By a 29-0 vote, the Oregon Senate today passed Senate Bill 83. This bill repeals the state’s wildfire hazard map created under Senate Bill 762 (2021) and removes the strict regulations that came with it. This is a big win for rural Oregonians who have fought against these costly and unfair mandates.
“Today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for rural Oregon,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “Senate Bill 83 repeals the most flawed and overreaching aspects of Senate Bill 762 from 2021, including the State Wildfire Hazard Map, while preserving the programs that genuinely protect property owners and reduce wildfire risks.”
“I’m delighted to see Senate Bill 83 pass the Senate,” said Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction). “Many of my constituents and thousands of Oregonians have made it clear: they want the ability to protect their homes without being burdened by unfair regulations. Today’s vote is a crucial step toward undoing the damage caused by this flawed policy and returning control to landowners.”
“This has been years in the making. With today’s overwhelming bipartisan support for Senate Bill 83, we are one step closer to undoing the harm caused by Senate Bill 762’s wildfire map,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). “I want to thank the thousands of residents who raised their voices to make this possible, as well as my colleagues for their support. I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 83 move swiftly through the House and be signed by Governor Kotek, bringing much-needed relief to our communities.”
Today’s vote marks a major rejection of the infamous map which purported to map the wildfire hazard risk for individual properties without anyone actually viewing the property in person. Comments at public forums and for the public comment on the proposed law was overwhelmingly negative.
Over 2,000 Oregon property owners filed an appeal to contest the hazard rating assigned to their properties.
One thing remains true: When politicians feel the heat they see the light. Not always, of course. But in this case, the public heat seems to have torched this wildfire map.
Now the bill goes to the Oregon House. In the Democrat-controlled capital building, passing unanimously in the Senate makes it very likely that it will pass in the Oregon House and be signed by Governor Kotek.
I recommend keeping the heat on until the ink dries on Gov. Kotek’s signature.
Richard Emmons is the Publisher and Editor of the Oregon Eagle.