|
Friends,
The final sprint is here.
With Sine Die—the official end of the legislative session—just days away, the pace in Salem has hit full speed. Committees are wrapping up, late-night floor sessions are becoming the norm, and lawmakers are making last-minute pushes to get their priorities across the finish line.
“Sine die” is Latin for “without a day,” meaning the legislature will adjourn without setting a date to return. Once we gavel out, that’s it for the 2025 session—no more bills, no more votes, and no more chances to fix what’s broken or stop what’s harmful.
That’s why these final days are so important, and as always, I’m focused on standing up for the values we share in House District 31: common sense, accountability, and a government that works for the people—not the other way around.
In this edition of the Good, Bad & Ugly, we’re tracking the issues and bills that deserve your attention. Some offer hope. Others raise concerns. A few are just plain frustrating.
Let’s cross the finish line together.
In service,
Representative Darcey Edwards
House District 31
This week, I spoke on the House floor about something we’re not talking about enough: Oregon is losing the very businesses that helped build our economy.
Intel is laying off up to 20% of its Washington County factory workforce. Dutch Bros is moving its headquarters out of state. Keen is already gone.
These aren’t just big names—they’re Oregon-grown employers who’ve supported our communities for decades. And they’re leaving quietly, while we focus on chasing the next big project.
In my district, I hear it constantly: the cost of doing business in Oregon is too high. It’s not just one thing—it’s the layers. Taxes, regulations, unpredictability. And a sense that if you’re not new, you’re not a priority.
Economic development isn’t only about attracting new companies. It’s about keeping the ones who already chose us.
▶️ Click here or below to watch my speech on this.
✅ The Good
SCR 13 – Honoring Oregon’s Ranching Heritage with the Official State Steak
The Legislature officially designated the T-bone steak as Oregon’s State Steak, celebrating our state’s proud cattle ranching heritage.
✔️ Supports Oregon’s family-owned farms and ranches, which operate in all 36 counties and power a top state industry.
Status: House Speaker & Senate President signed 6/17
HB 3936 – Safeguarding Oregon’s Future with Smart AI Policy
Formally defines artificial intelligence in Oregon law, helping agencies proactively manage emerging security and data risks.
✔️ Strengthens digital safeguards and aligns Oregon’s policies with national standards to protect taxpayer data and state systems.
Status: House Speaker & Senate President signed 6/16
SB 485A – Fixing the Estate Tax for Small Forestland Owners
Shields small forestland owners from estate tax burdens when they actively manage and replant their land.
✔️ Protects rural families from losing generational land due to tax policy that ignores responsible forest stewardship.
Status: Passed the House 6/19
🚫 The Bad
SB 916 – Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers
Allows striking workers to collect up to 10 weeks of unemployment benefits, shifting costs to taxpayers and employers.
🚫 Forces the public to subsidize labor disputes, eroding the original purpose of the unemployment system.
Status: House Speaker & Senate President signed 6/16
SB 243 – Expanding Gun Restrictions on Law-Abiding Oregonians
Lets local governments ban CHL holders from carrying in public buildings and criminalizes already federally banned accessories.
🚫 Targets responsible gun owners instead of criminals, undermining uniform rights and public clarity.
Status: Work Session Scheduled 6/20
⚠️ The Ugly
SB 83A – Repealing Flawed Wildfire Hazard Maps
This bill would repeal Oregon’s deeply flawed wildfire hazard mapping system—legislation that passed the Senate unanimously and has support from both sides of the aisle in the House. But instead of allowing a vote, House leadership is holding the bill in committee as part of a political standoff—demanding Republicans agree to use the Kicker to fund wildfire suppression.
⚠️ Oregonians living in wildfire zones are being used as leverage in a broader budget fight. They deserve transparency, not backroom bargaining.
Status: Blocked in House Rules Committee despite bipartisan support
HB 3908 – Letting Parties Play by Different Rules
Doubles the voter registration threshold for major party status, helping the Independent Party avoid transparency while maintaining influence.
⚠️ Lets a minor party bypass democratic norms through cross-nomination, confusing voters and eroding electoral integrity.
Status: Second Reading 6/19
HB 2025 – Billion-Dollar Tax Hike on Working Oregonians
Proposes over a dozen new taxes and fees — including a 55¢ gas tax hike, payroll tax increase, and higher DMV costs — to raise $1 billion a year.
⚠️ Burdens working Oregonians without addressing waste or accountability in Oregon’s transportation system.
Status: Work Session Scheduled 6/20
Thanks for staying tuned in — it matters more than you know. The work we do in Salem is stronger when Oregonians are informed, outspoken, and unafraid to hold us accountable. We’re in this together — and I’m grateful to be fighting alongside you.
📢 Forward this update to friends, neighbors, and colleagues!
👀 Follow Darcey on Facebook for real-time updates, floor speeches, and behind-the-scenes moments!
🔍 Curious about a bill? Use this tool to search by number or keyword.
✍️ Want to testify? Here’s how to share your voice with a committee.
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
| 
