HB 3349
Authorizes the State Forestry Department to take certain actions related to motor vehicles and other equipment used by the department.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of former Senator Lynn Findley)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
100%
Oppose
0%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill authorizes the Oregon State Forestry Department to manage and distribute equipment and vehicles used for fighting wildfires. It establishes a new fund to provide financial and material support to rangeland protection associations, groups that assist with wildfire prevention and suppression in rural areas. The bill also modifies existing laws to clarify the State Forester’s ability to assist these associations and acquire necessary resources.
Key provisions
- The State Forestry Department can control and regulate the disposal of firefighting equipment.
- The State Forester can transfer depreciated firefighting vehicles and supplies to rangeland protection associations.
- A new Rangeland Protection Association Fund is created to provide funding to these groups.
- The State Forestry Department can provide funding to rangeland protection associations for firefighting readiness.
- The State Forester can assist rangeland protection associations with federal grant applications.
- ORS 477.317 is amended to allow for cooperative agreements between the forester and rangeland protection associations.
- ORS 477.406 is amended to facilitate contracts between the forester and protective associations for fire prevention and suppression.
- The fund is established with moneys appropriated by the Legislative Assembly.
Who is affected
- Oregon State Forestry Department
- Rangeland Protection Associations
- Forest Protective Associations
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bills 3349 and 3350 emphasize the critical role of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) in safeguarding rural communities from wildfires. They highlight the associations' efforts in containing megafires, providing mutual assistance during wildfires, and their limited resources due to funding constraints. The submitter notes that these associations require additional supplies and equipment to be effective, particularly for extended attacks. Key supporters argue that enhanced resources and funding will empower RFPAs to better fight fires, saving lives, property, and agriculture, while also reducing costs associated with firefighting services. By supporting these bills, rural communities east of the Cascade Mountains can benefit from improved wildfire protection, and the Oregon State Forestry Department's operational efficiency and effectiveness will be enhanced.
Source: Testimony Summaries
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