HB 4134 – 1.25% for Wildlife
For too long, wildlife conservation programs have been woefully underfunded. The programs and staff responsible for conserving the state’s 600 nongame wildlife species – roughly 88% of all species – only receive about 4-6% of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) total budget. Without sufficient and sustainable funding, our state’s most vulnerable fish, wildlife, and habitat remain in jeopardy.
HB 4134 raises the statewide lodging tax (TLT) by 1.25%, from 1.5% to 2.75%. The funds raised will go directly to imperiled fish, wildlife, and habitat recovery efforts. With nearly 300 species at an elevated risk of extinction and 11 habitats of greatest conservation need, these additional investments would be life-saving.
Thank Leaders who Supported 1.25% for Wildlife
HB 4134 has passed and been signed. This historic legislation will protect our wildlife, safeguard communities, and strengthen our tourism economy that depends on a healthy environment, without increasing cost of living. Send a thank you to leaders who supported funding to protect and recover Oregon’s native wildlife.
Why you should support HB 4134 – 1.25% for Wildlife
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What HB 4134 does
HB 4134 – 1.25% for Wildlife will create a long-term, dedicated funding source to protect Oregon’s most vulnerable fish, wildlife, and their habitats. By raising the statewide lodging tax (TLT) by 1.25%, from 1.5% to 2.75%, the bill ensures that visitors who are enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty are also investing in its future. The funds raised by the tax will go directly to imperiled fish, wildlife, and habitat recovery efforts. With nearly 300 species at an elevated risk of extinction and 11 habitats of greatest conservation need, these additional investments will be life-saving.
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How will the bill impact tourism in Oregon?
Over 60% of lodging tax revenue comes from out-of-state visitors. Even with the proposed 1.25% increase, Oregon will remain the third-lowest taxed state in the country.
In 2025, an independent economic assessment of the “1.25% for Wildlife” proposal found no correlation between modest tax increases like the one proposed in HB 4134 and visitor spending. The analysis concluded that neighboring states with lodging tax rates two to five times higher than Oregon’s consistently show comparable or stronger growth in lodging revenue, with no negative impacts on their outdoor economy.
Read the 2025 Economic Analysis
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Who supports HB 4134?
Wildlife conservationists, hunters, anglers, recreationalists, and businesses associated with tourism from across Oregon support this legislation. In the 2025 legislative session, over 70% of the written testimony was in support of “1.25% For Wildlife.” These numbers are reflective of Oregonians’ deep commitment to preserving and protecting their natural heritage. According to a May 2025 poll from Mason-Dixon Polling, 71% of Oregonians believe protecting the biodiversity of Oregon should be a priority for state and national politicians and 81% of Oregonians say that biodiversity (the variety of plants, animals, and other living things) is important in their everyday lives.
Read the Wildlife Coalition Support Letter
Key Staff
- Danielle MoserWildlife Program Manager
