Bill > HB2857

This bill establishes an air ambulance readiness program within the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM) to provide annual subsidies to qualified air ambulance bases, which are defined as local governments, special government bodies, tax-exempt organizations, or private organizations controlled by these entities. To be eligible for subsidies, an air ambulance base must operate at least 5,000 hours per year and can use the funds to cover various operational expenses such as equipment costs, aircraft maintenance, personnel training, and base operational costs. The program aims to ensure effective emergency medical transportation services, particularly in rural areas of Oregon. Qualified air ambulance bases receiving subsidies must submit annual reports detailing how they used the funds, and ODEM is required to conduct ongoing assessments of the program and submit a biennial report to legislative health care committees, potentially including recommendations for future legislation. The bill specifies that the program will become operational on January 1, 2026, with the first report due on September 15, 2027, and the act will take effect 91 days after the 2025 legislative session adjourns.

Military Affairs and Security

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2857