Latest news with #SenateBill83
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oregon Republicans say Dems delaying vote on wildfire map repeal to get votes for wildfire funding
A wildfire outside Ukiah in Umatilla County in 2024, part of the Battle Mountain Complex of fires that burned more than 183,000 acres. Gov. Tina Kotek has asked the Oregon Legislature for more than a year to find more, stable funding to fight wildfires in the state. (Courtesy of Northwest Interagency Coordination Center) A bill to repeal the state's unpopular Wildfire Hazard Map passed the Oregon Senate unanimously in April, signaling it would be one of the least controversial and most bipartisan bills to pass this session. But that momentum hit unexpected headwinds May 22, when the bill — Senate Bill 83 — landed in the Oregon House's Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment, where Democrats opted to send it to the House Rules Committee, rather than to the House floor for a final vote. The decision to delay a vote on Senate Bill 83 came as a surprise to Republicans on the Committee, who later accused Democrats, House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, and Gov. Tina Kotek of using it as a bargaining chip in negotiations over a wildfire funding proposal that would redirect $1 billion from the state's 'kicker' tax return. That proposal would require a two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber, meaning at least two Senate Republicans and four House Republicans would need to approve along with all legislative Democrats. 'The speaker has been consistent that we cannot responsibly repeal the wildfire risk maps without also having a clear, workable plan for how we manage wildfire risk in the future, including how we fund that work,' Jill Bakken, Fahey's spokesperson, said in an email. Anca Matica, a Kotek spokesperson, said in an email that 'the legislative branch is the custodian of information regarding bills moving through the legislative process, not the Governor's Office.' Oregon Republicans have long insisted that the kicker — returned to Oregon taxpayers when personal income taxes collected by the state end up at least 2% higher than budgeted — is not to be spent by the Legislature. In a news release May 22, Ashley Kuenzi, communications director for the Oregon Senate Republicans, said the 'spirit of collaboration has seemingly vanished' between Democrats and Republicans on Senate Bill 83. State Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, who supported its passage in the Senate, said in the release it was a 'stunning reversal' and 'clear betrayal.' 'Holding rural Oregonians hostage over votes for future wildfire funding is not only obscene, but disgraceful. Put the damn bill on the floor for a vote!' he said. If passed, Senate Bill 83 would repeal the map produced under a multi-year effort by scientists at state agencies and Oregon State University that show where the highest risk of wildfires are throughout the state. The map provoked backlash from homeowners in some high-risk areas worried about wildfire insurance rates and coverage and potentially having to comply with new building requirements. State Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, who carried Senate Bill 83 in the Senate, has been outspoken that the map should be repealed because of unintended consequences, including widespread misinformation about how the map was intended to be used, creating distrust between some property owners and state agencies. In a text, Golden said House Democrats' decision not to move the bill straight to the House floor for a vote is making the repeal of the maps 'more complicated than it needed to be.' 'To me, the smartest path from the start was to unite around map repeal and get it to the Governor's desk to show folks we all put protecting the state ahead of politics,' he said. 'That's what we did in the Senate. Looks like the thinking in the House was different but nobody's told me what it is.' Golden is also behind the proposal just now gaining steam to use $1 billion of the state's anticipated $1.64 billion kicker to fund much needed wildfire prevention and response work throughout the state. Golden proposed the idea months ago to little fanfare, but Gov. Tina Kotek recently signaled her support for the idea in the absence of other options, telling reporters at a news conference May 20 it would be 'a beneficial approach.' Kotek has asked the Legislature for more than a year to come up with a reliable and consistent funding mechanism to support statewide wildfire work and has so far not received any proposals that come close to meeting her desired target of an additional $150 million per year. Putting $1 billion of the kicker into an account that accrues 5% interest each year could provide the state with at least $50 million of that. 'That would be very helpful for the state,' Kotek told reporters. CORRECTION: Kuenzi is communications director for the Oregon Senate Republicans, not House Republicans, as previously reported. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Homeowners outraged after insurers abandon disaster zones without warning: 'We need to maintain access to affordable insurance'
As wildfires worsen across the Western United States, homeowners are facing another threat: being dropped by their insurance providers. As Oregon Public Broadcasting reported in late March, two state lawmakers — a Democrat and a Republican — are demanding that major insurance companies pause use of internal wildfire risk maps to deny or cancel policies. Senators Anthony Broadman and Mike McLane sent a joint letter to State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and other major insurers, making a bipartisan request that the companies stop using their own private wildfire risk maps to drop homeowners' policies, at least until January 2026. "Constituents contact us with increasing frequency to say that they have been 'dropped' or not renewed by one of you," the senators wrote, according to OPB. The lawmakers, who described this system as "rigged," say these decisions are often based on data gathered by companies like Verisk. Verisk uses drones to assess risk from above, rather than on-the-ground assessments. Some states are now considering restrictions on insurers' use of drone footage to make policy decisions. Delaware recently established some new regulations regarding the practice, the Delaware News Journal reported last month. Meanwhile, a committee of Oregon lawmakers from both major parties unanimously endorsed Senate Bill 83, which would repeal the state's official wildfire hazard map, according to local news outlet KGW. Critics say the map fails to accurately reflect individual risk and even has the potential to devalue property. As dirty energy sources are burned and trap heat in our atmosphere, rising global temperatures are fueling more frequent and more destructive wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. In response, some insurance companies are cutting coverage, especially in high-risk areas. But in Oregon, insurers have still managed to turn a profit. In 2023, companies paid out just 52 cents in claims for every dollar collected in premiums, even as rates rose by nearly 11% over the previous year, according to the Consumer Federation of America. Broadman and McLane argue that using undisclosed, private risk models rather than transparent and standardized ones leaves policyholders in the dark and at risk of losing critical coverage with little warning. In the event of a disaster, homeowners often rely on insurance to help them navigate property loss and financial hardship while rebuilding their lives. Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use? Definitely Only during major droughts No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "This isn't about denying insurers the ability to assess risk — it's about making sure that assessment is based on actual, individualized data, not abstract scoring models," McLane said in the press release announcing the joint letter. "We need to maintain access to affordable insurance for rural and fire-prone communities while promoting a competitive and responsible market." This kind of corporate behavior fits into a broader pattern: power structures and business practices that ignore the role of burning dirty energy sources in driving extreme weather, while shifting the consequences onto consumers. Climate advocates are calling for stronger oversight of the insurance industry and more transparency around risk data. Meanwhile, SB 83, which would officially scrap Oregon's map, has been passed by the Senate as of late April and now heads to the House, per the Statesman Journal. Next, according to April reporting from OPB, state lawmakers and advocates say they need to find new funding strategies to pay for wildfire prevention and risk mitigation after federal cuts that have impacted much of the country. Groups like Firewise USA and the Insurance Information Institute offer tools to help homeowners reduce wildfire risk and advocate for fair coverage. Nationally, legislation like the Wildfire Defense Act and efforts to reform the insurance market could offer longer-term solutions. But until insurance practices are reined in, experts warn that more homeowners may be left without a real safety net. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill repealing Wildfire Hazard Map passes Oregon Senate
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Senate unanimously passed a bill on Tuesday in an effort to repeal the state's controversial Wildfire Hazard Map. The Wildfire Hazard Map was created in 2021 under the bipartisan Senate Bill 762, which directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to map out fire-prone areas in the state. Under SB 762, homeowners living in areas that are at a high wildfire risk face stricter building codes and must reduce vegetation on their properties. A provision in 2023 disallows insurers to cancel or decline to renew homeowners' insurance policies or increase premiums. Despite this, the backlash against the Wildfire Hazard Map has persisted. Tribes battle PGE's plan to seize Willamette Falls land Now, with SB 83, lawmakers are aiming to eliminate the map, and the property maintenance rules, with the Democratic Majority Office noting the maps did not represent various individual property conditions 'and would have had consequences for land and building regulations.' 'We need Senate Bill 83 to heal the huge divide among Oregonians, triggered by a wildfire map that made no logical sense to thousands of affected people,' said Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D –Ashland). 'That divide was squarely in the way of building the broad-based collaboration we need to meet the wildfire crisis, which is far beyond what government on its own can solve.' While repealing the map, the bill also directs state agencies to create fire regulations that property owners can choose to follow, or municipal governments can adopt regulations to enforce at the local level. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now By voting to repeal the map, the committee also nullified requirements for sellers to disclose a property's classification on the map and that property owners in hazard zones follow certain construction rules for accessory dwelling units and replacement buildings. Under SB 83, two members will be added to Oregon's Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, including one member from the firefighting field, and a second from the insurance industry. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Environmental Quality to issue reports on community smoke monitoring and response and directs the Public Utility Commission to report on efforts to reduce wildfire risk from utility infrastructure. '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.' Washington limits armed forces from entering the state without governor's OK 'I'm delighted to see Senate Bill 83 pass the Senate,' added Sen. 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 Sen. 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.' SB 83 passed the Senate unanimously and heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bipartisan bill would offer legal support for Ohioans facing eviction
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A bipartisan bill would offer state funding for legal costs to low-income Ohioans facing eviction, an issue of great concern in Franklin County. Sponsored by State Sens. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) and Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus), Senate Bill 83 would revise eviction and property laws in Ohio to assist households facing eviction. The bill would establish a legal services housing defense fund to finance legal services to eligible Ohioans, bringing more direct state support for residents in eviction hearings. According to the Eviction Lab, eviction is a prevailing concern in Franklin County. There have been more than 100,000 eviction filings in Franklin County in the past five years, 25% of which occurred in the past year alone. What to know as Canada geese nest across central Ohio Franklin County evictions noticeably increased after COVID-19. According to the Eviction Lab, evictions from the past year are 39% higher than average eviction filings before COVID-19. Further, data shows the eviction crisis is likely to worsen as pandemic-era federal funding runs out. See previous coverage of eviction concerns in the video player above. Senate Bill 83 wants to reduce barriers for Ohioans facing eviction. The new state fund would cover legal costs for eligible households, or households with an established annual income under 300% of the federal poverty level. Poverty levels vary by household size, but a four-person home would be eligible if it makes less than $96,450 annually. The bill would also allow parties involved in eviction filings to request nonbinding mediation to help come to an understanding. To help protect tenants' rights, any eviction notice would have to include the right to free legal representation and information on how to see if they are eligible. S.B. 83 would keep all associated records private until an eviction was formalized. Any eviction case documents could also be removed from public record if both parties agree to it. In those cases, only authorized judicial staff, parties directly involved in the case or someone with a court order could access the records. What's new and coming soon at Easton Town Center The bill would also adjust property and inspection laws. Under S.B. 83, any property transaction would need to provide proof the involved parties are real people before the county auditor would endorse the sale. Building code enforcement certification would also have to be 'as accessible as possible' without compromising safety. Finally, S.B. 83 would require inspections of construction projects within 30 days of receiving a plan review or inspection request. Local building boards would also have to publish a list of approved and certified third-party inspectors. 'How we resolve the housing crisis impacts our future economic development and the strength of our schools and local governments,' Craig said. S.B. 83 was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee in February but has not had hearings since. The program would require the General Assembly to allocate funding to the bill, and it could emerge in ongoing Senate discussions of Ohio's biennial budget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Stewart's remaining climate bills await House hearing
Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) has two bills to infuse millions of dollars to address climate change pass through their final committee and await a hearing on the floor. Stewart said she wouldn't give up on legislation she sponsored to codify New Mexico emissions reduction goals into law, which stalled earlier this session. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Two bills that would funnel hundreds of millions for climate change adaptation into communities and state government advanced Tuesday night through the House Appropriations and Finance Committee along party lines. The bills now head to the House floor, but time is running out as the session ends at noon Saturday. Sponsor Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) told Source NM the House could consider Senate Bill 48 as soon as Wednesday. Senate Bill 48, also called the Community Benefits Fund and would make available $210 million for communities and the state to: train workers in the oil and gas industry for other jobs; reduce oil and gas emissions; improve the electric grid; develop renewable energy projects; modify public buildings to be more energy efficient; reduce the impacts of climate change on human health, agriculture and the environment; purchase electric vehicles and develop charging infrastructure. 'The idea behind this is that our communities are struggling with the results of climate change,' Stewart said during the hearing. Stewart noted impacts from the historic flooding in Roswell and the fires in Ruidoso in 2024 along with ongoing rebuilding in San Miguel and Mora Counties from the state's largest wildfires in 2022. Stewart said the fund offers communities a chance to prepare against disasters, which are more frequent due to the warming planet fueled by the extraction and burning of oil and gas. 'The climate impact to the Southwest is intense already,' she said. 'It's hotter, drier, more intense weather.' In response to questions about the financial cost to New Mexico from climate change, co-sponsor House Majority Floor Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe) said in 2024,the state spent over $141 million in emergency state funding, while the damage from the Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon fires, flash floods and mudslides has totaled more than $900 million, and will ultimately cost billions of dollars. Stewart noted the original $340 million ask was whittled down during the budget process to $210 million, but noted some of the funding in the bill was transferred to state agency budgets instead. 'It's just the process, and I'm happy with $210 million, if that's where we're at,' Stewart told the committee. Senate Bill 83 allocates $10 million in funding for seven state agencies — the largest pieces going to the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The budget contains funding for both bills, but does require SB 48 and SB 83 to pass. Stewart said the funding will be used to continue the work the agencies must do on climate change and adaptation and mitigation, but to also help the communities that might apply for climate change funding through the Community Benefits Fund. 'This just charges them with continuing that work, with increasing that work and having the ability to help these communities who want to do their own work on climate adaptation and mitigation,' Stewart said. Advocates have confidence the bills will make it across the finish line, Camilla Feibelman, the director of the Rio Grande Chapter of Sierra Club, one of the environmental nonprofits supporting the bill, told Source NM Wednesday. 'These two bills make unprecedented investments in not just attending to the global climate crisis and projects that can help reduce emissions, but they also invest and in the people and communities who can help bring in the transition in, and are also most impacted by the effects of climate change or the transitioning economy,' Feibelman said. Stewart brought the bills as part of an expansive package to enshrine climate action into state law. The linchpin Senate Bill 4, Clear Horizons Act, which would have enshrined greenhouse gas emission reduction goals into law, stalled in Senate Finance earlier this session. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
