Senate committee advances bill to update World War II memorial as educational tool

The Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs moved House Bill 2344A to the Senate floor with a “do pass” recommendation, directing the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain the World War II memorial as an educational tool and to include service members and civilians who meet specified criteria for recognition.

The measure, which had a public hearing on April 29, carries no fiscal or revenue impact according to the fiscal impact statement disclosed during the committee work session. Committee staff summarized the bill as directing the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs to keep the memorial “up to date” with contextual educational material and to allow inclusion of civilians and service members who meet the statute’s criteria.

Vice Chair Atcher moved to send House Bill 2344A to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; there were no objections and the motion carried. Later in the session, Senator Brock Smith asked to be recorded as having voted “aye” on the motion; the committee granted unanimous consent to record his vote.

Committee members did not debate the bill’s substantive language during the work session. Staff confirmed there is no amendment and no subreferral noted in the file for this work session.

After concluding the business on House Bill 2344A, the committee chair noted that Elks Lodge 357 will be invited to give a short presentation at the Capitol on the 13th about the lodge’s veterans programs.

The committee closed the work session and proceeded to consider a second bill on the agenda.