Bills · HR 7603
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7603Public Lands and Natural Resources
O&C Renewal Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 20· LAST ACTION FEB 20
READING
3MIN
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it represents a significant shift in the management philosophy for a large amount of federal land in Oregon, moving towards a stronger emphasis on timber harvesting for economic gain. For many Western Oregon counties that have historically relied on timber revenues, this could mean a more stable and increased source of funding for essential local services like schools, roads, and public safety.
Conversely, for those prioritizing conservation, recreation, or diverse ecosystem management, this bill could be seen as a step back, potentially leading to increased logging activity and a reduced focus on non-timber values. If this bill becomes law, the specific definition of 'timberlands' and the mandate to update management plans will lead to concrete, on-the-ground changes in how these forests are used and protected. If it doesn't pass, the current, more balanced, multi-use management approach for O&C lands would continue.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes "permanent timber production" as the primary purpose of O&C lands, with the goal of generating revenue for county services.
This fundamentally alters the management philosophy for these lands, prioritizing logging over other uses.
PROVISION 02
Requires federal land managers to meet or exceed Oregon's fire protection standards and to compensate state and local fire groups for their services.
Aims to improve fire safety on these lands and ensures local entities are paid for their role in protecting them.
PROVISION 03
Defines "timberlands" as areas capable of growing a specific minimum volume of timber per 40-acre subdivision.
Provides a clear, measurable standard for identifying which land areas are subject to the primary timber production purpose.
PROVISION 04
Mandates the revision of all existing resource management plans within two years to align with the bill's new primary purpose and definition of timberlands.
Ensures that the bill's changes are actually implemented on the ground through updated land management strategies.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Oregon
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
15
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 20
Introduced in House
FEB 20
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7603
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 20, 2026
Last actionFeb 20, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 20, 2026
House BillHR 7603Public Lands and Natural Resources
O&C Renewal Act of 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 20, 2026· LAST ACTION FEB 20, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
