SB 222 Oregon Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to the protection of salmon; declaring an emergency.

Summary

] [ Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to operate a program in southwest Oregon to control populations of species that prey on salmon. ] Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor the introduction of smallmouth bass into certain rivers and to support programs to eradicate smallmouth bass in certain rivers. Appropriates moneys to the department to carry out the purposes of the Act. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 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 substantially rewritten to shift focus from protecting salmon by controlling predator species to specifically targeting smallmouth bass. The original version directed the Department of Fish and Wildlife to manage populations of any species preying on salmon in southwest Oregon, while the new version mandates monitoring and eradication of smallmouth bass in Pacific-draining rivers. Funding of $1 million was added for a two-year period starting July 1, 2025, and an emergency provision was included to allow immediate implementation upon passage.

Scope change

The bill's scope narrowed from a broad predator management program in specific southwest Oregon counties to a targeted smallmouth bass eradication program applicable to rivers other than the Columbia River that drain into the Pacific Ocean.

SCOPE

Target species changed from unspecified predators of salmon to specifically smallmouth bass.

ELIGIBILITY

Geographic scope changed from seven specific southwest Oregon counties to any Pacific-draining rivers except the Columbia River.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish a monitoring program for smallmouth bass introduction.

FISCAL

Added $1 million appropriation from the General Fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025.

TIMELINE

Added emergency declaration allowing the bill to take effect immediately upon passage.

DEFINITION

Removed detailed definition of 'southwest Oregon' and provisions regarding endangered species exemptions.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 28, 2025

Upper · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

upper

Mar 24, 2025

Committee

Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

upper

Mar 24, 2025

Upper · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be referred to Ways and Means by prior reference. (Printed A-Eng.)

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to Energy and Environment, then Ways and Means.

upper

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced

Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors