summary
Introduced
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
In Committee
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act tells an agency to create a pilot program related to damage caused by wildlife. The Act creates a fund for the pilot program. The Act gives money to the agency for the pilot pro- gram. (Flesch Readability Score: 74.8). Directs the State Department of Agriculture to establish a wildlife damage prevention and compensation pilot program. Establishes the Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation Fund in the State Treasury. Continuously appropriates moneys in the fund to the department for implementing the program. Sunsets the program and fund on January 2, 2030. Directs the department and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to report on the program to committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources on or before September 15, 2028. Appropriates moneys to the State Department of Agriculture for implementing the program. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation Pilot Program to help agricultural landowners in Oregon who suffer economic losses due to wildlife damage. The program will be run by the State Department of Agriculture and will operate in up to 10 selected areas east and west of the Cascade Mountains, focusing on regions with significant wildlife-related agricultural damage. Eligible participants must be private landowners or lessees who generate at least $1,000 annually from agricultural production and have implemented "best preventive measures" to deter wildlife. The program will provide compensation for damages to crops, livestock forage, and agricultural infrastructure that are not covered by insurance, including costs for non-lethal wildlife deterrence activities and potential infrastructure improvements like fencing. A dedicated Wildlife Damage Prevention and Compensation Fund will be created in the State Treasury, initially funded with $600,000, to support the pilot program. Participants must demonstrate they have used preventive measures and have not intentionally attracted wildlife. The pilot program will be evaluated through mandatory reports to be submitted by September 15, 2028, and will sunset on January 2, 2030, with any remaining funds reverting to the General Fund. The bill aims to help agricultural producers manage wildlife-related economic risks while promoting collaborative wildlife management strategies.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance
Sponsors (7)
Darcey Edwards (R)*,
Bobby Levy (R)*,
Court Boice (R),
Emily McIntire (R),
Todd Nash (R),
Werner Reschke (R),
Anna Scharf (R),
Last Action
Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference. (on 04/01/2025)
Official Document
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