Signed by Governor Tina Kotek

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes an advisory group under the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to guide the development of critical wildlife crossings to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in Oregon.

Highlights:

• Establishes a program under the Department of Transportation to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and promote public safety in Oregon (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the program to include all of the following (Sec. 1):

• Feasibility studies;

• Plans for modifying road infrastructure to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and promote public safety;

• Updates to wildlife guidance material to include wildlife-vehicle reduction initiatives;

• A training program to educate relevant employees on the interaction of transportation systems and wildlife; and

• A list of proposed projects to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

• Establishes an advisory group under the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to collaborate on the goals of the program, coordinate resources and community outreach, and assist with identified projects (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the advisory group shall (Sec. 2):

• Consist of diverse participants from federal, state, and local governments, academia and nonprofit organizations, and individuals with biology and engineering backgrounds;

• Meet regularly, and at least once annually through December 31, 2033; and

• Publish materials from its meetings on a department website.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill related to the advisory group shall be repealed on January 2, 2025 (Sec. 3). 

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes an advisory group under the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to guide the development of critical wildlife crossings to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in Oregon.

Highlights:

• Establishes a program under the Department of Transportation to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and promote public safety in Oregon (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the program to include all of the following (Sec. 1):

• Feasibility studies;

• Plans for modifying road infrastructure to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and promote public safety;

• Updates to wildlife guidance material to include wildlife-vehicle reduction initiatives;

• A training program to educate relevant employees on the interaction of transportation systems and wildlife; and

• A list of proposed projects to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions.

• Establishes an advisory group under the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to collaborate on the goals of the program, coordinate resources and community outreach, and assist with identified projects (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the advisory group shall (Sec. 2):

• Consist of diverse participants from federal, state, and local governments, academia and nonprofit organizations, and individuals with biology and engineering backgrounds;

• Meet regularly, and at least once annually through December 31, 2033; and

• Publish materials from its meetings on a department website.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill related to the advisory group shall be repealed on January 2, 2025 (Sec. 3). 

Full Bill Text