House passes Department of State Police budget after floor debate on staffing and equipment

The Oregon House on June 6 passed House Bill 5029, the Department of State Police budget bill, after floor debate that focused on staffing levels, rural coverage and equipment purchases.

Representative Lewis described the bill as the department’s biennial budget and said the Joint Committee on Ways and Means recommended a total‑funds budget of $711,900,000, including $547,900,000 in general fund, $11,900,000 in lottery funds, $135,400,000 in other funds and $16,600,000 in federal funds. The proposal included 1,390 positions and 1,388.52 FTE and was presented as a modest increase from the prior biennium.

Members repeatedly said the state police are under‑resourced for patrol duties, particularly in rural counties. Representative Helfrich, speaking from his experience in law enforcement, warned that understaffing forces prioritization that lets smaller calls escalate. Representative Boyce said "Public safety is our number one responsibility here" and urged continued investment in troopers. Several members referenced the department’s low trooper-per‑100,000 population ranking and the need for more highway coverage.

The budget included line items and purchases noted on the floor: an armored vehicle, a bucket truck, a thermal camera, intoxilizers and the addition of a trooper position. Representative Lewis and others urged passage; the bill was carried on third reading and declared passed.

What happens next: the appropriation provides the department with the authorized budget and positions; legislators signaled an intent to revisit staffing as needs evolve and to pursue additional investments in future sessions.