HB 4049 Oregon House · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to Harney Basin water; prescribing an effective date.

Summary

[ Directs ] Authorizes the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between ground water users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Mar 7, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand the Water Resources Commission's authority from merely 'encouraging' voluntary water agreements to 'authorizing' them, while also changing the language from 'encourage, promote and approve' to 'encourage, promote and recognize.' Additionally, the requirements for voluntary agreements were updated to include a mandatory schedule for periodic commission reviews and clarified the submission process to involve the Water Resources Director.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted from a purely voluntary encouragement model to one with explicit authorization and recognition powers for the commission, and it added a new requirement for periodic reviews of approved agreements.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the commission's authority regarding voluntary agreements from 'encourage and approve' to 'authorize and approve,' and further modified the language to 'encourage, promote and recognize' instead of 'encourage, promote and approve.'

Added a new requirement that voluntary agreements must include a schedule for periodic review by the commission.

Updated the submission process to require that agreements be sent to both the commission and the Water Resources Director.

TIMELINE

Adjusted the timeline for commission meetings to place agreements on the agenda of the first regularly scheduled meeting occurring at least 90 days after receipt, rather than the next meeting following the 90th day.

DEFINITION

Revised the definition of 'Minor amendment' to remove specific references to ORS 537.140 and related sections, narrowing the scope of what constitutes a minor change.

ELIGIBILITY

Added 'agencies of state government' as a potential party to a voluntary agreement, provided they meet specific conditions.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Committee

Referred to Ways and Means by order of Speaker.

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

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

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

3 primary · 6 co-sponsors