The Joint Committee on Ways and Means of the Oregon Legislature convened on May 30, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures impacting emergency management and the psychology board's disciplinary processes.

One of the primary topics was Senate Bill 234, which proposes to extend the deadline for the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to maintain the Oregon Emergency Response System (OARS) from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. This extension allows the Oregon State Police to continue managing the system during the transition, resulting in a projected savings of $1.5 million and a reduction of 3.5 full-time equivalent positions. The Public Safety Subcommittee recommended that the bill be reported out with a "do pass" motion, which was approved without objection.

The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 789, which grants the Oregon Board of Psychology the authority to recover costs associated with successful disciplinary actions against both licensed and non-licensed individuals. This bill introduces a tiered fee structure for recovering costs, including attorney fees, from respondents who do not prevail in disciplinary proceedings. The measure is set to apply to actions occurring on or after January 1, 2026, and allows the board to take necessary actions before the operative date.

During discussions, concerns were raised regarding the financial burden this bill could impose on licensees facing contested cases. Senator McLean highlighted that the average costs for contested cases could range from $30,000 to $50,000, which could deter individuals from contesting findings due to the potential for significant financial liability. The committee acknowledged these concerns but noted that the costs associated with disciplinary actions typically do not reach the higher estimates mentioned.

The committee ultimately recommended that Senate Bill 789 be reported out with a "do pass" motion, despite the ongoing debate about the fairness of imposing such costs on licensees. The discussions underscored the need for further examination of the financial implications for individuals involved in disciplinary actions within the state.

As the committee moves forward, the implications of these bills will be closely monitored, particularly regarding their impact on emergency management efficiency and the financial responsibilities of licensed professionals in Oregon.