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April 25th, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We continued passing bills on the floor and held public hearings on bills in my committee.
Legislative Priorities
This week, I testified in the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of two of my priority bills.
HB3865 A: the Telemarketing Modernization Act updates existing telemarketing laws to include texting, sets the maximum number of solicitations to 3 per day, and prohibits solicitations after 7:00 p.m.
HB3605 A: empowers consumers to stand up for themselves if they are subjected to unlawful sales tactics by door-to-door salespeople.
Highlights from the House Floor
The House of Representatives voted on other significant legislation this week, including the following:
HB3167 A – the Fan Fairness Act cracks down on fraud and price gouging in regard to the sale of event tickets.
HB3546 A –the POWER Act would create a separate rate-paying classification for data centers so that they pay their fair share and the cost of their increased energy usage is not passed on to residential rate payers.
HB3646 – promotes the procuring of goods and services on public contracts from employee-owned businesses.
Commerce & Consumer Protection
We held public hearings on numerous bills, including:
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SB550: expands our “right to repair” laws to include electric wheelchairs.
- SB914 A: requires that lottery billboards display gambling helpline information.
- SB854 and SB855, SB856 A, and SB857: related to the Oregon Racing Commission.
Housing & Homelessness
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The committee held informational meetings on rent control (HB3767), creating a database of our statewide rental inventory (HB3877), and flexibility in land use laws to promote more rural housing (HB3757). We also held a public hearing on providing more transparency and warning when affordable housing units are going to revert to market rates (SB32A and SB973).
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Bill Tracking
Visit the Oregon Legislative Info System (OLIS) to search and track legislation through the session on topics like:
In the Capitol
U of O Lobby Day
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I visited with students from the University of Oregon to discuss their priorities and the need to support higher education.
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TRU Lobby Day
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I met with representatives from Oregon's Technical & Regional Universities to discuss higher education as well as workforce development.
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Unite Oregon
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I sat down with Unite Oregon to talk about student engagement in school board elections, disaster resilience hubs, and affordable housing.
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Visit from Commissioner Willey
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I had a great time talking with Washington County Commissioner Jerry Willey about the county’s legislative priorities and how we can continue to work together to serve our constituents.
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In the Community
Hillsboro Education Association Town Hall
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I joined several of my colleagues as well as Washington County educators, students, parents and community members to discuss public education.
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Joint Constituent Coffee - May 3rd
Join me and Representative Hai Pham, DMD, for a Joint Town Hall coffee hour on Saturday, May 3rd at The Springs at Tanasbourne (1950 NE 102nd Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97006).
Please RSVP using the QR code above or by following this link.
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Oregon bills aim to change how Public Utility Commission sets rates
Oregon House votes to protect consumers from data center power costs
Fan Fairness Transparency Act Clears Oregon House of Representatives
Housing & Homelessness
Oregon housing crisis: Bill aims to ease real estate squeeze
Oregon industry leaders say vacancy rates are down and rent will likely increase
Labor & Workforce Development
Intel says it will keep Oregon campus it had considered closing - oregonlive.com
Oregon Nurses Association condemns health cuts in federal draft budget plan | kgw.com
Oregon unemployment saw an uptick in March
Economic Development
New Hillsboro Airport private jet campus propels economic hopes, environmental concerns | Business | hillsboronewstimes.com
New State Figures Show Wood Products Industry Remains Key Part of Oregon’s Economy
New Hillsboro Market of Choice sets opening date
Jeweler, Spain-based fashion retailer set Washington Square mall opening dates | Business
Portland Thorns, WNBA team break ground on joint training facility in Hillsboro | hillsboronewstimes.com
Education
Bills to help Oregon schools fund years of summer learning await governor’s signature • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Other
Oregon lawmakers consider revamping state’s EV rebate to prioritize lower-income buyers • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Proposal to impose penalties on private utilities delaying wildfire lawsuits quietly moves forward • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon House passes bill to criminalize sharing AI-generated fake nude photos • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Hillsboro Farmers' Markets - April 26 & 27
Hillsboro Hops vs. Tri-City - April 25th, 26th, 27th
Día de los niños (Children's Day) - April 26th
More Events
Immigration Resources
It is critical for Oregonians to receive the support they need during this time. For a list of resources, see below:
Reminder: REAL ID Deadline is May 7th
Starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will require every person 18 years and older to present a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative – like a government-issued passport, passport card or military ID – to board a commercial U.S. flight.
Learn about how to obtain a REAL ID.
Salvation Army Washington County Hope Center
Pathway of Hope Program, Mobile Outreach Program, and Food Pantry
503-640-4311
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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