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To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
A February winter snow storm, heavy rains, and wind haven’t slowed us down much here at the Capitol. Committees are humming along, and floor is picking up as more bills are making their way through both chambers. The February 25th bill introduction deadline has come and gone. That slows the number of bills entering the legislative pipeline, limiting the number to five priority bills each legislator may file from here forward.
Our next key legislative timeline is March 21st for bills to be posted for work sessions, then voted out of policy committees in their first chamber of origin on or before April 9th to remain viable. This deadline, however, does not apply to the Rules, Revenue, Joint Ways and Means and Joint Transportation committees. |
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As time marches forward, we are less than a week away from receiving more daylight. With that, don’t forget to “spring forward” by moving your clocks ahead on Sunday, March 9, 2025, 2:00:00 am.
In this month’s update, I bring you a snapshot of the session… what’s happening in Capitol, in the district, and more.
Thank you for following along and staying in touch. I welcome your ideas, your views, and your voice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
In this Issue:
View Previous Newsletters Here
Earlier this week, the Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) released the March 2025 Revenue Forecast. The forecast shows strong tax collections with an additional $350 million available for the 2025-27 budget cycle due to higher than-expected income tax revenues. There is, however, good reason to be cautious with economic warning signs emerging, showing that Oregon lags behind national trends in job growth, population increase, and GDP. Government-subsidized sectors are expanding, yet key industries like construction and manufacturing – which provides stable, family-wage jobs – are struggling. Moving forward, I will support policies that encourage job creation in these core industries rather than growing the size of government and adding new programs at the expense of hard-working Oregonians. It would be prudent not to use projected revenues as an excuse to go on a spending spree.
Legislators also learned that Oregon taxpayers are set to receive a $1.73 billion “kicker” refund, slightly lower than previous estimates. Though this reflects strong revenue collections, we must support fiscal responsibility and promote a business-friendly environment to sustain economic growth. Without stronger private-sector job creation, Oregon risks long-term instability, as working-age residents may leave for better opportunities elsewhere. The next forecast will come in May and that will be the definitive forecast for building the state budget.
You can click on the links below to access OEA’s forecast documents, and the details released in the February 26, 2025.
Economic and Revenue Forecast
Entire Document
Economic and Revenue Forecast Slide Presentation
Forecast Document by Section
Executive Summary
Economic Forecast
Revenue Forecast
Demographic Forecast
Appendix A: Economic Forecast Detail
Appendix B: Revenue Forecast Detail
Appendix C: Population Forecast
As committees work diligently to move bills to the floor for votes, our daily third readings have continued to increase requiring more time in floor sessions. To keep up with the flow of bills and to get our work done on time, we will start meeting for daily floor sessions on March 10th.
So far, the majority of the bills have moved through the House chamber with little controversy. This session, it is my hope that we work together to find solutions and common ground policies that serve the best interests of Oregonians across our state. Below, I have highlighted a few bills that recently moved through the House chamber that have either come through my committees, I am sponsoring or have garnered some attention.
HB 3195 - Children’s Advocacy Centers
Modifies eligibility requirements for distributions from the Children's Advocacy Center One-Time Grant Fund. The bill is on the Senate President’s desk awaiting committee assignment. (Lewis Sponsor)
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HB 2901 - Newborn Safe Haven Drop Off Devices
Modifies the safe haven law to allow a parent to anonymously leave an infant in a newborn safety device. Allows an authorized facility to install a newborn safety device.
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HB 2345 - Hatchery Research Center and the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board Changes
Renames the Oregon Hatchery Research Center (OHRC) fund. Makes certain changes related to the fund. Repeals statutes establishing the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board.
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This was not a bill I could support. It would immediately abolish OHRC with its 12-member board and confiscate the dedicated research funding then to be spent at the sole discretion of ODFW with no oversight. It would eliminate funding for the OHRC director's assistant and the ongoing hatch box research project with the Coquille tribe. Fish management policy for Oregonians should be based on a synthesis of related modern research at OHRC. A proposed amendment may be considered on the Senate side which may address these issues.
HB 2356 – Metro Urban Growth Boundary Adds lands to a metropolitan service district when those lands are within and annexed by a city in Metro. I cast a NO vote on this measure. I'm not a fan of Metro and their tactics to usurp private property rights and do land swaps that are detrimental to county unincorporated areas that were planned for industrial development. Metro has accumulated way too much power over time, in my opinion.
You can view the daily floor sessions and the measures highlighted above here:
The release of the Wildfire Hazard Map hit Oregonian’s hot button and legislators have been receiving a lot of phone, email, and foot traffic on the issue.
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On February 17th, Governor Kotek directed the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to continue to accept all appeals of the Oregon Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map up to the March 10th deadline, but to pause on referring these appeals to the Office of Administrative Hearings until after the legislative session concludes.
I encourage property owners who wish to challenge the map’s findings to file your appeal before the March 10th deadline. Information on the appeal process is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website here.
A step in the right direction, the Governor’s action does not resolve the current problems involving the map. It only provides the legislature an opportunity to find a solution to the map’s failures during the session.
I support two bills, SB 678 that undoes the wildfire protection provisions adopted in Senate Bill 762 (2021), and a House version that also repeals the Statewide Wildfire Hazard Maps to be introduced this week.
On a lighter note, last week the Oregon Cattlemen rode into town with a message to designate the T-Bone Steak the official state steak and with their compelling testimony, SCR 13 – Moo-ved! to the Senate floor for a vote. We expect to see the resolution make it to the House for committee assignment later next week.
Passage of this resolution would add the T-Bone Steak to the list of Oregon State Symbols. Sink your teeth into this proposal and let me know your thoughts.
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State Seal (1859)
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Flower: Oregon Grape (1899)
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Flag (1925)
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Bird: Western Meadowlark (1927)
- Song: Oregon, My Oregon (1927)
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Tree: Douglas Fir (1939)
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Father of Oregon: John McLoughlin (1957)
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Fish: Chinook Salmon (1961)
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Rock: Thunder Egg (1965)
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Animal: Beaver (1969)
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Dance: Square Dance (1977)
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Insect: Oregon Swallowtail (1979)
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Mother of Oregon: Tabitha Moffatt Brown(1987)
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Gemstone: Oregon sunstone(1987)
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Motto: "She Flies With Her Own Wings" (1987)
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Nut: Hazelnut(1989)
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Seashell: Oregon Hairy Triton (1991)
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Beverage: Milk (1997)
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Mushroom: Pacific Golden Chanterelle (1999)
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Fossil: Metasequoia (2005)
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Fruit: Pear (2005)
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Soil: Jory Soil (2011)
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Vegetable: Potato (2023)
Over the past few weeks, the committee has continued to hold informational meetings and public hearings on a variety of issues.
We received an overview of the Department of Administrative Services and a presentation from the Oregon Department of Energy on nuclear safety and energy security.
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Public hearings have covered a variety of topics, including:
The follow measures were passed out of committee:
HB 2136 – Fairgrounds for Emergency Evacuation Sites Directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to develop and implement a program to award grants for fairgrounds used as emergency evacuation sites. The bill was moved to the Joint Ways and Means Committee for consideration in the budget process.
HB 3150 - Income Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters. The bill was moved to the House Revenue Committee for further consideration. (Lewis Sponsor)
HB 3175 - County Recording Fees Removes the cap on fees a county may charge to fund the county's activities related to public land survey corners. The bill comes to the House floor for a vote on Monday, March 4th.
You can watch a replay of the committee hearings and access the meeting materials on OLIS here.
The House Judiciary Committee has a very full docket of bills, and it is the busiest of my committees with the most measures assigned.
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Since my February 7th update, we have held 11 committee meetings. We have heard from a number of legislators, lobby groups, state officials, various stakeholders, and members of the public.
Public hearings have covered a variety of topics that intersect with Oregon’s public safety and judicial services including:
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The follow measures were moved out of committee:
HB 2233- Legal Services for AIC’s at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
Directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to establish a program to provide legal services to assist adults in custody (AIC) who are serving sentences at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The measure was passed to the Joint Ways and Means committee for budgetary consideration.
HB 2463 - Small Claims Jury Trials Clarifies that the total amount or value of a claim required to request a jury trial in small claims court includes identified prejudgment or pre-award interest, fees and costs. The bill moved out of committee, was voted out of the House chamber, and is awaiting further consideration by the Senate Judiciary committee.
HB 2916 - Fire Policy Committee Member Qualifications Modifies the qualifications of the fire instructor representative member of the Fire Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training. The bill moved out of committee, was voted out of the House chamber, and is awaiting further consideration by the Senate Judiciary committee.
HB 2926 - DPSST Training in Cases of Denial Allows the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training to proceed with an investigation of, or action to deny the application for training or deny the certification of, a public safety officer or instructor notwithstanding a subsequent change in the employment status of the officer or instructor. The bill moved out of committee, was voted out of the House chamber, and is awaiting further consideration by the Senate Judiciary committee.
HB 3070 - Sexual Assault Task Force Funding Appropriates moneys to the Department of Justice to fund the management of the Oregon SAE/SANE Certification Commission by the Attorney General's Sexual Assault Task Force. The measure was passed to the Joint Ways and Means committee for budgetary consideration.
HB 2456 - Sexual Assault Victims' Emergency Medical Response Fund Modifies provisions relating to the Sexual Assault Victims' Emergency Medical Response Fund. The bill moved out of committee, was voted out of the House chamber, and is awaiting further consideration by the Senate.
HB 3196 - VOCA Funds Appropriates moneys to the Department of Justice for purposes related to federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants. The measure was passed to the Joint Ways and Means committee for budgetary consideration. (Lewis Sponsor)
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HB 3066 - Coffee Creek Correctional Facility Esthetics Program Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Corrections for purpose of funding the advanced esthetics program at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The bill did not receive a public hearing but was re-referred to the committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development by order of Speaker.
HB 3097 - Aggravated Attempt to Elude Increases sentencing guidelines for felony attempting to elude a police officer. I am the bill’s Chief-Sponsor and introduced it on behalf of the Oregon District Attorneys Association.
I testified in support of the measure that will enhance public safety and bring accountability to those who engage in this extremely dangerous behavior. Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer not only puts the suspect and officer at risk but everyone on the road. Current Oregon law does not include a penalty enhancement for when behavior includes aggravating circumstances, like having a child in the car or if the fleeing results in physical injury to another person. The measure proposes common sense sentence enhancement to create a deterrence for persons who habitually elude police officers, often driving reckless at high speeds and while impaired. Eluding a police officer while in a motor vehicle is a significant risk to the safety of persons and property in our communities. (Lewis Chief-Sponsor)
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HB 3095 - Equal Parenting Time
Creates rebuttable presumption that equal parenting time is in the best interests of the child.
The bill had a public hearing on February 25th where I introduced it on behalf of my constituent, Jess Miller. The measure brought forth a robust discussion on the issue of equal parenting time and a significant number of folks who came to share their stories. The testimony took the entire meeting time. I appreciate all who took the time to come and have your voice heard on this very sensitive and emotionally challenging issue facing families. (Lewis Chief-Sponsor)
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HB 2299 - Unlawful Dissemination of an Intimate Image
I am a regular sponsor of this measure that was heard last week. The bill, if passed, will increase the penalty for unlawful dissemination of an intimate image and renames the crime. This measure explicitly includes “deep fake” images; that is, images or videos of a person where their face or body is digitally altered so they appear to be someone else or engaging in behavior that did not occur. I look forward to the bill being scheduled for a work session in the near future. (Lewis Sponsor)
You can watch a replay of the committee hearings and access the meeting materials on OLIS here.
The Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety is responsible for reviewing and making budgetary recommendations related to public safety agencies. That encompasses funding for law enforcement, the judicial system, and emergency management services, to ensure they operate effectively within the state’s budget constraints. We are in the process of reviewing the state's 15 public safety budget bills assigned for us to work, as well as other policy bills, fee bills, budget note reports, and federal grant applications.
We have been in learning mode for the past several weeks. A number of executive agency directors and judicial branch leaders have introduced themselves, provided overviews of their work, key performance measures, and their policy option packages. These presentations also include an overview by the Legislative Fiscal office and a presentation of the Governor’s recommended budget by Department of Administrative Services - the State's Chief Financial office.
So far, we have held information meetings and public hearings on the following budget measures:
HB 5013 Commission on Judicial Fitness
HB 5005 Criminal Justice Commission
HB 5027 Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision
SB 5513 District Attorneys
SB 5538 Department of the State Fire Marshal
HB 5012 Judicial Department
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This process is expected to last several more weeks and I will be listening carefully and asking questions to get the necessary information we need to make sound financial decisions about the critical funding for our state’s public safety and judicial services.
After our hearings have concluded, we will have a short period of time to get follow-up questions answered by the agencies. Then, we will dive into work sessions for the smallest of agencies first. After the May Revenue Forecast is released, bringing the state budget into focus and resources available, we will move bills out of committee to the Joint Full Ways and Means for final budget considerations. .
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I’d like to give a shout out and a personal thank you to Mt. Angel Fire Chief, Jim Trierweiler, for coming to testify and share his personal experience and advocacy for the funding needed to support fire safety in our district and throughout the state.
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You can watch a replay of the committee hearings and access the meeting materials on OLIS here.
It was a pleasure to meet with my constituent Rachel and her family who visited with me again this session. Thank you for sharing your personal story and your work to raise awareness and to advocate for health care policies that will make a difference to Oregonians whose lives are impacted by bleeding disorders.
Thank you to our librarians who visited with me during your legislative day at the Capitol. Your dedication to supporting libraries and advocating for access to knowledge is truly appreciated. The work you do enriches our communities, and I am grateful for your efforts to ensure strong library services across the state.
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Thank you to members of OEA for your visit and sharing your stories and your top priorities for the session.
It is always my honor to be able to visit with constituents. Thank you to Ron and Andrew for making time to come to the Capitol and personally visit with me about the Convention of States and other issues that matter to you. Hearing from constituents helps me better serve as your voice in Salem.
Thank you to Emilee and Vanessa , for visiting with me during Oregon Optometric Association Lobby Day at the Capitol.
Emily hails from House District 18 and I am grateful for her commitment to providing quality eye care to our community. Her work not only enhances vision but also improves lives. Wishing you continued success in your profession!
The Farm Bureau brought constituents to the Capitol to meet with legislators and share information about their experiences as Willamette Valley hazelnut and tulip growers – and they’re all from House District 18. It was a delight to visit with Emily, Roy, Keith, and Sawyer. I hope to see you in the halls of the Capitol again soon!
The legislature is calling all students eager to witness the inner workings of Oregon’s legislative process first hand. The Honorary Page Program is the perfect opportunity for you to play a role in shaping the future of our state and immerse yourself in the world of state governance.
The program is for students ages 12-17 and involves serving as honorary pages for a day at the Oregon State Capitol. As a page, you’ll engage directly with legislators, assist with daily operations, and gain a comprehensive understanding of how laws are crafted and enacted in Oregon. It’s a hands-on experience designed to foster civic education and inspire future leaders. Embarking on this journey will not only enhances your academic portfolio but also empower you to become an active participant in Oregon’s democratic process.
To become an honorary page, reach out to your state representative to express your interest and inquire about available dates. Learn more about the official page program here. I hope you will seize this opportunity to make a difference and gain experiences that will last a lifetime.
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 this 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.
Congratulations to Silverton Cub Scout Pack 485 on your incredible achievements in Cub Scouts. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to scouting is truly inspiring. Keep up the great work and may your scouting journey continue to be filled with adventure, learning, and success!
My gratitude to the Pack Committee Chair, Elisha Kirsch, for leading this robust scout pack of 34 - helping them grow in confidence, character, and skills that will last a lifetime.
I was honored to attend the home dedication ceremony for United States Army Captain Kenneth Kraft, who tragically sustained life-threatening injuries including the loss of his leg while serving in the US Army. The Patriot Guard Riders brought a motorcade from the Molalla Fire Department to Ken's home to celebrate this event.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T) provided Ken with a specially adapted, mortgage free smart home through the Smart Home Program. The following link has more information about Ken including the severity of his injuries here. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Ken and wishing him well in his new home. He is a true American hero.
Since 9/11, the T2T Foundation has been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.
Happy (belated) Birthday Oregon! Since joining the Union on February 14, 1859, you’ve been a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and independent spirit. Here’s to many more years of natural beauty, innovation, and keeping things uniquely Oregonian!
 Here are some tips on how you can have your voice heard, in person, remotely, and in writing.
How to Testify in Committee Hearings
For questions about the legislature, legislative process, or other government agencies, please email help.leg@oregonlegislature.gov, or call 1-800-332-2313.
Before the Public Hearing
- 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?
Language Access Services
- These language services may be requested for a public hearing:
- Interpretation or translation services of Spanish or other spoken languages
- American Sign Language
- For information visit the Language Access Services page / Para mas información visite la página de servicios de acceso lingüístico.
- Please submit a request for language services a minimum of three business days prior to the start of a public hearing.
Accessibility
If you require assistance to testify, contact the committee staff no less than 24 hours before the meeting.
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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