The momentum from December’s Special Session has carried into the current legislative session, making it feel as though it’s been one long session. This update highlights the collaborative efforts of SDAO Fire Districts and OFCA in Salem. 

Last week marked significant progress for the Oregon Fire Service. The Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) presented its first agency budget to the Joint Subcommittee on Public Safety as SB 5538. On February 19th, Chiefs Ruiz-Temple, Medema, and McGrew led the presentation, followed by public testimony the next day. Special thanks to Chiefs Hamilton (Dundee), Trierweiler (Mt. Angel), Jerome (Cannon Beach), Stewart (Clackamas), and Stange (Polk 1) for their compelling testimonies. Written support also came from Chief Jensen (Mid-Columbia), OFMA, OFDDA, OVCA, and OSFFC. A key point raised by all was the importance of increasing the upstaffing grant from $10 million to $12 million for the biennium to maintain current service levels under the grant. The hearing concluded with Committee members engaging with fire service members and taking photos. 

Simultaneously, SDAO/OFCA submitted written testimony supporting HB 3219, which seeks sustained funding for the Oregon Hazards Lab at the University of Oregon. This initiative includes wildfire detection cameras, which are vital for early wildfire identification. 

The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment also held a public hearing on SB 91, addressing the use of PFAS in firefighting foam. SDAO/OFCA, along with the Firefighters Council, supported an amendment that bans the use of PFAS-containing foam by agencies starting July 1, 2026. This amendment simplifies compliance, and SDAO/OFCA will collaborate with DEQ to provide agencies with guidance on transitioning away from PFAS foam. 

This week, SB 751, which impacts police and firefighter retirement, was reviewed by the Senate Committee on Labor and Business. Ongoing discussions, facilitated through inter-association relationships, have been productive, and we will continue to monitor developments. Additionally, SB 588 on PTSD and PERS is scheduled for review by the same committee, and we are actively monitoring its progress. 

Our legislative team’s primary workload this week will be HB 3243, the “balance billing” bill, under consideration by the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care. While SDAO/OFCA supported the original version, recent proposed changes could impact key provisions. Chiefs Heppel (Eugene), Hanifan (McMinnville), Smith (TVF&R), Stewart (Clackamas), and Stange (Polk 1), along with our lobbyists, are engaging with Committee members this week to provide input ahead of the public hearing. 

We appreciate the continued collaboration and support from all involved and will provide further updates as the session progresses.