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To contact me, please click here: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It is hard to believe we are only three weeks into the session. Bills have already been voted on the floor this week, and in just a few weeks, we will begin daily floor sessions. Most of the bills moving through my committees are nonpartisan, funding-related, or common-sense legislation.
I have a longer video update this week to keep you informed, and I’ve outlined the key bills discussed in the video below. I also want to thank my intern, Katelyn from Willamette University, for her great work in adding some new touches to our weekly video updates.
Moments with Mark - February 7, 2025
Upcoming Legislation
📅 Monday, February 10
🔹 House Bill 3130 – Statement of Economic Interest (SEI) (Public Hearing)
I have been working on this legislation for several years to address concerns about financial disclosure requirements for volunteer school board members in small rural districts. These volunteers should not have to navigate burdensome state forms that list their financial information. If you’d like to submit testimony or register to testify, you can do so here.
🔹 House Bill 3122 – Owyhee Lake Road Access Fee (Public Hearing)
This bill, developed in collaboration with the Malheur County Court and the county’s Economic Developer, seeks to address the overwhelming traffic on Owyhee Lake Road. The county lacks the resources to maintain the road, and this bill would initiate discussions between the state, county, and federal government to implement an access fee.
🔹House Bill 2170 Aquatic Invasive Species & Quagga Mussels (Public Hearing)
In the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water, we will be discussing ways to prevent the spread of quagga mussels into Oregon. Reports indicate they are already present in Idaho, and we must develop effective strategies—such as boat check stations—to keep them out.
📅 Tuesday, February 11
🔹Senate Bill 769 – Managing Predators in Eastern Oregon (Public Hearing)
Brought forward by Senator Nash, this bill addresses concerns about cougars, depredation, and predator management. Eastern Oregon communities have long struggled with the impacts of cougars, wolves, and bears, and we must ensure policies reflect the needs of those affected.
Legislative Highlights from the Past Week
✅ House Bill 2330 – Protecting Seniors from Scam Calls
I have brought forward a proposal addressing elder financial scam calls, which are increasingly difficult to track. I want to thank Judge Raschio for bringing this important topic to my attention. We are working on establishing a task force to support law enforcement and develop better tools to combat these crimes. You can watch the testimony here.
✅ House Bill 2164 – Expanding Meat Inspection Capacity
This bill, which recently passed out of the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water aims to increase the number of meat inspectors in our communities. I have supported this initiative for years, and I am hopeful we can see it through to completion.
Wildfire Maps Update
Thank you for your emails regarding the wildfire maps. When the maps first came out a couple of years ago, Senator Findley and I hosted the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Oregon State University (OSU) in our district to review the maps firsthand. While they committed to revising them, we are still seeing a lack of coordination with local counties, and without on-the-ground assessments, the improvements have been minimal.
The intent behind the original bill was positive, the execution has been problematic. I am working with my colleagues on legislation to repeal the maps. I understand that some of the damage has already been done, but we are committed to addressing this issue. There is also a Senate bill proposing to repeal all of SB 762, which includes some beneficial elements, but the wildfire maps remain a significant concern.
If you live in a high risk area you should have received a packet from ODF. If you have not, or need more information on filing an appeals please reach out. I've also provided more information below.
Appealing designation of hazard zone or wildland-urban interface
The appeal process is a two-step process:
- STEP 1: Those who wish to appeal should submit the appeal form by March 10.
- For this first step no attorney is required. Simply fill out the form to the best of one’s ability and check the box if the appellant intends to hire an attorney for “Step 2”.
- This step simply ensures those who wish to appeal, are in the que.
- STEP 2: Following March 10, ODF would initiate progressive referral of the received appeals to the Office of Administrative Hearings, where a hearing with an administrative law judge would be scheduled.
Final Thoughts
I remain committed to advocating for policies that support our rural communities and ensure common-sense solutions for the challenges we face. As always, I encourage you to stay engaged and reach out with your thoughts.
Stay safe,
Visitor Services will be offering two school tour options during this legislative session (February 10 to May 31).
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On-site school tour option:
- Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.
- Tour guides will take students to the House and Senate Chamber, explain the legislative process, share information about the building, and engage students in an educational activity. Tour takes 75 minutes.
- Due to limited space only one classroom (4th grade and above,) consisting of up to 30 students and their chaperones, can be accommodated per day. Groups are booked first come, first served. If the group has multiple classes, then they would need to schedule multiple days, or do the virtual tour option, below.
- Use thiss link for the on-site tour request form.
Virtual tour option:
- Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
- Tour guide will share the virtual tour via TEAMS and answer questions for up to three classrooms (100 students) per school, per time slot. The virtual tour is 45 minutes long.
- Use this link for the virtual tour request form.
You may also call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or email visitor.services@oregonlegislature.gov to book a school tour.
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Don't forget to get signed up for this year's Harney County Career Fair! Students are ready to learn more about career pathways which can realistically lead them to jobs in Eastern Oregon. This is a long term investment in our local students and an opportunity to talk with them about your industry, the skills and education they may need and to share open positions.
Event details include:
- March 11, 2025 from 9:30 - 2:30
- Table set up will run from 7:30-9 (to ensure we are ready to start on time)
- Located at the Harney County Fairgrounds in the Memorial Building
- Tables, chairs and table cloths are provided
- Plenty of outlets, but please bring your own extension cords
- Wi-Fi throughout the area
- Lunch will be provided for all participants
- If you would like to set your table up the night before, please let either Denise or Camille know, and we can help accommodate this
- Please indicate on form if you would like to donate a door prize
Please complete the registration form, before February 28th, or use the contact information below if you have questions.
Camille Torres 206-849-7265 or camille@highdesertpartnership.org
Denise Rose 541-589-0901 or denise@highdesertpartnership.org
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The Oregon Department of Transportation recently announced its 2025 competitive grant program is open for proposals. The Small City Allotment (SCA) program was added to the 2017 transportation bill at the request of the LOC.
Grant applications will be accepted starting March 3 through April 30, 2025. This program allocates $5 million annually to a competitive grant program for cities with a population less than 5,000. The grants can be up to $250,000, and allow smaller communities to leverage funds for transportation improvements. In the most recent grant cycle, more than $17 million in qualified projects were submitted for consideration.
The LOC is hoping to grow this program with the Legislature’s 2025 transportation funding package.
More information on the program is available here.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
I wanted to share this great article from Brad Attig showcasing a grant to the High Desert Partnership from Business Oregon sparked results in our community.
Most tales of rural transformation start with grassroots efforts, not government grants. But in Eastern Oregon, a Business Oregon EEIP grant to High Desert Partnership sparked something special. This $400,000 investment didn't just support another program – it ignited a movement...(read more)
Public engagement is always welcome, I get dozens of emails and calls each week from constituents and others looking to weigh in on bills and other important issues facing Oregon. Here are a few ways to help you make your voice heard to provide testimony, whether it be through written testimony, online or in person. If you ever have questions on how to track a bill or provide your voice please reach out to my office for help.
Spanish version
1. Open the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS)
2. Testify on a Bill:
- Click the bill icon.
- Enter the bill number.
- Select “Register to Testify” on the ribbon at the top of the page.
3. Testify on a Topic or Executive Appointment:
- Click the committee icon.
- Choose the committee.
- Select the meeting date to view the agenda.
- Click “Register to Testify” next to the appointee or topic.
4. Fill out and Submit the Public Testimony Registration Form:
- Follow the instructions on the form (click (+) to access instructions).
- Submit the form.
5. Email Confirmation:
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with details to join the meeting by MS Teams or phone.
- Do not share your MS Teams link.
Steps to Submit Testimony Online
1. Open the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS)
2. Testimony on a Bill:
- Click the bill icon.
- Enter the bill number.
- Select “Submit Testimony” on the ribbon at the top of the page.
3. Testimony on a Topic or Executive Appointment:
- Click the committee icon.
- Choose the committee.
- Select “Click to Submit Testimony” in the Staff Section.
4. Fill out and Submit the Written Testimony Submission Form
- Learn how to Register to Testify.
- Advanced registration is required.
- The online registration system opens when the public hearing is scheduled and closes 30 minutes before the meeting begins.
- Registering to testify does not guarantee an opportunity to speak. Your chance to speak may be affected by time constraints, technical issues, or other unforeseen factors.
In-Person Testimony
- Arrive early at the State Capitol to allow time for parking and security.
- Parking near the Capitol may be limited due to construction.
- All committee hearings take place on the first floor of the State Capitol.
- Enter through the doors at the center of the building on State Street. There is no entry from Court Street.
- An Information Desk is located inside the building for assistance.
Remote Testimony (via MS Teams or Phone)
- Use the MS Teams meeting link or phone number provided in your confirmation email to join at least 5 minutes before the meeting start time.
- MS Teams Instructions:
- Keep your camera off and microphone muted until the Chair calls on you.
- Review this guide if you are unfamiliar with MS Teams: Join a meeting in Teams.
- Phone Instructions:
- Mute your phone upon joining the meeting. Press *6 to unmute when the chair calls you to speak.
- Be aware that your phone number will be visible on the public livestream.
During the Public Hearing
- The Chair will open the public hearing for a specific bill.
- Committee staff may briefly describe the bill, and the bill’s sponsor may speak first. The Chair will then call names from the list of people who registered to testify.
- The Chair may set a time limit for testimony (for example, 2 minutes per speaker) to keep the meeting on schedule and allow more people to speak.
If Testifying Remotely (via MS Teams or Phone)
- Keep your camera off and microphone muted until your name is called.
- If you are watching the livestream on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS), close it before public testimony begins to avoid delays. Use MS Teams or your phone instead.
When Called to Testify
- In person: Move to a seat at the witness table.
- MS Teams/Phone: Turn on your camera (optional) and unmute microphone. Hit *6 on your phone to unmute.
Giving Your Testimony
- Start by introducing yourself to the Chair and committee members. For example: “Chair Jones, members of the committee, my name is (your name). I am from (city) or represent (organization) and am here in support/opposition to HB/SB (bill number).”
- Be concise and clear.
- Avoid repeating points already made by others.
- Follow the chair’s instructions, including any time limits.
- Be ready to adjust your comments if asked to shorten them.
- You may be asked questions by committee members. If you don’t know an answer, offer to follow up with more information later.
- When finished, mute your microphone or phone, turn off your camera, and leave the meeting. You can continue watching the OLIS livestream.
Rules of Decorum
- Everyone is subject to the same rules of decorum, whether testifying in person or remotely. Anyone who chooses not to follow the rules established by the committee chair may forfeit their opportunity to testify.
Missed Your Turn or Experience Technical Issues?
Keep In Touch
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1460
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-475, Salem, OR 97301
Capitol Email: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Capitol Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/owens
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