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Hello Friends,
It's the month of April and Spring is in full bloom here at the Capitol. We have now reached the mid-way point of the legislative session and Friday was the last deadline for bills to be posted for work sessions (except for bills in rules, revenue, and judiciary committees).
Here's a brief update on some of our bills that will continue forward:
The Wildfire Protection Bill (HB 2222)- This would require the State Forestry Department to report to the Legislature on the implementation of the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act of 1997. The 1997 Act incentivizes property owners to reduce excess vegetation around their homes and create fuel breaks between cities that contribute to fires. HB 2222 is currently in the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
The Redmond Affordable Housing Pilot Project Bill (HB 2336)- This would modify the 2016 HB 4079 that adopted a pilot project program for additional affordable housing. Redmond was not included in the pilot project so HB 2336 would amend this and add an additional 485 homes to Redmond's urban growth boundary. These would be built in the Skyline Village, with half of those homes deed restricted at 80% AMI (Area Median Income). HB 2336 passed the Senate Committee earlier this week. It will now head to the Senate Floor for a vote and upon approval to the Governor's desk.
Replacement Dwellings on Farm Use Zones (HB 3024)- This bill amends the criteria for a replacement dwelling in an exclusive farm use zone. It doesn't authorize any new dwellings in EFU zones, it just allows farmers to replace dwellings that are currently on the property, or that were on the property at one time, but were removed or converted to a use other than a dwelling at some point in the past. HB 3024 would add some clarity to the current statute that has confused rural property owners over the last several years. HB 3024 just passed out of the House Committee on Agriculture and Land Use earlier this week and is now headed to the floor for a vote!
Defining Timelines for Permit Applications (HB 3056): This would require agencies to adopt rules specifying time periods during which agencies will approve or deny applications for a license after the applicant has amended or modified an original application. Examples of these include water or sewer permit applications. This bill has been moved to the Rules Committee.
I will continue to update you about the progression of these bills that affect Central Oregonians.
I also want to thank all the realtors who came to visit me during REALTOR Day at the Capitol on Tuesday. The Central Oregon delegation had an amazing turnout for our constituent meeting! Thank you for showing up, to advocate on behalf of Oregonians, to protect their home ownership rights.
Have a great weekend!
Yours truly,
Representative Jack Zika
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Thank you to this incredible group of REALTORS that came to Salem this week to advocate on housing issues! |
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Central Oregon Dairy Farmers came to the Capitol today. Thank you for representing rural Oregon and advocating on issues affecting the dairy industry. |
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-387, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.JackZika@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/zika
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