HB3544 is a bill in the Oregon Legislature (2025 Legislative Measures): Relating to water.

What is the status of HB3544?

Chaptered as of August 13, 2025. Latest action: Chapter 575, (2025 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2026. (August 13, 2025).

Who sponsored HB3544?

Ken Helm (D, 27), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB3544?

On the Oregon Legislature website: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/3544

Oregon legislation · 2025 Legislative Measures

Oregon HB3544: Relating to water.

Q: What does HB3544 do?

In its own words: To amend the joint agreement so the holder continues to qualify as a municipal applicant, or if the holder of the permit has assigned ownership of the permit to an entity other than a municipal corporation or district, the Water Resources Commission shall initiate proceedings to cancel the permit. [(2) A proceeding to cancel a permit under subsection (1) of this section shall be conducted according to the provisions under ORS chapter 183 for a contested case hearing.] (2) The provisions of sections 2 and 3 of this 2025 Act, and rules adopted thereunder, apply to a contested case proceeding on.

Status: Chaptered, August 13, 2025

Digest: The Act creates a standard process for contested cases about the use of water. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7). Establishes uniform processes for hearing contested case proceedings relating to the use of water.

What the bill says

To amend the joint agreement so the holder continues to qualify as a municipal applicant, or if the holder of the permit has assigned ownership of the permit to an entity other than a municipal corporation or district, the Water Resources Commission shall initiate proceedings to cancel the permit. [(2) A proceeding to cancel a permit under subsection (1) of this section shall be conducted according to the provisions under ORS chapter 183 for a contested case hearing.] (2) The provisions of sections 2 and 3 of this 2025 Act, and rules adopted thereunder, apply to a contested case proceeding on.

From the enrolled text, June 28, 2025:

to amend the joint agreement so the holder continues to qualify as a municipal applicant, or if the holder of the permit has assigned ownership of the permit to an entity other than a municipal corporation or district, the Water Resources Commission shall initiate proceedings to cancel the permit. [(2) A proceeding to cancel a permit under subsection (1) of this section shall be conducted according to the provisions under ORS chapter 183 for a contested case hearing.] (2) The provisions of sections 2 and 3 of this 2025 Act, and rules adopted thereunder, apply to a contested case proceeding on a proposed final order issued under this section. SECTION 11. ORS 537.297 is amended to read: 537.297. (1) If the owner of a certificate to appropriate water for hydroelectric purposes under this chapter fails, after receiving notice under ORS 537.289 (2), to amend the joint agreement so the owner continues to qualify as a municipal applicant, or if the holder of the certificate has assigned ownership of the certificate to an entity other than a municipal corporation or district, the Water Resources Commission shall initiate proceedings to cancel the certificate. [(2) A proceeding to cancel a certificate under subsection (1) of this section shall be conducted according to the provisions under ORS chapter 183 for a contested case hearing.] …

Read the full official text

Oregon HB3544: Relating to water.

What the bill says

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