Relating to Sudden Oak Death; declaring an emergency.
Summary
SB 339 appropriates $3.1 million from Oregon’s General Fund to the State Forestry Department for the 2025-27 biennium to support an integrated pest management program aimed at combating Sudden Oak Death, a plant disease that threatens oak and related tree species. The money is to be placed in the State Forestry Department Account and used under existing integrated pest management authority in ORS 527.310 to 527.370.
The bill also directs the department to spend $50,000 of the appropriation as a block grant to iSector to establish and operate a task force. That task force is intended to encourage and coordinate county-level integrated pest management programs focused on Sudden Oak Death. The measure includes an emergency clause, so it takes effect immediately upon passage.
Impact
SB 339 does not create a new regulatory program or amend the underlying forestry statutes, but it increases state spending and directs how those funds must be used within the existing integrated pest management framework. It affects the State Forestry Department, county pest management efforts, and iSector by earmarking funds for coordination and task force support. The bill also reinforces state involvement in responding to Sudden Oak Death as a forestry and plant health issue.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests broad support for the bill. In committee, it received a unanimous 5-0 do pass recommendation with amendments and referral to Ways and Means by prior reference. There is no recorded committee testimony in the provided materials, and no opposition is reflected in the vote history. The emergency clause and the appropriation indicate the measure was treated as time-sensitive and practical rather than controversial.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is fiscal: the bill commits $3.1 million in General Fund dollars, including a specific $50,000 block grant to iSector, which may raise questions about budget priorities and the use of a private or quasi-private entity to coordinate task force work. Another possible issue is whether state funds should be directed toward county-level pest management coordination versus other forestry or environmental needs. However, the recorded committee vote shows no visible disagreement, suggesting any concerns were not strong enough to produce opposition at that stage.