Committee sends aquatic invasive species partnerships bill to Senate floor

The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire voted 5‑0 April 17 to advance House Bill 21‑70A, a measure that would authorize the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Marine Board and the Department of Agriculture to form agreements with tribal governments, local governments or local service districts to allow those partners to assist in operating aquatic invasive species (AIS) check stations.

Alexa, the committee staff reader, summarized the bill: “House bill 21 70 a authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Marine Board, or the Department of Agriculture to form agreements with tribal governments, local governments, or local service districts to allow those partners to assist in operating aquatic invasive species check stations, inspection of recreational or commercial watercraft, and decontamination of any watercraft found with aquatic invasive species. It also requires agreements formed to specify functions and activities of the partner and include provisions for monitoring and performance reviews.”

Vice Chair Nash moved the measure with a “do pass” recommendation; the committee approved the motion on a unanimous roll call. Committee members did not debate policy details in the recorded work session; the chair closed the work session and asked a senator to carry the bill to the floor.

Because the bill would explicitly permit third‑party partners to inspect and decontaminate watercraft, any implementing agreements would need to specify responsibilities and monitoring requirements as the bill text directs. The work session record shows no on‑the‑record amendments.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 21‑70A — Motion: move to floor with do‑pass recommendation; mover: Vice Chair Nash; outcome: passed 5‑0.

Speakers in the work session included Chair Golden, Vice Chair Nash and the committee staff reader (Alexa).