HB 3856
Imposes additional personal income tax.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
1%
Oppose
99%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates a new personal income tax in Oregon to fund the State Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). It also establishes a tax credit for purchases of fishing and hunting permits. The tax revenue, less the value of the tax credits, will be directed to the State Wildlife Fund and then allocated to various ODFW programs, including habitat restoration, wildlife health, and youth hunting/fishing initiatives. The tax will be adjusted annually for inflation and applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Key provisions
- Imposes a new personal income tax on taxable income.
- Adjusts the tax rate annually based on the U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index.
- Creates a tax credit for the purchase of fishing and hunting licenses, tags, and permits.
- Transfers tax revenue to the State Wildlife Fund for ODFW programs.
- Allocates funds to specific ODFW programs, including habitat restoration, wildlife health, and youth programs.
- Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
- Nonresidents will be taxed in proportion to residents.
- Requires the Department of Revenue to annually determine tax revenue and credit claims.
Who is affected
- Taxpayers in Oregon
- Oregon residents
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)
- Commercial Dungeness crab fishermen
- Nonresident taxpayers
Notable changes
- Introduces a new source of revenue for ODFW.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Many supporters believe that Oregon's existing tax burden is already significant, and they argue that the proposed legislation would impose additional taxes on citizens. However, proponents of HB 3856 contend that the funding for ODFW programs will actually alleviate the financial burden currently borne by hunters and anglers, shifting it to a more sustainable source. This shift is seen as a necessary step towards preserving Oregon's natural resources, with supporters citing the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining the state's ecosystem and promoting long-term sustainability. By redirecting funding away from an unsustainable model, proponents believe that HB 3856 can help ensure the continued health and vitality of Oregon's wildlife populations.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB3856 express widespread concern about the proposed tax increase, citing Oregon's already high tax burden and the potential for further financial strain on residents. Many that increasing taxes would disproportionately affect lower- and middle-class working families, exacerbating their financial struggles. Some also express concerns about the impact on local businesses, agriculture, and the environment. for a reduction in taxes, emphasizing the need to address Oregon's current financial struggles and find alternative revenue sources within the existing budget. A common thread among opposition testifiers is the desire to avoid introducing new or increased personal income taxes, which they believe would be excessive and counterproductive to economic growth.