Episode Description
In this episode, host Zach Urness talks with Oregon State Representative Ken Helm, D-Beaverton, about landmark legislation to protect Oregon wildlife and a host of other legislative issues.
Helm talked about passage of a bill to rise $38 million for wildlife programs through an increase in the state's transient lodging tax. He also touched on other issues from the recently completed 2026 session including a bill meant to save Oregon's outdoor recreation industry, a bill to halt any sell-off of public lands and the purchase of Abiqua Falls for a new park.
Helm also spoke about a controversial bill he authored that requires all non-motorized boats to get a Waterway Access Permit, which cost $20 annually. Previously, it was only required for boats 10 feet and shorter. Money from the program will pay for boat inspection stations to halt spread of invasive mussels, but the bill prompted significant backlash.
Helm talked about passage of a bill to rise $38 million for wildlife programs through an increase in the state's transient lodging tax. He also touched on other issues from the recently completed 2026 session including a bill meant to save Oregon's outdoor recreation industry, a bill to halt any sell-off of public lands and the purchase of Abiqua Falls for a new park.
Helm also spoke about a controversial bill he authored that requires all non-motorized boats to get a Waterway Access Permit, which cost $20 annually. Previously, it was only required for boats 10 feet and shorter. Money from the program will pay for boat inspection stations to halt spread of invasive mussels, but the bill prompted significant backlash.