Legislation

Oregon State Legislature initiatives we support…

House Bill 2351 was passed in 2019 Allowing the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) to consider the Willamette Greenway under Goal 15 of Oregons land use planning goals. Passage of this bill helps OSMB manage boating in a manner that aligns with state law and policies intended to protect the Willamette River Greenway.

House Bill 2352 was passed in 2019 giving the Oregon State Marine Board the authority to establish a towed watersports education and certification for wake surfing in the Newberg Pool.

Read more here about the OSMB Towed Watersports Education Program and Study Guide.

The current legislation and the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources is currently considering HB 2725 and HB 2695.

House Bill 2725-2 is an amendment to HB 2352. In October 2019, the Oregon State Marine Board set the weight limit for boats not to exceed 10000 lbs in the Newberg Pool based on ramp capacity. House bill 2351 was not considered when passing this rule because the OSMB didn’t understand the legislative intent of house bill 2351. HB 2725 was written to limit boat weights to a reasonable weight of 4000 lbs, making boating in the Newberg Pool sustainable for generations to come.

House Bill 2695-2 was written to broaden the Oregon State Marine Boards members from the current member group of 5 to 7 members. Additionally, it adds 2 non-voting from other government agencies to guarantee rules align with other state agencies polices.

New Lower Willamette Rules Passed 1/27/21, read more here