What Oregon’s Legislative Session Means for You
It was a busy and impactful legislative session, and we’re excited to bring you some news about the latest bills that will directly impact our community. These bills tackle critical issues like affordable housing, mental health, and criminal justice. Let’s delve into some of the more impactful bills for county residents and discuss how they affect you.
Supporting Mental Health: House Bill 2405
House Bill 2405, which was requested by the Marion County Board of Commissioenrs, is a fundamentally important bill that did not receive a lot of coverage but deserves it. HB 2405 ensures that individuals in Marion County who are being held for crimes that are released from the State Hospital and who are deemed unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues are returned to their home communities if charges against them are dismissed. By doing so, we prevent individuals from falling through the cracks and help them access the support they need in their home community where the charges were originally brought against them. We believe this compassionate approach fosters a sense of belonging and aids in the recovery process. It also assists the county in sharing our already limited resources with the members of our community that need it most.
Combating Substance Abuse: House Bill 2645
Substance abuse and misuse, particularly of fentanyl, has been a growing concern. House Bill 2645 tackles this issue by establishing a misdemeanor penalty for the possession of small amounts of fentanyl. This legislation helps close a current gap in Oregon law, ensuring consequences for possessing this substance. This is a step in prioritizing public safety and addressing the opioid crisis, especially as opioid deaths have surged after the passage of Measure 110. This is a valuable tool in Marion County to help stem this tide and give our Sheriff’s Office the tools it needs to help individuals find help and healing.
Self-Pumping at Rural Gas Stations: House Bill 3260
House Bill 3260, also requested by the Marion County Board of Commissioners, allows residents of specific cities (Detroit) in rural Marion County, primarily those affected by the 2020 wildfires, to pump their own gas even when no staff is present. In smaller communities like this, access is essential, especially when distances between gas stations can be significant. This legislation ensures that residents in remote areas have that access at all hours. It should be noted that this bill is different than HB 2426, which is a statewide bill that essentially allows gas stations to designate half of their pumps as “self-serve.” This bill is set to expire on January 2, in 2029 unless it is made permanent by future legislation.
Waste-to-Energy Reclamation: Senate Bill 488
Senate Bill 488 was a bill originally designed to limit and potentially harm Marion County’s ability to send trash to a waste-to-energy facility, instead diverting trash to landfills where it would inevitably decay and produce large amounts of methane gas. Instead, this bill was reworked for continuous monitoring or sampling of emissions from municipal solid waste incinerators like Covanta, ensuring compliance with rigorous environmental regulations. It limits the amount of medical waste the facility can burn to no more than it is already burning, and it also requires the facility to continuously test for 15 emissions where technologically feasible. Covanta already tests for five of these emissions, and only one additional emission is technologically feasible at this time. Marion County is very proud of our waste-to-energy partnerships, which contributes to us having the second-highest waste reduction rate in the state.
Expanding Affordable Housing: House Bill 2001/5019
Affordable housing is an obvious and ongoing issue in the county, and House Bill 2001 aims to tackle it head-on. This bill sets aside $200 million to construct more affordable housing units, ensuring that more individuals and families have access to safe and affordable homes. It also requires cities with a population greater than 10,000 to establish building targets for different income levels, promoting a more inclusive housing landscape. By streamlining the process for urban growth boundary expansion, the bill paves the way for faster construction, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in our county.
An Unfortunate Loss for Wildfire-Affected Canyon Residents: Senate Bill 1012
A fire recovery property tax reset bill failed to get a floor vote in the House after passing unanimously in the senate. This bill would have reset fire victims’ property taxes to the same rate as pre-fire (July 1, 2020) so long as they live in their home. They would still be subject to the normal increases all properties receive. We will try again to get support for a bill like this in the February 2024 short session.
Looking Forward
From supporting mental health to combating substance abuse and misuse and supporting our rural communities, we remain committed to improving the quality of life for all residents and keeping Marion County the best place to call home. Your voice matters, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. Together, we'll continue building a stronger Marion County.