The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Legislative Committee recently adopted eight top priorities for the upcoming 2024 legislative session. These items represent the most pressing policy issues faced by counties across the state, and have been discussed at AOC district meetings, the 2023 AOC legislative retreat in Klamath County, and during AOC policy steering committee meetings since the 2023 legislative session adjourned.
The AOC legislative affairs department, along with county commissioners, chairs, and judges, will advocate in the capitol this spring for the advancement of these priorities. “AOC looks forward to continuing our commitment to solutions-oriented advocacy and collaborating with our partners in the state legislature on policy to efficiently and effectively deliver county services to our shared constituencies,” said AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel, PhD.
2024 Legislative Session Priorities
Community Development
Advocate for a fast-track process for limited urban growth boundary expansions that significantly increase affordable and workforce housing in all communities experiencing shortages of buildable land.
Governance and Revenue
Address problems arising out of the Tyler v. Hennepin County decision — limit county legal liability and create a standard process for how foreclosure surplus claims are handled.
Health and Human Services
Establish a statutory process and schedule for a cost study of core behavioral health services (local services required in statute).
Mitigate liability risk shift to counties and local system providers for mandated populations (aid and assist, civil commitment, and guilty except for insanity).
Natural Resources
Protect and enhance county authority, funding, and flexibility to support management policies and locally focused policy making processes across the Natural Resources portfolio.
Public Safety
Increase state investment in community corrections funding for the remainder of the 23-25 biennium.
Elevate the county voice in Measure 110 reform, supporting policy modifications that prioritize engagement in substance abuse treatment, provide sufficient funding for county services, and strengthen tools the criminal justice system can use to fight illegal drug use and sales.
Transportation
Advocate for the statutory authority for counties to charge cost-recovery fees for permits issued to utilities for work in the county road right of way.
View the 2024 Legislative Priorities online (PDF)
Contributed by: Mallorie Roberts | AOC Legislative Affairs Director