Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On April 4th we passed the first-chamber deadline, and we are officially halfway through the 2023 Legislative Session. Leading up to the deadline, committees worked feverishly to move bills out of committees and to the House and Senate floors for a vote. My inbox has been flooded with a steady stream of emails from constituents, lobby groups, and stakeholders supporting and opposing their policy priorities. The count after the deadline showed that there had been a total of 1352 bills introduced in House policy committees. Of those, 492 remained alive following the first-chamber deadline, 860 died, and 147 passed the House floor. In the bill report section below, I will highlight some of the measures that have received a lot of recent attention and some of the bills I have been working on.
The period, following the first chamber deadline, feels a lot like “the eye of the storm” – it is a brief calm before the onslaught of second chamber bills, some of the most controversial issues and the budget process picks up and spins through the Capitol in a flurry.
In mid-April we held a week of “Super-Floor,” where we read, debated, and passed a significant backlog of measures that made their way through the first-chamber deadline. This made for long days on the floor that spilled over into the early evenings. Listen in on my thoughts and views from that week in the “Super-Floor” Video Clips section below.
We have until June 25th to complete our work. May 19th is our second-chamber deadline. At that time, we will see another stack of bills thinned from the pile. A lot can happen in a short amount of time. The June Revenue Forecast will be released on May 17th. Soon after that, policy committees will begin to conclude their work and the session's attention shifts to balancing the state’s budget. This budget cycle will be much leaner than the past two years as the influx of pandemic related federal dollars has come to an end.
If there is a bill you have been watching that you have strong feelings about, please come testify and tell legislators what you are thinking about the work we are doing here in Salem.
As always, thank you for continuing to follow my newsletters and providing feedback. Don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of assistance. It is my honor to serve as your voice in Salem.
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
View previous newsletters here.
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As the session moves forward, some of the most controversial and divisive measures relating to health care and firearm restrictions have come center focus. Two measures on the forefront include HB 2005 and HB 2002.
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HB 2005 – Firearms Restrictions The bill raises the age for gun possession from 18 to 21, makes it a crime to manufacture, sell or possess a gun without a serial number, and allows cities or counties to bar people from carrying guns in public buildings or on adjacent grounds.
Earlier this month, I gave a remonstrance on the House floor highlighting Minnesota’s federal court ruling that found provisions that separated one group of adults from another in applying age restrictions for the purchase and possession of certain firearms unconstitutional. (Click here to view a replay of my comments.)
I too share the bill’s proponent's deep concern for the safety of communities and for our school children and am deeply saddened by lives lost and the trauma students, teachers, parents and our communities have endured as a result of the countless number of school shootings we have seen throughout our country and in our own state. This is why I supported the “Safe School Package”.
The package included a suite of seven bills pulled by House Republicans from committees where they were not moving for an immediate vote on the House floor. Two of which had bipartisan support. Those measures brought tangible common-sense solutions directly into the school setting as follows:
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HB 2223 – Transfer ODE Funds to pay for school resources officers. (JWM)
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HB 3354 – Conducts a study to hire retired police officers to provide security in our public schools. (DEAD)
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HB 2704 – Requires school districts that adopt a policy limiting possession of firearms by concealed handgun licensees on school grounds to install metal detectors at entrances to buildings. (DEAD)
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HB 3261 – Conducts a study to identify sources of funding to pay for costs of establishing a secure, single point of entry for each public school. (DEAD)
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HB 3350 – Conducts a study to identify the costs and possible funding sources to improve school safety. (DEAD)
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HB 3584 - Direct school districts to provide electronic communication to parents and guardians of students attending the school where there is a safety threat. (PASSED THE HOUSE)
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HB 3101 - Require schools to have at least one panic alarm in every school building. (JWM)
It was discouraging to see only two of the seven bills had bipartisan support. Of the two, only one passed the House chamber. Four were left to die in policy committees and two are left to flounder in the Joint Ways and Means committee without receiving a public hearing. I was a sponsor on all of the above bills and a Chief Sponsor on HB 2223.
 Click here to listen to a replay of my remonstrance on HB 2223 of which I am a chief-sponsor.
HB 2002 – “Reproductive” and “Gender Affirming” Health Care
I am very concerned about HB 2002. Not only is the measure very complicated, but it is full of provisions that most people will not understand. There are provisions in this bill that take away and significantly interfere with parental rights. It eliminates age of consent requirements and actually cuts parents out of the lives of their children at an age when children are extremely vulnerable to harmful outside influences, some of which can be dangerous. We don’t need a bill that will erode parent/child relationships. Instead, we should be working to strengthen those relationships. Testimony on child brain development has been heard over and over again in our various committees, concluding that children lack the emotional maturity and neurological development to make major life decisions. So why are we considering a bill that puts those decisions directly in the hands of very young people, taking away parental decision-making authority for their children when those parents are responsible financially, morally and legally for the acts and consequences of the acts of their children? We are talking about life-changing decisions in this bill.
The inconsistent messages put forward by HB 2005 and HB 2002 are troubling as one restricts young adults from exercising their constitutional rights under the 2nd amendment, while the other allows children, at any age, to make medical decisions and to access permanent life-changing medical procedures, including abortion and gender-altering medical procedures, without parental consent. Furthermore, the process by which these measures moved in the legislative process prevented Senate policy committees from weighing in on the policy ramification and limited the opportunity for further public input. These very complex and contentious issues, at the very least, should be afforded the transparent and full legislative process available. We talk a lot in this building about the need for full transparency, but these two bills were intentionally orchestrated in a way that prevented our citizens from testifying at all on the Senate side. I will be in full support of a change to the process that restores public input in both chambers as is the case with most bills.
Specific to HB 2002, other options, resources and ideas were offered up by opponents in HB 2423 and HB 2526 but were rejected outright by the measure’s proponents without the opportunity for the those bills to be heard in the public process.
I anticipate HB 2005 and HB 2002 to make their way through both chambers in early May. They will undoubtedly generate robust floor debates. If passed, which I expect they will be given the majority votes, they will likely face constitutional challenges to be litigated in the courts that will come with a hefty price tag Oregonians will pay for with their hard-earned tax dollars..
I am pleased to report the following bills I am sponsoring this session are still alive after the first-chamber deadline.
HB 2144 - POW/MIA Roadside Memorial
HB 2295 - Veterans Owned Business Certification
HB 2304 - K-9 Cares Act
HB 2305 - Veterans State Active Duty Tax Relief
HB 2306 - DUII Funding
HB 2309 - DNA Arrestee Evidence Collection
HB 2391 - Crime Victim Advocates Funding
HB 2405 - Fitness to Proceed (Mosman Decision)
HB 2426 - Consumer Choice in Fueling (Self-Serve Gas)
HB 2510 - County Fairs
HB 2535 - Coffee Creek Doula Program
HB 2615 - Veterans Oregon Promise Program
HB 2684 - CAT Tax Commodities Tax Exemptions
HB 2732 - Child Safety
HB 2764 - Missing and Endangered Persons
HB 2772 - Domestic Terrorism
HB 2873 - Emergency Preparedness Equipment Grant Program
HB 2898 - Recreational Vehicles while Abating Natural Disaster
HB 2933 - Domestic Violence Funding
HB 3000 - Fallen Hero Roadside Memorial Signs and Veterans'
Recognition Registration Plates
HB 3001 - Gold Star Family Members
HB 3018 - Housing Assistance for Victims
HB 3127 - Security of State Assets (Tick Tok)
HB 3173 - Task Force on Tribal Consultation
HB 3268 - Rural System Development Charges to Support Affordable Multifamily
Housing (My 4th attempt to pass this bill)
HB 3366 - Oregon Agricultural Heritage Programs
HB 3271 - Non-Profit Reporting of Public Money 988 Crisis Hotline Centers
HB 3584 - Responses to Safety Threats in Schools
SB 853 - Prohibits Out-of-State Travel Reimbursements for Government Employees
SB 933 - Restricting Tolling I-5 and I-205
SB 990 - Payment of Surplus Revenue Refunds in Form of Check
Mentioned earlier in this update, during the week of April 10th we spent a lot of time on the floor debating policy measures and moving bills out of the House chamber. Below, you can click on video clip links of my floor speeches on some the legislation passed.
Welcome North Marion students! A big thank you to Superintendent Ginger Redlinger for bringing students from North Marion School District to see their government in action. I appreciated the thoughtful questions from students and the opportunity to hear concerns about their future and their advocacy for learning that teaches life skills such as budgeting and personal finance. I wish our students all the best in their future endeavors.
The Chief Clerk’s Office is looking for dedicated, courageous, and passionate students ages 12-17 to participate in the Honorary Page Program.
The House Honorary Page Program is a one-day, hands-on experience inside the workings of the Oregon House of Representatives. The program operates Monday-Thursday, from February to the first of June in the odd-numbered years, and Monday-Friday in the even-numbered years.
Page service is a unique honor with a rich history. The first pages were apprentice knights. Pages served while they received scholastic, social and military education. Pages who successfully completed their studies were then squires and allowed to continue their education. Hardworking squires were rewarded with the honor of knighthood. Pages were first associated with lawmaking bodies when they began appearing in royal courts. The term "honorary page" is applied to our daily guest attendants because it recalls the honorable status and goals of pages in history.
Pages today have somewhat different duties. The program is an in-depth experience of the Oregon legislative process to educate students on the foundations of lawmaking. This includes and is not limited to an official oath-taking to the Honorary Page Program, various civics education activities, a tour of the Oregon Capitol building, and participation in a House Legislative session. This web site will give you a preliminary introduction to the program.
Click here to apply to the Honorary Page Program
For more information email: Civics.Education@OregonLegislature.gov Chief Clerk of the House Home Page (oregonlegislature.gov)
On an early post-Easter drive to the Capitol this incredible sunrise drew me in to the beauty and promise of the new day. I am grateful for these reminders and for the few quiet moments of reflection this glorious sunrise offered to the start of my day. These images are just too beautiful not to share.
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Things are about to heat up!
This week’s forecast calls for sunshine and lots of it. After a very cold spring, forecasters are predicting mid-70’s to mid-80’s starting Wednesday. This ought to wake up those beautiful House District 18 tulips.
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival celebrates its 39th annual festival this year and it has been extended through May 7th. The sea of tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is one of Oregon’s top spring attractions in our state that you don’t want to miss it.
Grab your boots, your camera, your sunscreen, and get out there. The fields are going to be spectacular!
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The St. Paul Rodeo turns 88 and draws thousands every year for its 4th of July Parade and Rodeo. They are receiving national recognition this year as they are inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame on July 15th in Colorado Springs. They will be the thirty-third rodeo inducted into the Hall of Fame and the second in Oregon, behind the Pendleton Round-Up. If you have never attended this event, add it to your bucket list. There is something for everyone. This years’ event will be held June 30th through the 4th of July. The rodeo, which started in 1936 attracts more than 75,000 people during the 5-day event. Congratulations to the St. Paul community and St. Paul Rodeo for this prestigious recognition.
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Silverton High School Dance & Drill Team took first place in jazz and 2nd in traditional at the 5A championship March 17th and 18th in Salem. The state title was Silverton’s 5th state title in school history. Silverton’s team was a mixture of youth and experience with 5 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores and 4 freshmen. The team won 5 competitions before the state championship. Congratulations to the Foxes.
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On March 30th, ODVA held their Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day event at the Oregon State Library. Although I was not able to be there in person, I appreciated the opportunity to provide comments during the event and want to thank ODVA Deputy Director, Dr. Nakeia Daniels for reading them during the ceremony. You can read my comments below, as well as view a replay of the livestream event here.
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 Good afternoon,
It is my great privilege to join the voices of so many here today to honor and recognize our state’s Vietnam veterans who sacrificed and served our country during an incredibly turbulent period in our Nation’s history.
As a Vietnam-era veteran, I remember the day many of my fellow service members answered the call of duty and left for Vietnam. Many were drafted, many volunteered… and many did not return. Still today, I grieve those who did not make it home and I hold their memories dear. I often think of their families and their loved ones and I still see the pain of those who came home and carry the wounds of this war in their bodies, hearts, and minds.
Nearly fifty years ago, service men and women returned home from Vietnam. Rather than receiving a hero’s welcome, regardless if they fought on the front lines or served in posts at home or afar, they were treated with disdain by their fellow Americans that rejected their service and sacrifice.
I remember the journey home from my post overseas. In uniform, I made my way through the airport in a crowd of people who were unwilling to acknowledge my humanity. As I learned of the fate of my friends and fellow comrades, I often felt a sense of guilt and shame that I returned - and they did not.
In the months, years, and decades to follow, I was fortunate to continue serving my country, my community, and now my state - yet many soldiers were cast aside, and they went unrecognized for their bravery and commitment to our country. For many Vietnam veterans the past 5 decades has been a long journey home. Today, with gratitude and respect, I welcome them home. Thank you for your bravery, your service, and sacrifice… and for those who we lost - you will never be forgotten.
NEW: Veterans Crisis Line @ 988
Confidential Support Is a Call Away
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 988 and then press 1
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
For more information: Veterans Crisis Line
In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention month, I extended courtesies and gratitude to Oregon’s child-centered multidisciplinary team members from the House floor. These teams are comprised of representatives from core disciplines including Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services, District Attorneys, Victim’s Advocates, and Medical and Mental Health providers who work tirelessly to protect and keep Oregon’s most vulnerable children safe. Their work and dedication to protect and prevent child abuse throughout our state does not go without notice.
House District 18 is served by two Child Advocacy Centers. Liberty House in Marion County and the Children’s Center in Clackamas County. Information on what you can do to prevent child abuse can be found on their websites as well as on the Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Program webpage.
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 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1418
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-385, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis
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