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May 23rd, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week, policy committees closed down. For the remainder of session, we will work on moving budget bills and passing legislation on the floor of the House and Senate. Our team is looking forward to the long weekend and wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day!
Legislative Priorities
Age Discrimination in Job Applications
HB3187 addresses age discrimination in job applications by prohibiting an employer from asking the applicant’s age, date of birth, or date of graduation prior to the initial interview. The bill has passed both the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor on May 22nd, 2025.
Utility Rate Reform – FAIR Energy Act
HB3179, the FAIR Energy Act, would reform the utility rate setting process to ensure that the interests of consumers are prioritized when investor-owned utilities try to raise rates on their customers. The bill passed out of the House Committee on Rules and is headed to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
Data Privacy
HB2008 prohibits the tracking and profiling of digital data for minors under 16 years of age and prohibits the sale of our precise location data. The bill passed the Senate with an amendment and will now return to the House floor for a vote on concurrence in regard to the amendment. (Press Release)
Hidden Fees
SB430 promotes price transparency by requiring online sellers to advertise the total price of a consumer good or service. This will ban hidden “junk fees” and “drip pricing.” The bill passed out of the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and is headed to the House floor.
Medical Debt
SB605 A prohibits medical debt from being submitted to a credit reporting agency. Far too many Oregonians have their credit scores ruined by an illness, an unexpected medical emergency, or even an error on their bill. The long-term effects of this can cost them a job and make it harder for them to find a place to live. The bill passed out of the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and is headed to the House floor.
Legislative Highlights
The Oregon Legislature passed other significant legislation this week, including the following bills which are awaiting the Governor's signature:
SB599 prohibits rental housing discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status. (Press Release)
SB1032 would regulate the sale of aerosol dusters. Witnesses testified that people use these products as an intoxicant, which can have deadly results. The bill would require stores to secure these products, put a warning label on them, and only sell them to adults.
HB2463 increases the time for someone to respond to a claim in small claims court from 14 days to 30 days.
HB3605 empowers consumers to stand up for themselves if they are subjected to unlawful sales tactics by door-to-door salespeople.
Commerce & Consumer Protection
We held work sessions on:
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SB550 guarantees the “right to repair” for the owners of electric wheelchairs.
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SB857 protects the identity of a person who reports a violation or potential violation of animal racing laws to the Oregon Racing Commission.
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SB872 A enhances the disciplinary power of the State Mortuary and Cemetery Board.
Housing & Homelessness
We held work sessions on:
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SB974 A requires local governments or special districts to complete final review of final engineering plans for residential development within 90 days of submission.
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SB586 A allows a landlord who is selling a property to shorten the required moveout notice from 90 to 60 days, if they compensate the tenant for one month's rent.
Bill Tracking
Session Deadlines
In order for a bill to move forward in this session, it needs to be voted out of a policy committee by today (May 23rd). Committees on Conduct, Revenue, Rules, and Ways and Means 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 Capitol
Portland State University Lobby Day
Thank you to the PSU students and staff who joined me at the Capitol to discuss the need to increase support for our students and higher education system.
Individual Development Account Lobby Day
I am grateful to the community members who spent some time with me to discuss the life-changing impact of funding Individual Development Accounts. IDA’s providing matching funds for low-income Oregonians to help them buy a home, pursue education, or start a business.
Celebrating Memorial Day
Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. On Monday, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice reminds us of the true cost of freedom, and we are forever grateful.
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Five OR consumer protection bills move closer to becoming law
‘Common sense’: Oregon House considers bill to make wheelchair repairs much easier
Housing & Homelessness
Ban on housing discrimination based on immigration status passes Oregon legislature
Labor & Workforce Development
Oregon lawmakers pass pay stub clarity bill
Economic Development
Thorns FC and New Portland WNBA Team Break Ground on New Performance Center | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR
Budgeting into the unknown • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Education
A bill to ban cellphones in Oregon schools is dead - OPB
Hillsboro voters keep school board Vice Chair Mark Watson, elect two newcomers
Transportation
Federal funds fuel major taxiway project at Hillsboro Airport | Hillsboro News Times
Other
Supporting a dual language program, firsthand | Hillsboro News Times
Oregon working on ‘guidance’ for local courthouses if ICE shows up - oregonlive.com
Outdoor Dining Spots in Hillsboro | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR
Nature Invaders - May 24th
Hillsboro Hops 2025 Home Game Schedule
2025 Portland Rose Festival Details
More Events
Oregon Employment Department Data Dashboard
As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) has launched a new data dashboard to track customer service performance.
The Monthly Performance Dashboard is posted alongside our existing Information Dashboard on the OED website under “Public Engagement.” It tracks the Unemployment Insurance, Paid Leave Oregon, and Contributions & Recovery divisions in several key customer-service measures. The agency’s goal for each measure is also displayed within the dashboard.
Immigration Resources
It is critical for Oregonians to receive the support they need during this time. For a list of resources, see below:
Double Up Food Bucks
Spring is arriving and farmers markets are opening! Shopping at a farmers' market is a great way to find the freshest food for your family, while supporting our local farmers and small businesses. Double Up Food Bucks helps make farmers markets affordable and accessible for all.
This program matches SNAP benefits, dollar for dollar, for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Double Up is also available at participating small grocers, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. Check the map here for locations that participate in our district. Happy eating!
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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