Rep. Vikki Breese Iverson

Authorizes a county to allow a homestead rebuilt by the same owner on the same lot to replace the homestead destroyed by wildfire to have a specially assessed value equal to the destroyed homestead's real market value for the property tax year during which the homestead is destroyed, to the extent of the square footage of the destroyed homestead. Provides that the specially assessed value continues until the earliest of the date on which the rebuilt homestead is no longer the owner's principal dwelling, is rented to another person for any duration or is transferred to new ownership. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Allows counties to designate certain rural lands for rural housing development that are not subject to statewide land use planning laws. Exempts the lands from repayment of additional property taxes based on disqualification from special assessment.

Allows the State Forestry Department to enter into a lease agreement for management authority and responsibility for the Ochoco National Forest for no less than 15 years.

Directs specified state agencies to collaborate with local and regional officials to develop the CORE3 center. Directs state agencies to incorporate the CORE3 center in agency emergency planning. Directs specified state agencies to evaluate whether financial participation in the CORE3 center is advisable. Directs the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to issue a grant for the CORE3 center.

Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to the City of Prineville for improvements to the 3rd Street corridor. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 3133 modifies Oregon county approval rules for farm stands on land zoned for exclusive farm use. It requires farm stands to primarily sell farm crops or livestock (including processed items) grown on the farm operation, prohibits residential structures, and limits non-farm sales (like retail items or prepared food) to 25% of total annual revenue. The bill also mandates that fee-based activities promoting farm sales must not disrupt adjacent farming operations, and requires parking/traffic plans for such activities. These changes amend Oregon Revised Statutes 215.213 and related sections to clarify permitted farm stand operations.

Exempts employers of noncitizens in agricultural labor who are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits from liability for contributions related to that labor. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Directs the [ Department of Consumer and Business Services ] Housing and Community Services Department to establish a program to guarantee against losses in mortgage loans that lenders extend to first-time home buyers. Specifies which mortgage loans qualify for the guarantee and the qualifications and duties of first-time home buyers. Specifies circumstances under which a lender may make a claim and documentation a lender must provide as support for the claim. Establishes the Welcome Home Assistance Program Fund and appropriates moneys in the fund to the department to carry out the purposes of the Act. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Maddy summaryHB 3241 allows counties in Oregon to permit certain events on land zoned exclusively for farming, directly affecting farm property owners and county governments. The bill sets specific rules: events must be outdoors or in existing farm buildings, host no more than 250 people, follow parking/traffic plans to protect farming operations, be managed by the landowner, occur no more than 30 times yearly, and comply with health/safety regulations. It does not allow new construction and explicitly permits counties to authorize such events under existing agri-tourism or commercial event provisions. This changes how counties regulate non-farming activities on designated farmland.

Provides that an operator may require a person who engages in a sport, fitness or recreational activity in various ways to release the operator from claims for ordinary negligence. Directs the Oregon Business Development Department, with the assistance of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, to study issues facing the recreation industry and report to a committee of the Legislative Assembly related to the environment no later than September 15, 2026. Appropriates moneys for study. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.