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To contact me, please click here: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Week 11 in Salem can only be described as "too many"—too many bills, too many work sessions, too many amendments. I will be thankful for the next deadline, which will help weed out the bills that require greater focus and time to be properly worked on.
In my video this week, I’ll provide an update on the progress of some of my sponsored bills, with a more detailed list included in this newsletter. I’ll also highlight a few key bills that are set to be worked on in the coming week.
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As a reminder, the Joint Ways and Means Community Budget Hearings will take place in La Grande on April 11 and in Klamath Falls on April 25. I encourage you to attend and provide testimony on budget items important to you.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge my home county of Harney, which has experienced record-breaking flooding—levels not seen in decades, or even in our lifetimes. I extend my gratitude to those working tirelessly to help their neighbors during this difficult time.
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While the full extent of the damage remains unknown, the emergency declaration from Governor Kotek and Congressman Bentz’s upcoming visit to the area signal that remediation efforts are underway. I will continue to advocate for funding and resources to support recovery. You’ll find an update below on how to begin seeking assistance.
Thank you for reading, watching, and sharing your feedback.
Be safe,
Monday, April 7
House Bill 3372 - Exempt Well Use for Small Commercial Gardens (Public Hearing)
This bill will be interesting to watch unfold. It has bipartisan support, but also bipartisan opposition. For years, many Oregonians have used well water on small commercial gardens and supply produce or plants to CSAs, farmers markets, or even food banks. However, the law has not allowed this practice without a water right, and the Water Resources Department began enforcing this restriction in recent years.
With its current amendment, HB 3372 would permit small commercial gardens (no larger than one-half acre) to use up to 3,000 gallons per day (gpd) for commercial purposes without needing a water right. The 3,000 gpd limit would also apply to watering lawns and non-commercial gardens. You can watch the hearing live on OLIS, and I will share the recording in next week’s newsletter. Additionally, I’ve published a public letter on OLIS outlining the rationale and intent behind this bill.
House Bill 2803 and House Bill 2808 (Work Sessions)
These two bills propose fee increases. I have been working with Rep. Helm on HB 2803, and I am introducing an amendment to moderate the fee increases. Instead of the originally proposed hikes exceeding 100%, I am advocating for a more reasonable increase of around 50%.
Wednesday, April 9
House Bill 3624 - Homeschool Testing Fees (Work Session)
Last week, a public hearing was held on HB 3624, a bill inspired by a constituent’s concern. Currently, homeschooled students in Oregon must take standardized tests and cannot opt out, unlike their peers in public or charter schools. Additionally, homeschool families must pay for test proctoring, which can become costly for those with multiple children in testing grades.
My proposed solution is simple: require local Education Service Districts (ESDs) and schools to offer free testing sessions a few times a year for homeschool families. My amendment will also preserve the option for families who prefer to use a paid proctor. A work session on this bill is scheduled for Wednesday.
503-934-3310
OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov
Oregon is experiencing historic flooding that has deeply impacted Harney County. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from individuals who want to help.
FINANCIAL GIFTS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO HELP
• Financial support to voluntary agencies is the most efficient and flexible way to help those impacted.
• Cash donations allow organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when and where it’s needed—without delay.
• Unsolicited food and clothing donations slow the aid and recovery process, as organizations are left sorting and disposing of unusable items instead of providing support to survivors.
• To make a financial gift visit redcross.org/cascades or go to https://www.orvoad.org/current-members/ for a list of trusted organizations.
• You can also check an organization’s GuideStar rating to see how they rank among their peers and ensure they are a reputable organization.
• Be careful around donating to individual fundraiser accounts like GoFundMe. GoFundMe has some tips and best practices to avoid common scams and to protect yourself.
• The Oregon Department of Financial Regulation also has some guidance to protect yourself from fraud and exploitation, including for those needing to hire contractors for repair work.
VOLUNTEERING
• Please do not respond by self-deploying yourself to the disaster area. The arrival of uncoordinated volunteers can interfere with response efforts and create safety issues.
• Volunteers will be needed most during the recovery phase—your help will be vital, but timing and coordination are key.
• To register your interest in volunteering, contact the Harney Hub by calling 541-573-6024. You may also volunteer with the American Red Cross Cascades Region through their volunteer portal at redcross.org/volunteer.
• Local organizations will provide training and placement as needs are identified.
MATERIAL DONATIONS (CLOTHING, FOOD, HYGIENE ITEMS, ETC.)
• Unsolicited in-kind donations, while generous, can overwhelm local resources and logistics systems.
• Only donate items that are specifically requested by officials. Items not needed may go to waste and slow down relief efforts.
• If you have already collected goods but cannot find an agency in need, consider donating them to a local charitable organization.
• For local coordination of approved donations, contact Burns Christian Church, which is working with the American Red Cross.
• Call Melissa Albertson, Donation Coordinator – 541-573-7176 for more information.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
• Host a fundraiser, donation drive, or community event to raise funds for voluntary organizations actively supporting the flood response.
• Before taking action, check local official websites and social media channels for real-time updates on what's needed.
• Financial contributions remain the fastest and most impactful way to help flood survivors recover.
FOR THOSE AFFECTED
A shelter is open and providing hot meals, safe shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, health services, information and other services to impacted individuals and families at:
Harney County Fairgrounds 69660 South Egan Road, Burns, Oregon.
Thank you for your compassion, patience, and support. Working together, we can continue to help people in this time of need.
The Oregon State Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program that could directly benefit you and your family. It’s called “Checks Without Claims”—a new initiative that returns unclaimed funds directly to Oregonians, without requiring any action on your part.
This year, Oregonians in every county will be receiving payments as part of this effort. It’s part of the Treasury’s commitment to reconnect residents with money that’s rightfully theirs—whether from old bank accounts, uncashed checks, or other unclaimed assets.
These checks are real, and they’re meant to benefit you. Treasury wants to ensure folks know the program is legitimate and don’t accidentally toss their check in the mail!
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You can also visit Unclaimed.Oregon.gov to search for other unclaimed funds in your name. One in seven people nationally has unclaimed property, so it’s well worth checking.
To read more, check out the Treasury’s press release on the initiative, which includes helpful resources and digital materials.
Recongnizing CTSO Students
I was able to recognize three outstanding students from House District 60 who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, dedication, and skill through Oregon’s Career and Technical Student Organizations. These programs do more than prepare students for successful careers—they empower them to be innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders in their communities.
Maddie Bailey – State President, Future Business Leaders of America (Grant Union High School)
Cayman Campbell – Vice President, Future Business Leaders of America (Ontario High School)
Eliza Bailey – Vice President of Media, Future Business Leaders of America (Grant Union High School)
Congratulations to each one of you, thank you for stopping by the office and coming to Salem to share how important CTSOs are to Oregon Students.
What happens when you let two misfits into your office? They take a nap. Thank you again Merle and Tony for taking the time to come to Salem and testify on HB 3800 last week.
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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