[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6058344,"mediaKeyId","3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63","parentId",3297477,"title","Committee hears wide-ranging testimony as parks procurement exemption advances amid IT and local vendor concerns","audioSeconds",664,"startMs",457000,"endMs",1121000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63&start=457&end=1121","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63/thumbnail_457000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6058344/Oregon/Committee-hears-wide-ranging-testimony-as-parks-procurement-exemption-advances-amid-IT-and-local-vendor-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058344-4baaa4e681968ca31e7536b23368bbde/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141021&Signature=R6gTK3G8aqY~pUzqMzVbAUee-8oVp1qt~bBSVSN21Q17RuNFKkII59rDPstObU6Oipg3QCdlWkRt0qBQlqXwWTl3R7BTXisJyIXhdunHywj-U02CxANw45yC5NQyhFbeTDviYf0wG6TYz2eCx-AaKRbKhsiBnvUMduzp9zYPfy6whtOXZU7LPb1hxdqZDhyedKfnr0ijEw5IuJkiQfIwzpXy3C2gtlnBk1Bl~QprhGIQ~0vD8pPVbGGxQYc~a7jx0~Zx3Olc64tIXiZo21nQj~TJfDV23Xr6VUMoAZsblAjMsBMxDJ6y3yIKq7cWDui5nWTGqDbZJurdr9bK2LejLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oregon Legislature","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 838A, which would exempt the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department from the Oregon public contracting code except for surplus property, was the subject of a lengthy public hearing before the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans on May 13, 2025.

Supporters, including Representative Emerson Levy and OPRD Director Lisa Assumption, said the exemption would let parks act more like hospitality or lottery operations and help avert an approaching budget “cliff.” Director Lisa Assumption said, \"Our intent was never to be exempt from IT, and we didn't know that that is in the bill. So if that's the case, absolutely not.\" Park managers and a local vendor testified that current state contracting requirements had made routine services slower and more expensive.

The bill’s advocates told the committee that some parks procurements — for example, last-minute printing, emergency repairs, and local services such as septic pumping — do not fit the centralized procurement model and can cost substantially more under the current system. Park manager Steven Bufano described transitions after central contracts went to national firms and said local vendors were often faster and cheaper: he told the committee that on one date a national contractor charged $913 for a pump-out that a local vendor previously performed for $460.

Opponents and some legislators urged limits. Representative Nancy Nathanson, who chairs the joint committee on information management and technology, warned that the current draft would exempt OPRD from provisions related to information-technology procurement and could create confusion with statutes that assign IT authority to the state chief information officer (Chapter 276A). She said OPRD told her the bill as written would exempt the agency from procurement code, Oregon Administrative Rules and, in theory, model rules from the Department of Justice, which could allow purchases of IT products without the usual protections. She noted OPRD’s ongoing Recreation Hub IT project — recently estimated at about $6.7 million and rated by independent reviewers as high risk — as a reason not to remove IT safeguards now.

Operators and small-business witnesses described administrative barriers to participating in state contracts. Kimberly Dobbs of Bulldog Septic said additional insurance and bonding requirements pushed small firms out of the market: \"We are licensed and bonded. We have to add additional to that. It's just too expensive for us.\" Park staff and vendors urged allowing parks to contract directly with local businesses in nonstandard situations and to use expedited contracting for emergency repairs.

Committee members asked whether a narrower amendment could preserve IT and other high‑risk procurement safeguards while giving parks flexibility for printing, emergency repairs, and other hospitality‑style services. Representative Nathanson and Director Assumption indicated an amendment excluding IT procurements was feasible. The committee took testimony from around 30 witnesses and closed the public hearing; no final committee vote on an amendment was recorded at the hearing.

The discussion left two clear themes: parks leaders and local vendors say current procurement rules raise costs and slow emergency response, while technology and accountability advocates warned that broad exemptions could increase cyber and operational risk. The committee will consider amendments and potential carve-outs before further action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans 05/13/2025 1:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 838A, which would exempt the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department from the state public contracting code except for surplus property, drew extended testimony on May 13, 2025.","taxTitle","Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Oregon","taxId",17514,"location","Oregon","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6058328,"Committee advances bill letting Emergency Management buy materials and vehicles, with caution about fleet growth",53,152000,205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63&start=152&end=205","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63/thumbnail_152000.jpg","/articles/6058328/Oregon/Committee-advances-bill-letting-Emergency-Management-buy-materials-and-vehicles-with-caution-about-fleet-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058328-1d65c60b7e6ac4d0875a2d2df772efe3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141021&Signature=Vq-Isxr8nZaXJZayrwR3y2RPxuiqM5YpPoQOQRUALk9fN0C-iF~By10uAY5H0~YymQNvsRNZBtLICC7hknlMe9FJsJ-1ZHrmuvJtJiOj-gI3QiQtiFnP3uZUHi-pEwvfMOXWrua0CxfRWo5UnkHHdeHmwwwk6kRrKErVLgoz1sxFfzelSDKL5HFuWukU4tne~qTXhcrsSXJoY4B~PXYgycwohjnoj~wlwK3bTIG9z57crQbe7BXIRJ0KgM7YdE9RZncSsOUoG4elWVMOmo2e9P53n5EhK6IGVdyJApEB0BLdlMy0ql5znG0sm2iMOeDFD26AZuJeZhRul7o~ViMamQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 823, which authorizes the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to purchase or contract for materials, supplies, equipment and motor vehicles as the department deems necessary, was advanced to the House floor with a due pass recommendation on May 13, 2025.

LPRO staff summarized the bill and said it had minimal fiscal and revenue impacts. Vice Chair Lewis moved the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation; Representative Evans expressed support but cautioned against creating multiple, agency‑specific vehicle fleets and urged a careful distinction between what is necessary and what is merely desired.

The clerk called the roll and the motion passed; Representative Evans volunteered to carry the bill. No amendments were offered during the brief work session. The committee did not record specific budget or vehicle counts during the session.","The House committee advanced Senate Bill 823 to the floor on May 13, 2025; the measure would permit the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to procure materials, supplies, equipment and motor vehicles as needed.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6058332,"Committee advances bill allowing certain cities to set municipal wastewater fees despite reservations from some members",187,245000,432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63&start=245&end=432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63/thumbnail_245000.jpg","/articles/6058332/Oregon/Committee-advances-bill-allowing-certain-cities-to-set-municipal-wastewater-fees-despite-reservations-from-some-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058332-568b5c267c5e6c38535a637efc195aec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141021&Signature=P68cft-BHUi8EMXrNxzAmxgMCu6R-kCjIQ9N2gHJJBSRu1wGQBrPpws15-ska9UW9mUdiUgCs5w0~L6QhpquVY7Aq4SeqfLrczvgSf0X3iSrUgSLHipt2vWCK6Gif3ov6~efXsY7uSwCJN37u8jLqR3O4xgePM7f5j33pJ3nY2NLYNrg-R6vwNsAWiYOL0r3290BanBmd8FAdtJKZF~iCHLqnTuKGqn7sMAiHyfQMEFODnLjzd8hH8aCan2radzoEBJrNFzEbzffdQP3SfsIbbfs2BVNXbJwMLuHRv0qLiMwc~uTl51wwDDdM3aDNllrehxIWvkHJYZaU8IjsSZXHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 1062A, which authorizes specified cities to set fees, rates, or other charges for municipal wastewater services notwithstanding contrary charter or code provisions, was advanced by the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans on May 13, 2025.

LPRO staff summarized the bill and said it would allow affected cities to adopt rates by a majority vote of the governing body; the staff summary noted minimal fiscal impact and no revenue impact. Vice Chair Lewis moved the bill to the floor with a \"due pass\" recommendation and the motion passed after a roll call.

Representative Graber voiced strong concerns and said she would vote no, arguing the state should not override local votes and warning that a one‑time intervention could create a precedent for future state overrides of municipal decisions. Representative Scarlato replied with levity but indicated he would vote yes. Representative Evans framed the measure as providing local governments an option, not as a state imposition: \"What the headline here should be legislature is giving local government the options to do what they want. What the headline cannot be ... is that the state is telling locals what to do on this.\"

The motion passed; Representative Boyce was recorded as excused. Representative Boyce later agreed to carry the bill to the floor. Committee members did not enact amendments during the work session.","The committee voted to move Senate Bill 1062A to the floor with a due pass recommendation; supporters said the measure gives specified cities authority to adopt municipal wastewater fees notwithstanding city charters, while some members warned it could set an undesirable precedent for state intervention in local governance.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6058338,"House hearing backs ban on taxpayer‑funded painful dog and cat research as advocates press to include primates",489,1979000,2468000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63&start=1979&end=2468","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63/thumbnail_1979000.jpg","/articles/6058338/Oregon/House-hearing-backs-ban-on-taxpayerfunded-painful-dog-and-cat-research-as-advocates-press-to-include-primates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058338-36835e3af863ede4a46dee977b0c40e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141021&Signature=hTD~H6T2n~jgKqRVEAKuQCXw6OS2r384Etbe56b26iJKM~HpqhgiVO11X2NdwsuGoCvK4e~GJ7Dtu0ClHE~OYAi-EavTji3kYSrHNvQL06HTrn8mHReWzXRsJaQfzNM~nv5F6pSshIURT~VaFYxcDTdTEMlg4-KCNQ33jT1T15XTb3j-napwa3gl0V5221Bk-zhn1DLJJVexIIyaPu74n-t31q4jAwx~PcgbgLNXV4UM9KRJAeC0ahgdy-9lGTBBshBgxICxTA1Yq0yGFwAqpkVpvoFYAhJmjHdKRzc9bVJM6R9w2kynZDiz~~Qw~xX6dvn6BVbOALzwo6z1FYOUxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 181A, which would prohibit state funding for invasive or painful research on dogs and cats categorized as USDA pain and distress levels D or E, drew a lengthy public hearing before the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans on May 13, 2025.

Representative David Gomberg, one of the bill’s proponents, told the committee the measure would bar use of public funds for the two highest USDA pain categories for dogs and cats and said the bill “is a simple bill” that does not prohibit privately funded research. He also raised concerns about the Oregon National Primate Research Center and said he would be willing to draft an amendment addressing the center’s future.

Witnesses supporting the bill included Jared Goodman of White Coat Waste, who urged the committee to keep taxpayer funds from supporting painful tests and said there was presently no state‑funded painful dog and cat research in Oregon. He said the narrow bill would \"keep it that way.\" Scientists and animal‑welfare advocates urged a broader approach. Dr. Lisa Jones Engel and other scientists argued that modern human‑based research methods are increasingly preferred and questioned the scientific value of primate models.

Multiple speakers recounted alleged violations and animal welfare incidents at the Oregon National Primate Research Center. Amy Meyer (PETA), Ryan Merkley (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) and others urged the legislature to amend SB 181A to include a timeline to close or transition the primate center, citing new federal priorities that emphasize human‑relevant methods and NIH announcements shifting funding away from animal models.

Union and center staff and supporters also testified. Joe Bessler, executive director of Oregon AFSCME, and employees of the center described the primate center’s contributions to medical research and said staff provide sustained animal care. Nathaniel Guard, a caregiver at the primate center, described outdoor social housing and said many animals are socially housed; center staff cautioned against abrupt closure plans without transition support for employees and animals.

Testimony spanned scientific, ethical, fiscal and workforce angles: supporters of wider action pointed to USDA citations at the primate center (testimony cited 35 violations since 2012) and argued new federal guidance and NIH funding changes make the center’s mission unsustainable; defenders stressed peer review of NIH grants, the center’s role in vaccine and disease research, and the human‑health benefits of primate research. Committee members did not take a floor vote on amendments during the hearing and closed public testimony after hearing from dozens of speakers.

The hearing underscored a clear split: strong public support for prohibiting taxpayer‑funded painful dog and cat research, and vigorous calls from many witnesses and some legislators to expand the bill to address primate research at OHSU; center staff and labor representatives urged careful transition planning before any closure or major funding changes.","The committee heard broad public testimony supporting Senate Bill 181A, which would bar public funds for painful research on dogs and cats; many witnesses urged amending the bill to add a phased closure or prohibition covering primate research at OHSU’s Oregon National Primate Research Center, while union and center staff warned of scientific and",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6058324,"Committee advances bill allowing veterans registration plates on mopeds and motorcycles",66,71000,137000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63&start=71&end=137","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3297477-dc5c653bcaf42454282d9f28a6b43a63/thumbnail_71000.jpg","/articles/6058324/Oregon/Committee-advances-bill-allowing-veterans-registration-plates-on-mopeds-and-motorcycles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6058324-f5963ce604ce8ece517796954977c762/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141021&Signature=MGbyKcnE2chE9xTyfKxJ9wZQ6MAq3~ilV1Qu3e9RbudeykUhPYt6uvHUOsEUScO0O5gMYaxUqia1f2XP5N9ehOJHyjPRf5LIMgqQK2EqSdnMJ8OknK5zYNbTUcXRnxOlkhLNWls1NMX0c7iC8FYcJf4gmjasHCe8RoJsh3P60Vcq308KA8bSDggvrTX1yOMKlXoj7jhXqPp1CsKgUA-Id7IEyB5D9AX0q7Xozw9mbOVXXnAlsaAAG6IWIYfbAcKl~NWGNt1JsBxDBcjDtnmaXzEQGM~dK-sC62S2~JEBeBwl7TAc0zGBisNe70mOKK76GSOypB8hKRMJ3FKbdEhmUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 159, which permits veterans recognition registration plates to be used on mopeds and motorcycles, was moved to the House floor with a due pass recommendation by the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans on May 13, 2025.

Legislative staff summarized that the measure had been heard previously and that it carried minimal fiscal and revenue impacts. Vice Chair Graber moved a due pass recommendation; the clerk called the roll and the motion passed. Representative Evans volunteered to be the bill carrier to the floor.

The committee did not debate substantive policy issues beyond confirming the limited fiscal impact and the intended scope of the bill.","Senate Bill 159, allowing veterans recognition registration plates to be used on mopeds and motorcycles, was moved to the floor with a due pass recommendation; staff said the measure would have minimal fiscal or revenue impact and the committee approved the motion by roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears wide-ranging testimony as parks procurement exemption advances amid IT and local vendor concerns

Committee advances bill letting Emergency Management buy materials and vehicles, with caution about fleet growth

Committee advances bill allowing certain cities to set municipal wastewater fees despite reservations from some members

House hearing backs ban on taxpayer‑funded painful dog and cat research as advocates press to include primates

Committee advances bill allowing veterans registration plates on mopeds and motorcycles