Oregon State Police budget hearing spotlights trooper recruiting, fentanyl enforcement and facility land buys

Co-chairs opened an informational hearing on House Bill 5029 on March 3, 2025, to review the Oregon State Police governor’s proposed budget and related programs ahead of upcoming work sessions.

OSP leaders told the Public Safety subcommittee the governor’s 2025–27 budget maintains core operations and adds targeted public-safety investments, while staffing pressures — especially trooper recruitment and medical examiner capacity — remain a concern. “Trooper retention and recruitment…is an ongoing concern,” said Jonathan Bennett, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Administrative Services, summarizing trends the governor’s request tries to address.

The budget figures described at the hearing set a context for the request. Committee staff said the 2025–27 current service level totals about $702.8 million and 1,377 positions; testimony also noted the 2023–25 legislatively approved budget at about $705.7 million and 1,393 positions. Oregon State Police officials said the governor’s proposal increases funding modestly and adds positions targeted to public-safety priorities.

Why it matters: the agency’s budget covers patrol, criminal investigations, forensic services, the state medical examiner’s…