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House passes HB 41 21 to strengthen statewide emergency management and resilience
Summary
House approved HB 41 21 (branded 'Spartacus' on the floor) to establish state preparedness authority, create public and individual assistance accounts, expand resilience hubs and direct a fire marshal study on firefighter cancer prevention and screening protocols.
House members unanimously passed HB 41 21 on March 5, a broad emergency management measure described by Representative Evans as the first step toward a statewide infrastructure for training, regional facilities and clearer roles in disaster response. The carrier said the bill establishes public and individual assistance accounts and clarifies authority for county commissioners during food disasters; she also said the bill authorizes the state fire marshal to conduct a study on cancer prevention and medical screening for firefighters, with a report due in 2027.
Supporters repeatedly cited the Cascadia Subduction Zone risk and the need for Oregon to be able to act if federal support is delayed or unavailable. Representative Tran said Oregon must be ready to stand on its own and described the bill as strengthening statewide coordination and recovery capacity.
Members noted the bill uses federal dollars for the near term and emphasized partnership with stakeholders including the governor’s office, fire marshal, OHA and other agencies. The House declared the bill passed after floor debate.
