Today, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 83, which will lift the costly and burdensome regulations imposed on communities by the Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map.
“Oregonians desperately need relief from the wildfire hazard maps that have created chaos and fear across rural Oregon,” said House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby). “Despite an incredibly frustrating political process, we appreciate the members who have chosen to do the right thing in repealing these maps.”
House Republicans made multiple previous attempts to force a vote on the bill on the House Floor, but each time, they were blocked by Democrat leaders, who were determined to hold it hostage to leverage stealing the kicker.
“Today’s vote represents a victory for rural Oregonians by allowing them to protect their homes without the threat of government interference,” said Rep. Court Boice. (R-Gold Beach).
“This bill provides financial relief to threatened homeowners and ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent where they have the most impact—supporting local efforts like defensible space, forest thinning, and wildfire readiness programs,” said Rep. Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg).
Senate Bill 83 passed overwhelmingly with a bipartisan vote of 50 to 1. It now heads to the Governor’s desk.