Bill > HB3502

This bill makes permanent certain provisions related to water right examiner certification, primarily modifying Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 537.797 and 537.798. The bill establishes expanded criteria for who can become a certified water right examiner, now including not just registered professional engineers, land surveyors, and geologists, but also district employees who have worked full-time for a district for seven or more years and have relevant technical experience. The State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying will continue to issue water right examiner certificates, requiring applicants to pass an examination prepared and administered by the Water Resources Department. The board retains the authority to establish examination and certification fees, adopt rules regulating water right examiners, and investigate potential violations, with the ability to suspend, revoke, or modify certificates if professional misconduct is found. The bill also repeals previous temporary provisions related to water right examiners from earlier legislative sessions, effectively making these certification provisions permanent.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3502