2026 Regular Session, 2026R1 - Senate Committee On Natural Resources and Wildfire [Source] Translate

The meeting of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire was called to order at 5 p.m. on February 19th, 2026. The committee had three work sessions and needed to reschedule an informational meeting due to a conflict with the floor schedule. The first work session focused on House Bill 4005A, which designates an annual Water Professionals Appreciation Week to promote public awareness of water and wastewater careers in Oregon. Chair Golden and Vice Chair Nash both moved the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Senator Gerard expressed appreciation for the testimony received on the bill. The measure passed with a vote of four to zero, with one member excused. The next work session was on House Bill 4034A, which removes veterinary facilities from the definition of animal rescue entities and transfers enforcement authority to the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Chair Golden and Vice Chair Nash moved this bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The measure also passed with a vote of four to zero, with one member excused. The committee then discussed House Bill 4097, which authorizes the Oregon Ocean Science Trust to create a nonprofit organization to advance its mission. Chair Golden and Vice Chair Nash moved this bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and it passed with a vote of four to zero. The committee had planned an informational meeting on farm store and farm stand regulations, which will be rescheduled for the next meeting on February 24th. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for attendance and a note that it was one of the best meetings held. The meeting was adjourned.