Oregon Senate votes unanimously to repeal controversial wildfire hazard map

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to repeal the controversial statewide wildfire hazard map that sparked concern and criticism in recent months over its impacts.

Below are the full, unedited news releases as received by KTVZ News from Oregon Senate Democrats and Republicans on the 29-0 passage of Senate Bill 83, which now goes to the House for its consideration:

News release from Oregon Senate Democrats:

Broad-based Collaboration Will Replace Flawed Wildfire Maps to Protect Oregon Communities

Senate Bill 83 repeals hazard designations and gives local flexibility to adopt building codes

SALEM, OR – Oregon Senate Democrats today led repeal of the state’s official wildfire-hazard map, a document that did not correctly represent variation in individual property conditions and would have had consequences for land and building regulation. Senate Bill 83 eliminates the map and repeals the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map.

“We need Senate Bill 83 to heal the huge divide among Oregonians, triggered by a wildfire map that made no logical sense to thousands of affected people,” said Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D – Ashland). “That divide was squarely in the way of building the broad-based collaboration we need to meet the wildfire crisis, which is far beyond what government on its own can solve.”

Today’s measure directs state agencies to produce fire regulations that property owners can choose to follow or municipal governments can adopt and enforce locally. In revoking the fire hazard map, the committee also nullified requirements that sellers disclose a property’s classification on the map and that property owners in hazard zones follow special construction rules for accessory dwelling units and replacement buildings.

The legislation also:

• Adds two members to the state Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, one from the firefighting field and one from the insurance industry
• Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to report on community smoke monitoring and response
• Directs the Public Utility Commission to report on actions taken to reduce wildfire risk from utility infrastructure.

Senate Bill 83 passed the Senate unanimously. It goes next to the House of Representatives.

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News Release from Oregon Senate Republicans:

Oregon Senate Overturns Unfair and Ineffective Wildfire Regulations, Restoring Local Control to Rural Communities

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Senate today passed Senate Bill 83, which repeals the state’s wildfire hazard map created under Senate Bill 762 (2021) and removes the strict regulations that came with it. This is a big win for rural Oregonians who have fought against these costly and unfair mandates.

“Today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for rural Oregon,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “Senate Bill 83 repeals the most flawed and overreaching aspects of Senate Bill 762 from 2021, including the State Wildfire Hazard Map, while preserving the programs that genuinely protect property owners and reduce wildfire risks.”

“I’m delighted to see Senate Bill 83 pass the Senate,” said Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction). “Many of my constituents and thousands of Oregonians have made it clear: they want the ability to protect their homes without being burdened by unfair regulations. Today’s vote is a crucial step toward undoing the damage caused by this flawed policy and returning control to landowners.”

“This has been years in the making. With today’s overwhelming bipartisan support for Senate Bill 83, we are one step closer to undoing the harm caused by Senate Bill 762’s wildfire map,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). “I want to thank the thousands of residents who raised their voices to make this possible, as well as my colleagues for their support. I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 83 move swiftly through the House and be signed by Governor Kotek, bringing much-needed relief to our communities.”

SB 83 now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.