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Committee hears bill to add U.S. Space Force to Oregon statutes' definition of armed forces
Summary
House Bill 2860 would amend Oregon statutes to include the U.S. Space Force (and related uniformed services) in statutory definitions of the armed forces so Space Force members and families receive the same state benefits as other service branches; the Defense State Liaison Office testified in support.
House Bill 2860 would add the United States Space Force to the statutory definition of the armed forces in Oregon law, aligning state statutes with Title 10 of the U.S. Code and ensuring Space Force members and their families are eligible for state benefits and protections that other branches receive.
Jennifer Ransch (Smith), representing Rep. Paul Evans’ office, testified the amendment aligns Oregon law with other states that have recognized the Space Force in state statute and argued the change prevents future immigrants from the force from being excluded from tax incentives, employment benefits and other state programs.
Michelle Richard, region liaison for the Defense State Liaison Office (U.S. Department of Defense), told the committee 39 other states have already adopted similar statutory language. The Defense office urged adoption and said recognizing the Space Force in state law supports morale, recruitment and retention.
Representative questions focused on implementation details. One committee member asked whether the bill should include an emergency clause; members warned of a potential conflict if state laws regulating firearms were not harmonized with the inclusion of Space Force members under state definitions of armed forces. Testifiers did not state whether the bill included an emergency clause; staff said they would follow up for clarification.
No committee action or vote occurred on April 3; the bill was presented for consideration with an expected follow-up on technical questions.
Quotes
"This amendment takes a critical step of recognizing The United States Space Force in Oregon state statute," Michelle Richard said on behalf of the Department of Defense.
Ending
Committee members closed the hearing after questions about scope and whether an emergency clause should be added; sponsors or staff will follow up on technical questions before further action.
