Wildfire Committee and Legislative Priorities
January 25, 2021

Today marks the first full week of the 2021 legislative session. I can already tell it is going to be a busy session!

This evening will be the first meeting of the newly created House Special Committee on Wildfire Recovery. Last fall, our region was hit so hard and I am honored to be part of this committee to work toward recovery. On February 17th, from 5:30-8:30, the committee will be hearing testimony specifically about the Southern Region fires. If you have questions, concerns or comments to share with the committee, I encourage you to sign up to testify! You can also submit written testimony anytime between now and the hearing.
I have been asked what my legislative priorities will be for this session. I have currently Chief-Sponsored the following bills with a strong focus on fires and other topics that directly effective our community.
HB 2295 - Provides that fire chief, or representative of fire chief, of county may extinguish uncontrolled fire found to be burning in unprotected area
HB 2296 - Allows State Department of Agriculture to enter into agreement with law enforcement agency to enable law enforcement agency to assist department in carrying out certain inspections of industrial hemp
HB 2373 - Amends apprenticeship statutes to permit establishment of firefighter apprentice program
HB 2498 - Provides that registered owner may request that registration card issued for vehicle include that owner, or person operating vehicle, may be deaf or hard of hearing
HB 2539 - Provides that juror may not be identified by name in court proceeding open to public
HB 2772 - Allows State Forester to order use of wildfire suppression personnel, equipment and services on federal lands within state borders
HB 2990 - Requires Oregon Health Authority to share specified information related to marijuana for medical use with authorized employees of local governments for certain purposes
HB 3026 - Directs Department of Transportation to waive fee for issuing, renewing or replacing identification card if person who is issued card is experiencing homelessness
HCR 4 - Recognizes and honors Oregon State Police Trooper Burrell Milo Baucom (1902-1933) for his service to this state

This year is unusual with all committee testimony occurring virtually (either via phone, web camera or email). Here is a quick "How To" guide for testifying at the Oregon Legislature.

I realize that it can be complicated to navigate the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) to track bills, stream hearings or submit testimony. If you would like assistance on any of these topics, please contact my staff at Rep.LilyMorgan@oregonlegislature.gov or 503-986-1403 and they can help you get involved.

All my best,

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