HB 3700
Directs the Environmental Quality Commission to adopt by rule standards for certification of sewage treatment works operators from nonreciprocal states, provinces or other certifying entities.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Higher Education and Workforce Development
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Support
100%
Oppose
0%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to create rules for certifying sewage treatment and potable water operators from outside the United States. It allows for certification based on existing certifications from other states, provinces, or certifying entities, even if those requirements aren't identical to Oregon’s. The bill also establishes a process for ensuring qualified individuals receive certification, potentially at a lower classification if their existing credentials are deemed equivalent.
Key provisions
- The EQC will create rules for certifying sewage treatment operators from nonreciprocal entities.
- The OHA will create rules for certifying potable water treatment plant operators from nonreciprocal entities.
- Certification from other states, provinces, or certifying entities will be recognized if deemed substantially equivalent.
- The commission and authority can establish their own certification standards, even if they differ from other jurisdictions.
- Certification standards must ensure qualified individuals are certified at the appropriate classification and grade.
- Certification may be granted at a lower classification if the existing credentials are equivalent.
- Information about reciprocal and alternative certification pathways will be available on the EQC and OHA websites.
Who is affected
- Sewage treatment operators
- Potable water treatment plant operators
- Individuals seeking certification in Oregon
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsor
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3700 agree that clarity on Oregon's certification requirements for out-of-state applicants is crucial in addressing recruitment challenges, protecting public health and the environment, and ensuring a diverse and adaptable workforce. The bill aims to provide certainty in hiring and reduce training time constraints, as highlighted by cities such as Woodburn, Irrigon, Wilsonville, Millersburg, Nehalem, Creswell, and Lafayette, which are experiencing difficulties in recruiting, training, and retaining certified water and wastewater operators due to a lack of trained professionals. By expanding reciprocity rules, the bill seeks to offer clarity on experience translation, improve workforce sustainability, and maintain high standards required for public safety and quality of life.
Source: Testimony Summaries
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