It’s been an encouraging few weeks for coastal tourism at the Capitol. This week we’re bringing you updates on the key bills we’re watching, and a call to action to build on the momentum by testifying TOMORROW, in Salem in person, online, or through written testimony.

Bills moving to Ways and Means

SB 929 (Oregon Coast Trail), HB 3568 (Seafood to Schools), HB 2969 (100% Fish) Have all moved to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. This is great news, but the work isn’t done yet! 

When a bill is sitting in the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, it typically means the bill has a fiscal impact, affects state spending or revenue, and needs to be reviewed for its budgetary implications before it can move forward.

What Can You Do?

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means will hold a session in Salem tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16, with an option to testify online.

We invite you to show up and testify on why these three bills are important to you, your work, and the entire Oregon Coast. You can register to testify in person, via zoom, or submit written testimony here. 

*Please note: The link takes you to register to submit testimony under house bill 5006. This number refers to the general budget that houses all these bills, and it is the correct place to register.

Here’s a recap on what the bills are, and what they would do for coastal tourism: 

  • SB 929 (Oregon Coast Trail) allocates funding for planning and coordination to continue to develop, maintain or work toward completion of the Oregon Coast Trail. It would provide General Fund resources to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to fund a trail planner to work on the Oregon Coast Trail (and possibly others) as well as $1 million in lottery funds for connectivity, repairs, maintenance and any potential rerouting of the trail.
  • HB 3568 (Seafood to Schools) would provide funding to the Oregon Coast Visitors Association to ensure school food preparers and students have the technical support to prepare fresh, local seafood. It would also offer training for future chefs in seafood butchery and preparation, while inspiring creativity in developing kid-friendly, locally sourced seafood dishes.
  • HB 2969 (100% Fish) supports innovation in the fishing industry by reducing fish waste and creating new economic opportunities. By repurposing fish byproducts into high-value items such as fish leather, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and medicines, this bill helps generate revenue, create jobs, and reduce environmental impacts.

What can you say?

Sample testimonies for the three bills can be viewed below:

And another victory:

HB 3556 (relating to the distribution of Transient Lodging Tax dollars) did not move out of committee, meaning the bill is effectively dead for this legislative session.

In March, Communications Director Karen Olson went to Salem to testify against HB 3556, along with an Oregon Destination Association panel with Managing Director Mackenzie Ballard and Explore Tualatin Valley President and CEO Dave Parulo. Joining the public hearing were tourism industry colleagues from around the state, who presented compelling arguments as to why this bill is not the right solution for Oregon communities.

Last week, it was determined that the bill would have done away with the 70/30 TLT split, allowing for more tourism-generated revenue to fund non-tourism services. We’re encouraged that our testimonies made a difference, and will continue to update you on other TLT-related legislation throughout this session.

Stay Engaged

We’re in a critical phase of the legislative session, and your voice matters.

Whether you choose to attend a hearing, submit testimony, or spread the word, your engagement helps shape policies that will impact the future of Oregon’s coastal communities.

Stay tuned for updates from us as bills evolve and new issues emerge. Our goal is to keep you informed so that, together, we can advocate for policies that support the vitality of our coastal communities.