Legislative News

The deadline to submit signatures for November ballot initiatives came and went, and no signatures for the four gun control initiatives were submitted.

COVID-19 restrictions certainly played a part in the inability of circulators to gather signatures, but we expect to see them introduced in the 2021 Legislature in bill form. OHA will remain vigilant in the defense of our firearm ownership rights, and we appreciate the support of our 26 chapters and 10,000 members.

OHA Legislative Report 

           After receiving all the state agency submissions on budget cuts for the 2020-21 biennium, the legislature put together a cut list that recommended slashing general funds for the OHA-supported anti-poaching program and OSP wildlife enforcement positions.

OHA testified during a legislative budget hearing on the need to protect Oregon’s wildlife, and asked that these two especially important programs keep their funding levels.

The legislature will make the final decision on these programs during Special Session 2.

In July, the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the agency’s requested budget for the 2021-23 biennium. There was no fee increase request in this budget request. The budget now goes to the Governor and then to the legislature in 2021 for final approval.

OHA will advocate for more game enforcement and anti-poaching program dollars.

In addition to the 2021-23 budget submission, all state agencies were asked to submit budget cuts for the current 2019-21 biennium. This is due to projected loss of general fund revenues considering the current pandemic crisis.