The required constitutional short session of 2024 ended on March 7th, a few days before its 35 day time limit expired. Like other short sessions, the pace was lightning fast. Surprisingly different from previous short sessions, many policies were largely in line with what Oregonians were asking of its legislature.
The End of Measure 110
A crown jewel of the 2024 short session was the end of Ballot Measure 110’s decriminalization of drugs. Measure 110, passed in 2020 with 58% of Oregonians supporting the ballot initiative. Its intent was to set aside money for more drug treatment. However its flaw was that it essentially legalized all drugs and made treatment optional. That flaw was seen everyday in our streets. Oregonians overwhelmingly wanted these substances to once again be illegal.
HB 4002 recriminalized drugs such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and meth. Before the short session, some Democrat legislators supported Measure 110 arguing the policy needed more time and money to work. However, the will of the people prevailed. Oregon’s open drug market is now closed. Drug dealers and drug cartels are no longer able to operate without consequences. HB 4002 carries with it an up-to 180 jail sentence, but also allows ways to avoid prison through drug treatment options. I voted YES; however, my optimism is somewhat tempered, as I will be watching the implementation of HB 4002 closely. If stronger deterrents to drug use are necessary to eradicate the culture of drugs, if HB 4002 fails on its promises to clean up our streets and make our neighborhoods safer, I will act in 2025, if not sooner.
A companion bill, HB 5204, provided specific funding to drug treatment and law enforcement in both Klamath & Deschutes Counties.
- $16,000,000 to Community Corrections throughout the state
- $2,700,000 to the Department of Education Learning and Care for Relief Nurseries to provide therapeutic and family support services.
- $2,500,000 to Transformations Wellness Center for a new facility at Klamath Works that will provide 8 detox beds and 50 substance abuse beds
- $2,400,000 to Klamath Basin Behavioral Heath for a new residential treatment facility with a crisis stabilization center
- $1,500,000 to Deschutes Co. Community Mental Health Program
- $1,500,000 to BestCare Treatment in Central Oregon
- $666,667 to Oregon Tech for Behavioral Health Workforce Training
Farm Equipment Property Tax Clarification
A big win for agriculture came with my bill HB 4111 — passed unanimously in the House & Senate. I celebrate this overwhelming support for HB 4111 which will create better clarity for property taxes levied on agricultural businesses. For many years, the legislature has tried, but failed, to better define what farm machinery and equipment is subject to property taxes; and furthermore, which equipment and machinery is exempt from those taxes. I introduced HB 4111 to solve this problem.
Grasshopper Suppression
Last year Klamath County suffered one of the most devastating infestations of grasshoppers in recent memory. I, along with other rural legislators, were able to allocate $1,250,000 as block grants to counties through the Oregon Department of Agriculture to help fight this problem in 2024.
Modernization of Oregon’s Stalking Laws
HB 4156 was passed to modernize stalking statutes. I co-sponsored this new bill, to better protect victims from stalking in the modern world. Keeping up with technology is critical as online stalking was unheard of the last time stalking laws were addressed nearly three decades ago.
Missed Opportunities
PARENTAL RIGHTS: I introduced HJR 203 that gave Oregonians the chance to vote on a constitutional provision which said, “Parents have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education and care of their children”. On a party-line vote Democrats blocked the bill from being considered on the House floor.
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
HB 4095 put back in place education standards which were eliminated back in 2021 by Democrats on a party-line vote. HB 4095 reinstated the requirement that students become proficient in essential skill standards before a student could receive their high school diploma. Democrats blocked its consideration.
HB 4161 would have allowed more students to enroll in virtual public school. Democrats did not give this bill a public hearing or chance to come to the floor for a vote.
REDUCING TAXES: HB 4055 would have lowered the amount businesses pay for the Corporate Activities Tax (CAT). On average the CAT, in essence a hidden sales tax, costs each Oregonian about $330/year. The CAT is built into the cost of every product or service sold in Oregon. Democrats bottled up this bill in committee without a public hearing or consideration.
Visitors at The Capitol
During the brief 5 week short session, many from House District 55 came to visit with me in Salem. I am always thankful to see friendly faces from the part of the state I call home.
Klamath Family Head Start
Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Gov’t Affairs Committee
Oregon Student Association (OSA)
Midstate Electric Cooperative
Deschutes County Head Start
 It is an honor to serve the people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance with a state matter, plan on visiting the Capitol or have an idea for legislation, please reach out to my office.
Best regards,
E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 55
The Crater Lake District
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1455
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-383
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
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