Relating to the Oregon National Guard; and declaring an emergency.

Oregon Guard bonuses come with service commitments

The law lets Oregon's Adjutant General offer bonuses to National Guard members who reenlist or extend service for at least three years. Bonuses are not guaranteed, and the law sets no individual dollar amount. Members must accept a written agreement setting the amount, payment schedule, service period, service type, and any added conditions. Payments can be a lump sum or installments lasting no longer than the agreed service term. Time called into active service counts toward that term. Members generally must repay money received if they fail to finish service or meet the agreement's conditions. The Adjutant General can waive all or part of repayment for fairness, personnel policy, or administrative efficiency. Members or their estates owe no repayment and are entitled to unpaid bonuses after death or release with a combat-related disability, unless caused by misconduct. A separate repayment exception covers members released as the only surviving child after a military parent's or sibling's death, prisoner-of-war or missing status, 100 percent disability, or hospitalization. That family event cannot result from intentional misconduct or willful neglect, or occur during an unauthorized absence. The law adds $2.5 million to Oregon Military Department administration funding for the two-year budget period beginning July 1, 2025, to carry out the program. The law takes effect upon passage.