Oregon State Legislature sent this bulletin at 06/30/2020 07:00 AM PDT
Friends and Neighbors,
Governor Updates
Governor Kate Brown Extends Face Coverings Requirement Statewide
Face covering requirements apply to indoor public spaces, take effect on Wednesday, July 1
Governor Kate Brown announced yesterday that Oregonians statewide will be required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, beginning this Wednesday July 1. The guidance applies to businesses and members of the public visiting indoor public spaces. Face covering requirements are already mandated in eight counties.
“From the beginning of the reopening process, I have said that reopening comes with the risk of seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases beyond our health systems’ capacity to test, trace, and isolate them,” said Governor Kate Brown. “Over the last month, we have seen the disease spread at an alarming rate in both urban and rural counties. The upcoming July 4th holiday weekend is a critical point for Oregon in this pandemic, and we can all make a difference.
“Modeling from the Oregon Health Authority shows that if we don’t take further action to reduce the spread of the disease, our hospitals could be overwhelmed by new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations within weeks.
“The choices every single one of us make in the coming days matter.
“Face coverings that cover your nose and mouth play a critical role in reducing the spread of this disease because droplets from our breath can carry the virus to others without us realizing it. If we all wear face coverings, practice six feet of physical distancing in public, wash our hands regularly, and stay home when we are sick, then we can avoid the worst-case scenarios that are now playing out in other states.
“I do not want to have to close down businesses again like other states are now doing. If you want your local shops and restaurants to stay open, then wear a face covering when out in public.
“Please keep your Fourth of July celebrations small and local. We saw a lot of new COVID-19 cases following the Memorial Day holiday. Another spike in cases after the upcoming holiday weekend could put Oregon in a dangerous position.
“Oregonians have all made incredible sacrifices over the last several months that have saved thousands of lives. The actions we take now can protect our friends, neighbors, loved ones, and fellow Oregonians from this disease, and prevent the need for another statewide shutdown. We are truly all in this together.”
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) will take the lead, along with other state and local agencies, in enforcing face covering requirements for all covered Oregon businesses.
This is an unprecedented moment in American history. People are rising up to demand racial justice and police reform, and the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on Oregon’s economy and public health. We heard the call from Oregonians and quickly made progress during this special session to begin addressing some of these issues. This is only a first step, but we will never stop working for a better Oregon for all.
Bills that Passed
SB 1601 Upon passage, allows Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund moneys to be used to maintain existing public transportation services.
SB 1602 Requires Governor to facilitate mediation sessions between forest industry and environmental interest representatives.
SB 1603 Modifies definitions applicable for purposes of universal service surcharge.
SB 1604 Restricts arbitration award from ordering disciplinary action that differs from disciplinary action imposed by law enforcement agency if arbitrator makes finding that misconduct occurred consistent with agency's finding of misconduct, and disciplinary action imposed by agency is consistent with provisions of discipline guide or discipline matrix adopted by agency as result of collective bargaining and incorporated into agency's disciplinary policies.
SB 1605 Modifies Oregon Promise program to extend eligibility to certain Oregon foster children who attain their highest level of education while in out-of-state placements.
SB 1606 Prohibits hospital from conditioning admission or treatment, or suggesting that treatment is conditioned, on patient having POLST or executing advance directive or other instruction regarding administration, withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining procedures or artificially administered nutrition and hydration.
SB 1607 Extends for one year small school district grants and school district funding for foreign exchange students.
HB 4201 Requires law enforcement agency to notify Attorney General when police officer uses physical force resulting in death or qualifying physical injury.
HB 4202: Modifies administrative provisions of corporate activity tax
HB 4203 Provides that peace officer may not use force that limits ability of person to breathe, including but not limited to choke holds.
HB 4204 Establishes temporary limitations on lenders being able to enforce default remedies on obligations secured by mortgages, trust deeds, land sale contracts or other instruments.
HB 4205 Directs Department of Public Safety Standards and Training to adopt rules requiring police officer to intervene to stop another police officer from engaging in act that is unethical or that violates law, rules or policy.
HB 4206: Authorizes State Department of Agriculture to adopt rules establishing program of state inspection for processing and sale of meat products from amenable species, including but not limited to cattle and sheep.
HB 4207 Directs Department of Public Safety Standards and Training to establish statewide database of police officer discipline records.
HB 4208 Prohibits law enforcement agencies from using tear gas or from using long range acoustic devices or sound cannons.
HB 4209: Allows Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Board to enter into agreement with third-party administrator to operate programs for awarding grants and making loans that enhance and expand workforce development and economic development in Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region.
HB 4210: Repeals driving privilege suspension and eliminates imposition of driving privilege restrictions for failure to pay fine.
HB 4211: Clarifies timing of when Department of Education is required to make transfers from Fund for Student Success.
HB 4212 Authorizes governing bodies of public bodies, other than State of Oregon, to conduct all public meetings using telephone or video conferencing technology or through other electronic or virtual means.
HB 4213 Prohibits residential and commercial evictions under specified conditions during emergency period.
HB 4214 Declares Oregon policy regarding Indian children.
HCR 212 Establishes deadlines for presession-filed legislative measures for 2021 regular session of Eighty-first Legislative Assembly.
SB 5711 Appropriates moneys from General Fund to _____ for biennial expenses.
SCR 211 Adjourns sine die 2020 special session of Eightieth Legislative Assembly
This crisis has highlighted the need for rural broadband investments for our critical infrastructure. I proudly sponsored and supported, SB 1603. The average cost to a cell phone owner would be $.35 (yes, cents) a month, but the provider can opt to not charge the customer and cover the charge. Technology needs to be equitable across this state and broadband access will open up a world of improvements for education, work and medical access, especially for those living in rural communities. Imagine one day being able to live in Medford and seamlessly work at Intel in Hillsboro. Access to broadband across the state provides employment opportunity, could address housing concerns such as cost and availability, traffic congestion and mass transportation needs and more.
After a vote has been placed on a bill, you can go to OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System) to see how a legislator voted and, if a vote explanation has been submitted, why that legislator supported or opposed a bill. https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Pages/Find-a-Bill.aspx
The safety and well-being of all members and staff that were deemed necessary to be present in the Capitol during the Special Session was of the upmost care and consideration. Masks were required, under the Governor's mandate for Marion County, and people were asked to maintain a physical 6 foot distance from others at all times. Committees were conducted either virtually, or with distance between members, and the public was able to comment by calling in to the meeting. Speaker Kotek did an excellent job of ensuring distancing on the House Floor while people spoke to bills and asked questions. Members were asked not to crowd passageways or elevators and most of us were able to adequately space ourselves throughout the House gallery when voting. This may be the way we must conduct the business of the state going forward for a while and it is good to know that it was not only possible, but it can be done safely, while still offering opportunity to be open to the public for testimony.
Small Business Updates
Hillsboro businesses are celebrating Christmas in July!
Summer Reading is happening from July 1 through August 31!
“Grab and Go” summer reading bags for kids and teens will be distributed at sites around town during the summer. Bags will include a reading record, a free surprise book, information about our virtual summer events and other fun goodies!
If you prefer to pick out a book from a limited selection, along with a reading log, you can stop by our library locations starting in July, Monday through Saturday, from 2 to 6 pm. Quantities available while supplies last.
Reading activities are available for Kids, Teens and Adults. Visit here for more information and for a schedule of "Grab and Go" bag pickups dates and locations.
THPRD Summer Camps Begin July 6th
THPRD Summer Camps begin July 6! We are implementing new health measures to keep campers, families, and staff safe. In addition, families will receive a parent handbook, prior to the start of camp, that outlines site-specific check-in and check-out procedures.Visit our website to view our FAQ: https://bit.ly/2XKE6pu
To sign up for one or multiple summer camps, you will need to have a THPRD account (No account? Sign up here).
These are unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our normal life. Our health, our work, our relationships and our economy. We all play a role in this. We must ALL do our part to keep each other safe and healthy because our economy will not be healthy if Oregonians are not healthy. Be good to yourself and each other.❤
