HB 3944
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.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
94%
Oppose
6%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill repeals provisions related to building code standards for wildfire hazard mitigation, defensible space requirements, fire protection for lands outside forest protection districts, and the statewide wildfire hazard map. It makes changes related to defensible space and the wildland-urban interface, aiming to simplify regulations and potentially reduce barriers to development in wildfire-prone areas. The bill also declares an emergency, effective upon passage.
Key provisions
- Repeals laws related to building code standards for wildfire hazard mitigation.
- Repeals laws regarding defensible space requirements.
- Repeals provisions concerning fire protection for lands outside forest protection districts.
- Repeals the statewide wildfire hazard map.
- Makes changes related to defensible space requirements, aligning with the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
- Makes changes related to the wildland-urban interface, potentially streamlining regulations.
- Establishes a Wildfire Programs Advisory Council to advise on wildfire prevention and response.
- Modifies regulations regarding accessory dwelling units in rural residential areas, including defensible space requirements in wildfire-prone zones.
Who is affected
- Homeowners in wildfire-prone areas
- Local governments responsible for land use planning and fire protection
- Developers and builders
- Oregon State Forestry Department
- Firefighters and emergency responders
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
David Brock Smith
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
The supporters of HB 3944 urge lawmakers to adopt this measure, which repeals flawed aspects of SB 762 and returns power to local communities to make decisions about wildfire management. They emphasize that the bill provides necessary protections for property owners and reduces wildfire risks while preserving programs that protect families and homes. Many strong support for the bill, citing its potential to address climate change, promote renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some also highlight the need to correct past mistakes in forest management, which they believe have led to devastating wildfires. Overall, supporters of HB 3944 advocate for a fresh start in addressing wildfire risks, balancing property rights with community protection, and promoting proactive solutions over blame.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
HB 3944, citing concerns about public safety and community preparedness. They argue that repealing the statewide wildfire hazard map without proposing alternatives would undermine efforts to improve wildfire resilience. Some testifiers also express concerns about unequal treatment of property owners, suggesting that the current system unfairly targets certain types of properties with new regulations, increasing costs for those who cannot afford it. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of local preparedness and the need for consideration in proposed legislation, highlighting personal experiences with comprehensive fire protection systems on individual properties.