Committee hears split testimony on pilot lumber-grading program bill

A House committee on Monday heard nearly three hours of divided testimony on Senate Bill 1061A, a proposal to authorize an Oregon State University Extension–run pilot program to train small sawmill operators to self-grade lumber for limited residential uses.

Supporters told the Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources and Water that the pilot would help revive small, local sawmills, create education pathways in CTE programs and provide an outlet for low-value timber from fire- and disease-affected forests. Opponents — including representatives of nationally accredited lumber inspection agencies — said the training and traceability provisions in the bill would be insufficient to protect public safety and that existing transient grading services and grant programs are better options.

Why it matters: Lumber grading establishes design values used by building officials to approve structural materials. The bill…