Oregon Senate approves a package of House bills on third reading, including measures on housing, wildlife crossings and energy programs

The Oregon Senate on April 29 moved a batch of House bills and a concurrent resolution to final passage on third reading, approving measures on tax-code technical corrections, housing and land-use clarifications, wildlife corridor coordination, energy programs for heat pumps, address confidentiality, emergency housing account administration, and other business.

Why it matters: The measures taken up on third reading are largely technical or implementation-focused but carry direct effects for state programs and local governments — from extending and refining climate and housing programs to authorizing interagency work on wildlife crossings and permitting new licensing for timeshare sales agents.

Most notable actions

Votes at a glance: - House Bill 20 73 (technical corrections to Oregon tax statutes): Passed (final passage declared). Presented by Senator Meek. Vote count recorded as 27 ayes on the roll call. - House Bill 21 63 (classification of persons with disabilities under wildlife laws): Passed (final passage declared). Presented by Senator Drahd. Vote recorded as 28 ayes. - House Bill 21 70 (aquatic invasive species collaboration): Passed (final passage declared). Presented by Senator Nash. Vote recorded as 28 ayes. - House Bill 23 47 (land use planning/housing technical fixes): Passed (final passage declared). Presented by Senator Anderson. Vote recorded as 22 ayes. - House Bill 24 61 (remote-location testimony standard in civil cases): Passed (final passage declared). Presented by Senator Broadman. Vote recorded as 28 ayes. - House Bill 25 65 (contracts with federally funded research and development centers):…