Oregon legislation · 2026 Legislative Measures
Oregon HB4049: Relating to Harney Basin water; prescribing an effective date.
Status: Failed, March 6, 2026
Digest: This Act lets ground water users in Harney Valley make agreements to limit their water use. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.6). [ Directs ] Authorizes the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between ground water users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 17, 2026:
83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2026 Regular Session HOUSE AMENDMENTS TO HOUSE BILL 4049 By COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LAND USE, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND WATER February On page 1 of the printed bill, delete lines 6 through 28 and delete pages 2 and 3. On page 4, delete lines 1 through 10 and insert: "SECTION 2. (1) As used in this section: "(a) 'Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern' has the meaning given that term by the Water Resources Commission pursuant to ORS 537.743. "(b) 'Minor amendment' means a change to an existing voluntary agreement that would not result in the voluntary agreement being a detriment to the public welfare, safety and health or contrary to the intent, purposes and requirements of ORS 537.505 to 537.795 and 537.992. "(c) 'Voluntary agreement' means an agreement entered into and approved in accordance with this section. "(2) In the administration of ORS 537.505 to 537.795 and 537.992, the commission may encourage, promote and recognize voluntary agreements between ground water users within the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to allow ground water users to determine how to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels within a reasonable time in ways that best serve local communities and the long-term sustainability of the resource. "(3)(a) Parties to a voluntary agreement may include: "(A) Individuals, corporations, associations, firms, …
Sponsors
- Mark Owens (R, 60) · primary sponsor
- Ken Helm (D, 27) · primary sponsor
- Mike McLane (R, 30) · primary sponsor
- Court Boice (R, 1)
- Barbara Levy (R, 58)
- McDonald, Sarah (D, 16)
- Todd Nash (R, 29)
- Thomas Andersen (D, 19)
- Annessa Hartman (D, 40)
Latest actions
- : In committee upon adjournment.
- : Referred to Ways and Means by order of Speaker.
- : Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means.
- : Work Session held.
- : Work Session held.
- : Public Hearing held.
- : Referred to Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.
- : First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
Votes
- HALNRW Committee Vote (February 16, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB4049?
- HB4049 is a bill in the Oregon Legislature (2026 Legislative Measures): Relating to Harney Basin water; prescribing an effective date.
- What does HB4049 do?
- Digest: This Act lets ground water users in Harney Valley make agreements to limit their water use. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.6). [ Directs ] Authorizes the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between ground water users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
- What is the status of HB4049?
- Failed as of March 6, 2026. Latest action: In committee upon adjournment. (March 6, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB4049?
- Mark Owens (R, 60), with 8 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB4049?
- On the Oregon Legislature website: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/4049
Source: official Oregon record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.