The 2018 Oregon Legislature adjourned March 3 after passing two bills affecting animals. The legislature meets every year in Salem to consider changes in state laws, but only for a maximum of 35 days in even-numbered years. The so-called "short" sessions have fewer major policy proposals, but this year's included the following bills affecting animals. Good Ideas That Became Law Poaching Penalties Fix House Bill 4030 makes clear that a court can order someone who poaches wildl

The Oregon Legislature began its 35-day "short" session on February 5. The session, which is held in even-numbered years, is generally intended for emergency and "housekeeping" measures. Nevertheless, we are following and weighing in on several animal-related bills, including these: Poaching Penalties Fix House Bill 4030 would attempt to make clear that a court in a criminal poaching case can order a defendant to pay damages to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife based