Sen. Jeff Golden

Maddy summarySB 330 requires utility companies to place new electric power lines or replace damaged/obsolete overhead lines underground, directly affecting companies installing or upgrading infrastructure. Exceptions are allowed if underground installation costs 15% more than overhead for replacements or 20% more for new lines due to right-of-way acquisition costs. The bill mandates the Public Utility Commission to establish these cost-based exception criteria through rules. It does not apply to existing overhead lines unless they are replaced.

Directs the Governor to appoint a new head of certain agencies within three months after the Senate fails to confirm the reappointment of the head of the agency.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 9) commemorates the 50th anniversary of Oregon’s Legislative Commission on Indian Services (LCIS), a state commission established in 1975. LCIS serves as Oregon’s first permanent forum for tribal-state government consultation, advising the Legislature and state agencies on American Indian concerns and facilitating communication between Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes and state government. The resolution honors LCIS’s role in addressing tribal needs, monitoring relevant legislation, and promoting intergovernmental cooperation. It does not create new policies or affect specific legislation, as it is purely a ceremonial recognition of the commission’s longstanding service.

Maddy summarySB 427 prohibits water rights changes that would reduce streamflow, directly affecting water right holders seeking to modify their permits. The bill amends Oregon water law to require that any proposed transfer, change in diversion point, or use of water on noncontiguous land must not diminish streamflow or harm existing water rights. Key provisions include new requirements for applications involving out-of-basin water transfers, mandating analysis of impacts on streamflow, basin water availability, and return flows. This policy change applies to all water right modifications under Oregon Revised Statutes 537.211 and 537.803, ensuring transfers do not negatively impact river ecosystems or downstream users.

Provides that parties that have caused a certain amount of greenhouse gas emissions are strictly liable to harmed parties for damages incurred as a result of extreme weather attributable to climate change or a climate disaster. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

] Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the [ Oregon Department of Administrative Services ] Department of Early Learning and Care for distribution to seven entities to support the development of successful children in this state. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Creates a process for challenging a charge, finding of guilt, conviction or sentence, by filing a motion in the trial court or a petition for post-conviction relief, based on evidence that the conviction or sentence was sought, obtained or imposed based on race, ethnicity or national origin. Applies retroactively to specified cases beginning January 1, 2027.

Directs the State Forestry Department to study funding for wildfire-related programs. Directs the department to submit a report to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources not later than September 15, 2026.

Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to require voters to be registered by the day of an election. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election.

Requires the Oregon Health Authority to conduct a study every two years to count the number of licensed and actively practicing primary care physicians in this state. Directs the authority to submit a report to the Legislative Assembly and make the report publicly available. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.