HB 2977 Oregon House · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to funding to support species conservation; prescribing an effective date; providing for revenue raising that requires approval by a three-fifths majority.

Summary

] Increases the state transient lodging tax. Changes the name of the Oregon Conservation Strategy Subaccount to the Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund Subaccount. [ Transfers moneys attributable to the increase of the state transient lodging tax to the Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund Subaccount. ] Specifies how moneys attributable to the increase are to be distributed. Applies the transient lodging tax increase to transient lodging charges occurring on or after January 1, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Jun 2025

House Passage

Jun 2025

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 4 edits · Jun 20, 2025

MODERATE

This bill increases the transient lodging tax in Oregon and changes how the additional tax revenue is distributed. The tax rate is split into three portions: 1.5% for tourism, 1% for wildlife conservation, and 0.25% for various state agencies. The bill also adds specific distribution requirements for the wildlife portion, directing funds to wildlife conservation, state police, agriculture, and other agencies.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of tax distribution by adding new recipients for wildlife-related funds, including state police, agriculture, and specific conservation funds, in addition to the existing tourism and wildlife accounts.

FISCAL

The transient lodging tax rate structure was changed from a single 1.5% rate to a three-tiered system totaling 2.75% (1.5% for tourism, 1% for wildlife, 0.25% for other agencies).

New distribution requirements were added for the 0.25% portion of the tax, allocating funds to state police for wildlife poaching, agriculture for wolf management, fish and wildlife for conservation and connectivity efforts, and invasive species control.

The name of the wildlife subaccount was changed from 'Oregon Conservation Strategy Subaccount' to 'Recovering Oregon's Wildlife Fund Subaccount'.

TECHNICAL

The bill text was amended to add new ORS section references and clarify the tax rate breakdown in the statutory language.

Floor votes · House Jun 20, 2025

How they voted

35–15

Passed · 9 other

Total votes 59

Jun 20, 2025

D Democratic36

31 Yea 2 Nay 3

86% Yea

R Republican23

4 Yea 13 Nay 6

56% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 28, 2025

Upper · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

upper

Jun 24, 2025

Committee

Referred to Rules.

upper

Jun 23, 2025

Introduced

First reading. Referred to President's desk.

upper

Jun 20, 2025

Lower · Passed

Third reading. Carried by Helm. Passed.

lower

Jun 19, 2025

Lower · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed A-Engrossed.

lower

Mar 27, 2025

Committee

Referred to Revenue by prior reference.

lower

Mar 27, 2025

Committee

Without recommendation as to passage and be referred to Revenue by prior reference.

lower

Jan 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water with subsequent referral to Revenue.

lower

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

5 primary · 12 co-sponsors