A Mixed Bag of Justice for Wildfire Victims
The House Committee on Judiciary finally acted on Senate Bill 926A this week, just before the 2nd chamber work session deadline, but with some major, last-minute changes through an amendment that substantially shifted the scope of the bill--despite some criticism from the committee that the Senate had done just that with the base bill.
To set the story, on Wednesday morning, two amendments were posted on OLIS just minutes apart that make major changes to the base bill's core mission of putting PacifiCorp on notice for paying out their court-ordered liabilities owed to 2020 wildfire victims. After SB 926A cleared the Senate with ease last month, it was disheartening to see the committee consider such sweeping changes, no less than a week after two full days of incredibly impactful testimony from survivors, who were forced to relive their trauma in an attempt to gain justice. Even more disheartening, the proposed changes "stuffed" previously failed wildfire related ideas into what would be a watered down SB 926A.
Then came yesterday afternoon where another amendment, the -A10 was posted--too late for consideration unless the committee suspended the rules to allow adoption. The good? This amendment maintains that utilities cannot pass on wildfire related liabilities to consumers—full stop.
The "was good", and now being made less good? If a utility faces significant wildfire-related damages or liabilities and still intends to issue dividends or buy back stock, it must first notify the Public Utility Commission (PUC), which will then investigate the company’s finances. During this review—required to conclude within 90 days—such payments must be paused. However, the PUC can impose limits to ensure the utility remains "financially stable" and able to serve its customers. Unfortunately—unlike the engrossed bill that came over from the Senate—this amendment give the discretion of these shareholder payouts to the PUC, rather than mandating a stop for a company like PacifiCorp from paying out shareholders if they have unpaid settlements. This is particularly concerning to me when, to date, the PUC has shown little appetite for actually holding Pacific Power accountable, and often justifies a lack of action on fear that any actual disciplinary actions would deter investment in Oregon's infrastructure. While the -A10 amendments do give a bit more direction to the PUC about the expectations for determining the ability to have payouts to shareholders, victims will continue to live in a state of limbo as they are at the PUC's mercy of whether Pacific Power will be held accountable or not.
The bad? The amendment re-introduced the concept of so-called safety certificates. You might have remembered this from Rep. Marsh's (D, Ashland) HB 3666 earlier this session. Let’s be real: giving a “safety” certificate to a utility like Pacific Power—especially after a jury found them grossly negligent in causing multiple fires and millions in damage—feels like a slap in the face to their victims. These certificates risk setting the stage for utilities who have acted negligently to tout their certificate in court to argue the company acted “reasonably” enough to have obtained the certificate, i.e. it's not their fault. All of which is deeply troubling when the stories of blatant disregard of safety to destruction of evidence are so rampant from our 2020 Labor Day fires, and so many victims are still waiting for their day in court to even say their piece!
Ultimately, the -A10 amendment was adopted late yesterday, with multiple committee members expressing reservations that they would have preferred the A engrossed version to move forward, and even Chair Kropf acknowledging that if the Senate chooses not to concur, that the B engrossed version would be sent to a conference committee to revise it further. SB 926B has quite a ways to go before Sine Die, as the -A10 amendments have now attached a fiscal to the bill requiring it to first go to Ways & Means, then the House Floor, and then finally to the Senate for possible concurrence on the added amendment in the House.
 
Opportunity to Oppose Removing Hydropower & Drawdowns
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proposing a drastic drawdown of Detroit Lake that has been delayed until Fall 2026. This plan would significantly lower water levels in the reservoir for longer periods of time, threatening drinking water access, and the local recreation economy. What's more, they are considering policy changes that would remove hydropower as an authorized function at all of our Willamette Valley dams managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, paving the way for similar deep drawdowns at all Willamette Valley dams.
We already saw the devastation at Green Peter and Lookout Point, and the toll on community water quality stands to be even greater for the North Santiam when it supplies the City of Salem.
The Corps has decided to seek more public input before proceeding with the Detroit drawdown or changes to hydropower generation. To weigh in on the drawdown and termination of hydropower across the Willamette Valley at-large, you submit written testimony during the public comment period, which runs from May 16 through June 6, 2025.
Comments can be submitted by email to willamette.eis@usace.army.mil or by mail to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Attn: CENWP-PME-E / Willamette EIS
P.O. Box 2946
Portland, OR 97208-2946
The Corps is also hosting several public meetings:
- Two virtual meetings will be held on Wednesday, May 28 from 6–7 p.m. and Thursday, May 29 from 12–1 p.m.
- Two in-person meetings are scheduled for Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Detroit City Hall, and Tuesday, June 3 from 6–8 p.m. at Broadway Commons in Salem.
- More information and the all-important virtual meeting links are available here.
We continue to hear deep concerns from constituents who feel they haven't had a voice at the table during these decisions, and I don't want you to miss this opportunity to have your voice heard. It is important that the voice of the communities who stand to be impacted be considered while making management decisions, and for water management strategies to balance the over-all well-being of residents, maintaining clean water, and preserving our local economies.
 
HB 2958 - Increases the amount of the earned income tax credit.
SB 97- Allows counties to raise the marriage license and domestic partnership registration fee cap from $10 to $50 and adjust it for inflation to better fund local mediation services.
SB 221 - Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist in the establishment of fall chinook fish incubation nursery programs.
SB 430 A - A seller may not show or offer a price for goods or services online that does not include all of the fees and charges that a buyer must pay.
SB 550 - Gives consumers "right to repair" for their electric wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation technology.
SB 557 - Requires at least one of the commissioners of OLCC to hold a marijuana processor, marijuana producer, marijuana retailer or marijuana wholesaler license.
SB 726 - Requires the owner or operator of a municipal solid waste landfill to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data.
SB 952 - requires the Governor to appoint a U.S. Senator when a vacancy happens in the office, but specifies the Governor cannot appoint themself.
SB 1158 - Makes gold and silver legal tender and exempts gold and silver trade from certain taxes.
SB 1181 - Requires health insurance providers to guarantee Medicare Supplement policies on an annual basis, regardless of age, health status, or time as a Medicare beneficiary.
Lebanon High School's Class of 2025 was awarded over $180,000 in local scholarships at this week's annual awards banquet! The community came together to celebrate these outstanding seniors for their hard work, dedication, and bright futures ahead, and we couldn't be more proud!
Join us in congratulating Kayden Ainsworth, Gabe Allise-Jester, Brooklyn Barnes, John Cartwright, Abigayle Cook, Taryn Cornell, Teagen Cornell, Zane Cox, Micayiah Delbouzque, Six Easton, Addison Ellis, Tanner Ferschweiler, Jack Ford, Emily Gerig, Abigail Ghio, Gracie Hansen, Erin Hiller, Nora Horne, Grayson Jackson, Karleen Jacobsen, Isaac Jordan, Jayden Keene, Shalie Lewis, Laci Mitchell, Eric Natterer, Jocelyn Ramirez, Tyler Richards, Regan Ross, Hannah Savedra, Alex Stutz, Kylee Thurman, Finley Vandiver, Eli Weber, Elexis Welstad, and Dakota Whitacre.
Great job, Warriors—you’ve made your community proud!
Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Dozer Day in Lebanon Tomorrow
Families are invited to a day of hands-on fun at Dozer Day, happening tomorrow, May 24 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM! This free event gives kids and adults the chance to operate real construction equipment, climb on dozers, ride trains, and get an up-close look at the machines that shape our world.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to dig in and explore—perfect for all ages!
 Mid Valley Rebels Youth Football Camp this Sunday
The Mid Valley Rebels are hosting a free Youth Football Camp this Sunday, 2:00-5:00PM at Lebanon High School's Heath Stadium for all players in kindergarten through 8th grade, whether new to the game or looking to improve skills!
What to bring: cleats or running shoes, shorts and a t-shirt, a water bottle, and a parent or guardian to sign a waiver on site.
Season registration is now open!
Early bird discount codes have been emailed—contact organizers if you didn’t receive one. Scholarship notifications will go out this weekend, and flexible registration options are available for families who need support.
Life Jacket Kiosks Opening this Weekend
Lebanon Fire District’s Life Jacket Kiosk Program is set to reopen for Memorial Day weekend! Kiosks will primarily be stocked with child-size jackets, as most adult sizes were lost to theft last year. In 2023, 82 of the 130 jackets checked out were never returned.
Kiosk Locations:
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Waterloo County Park (North & South) – 39510 Gross St, Lebanon
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Gill’s Landing RV Park – 1400 E Grant St, Lebanon
Life jackets are free to borrow and must be returned the same day to any kiosk or Lebanon Fire station. Each kiosk has a QR code and paper form for check-out.
To support this and other community safety programs, donations can be made through LFCAIRS. Learn more at: lebanonfireoregon.gov
 Santiam Smoke Show in Sweet Home Next Weekend
The Santiam Smoke Show returns to Sweet Home’s Old Mill Site on May 30th and 31st for two days of barbecue, live music, and family fun! This double-header Kansas City Barbeque Society competition features top pitmasters from across the country competing for the largest cash prize in the region and a chance to qualify for the Jack Daniel’s World Championship.
In addition to the barbecue competition, the event includes daily concerts, cooking demonstrations by professional chefs and pitmasters, local craft beverages, and artisan vendors. Saturday’s schedule wraps up with a fireworks show at sunset, followed by a Hall & Bros tribute concert.
The VIP Experience on Saturday offers exclusive tastings of competition meats from six of the nation’s best pitmasters.
For a full schedule and more information, visit sweeteventsoregon.com/cookoff
 
Upcoming Town Halls with Congresswoman Bynum
Have opinions about what's happening in Washington D.C.? Make your voice heard! Congresswoman Janelle Bynum will host an in-person town hall in Albany on June 2nd as part of her “Give ‘Em Hell Tour” across Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, which includes rural Linn and Marion counties.
A district-wide telephone town hall is also scheduled for June 10th, giving all OR-05 residents a chance to participate from home. More details on both events will be released soon, so be sure to follow along with Rep. Bynum's website to stay engaged.
If everything stays on track (and that’s a big if), we’ve got as little as four weeks left in the 2025 session until what we call the target Sine Die. It’s hard to believe we’re that close to the finish line, but if you ask almost anyone in the Capitol it'll be a welcome conclusion.
With a tough revenue forecast up against a state that spends like it’s got an endless tab, every office has had to take a hard look at what “success” really means this session. Ambitions have been scaled, priorities reshuffled, and expectations reset. That said, we’re still meeting with groups every week—often multiple times a day—who are making the case for why their funding requests deserve a spot in the final budget. Budget bills are finally starting to move, and the Ways & Means train is officially leaving the station.
As always though, regardless of the often disappointing political realities, the constituent work never stops, and our office has truly been pumping out a mountain of mail into House District 11. This work truly never stops, and it's always a grounding reminder of the true role of serving constituents and fostering direct communication.
- Conner
New Oregon bill would require schools have cardiac emergency response plan
KPTV
The Oregon legislature is considering a bill to make sure schools across the state are prepared in case of a cardiac emergency. Oregon House Bill 2529 would require schools to have a specific plan in place to reduce deaths from sudden cardiac arrests. FOX 12 spoke with Kelly Driscoll, a mother who lost her son Quinn after he collapsed on his school track in 2009. His school had an automated external defibrillator – an AED - but it didn’t make it to the track in time.
Gov. Kotek supportive of diverting Oregon 'kicker' funds towards wildfire costs
KATU
Gov. Tina Kotek is open to using a portion of this year's "kicker" rebate to cover the cost of wildfires in Oregon.
"We need to find some resources to do that, and I do think this conversation on a one-time basis of supporting rural Oregon by potentially using a portion of the kicker tax break would be a beneficial approach," said Kotek in a press conference on Monday.
Oregon Senate to debate bill outlawing rapid-fire devices for guns
Salem Statesman Journal
An Oregon Senate committee advanced a bill on May 14 outlawing devices like bump stocks to fire bullets more rapidly, and allowing city, county or district governments to ban concealed handgun carriers from possessing firearms within buildings owned by them and used for official meetings.
Bill to help speed up driver appointments for rural residents passes
Elkhorn Media Group
Oregon Senate Bill 9, which would prioritize driver appointments for Oregonians who live in rural counties, passed the Oregon House of Representatives Monday and is on its way to the governor’s desk for a signature...
Oregon legislature may make changes to bottle bill
KOIN
Oregon’s historic bottle bill to recycle cans and bottles could be about to change over growing concerns about safety at the return locations, including convenience stores. The Oregon legislature is working on making some changes to the law that would limit hours stores would have to accept bottles and cans for recycling. Grocery retailers, both large and small, want to the state to do something about the foot traffic from the homeless and drug dealing.
Oregon’s gas prices rise more than a nickel a gallon as big Memorial Day travel weekend approaches
KTVZ
Average gasoline prices in Oregon have risen 5.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.90/gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy's survey of 1,307 stations in Oregon. Prices in Oregon are 0.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 43.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Oregon was priced at $3.39/g Monday while the most expensive was $4.59/g, a difference of $1.20/g.
Capitol Tours & Holiday Choirs Return
School tours are back at the Oregon State Capitol for the 2025–2026 school year! From October 13 to May 29, schools can book weekday tours for students in fourth grade and up, with an optional tower tour add-on after Spring Break. Tours last one hour and accommodate up to 90 students per school (split into smaller groups). If a school from your district books, you’ll be notified two weeks ahead—perfect for a quick meet-and-greet. Spots fill fast, especially in spring, so we encourage early reservations!
Also returning is Holidays at the Capitol! Starting December 2nd, the Rotunda will once again echo with student choir performances. Elementary and middle schools get 30-minute slots; high schools get an hour. Performances are staged on the House grand staircase, streamed live, and recorded. The schedule goes live in late November, and it fills up quickly.
These Capitol visits leave lasting memories—many adults say their first visit was as a student performer or tour participant! For more information or to book, contact Visitors Services at 503-986-1388.
Opening Ceremonies Needed
Do you sing? Read poetry? Play an instrument? Pray? Then we have a job for you!
Every Floor Session in the House of Representatives starts with Opening Ceremonies, and is a great way to showcase the talents found across the state. Guidelines for Opening Ceremonies are below, but if you're interested in being a ceremonial part of the 83rd Legislative Session, let me know! My office can help coordinate with the Chief Clerk's office to get you on the calendar.
 
Wildfire Victims Finally Receive a Hearing!
The Mid-Session Lull is Here!
Some Wildfire Recovery Wins!
Long Floor Days & Questionable Priorities
Plan for Billions in New Taxes Released!
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