As Oregonians we know how beautiful our state is, and the diversity of habitats and wildlife we love are part of what makes Oregon such a special place to live.
With Oregon’s short legislative session for 2026 getting underway today, the 1.25% for Wildlife bill is back before policymakers with bipartisan support as HB 4134. HB 4134 has a public hearing scheduled for this Wednesday, Feb. 4th, in the House Revenue Committee at 3 p.m. Please help us pass this bill!
If passed, HB 4134 would impose a modest lodging tax on hotels, motels, and other short-term tourist rentals to generate a new revenue stream for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to directly help at-risk species and habitats. Currently, ODFW doesn’t receive any dedicated funds from the state for the recovery and conservation of such species and habitats. This bill will fix that.
With your help and advocacy, we have a real shot at passing this historic funding bill to put Oregon’s most vulnerable wildlife and habitat on a more secure path to survival. While the written testimony deadline is this Friday, please submit testimony NOW ahead of the House Revenue Committee hearing for HB 4134 this Wednesday, Feb. 4th, at 3 p.m.
Written Testimony Instructions
It’s easy to share your testimony in support of HB 4134:
- Go to this Oregon State Legislature page and choose the HB 4134 agenda item option.
- Fill out your information (name, email, community of residence)
- Skip the “on behalf of” box. You’re submitting as an individual and not on behalf of WaterWatch or any other organization.
- Choose the “support” option from the Position on Measure dropdown menu
- Either upload a PDF file of your testimony, or choose “text testimony” and write or paste your testimony into the text window
- Click the Submit Testimony button in the bottom left corner and you’re done.
Feel free to copy and paste the letter below, and please add why funding for fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation is important to you and your family. The more personal the testimony, the better.
Chair Nathanson and Members of the House Committee on Revenue,
My name is [ your name ] and I live in [ your community ]. I am submitting this testimony in strong support of HB 4134 with the -1 amendment to increase the state lodging tax by 1.25% and help recover Oregon’s most vulnerable fish, wildlife, and habitats.
Oregon is an incredibly special place, and our state’s identity is closely tied to its rich natural heritage, including native fish, wildlife, and the habitats that support them. Oregonians’ love for the outdoors is known throughout this country and beyond. Oregonians like me are proud of our natural heritage and want to see it thrive for future generations.
Securing long-term dedicated funding to recover our most vulnerable fish, wildlife, and habitats is strongly supported by a majority of Oregonians. I urge you to support this landmark bill, which would dedicate long-term funding to recover Oregon’s most vulnerable fish, wildlife, and habitats — all of which are critical for our state’s tourism economy. Oregon’s robust outdoor tourism economy — accounting for 2.6% of the state’s GDP — supports 192,000 jobs and brings in $16 billion in consumer spending. Investing in these resources now will continue to generate more economic opportunities for Oregon’s communities in the future.
We cannot have a thriving tourism economy without healthy and abundant fish, wildlife, and the habitats that support them. This legislation would ensure we have both. At a time when the federal government is slashing funds and dismantling policies that protect our vulnerable fish and wildlife and their habitats, Oregon has a chance to set an example and protect our natural heritage. Doing so would make Oregon a national leader.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect our natural legacy and rich biodiversity, which make this state so special. Please pass HB 4134 -1 this legislative session!
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[ your name ]
Oregon’s world-class rivers and streams make life possible for hundreds of native fish and wildlife species. Please help us advocate for the funding of needed conservation efforts to ensure the survival of Oregon’s fish and wildlife with your support for HB 4134 today. Be sure to submit your testimony no later than the written testimony submission deadline this Friday, Feb. 6th, at 3 p.m.
Oregon capitol building banner photo courtesy of Jim Choate.