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To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season and are embracing the year ahead with hope and enthusiasm.
The Oregon Legislature organized for the 2025 session and is off to an ambitious start this week. I am grateful for your continued trust in me to serve as your voice in Salem. This month’s newsletter highlights session preparations, my committee assignments, and my priorities for the session.
I encourage you to follow my newsletter and to reach out to my office if I, or my staff, can be of any assistance to you in navigating the legislative process or matters involving state government.
Wishing you a great year ahead!
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
In this issue:
View Previous Newsletter at: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis/Pages/news.aspx
Last week, the 83rd Legislative Assembly organized for the 2025 session. The session lasts six months and is scheduled to end (sine die) no later than June 29th.
During the organizational sessions, Legislators took their oaths of office, voted on chamber rules, elected the presiding officers, and listened to the Governor’s State of the State address. Legislative leadership from both chambers spoke and shared their priorities. Over 2000 pre-session filed measures were introduced and sent to the Speaker’s desk for committee assignments.
A preview of House measures can be viewed here and Senate measures here.
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The Governor submitted her proposed budget a few weeks ago. Minority and Majority party leaders have put forth their session priorities and the Executive and Judicial branches policy and budget will be making their way through the committee process.
This session, I expect to see a focus on several critical issues impacting the state. Some of those key topics include Housing and Homelessness, Addiction and Behavioral Health, Wildfire Mitigation and Funding, Public Safety, Improving Education Outcomes, Healthcare Workforce Expansion, and Transportation Infrastructure.
During the interim, legislators had a big appetite for getting bills drafted resulting in a record number of bills pre-session filed. This means we have a very full plate of issues to digest over the next six months.
Democrats hold a supermajority in both legislative chambers. That means they are able to pass any tax increases and create new taxes without a Republican vote. The old adage “the Legislature is in session – hold on to your wallets” is never more true than when the majority party becomes a supermajority.
The House Republican Caucus welcomes new and returning members this session. I look forward to serving with each of my caucus colleagues and members across the aisle.
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January 13, 2025: Organization and Swearing In Ceremonies
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January 21, 2025: 2025 Session Begins
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January 17, 2025: Deadline to request unlimited drafts from Legislative Counsel. All measures requested after this date are required to be “priority bills”.
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February 21, 2025: Deadline for Legislative Counsel to deliver drafts to requesters for the measure introduction deadline.
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February 25, 2025: Deadline to introduce measures that are not “priority bills”.
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March 10, 2025: Start of daily floor sessions.
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March 21, 2025: 1st chamber posting deadline.
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April 9, 2025: 1st chamber work session deadline.
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May 9, 2025: 2nd chamber posting deadline.
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May 23, 2025: 2nd chamber work session deadline.
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June 18, 2025: Target Sine Die.
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June 29, 2025: Constitutional Sine Die.
View the calendar at a glance here.
This session, I am serving as Vice-Chair of the House Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans Committee, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, and the Joint Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee.
 
I have had the pleasure to serve on the House Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans Committee since 2017, and I have been Vice-Chair since 2019. There are currently 110 measures assigned to the committee to be considered at the Chair’s discretion. This has been one of the most enjoyable committees I have had the honor to serve on during my tenure in the legislature. Members of this committee have various military, public safety, and first responder backgrounds and we are passionate in our work to protect Oregonians and take care of our veterans. The most controversial issues in this committee tend to be on the General Government side of things.
In addition to my work on this committee, I am also a member of the Oregon Legislative Veterans Caucus. Below, I have highlighted several critical legislative concepts that reflect the caucus’s comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of Oregon veterans.
HB 2424 allows the Head of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) to appoint a Deputy Director, who must also be a veteran, ensuring leadership that truly understands the experiences of those they serve. HB 2485 enables ODVA to hire additional staff to better meet the growing needs of our veterans. These measures ensure that our veterans receive the timely and adequate support they deserve.
On healthcare related issues, HB 2537 increases access to the Oregon Health Plan for veterans, and LC 1647 directs ODVA to study veterans' health, with oversight from the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee. LC 1650 further directs ODVA to explore the development of a personal health navigator license within the Oregon Health Authority specifically for veterans’ health, while HB 2538 establishes cultural competency training for medical professionals tailored for serving veterans.
We’re also addressing administrative needs with HB 2319, which changes who can request discharge papers, simplifying the process for veterans and their families.
To support military-connected youth, SB 466 requests funding for the Oregon Summer Star summer camp. Meanwhile, HB 2717 enables the state to issue bonds to secure $35 million for the Roseburg Veterans Home, a crucial step in our commitment to providing veterans with quality housing.
Additionally, SJM 1 urges Congress to protect the rights of armed forces members and their families, and SB 387 proposes higher property tax breaks for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. HB 2050 aims to exempt retirement pay and pensions received for service in the Armed Forces from state income tax, further easing financial burdens.
Lastly, SB 596 provides no-cost vehicle license plates for veterans, a gesture of gratitude for their service.
Together, these legislative concepts represent our continued commitment to honoring and supporting Oregon's veterans across various aspects of their lives. As the session moves along, more bills related to veteran issues will be brought to us for consideration.
 
I have continued to serve as a member of the House Judiciary Committee since 2019. It is a high-volume committee of complex policy issues covering topics related to Oregon’s public safety systems and the Judicial branch program areas. There are currently 206 measures assigned to the committee for consideration at the Chair’s discretion.
 
I have served as a member of Joint Ways and Means Public Safety Subcommittee since 2021. There are 15 budget-related public safety bills currently assigned for this committee’s review before they are passed to the Full Ways and Means. We will also be assigned other public safety related measures that have fiscal implications. Oregon’s legislative process is dependent on legislative committees. Committees are where the majority of the work to shape legislation and public policy is done. The committee process is great place for Oregonians to actively share their thoughts on proposed legislation. You can find Legislative Committee Assignments for both chambers in the links below:
More information about the committee process and how to participate can be found on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) here.
My priorities this session will focus on veterans’ services, supporting public safety and addiction crisis reform, improving education outcomes, ensuring agency transparency and fiscal accountability, addressing wildfire mitigation and forest management practices, and advocating for sustainable economic growth that supports small businesses and family farms.
I have introduced the following bills which reflect those priorities. I have also sponsored various other measures that reflect these priorities to be highlighted in future updates.
HB 3093 - DNA Arrestee Bill Redraft of HB 2309 (2023) Requires collection of a blood or buccal sample by law enforcement for any person arrested for a person felony, a sex crime, or Burglary I. (Redraft of HB 2309 (2023)
HB 3094 - Addiction Crisis Reform to HB 4002 (2024) Makes changes to drug treatment funding and oversight.
HB 3095 - Equal Parenting Time Creates rebuttable presumption that equal parenting time is in the best interests of the child. (Redraft of HB 2398 (‘23)
HB 3096 - Apprenticeships Tax Credit Creates income tax credit for taxpayers that provide apprenticeship opportunities. (Redraft of HB 3362 (’17)
HB 3097 - Attempt to Elude (Aggravated) Increased penalty for Attempt to Elude a police officer
HB 3098 Non-Profit Grant Recipient Reporting Requires non-profits and for-profits that receive state grants or loans from a state agency to report annually on how they spent the money and whether or not they donate to any political campaign. (Redraft of HB 3271 (‘23)
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If you have followed my newsletters, you know how passionate I am about veterans’ issues. Having the opportunity to connect and provide a legislative update to the Willamette Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) last week was my honor and privilege.
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When connecting with fellow veterans, the shared language of service – the sacrifices, camaraderie, discipline, and challenges fosters a sense of belonging and trust. Conversations naturally flow. I have found an unspoken bond that immediately bridges gaps in age, rank, or branch of service. These connections reaffirm a timeless truth - no matter when or where you served, the bond between veterans remains steadfast. It’s a reminder that we are part of a lifelong brotherhood and sisterhood built on trust, honor, and shared experiences. Thanks to each veteran who came to listen and connect, and for your service to our country.
Sending a hearty congratulations to all elected officials serving the communities of House District 18. Your service, dedication, and commitment to our shared constituency is greatly appreciated.
I look forward to partnering with you!
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With shovels in hand, the city of Molalla enthusiastically broke ground on their new waste water treatment plant on Friday, January 17th. This project has been years in the making and completion of the new facility is slated for December 2026.
I was my pleasure to work with the City of Molalla during the 2023 session to secure a portion of the funds for infrastructure projects like this in the district.
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More information about this project can be found on the City of Molalla’s webpage here.
Earlier this week we paused to celebrate and remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader who championed equality, justice, and unity for all. His dream of a better world inspires us to reflect, serve, and strive toward building communities rooted in compassion and understanding.
In a close to a very busy first week of session, I leave you with this spectacular sunset I snapped on my way home on Wednesday – a reminder that we live in the most beautiful place on earth. Wishing you a enjoyable and peaceful weekend.
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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