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Senate approves package to change wolf‑depredation compensation and boost nonlethal funding
Summary
Senate Bill 777 A passed after extended debate. The bill revises the state's wolf depredation compensation program, raises the minimum share for nonlethal deterrence to 50%, allows counties to set compensation multipliers (with statutory caps), and refocuses confirmed kills as the trigger for payment.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 777 A on March 24, changing Oregon’s compensation framework for livestock losses attributed to wolves and increasing the share of funds earmarked for nonlethal deterrents.
Senator Nash, the bill sponsor, said the measure clarifies compensation by tying payments to confirmed kills verified by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and increases the required portion of funds spent on nonlethal deterrence from 30% to 50%. It also authorizes counties to adopt multipliers up to capped amounts (the floor record cites caps such as five times fair market value for calves/yearlings and three times for cows, with a total cap of $25,000 in the amendment summary).
Floor debate was extensive. Supporters argued the bill recognizes the disproportionate burden borne by ranchers in wolf country and seeks to restore confidence in the compensation program; opponents and some members expressed concern that high multipliers could deplete program funds and not sufficiently incentivize nonlethal measures. Sponsors said a companion funding bill would go to Ways and Means and they expect additional federal and private grants to supplement nonlethal program funding.
After debate the bill passed; the Clerk recorded that SB 777 A had received a constitutional majority and the measure was declared passed.
