Oregon lawmakers increase lodging tax to boost wildlife funding
Oregon lawmakers have voted to increase the state’s lodging tax in order to help fund wildlife conservation.
The tax increase passed the state Senate on Wednesday in a 20-9 vote, a week after approval in the House. The measure is expected to bring in roughly $37 million per year by raising the state’s lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.75%.
Oregon is among many states that have struggled to find funding for vulnerable species managed by state wildlife agencies. Such agencies get much of their revenue from fishing and hunting license sales, and have focused much of their work on traditional “game” species such as deer and trout.
Climate change, habitat loss and other factors have increased the urgency for states to take a broader approach. Officials at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and similar agencies in other states are responsible for a wide array of species, many of which are struggling. But most agencies have little funding for “non-game” species.
https://stateline.org/2026/03/05/oregon-lawmakers-increase-lodging-tax-to-boost-wildlife-funding/