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Subcommittee approves HB 3349 to let ODF transfer surplus firefighting equipment to Rangeland Protection Associations
Summary
The panel adopted an amendment and advanced House Bill 3349, which authorizes the Oregon Department of Forestry to transfer depreciated vehicles and equipment to Rangeland Protection Associations and creates a fund with a one‑time $1 million general‑fund appropriation.
The Natural Resources subcommittee on June 11 adopted the A2 amendment and moved House Bill 3349 to the Ways and Means full committee with a due‑pass recommendation. HB 3349 directs the Oregon Department of Forestry to regulate disposal and transfer of motor vehicles and equipment, including allowing the transfer of depreciated firefighting vehicles and equipment to local Rangeland Protection Associations.
The bill authorizes ODF to purchase, dispose or contract for goods and services jointly with associations or separately, permit the department to provide funding to associations for firefighting and readiness, and directs ODF to assist associations in pursuing federal grant funding for volunteers. HB 3349 creates the Rangeland Protection Association Fund to provide funding for firefighting, readiness, federal grant pursuit and transfer of depreciated assets; the A2 amendment provides a onetime $1,000,000 general‑fund appropriation to that fund and a commensurate other‑fund expenditure limitation, Legislative Fiscal Office staff said.
Why it matters: committee members and sponsors emphasized Rangeland Protection Associations act as first responders on rangeland and volunteer their time. Representative Owens recounted recent wildfire acreage and said the associations fill critical gaps in remote areas.
"Without these protection associations, it would have been far, far more," Representative Owens said. "They are first responders to fire. They ... volunteer their time. The amount that the state invests in them is very minimal."
The committee discussed maintenance standards for used equipment; an ODF presenter said the bill includes language allowing ODF to work with associations on maintenance. The amendment passed and the measure advanced to Ways and Means with a due‑pass recommendation.
Next steps: HB 3349 as amended will go to the Ways and Means full committee; the A2 amendment supplies the initial funding to the Rangeland Protection Association Fund.
