Linn supervisors register opposition to bill that would limit board budget changes for emergency management

Darren Gage, Linn County director of policy administration, briefed the board on two items from the sheriff’s priorities list during the Jan. 22 meeting: Senate File 22, which would broaden restrictions on drivers’ use of electronic devices beyond writing or viewing messages, and Senate File 26, which would prohibit county boards of supervisors from amending budgets certified by local emergency‑management agency (EMA) commissions.

Why it matters: SF26 would change the county’s authority over local EMA budgets by preventing supervisors from modifying or reallocating funds after a commission adopts a budget; proponents and opponents say the change could redistribute funding responsibilities and complicate local fiscal management.

Board action Gage recommended the board consider registering for SF22 after supervisors had time to review the bill’s hands‑free provisions. He recommended registering against SF26. A supervisor moved to register against SF26 and the motion was seconded; the chair called the voice vote and the motion carried.

Other bills and monitoring Gage also described two Senate study bills related to veterans‑service training and a proposed reduction of $10,000 from the veterans trust fund’s distribution to each county VA office. He said the county was undecided on those items and that county lobbyists can register as ‘undecided’ to continue substantive conversations with legislators.

Ending note Supervisors asked for copies of SF22 to review the hands‑free language before deciding whether to register in support or opposition. The board’s formal registration against SF26 was entered by motion and a voice vote.