Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Happy 2022! It’s a new year and new opportunities lie ahead. I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday and that you were able to enjoy time with family and other loved ones.
The past two years have brought many challenges. The New Year gives us a marker to reflect, re-evaluate, and chart our course. I am looking forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism as I prepare for the February short session.
Thank you for following my newsletter updates, your feedback, and continued engagement in the legislative process. It is my honor to serve as your State Representative. I welcome the opportunity to assist you in any way, whether it is through the legislative process or through personal assistance with state government. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for help.
Best wishes,
 Rick Lewis Oregon
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
Previous newsletters can be viewed at: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis/Pages/news.aspx
Two weeks ago, legislative interim committees met one last time before the February 2022 Session. Meetings were conducted virtually. Video recordings of my committees can be viewed by clicking on the committee titles listed in the overview below. You can also view recordings from other committees of interest on OLIS here.
During interim committees days, Legislators received updates from state agencies and stakeholders. Work sessions were held for the introduction of committee measures for the 2022 Short Session that will begin on February 1st.
In addition to my four committee assignments, I have been appointed to serve on the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety.
The House Interim Committee on Judiciary held an informational hearing to receive an update on issues at the Department of Corrections (DOC). Members also received updates and proposed amendments to HB 2928 relating to the use of tools by law enforcement agencies passed in the 2021 session, updates from the Oregon Judicial Department, and a preview of four legislative concepts various legislators are introducing in the February session as follows:
- Compassionate Medical Release for Adults in Custody (LC 142)
- Survivor Access to Police Records (LC 45)
- Peremptory Challenges; Disqualifying Judges; and Justified Use of Physical Force and Restitution Reform for Crime Victims (LC 186)
- Justice Reinvestment Program (Redraft of HB 2002 from the 2021 Session) (LC 94)
A work session and introduction of committee bills for the 2022 Short Session included:
This is a very active committee and it is scheduled to meet three times per week during the February session.
 The House Interim Committee On Veterans and Emergency Management committee introduced three committee bills for the 2022 session. These concepts are a follow-up to the committee’s work from the 2021 session and are listed below:
LC 265 - Relating to military service members.
This is a catch-all bill that includes veterans public employment preference, state park passes, property tax forgiveness, the Workforce Grant, Oregon Promise, and the Veteran Educational Bridge Grant Programs.
LC 266 - Relating to urban flood safety and water quality district.
This measure provides needed fixes to a 2021 measure that passed but is not fully functional.
LC 267 (HB 2927 (2021) - Relating to emergency preparedness.
The measure includes a combination of things that we passed out of this committee in the 2021session, some which died in the Ways and Means process and/or need fixes. The major components of this measure include:
- Oregon Homeland Security Council
- Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund
- Emergency Incident Training
- Emergency Notification System Personnel
- Emergency Response Exercises
- Oregon Critical Disaster Preparedness Stockpile
- Emergency Preparedness Advisory Council
- Emergency Powers Relating to Commercial Driver’s Licenses
During the informational portion of the committee meeting, I provided a brief description of HB 4041 (LC 71) that I have introduced for the 2022 session relating to Seismic Stability in new “essential facilities”. I am pleased to be joined by former Chair Paul Evans who is a co-chief sponsor. I will share more information about this concept below.
The committee meeting concluded with testimony on property tax exemptions for veterans, information from state agencies related to the status of veterans’ sheltering for the colder months, as well as a status update on winter months and the potentially hazardous roads and trees.
I appreciate receiving information from each of the presenters and I applaud the work of our first responders who faithfully report for duty in the face of danger. Thank you to our road crews, utility workers, and our law enforcement officers. They keep our lights on, our roads clear, and our streets safe during storms.
The Joint Interim Committee On Ways and Means, Interim Subcommittee on Public Safety reviewed one consent item with three agency reports and ten individual agency appropriation requests relating to public safety. The committee voted to move the following budget notes and agency funding requests to the full Joint Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration:
Consent Reports
Department of Corrections (DOC) - Office of Inspector General and Key Performance Measures
Department of Corrections - Parole and Probation Communications
Criminal Justice Commission - Family Preservation Project
Individual Items
Judicial Department - Office of the State Court Administrator Reorganization
Judicial Department - Clackamas County Courthouse
Public Defense Services Commission - SB 578 (2021) Implementation
Public Defense Services Commission - Information Technology Contract Extension
Public Defense Services Commission - Juvenile Appellate Section
Department of Justice - General Counsel Division
Department of Justice - High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program Withdrawal
Department of State Police - Equitable Sharing
Oregon Youth Authority - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Department of Corrections - Overtime Usage
DOC’s slide presentation, budget request details, the Department of Administrative Services and the Legislative Fiscal Office analysis, recommendations, and consent reports can be viewed in the meeting materials on OLIS here.
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The House Interim Special Committee on Wildfire Recovery held an informational meeting to received agency updates on water infrastructure, housing, and natural resource investments provided under HB 5006, (2021).
During the February 2022 session, this committee will not receive bills. The committee’s charge is to be sure the legislative commitments and intentions around Oregon’s recovery efforts are being carried out, to continue our efforts to prepare for future disasters, and oversee our investments in mitigation and long term planning - as we rebuild homes, communities, and restore the lives of Oregonians impacted by the September 2020 Labor Day wildfires. The most critical work we will do is speed up the process to get the funds out the door in order to help people and communities rebuild. This needs to happen sooner, not later.
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The Joint Committee on Transportation held work sessions for introduction of the following committee measures for the 2022 Session:
LC 246 – Relating to Transportation This is a transportation omnibus bill.
- Requires transportation delivery companies and third-party food delivery platforms to meet service miles targets provided by zero-emission vehicles.
- Prohibits per-person limit on standard (HB 2017, section 149) rebates under the Electric Vehicle (EV)/Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rebate program.
- Preempts local government per-trip tax or fee for rideshare and food delivery services except for use of regulating such services or funding expansion of EV infrastructure.
- Specifies penalty for failure to use traction tires or chains (HB 3055, 2021) applies to commercial vehicles and proportionally registered vehicles only.
- Repeals citation moratorium for traffic offenses related to expired documents (SB 1601, 2020 1st Special Session).
LC 247 – Relating to Interstate Bridges
This is a placeholder for OR/WA interstate compact on Hood River Bridge Authority.
LC 248 – Relating to State Contracting Agency Procurements of Vehicles that Use Diesel
Requires state contracting agency procuring vehicles with diesel motors or engines to qualify vehicle for procurement, including certification from engine manufacturer that motor/engine is capable of operating with minimum 20 percent blended biodiesel.
During the informational portion of the meeting we heard updates on Wildfire Cleanup and Recovery, the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project, and the Motor Carrier Safety & Enforcement. The committee also received a report from the Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation and information on Advanced Air Mobility innovations in transportation.
On December 13th, the Legislature convened for a one-day second special session. This special session took on four separate pieces of legislation, but the failures at the Oregon House and Community Services agency (OHCS) were the protagonists of this session - despite repeated legislation and taxpayer funds previously allocated to address a pandemic related housing crisis. Although the agency believes there has been very little in the way of fraudulent applications for assistance, community action agencies responsible for processing those applications say otherwise. The last thing we need is a repeat of the fraudulent claims and funds handed out by the Employment Department. Every fraudulent claim that slips through has a direct adverse impact on those who need and deserve our help. It is very clear that more Legislative oversight is needed as these agencies hand out taxpayer dollars. Below is a brief description of the appropriations budget bill and the three measures that were passed:
SB 891 - Housing – Tenant and Landlord Protections Extends protections to prevent evictions for Oregonians approved and waiting to receive rental assistance. The appropriations budget bill, SB 5561, includes a $215 million package to provide additional rental assistance, fast-track the application process and guarantee landlords are fully paid.
SB 892 - Drought Relief for Agricultural Producers To address the impact and loss farming communities experienced from last year’s extreme heat event, wildfire smoke, and ice storm, SB 5561 includes a $100 million drought relief package to provide support and relief to farms and ranches across Oregon. The passage of SB 892 established a forgivable loan program to provide financial assistance to Oregon farmers and ranchers who lost gross income in 2021 due to a qualifying natural disaster. In many cases, these producers did not qualify for federal crop insurance, so it was my priority to work for this assistance.
SB 893 - Illegal Cannabis Enforcement
Requires prioritizing financial assistance to local law enforcement agencies to partner with community-based organizations in order to address the humanitarian crisis associated with unlawful marijuana cultivation or distribution operations in awarding grants through an Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program.
SB 5561 - Omnibus Appropriations Budget Bill This is the budget reallocation bill and it moved millions of biennial appropriations from the General Fund to specified state agencies to help support the rental assistance program, Landlord Guarantee Fund, support for Afghan refugee resettlement and more. Click on the bill link above to review the bill and appropriations.
 On February 1, 2022, the Oregon Legislature will convene for a 35-day short session. The Capitol building remains open to the public. Due to Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety (CAMS) construction and ongoing COVID safety concerns, committees will be held virtually. Legislators will continue to meet in-person for floor sessions.
Friday, January 14, was the deadline for all committee and member legislative concepts to be filed for introduction. Committees were limited to three measures. House and Senate members were limited to two measures.
This week, all bills filed for the 2022 session will be posted on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS). Committees will post advisory agendas for the first three days of session by the week’s end.
The Short Session timelines move quickly. Our first committee deadline is Monday, February 7. For bills to remain alive, committee chairs must post scheduled work sessions for House measures no later than February 7. Those House measures must be moved out of House committees by Monday, February 14. Work sessions for Senate measures in House committees must be scheduled no later than Friday, February 18 and those Senate measures must be moved out of House committees by Thursday, February 24.
House Rules Committee, House Revenue Committee, Joint Committee on Ways and Means, and other joint committees are not subject to the policy committee deadlines, with the exception of the Joint Committee on Transportation which must move all measures in accordance with the second chamber deadline.
To finish the work of the 2022 Session, legislators are asked to prepare for regular evening and weekend floor sessions or committee meetings. We are constitutionally required to finish our work and adjourn on or before March 7, 2022.
You can Access Session Calendar and Important Deadlines Online at: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/calendar
Access Committee Agendas Online at:
Oregon Legislative Information System (oregonlegislature.gov)
Learn how you can engage in the legislative process at: Citizen Engagement Home (oregonlegislature.gov)
I am honored to continue to serve on the House Republican Leadership Team. I am committed to listening to the voices of Oregonians in every part of the state and I look forward to working with Leader Breese-Iverson to restore balance in the legislative decision making process.
My priorities for the February Session are focused on addressing the critical issues within our public safety, emergency management, education and transportation systems. I will continue to press for a restored balance of power between the Legislature and Governor’s office in future states of emergency. As many know, the House chamber will have a new Speaker. I am hopeful that we will build a better relationship between the parties with this leadership transition.
I have introduced two bills:
HB 4041 (LC 71) - Fireproofing and Seismic Stability
The measure addresses fire proofing and seismic resiliency in new construction of “Essential Facilities” as defined in statute. These structures include hospitals, schools, police, and fire facilities. The bill is designed to improve upon the safety of these structures by ensuring that those applying the seismic materials are properly trained to do so. The bill is currently being amended to remove the fireproofing provisions which will be included in the Veterans and Emergency Management omnibus bill at my request. That action will improve upon the fire proofing standard currently in use, and ensure contractors installing these materials have access to proper training and certification.
HB 4042 (LC 69) Informed Consent
The bill provides a requirement for a physician who prescribes drugs for chemical abortion to inform the patient that there is a possibility of reversing the abortion process after taking the first of two pills, but before taking the second one. This concept has passed in at least 14 states. The bill requires the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to publish on the agency’s website specified information regarding possible reversal of a chemical abortion. The measure allows specified persons to bring a civil cause of action for actual and punitive damages.
I am also a chief co-sponsor on HJR 201. The measure would end the Governor’s state of emergency relating to COVID-19 and effectively restore a system of governance designed around checks and balances to place Oregon on a solid path to recovery.
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Boundary changes from the legislature’s redistricting process (SB 882) are in effect. The map below shows House District 18’s newly drawn boundaries.
It is an honor to continue to represent the communities of Aurora, Hubbard, Donald, Mt. Angel, Molalla, Scotts Mills, Silverton and the surrounding areas of eastern Marion County and Southern Clackamas County. I look forward to representing the community of St. Paul which has been newly drawn into the district.
When boundary lines change, it is possible that you may find you live in a different district.
Find out what district you live in visit: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/FindYourLegislator/leg-districts.html
Find more details on newly drawn district lines at:
Redistricting Information details (oregonlegislature.gov)
The redistricting process brought a large portion of Silver Falls State Park into House District 18.
Improvements include, Silver Falls State Park Facility upgrades, Camping Expansion & North Falls Complex: Begin the north gateway development that includes a campground with restroom/shower facilities, a North Gateway Visitor Center, and a new North Canyon trailhead and parking lot. Infrastructure improvements such as water, electrical, and sewer systems are included, as well as relocation of the current RV dump station. The current general obligation bond estimate $8-10 million.
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Silver Falls State Park is considered the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system. To learn more about the history and recreational activities at Silver Falls State park visit: Silver Falls State Park - Oregon State Parks. I look forward to visiting the park to see these projects take shape and sharing the beauty Oregon’s House District 18 offers to all who visit.
Congratulations to Mayor Olmstead and the City of Donald on your successful application for a Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, New Drinking Well Project. Your hard work to ensure the residents of Donald have safe drinking water resources into the future is a credit to your leadership.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF) was established by the 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund provides low-cost financing to eligible water systems for planning, design, engineering, and construction of drinking water facilities. The DWSRF program is a powerful partnership between the EPA, and the states.
The beautiful and quaint town of Donald, Oregon lies in northwest corner of House District 18. The city has a rich history in agriculture, industry, business, and family. Between 1840 to 1860, Donald was first settled by farmers and loggers from the Midwest. By the early 1900’s, Donald was a main station for the Oregon Electric Railway. From its railway heritage is how the city’s name came about. The City was named after R.L. Donald who was an official of the construction company that built the railway. The railroad in Donald is heavily used today. More historical information about the City of Donald can be found here.
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In my June 2021 Newsletter, I announced House District 18’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding allocations. These funds are still in the disbursement process administered by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS). The funds will help support important projects and provide recovery to various parts of the district.
As of December 22nd, DAS received 216 Project Information Forms out of 295 projects. Project Information Forms, which is a form for grantees to complete with more details and information about the specific project, were distributed September 24th to grantee contacts provided to DAS. As DAS works through materials already received, 59 projects have received grant agreements, and 19 of those have been funded.
I continue to monitor the status of funding distributions and work with local leaders throughout the district to secure these investments.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1418
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-484, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis
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