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Hello Friends,
It is a honor and privilege to work for you as your State Representative for House District 1; encompassing Brookings-Harbor to west Cave Junction, north to west Roseburg-Lookingglass and west, wrapping around Coos Bay, to Charleston, including all of our great communities, industries and their residents in between.
(Click Here for the District Map)
I was fortunate to be appointed to the committees I desired and felt would best assist me in representing our diverse Fish, Farm, Forestry & Tourism District of the South Coast. They are: Vice Chair-Economic Development & Trade, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Energy & Environment, and the Early Childhood & Family Support Committees. I appreciate Legislative Leadership for their efforts on my appointment to these committees. I also had the honor to be appointed to other state and regional positions. The first was my appointment to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region as one of only two delegates in the House of Representatives for the State of Oregon. Second was the Chair of the Southern Oregon China Connection to the Oregon-China Sister State Relations Council. The third was my appointment to the Maritime Sector Workforce Development Task Force. These appointments will assist in continued collaboration on economic development for our residents and their regional industries, on multiple levels. I will also continue leading the Sudden Oak Death Task Force to aggressively address the spread of the NA1 strain of SOD, as well as the eradication of the EU1 strain.
As first Legislative Sessions go, we had some wins and losses. It was intense work, that was very fast paced the majority of the time. It was also good work that I take very seriously, and out of the nine hundred and sixty two floor votes, I was excused and missed ten votes during the session. The first was for co-convening our full Sudden Oak Death Task Force in Bandon with my fellow co-convener Senator Merkley. This was a critical meeting as the workgroups had finished and we needed to adopt the Strategic Plan. We had a short window and I had to leave Salem in the morning to make the afternoon meeting in Bandon. The second was while I was with Governor Brown hosting our Chinese Delegation on Economic Development & Trade. I also was very diligent in filing vote explanations for legislation I opposed.
As I stated earlier, we had some wins and some losses. As a freshman legislator in the minority party, I was told by a number of legislators and staff, that my prior experience as a County Commissioner, School Board member, my other prior public service and work in the Capitol, allowed me to, “hit the ground running for my district and constituents.” With thousands of bills this Session, my Chief of Staff Shelia, and my Legislative Director Mark, did amazing work and assisted me in hitting the ground running as well. I cannot thank the both of them enough for all of the time, effort and work they put in on our behalf. We were also successful in securing over a million dollars in bonding and funding for special districts and projects, including the Ports of Port Orford and Brookings-Harbor, as well as for Sudden Oak Death treatment.
I also want to thank my colleagues for their guidance, perspective and support, especially former Representative Wayne Krieger. When a member of the minority party, no piece of legislation moves without bipartisan support. I have, for the most part, appreciated my work with my colleagues, on both sides of aisle. Although we may disagree on issues, with our different views and principles, we can move forward on other issues and legislation that benefit our constituents. This work was also accomplished without compromising the values and principles that brought me to the Legislature, and I appreciated the spirited discussions on various topics. .
That bipartisanship is exemplified with the collaborative work by the Oregon Coastal Caucus. The Coastal Caucus is made up of the legislators who represent the districts of the Oregon Coast. The seven member caucus works hard for the residents of our coastal district communities and the industries that support them. Our coastal communities have their own unique strengths and issues, and we come together to address them for our constituents. I have thoroughly enjoyed the bipartisan work with my Coastal Caucus colleagues, and I want to thank them and their staff for their support and efforts.
I know they get a bad rap in and out of the building, but I also want to thank the Lobby. I maintain an open door policy, and discussed legislation with all members from our Agriculture to our Union Lobby, which kept my staff and I very busy. Although we may have agreed or disagreed on legislation, I appreciated their information and perspective. I felt that listening to all information; again on thousands of bills, with arguments from both sides, allowed me to be best informed on the decisions I was making on your behalf. The dual perspective also enabled me the information needed to better debate an issue, either in committee, among colleagues, and on the House Floor. They were also extremely helpful assisting me in testifying and discussing the legislation I was moving, and I appreciate it.
Below is a list of sponsored bills that passed in the Legislative Session, as well as a link to the bill and a description.
Preparing to speak on a piece of legislation on the House Floor.
HB 2038 (Farm to School)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2038
Description:
Modifies purposes for which school districts may receive grants to pay for costs incurred by school districts to purchase food produced or processed in state. Expands types of entities eligible to receive grants to assist in paying costs incurred to provide food-based, agriculture-based or garden-based educational activities in school districts. Appropriates moneys to Department of Education for grant programs that allow school districts to purchase Oregon food products and to pay for costs related to food-based, agriculture-based and garden-based educational activities.
HB 2377 (Workforce Housing)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2377
Description:
Authorizes city or county to adopt an ordinance or resolution granting property tax exemption to newly rehabilitated or constructed qualified multiunit rental housing. Allows property tax exemption for up to ten consecutive years. Requires city or county to establish a schedule in which the number of years for which exemption is provided increases directly with the percentage of units rented to households with an annual income at or below 120 percent of the area median income and at monthly rates that are affordable to such households. Requires definition of area median income to be adjusted for the size of a household. Limits exemption eligibility for property that has been rehabilitated to first instance of rehabilitation. For ordinance or resolution to take effect, requires the rates of taxation of the taxing districts whose governing bodies agree to grant the exemption, when combined with the rate of taxation of the city or county, to equal 51 percent or more of the total combined rate of taxation on the eligible rental property. Places administrative requirements and oversight of exemption program with city or county that adopted ordinance. Requires owner or lessee of eligible rental property to submit annual application to city/county. Requires repayment of tax if county assessor determines that the eligible property does not meet the requirements of the ordinance or resolution. Sunsets initial year exemption qualification on January 2, 2027.
HB 2499 (Vessel Permits)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2499
Description:
Allows seller of transferrable vessel permit for limited-entry fishery to continue to operate vessel in appropriate fishery when buyer has failed to fulfill one or more terms of sale and circuit court has issued preliminary injunction. Requires order granting preliminary injunction to include finding that allowing seller to continue to operate vessel will not cause excessive harvest pressure on fishery resource.
HB 2500 (Caseworker DHS Training)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2500
Description:
Directs Department of Human Services (DHS) to consult with Department of Justice (DOJ) to implement training for DHS caseworkers on juvenile dependency proceedings and unauthorized practice of law. Requires renewal every four years.
ISSUES DISCUSSED: · Protecting caseworkers from accidental practice of law in child protective proceedings · Keeping caseworkers and lawyers in their proper respective roles · DHS collaboration with DOJ to develop training program
HB 2370 (Pacific Gales Golf Course)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2730
Description:
Allows golf course on land determined to be high-value farmland located west of U.S. Highway 101, surrounded by an approved golf course and not otherwise described in ORS 195.300 (10).
HB 2900 (Port Advertising)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2900
Description:
Authorizes ports to advertise activities of the port and activities of others using port facilities.
HB 3012 (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3012
Description:
Defines terms, including accessory dwelling unit (ADU), area zoned for rural residential use and historic home. Authorizes counties to allow owner of property within area zoned for rural residential to construct new single-family dwelling on lot or parcel if not located in urban reserve; historic home is sited on lot or parcel; owner converts historic home to ADU upon completion of new dwelling; and accessory dwelling unit complies with all applicable sanitation and wastewater laws and regulations. Prohibits owner from dividing lot or parcel in any way that new dwelling is on different lot or parcel from ADU. Prohibits modifications to ADU that increase size of ADU to greater than 120 percent of square footage of historic home at time new dwelling construction commenced. Prohibits rebuilding of ADU if structure is lost to fire or constructing additional ADU on same lot or parcel. Authorizes county to require new dwelling be served by same water supply source as ADU. Permits county to impose additional conditions for approval.
HB 3147 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center Appointments)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3147
Description:
Requires Director of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to consult with and take nominations or recommendations for Oregon Hatchery Research Board from organizations that represent or are engaged in same interests as Board appointees are required to represent.
HB 3149 (Oregon Coast Trail)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3149
Description:
The State Parks and Recreation Department shall, in cooperation with the Department of Transportation, other interested state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders, develop an action plan to complete the Oregon Coast Trail.
HB 3432 (Surveyor Maps)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3432
Description:
Permits county surveyors to decide when to forward noncompliant survey maps prepared by professional land surveyors that have failed to correct them within 30 days, to the State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying for disciplinary action.
HB 3435 (County Road Fund Loans)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3435
Description:
Authorizes moneys in county road fund to be loaned to taxing district within county only pursuant to legally binding intergovernmental agreement or loan agreement. The measure restricts the practice to road funds in the counties of Curry, Klamath, and Yamhill. It specifies that the borrowing districts need to accept a number of restricting conditions in order to receive the loan.
SB 867 (Maritime Workforce)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB867
Description:
Creates Task Force on Maritime Sector Workforce Development to make recommendations for incorporating maritime sector into statewide workforce investment plan by State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB). The task force must report to SWIB and the Legislature by September 15, 2018. The Association of Oregon Counties is directed to provide staff support to the task force. Members of the task force who are not members of the Legislative Assembly are not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for expenses and serve as volunteers on the task force. The task force sunsets on December 31, 2018.
HCR 8 (50 year Beach Bill Anniversary)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HCR8
Description:
Celebrates the 50th anniversary of Oregon's Beach Bill and encourages Oregonians to visit and enjoy the state's beaches in the summer of 2017.
HCR 38 (Albacore Tuna Month)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HCR38
Description:
Declares August as Oregon Albacore Tuna Month.
HCR 39 (China Trade and Economic Development Resolution)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HCR39
Description:
Expresses intent of Legislative Assembly to support continued coordination and collaboration between Oregon and China to increase trade opportunities and strengthen mutual economic development relationships.
Discussing legislation with House Majority Leader Williamson. House Minority Leader McLane in the background.
HB 2179 (Recycle Onsite)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2179
Description:
Permits onsite treatment of septage prior to application of bio solids on exclusive farm use land using treatment facilities that are portable, temporary and transportable by truck trailer during authorized period of time. Permits onsite treatment of reclaimed water, agricultural or industrial process water or bio solids] septage prior to application of bio solids on exclusive farm use land using treatment facilities that are portable, temporary and transportable by truck trailer during authorized period of time.
HB 2216 (Foster Siblings Rights)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2216
Description:
Requires Department of Human Services to adopt rules to establish Oregon Foster Children's Sibling Bill of Rights.
HB 2260 (Breast Cancer Services)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2660
Description:
Requires Oregon Health Authority and Department of Consumer and Business Services to make available online written materials about options available to breast cancer patients for insurance coverage of breast reconstruction surgery, breast prostheses and breast forms.
HB 2695 (Pilot Boat)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2695
Description:
Exempts certain towing vessels and their towed barges from requirement that Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots licensee pilot vessel.
HB 2880 (Flags)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2880
Description:
For purposes of determining which public buildings must comply with existing requirement to display Oregon State flag and National League of Families' POW/MIA flag, expands definition of "public building" to include all other county, municipal, school district and special district buildings upon which or near which it is customary and suitable to display United States flag. Requires all county, municipal, school district and special district buildings constructed on or after January 1, 2018, to be able to properly display all three flags.
HB 2899 (Port IGA’s)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2899
Description:
Provides that ports may enter into intergovernmental agreements for any purpose permitted under ORS chapter 190.
HB 2901 (Port Appraisal)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2901
Description:
Increases threshold, from $500,000 to $2 million, of real property value that requires port to obtain additional appraisal before purchase.
HB 2902 (Port Shipyards)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2902
Description:
Authorizes Ports to operate shipyards.
HB 2968 (Cleanup Pilot Program)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2968
Description:
Requires Department of Environmental Quality to carry out study and propose recommendations for single, coordinated process for parties to meet certain federal and state requirements for, and to obtain certain releases from liability for, cleanup of hazardous waste. Requires department to report results of study to interim committees of Legislative Assembly on or before September 15, 2018. Sunsets January 2, 2019.
HB 3116 (Candled Eggs)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3116
Description:
Allows producer to sell candled eggs designated as ungraded under limited circumstances. States information requirements for labeling or display of ungraded eggs. Allows sales of shell eggs at location used for farm direct marketing if producer or seller is licensed as egg handler. Requires that container used by egg handler for eggs state common or usual name of eggs.
HB 3158 (Wildlife Violations)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3158
Description:
Requires State Fish and Wildlife Commission to implement program to encourage reporting of wildlife law violations.
HB 3213 (Highway Infrastructure Study)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3123
Description:
Requires Department of Transportation to study options for improving highway infrastructure in this state. Sunsets January 2, 2020.
HB 3249 (Ag Heritage)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3249
Description:
Establishes Oregon Agricultural Heritage Fund and continuously appropriates moneys in fund to Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. Authorizes use of moneys for purposes associated with supporting use of land for agricultural production, maintenance or enhancement of fish or wildlife habitat, improvement of water quality or support of other natural resource values. Establishes programs to provide grants for qualifying conservation management plans, working land conservation covenants or working land conservation easements on agricultural lands. Establishes Oregon Agricultural Heritage Commission and specifies duties of commission. Makes provisions related to supporting use of land for agricultural production, fish and wildlife habitat, water quality and other natural resource values, fund establishment, grant programs and establishment and duties of commission operative January 1, 2018. Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board for 2017-2019 biennium for carrying out provisions. Requires Legislative Policy and Research Director to study effect of financial incentives, incremental tax reduction and tax elimination on transfers and succession planning for land used for agricultural production, maintenance or enhancement of fish or wildlife habitat, improvement of water quality or support of other natural resource values. Requires director to complete study and report findings to interim legislative committee on or before September 15, 2018.
HB 3338 (Posting of gas taxes paid and to which agency)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3338
Description:
Requires State Department of Agriculture to adopt rules governing posting of tax information by gas stations.
HB 3350 (Office of Outdoor Recreation)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3350
Description:
Creates Office of Outdoor Recreation within State Parks and Recreation Department. Creates Associate Director of Outdoor Recreation. Prescribes duties of office and of associate director. Creates Outdoor Recreation Fund. Continuously appropriates moneys in fund to State Parks and Recreation Department for purposes of Office of Outdoor Recreation.
HB 3363 (Clarifies Osteopathic Physician)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3363
Description:
Changes term "osteopath" to "osteopathic physician." Clarifies that doctors of osteopathic medicine practice medicine as physicians.
HB 3423 (National Guard College Enrollment)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3423
Description:
Exempts person serving in Oregon National Guard from requirement to enroll in community college courses within six months of attaining previous highest level of education in order to qualify for Oregon Promise grant, provided that person enrolls in community college courses within six months of completing initial active duty training.
HB 3454 (Lunch Shaming)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3454
Description:
Describes actions school districts are required to take or are prohibited from taking regarding students who are unable to pay for meals.
HCR 14 (Tom Tumreich)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HCR14
Description:
Commends Tom Rumreich for his contributions to Oregon fisheries.
SB 253 (Education Expense Disclosure)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB253
Description:
Requires institutions of higher education to provide to each applicable student information detailing amount of education loans received, amount of tuition and fees student has paid to institution, estimate of total payoff amount of education loans student has received , estimate of amount student will have to pay each month to service loans and percentage of borrowing limit student has reached for each type of federal loan.
SB 378 (Volunteer Firefighters Assoc. Contribution)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB378
Description:
Adds Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association to list of entities eligible for individual income tax return checkoff contribution.
SB 677 (Expand Cider Business)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB677
Description:
Establishes standards for establishment of cider businesses on land zoned for exclusive farm use or on land zoned for mixed farm and forest use.
SB 812 (DEQ Septic Loans)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB812
Description:
Modifies grant agreement requirements for Department of Environmental Quality grants to low-interest loan programs for on-site septic system repairs, replacements, upgrades and evaluations.
SB 992 (POA/MIA Day)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB992
Description:
Designates third Friday in September of every year to be Oregon POW/MIA Recognition Day.
SB 1028 (Experience Licensure)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB1028
Description:
Allows professional licensing board to consider experience in lieu of high school diploma or equivalent for licensure, certification or other authorization to provide certain occupational or professional services.
SB 1032 (Oregon Promise for College)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB1032
Description:
Amends Oregon Promise program to remove prohibition on awarding more than $10 million in grants per fiscal year. Makes requirement that person participating in program pay $50 per term in tuition payable by reducing amount of grant awarded, instead of requiring separate payment by person. Requires Higher Education Coordinating Commission to determine prior to start of fall term each academic year whether sufficient moneys exist to award grant to each person who qualifies. Permits commission to limit eligibility to receive grant based on expected family contribution. Permits commission to decrease total amount of grant awarded or increase amount person must pay for each term person receives grant if at any time commission determines that insufficient moneys exist to provide grant to each person who was awarded grant. Permits commission to at any time reduce or eliminate any limitation on eligibility imposed by commission due to shortage of moneys. Allows person to continue to qualify for program if, after being awarded grant, person enters into service with career and technical student organization relating to agriculture or farming that is approved by Department of Education before attending community college. Exempts person serving in Oregon National Guard from requirement to enroll in community college courses within six months of attaining previous highest level of education in order to qualify for Oregon Promise grant, provided that person enrolls in community college courses within six months of completing initial active duty training. Allows commission, upon showing of significant hardship, to waive requirement that in order to qualify for program person start attending classes at community college within six months after person completed previous highest level of education.
SB 1062 (Healthy Schools)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB1062
Description:
Requires school districts, education service districts and public charter schools to adopt Healthy and Safe Schools Plan to address environmental conditions in facilities owned or leased by districts or schools where students or staff are present on regular basis. Requires districts and schools to provide Department of Education with copies of plans. Requires districts and schools to annually review plan and revise as necessary. Specifies minimum content for plan. Requires department to develop model plan as guidance for districts and schools. Authorizes Oregon Health Authority to develop recommendations regarding practices for reducing environmental conditions that may present health concerns. Requires authority to develop information sheets concerning environmental conditions that may present health concerns. Requires department to make opportunities for professional development available to district and school staff regarding plan requirements and information reporting. Requires school districts, education service districts and public charter schools to make results of testing under plan available to public. Requires districts and schools to provide annual statement regarding plan. Specifies minimum content for statement. Specifies recipients of statement. Requires posting statement on website if website is available. Establishes Healthy School Facilities Fund. Appropriates moneys from fund to department for purpose of financial assistance to school districts, education service districts and public charter schools in adoption, administration and enforcement of Healthy and Safe Schools Plans. Expands types of assessment qualifying for Office of School Facilities hardship grants to include school district assessment for environmental hazards under plan. Reduces total amount that may be biennially distributed from State School Fund as facility grants. Provides for biennial transfer from State School Fund to Healthy School Facilities Fund. Limits uses for transferred moneys. Makes reduction in total amount distributed as facility grants and transfer of State School Fund moneys to Healthy School Facilities Fund applicable for biennia beginning on or after July 1, 2019. Requires Oregon Health Authority to adopt mandatory guidelines regarding testing for, and reducing exposure to, lead in water used for drinking or food preparation for inclusion in Healthy and Safe Schools Plans.
SCR 21 (Vanport Flood)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SCR21
Description:
Commemorates 69th anniversary of Vanport flood and remembers survivors and those who lost their lives.
Discussing legislation on the House Floor.
HB 2060 (Reverse Small Business Tax Credit)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2060
Link to Floor Speech:
https://youtu.be/MPqSPfUzqUc?list=PLh2x1JOj4bV9W2Ymk0DFGW5r-wINR2C4T
Description:
Limits eligibility for the pass-thru entity tax rates to business operating in one of the following seven economic sectors: agriculture, mining, manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, or accommodation & food services. Increases the employment requirement for eligibility from one employee to ten employees.
HB 2060 would have hit our smallest businesses; less than ten employees, for over $200 million dollars through the biennium. The bill passed the house on a party line vote, with three democrats voting with republicans against the bill. The bill died on Senate President Courtney’s desk, as he did not assign the bill to committee. I will work to oppose this bill if it is brought back in a future session.
SB 719 (Gun Confiscation)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/SB719
Link to Floor Speech:
https://youtu.be/SkvtdpUJZbs?list=PLh2x1JOj4bV9W2Ymk0DFGW5r-wINR2C4T
Description:
Creates process for obtaining extreme risk protection order prohibiting person from possessing deadly weapon when court finds that person presents risk in near future, including imminent risk, of suicide or causing injury to another person. Requires court to order respondent to surrender deadly weapons and concealed handgun license within 24 hours of service of initial order, and immediately upon service of continued or renewed order. Provides for law enforcement officer serving order to request immediate surrender of deadly weapons and concealed handgun license and authorizes law enforcement officer to take possession of surrendered items. Allows respondent to surrender deadly weapons to gun dealer or third party in lieu of law enforcement officer. Punishes violation of order, or false application for order, by maximum of one year's imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Establishes procedures for respondent to request hearing, and for continuance of order after hearing or if hearing is not requested. Establishes procedures for termination and renewal of order. Permits service upon attorney or party in juvenile dependency proceeding by electronic mail or electronic service through court's electronic filing system. Prescribes how proof of service is to be made when service is by facsimile communication device, electronic mail or electronic service.
SB 719 violates due process and this point was argued on the House Floor by multiple legislators, including the Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Veteran suicide is a tragic epidemic that needs resources for treatment, not a violation of their or our citizens rights to possess a concealed carry and firearms.
HB 3391 (Taxpayer Covered Abortion)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB3391
Description:
Requires authority, in consultation with Department of Consumer and Business Services, to design program to provide statewide access to abortion coverage for Oregon residents enrolled in health benefit plans that do not cover abortion. Prohibits discrimination in provision of health care coverage. Prohibits interference by public body in consenting individual's choice to terminate pregnancy. Prohibits public body's interference with health care provider terminating or assisting in termination of pregnancy of health care provider's patient, if health care provider is acting within scope of provider's license. Allows exemption for plans sold to religious employers. Requires Oregon Health Authority to implement program to reimburse costs of services, drugs, devices, products and procedures related to reproductive health provided to individuals who can become pregnant and who would be eligible for medical assistance if not for certain federal requirements.
HB 3391 was a horrible day on the House Floor. Oregon, in essence, has no laws regarding abortion. This includes the practice of sex selective abortion, teenage abortion without parental consent or notification, and abortions up to the point of delivery, to name a few. All without the requirement to see a licensed physician, and with this bill, abortions will now be free for almost all women, and increasingly taxpayer funded regardless of your personal beliefs.
HB 2391 (Health Care & Insurance Tax)
Link to Bill:
https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2017R1/Measures/Overview/HB2391
Description:
Imposes 1.5 percent assessment on commercial health insurance premiums and premium equivalents for managed care organizations and Public Employees' Benefit Board health benefit plans.
HB 2391 is a tax increase on healthcare and insurance, and will cause increases across the spectrum of healthcare related services to citizens across the State.
Pacific High School Seniors visiting their Capitol.
Now that the session is over, the work continues within district and our region. From Veterans, Justice Reinvestment, co-convening the Sudden Oak Death Task Force and implementing the Strategic Plan, dealing with floodplain issues and wetlands, to work for residents and our fishery, wood products and ranching industries. I will continue to coordinate with our agencies, counties, cities, schools and residents on issues facing our region, funding opportunities, and policy. The implementation and awareness of legislation, grant and funding opportunities are important to us all.
Providing our Veterans with the services and resources they need and deserve, has always been a focus of mine. Although not appointed to the Veterans Committee, funding the Veterans Services to the level that was overwhelmingly support by the residents of our State (Measure 96) was critical. The funding allocation in the Governor’s proposed budget was a fraction of the necessary resources outlined in the legislation, and this was not acceptable. I appreciate the work of my colleagues for making sure there was an increase in funding for Veterans services,.
Another critical issue for not only our district but the coastal region of Oregon, is completing the work relating to the Rogue Sediment Study. There are several issues that affect our salmon populations on the Rogue River, including the buildup of sediment and predation in the estuary and river system. This salmon population is a critical environmental and economic driver for our region and along the coast, and provides over $1.2 billion dollars to the state’s economy. With the current south coast closure, increasing aggregate buildup in the estuary that is limiting salmonid habitat at critical developmental stages, this funding will bring matching Federal resources to complete the study and generate the needed recommendations forward.
Funding for the implementation of the Sudden Oak Death Task Force recommendations and treatment is also critical and a major focus. The potential economic loss from the increased spread of this disease is in the billions, with expanded quarantines restricting exports from the Port of Coos Bay, our nursery industries, as well as further damaging our wood products industries. As stated earlier, we have convened the SOD Task Force and the workgroups have outlined the necessary steps to aggressively address the spread of the NA 1 strain of SOD, while working on eradicating the EU1 strain. The EU1 strain is far more aggressive than the NA1 and effects conifers, including Douglas Fir. Although we were successful in increasing the dollars allocated for treatment from the Governors recommended zero funding, even the increase in treatment resources is inadequate. My fellow SOD Task Force Co-Convener Senator Merkley, has also been successfully in supplying added Federal resources to address this disease. We must increase the funding from the State to match the Federal funds, and implement the SOD Task Force Strategic Plan.
Many of you know that I have been working on Justice Reinvestment for a number of years, and began the Oregon Public Safety Summits, with AOC and my former County Commissioner colleagues, in 2014. Providing more resources locally where they are better utilized, will allow continued reductions in recidivism, crimes and abuse. We continue to look for ways to streamline services for efficiencies in these processes.
These are just a few of the issues we are working on for our district, and to that end, we have secured District Office space in the Curry County Annex, as well as Coos County in the County’s Owen Building. This will allow my office and I to be better accessible to our constituents and agencies to coordinate work on your behalf. I will also be having conversations around our district and will be meeting with our cities, counties, chambers and residents. Stay tuned for an upcoming schedule, and I look forward meeting with our residents and their community leaders.
The work of this session has continued the foundation laid by former Representatives Wayne Krieger, Walt Schroeder and their predecessors. We have created solid relationships with industries, agencies and colleagues, to coordinate work for our communities, businesses and residents. I again want to thank my colleagues; on both sides of the aisle. for our bipartisan work, our agencies for their coordination and information, and our residents for their input through the legislative process.
I sincerely thank you for the honor and privilege to work for you as your State Representative for House District 1. I look forward to seeing you soon and together, we will build a better Oregon. Be safe and God Bless.
Respectfully,
David Brock Smith
House District 1
Curry, Coos, Douglas & Josephine Counties
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1401
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-379, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
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