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To contact me, please click here: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov

Friends and Neighbors,

Winter weather arrived abruptly in the Willamette Valley last week, bringing snow and ice that led to swift Capitol closures, cancellations, and delays. With committees now under pressure to catch up, this past week was busy. Because of this, I was unable to get a video and newsletter out last week. On the bright side, some of us were able to spend an extra day at home with our families—something I know many of us cherish.

I want to be clear that I do not support the -2 or -3 amendments on HB 3419 and will continue working with Representative Ken Helm, my co-chair on the House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water to determine the best path forward. Thank you to those who have reached out with concerns, to confirm, the -2 and -3 amendments on HB 3419 will NOT move.

As I write this, we are on day 32 of 160 in the long session—if we use the full time allotted by our state constitution. Next Tuesday, we will reach the next deadline requiring all regular bills to be filed. After that, each legislator is allowed to file five additional priority bills during the session.

My video this week covers a variety of topics, including legislation currently moving through committees, the repeal of the wildfire maps, food insecurity, and upcoming discussions on Greater Idaho and Rural Fire Protection Agencies.

As always, your input is invaluable—I encourage you to stay engaged and share your thoughts.

Stay safe,

Moments with Mark - February 21, 2025

Legislative Highlights from the Past Week

🔹House Bill 3127 -Electronic Filing for Death Certificates
(Work Session Held, Passed Committee)
This bill addresses the need for expedited processes in funeral home operations. For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, timely and efficient services are essential. This legislation aims to streamline procedures to better serve grieving families. There was a public hearing on the bill with overwhelming support from Oregon Funeral Directors eager to see this change. 

Next this bill will go to the House Floor, then over to the Senate for public hearing and work session, the Senate Floor and then will need to be signed by the Governor before it goes into effect. 

Wildfire Maps

Last week I joined the House and Senate Republicans at a Press Conference asking to repeal the statewide wildfire risk maps. When the first version of the maps came out in 2022 they were not correct. Senator Findley and I had invited multiple agencies to visit our counties, stand in meadows and pivot areas and help us learn why these were designated high risk on the map. They promised to work through this, but the next version of maps are still wrong. They are devaluing property, creating unnecessary concerns about home hardening, and not giving credit to the work that has been done. I believe we have bipartisan support this session to get these maps repealed. 

Press Conference 2-17-2025, courtesy of KGW

I wanted to reshare some information from last week about the process to appeal but include some more links to documents being requested by email. This topic has been by far the most emails I have received from across Oregon. 

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.

Helpful links for the above steps and information:

Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map (this may take a moment to load)
PDF Appeal Form
Appeal FAQ
Notification Packet (this was mailed to property owners)
Map Technical Guide
Creating Defensible Space
Wildfire Hazard Mitigation
Wildfire Insurance Resources

Food Insecurity

I want to highlight an important issue: food insecurity. That’s why I’ve sponsored HB 3435, a bill to ensure all students have access to school meals. Studies show that students learn better when they aren’t hungry, and no child should go without a meal due to financial struggles or simply forgetting their lunch. Providing meals for all students is a commonsense step toward better education and a stronger future.

I also signed on to SB 611 because of food insecurity. This bill has sparked a lot of conversation with community members and others across the state. I want to thank you for the respectful dialogue we've had and share my thoughts on why I am signed on.

As a compassionate representative of my community, I supported SB 611 because it helps farm workers and families who are legally working toward citizenship but struggling with food insecurity. These individuals contribute to our economy and shouldn’t fall through the cracks while following the legal process. This bill isn’t about encouraging or supporting illegal immigration, which I do not. The bill specifically states it effects those aged 0-26 and over 55 that have unknown immigration status.  It ensures those on the path to legalization get the support they need to stay productive. Strengthening our communities and economy requires practical solutions.

I also support making legal immigration more accessible while enforcing our laws against those here illegally who commit crimes or don’t contribute to society. This is why I support and sponsored HB 3551 to roll back our sanctuary state law and allow law enforcement to work with federal immigration officials to deport criminals.

Fun Facts

Have you ever wondered how many bills are introduced, worked and passed in a long session. Here is some data from 2011 - 2023 depicting how many get introduced and how many passed. It hovers about 30% year over year for actual legislation passed from what was introduced.  So far there has been 2924 bills introduced for the 2025 session. We expect a surge for the regular filing deadline on Tuesday, meaning we will likely hit a new record this session for bills filed. 

Source: https://legiscan.com/OR

School Tour Options

Visitor Services will be offering two school tour options during this legislative session (February 10 to May 31).

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 (4^th 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. 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. Link for the virtual tour request form.

You can call Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or email visitor.services@oregonlegislature.gov to book a school tour.

Capitol Quest

If you are visiting the Capitol with children visit Rep. Cate in H-381 or Senator Sollman in S-207 to pick up a pamphlet and join a legislative scavenger hunt called the "Capitol Quest". 

Little Explorers Capitol Quest Scavenger Hunt

House Honorary Page Program

The program is open to students from age 12 to 17 who are eager to learn about the legislative process and to assist with House duties and activities.  Our first House Honorary Pages will begin to visit the Capitol later this month. 

The website page has been updated with information about the program and this year’s application is Online.  The application is accessible by computer or mobile phone. 

Link to Webpage:  House Honorary Page Program

If you have any questions, please contact Alma Morena Civics.Education@oregonlegislature.gov

Get Involved

Register to testify

• If there is a bill you are particularly passionate about, you can register to testify either in support or opposition to the bill.
• Advance registration is required! Registration closes 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
• To register, go to https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1, select the “Bills” icon on the top right corner of your page, enter the bill number, and select “Register to Testify.” Or, call 1-833-588-4500.
• You will want to fill out the “Public Testimony​ Registration Form”
• You will receive an email confirmation with an option to join Microsoft Teams if you can not testify in person.

Submit Written Testimony

• If you prefer not to testify in person, you can also submit written testimony in support or opposition to a bill.
• To submit written testimony, follow the same steps as you would register to testify in front of the committee, but you will select “Submit Testimony” and fill out the “Written Testimony Submission Form.”
• Written testimony must be submitted up to 48 hours after the committee meeting start time.

Scholarship Opportunities

Anderson Perry & Associates

In 2025, Anderson Perry & Associates is offering four scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each to high school students in the eastern/central Oregon and eastern Washington area who will be attending a college or university to pursue an engineering or related degree.

The ideal candidate for this scholarship will be a graduating high school student who can:

• Demonstrate the successful completion of high school or pre-college courses in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
• Demonstrate plans and actions to pursue an undergraduate degree in engineering.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the career requirements for their chosen area of engineering interest.
• Demonstrate the ability to work hard, work well with others, and be responsible.
• Demonstrate success in high school academics (GPA, ACT/SAT score, awards, achievements, etc.)
• Preference given to students who attend high school in eastern/central Oregon or eastern Washington.

Learn More and Apply...

NewSun Energy Climate & Ag Scholarship

Each year, NewSun invites high school seniors from select Oregon counties to write an 800-1200 word essay about how climate change, renewable energy, and other factors are affecting their community, including ran\ching and farming.

NewSun Energy will be awarding scholarships ranging from $500 - $2,500 to high school seniors from Coos, Curry, Crook, Douglas (Coastal), Gilliam, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, and Wasco counties.  Essays should demonstrate a genuine reflection that draws on unique experiences and perspectives, and be the student’s original writing.  

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a graduating senior from Coos, Curry, Crook, Douglas (Coastal), Gilliam, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, and Wasco counties

• There is no minimum GPA or financial need requirement

• Awards will be paid directly to the college or university for post-secondary education in the United States, including community college and accredited vocational/trade school

• Students must be enrolled full-time

• Essay must be 800-1200 words

• Essays must be submitted by 11:59pm April 1, 2025

Learn More and Apply...

This year, Oregonians have access to Direct File, a FREE and easy online tax filing tool developed by the IRS.  Check if you’re eligible.

STAY 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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