Rep. Ken Helm

Requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development to study land use siting of renewable energy facilities that are solar photovoltaic power generating facilities and submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to land use no later than September 15, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

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.

Appropriates moneys to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for distribution to Oregon State University for purposes of the Institute for Water and Watersheds.

Requires the Department of Human Services to study the transition of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities from youth residential settings to adult residential settings. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to human services no later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Environmental Quality to conduct activities related to ballast water to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Requires the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to study compensation for members of state boards and commissions. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to rules not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.

Provides that an irrigation district that receives a request from a user for delivery of a lower rate or duty of water during an irrigation season may not deliver to the user a higher rate or duty of water during the irrigation season than was requested. Creates an exception. Provides that the irrigation district may temporarily transfer the use of the water.

Directs the Water Resources Department to study water management issues. Directs the department to report to committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources no later than September 15, 2026.

Requires the sentencing court to consider as mitigation evidence whether the defendant was subjected to domestic violence that was ongoing when the criminal behavior occurred and was a significant factor in the criminal behavior, and the criminal behavior was directed against the domestic violence perpetrator. Provides that such evidence constitutes substantial and compelling reasons justifying a downward departure sentence. Authorizes the court to impose a lesser sentence even if there is a mandatory minimum sentence or a sentence otherwise required by law. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.