HB 3634 Oregon House · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to the water workforce; declaring an emergency.

Summary

Establishes the Water Workforce Program in the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to support workforce development initiatives within the water workforce. Directs the commission to award grants to local workforce development boards to administer the program. [ Requires the commission to disburse funds appropriated for the purpose of administering the program to local workforce development boards within a certain timeline. ] Requires the commission and local workforce development boards to consult with certain entities to establish a process and criteria for distributing moneys to certain subgrantees and entities that participate in certain workforce development activities. Requires the commission and the boards to establish the process and criteria within a certain timeline. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 20, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand the Water Workforce Program's scope beyond just water and wastewater utilities to include water science, engineering, and technology sectors. The amendments also clarify the commission's oversight role versus the boards' implementation responsibilities and add new funding purposes for training programs and tribal engagement.

Scope change

Expanded from water and wastewater utilities only to include water science, engineering, and technology sectors; clarified commission oversight versus board implementation roles

SCOPE

Added water science, engineering, and technology as eligible sectors alongside water and wastewater utilities

REQUIREMENT

Changed commission role from operating the program to overseeing it, with local workforce development boards now responsible for implementation

Added requirement for commission and boards to consult with entities to establish distribution process and criteria for subgrantees

Added provision to engage federally recognized tribal governments to address water needs of Indian tribes in Oregon

FISCAL

Added funding provision for nonprofit organizations, high schools, community colleges, and public universities to develop training and apprenticeship programs

ELIGIBILITY

Added option for local workforce development boards to consider other relevant factors when examining workforce barriers and opportunities

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 28, 2025

Lower · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

lower

Apr 14, 2025

Committee

Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

lower

Apr 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

lower

Feb 21, 2025

Committee

Referred to Higher Education and Workforce Development with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.

lower

Feb 20, 2025

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

3 primary · 4 co-sponsors