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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Come share your thoughts, questions, and meet fellow community members at my upcoming April Community Conversation. I look forward to seeing you there.
Join me online, via Microsoft Teams, Wednesday, April 30th, from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, for a virtual Community Conversation. Please register here to receive a virtual link to join.
Policy Updates
SB 702- Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Flavored Products with Nicotine or Tobacco
Earlier this session, I highlighted Senate Bill 702, which addresses the sale of flavored tobacco products. In 2019, the Oregon Health Authority estimated that one in four 11th graders in the state was using a vaping product, and in Washington County, which includes my district, 75% of 11th graders reported using flavors when they used a tobacco product. It is clear that action is needed.
I'm pleased to share that the bill has passed the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health and will soon move to the Senate floor. After listening to Oregonians, key amendments have been made to SB 702:
- Prohibits the distribution or sale of flavored tobacco or flavored inhalant delivery system products at all locations other than stores established by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).
- Changes the definition of "characterizing flavor" to include chill, ice, fresh, artic or frost, or a minty or cooling effect.
- Presumes a product has characterizing flavor if the manufacturer, importer, distributer, wholesaler, retailer, or authorized third party makes an express or implied public statement of the product producing a flavor.
- Changes the operative date to July 1, 2026
SB 702 represents a critical step toward safeguarding public health and ensuring responsible tobacco policies in Oregon.
To learn more about this bill, click here. To watch the Public Hearing on this bill, click here.
SB 992- Updates to Oregon's Bottle Bill
This session I introduced Senate Bill 992, which makes updates and modernizations to Oregon's Bottle Bill. This bill contains several different components that I will share below:
- Allows the OLCC to approve Alternative Redemption Centers, making it easier for people who regularly return empty beverage containers.
- Changes rules for certain dealers: Updates requirements for businesses operating within the Alternative Access Redemption Center zone.
- Creates new zones: Requires the OLCC to establish Low Impact Convenience Zones.
- Updates dealer rules in new zones: Adjusts requirements for businesses operating within Low Impact Convenience Zones.
- Addresses operating hours: Sets guidelines for when businesses in these zones can operate.
- Clarifies container returns for wineries: Defines what types of containers wineries must accept for return.
I am happy to announce SB 992 was successfully voted out of committee, and will soon move to the Senate Floor for a vote.
Legislative Updates
This Week's Floor Speeches
Week 12 Committee Snaps
Senate Committee on Energy and Environment
Public Hearings were held on:
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SB 1187: Relating to greenhouse gas emissions
Work Sessions were held on:
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SB 577: Relating to energy generation
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SB 685: Relating to hydrogen
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SB 992: Relating to beverage containers
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SB 1034: Relating to the process to determine energy facility compliance with statewide planning goals
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SB 1047: Relating to access to resources for development in Curry County
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SB 1062: Relating to local authority over regulated utilities
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SB 1067: Relating to solid waste in Marion County
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SB 1143: Relating to thermal energy networks
Senate Committee on Education
Public Hearings were held on:
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SB 141- Relating to education
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SB 302: Relating to kindergarten through grade 12 education
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SB 581: Relating to mental health care provider incentives
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SB 1193: Relating to compensation to student athletes
Work Sessions were held on:
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SB 141: Relating to education
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SB 207: Relating to cosmetology provisional certificates
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SB 302: Relating to kindergarten through grade 12 education
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SB 314: Relating to nontraditional pathways to licensure for educators
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SB 315: Relating to the recording of student absences
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SB 401: Relating to State School Fund adjustments for children in poverty
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SB 443: Relating to family medicine residency training programs
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SB 541: Relating to computer science education
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SB 581: Relating to mental health care provider incentives
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SB 735: Relating to the application of abbreviated school day program requirements to students who are enrolled in a public charter school
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SB 738: Relating to waiver of tuition for qualified students
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SB 749: Relating to participatory budgeting when preparing a school district budget
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SB 784: Relating to dual credit programs
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SB 785: Relating to an agriculture education scholarship
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SB 977: Relating to post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities
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SB 980: Relating to job profiles for unlicensed school jobs
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SB 1109: Relating to education
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SB 1126: Relating to physical activity in schools
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SB 1193: Relating to compensation to student athletes
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education
An Informational Meeting and Public Hearing was held on:
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SB 5525: Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Week 12 - Oregon State Capitol Visits in the halls and in #S207 (Your Senate District 15 Capitol office)
Legislative Updates
Joint Ways and Means Committee Road Show - Community Budget Hearing Schedule
Members of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means will attend six Community Budget Hearings across the state through the end of April to hear directly from Oregonians about their state budget priorities.
- With limited funds, we are going to need to make tough choices about which projects and programs to fund
- These decisions must align with Oregon values and focus on key challenges facing the state
- We believe in listening to people, the importance of public engagement, and being responsive to the public
- These Community Budget Hearings will be our best opportunity to hear directly from Oregonians as we work on the budget
The remaining three Community Budget Hearing dates, times and sign-up links are below and on the Ways and Means OLIS committee page:
La Grande | Friday, April 11 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Eastern Oregon University, Hoke Union Building #339
1 University Boulevard, La Grande, OR 97850
Members of the public can register to testify here
Salem, Statewide Virtual Testimony Prioritized | Wednesday, April 16 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Oregon State Capitol Building, Hearing Room F
900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Members of the public can register to testify here
Klamath Falls | Friday, April 25 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)
Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons
7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Members of the public can register to testify here
Community Outreach
Community Conversation
Last night I held a Community Conversation at Godfather's Pizza in Forest Grove, my 141st since becoming a legislator. I appreciate that friends and neighbors took the time to talk about issues they care about. It was great to have several new people attending as well. I value these opportunities to build community by getting together and having a discussion.
National Volunteer Month - Honorary Page Program at the Capitol
April is National Volunteer Month! I extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who volunteer. Volunteers know that the acts of kindness they engage in have great rippling effects across communities.
Here at the Capitol, the Honorary Page Program offers youth, ages 12-17, to participate in the legislative process, by volunteering for a day. Students are given an unforgettable opportunity to step into the heart of Oregon’s government and experience democracy in action. From learning how bills are introduced and passed, to gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of the Senate or House, the Honorary Page Program inspires civic engagement and nurtures a passion for public service. Learn more here.
If you have any questions contact Misty McCord- Senate Honorary Page Coordinator at Misty.McCord@oregonlegislature.gov.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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