Bill > HB2854

This bill requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services to establish new building code requirements for school facilities located in a designated seismic hazard region, which includes 17 counties in Oregon. The bill mandates that new school facilities in these areas must meet specific design and safety standards to better withstand potential earthquakes and provide emergency shelter capabilities. These requirements include installing earthquake-activated gas shutoff devices, reinforcing pipe joints, creating a designated emergency shelter of at least 2,500 square feet, providing an electrical generator capable of powering emergency areas for at least 96 hours, including emergency water supply and storage systems, and ensuring electrical and water infrastructure can support emergency operations. The bill also requires the State Resilience Officer to develop a model memorandum of understanding between school facility owners and emergency service providers to coordinate emergency response and resource allocation. The new building code amendments must be implemented by January 1, 2027, and will apply to all new school construction in the identified seismic hazard region. The bill declares an emergency, emphasizing the urgent need to improve school safety in earthquake-prone areas of Oregon.

Military Affairs and Security

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2854