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Friends,
As we wrap up the month of May, things are only picking up speed in Salem. From advancing common-sense reforms to protecting the core services our communities rely on, the decisions we make now will have real impacts on families across House District 31 — and across Oregon.
This month, I’ve continued to focus on mental health, public safety, and making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely. That means challenging broken systems and standing up for vulnerable kids, families, and communities. I’m proud of the work we’re doing — and grateful for your continued engagement.
If there’s ever anything our office can do for you, or information we can help find, please don’t hesitate to reach out at rep.darceyedwards@oregonlegislature.gov or (503) 986-1431.
Thank you for all you do. Let’s keep working together for Oregon.
Yours truly,
Representative Darcey Edwards
House District 31
On Wednesday, the Oregon House passed Senate Bill 426B—a bill I spoke against on the House floor, strongly opposed, and voted against. This legislation makes Oregon the first state in the country to hold general contractors and property owners liable for wage theft they didn’t commit and, in many cases, didn’t even know about.
On the House floor, I called the bill unworkable, unfair, and deeply flawed. There’s a lot wrong with SB 426B, but the most glaring issue is what it leaves out: actual knowledge or intent. This bill doesn’t hold bad actors accountable—it scapegoats honest business owners for something they didn’t do.
You can watch my Floor Speech here.
Under SB 426B, general contractors and property owners can now be held strictly liable for unpaid wages owed by subcontractors, even if they had no role in hiring those workers or overseeing their pay. Several amendments were proposed that would have added basic safeguards—like limiting liability only to those who knew or reasonably should have known that workers weren’t being paid. Every one of those amendments was rejected along party lines.
I shared concerns from contractors and property owners in House District 31 who are deeply alarmed by the legal risks this bill creates. These aren’t corporate lobbyists—they’re local, family-owned businesses. They’re already stretched thin, and now they’re being told they’re liable for someone else’s wrongdoing.
If we’re serious about ending wage theft, we need to go after those actually committing it—not shift the burden onto people who are doing things right.
More than 1,300 Oregonians submitted public comments in opposition to this bill. Despite that, and despite confusion about who will actually be held liable under the law, SB 426B passed the House and now heads to the Governor’s desk. House Republicans have filed a minority report.
I’ll continue standing up for fairness, accountability, and the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. Read more in my press release below.
This week, we learned that 270 pounds of methamphetamine were seized on its way into Oregon—one of the largest meth busts in our state’s history.
I spoke on the House Floor because this isn’t just another headline. It’s a sign that meth, heroin, and other hard drugs are making a dangerous comeback in our communities—and we can’t afford to look away.
We need to be honest: the drug crisis in Oregon is escalating. Our law enforcement agencies need support. Our treatment and recovery systems need serious investment. And our communities deserve action—not excuses.
I’m going to keep fighting for real solutions that prioritize public safety, accountability, and the people who call Oregon home.
This Memorial Day, I had the honor of joining the North Plains Community Foundation and members of our community for a powerful tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the courage of those who never came home, the strength of their families, and the legacy they leave behind. This year’s ceremony focused on those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. For many families in our district, these aren’t distant events — they’re personal.
As the daughter of a firefighter, I was raised to believe that service means running toward the need — not away from it. That’s what our servicemembers do. And it’s what we must continue doing — for them, for their families, and for the generations that follow.
As your State Representative, I believe remembrance must come with responsibility. That’s why I’ve supported legislation this year to:
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Honor Oregon civilians who served on Wake Island during WWII (HCR 23)
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Extend civil service preferences to Oregon National Guard members (SB 808)
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Expand tuition waivers for children of veterans (HB 3920)
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Allow veterans’ license plates on motorcycles and mopeds (SB 159)
There’s still more to do. We need to keep strengthening the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, expanding access to housing, health care, and education — and making sure every veteran and their family gets the support they’ve earned.
✅GOOD
HB 2522 – Headlights On = Safer Roads
A simple but important step to keep Oregonians safe on the road — it requires drivers to turn on their headlights whenever they’re using windshield wipers in the rain or driving in low visibility. It’s a small change that makes a big difference and helps prevent avoidable accidents, especially in our rural and coastal communities.
Status: Passed out of Committee on May 20
SB 551 - Single-use Plastic Checkout Bags
SB 551 updates Oregon’s checkout bag rules by banning plastic and allowing paper bags only — a win for both the environment and our timber industry. Earlier provisions that would have banned single-use utensils and small personal items were wisely removed.
Status: Signed by the Senate President on May 28 and House Speaker on May 29
🚫BAD
SB 726 - Drones for Methane Leak Detection
Mandates drone-based methane monitoring at a single landfill in Benton County, despite no clear data showing higher emissions there than anywhere else in the state. The bill effectively forces a single-source contract with one EPA-approved vendor, creating a monopoly, raising costs for Oregonians, and setting a troubling precedent for technology mandates without competition or commercial readiness.
Status: FAILED the House Vote (Ayes) 29 - (Nays) 22 on May 29; motion to reconsider upheld. Up for a vote on June 2.
Watch my Floor Speech here!
⚠️UGLY
SB 426 - Holding Homeowners Liable for Unpaid Wages of Subcontractors Employee
Unfairly holds general contractors and property owners liable for wage theft committed by subcontractors — even when they had no knowledge or involvement. This misguided approach doesn’t stop bad actors; it punishes responsible business owners and threatens small contractors already working hard to do things right.
Status: Passed the House on May 28
SB 952 - Requires Governor to Appoint US Senator if there is a Vacancy
If passed, SB 952 would require the Governor to appoint a U.S. Senate replacement from the same political party as the departing Senator — and prohibits appointing themselves. It hands too much power to one officeholder and risks prioritizing party over accountability.
Status: Up for a vote on June 2.
Great news for teachers, students, and families — the Oregon Capitol’s full school tour program is back for the 2025–2026 school year, and tours are now open for booking!
🗓️ Tour Date Windows: October 13, 2025 – May 29, 2026
🕙 Times Available: 10:30 AM or 12:30 PM, Monday through Friday
👥 Group Size: Up to 90 students
⏱️ Duration: 1 hour
Book your tour here: Capitol School Tour Request Form
Let’s get our next generation of leaders back into the heart of Oregon’s democracy — I hope to see your students at the Capitol next school year!
 We had a powerful and moving start to the day in Salem as the Scappoose High School Choir opened a recent legislative session with a stunning performance of the National Anthem.
Under the direction of Hannah Moorman, these talented students delivered a performance filled with pride, professionalism, and musical excellence — a true reflection of the best of House District 31.
Thank you, Scappoose Choir, for representing your school and community so beautifully!
Watch the full performance here
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1431
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/edwards
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
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