HB 3502 makes permanent the certification requirements for professionals who conduct water right surveys in Oregon. It establishes that registered geologists, engineers, land surveyors, or eligible water district employees (with 7+ years experience) can become certified examiners after passing an exam administered by the Water Resources Department. The bill outlines the process for certification, including fees based on program costs and disciplinary procedures for violations. It directly affects water rights professionals and water districts by standardizing examiner qualifications under Oregon law (ORS 537.797-798). The bill repeals temporary 2023 provisions, making these certification rules permanent.
HCR 32 designates the Corgi (specifically recognizing both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi breeds) as Oregon's official state dog. This symbolic resolution, which has no regulatory or financial impact, adds the Corgi to Oregon's list of official state emblems alongside the state animal, fish, and songbird. The bill cites the breed's heritage, Queen Elizabeth II's association with Corgis, and local events like the Corgi Beach Takeover as reasons for the designation. It does not create new laws or affect any residents, businesses, or government programs.
Directs the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office to hire permanent staff to convene affinity group task forces to develop recommendations on addressing health inequities.
Adds a criterion to the standards that the Energy Facility Siting Council must find for the council to take an exception to an applicable statewide planning goal for a proposed energy facility. Applies to exceptions taken on or after the effective date of this Act. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Prohibits receiving compensation for performing certain services for or on behalf of an applicant or a claimant for a veteran's benefit except as provided in applicable federal or state law. Punishes a violation of the Act as an unlawful practice under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
HB 2828 requires Oregon public colleges and universities to grant 12 academic credits to veterans who served two or more years on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill mandates that institutions award four credits each in physical education, cultural studies, and science or applied technology, with no cost to the student. These credits must be transferable between public institutions and count toward degree requirements. The policy directly affects eligible veterans seeking higher education, providing concrete academic credit recognition for their military service.
Transfers duties, functions and powers related to administering the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and workforce development matters from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Establishes the Office of Workforce Development within the Bureau of Labor and Industries. Establishes the Office of Workforce Development Account. Creates the Oregon Workforce Corps to provide workforce development and employment opportunities. Renames the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development to the Office of Community Colleges. Renames the Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development Account to the Office of Community Colleges Account. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Establishes the Task Force on Eelgrass Resources. Provides duties of the task force and directs the task force to submit a report to the Legislative Assembly no later than September 15, 2027. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
HB 3695 requires Oregon public school districts to allow students to be excused from school for religious instruction courses held outside school hours. It directly affects K-12 students who apply (or their parents/guardians for minors), school districts (which must create policies), and religious organizations running these courses ("sponsoring entities"). Key provisions include mandating academic credit for completed courses, requiring sponsoring entities to handle transportation and liability, prohibiting school funding or use of school property for these courses, and ensuring students are responsible for missed schoolwork. The bill formalizes existing excusal rules while adding specific administrative requirements for school districts and religious instruction providers.
Requires the Construction Contractors Board to study construction contractors. Directs the board to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to construction contractors not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.
Requires evidence of citizenship for persons registering to vote for the first time in this state. Specifies when registration of qualified person occurs. Repeals the electronic voter registration system.
Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to the City of Salem for a plaza and memorial on the former site of the Fairview Training Center. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.
