House approves uniform fees and new crew registration for outfitters and guides

The House voted May 22 to approve House Bill 25 58, which restructures fees for outfitters and guides regulated by the Oregon State Marine Board and creates a new registration category for crew members.

Representative Charlie Owens presented the bill, saying the outfitter and guide program manages more than 1,300 outfitters and 70 charter operators statewide and that the new fee structure addresses compliance with interstate commerce law and provides predictable revenue for enforcement and access grants. “The program manages over 1,300 outfitter guides and 70 charter operators statewide,” Owens said on the floor, describing licensing requirements including insurance and safety certification.

Under the changes presented in session, HB 25 58 establishes a uniform annual registration fee of $500 for charter guides and $350 for outfitter guides, adds a $50 crew registration, and raises the maximum civil penalty for certain statutory violations from $500 to $1,000. Owens and supporters said the bill had backing from a majority of guides and outfitters and that no fee increase had occurred since 2014.

Supporters argued the additional revenue would help the Oregon State Police and other partners enforce registration requirements and fund facility grants supported by waterway access permit revenue. Representative Owens said the fee changes were also prompted by legal concerns about higher fees for nonresidents and the need to align with interstate commerce principles.

After brief floor remarks and no sustained opposition on the floor, the clerk declared HB 25 58 passed by the constitutional majority. The bill’s proponents said the changes are expected to increase other‑fund revenues available to the marine board for program administration and enforcement; the measure will go to the Senate next.