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Hello Friends,
Yesterday marked the end of the 78th legislative session. All of the measures have been pushed through and Sine Die has taken place. It has been a session full of learning experiences, relationship building, challenges, controversy, losses, and victories.
We have seen a lot of substantial bills pass through the legislature this session- some for the better and some for the worse.
- Senate Bill 941, also known as the "Expanded Background Check Bill," which does not prevent convicted felons from purchasing firearms as originally intended, but rather, it creates unnecessary fees and complications for the people of Oregon who want to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights.
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Senate Bill 215 eliminates the Oregon Education Investment Board (OEIB) which was created by former Governor John Kitzhaber and changes the name to Chief Education Office. The office is established for the purpose of coordinating with education
stakeholders to establish a unified public education system that ensures that all public
school students in this state reach the educational goals established for this state.
- House Bill 3025 banned employers from inquiring into or considering a job applicant's criminal history on an application or prior to an interview, or if no interview is conducted, prior to conditional offer of employment.
- Senate Bill 478, also known as the Toxic Free Kids Act, requires the Oregon Health Authority to create and maintain a list of high priority chemicals of concern for children's products.
- House Bill 2889 requires the Department of Human Services to grant foster children 12 years of age or older who have been in their custody for at least six consecutive months to establish a savings account to help them save for their future.
- And the Impeachment Bill - that never made it off Senator Courtney's desk...
Excitingly, seven bills that I co-chief sponsored have passed through the House and Senate. I am so pleased to see these bills pass and see hard work pay off.
- House Bill 2016, which would implement a statewide education plan for early childhood through post-secondary education students who are black or African-American or not covered by an existing statewide education plan and have experienced disproportionate educational results.
- House Bill 2234 requires the Oregon Health Authority and insurers offering health benefit plans that reimburse costs of physician services to reimburse community assessment centers for child abuse medical assessment and related services.
- House Bill 2596 provides that people who record another person's intimate areas commits a crime of invasion of personal privacy.
- House Bill 3035 (introduced) made it so that flashing lights in school zones can be operated at all hours of the school day to increase safety for students attending schools in hazardous traffic areas.
- House Bill 3501 (introduced) revised voting requirements for benefit companies from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority (small business bill).
- House Concurrent Resolution 20 (introduced) honored civic leader, author, journalist, entrepreneur and "Oregon treasure" Gerald "Gerry" Frank.
- House Concurrent Resolution 29 (introduced) congratulated South Salem's Girls' Varsity basketball team on their 2015 State Championship- a title which South Salem hasn't taken home for 39 years. Go Saxons!
As I finish up my first session as a representative, I am able to reflect upon the incredible past few months at the Capitol. I entered the session with great hope and excitement for what was going to come, and I was not disappointed. It was amazing to observe the legislative process in action and see how it impacts the entire state. It was extremely humbling and I look forward to continuing to serve you as your state representative.
Yours truly,
 Representative Jodi Hack
House District 19
email: Rep.JodiHack@state.or.us I phone: 503-986-1419
address: 900 Court St NE, H-385, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/hack
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