Posted on February 15, 2024 at 11:08 AM by Casey Miller
 The AOC Legislative Affairs team spent the first six months of the year focused on advocating for AOC’s 2023 legislative priorities, navigating potential threats to county budgets and services, and securing important policy wins and funding for counties.
The return to an in-person legislative session at the Capitol allowed AOC staff and members to engage directly with legislators and new leadership, emphasizing the importance of establishing relationships. President Derrick DeGroot and Executive Director Gina Nikkel met with Governor Kotek and her staff, House Speaker Rayfield, House and Senate Majority and Minority Leader offices, and key committee leadership, aiming to strengthen the state-county partnership.The AOC Legislative Affairs team actively influenced a large number of bills, provided fiscal analyses for over 500 bills, and obtained commitments for future legislative priorities that weren't passed in this session.
|  I traveled to Salem for a second Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) legislative committee meeting on Feb. 5 as voting member for Lincoln County. Prior to my arrival, the various steering committees had deliberated and presented the slate of bills (below) to the legislative committee for our vote. As state lawmakers head back to Salem for a 35-day sprint, this legislative session is short but nevertheless significant to all Oregonians and Lincoln County. Commissioners from across the state take positions on priorities, then the AOC legislative affairs team spearheads, monitors, and advocates for our collective positions. As Danielle Bethell, Marion County Commissioner, stated: “AOC members have made a concerted effort this year to understand each other’s differences and advocate with a collective voice on statewide and national policy.” The legislative committee moved forward with near unanimous support for the following: Health and Human Services: SB 1592/LC 94 – Behavioral Health/Workforce, HB 4071/LC 98 – Temporary licensure for health care practitioners, NACo Resolution/Mental Health - Parity and Addiction Equity act of 2008. Governance, Revenue and Economic Development: HB 4050/LC 8 – Pay Equity, HB 4111/LC 141 – Farm equipment tax, LC 286 – RSIS reauthorization, SB 1575 – Banning “duty to defend” Health and Human Services/Public Safety (Joint Committee): HB 4081/LC 15 – EMS Modernization, HB 4003/LC 252 – Medical Examiner shortage study, HB 4001/LC 248 – Task force to study specialty court needs, HB 4002 – Principles re: county nexus elements, HB 4074 – Civil commitment. Natural Resources: HB 4107/LC 42 – Wolf Depredation Program, HB 4090/LC 259 – NEPA/EFSC energy facility siting, SB 1511/LC 81 – Wildfire programs, HJR 201/LC 22 – Wildfire funding concept (statewide property tax referral/Rep Evans), HB 4133/LC 102 – Wildfire funding concept (Harvest tax, Landowner rates, etc./Sen Steiner), SB 1593 – Wildfire funding concept (severance tax referral/Sen Golden). Public Safety and Veterans: HB 4140/LC 245 – Stabilization funding for children’s advocacy centers, SB 1587/LC 254 – Limited liability protections for children’s advocacy centers, SB 1541/LC 211 – Adding circuit court judges, HB 4045/LC 89 – Public safety workforce stabilization act. Transportation & Community Development: HB 4099/LC 241 – Municipal Development Fund, Housing Development and Land Use Principles
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