2007 Session Benefits DSL Programs, Common School Fund
For the first time in 18 years, the Oregon Legislature approved a fee increase for removal-fill permits, reducing the program’s dependence on the Common School Fund (CSF) for administrative funding.
“This Legislature understood the importance of investing in staff and resources to increase revenues to the Common School Fund,” said DSL Director Louise Solliday. “In addition to new legislation, our 2007-09 budget will allow DSL to more aggressively manage CSF lands to increase funding for Oregon’s public schools over the next decade and beyond.”
Highlights of 2007 legislative actions impacting DSL include:
DSL-Sponsored Legislation
Passage of House Bill 2104 reduces the dormancy period from five to three years for certain unclaimed property. This will result in an influx of receipts into the CSF in November 2008.
Passage of House Bill 2105 allows DSL to increase and add new fees for removal-fill permits, reducing this program’s dependence on the CSF for funding. Annual increases beginning January 2009 will be tied to the Consumer Price Index for Oregon and Washington.
Passage of House Bill 2106 establishes a new fee for wetland reviews. The fee will fund two new wetlands staff to expedite the review process, without cost to the CSF.
House Bill 2251 – which would have created a pilot project for water-related permit streamlining – did not advance. However, DSL is working to improve the process with existing resources and agency partners.
Senate Bill 67 – which would have moved the Unclaimed Property Section to the Office of the State Treasurer – did not advance.
Other Legislation
House Bill 3434 – which would have directed the State Land Board to sell the Elliott State Forest if timber harvest proceeds were less than CSF investment earnings – did not advance.
Passage of Senate Bill 350 – which relates to the state’s economic development statutes – allows the DSL director to authorize the transfer of wetland mitigation bank credits to nonprofit entities for future economic development projects.
Passage of Senate Bill 420 creates the Environmental Justice Task Force, naming DSL as one of the state natural-resource agencies involved.
Passage of Senate Bill 432 allows ship breaking in Oregon only in dry dock, with the exception of DSL-approved removals that are deemed impracticable to remove in dry dock.
Senate Bill 460 – which would have made unclaimed gift cards subject to the unclaimed property law – did not advance, but House Bill 2513 – eliminating gift-card expiration dates – passed.
Passage of Senate Bill 544 directs DSL to investigate the feasibility of establishing a certification program for wetland scientists.
Passage of Senate Bill 875 allows DSL to adopt rules for the authorization of wave energy facilities or devices in the Territorial Sea.
Department of State Lands Budget
Governor Kulongoski signed DSL’s 2007-09 budget bill on May 9, providing nine new staff and additional funds to increase revenues to the CSF. The budget also adds new resources for the removal-fill and wetlands programs.
The Land Management Division received additional funds and new positions to aggressively implement DSL’s 2006 – 2016 Asset Management Plan. The plan “provides the policy direction and management principles to guide short- and long-term management of CSF lands to provide the greatest benefit for the CSF and the people of Oregon over the next decade.”
Other new resources and positions will provide better internal administration of the fiscal section, e-commerce and technology initiatives, and human resources.
Additional information about the 2007 session or DSL’s budget is available from Jeannette Holman, 503-986-5227; jeannette.holman@state.or.us.
