Rep. Brad Witt E-News April 29, 2015

Volume 9, Number 11 

Brad Witt

Newsletter April 29, 2015

Hello Friends,

During any given session, there are certain deadlines that we have to meet.  April 21st marked one, when all bills introduced into either the House or the Senate must have passed out of their respective committees and moved on to the other Chamber or be deemed dead for the session.  Needless to say, the pace of activity has been intense over the last couple of weeks with legislators trying to make sure that their legislative concepts will not end up on the cutting room floor. 

We are also midway through this session, so I thought it would be appropriate to give you my “half time report” to let you know what I have accomplished so far.  Here are the bills of which I am the chief sponsor that have passed the House and are now over in the Senate.

·         HB 2525 This bill directs the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to develop standards related to transferability of credits between community colleges and public universities.  Too often students spend a lot of time and money taking classes that will not be acceptable in a Bachelor’s degree program.  This is unacceptable and needs to be corrected.

·         HB 2532 Requires lenders or their agents to clearly state, in all forms of advertising, what the provisions are of a reverse mortgage.  Many people, most of whom are elderly, have been led to believe this if “free money.”  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  In fact, several circumstances may trigger the loan to come due, including the borrower’s death, the home is sold or the home ceases to be the borrower’s primary dwelling.

·         HB 2534 Directs the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt rules prohibiting the use of drones while hunting or fishing.  It is my feeling that drones have no place in sport hunting and fishing and they are antithetical to the concept of fair chase or catch.

·         HB 2888 Adds any place used for crimes against animals to the existing list of activities that may be addressed as a nuisance through civil abatement.  This gives neighbors the capacity to report properties that are being used for activities that are otherwise illegal.

·         HB 2892 Requires that the POW/MIA flag be displayed alongside the Oregon State flag on all public buildings year round.  There are currently 98 Oregonians still listed among the missing, and this seems a fitting tribute to them and their families.

·         HB 3382 Extends the sunset on a law generally prohibiting the growing of canola in a Willamette Valley Protected District.  Studies are still being conducted by scientists at OSU and this will allow them to continue their investigations.

·         HJM 3 Urges Congress to enact legislation requiring stabilization of crude oil prior to transport.  This is arguably the most impactful legislation concerning District 31 this session.  As oil trains continue to increase, our Congressional Delegation must address the flammability of Bakken crude and the danger that it presents to the communities all along the route.  Congress responded once before to our request for safer oil cars but that proved to be inadequate.  We are now asking them to go to the root of the problem.

That’s it for now.   Next week I will have an update on SB 941, the bill that would expand background checks for the purchase of fire arms.  We have been awash in calls and emails, so don’t let anyone tell you that people aren't paying attention!  

Yours truly,

Representative Brad Witt
House District 31


CASA for Kids logo

LOCAL EVENT!

CASA Fundraising Breakfast is coming up 7:30am-8:30am on May 5th, 2015 at Columbia River Reception & Events, 1070 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR  This event is open to all who wish to attend.  We invite you to ask a friend or bring a co-worker. 

CASA will ask you for one or two things or both at this event #1- to understand what CASA is and help tell others of how they help foster children and/or #2- to please donate their time or financial support.  

To RSVP, contact 503-988-5115 or ajohnson@casahelpkids.org by April 30th.  Please include dietary restrictions.

 


email: Rep.BradWitt@state.or.us I phone: 503-986-1431
address: 900 Court St NE, H-374, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt