Legislative Update
By Oregonians for Food and Shelter
The weather was the biggest factor in the Legislature this week, as official business went on pause Thursday and for part of Friday. Still, plenty of bills continue to move forward.
The House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water held a public hearing on HB 2947, the bill that proposes an OSU study of agricultural soils and crops to test for PFAS where biosolids have been used (and where they haven’t). OFS opposes this bill for reasons outlined in our testimony. This committee also passed an increase on the statutory cap for pesticide registration fees this week, with HB 2809 moving forward despite OFS opposition.
The Senate Committee On Energy and Environment heard SB 833, which gives Oregon Department of Agriculture the authority to address and update labeling and definitions for soil enhancements in line with national standards. The Committee plans to amend and pass an amended bill next week.
OFS continues to share concerns with legislators over the proposed restrictions to neonicotinoids in HB 2679, a bill coming from Beyond Toxics. While the bill has yet to be scheduled for a public hearing, it has been assigned to Rep. Lively’s House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment. Finally, OFS is supporting SB 779, which appropriates funding for the AgriStress Helpline: a 24/7 crisis and referral line specifically made for agricultural and natural resource families. The Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health committee will hear SB 779 on Thursday, Feb. 20th.
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