OregonOregon task force studies coastal business and conservation
Oregon’s law establishes a temporary task force to recommend ways to support sustainable coastal businesses and lets the Ocean Science Trust form a tax-exempt organization.
What it does
A temporary task force studies Oregon’s ocean-based economy and recommends ways to support sustainable businesses while protecting coastal ecosystems.
The Oregon Ocean Science Trust may create and maintain a federally tax-exempt organization to advance its mission.
Argument forReviewing research, job programs, and business opportunities together could help Oregon coordinate support for coastal businesses while protecting coastal ecosystems.
Argument againstHelping the task force and sharing information could take agency staff time from other work, though confidentiality laws still apply.
More detail
The law establishes a temporary task force to study Oregon’s ocean-based economy and recommend ways to support sustainable businesses. At least 13 members represent lawmakers and coastal research, businesses, fisheries, recreation, tourism, environmental groups, investors, workers, an Oregon State University program, and coastal tribes. The task force may recommend creating a center for the blue economy, but the law does not require one. Appointments must be completed within 60 days after the law took effect, and the first meeting must occur within 90 days. The task force must report by September 15, 2027. The section establishing it expires December 31, 2027.
The law allows the Oregon Ocean Science Trust to create and maintain a federally tax-exempt organization to advance its mission. This authority applies to the Oregon Ocean Science Trust. The organization must qualify for federal income tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 6Effective date, June 5, 2026.Latest
- Apr 6Chapter 80, 2026 Laws.
- Mar 31Governor Tina Kotek signed.Became Law
- Mar 6Speaker signed.Major
- Vote recorded Rules suspended. Third reading. Carried by Gomberg. Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 6President signed.Major
- Mar 6Rules suspended. Third reading. Carried by Gomberg. Passed.Passed House
- Mar 5Second reading.Minor
- Mar 4Recommendation: Do pass.Minor
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 4Referred to Ways and Means.Minor
- Mar 4First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.Minor
- Mar 4Third reading. Carried by Sollman. Passed.Passed Senate
- Mar 3Second reading.Minor
- Mar 3Recommendation: Do pass the A-Eng. bill.Minor
- Mar 2Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Legislature
- Feb 27Returned to Full Committee.
- Feb 27Work Session held.
- Feb 25Assigned to Subcommittee On Capital Construction.Minor
- Feb 18Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.Minor
- Feb 18Recommendation: Do pass with amendments to the and be referred to Ways and Means by prior reference. (Printed A-Eng.)Minor
- Feb 16Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out with Amendments. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 4Public Hearing held.
- Feb 4Public Hearing Scheduled.
- Feb 2Referred to Energy and Environment, then Ways and Means.Minor
- Feb 2Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.Introduced
Environment & EnergyEconomy & Jobs