Bill > SB333

This bill establishes a legal framework for creating predator damage control districts in Oregon, allowing landowners to form districts to fund county services aimed at preventing and mitigating damage caused by predatory animals. The bill defines key terms such as "agricultural land," "eligible land," and "predatory animals" (which include animals listed in existing Oregon law and bears), and provides a comprehensive process for forming, managing, and potentially dissolving these districts. Landowners with 10 or more acres can petition to create a district, which requires signatures from at least 10 eligible petitioners owning a cumulative 10,000 acres. The district will be overseen by a five-member advisory board representing different land and livestock interests, and will be funded through annual charges of $2 per acre for larger land parcels and a $50 flat rate for smaller parcels. Landowners can opt in or out of the district's services, and the county will use these charges to fund both nonlethal and lethal methods of predator control. The bill also specifies that only certain entities, such as county governing bodies, landowners, district advisory boards, and city governing bodies, can take legal action to enforce the provisions of this legislation. The act will take effect 91 days after the adjournment of the 2025 regular legislative session.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB333