Oregon lawmakers approve emergency funding for wildfires, election security

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon lawmakers approved millions of dollars in emergency funding during the September meeting of the Joint Legislative Emergency Board, with much of the money going toward wildfire suppression.

The board approved 42 items totaling $139.6 million in General Fund support.

Of that, $122.8 million was allocated to the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Office of the State Fire Marshal to help cover wildfire suppression costs through the remainder of the 2026 fire season. Legislative fiscal documents show ODF expects wildfire suppression costs to exceed available agency resources and has been working to maintain cash flow as the season continues.

The board also approved $7.5 million to address a projected operational funding shortfall at Southern Oregon University.

Another $1.25 million was allocated to the Secretary of State for election security efforts, including expanding the BallotTrax ballot-tracking system statewide and increasing the number of ballot drop boxes.

Lawmakers also received an update from the Oregon Public Defense Commission. The report showed a 68% decrease in the number of unrepresented cases.

The board was also briefed on state debt refinancing. According to the information presented, $202.7 million in bonds were refinanced, with an estimated $23 million in savings over the life of the bonds.

In addition, lawmakers authorized the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to apply for a $3.2 million FEMA nonprofit security grant. The funding would support physical security improvements and other security-related activities for nonprofits considered at high risk of terrorist or extremist attacks.

The Oregon Legislature's Emergency Board handles emergency funding and other state financial matters between regular legislative sessions. The board's September meetings are part of the 2025-26 interim legislative period.