Rep. Pam Marsh

Directs State Department of Energy and Department of Land Conservation and Development to convene work group to examine barriers, opportunities and other issues related to renewable energy and transmission project siting in Oregon. Directs departments to submit report on work group's findings and recommendations to interim committee of Legislative Assembly related to energy no later than September 15, 2024. Appropriates moneys to departments, out of General Fund, for purposes of convening work group and carrying out duties related to examination and reporting. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Appropriates moneys to Oregon Business Development Department for purpose of awarding grants to ] for formation, improvement and operation of small business development centers for economic development projects ]. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Establishes Universal Health Plan Governance Board and directs board to create comprehensive plan for implementing Universal Health Plan beginning in 2027. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Appropriates moneys from General Fund to State Department of Agriculture for purpose of funding grant program related to establishments that process and sell meat products. Extends sunset of grant program. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Permits Public Utility Commission to institute one or more proceedings to ensure commission's regulations, rules and orders, and programs overseen by commission, align with greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements and targets established by statute or executive order, do not impede or delay timely and equitable implementation of greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements and targets, and mitigate energy burden and risks of stranded assets for residential utility customers. Declares that policy of state is to protect residential utility customers from risks of stranded fossil fuel assets and potential increases in energy burden while achieving state's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Prohibits, on or after January 1, 2026, use of funding from ratepayers to provide incentives or subsidies for the purchase or installation of gas appliances or devices for use by residential utility customers or line extension allowances for new gas line extensions that support use of gas in residential buildings.

Expands traffic offense of pedestrian with improper position upon or improperly proceeding along a highway to include prohibiting pedestrian on interstate highways. Punishes violation by maximum fine of $250.

Creates Oregon Soil Health Initiative. Describes goals ] purpose of initiative. Describes responsibilities of state agencies and other entities participating in initiative. Directs Institute for Natural Resources to convene Soil Health Advisory Committee. ] Directs institute, in consultation with other entities, to develop Soil Health Roadmap. ] Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Creates tax credit for contributions to publisher of local journalistic publication. ] Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2028. ] Directs Oregon Department of Administrative Services to issue one-time ] grants for purposes related to supporting Oregonians' local news and information needs ] to specified recipients . Directs recipients to convene work group to carry out specified duties related to local journalism. Sunsets January 2, 2026.

Appropriates moneys to Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to Oregon Coast Visitors Association to be expended on various projects. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Directs Oregon Health Authority to study small community water systems. Requires authority to submit findings to interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to water not later than December 31, 2024. ] Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to Oregon Association of Water Utilities to establish water utility training center. ] Directs Oregon Department of Administrative Services to enter into contract with Oregon Association of Water Utilities to perform, or enter into contract with third party to perform, study of needs and vulnerabilities of small and very small community water systems, design and construct water utility training center and hire three staff to provide related support and resources. Requires association to submit report to Legislative Assembly no later than December 31, 2024. Appropriates moneys from General Fund to department to carry out contract.