PARKS
PASSED BILLS
SB 812: Drone Regulation
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 LOC SUPPORTED
SB 812 grants cities and other park owners the authority to regulate or prohibit the take-off
and landing of drones by resolution or ordinance. Currently, a state preemption prevents
cities from regulating drones generally, and a federal preemption prevents regulations
once they've taken off. Under SB 812, which was introduced at the request of the LOC,
cities will be able to determine which parks or portions of parks are appropriate for drone
take-offs and landings. They will, however, be required to allow public safety and utility use
and provide an affirmative defense for violations due to emergency landings.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 130
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
-
PASSED BILLS
HB 2296: Work After Retirement IIIII
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 2296 extends for 10 years the ability of all retired Public Employee Retirement System
(PERS) members to return to work for an unlimited number of hours. The Legislature
granted this ability in 2019 as part of larger PERS reforms and required employers to pay
down their unfunded pension liabilities with a portion of the savings from hiring retirees.
The statute has exceeded expectations in its benefit to the public, employees and
employers and will be allowed to continue for an additional decade. HB 2296 was
introduced at the request of the International Association Fire Fighters and was supported
by the LOC.
PUBLIC CONTRACTING
PASSED BILLS
LOC
SB 594: Prevailing Wage for Demolition Work TOOK NO
POSITION
Effective Date: September 23, 2023
SB 594 requires payment of prevailing rate of wage for demolition or removal of hazardous
waste from a road, highway, building, structure, or improvement in a public improvement
contract that uses $750,000 or more of public funds, or that occurs on property owned by a
public agency, including demolition or removal of hazardous waste that occurs in
connection with construction, reconstruction, renovation or painting of road, highway,
building, structure or improvement. The bill is not a significant departure from current law
and clarifies hazardous waste removal is subject to prevailing wage.
SB 1047: Public Contract Threshold Increase II
Effective Date: September 23, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
SB 1047 allows a public agency to award contracts for goods and services up to $25,000 by
what means they find practicable, including direct procurement. Currently, public agencies
are allowed to purchase up to $10,000 in goods and services without seeking bids or using
more rigorous contracting means. The bill was introduced at the request of Governor Kotek
and passed both chambers by wide margins.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 131
FAILED BILLS
SB 850: Project Labor Agreements 1
,11
SB 850 would have required project labor agreements, a type of collective bargaining LOC OPPOSED
contract specific to the construction industry, on public improvements costing
$1 million or more and utilizing at least $750,000 in public funds. The bill was aggressively
opposed by the LOC as it would have increased project costs and significantly reduced the
number of contractors eligible to bid on projects. While SB 850 received multiple public
hearings, it never advanced to a work session. It is unclear if the bill will be re-introduced in
subsequent sessions, and the direct advocacy of city leaders was a major factor in its
defeat.
PUBLIC RECORDS AND OPEN MEETINGS
PASSED BILLS
LOC
HB 2295: Veterans Preference in Public Contracting TOOK NO
POSITION
Effective Date: September 23, 2023
HB 2295 expands the existing public contracting preference available to disabled veteran
owned businesses to most other veteran owned businesses. To qualify under this bill, a
business must be 51% owned by a qualifying veteran, the owner must manage the day-to-
day operation of the enterprise, and it must have annual revenues below $23.98 million.
HB 2295 was introduced at the request of Beaverton Mayor Lacey Batey and received wide
support.
HB 3572: Benefit Corp Contracting Preference ill
Effective Date: September 23, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 3572 allows, but does not require, a public contracting agency to grant a 5% preference
to a certified B-Corp when awarding a public contract. A B-Corp is defined as a for-profit
business which considers its impact on society and the environment. The bill was
supported by the LOC as it allows cities greater local control in the public contracting
process.
SB 510: Public Records Advocate Assessment Ilk
im
Effective Date: September 23, 2023 LOC NEUTRAL
SB 510 allows the state's Office of the Public Records Advocate (PRA) to assess a fee on
state agencies to fund their training and mediation activities. While the bill does not
authorize an assessment on local governments, cities are encouraged when utilizing PRA
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 132
services.to consider the potential for this legislation to be expanded during a future
legislative session.
HB 2805: Serial Meetings and OGEC Enforcement S
I.
Effective Date: September 23, 2023 LOC NEUTRAL
HB 2805 prohibits a city council or other public body subject to Oregon's open meeting
requirements from conducting a serial meeting and gives the Oregon Government Ethics
Commission (OGEC) authority to enforce the new standard. A serial meeting is defined as
the participation of a quorum of a city council or public body in a communication over time.
Not all members of a quorum need to participate in that communication at any one time,
but if through a series of texts, emails, messaging apps or conversation a quorum is
involved, they would be in violation. The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled the types of
meetings described in HB 2805 are already prohibited by law, but that decision was
reversed on technical grounds.
The LOC has trained city officials since 2016 to avoid such meetings, as the courts would
likely make the same findings if presented with a similar case. Public officials will also have
to attend or view an approved training on open meetings once during their term of office.
While the OGEC will have the authority to enforce open meetings law, a city will also have
the opportunity to cure a violation before a complaint may proceed.
HB 2806: Executive Session Expansion 41
Effective Date:July 13, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 2806 allows a city council to meet in executive session to discuss the safety and security
of facilities, volunteers, employees, and city officials, as well as cyber security issues. As
with all other executive sessions, the city may not vote or reach a final decision. The bill
contained an emergency clause and became effective on the governor's signature.
LOC REQUESTED
HB 3111: Employee Privacy a,
Effective Date: May 5, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 3111 corrects a discrepancy in public records law that allowed the private information
of public employees and volunteers to be released in a public records request when that
data was contained outside of a personnel file. Under HB 3111, personal contact
information, home addresses and emergency contacts are prohibited from being released
regardless of which type of record contains the information. However, this information may
be released in the event that a clear and convincing showing reveals that doing so is in the
best interest of the public. The bill also gives members of public pension and retirement
plans operated by local governments the same strong protections as PERS participants.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 133
FAILED BILLS
SB 160: Mandatory Public Records Fee Waiver 1
111
SB 160 would have required public records requests made by journalists to receive a LOCOPPOSED
full or partial waiver of fees. Current law allows an agency to charge the actual
costs of providing a public record and allows the agency and requestor to refine a request
to reduce costs and expedite the delivery of information. The LOC testified against the bill,
which received one public hearing and was not subject to additional consideration.
SB 417: Public Records Advisory Council Bill If
SB 417 was introduced at the request of the Public Records Advisory Council and LOCOPPOSED
was designed to reduce fees charged to journalists for public records requests. The bill
received a public hearing and was the subject of an extended workgroup but remained in
committee on adjournment. LOC staff anticipate similar legislation to be introduced in
subsequent legislative sessions but in a heavily amended form.
PUBLIC SAFETY
PASSED BILLS
SB 340: Organized Retail Theft
Effective Date:January 1, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
SB 340 gives police and prosecutors greater ability to combat organized retail theft by:
• Allowing organized retail theft committed in multiple counties to be charged
collectively in any county where the offenses were committed;
• Creating a 24-month presumptive sentence for repeated offenses of organized retail
theft or other similar crimes;
• Elevating offenses to first degree theft if a person commits a theft which causes
substantial risk of injury to another person; and
• Increasing the period from 90 to 180 days within which the value of merchandise can
be aggregated to satisfy requirements for the offense of organized retail theft.
SB 340 was the product of a workgroup sponsored by the Oregon Department of Justice
and the NW Grocers Association and was supported by the LOC. Organized retail theft has
increased in prices for consumers, damaged commercial health of cities and proven
difficult for Oregon' criminal justice system to deter.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 134
SB 615: Street Racing ,
Effective Date: September 23, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
SB 615 increased penalties and enforcement options against organized street racing
events. Specifically, the bill:
• Modifies the definition of the offense of organizing a speed racing event to include a
person who places an obstruction or barricade on a highway or assists another person
in doing so to facilitate, or to aid another person participating in, speed racing or
reckless driving;
• Reduces the penalty for the offense of organizing a speed racing event from a Class C
felony to a Class A misdemeanor unless the defendant has been convicted of the same
crime within the last five years;
• Modifies the definition of the offense of reckless driving to include behavior associated
with speed racing; and
• Adds reckless driving to offenses for which property used or intended to be used to
commit or facilitate prohibited conduct may be subject to criminal forfeiture.
Since 2015, eight people in Oregon have been killed in speed racing-related events and
large organized races on city streets have disrupted traffic and caused public alarms in
recent years. SB 615 was a priority for the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police and
passed both chambers by wide margins.
HB 2316: Any Impairing Substance
Effective Date:January 1, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 2316 expands Oregon's prohibition on driving while intoxicated to include any impairing
substance. Under current law, persons driving while impaired by over-the-counter
medications or huffing glue could not be charged with driving while under the influence of
intoxicants. This bill closes the gap in state statute to allow all drivers chemically impaired
to be charged.
BUDGET BILLS
PASSED BILLS
SB 5533: Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
Effective Date:July 27, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
SB 5533 funds the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) for
the upcoming biennium. The agency performs several public safety training and regulatory
functions, and of principle concern to cities is Oregon's police academy. Due to strong
advocacy on the part of police chiefs, sheriffs, and local leaders, the DPSST budget was
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 135
increased sufficiently to permit the agency to run concurrent academies, allowing twice the
number of police officers to be trained in the first year of the biennium.
Due to lingering impacts of COVID, combined with increase police hirings, the agency was
experiencing a six-month or more training backlog for basic police certification academies.
The additional appropriations allow the DPSST to train officers faster for a limited time, but
that could be expanded by the state's Emergency Board if the current effort proceeds
according to plan.
TELECOM, CYBERSECURITY &
BROADBAND
PASSED BILLS
HB 2049: Establishes Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
Effective Date: October 1, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
This bill establishes the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCOE) at Portland State
University (PSU), which will be jointly administered with Oregon State University (OSU) and
the University of Oregon (UO). The center will provide cybersecurity education, awareness,
and training to public, private, and nonprofit sectors. HB 2049 establishes a Workforce
Development Fund and a Grant Program Fund to provide cyber support for local
governments and grow the cybersecurity workforce in Oregon.
The bill also establishes an Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council (OCAC) within the CCOE.
Cities receive a direct spot on the advisory council, and this position will be appointed by
the governor in consultation with the director of the CCOE and the state's chief information
officer. The CCOE will also provide direct assessment, monitoring, incident response, and
competitive grants to local government bodies for cybersecurity-related goods and
services.
Due to a lack of funding by the Legislature, HB 2049 was amended to remove the state
matching funds necessary for the federal State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. The
LOC will monitor future opportunities for a member city to serve on the Cybersecurity
Advisory Council and provide details for when the CCOE is available as a resource for local
governments.
HB 2490: Public Records Exemption - Cybersecurity '
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 LOC SUPPORTED
HB 2490 clarifies that state disclosure laws exempt public records concerning cybersecurity
plans, devices and systems, including contractual and insurance records setting forth
specifications, applications and coverages. This bill would allow cities to protect the
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 136
confidential information and security details of their systems from malicious actors and
used against them in a high threat environment. The concept was brought forward by the
city of Eugene and supported by the LOC Telecom Policy Committee.
This bill clarifies that local governments can prevent disclosure of information in the
interest of protecting systems from cybersecurity breaches and removes the ambiguity of
possible court challenges when withholding sensitive records that relate to the security of
city systems.
Cities need to know that records pertaining to cybersecurity plans, devices and systems,
including contractual and insurance records setting forth specifications, applications and
coverages will be exempt from public disclosure starting on January 1, 2024.
HB 3201: Aligning Oregon Statute to Maximize Federal Funding
for Broadband LOC SUPPORTED
Effective Date: Upon Signing by the Governor
HB 3201 aligns Oregon statute in the Oregon Broadband Fund with guidance and best
practices from federal programs. The bill aligns speed and eligibility requirements with the
BEAD and ARPA infrastructure programs to ensure Oregon can maximize the funding
allocations while removing all requirements for future broadband funding that can be
determined through rule or the programs they apply to. HB 3201 also ensures that any
changes in federal programs allows to statute by the Oregon Broadband Office (OBO) in
consultation with the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council (OBAC) update the statute for
the Broadband Fund to align with updated guidance or best practices.
Oregon is set to receive about $900 million from the federal government for broadband
infrastructure and digital equity purposes. The goal of this bill was to ensure that Oregon
cities and potential applicants have as much flexibility to spend this funding according to
what guidance allows. It removes barriers from previous speed definitions and eligibility
requirements that could have prevented some cities from applying for these grants and the
state's ability to receive the entirety of the funds that have been allocated.
Cities need to start connecting with nearby communities, their county, local ISPs,
community groups, and other interested parties to identify the broadband needs of their
communities and to partner together on creating grant applications prior to the funds
becoming available.
The LOC was able to help negotiate a final amendment in the Senate with proponents and
advocates that kept the integrity of the bill and our main concerns intact, created
definitions that aligned with the federal funds and the flexibility to update those definitions
if guidance changes.
The LOC strongly supported and led the coalition efforts on HB 3201.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 137
FAILED BILLS
HB 2766: Broadband and Wireless Study Bill 1f
HB 2766 would have required the Oregon Broadband Office (OBO) to conduct a LOCOPPOSED
study on barriers, investment, and deployment of wireline and wireless
broadband internet service infrastructure by unserved and underserved communities. The
bill identified barriers as process and cost, permitting, regulatory, and economic feasibility.
HB 2766 is another attempt by industry to limit local government's ability to charge right-of-
way fees and permitting for infrastructure purposes under the guise of trying to better map
current broadband infrastructure. The LOC strongly opposed this effort. It's clear this
effort will not go away, and the LOC will remain vigilant towards future efforts.
HB 3249: Industry Broadband Bill II
This bill was an attempt by industry to counter HB 3201 with its own version. HB LOCOPPOSED
3249 differed from HB 3201 by creating strict parameters for how broadband funding
could be spent in the Oregon Broadband Fund. These limitations ran counter to federal
broadband funding guidance and best practices and would have limited Oregon's ability to
serve all our unserved and underserved communities. The impact could have meant less
funding for Oregon than what the state deserved and left some communities out from
being able to apply for the broadband grants.
The LOC opposed HB 3249 and successfully killed the bill in the House.
SB 635: Authorizes County Governments to Charge a Fee for LOC
TOOK NO
Right of Way Permits POSITION
SB 635 was introduced on behalf of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC). It
aimed to allow counties to require and charge fees for permitting to construct or alter lines,
fixtures, or facilities within their right-of-way of public roads under county jurisdiction. It
also authorized county governments to charge utilities for costs resulting from failure of
utilities to relocate utility facilities in highway right of way under certain circumstances.
Cities have the authority to charge right-of-way and permitting fees and are an important
source of revenue for LOC members. An interim workgroup has been established to find a
solution for AOC and the LOC has asked to participate in those discussions. It's fully
expected that similar legislation will come back in either 2024 or 2025.
SB 943: Broadband Service Infrastructure Program 1r
SB 943 would have created a new Oregon Broadband Service Infrastructure LOCOPPOSED
Program to assist in planning and developing high-speed broadband service infrastructure
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 138
in unserved and underserved areas. Eligible recipients awarded grants or loans would have
needed to create performance agreements to establish broadband infrastructure in
designated areas, reaching at least 95% of customers.
The bill also clarified that money in Broadband Fund are appropriated to Oregon Business
Development Department (OBDD) for the purpose of providing grants or loans under
program and established by rule. Additionally, the bill required the OBDD, through the
Oregon Broadband Office (OBO), to implement a program offering grants or loans to
support residents and businesses in high-cost broadband service areas, aiming to provide
access to broadband services at rates comparable to those outside such areas.
The LOC was opposed to SB 943 but worked with Senator Brock Smith on a coalition bill,
HB 3201, to address his reasons for introducing SB 943.
TRANSPORTATION
PASSED BILLS
LOC PRIORITY
HB 2095: Photo Radar Authority al
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 LOC SUPPORTED
Currently only 10 cities in Oregon (Albany, Beaverton, Bend, Eugene, Gladstone, Medford,
Milwaukie, Oregon City, Portland and Tigard) can use mobile photo radar for managing
speed under ORS 810.438. Portland is the only city allowed to use fixed photo radar sites
away from intersections, and only on roads where a high number of accidents have
occurred.
This legislation extends authority for the use of fixed and mobile photo radar to all 241
cities in Oregon. In addition, all cities will be able to use mobile and fixed photo radar on
"high-speed" corridors instead of being confined to a "high-crash" corridor. Finally, the local
speed setting authority will allow cities to adjust local street speeds by as much as 10 miles
per hour.
HB 2098: Interstate Bridge Replacement 11
Effective Date:July 1, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
This legislation commits Oregon to $1 billion toward the Interstate Bridge Replacement
(IBR). Oregon's funding matches the state of Washington's commitment made earlier this
year. HB 2098 did not advance during session, however the bonding authorization is in HB
5005. The funding commitment is in the Christmas Tree bill, HB 5506. Finally, SB 1049 has
additional funding components. Oregon's funding commitment comes entirely from
general obligation (GO) bonds of$250 million over four consecutive biennia. With the
funding commitments from Oregon and Washington, a joint grant application for federal
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 139
funds will be submitted with hopes of seeing more than $3 billion in federal funding toward
an estimated $6.3 billion cost.
LOC PRIORITY
HB 2099: Safe Routes to Schools/Omnibus Transportation Bill
Effective Date: September 24, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
Safe Routes to Schools have been a focal point for many communities and the state;
specifically, to improve safety along school access routes. The portion of this omnibus
transportation bill includes improvements to the program by expanding eligibility criteria
for Safe Routes to School grants and eliminating minimum cash match for grants. These
changes should result in a more expansive program in the future.
HB 2101: Fund Exchange
Effective Date: On Passage LOC SUPPORTED
For the last three years, the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) has struggled
to maintain stable pass-through funding from the federal Surface Transportation Block
Grant (STBG) program, which funds the local government fund exchange program. The
LOC, along with the Association of Oregon Cities (AOC), has worked on multiple solutions to
extend the program until additional state funding can be identified. HB 2101 creates a
stable funding source for fund exchange, because ODOT will allocate $35 million annually
from its share of state highway fund revenue and transfer straight to the fund exchange.
There are 43 cities, 31 counties and seven small Metropolitan Planning Organizations
(MPO) that benefit from this legislation.
HB 2793:Jurisdictional Transfer Committee a,
Effective Date:June 22, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
Jurisdictional transfer of transportation facilities has long been an important part of
transportation policy for cities. This issue has, however, lacked a funding commitment
from the state and a process or criteria for evaluating transportation routes that are prime
for transfer to a local community or the state. HB 2793 creates an 11-member committee
and criteria to evaluate prospective routes to consider for transfer. The committee
membership will have state-wide representation and be appointed by the governor.
During each odd numbered session, the committee will bring up to three transportation
routes for consideration by the Legislature.
LOC PRIORITY
HB 3113: Expanding Great Streets Program '
Effective Date:July 1, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
This legislation allocated $10 million from the state's general fund to the Oregon
Department of Transportation's (ODOT) Great Streets program. This is an effort to build on
the infusion of$50 million already programed by ODOT that was received as flexible
federal transportation funds through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 140
Great Streets program is intended to improve mobility options and increase safety in
communities on state facilities. Project funding for the program is based on a series of
factors including proximity to main streets in communities.
mm
FAILED BILLS
HB 3556: Abandoned RV DisposalL
TOOK
NO
POSITION
The LOC participated in a lengthy, multi-stakeholder workgroup prior to and during
2023 session. HB 3556 was the product of that effort. The goal was to find a solution that
would improve the current process of recreational vehicle (RV) removal from local streets
as well as locations outside of urban areas. While every effort was made to find a workable
outcome, the workgroup was unable to reach a consensus solution that balanced costs
associated with the removal process. The LOC will continue to advocate for the
establishment of a funding source and reimbursement program to help clear the state
backlog of abandoned RVs and will continue to work with our local government partners
and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
LOC
TOOK NO
SB 933: Prohibition on Tolling POSITION
Due to the ongoing debate over the use of tolling to finance transportation projects, several
legislative concepts were introduced during the 2023 session. The concepts ranged from
delaying the use of tolls to mandated revenue sharing with local governments as well as an
outright prohibition on tolling. SB 933 would prevent the use of tolls on Interstate 205 and
Interstate 5, except for the I-5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) project. This legislation also
requires ODOT to conduct evaluate other funding sources for bridge replacement projects.
None of the proposed legislative concepts received hearings.
Legislative leadership and Governor Kotek agreed to delay tolling efforts for the Abernethy
Bridge projects and lane expansion on Interstate-205 until January of 2026. In addition, a
special transportation committee to review tolling was established. This new Special
Subcommittee on Transportation Planning will oversee ODOT's infrastructure repair and
modernization plans, including efforts to mitigate the impact of tolling on vulnerable
communities. The committee will meet over the next couple of years to frame
recommendations on the use of tolling in advance of the 2025 session.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 141
WATER & WASTEWATER
- -
PASSED BILLS
HB 2010: Drought Package Omnibus Bill ill
Effective Date:June 22, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
The Bipartisan Drought Relief and Water Security Package represents a collection of more
than a dozen pieces of legislation pulled into one as an omnibus addressing all things
drought relief. What started as a $250 million dollar package was narrowed to about $110
million. The LOC was actively engaged on the 'Drought Package' and key provisions are as
follows:
• Water Reuse and Recycling
o Directs the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in consultation
with the Oregon Water Resources Department, to address barriers to, and develop
technical assistance resources to support, expanded beneficial water reuse or
recycled water programs and projects. The DEQ is to submit a final report, which
includes completed resources developed, to the interim committees of the
Legislature related to water no later than September 15, 2024.
• Source Drinking Water Protection
o Directs the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) to establish a
program to provide grants of up to $3 million to water suppliers to protect,
restore, or enhance sources of drinking water.
• Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement Fund Program Changes
o Expands eligibility criteria to include projects for the abandonment, repair or
replacement of water wells used for household purposes in areas of ground water
contamination, if contaminant levels in the water from the water wells exceed
levels permitted under drinking water standards.
• Low-Income Water Rate Report
o Requires the Legislative Policy and Research Office to submit a report on
processes and outcomes in Oregon related to recent federal funding
opportunities to assist low-income drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater
ratepayers on or before January 15, 2024.
• Integrated Water Resources Strategy
o Adds the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) and the Oregon
Department of Agriculture (ODA) to the list of agencies the Oregon Water
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 142
Resources Department (WRD) is to work with in developing an integrated state
water resources strategy.
• Place-Based Planning Grants
o The measure appropriates $2 million from the state's general fund for deposit in
the Place-Based Water Planning Fund, along with a $2 million Other Funds
expenditure limitation to expend monies from the fund. Place-based integrated
water resources planning means a collaborative and inclusive process designed
to gather information to develop a shared understanding of water resources and
identify critical issues and knowledge gaps. The process also would examine the
existing and future in-stream and out-of-stream water needs for people, the
economy, and the environment.
• Aquifer Recharge Grant Program
o Makes a one-time appropriation of$3 million from the state's general fund for
deposit in the Aquifer Recharge Fund. Grants may be awarded to perform certain
due diligence activities related to aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and
recovery. The measure also directs the Oregon Business Development
Department to establish and administer an Aquifer Recharge Testing Forgivable
Loan Program for certain costs associated with aquifer recharge, storage, and
recovery testing.
• Oregon Association of Water Utilities
o Appropriates $1 million from the state's general fund to the Oregon Department
of Administrative Services to contract with the Oregon Association of Water
Utilities to perform or subcontract to perform a study of the vulnerabilities and
needs of small and very small community systems. The agencies would also
provide technical, financial, and managerial support and resources to small and
very small community water systems and hire and employ one training specialist
and two technical assistance providers to address the identified needs and
vulnerabilities.
: Removal Fill Fees LOC
TOOK NO
Effective Date: September 24, 2023 POSITION
Fees for removal-fill permits are currently set in statute and only cover about 25% of the
costs associated with administration of the removal-fill program. The remainder of the
programmatic costs are covered by funds transferred from the state's Common School
Fund. Since statehood, the state of Oregon owns and manages lands, the revenue from
which is directed to the Common School Fund (revenue comes from leasing of land, lands
that have been sold and the harvesting of timber). The Common School Fund provides
annual distributions to Oregon's 197 public school districts. HB 2238 allows the Oregon
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 143
Department of State Lands (DSL) to adopt removal-fill fee via administrative rulemaking.
The DSL estimates approximately $1 .65 million per year is transferred from the Common
School Fund to cover the removal-fill program.
Currently, the highest fee level that the DSL can charge for a removal-fee permit is $1,470.
HB 2238 I gives the director of the DSL authority to adopt a new fee structure. The bill
provides the DSL with two years to adopt rules to reflect an appropriate fee structure to
support the level of service associated with permitting. The DSL testified they may look to
the 401-certification program (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality) as a model
for the removal-fill fee structure.
In addition, HB 2238 outlines a process by which the DSL may remove personal property
from state lands, including requirements for notice and storage.
HB 2929: Injunctive Relief for Water Law Violations
Ilk
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 EN
LOC NEUTRAL
Authorizes the Oregon Water Resources Department (WRD) to seek temporary or
permanent injunctive relief at the circuit court for Marion County, or the circuit court in the
county where the activity takes place, if a person has engaged in: an activity that violates
water right permitting; unlawful use or appropriation of groundwater, including well
construction and operation; interference with a headgate; or the unauthorized use of
wastewater. The LOC testified as neutral, sharing our concerns with a broad definition that
would have given authority to take any action related to water law violations. An initial draft
would have provided too broad of authority to the Water Resources Department.
HB 3097: Simplifies In-Pipe Hydroelectric Projects LOC
TOOK NO
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 POSITION
Allows municipal corporations or people's utility districts to apply for water use certificates
for hydroelectric purposes within a piped conduit in an artificial delivery system that is
delivering water for municipal uses regardless of who holds the underlying municipal water
right, if written authorization by that holder is given. Streamlines application process for
cities to use in-pipe hydroelectric projects.
HB 3195: Modifies Eligibility for Clean Water State Revolving Fund TOO NO
POSITION
Effective Date:January 1, 2024
Broadens the definitions of public agency and treatment works for purposes of eligibility
for financial assistance from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The CWSRF is a
federal-state partnership that provides communities with low-cost financing for a wide
range of water quality infrastructure projects.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary I"
HB 3208: Department of Environmental Quality Fees LOC
TOOK NO
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 POSITION
Authorizes the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission to annually adjust fees for
certain Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) programs up to a maximum amount of
3% per calendar year. This includes fees related to sewage disposal and associated
licensing, septage treatment, subsurface injection of fluids, sewage treatment works
certification, and fees for state certification under Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The
bill also repeals the statutorily established fee schedule for subsurface injection of fluids.
Impacts related to fees DEQ can charge.
HB 3211: Water Right Certificates/Authorized Point of Diversion ,
Effective Date:July 21, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
Authorizes holder of specific water right certificates to change the authorized point of
diversion and place of use without losing priority of the right under specified conditions.
The LOC engaged on this bill to emphasize regulatory certainty and the importance of
having flexibility to change point of diversion or place of use of existing storage water
rights.
SB 718: Drought Impacts on Forfeiture of Water Rights II
Effective Date:January 1, 2024 LOC SUPPORTED
Provides that a year in which the governor declares that drought exists or is likely to exist
within a county does not count toward the five-year water right forfeiture period. The LOC
partnered with the Association of Oregon Counties in support of this legislation to mitigate
the impact of droughts on water rights forfeiture.
LOC
SB 835: ADU Connections to Septic System TOOK NO
POSITION
Effective Date:January 1, 2024
Directs the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules regarding the
conditions to approve a proposal to permanently connect an accessory dwelling unit to the
same subsurface sewage disposal system or alternative sewage disposal system as a
single-family dwelling on the same lot or parcel.
HB 5018: Department of Environmental Quality Budget 411
Effective Date:July 27, 2023 LOC OPPOSED
Background on Budget: Sixty percent of Oregon's water quality program is funded
through permit fees, with 40% funded through the state's general fund. The approved
budget includes additional policy option packages that will fund positions for onsite septic
permitting and drinking water source protection (with specific attention to areas
programmatic expertise necessary to implement federal grants). It also provides funding
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 145
for continued work associated with Oregon's water data portal, as well as increased debt-
service that is necessary for Oregon to accept federal Clean Water State Revolving Funds.
Unfunded Policy Option Packages and Reductions: The budget does not include agency
policy option package requests that would have invested additional state funding for water
quality standards and assessments, wastewater permitting positions, stormwater
permitting, one TMDL implementation position (state funding to restore a position
reduction due to a federal funding shortage), IWRS support, groundwater management
evaluation, domestic well testing, stabilized legal services funding, sustained laboratory
infrastructure services, and cross-program regional support. In addition, the budget
resulted in certain reductions to programs/positions, including a reduction of$735,000 to
services/supplies and IT services.
Fee Implications: The budget does not include additional permitting program staffing
enhancements, so it is anticipated that NPDES/MS4 permits will not see fee increases
beyond the automatic, annual 3% adjustments that are authorized in statute. There will
likely be slight fee increases associated with the onsite septic program to support new
positions that were included in the budget. LOC PRIORITY
HB 5030: Lottery Bond Authorization al
Effective Date:July 1, 2023 LOC SUPPORTED
Authorizes the issuance of lottery revenue bonds for specified projects - including $30
million to recapitalize the Special Public Works Fund (SPWF) for critical infrastructure
funding. The governor's request budget asked for $90 million to recapitalize the SPWF; the
LOC requested $125 million, and the Legislature approved $30 million. Provides the
bonding for recapitalization of SPWF.
SB 5524: Business Oregon Budget/Special Public Works Fund III
LOC SUPPORTED
Effective Date:July 1, 2023
Appropriates specified amount from the general fund to the Special Public Works Fund,
which provides low-cost financing to eligible municipalities for planning, design, and
construction of utilities and facilities essential to industrial growth, commercial enterprise,
and job creation. A 2021 report, produced by the LOC in coordination with Portland State
University, lays out a $23 billion need in water and wastewater infrastructure over the next
20 years.
FAILED BILLS
LOC
HB 2647: Harmful Algal Blooms TOOK NO
POSITION
Would have declared harmful algal blooms a threat to safe drinking water and
directed the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Environmental Quality to
identify causes and point sources associated with harmful algal blooms, and submit a
report.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 146
LOC
HB 2765: South Suburban Sanitary District Reuse TOOK NO
POSITION
Would have granted the South Suburban Sanitary District with the exclusive right
to use and sell treated wastewater (discharged by the district) into the Klamath River or its
tributaries. South Suburban had recently learned from the Oregon Department of
Environment Quality that it needs to build a new wastewater treatment plant. As part of
that discussion, the district engaged in conversations about where they would discharge
the water. A nearby irrigation district, which is connected to the Klamath Wildlife Refuge,
has indicated it would like to utilize the treated effluent (which will be treated to reuse
quality). However, the pipeline required for conveyance would cost approximately $20
million. The bill would have allowed for the river to serve as a natural conveyance system.
HB 3123: PFAS Study Bill
1
Requested by the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies, the bill would have LOC SUPPORTED
provided $525,000 in state general funds to have Oregon State University conduct a study
of the fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) in biosolids. The bill required
OSU to collaborate with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon
wastewater service providers to:
• Identify PFAS concentrations in biosolids produced by selected wastewater treatment
facilities in this state;
• Compare the PFAS concentrations identified to PFAS concentrations in the selected
agricultural fields where biosolids have been applied as a soil amendment;
• Examine the potential for PFAS to leach into groundwater; and
• Examine PFAS uptake in representative crops from various ecosystems in this state.
HB 3125: Low-Income Household Water Rate Assistance (LIHWA) I1
Would have provided additional funding to the state's Public Drinking Water and LOC SUPPORTED
Sewer Ratepayer Assistance Fund. The first-of-its-kind program was established by
Congress through the appropriation of $638 million in the Consolidated Appropriations Act
(CAA) of 2021 and an additional $500 million in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of
2021. Oregon received nearly $15 million to provide LIHWA assistance to low-income
households who have a significant water burden. Payments go directly to the owners and
operators of water and wastewater utilities. Households apply for assistance through their
local community action agency.
LOC
SB 405: Microfibers TOOK NO
POSITION
Would have prohibited the sale of new clothes washers, after January 1, 2026,
unless the washers are equipped with a built-in or in-line microfiber filtration system.
SB 949: Modifies Fees for Dredging 1f
Would have authorized a port to assess public bodies for a share of the cost of LOC OPPOSED
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 147
removing sediment from port waters where a public body owns or controls a culvert, creek,
or other water course that discharged into port waters during the calendar year prior to the
assessment year. Bill would have charged cities for dredging fees.
WILDFIRE POLICY & FUNDING
. _
PASSED BILLS
SB 80: Community Risk Reduction L°`
TOOK NO
POSITION
Effective Date:July 1, 2023
This legislation combines funding allocations for wildfire risk reduction plans and policy
improvements. Despite the ongoing wildfire risk in communities, the Legislature only
funded $3 million for the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program and did not meet a $40
million funding request from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office. There is also a change
in how the Wildfire Risk Map will be described. The changes have dropped "risk" and
inserted "hazard," so the new map will be a Wildfire Hazard Map (WHP). A series of other
changes include notification of WHP will be limited to landowners in the extreme and high
hazard categories. There are also additional details on the standard of public engagement
to improve community engagement and education. The eligibility of home hardening will
include an allocation of $7 million, with $20 million committed to the landscape resiliency
fund. More details of this legislation can be found here.
SB 509: Wildfire Omnibus Bill
Effective Date: On Passage LOC SUPPORTED
This legislation establishes a grant and incentive program through the Oregon State Fire
Marshal's Office that will support communities, counties, and the public in reducing wildfire
risk. In addition, SB 509 will establish a neighborhood protection cooperative program to
coordinate, streamline, and improve programs that will assist with reducing wildfire risk in
and around neighborhoods. A user-friendly website for the public to access information
along with a 20-year strategic plan is part of this legislation. What will be needed from the
Legislature is a long-term commitment to fund the program and not lose ground on a
growing amount of lands that present risk of future wildfire ignition. More details of this
legislation can be found here.
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 148
FAILED BILLS
SB 5542: Municipal Wildfire Assistance Program (MWAP) - Ai
Funding Request LOC SUPPORTED
The LOC made a priority budget request of $3 million to re-fill the MWAP. This program has
been instrumental for several fire-impacted communities from 2020 Labor Day fires,
assisting in planning-related costs and ongoing assistance. This program was not funded,
but the LOC is preparing an Emergency Board request for later this year to re-fill this critical
funding resource.
VOTING MATRIX
OVERVIEW
Since the 2021 session, the LOC has prepared a full session bill summary that includes a
voting matrix. The motivation for this was to share public information on legislation that is
important to the LOC and our members.
The legislation displayed is a cross section of bills that the IGR team worked on during the
2023 session. There are seven bills displayed that LOC supported, one bill that we opposed
and another that we were officially neutral on. All these bills were voted on in the House
and Senate during this session. All bills except for HB 3113 made it out of both chambers
and were signed by Governor Kotek.
What this voting matrix is:
The intent of the voting matrix is to provide members with a sense of where important
issues stood with the legislature. By looking at the vote count you can get a sense of how
the bill is viewed by members of the House and Senate. Keep in mind that there are many
reasons why a legislator votes the way they do. It could be a caucus vote that is needed to
pass key legislation, it could be related to the legislation not being strong enough to
support.
What this voting matrix is not:
This is not a scoring sheet and should not be used in that manner. Several interest groups will
select pieces of legislation to score for the purpose of developing grades for legislators
based on their voting history. This voting matrix is not being used as such, and we
recommend that our members not use it as anything related to a grade or performance.
Voting Key
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 149
If a Red 0 appears in a green highlighted bill, then the legislator opposed legislation the
LOC supported.
If a Blue + appears in a green highlighted bill, then the legislator supported legislation the
LOC supported.
If a Red 0 appears in a red highlighted bill, then the legislator opposed legislation the LOC
opposed.
If a Blue + appears in a red highlighted bill, then the legislator supported legislation the LOC
opposed.
E - Signifies an excused absence as determined by the House or Senate Clerk with approval
from the respective chamber's leadership.
A - Notes an absence from a vote that was not excused.
ale�. � �Ge IP
*G e eS
%
Q � Ce #C° & 0
ec i° %ea w` s
O o Q`
RIe * et \c, iC4a N. a�
b
`yap ks,�aa �ti. °\C, eG� ��°'c Q,+Gr .0 ��
2023 Legislative �.�a Qr° yea �`G0 Goa +e ��� �°° Q,ca
Session Voting o,�c. o�43' ryoN' ryti0 o 1:5 ��0 ^oN* oo�' o^�
Matrix ��� ��� �t, fib �17 �17 fit. ��ti ��,
SENATORS
Aaron Woods + + + _ ,a KEY
Art Robinson UE 0 UE UE UE UE UE ,} 0 Voted in Support +
Bill Hansell UE + UE UE UE UE UE UE Voted in Opposition f
Brian Boquist UE + UE UE UE UE UE UE UE Excused E
Cedric Hayden UE 0 UE UE UE UE UE UE UE Excused for Business EB
Chris Gorsek + E + + + + + + 0 Unexcused UE
Daniel Bonham + 0 0 + + + + -.a 0 LOC Opposed
David Brock Smith + 0 + + + + + + LOC Supported
Deb Patterson + + + + + + + + + LOC Neutral
Dennis Linthicum UE 0 UE UE UE UE UE UE UE
Dick Anderson + + + + + + + 0
Elizabeth Steiner + + + + + + + +. +
Floyd Prozanski + + + + + + + + +
Fred Girod + 0 + 0 + + 0 + 0
James I Manning, Jr. + + + + + + + + +
Janeen Sollman + 0 + + + + + - 0
Jeff Golden + + + + + + + 0 +
Kate Lieber + + + + + + + + +
Kathleen Taylor + + + + + + + 0 +
Kayse Jama + + + + + + +
Kim Thatcher UE 0 UE UE UE UE UE UE UE
Lew Frederick + + + + + + + + +
Lynn Findley + + + + + + + + 0
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 150
6 G6 g
aG��Pe(
``6� g " �`a6
e IPe(sOe•(' {c, `( me
mr o� c' �r Q 6cw el
r. : ;"raF 4:(. roe. o,� a`��a
Fs..JoamQmampO�g0agai a� 5 Q,'`•mom �� p<oG dab F,Gr ,��G if
c
2023 Legislative 4`�c,A�6t0+m F6a°<4�6G`LQ,�`�V°F�oa �Goom e'''
Session Voting ryo^ ryabo'rya� ,y° �rytio ryo� o.° ryo�' �o^
Matrix ,2, ., ., ., .2, .2, .2,
., ., .2�
District REPRESENTATIVES KEY
47 Andrea Valderrema + + + + + + + + + Voted in Support +
23 Anna Scharf 0 + + + EB + E + Voted in Opposition 0
40 Annessa Hartman + + + + + + + + + Excused E
25 Ben Bowman + + + + + + + + + Excused for Business EB
58 Bobby Levy + + + + + + + E + Unexcused UE
9 Boomer Wright + + + E + + E + LOC Opposed
31 Bran Stout + + + + + + + + LOC Supported
12 Charlie Conrad + EB + + + + + 0 + LOC Neutral
4 Christine Goodwin 0 + + y E + + + +
1 Court Boice + + + + + E + + 0
26 Courtney N eron + + + + + + + + +
32 Cyrus Javadi + + + + + + + + +
28 Dacia Grayber + + + + + + + + +
16 Dan Rayfield EB EB + + + + + + +
38 Daniel Nguyen + + + + + ,. + E +
10 David Gomberg + + + + + + + + +
17 Ed Diehl + + + E + + E +
53 Emerson Levy + + + + E + + + +
56 Emily McIntire + + + + + + + +
35 Farrah Chaichi + + + + + + + 0 +
57 Greg Smith + + + + E _• + + +
36 Hai Pham + + + + + + + + +
48 Hoa Nguyen + + E E + + + + +
51 James Hieb + + + + + + + +
11 Jami Cate 0 + + 0 + + + 0
39 Janelle Bynum E E + + + E + + E
54 Jason Kropf + + + + + + + + +
52 Jeff Helfrich + + + + + + + + +
7 John Lively + + + + + + + + +
37 Jules Walters + + + + + E + + +
14 Julie Fahey + + + + + + + + +
27 Ken Helm + + + + + + + + +
21 Kevin Mannix + + + + + + + + +
46 Khahn Pham + + + + + + + 0 +
6 Kim Wallan + + + + + + + + +
3 Lily Morgan ? + + E + + + +
34 Lisa Reynolds + + + + + + + + +
24 Lucetta Elmer + + + E + + + + +
41 Mark Gamba + + + + + + + C +
60 Mark Owens + + + + + 0 + + +
33 Maxine Dexter + + + + + 0 + + +
13 Nancy Nathanson + + + + + + + + +
30 Nathan Sosa + + + + + 0 + + +
5 Pam Marsh + + + + + + + + +
20 Paul Evans + + + + + 0 E + +
8 Paul Holvey + + + + + €0 + + +
18 Rick Lewis + + + + + + + + +
50 Ricki Ruiz + + + + + + + +
42 Rob Nosse + + + + + + + + +
15 Shelly Boshart Davis + + EB 0 + EB + E 0
29 Susan Mclain + + + + + + + + +
43 Tawna Sanchez + + + + + + + +
45 ThuyTran E + + + + + + + E
19 Tom Andersen + + + + + + + + +
22 Tracy Cramer + + + + + + E +
44 Travis Nelson + + + + + + + + +
59 Vikki Breese-Iverson EB EB + + + 0 + + EB
2 Virgle Osborne + + + + + 0 + E +
55 Werner Reschke 0 + E E E + E 0
49 Zach Hudson + + + + + + + + +
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 151
INDEX BY BILL NUMBER
HB 2001/HB 5019: Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness
Response Package 7
HB 2004: Ranked Choice Voting 29
HB 2009: Economic Development Incentive Omnibus 5
HB 2010: Drought Package Omnibus Bill 42
HB 2049: Establishes Cybersecurity Center of Excellence 36
HB 2080: Property Tax Exemption Omnibus 25
HB 2088: Assessment & Taxation Funding 27
HB 2089: Marijuana Revenue Distribution 27
HB 2095: Photo Radar Authority 39
HB 2098: Interstate Bridge Replacement 39
HB 2101 : Fund Exchange 40
HB 2164: Fish Passage Exemption 22
HB 2216: Public Utility Commission Rate Impact Study 22
HB 2238: Removal Fill Fees 43
HB 2258: Industrial Site Readiness Funding 7
HB 2295: Veterans Preference in Public Contracting 32
HB 2296: Work After Retirement 31
HB 2316: Any Impairing Substance 35
HB 2395: Opioid Crisis 28
HB 2406: Energy Facility Equipment Waste Recycling and Disposal Needs 22
HB 2490: Public Records Exemption - Cybersecurity 36
HB 2494: Transient Lodging Tax Flexibility 27
HB 2505: Local Marijuana Tax Increase 27
HB 2506: Residential Facility Siting 12
HB 2513: Measure 110 Adjustments 29
HB 2530: Defining Renewable Hydrogen 14
HB 2548: Local Income Tax Definition 27
HB 2576: Local Income Tax Jurisdiction 26
HB 2647: Harmful Algal Blooms 46
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 152
HB 2685: Tax Credit for Biomass 23
HB 2713: Home Rule to Prohibit Fossil Fuels 23
HB 2757: 988 Funding 29
HB 2765: South Suburban Sanitary District Reuse 47
HB 2766: Broadband and Wireless Study Bill 38
HB 2793:jurisdictional Transfer Committee 40
HB 2805: Serial Meetings and OGEC Enforcement 33
HB 2806: Executive Session Expansion 33
HB 2816: High Energy Use Facilities and Clean Electricity 23
HB 2889: Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) Technical Fix 8
HB 2929: Injunctive Relief for Water Law Violations 44
HB 2980A: Moderate-Income Affordable Housing Financing Tool 12
HB 2983: Manufactured Housing Development Funds 12
HB 2984: Commercial Conversions 8
HB 3013: Pharmacy Subsidies 30
HB 3097: Simplifies In-Pipe Hydroelectric Projects 44
HB 3111 : Employee Privacy 33
HB 3113: Expanding Great Streets Program 40
HB 3123: PFAS Study Bill 47
HB 3125: Low-Income Household Water Rate Assistance (LIHWA) 47
HB 3195: Modifies Eligibility for Clean Water State Revolving Fund 44
HB 3201 : Aligning Oregon Statute to Maximize Federal Funding for Broadband 37
HB 3202: Relating to Night Sky 24
HB 3208: Department of Environmental Quality Fees 45
HB 3211 : Water Right Certificates/Authorized Point of Diversion 45
HB 3220: Modifies Electronics Recycling Program 15
HB 3249: Industry Broadband Bill 38
HB 3395: End of Session Housing Package 8
HB 3409: Climate Package 15
HB 3414: Governor's Housing Production Bill 13
HB 3442: Affordable Housing Development in Tsunami Zones 11
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 153
HB 3556: Abandoned RV Disposal 41
HB 3569: Right to Housing 13
HB 3572: Benefit Corp Contracting Preference 32
HB 3630: ODOE Omnibus Programs Bill 19
HB 5016: Oregon Department of Energy Budget 21
HB 5018: Department of Environmental Quality Budget 45
HB 5019/HB 2001 : Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness
Response Package 7
HB 5027: DLCD Budget Bill 11
HB 5030: Lottery Bond Authorization 46
SB 4: Oregon CHIPS Act 6
SB 80: Community Risk Reduction 48
SB 123: Study of Recyclability Claims 21
SB 160: Mandatory Public Records Fee Waiver 34
SB 340: Organized Retail Theft 34
SB 405: Microfibers 47
SB 406: Tillamook County Middle Housing Updates 11
SB 417: Public Records Advisory Council Bill 34
SB 488: Modifies Emissions Standards for Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators 21
SB 509: Wildfire Omnibus Bill 48
SB 510: Public Records Advocate Assessment 32
SB 542: Right to Repair 24
SB 594: Prevailing Wage for Demolition Work 31
SB 615: Street Racing 35
SB 635: Authorizes County Governments to Charge a Fee for Right of Way
Permits 38
SB 647: Prevents Local Governments from Prohibiting Natural Gas 24
SB 655: Property Tax Freeze 28
SB 678: Benefits of Offshore Wind to Local Governments for Energy
Grid Resilience 25
SB 718: Drought Impacts on Forfeiture of Water Rights 45
SB 812: Drone Regulation 30
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 154
SB 835: ADU Connections to Septic System 45
SB 847: Senate Omnibus Housing Bill 13
SB 850: Project Labor Agreements 32
SB 858: Children's Service Districts 28
SB 919: Local Option ADU and Conversion Property Tax Exemption 26
SB 933: Prohibition on Tolling 41
SB 943: Broadband Service Infrastructure Program 38
SB 949: Modifies Fees for Dredging 47
SB 1047: Public Contract Threshold Increase 31
SB 1051: Urban Reserves and UGB Expansion 13
SB 5506: Budget Reconciliation Bill 21
SB 5511 : Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Budget Bill 12
SB 5524: Business Oregon Budget/Special Public Works Fund 46
SB 5533: Department of Public Safety Standards and Training 35
SB 5542: Municipal Wildfire Assistance Program (MWAP) - Funding Request 49
2023 Legislative Bill Summary 155