The Joint Committee on Ways and Means convened on May 30, 2025, to discuss key legislative matters, including House Bill 5,035 concerning horse racing and House Bill 5,041 related to the Oregon Youth Authority's budget.

The meeting began with a discussion on House Bill 5,035, which aims to ensure the integrity of horse racing in Oregon. A member expressed support for the bill, highlighting the importance of maintaining standards for both in-state and out-of-state wagering. The motion to pass the bill was met with light-hearted remarks, but ultimately, it moved forward without objections.

Following this, the committee turned its attention to House Bill 5,041, which outlines the budget for the Oregon Youth Authority. Senator Broadridge presented the bill, detailing a total budget of $518,812,257, which includes funding for 23 living units across nine facilities. The budget aims to address a backlog of cases and includes provisions for staffing and operational needs.

Several committee members acknowledged the importance of this budget in addressing the agency's challenges, particularly the backlog of 3,000 cases. Senator Ronan emphasized the necessity for accountability in the use of these funds, expressing hope for improved performance outcomes in the future.

The committee unanimously supported the budget, with members praising the leadership of Director McClellan and the efforts to rectify past issues within the agency. The motion to amend and pass House Bill 5,041 was approved without objections.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted significant legislative efforts to enhance the integrity of horse racing and improve the operational capacity of the Oregon Youth Authority, with a focus on accountability and performance improvement moving forward.