H.B. 3219
The Oregon State Legislature is considering a bill that would provide state funding to the Oregon Hazards Lab.
H.B. 3219 is a bill under consideration by the Oregon State Legislature. It would provide state funding to the Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) via the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. This bill would make OHAZ a state program, aligning it with other state-supported public service programs housed at Oregon universities.
OHAZ has previously received one-time funding from the State of Oregon, which enabled us to significantly expand statewide seismic monitoring and wildfire detection camera networks. However, these investments are expiring and must be renewed. H.B. 3219 would protect the State of Oregon’s prior investment in our operations and enshrine our successes so we can continue supporting the many communities, utilities, and fire districts that have come to rely upon our public safety tools.
Importance of H.B. 3219
Oregon Hazards Lab Impact
223+
PNSN Seismic Monitoring Stations Across Oregon
63+
OHAZ Wildfire Detection Cameras Across Oregon
4.2Mil
Oregonians With Access to ShakeAlert EEW Alerts
34
Counties in Oregon with OHAZ Cameras or Sensors
29
Oregon Senate Districts with OHAZ Cameras or Sensors
45
Oregon Senate Districts with OHAZ Cameras or Sensors
H.B. 3219 Sponsors
H.B. 3219 has garnered bipartisan and bicameral support, reflecting broad recognition of OHAZ’s vital role in protecting communities from natural disasters. We are grateful to our legislative champions and other supporters who advocate for sustained investment in public safety and disaster resilience!
Chief Co-Sponsors
The Chief Sponsors of H.B. 3219 are Representatives Nancy Nathanson (D-13), Dacia Grayber (D-28), and Darin Harbick (R-12). Learn why they support this bill:
Oregon has already been making investments in the Oregon Hazards Lab for several years now, and it’s time to ensure sustainability for this program serving all of Oregon. The services have proven successful and they are used by scores of local agencies and first responders; and beyond continuous service day in and day out, the science and research value have gained national attention. This bill puts the Oregon Hazards Lab in the list of other valuable services delivered by our state’s universities.
As Oregon continues to experience worsening hazards, including drier and hotter summers to leading to more severe and frequent wildfires, the threat of natural and human caused hazards is clear. The devastation as a result of these wildfires in Oregon and neighboring states is impossible to ignore, and the economic costs of those fires and other disasters are staggering. Funding for the U of O Hazards Lab is critical to disaster preparedness and response, and it is far less expensive to prevent a fire than to put one out. OHAZ supplies crucial services to Oregon and adjacent states, providing real time life saving data through its seismic, wildfire and remote sensing networks.
My district (east rural Lane County) is heavily impacted by wildfires. The 2020 holiday farm fire was particularly devastating to my district. The Oregon Hazards Lab is a fantastic existing program that maintains a camera system that is important tool for our firefighters to effectively spot, track, and contain future wildfires. HB 3219 will enshrine and stabilize the program ensuring it continues to be a tool our firefighters can utilize.
Additional Sponsors
Additional sponsors of H.B. 3219 include Representatives Ed Diehl (R-17), Lisa Fragala (D-8), Emily McIntire (R-56), Lesly Muñoz (D-22), E. Werner Reschke (R-55), Alek Skarlatos (R-4), Jules Walters (D-37), and Boomer Wright (R-9); and Senators Wlnsvey Campos (D-18) and James Manning, Jr. (D-7).
H.B. 3219 Legislative Timeline
January 13, 2025
H.B. 3219 Introduced
H.B. 3219 was introduced by Representative Nancy Nathanson (D-13). The bill requested funding for the Oregon Hazards Lab for the biennium, which would be distributed via the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. This would solidify OHAZ as a state program.
January 17, 2025
H.B. 3219 Referred to Committee
H.B. 3219 was referred to the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.
February 20, 2025
Public Hearing and Legislative Meetings
OHAZ staff traveled to Salem to testify at a public hearing before the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. Following, they met with legislators to share more about our work and expand on the importance of H.B. 3219 to Oregonians. Thank you to the legislators who met with us!
February 28, 2025
Representatives Visit OHAZ
Representatives Darin Harbick (D-12) and Lisa Fragala (D-13) visited OHAZ to learn more about the program. Following this visit, Rep. Harbick signed on as a Chief Co-Sponsor. Rep. Fragala was already one of the bill’s sponsors.
March 14, 2025
Amendment Work Session
The House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee approved the 1-A amendment to request $8.1 million for the biennium, and referred H.B. 3219 to the Joint Ways and Means Committee by prior reference.
Today
Joint Ways and Means Committee
H.B. 3219 is currently waiting to be heard by the Joint Ways and Means Committee. The bill needs to be passed by this committee before being sent to the House and Senate floors for floor votes.
