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OregonHB 40342026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to animal rescue entities.

Sponsored By: Bobby Levy (Republican), Courtney Neron Misslin (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Fines and criminal evidence rules for rescues

The Department can deny, suspend, or revoke a license and fine up to $500 for each violation. During valid investigations, evidence of animal cruelty must be seized and reported to law enforcement. That evidence is presumed usable in criminal cases.

More oversight and inspections for rescues

Rescues must keep a record for every animal in their custody as the Department requires. During audits or on-site checks, you must show records and give information. Licensed rescues can be inspected at reasonable times by the Department, law enforcement, or USDA. The Department can also visit places it believes are operating without a required license. Credible, serious complaints must trigger an on-site investigation. Any state agency that gets a complaint about a licensed rescue must tell the Department and report what actions it takes.

Rescues with 10+ animals need licenses

The law defines who counts as an animal rescue. It covers people and groups that keep animals, have legal custody, and take donations. Veterinary clinics are not included. “Animal” means mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians; fish are not covered. If you keep 10 or more animals for more than two business days, you must get a state license. You must also pay a license and annual renewal fee set by the Department of Agriculture.

Rules, hearings, and input for rescues

Fees the Department collects under this law are used to run and enforce the program. The Department must write rules for records, audits that consider compliance history, and licensing steps. Rescues get notice, a chance for a hearing before penalties, and court review of civil penalties. The Department must ask for input from rural and urban rescues, transport groups, and free or low-cost care providers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Bobby Levy

    Republican • House

  • Courtney Neron Misslin

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alek Skarlatos

    Republican • House

  • Anna Scharf

    Republican • House

  • Court Boice

    Republican • House

  • Darcey Edwards

    Republican • House

  • David Gomberg

    Democratic • House

  • Dwayne Yunker

    Republican • House

  • E. Werner Reschke

    Republican • House

  • Janeen Sollman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeffrey Helfrich

    Republican • House

  • Ken Helm

    Democratic • House

  • Mark Owens

    Republican • House

  • Rick Lewis

    Republican • House

  • Sarah McDonald

    Democratic • House

  • Susan McLain

    Democratic • House

  • Todd Nash

    Republican • Senate

  • Tom Andersen

    Democratic • House

  • Virgle Osborne

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 102 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Third reading. Carried by Neron Misslin. Passed.

Yes: 29 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Natural Resources and Wildfire: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 4 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2026

Third reading. Carried by Levy B. Passed.

Yes: 58 • No: 0

House vote • 2/4/2026

Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 13, (2026 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2027.

    3/17/2026House

  2. Governor signed.

    3/5/2026House

  3. President signed.

    2/27/2026Senate

  4. Speaker signed.

    2/26/2026House

  5. Third reading. Carried by Neron Misslin. Passed.

    2/25/2026Senate

  6. Carried over to 02-25 by unanimous consent.

    2/24/2026Senate

  7. Second reading.

    2/23/2026Senate

  8. Recommendation: Do pass the A-Eng. bill.

    2/23/2026Senate

  9. Work Session held.

    2/19/2026Senate

  10. Public Hearing held.

    2/17/2026Senate

  11. Referred to Natural Resources and Wildfire.

    2/11/2026Senate

  12. First reading. Referred to President's desk.

    2/11/2026Senate

  13. Third reading. Carried by Levy B. Passed.

    2/10/2026House

  14. Second reading.

    2/9/2026House

  15. Subsequent referral to Ways and Means rescinded by order of the Speaker.

    2/5/2026House

  16. Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and subsequent referral to Ways and Means be rescinded.

    2/5/2026House

  17. Work Session held.

    2/4/2026House

  18. Public Hearing held.

    2/2/2026House

  19. Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.

    2/2/2026House

  20. First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

    2/2/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    2/25/2026

    PDF

  • A-Engrossed

    2/5/2026

    PDF

  • House Amendments to Introduced

    2/5/2026

    PDF

  • HALNRW Amendment -2 (Adopted)

    2/4/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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