Rep. Ken Helm

[ Clarifies the meaning of "because of age" for purposes of employment discrimination law. Permits observing the terms of a bona fide seniority system or bona fide employee benefit plan when taking an employment action. ] Makes it an unlawful employment practice for an employer to require or request disclosure of certain information regarding age and attendance or graduation dates. Provides exceptions. Removes the provision allowing age limits for the purpose of selecting apprentices to bring such conduct within the scope of the unlawful discrimination statute. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

] Expands the health insurance coverage of prosthetic and orthotic devices and exempts the Public Employees' Benefit Board and Oregon Educators Benefit Board from the expansion of covered services unless the boards provide notice to the Department of Consumer and Business Services . [ Declares an emergency, effective on passage. ].

Maddy summarySCR 31 is a ceremonial resolution commending Oregon's Legislative Commission on Indian Services (LCIS) for its 50th anniversary. It recognizes LCIS as the nation's first permanent state commission dedicated to tribal-state consultation, established in 1975 to advise Oregon's government on American Indian needs and foster communication between the state and Oregon's nine federally recognized tribes. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely honors LCIS's historical role as a forum for tribal-state collaboration without creating new programs or altering laws.

Makes changes related to a water supply grant program. Directs the Water Resources Department to report to a committee or interim committee of the Legislative Assembly related to water and to the Water Resources Commission on certain funding programs at least every eight years. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

] [ Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Water Resources Department to implement projects that benefit water demands in the Walla Walla basin. ] Authorizes the Water Resources Department to approve applications by certain water districts within the Walla Walla basin to lease existing water rights for temporary conversion to in-stream water rights if certain conditions exist and the department makes certain determinations. Establishes procedures for how applications may be considered and establishes the terms of leases that are created under the Act. Sunsets on January 2, 2030.

Authorizes the Environmental Quality Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality to allow for a mixing zone to meet bacteria water quality criteria in a permit applicable to a seafood processing facility. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Makes certain changes concerning a program to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Instructs the Department of Transportation and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish an advisory group. Makes certain changes related to reporting on the program.

Modifies requirements for the summer learning program. Directs the Department of Education to provide reports based on information provided by grant recipients. Establishes the Summer Learning Grant Program Fund. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Maddy summarySJM 2 is a joint memorial from the Oregon Legislative Assembly urging the U.S. Congress to enact legislation that addresses a funding crisis in the federal Crime Victims Fund (CVF). The CVF, which supports state victim assistance programs such as domestic violence agencies and rape crisis centers, has seen a significant decline in its balance. This memorial specifically calls for Congress to pass the "Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2024" or similar legislation, which would redirect funds from the False Claims Act into the CVF to stabilize its finances and ensure continued support for these vital services.

Digest: This Act creates a council and funds to distribute and invest money from a legal settlement. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.6). Establishes the Environmental Restoration Council. Directs the council to establish programs to distribute moneys from the Monsanto settlement. Establishes the Oregon Environmental Restoration Fund. Establishes the State Agency Program Fund. Establishes the Disproportionately Impacted Community Fund. Establishes the Tribal Nation Natural Resource Program Fund. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.