Board of Commissioners - Legislative Update - 2026-02-12
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners legislative update focused primarily on state bills affecting local operations, with no local zoning or development decisions made. Key actions included approval of a $4.25 million federal CDS request for highway intersection improvements at OR-126/Helmholtz and 35th/Highland in Redmond, and positions taken on multiple state bills including priority support for recreation immunity legislation (SB1593) and the battery producer responsibility bill (HB4144).
Key Decisions (7)
Federal CDS Request for Redmond Highway Intersections
Board approved submission of a $4.25 million Congressionally Directed Spending request to the U.S. Senate for two ODOT intersection projects: construction of a signal at 35th and Highland (OR-126) in Redmond and design of improvements at Helmholtz and OR-126. The county will provide $53,000 (10%) match for the Helmholtz design work, and the City of Redmond will provide 10% match for the 35th/Highland project. ODOT will deliver both projects.
Position on HB4144 - Battery Producer Responsibility
Board took position of priority 2 support for House Bill 4144, which would establish an industry-funded producer responsibility organization for battery recovery by July 2029. The bill addresses lithium-ion battery fires at solid waste facilities - Deschutes County averages at least one fire per week at the landfill with 54 confirmed lithium-ion battery fires in the past year. Representatives Levy and Senator Broadman are sponsors.
Position on SB1542 - ODOT Planning Requirements
Board took position of priority 3 oppose on Senate Bill 1542, which would require ODOT to develop a 10-year capital improvement program and prohibit capacity-adding projects until maintenance issues are addressed. Commissioners and staff expressed concern about adding administrative burden to ODOT during leadership transition.
Position on SB1569 - PERS Police Definition Expansion
Board took position of oppose on Senate Bill 1569, which would expand PERS police and fire designation to include juvenile community justice and certain sheriff's office employees. The change would impact 17 county employees and increase departmental PERS costs by approximately $74,000 annually, primarily affecting community justice. AOC and LOC are also opposed.
Position on SB1593 - Recreation Immunity Liability
Board took position of priority 1 support for Senate Bill 1593, which addresses recreational immunity liability issues for ski areas, river guides, packers, and other outdoor recreation activities. Mount Bachelor and other ski areas support the bill. Only one national insurance company remains willing to provide coverage in Oregon.
Position on HB4134 - Statewide Lodging Tax Increase
Board took position of priority 2 support for House Bill 4134, which would increase the statewide lodging tax to fund multiple programs including wolf depredation compensation, wildlife habitat conservation, and community wildfire protection through Oregon Conservation Corps. AOC took narrow position supporting only wolf depredation funding.
Letter of Support for Terrebonne Sanitary District
Board agreed to draft letter supporting Terrebonne Sanitary District's $4 million grant application under SB5701 for construction of the Terrebonne Step wastewater collection system to address failing septic systems and enable new housing and commercial development.
Development Activity (1)
Terrebonne Step Wastewater Collection System
Wastewater collection system to address failing septic systems and enable new housing and commercial development in the community. $4 million state funding request under SB5701.
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Terrebonne area has failing septic systems that are constraining new housing and commercial development, indicating pent-up demand once infrastructure is addressed.
Commercial Demand
Oregon ski resorts and outdoor recreation businesses face severe insurance availability crisis with only one national insurer willing to provide coverage, threatening industry viability.
Infrastructure
Redmond's west side experiencing traffic congestion issues at OR-126/Helmholtz and 35th/Highland intersections, with new Recreation Center expected to exacerbate conditions at 35th/Highland.
Housing Demand
Farm stand legislation (allowing larger retail operations on EFU zones) is controversial partly because it increases property values and puts agricultural land out of reach for new farmers trying to enter the business.