Oregon Republicans Advance Legislation to Repeal Wildfire Maps

Salem, OR. – Official Release: Today, Oregon House and Senate Republicans introduced legislation to repeal the state’s flawed wildfire hazard map. Riddled with inaccuracies, the map threatens the property values and livelihoods of rural homeowners. HB 3944 will repeal the map and the extreme regulations it places on landowners and homeowners by requiring state agencies to focus their wildfire efforts in areas that are most cost effective and protect as many resources as possible.

The bill also protects access to financial resources that rural communities can use to safeguard their homes. “Oregonians deserve real solutions, not more government overreach,” said Senator Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles), Senate Republican Leader. “This new legislation is a unified effort by Republican legislators to repeal the deeply flawed wildfire hazard maps and restore fairness for over 100,000 homeowners. We have an opportunity to correct past mistakes and bring certainty back to property owners across the state.”

“It’s unfair to penalize property owners while our state and federal governments fail to manage our forests and public lands,” said Representative Christine Drazan (R-Canby), House Republican Leader. “This bill empowers rural Oregonians by allowing them to make decisions on how to manage their properties.”

“Instead of threatening Oregonians with unfair mandates, this bill incentivizes local communities and homeowners to take responsible protective measures to protect their properties, creating a plan that will actually keep Oregonians safe,” said Representative Bobby Levy (R-Echo). “Rural Oregonians shouldn’t have to fear government-imposed restrictions on their property,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford).

“This legislation is a crucial step to undo the damage caused by the wildfire maps created by Senator Golden in SB 762 and protect homeowners from unnecessary mandates and rising costs.”