Proposed Measure 25 Seeks to Declare Hunting and Farming Human Rights

Path from Initiative Petition 28 to IP 25

The new measure arrives following the failure of a previous proposal, Initiative Petition 28, to qualify for the November ballot. While IP 28 sought to remove specific protections for agricultural and wildlife harvesting activities, IP 25 moves in the opposite direction.

“This is about protecting the people’s ability to continue the practices that have helped sustain Oregon communities for generations,” said Kari Goodheart, chief petitioner of the Oregon Freedom Amendment, in a statement.

Bipartisan Lawmaker Support Across Oregon

The push for constitutional protections has drawn backing from across the political aisle. State Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, endorsed the measure during a visit to Central Oregon, highlighting the broad legislative unity that previously formed against competing proposals like IP 28.

“Every single member of the legislature came out in opposition to IP 28. Everybody did,” Drazan said. “What a wonderful, wonderful opportunity for us to come together. Put it on the ballot and allow for our hunting and fishing and farming and ranching activities to be protected in our Constitution.”

“Hunting, farming, fishing, ranching are deeply embedded in Oregon’s culture and traditions, particularly here in Central Oregon,” Levy said in a statement. “They deserve constitutional protections.”

Proposed Constitutional Changes and Government Regulation Limits

If passed by voters, Initiative Petition 25 would establish explicit protections for residents to cultivate crops, raise livestock, harvest natural resources, and participate in science-based conservation programs. The text designates these operations as a public right and defines them as the state’s preferred method for managing fish, wildlife, and natural resources.

Under the terms of the amendment, state and local governments would face strict limits on regulatory authority. Laws or rules impacting these sectors would need to be reasonable, narrowly tailored, and strictly necessary for public safety, public health, or wildlife conservation. Furthermore, the measure expressly prohibits new laws or initiative petitions from reclassifying generally accepted farming, ranching, or hunting practices as animal abuse, neglect, or cruelty.

Property Rights, Legal Liability, and Exemptions

The draft text of the initiative establishes clear boundaries regarding property rights and legal liability. According to the measure’s provisions, the constitutional rights do not authorize trespassing on private property, restrict existing private property rights, or grant civil or criminal immunity for intentional, negligent, or reckless misconduct.

Existing state authority to enforce laws against intentional animal torture outside of regulated activities remains fully intact. Wildlife agencies would also retain their standard authority to establish bag limits, hunting seasons, and conservation rules. Additionally, the proposal includes a severability clause, ensuring that remaining provisions stay valid if any individual part is struck down by the courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens next with Initiative Petition 25?

The Oregon Secretary of State’s office has referred the petition to the state Attorney General, who is responsible for drafting the official ballot title and summary.

What specific activities would IP 25 protect?

According to the text, the measure protects cultivating crops, raising livestock, harvesting natural resources, trapping, fishing, hunting, and participating in science-based conservation programs.

Does the amendment eliminate animal cruelty laws?

No. The measure explicitly maintains state authority to prosecute intentional animal torture outside of regulated practices and bars immunity for reckless or intentional misconduct.

Who is leading the sponsorship of the initiative?

The measure is sponsored by the Oregon Freedom Amendment, with Kari Goodheart serving as the chief petitioner.

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