Sen. Fred Girod

Maddy summaryHB 3980 expands eligibility for state financial assistance to help fund levee projects, specifically adding cities and towns (municipalities) as qualifying recipients alongside existing groups like drainage districts and private entities. The bill requires that levee projects receiving assistance must substantially improve infrastructure and be essential for farm, industrial, or commercial land use in Oregon. It amends state law to include municipalities in the list of eligible applicants for loans or grants under the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage to address urgent flood protection needs.

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.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 2) formally recognizes Aurora State Airport's established role in Oregon's emergency response systems. It acknowledges the airport's unique features - such as its seismic resilience, existing heavy-lift helicopter operations, emergency medical services, and infrastructure - that make it critical for disaster response. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but affirms the airport's importance as documented in emergency management plans. It is a symbolic gesture by the Oregon Legislature to highlight an existing operational asset.

Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and before January 1, 2032. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Allows an exclusion from the Oregon taxable estate of a surviving spouse for the unused portion of exclusion that applied to the prior deceased spouse of the decedent. Applies to estates of decedents who die on or after January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Maddy summarySB 788 allows farm-land zoned for exclusive farm use east of the Cascade Range to host weddings and other events. This change directly affects farm landowners in eastern Oregon who wish to use their property for such purposes without changing the land's zoning classification. The bill amends Oregon's zoning law (ORS 215.283) to explicitly add "weddings or events" as a permitted use on these lands, alongside existing farm-related activities like farm stands and wineries. It does not alter the underlying zoning requirements or allow commercial developments beyond event hosting.

Grants higher property tax exemptions for the property of veterans with disabilities. Grants exemptions for a veteran's surviving spouse who remains unmarried. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Repeals provisions related to building code standards for wildfire hazard mitigation, defensible space requirements, fire protection for lands outside forest protection districts and the wildfire hazard map. Makes changes related to defensible space. Makes changes related to the wildland-urban interface. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

] Directs the [ Department of Education ] Oregon Business Development Department to [ design ] create and distribute memorial plaques to schools in honor of Senator Peter Courtney's contributions in supporting seismic rehabilitation funding. Directs recipients to display plaques [ at the front entrance ] in a location that is easily visible to visitors to the school . Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and before January 1, 2032. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.