Bill > HB3861

This bill modifies the rules for soil and water conservation district directors, specifically focusing on their qualifications and election processes. The bill maintains the existing structure of having five or seven directors, with two at-large positions and the remaining directors representing specific zones. The key change is an exception for the Deschutes County soil and water conservation district regarding zone director requirements. For most districts not including counties with populations over 250,000, zone directors must either own or manage at least 10 acres of land in their represented zone and be actively involved in its management, or demonstrate conservation interest by serving at least one year as a director and having an approved conservation plan. The bill preserves existing provisions about director terms, which are four years long, and outlines procedures for filling vacancies, such as appointments by remaining directors or the State Department of Agriculture if a majority of positions become vacant. The bill ensures that all zone and at-large directors must be registered voters residing within the district, maintains the process of district-wide voting for zone director candidates, and provides mechanisms for handling situations where directors become ineligible or fail to meet qualification standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3861