Representative John Davis Reflects on the
2016 Short Session
SALEM, OR - As the fast-paced 2016 legislative session comes to a close, Rep. John Davis reflects on what has been a tremendously challenging five weeks. While the purpose of the short session is to make minor adjustments to state budgets, address emergency situations, and fix unintended consequences from the previous regular session, major policy changes took place in a rushed environment.
“Amid a majority-driven agenda, bipartisan victories were
possible. I am proud of the work I have been able to do reaching across party
lines to increase accountability and transparency in state government, support
job creation, promote higher education opportunities, encourage environmental
cleanup, and preserve affordable housing for low-income Oregonians.”
Rep. Davis championed the following list of bills, which
were passed and await signature by the Governor:
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HB 4067 – Whistleblower
protections for public employees and certain nonprofit employees.
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HB 4072 – Extends
availability of the tax credit for university venture development fund
contributions for six years, encouraging investments in higher education.
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HB 4081 – Provides a four-year
extension of property tax relief for nonprofit low-income housing.
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HB 4084 – Grants local communities the option to establish a
brownfields cleanup property tax exemption whereby a property certified
for cleanup may be granted up to a 10+ year exemption, limited to the
actual costs of cleanup and remediation.
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HB 4106 – Requires agencies to provide an annual report to the legislature
with a statement of need for each temporary rule and the agency's findings that
a failure to act promptly would result in serious prejudice. The report must also
include an explanation as to why temporary rulemaking was the most appropriate
method and the justification for not using the standard rulemaking procedure
that includes public notice and input.
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HB 4107 – Prohibits Oregon
Health Authority from retroactively changing terms of contract with
coordinated care organization except in limited circumstances.
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HB
4124 – Authorizes the Oregon Health
Authority to hire an IT company to make the Prescription Drug Monitoring
Program more accessible to emergency room doctors. The bill also makes Narcan,
a drug that counteracts opiate overdoses, available at the pharmacy without a
prescription and has the potential to save lives.
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SB 1544 – Increases maximum
number of weeks for which unemployed individual participating in
apprenticeship program may be eligible for unemployment insurance
benefits.
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SB 1565 – Allows local
communities to offer a property tax exemption for the creation of new,
job-creating industrial sites.
Sincerely,
State Representative John Davis
House District 26: Wilsonville, Sherwood, King City,
Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Tigard, & Bull Mountain
Email: Rep.JohnDavis@state.or.us
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/Davis
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-483, Salem, Oregon 97301
Legislative Staff
Legislative Director - Michelle Felton - michelle.felton@state.or.us
Legal Director - Brianna Wellman - brianna.wellman@state.or.us
Committees
House Committee on Revenue
House Committee on Tansportation and Economic Development - Vice-Chair
Quick Links
The State’s system to track bills and see committee agendas: Oregon Legislative Information (OLIS)
Our State of Oregon Legislative Website: Oregon Legislature
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