OR HB2857

Establishes an air ambulance readiness program within the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to provide annual subsidies to qualified air ambulance bases, with emphasis on ensuring emergency response availability in rural areas

Qualified air ambulance bases must apply annually and operate at least 5,000 hours per year to receive subsidies, which may cover equipment, aircraft maintenance, personnel training and certification, and operational costs

Eligible bases include local governments, special government bodies, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, and private organizations wholly owned or controlled by these entities

Requires subsidy recipients to annually report how funds were used, and requires the department to submit biennial program reports to health care-related legislative committees by September 15 of odd-numbered years, beginning September 15, 2027

Program becomes operative January 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on the 91st day following adjournment of the 2025 legislative session