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March 21st, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It’s been a busy week at the Capitol. We are approaching the first round of session deadlines and are working hard to move bills to the next phase of the process.
HB3180: Washington County Courthouse Planning Project
Watch my testimony.
The Washington County Courthouse is nearly a century old. It is seismically unsound, far too small, and largely inaccessible to people in wheelchairs. HB3180, the Washington County Courthouse Replacement Planning Project, will begin a years-long process to design and construct a new county courthouse to meet the needs of our residents. Earlier this week, I championed this bill in the House Committee on Judiciary.
Student Basic Needs and Non-profit Work Study
I am excited to report that all three of my higher education bills were passed by the House Committee on Higher Education and are now on their way to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. The bills are:
- HB3182 which provides grants for student food, housing, and other essentials.
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HB3183 which provides funding to expand access to affordable or free textbooks.
- HB3185, which expands the pilot programs at Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University in which students receive discounted tuition and school credit for working at a local non-profit.
We held public hearings on the following bills:
HB3899 creates stricter regulations on the sale of personal data from digital devices – including precise location information.
HB3875 requires vehicle manufacturers to comply with the state’s privacy laws when obtaining personal data from a consumer’s car or truck.
HB3647 requires gas station owners to display the prices they charge for fuel on signage visible from the street and at each pump.
HB3234 allows the Attorney General to investigate and/or sue a health insurer who violates the anti-trust laws of the state, including engaging in practices that constitute a monopoly.
Housing & Homelessness
We held public hearings on bills related to providing grants to local entities to help with pre-development costs for affordable housing (HB2964); promoting the construction of “middle housing” such as townhouses, cottage clusters, and duplexes (HB2258); and the removal of squatters (HB3522).
Bill Tracking
Session Deadlines Approaching!
In order for a bill to move forward in this session, it needs to be scheduled for a Work Session by today (March 21st) and it needs to be voted out of a committee in their respective chambers no later than April 9th. Bills in regular policy committees cannot move forward if they are not scheduled and passed by those dates. Committees on Revenue, Rules, and all Joint Committees are not subject to these deadlines.
Visit the Oregon Legislative Info System (OLIS) to search and track legislation through the session on topics like:
In the Community
Consumer Alliance of Oregon
Thank you to the Consumer Alliance of Oregon for visiting me in Salem to discuss their priorities for the session. I was excited to share updates from the Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee. To learn more, visit: Consumer Alliance of Oregon | OCJ
| Food for All Oregonians |
OLCV/OCN Lobby Day |
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I met with Hillsboro constituents involved with “Food for All Oregonians." We shared powerful stories regarding food insecurity in our community and what the legislature can do to help.
To learn more, visit: Food for All Oregonians.
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I was joined by some of my constituents who were lobbying on behalf of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. We discussed their environmental priorities for the session.
To learn more, visit: 2025 Legislative Session | OLCV Education Fund
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Honoring Women's History Month
Women's history month is celebrated every March to honor the contributions of women throughout history and today. From pioneering politicians and leaders who have shattered glass ceilings to everyday heroes and changemakers who have quietly yet powerfully influenced their communities, women have been instrumental in shaping our societies, driving innovation across various industries, and advocating for movements centered around justice and equality.
You can participate in Women's History Month by celebrating and supporting the contributions of women in your community.
Find a women owned business near you in Mercatus's directory
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Bill that could have offered utilities protection from fire lawsuits gets fix • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Housing & Homelessness
Just Compassion 60-bed homeless shelter dedicated in Tigard | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
US Housing Market Gets 'Encouraging Sign'
Linking money, success tough to do on Portland area homeless | Business | portlandtribune.com
OR housing latest: Bill aims to curb rent hikes, prohibit AI price-fixing
Oregon exceeds goals for new rural shelter beds, but 9 counties have yet to hit their target - oregonlive.com
Labor & Workforce Development
Intel shakes up manufacturing leadership as key Oregon executive sets retirement
'Laser focus' helps Beaverton boom outpace Portland
Oregon keeps shedding factory jobs, but is the worst behind us?
Fewer Americans file for jobless claims last week, signaling a still-healthy US labor market
Should workers on strike get unemployment benefits? Oregon Senate says yes - oregonlive.com
Economic Development
New Seasons opening new location in Hillsboro
Oregon lawmakers share $38 billion budget framework amid federal uncertainty | News | hillsboronewstimes.com
Washington County exploring options to address upcoming $20.5 million budget shortfall
Oregon, nine other states hit 2013 goal of getting 3.3 million electric vehicles on roads by 2025 • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Education
Oregon schools to get another record payout from state lands revenue • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon corporate kicker may go to school maintenance
Oregon lawmakers unite to tackle alarming rates of chronic absenteeism in schools
Other
How Oregon government officials scored annual Hawaii trips and 5-star lodging - oregonlive.com
Spring Break Recreation Swims - March 24th - 28th
Hillsboro Police Department Hiring & Recruitment Workshop - March 26th
Help Shape New Public Art for Shute Park - March 21st, March 22nd
More Events
Survey: Metro wants to know where you need shuttle, vanpool or other flexible transit options
Help improve public transportation in the region by identifying destinations you cannot reach by transit, especially areas where you think microtransit services could connect your community to existing bus, MAX and WES Commuter Rail stops. The survey is open through Sunday, May 4th.
Click Here to take the survey.
Salvation Army Washington County Hope Center
1440 SE 21st Ave, Hillsboro OR 97123
503-640-4311
hillsboro.salvationarmy.org
Food Access
Find free groceries, meals, or fresh produce near you.
Utility Bill Assistance
The City of Hillsboro is committed to helping customers in need. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, visit the City’s Utility Assistance webpage or call 503-681-6163 to see if you qualify for a flexible payment plan or bill relief option.
Visit our Utility Rate Adjustments webpage to learn more about when & how the rates on your City of Hillsboro Utility Bill are reviewed and adjusted to support the costs of providing quality utility services throughout the community.
You can also visit our Community Resources webpage to find information on reduced garbage rates, energy & rent assistance, food pantries, weatherization programs, and more.
Don't forget to contact my office with any questions or feedback. Your best way to connect with us is via email: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov or visit our office (H-280) Monday-Thursday between 9:30am-3pm.
Take care!
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
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