Sine Die Declared Imminent!
With under a month left in what's been a session characterized by a constant notion of "hurry up and wait and see", Speaker Fahey made it official this week: Sine Die is imminent. That announcement flips the switch into the final phase of session—where the clock moves faster, the rules get looser, and everything starts to feel just a little more chaotic. From here on out, committees can pop up with barely any notice, amendment posting rules are cut down to the bone, and the legislative process turns into a full sprint. The pressure is now on for the majority party to get their major priorities through—because if it doesn’t happen now, it probably won’t happen at all without us coming back for a special session.
Gun control bills are once again rearing their ugly head. Yesterday, the Senate passed SB 243B, a sweeping proposal that includes a mandatory 72-hour waiting period for all firearm and unfinished receiver transfers—regardless of how fast a background check clears. It also creates two new crimes targeting bump stocks, and creates an avenue for new local restrictions on concealed carry.
While SB 243B is sailing straight to the House with no fiscal delays, two other bills—HB 3075A and HB 3076A—are still lingering in Ways & Means. HB 3075A effectively implements Measure 114 and side steps the courts, while HB 3076A proposes a redundant state licensing system for gun dealers who already jump through tons federal regulatory hoops. These bills have both been on ice for weeks, but with legislation now being able to move at light speed, we really can't take our eye off the ball.
Meanwhile, in a surprise twist, cap-and-trade is back from the dead—and not just as a climate policy. We've heard that it's now being floated as a funding mechanism for the long-awaited transportation package, and would replace Oregon’s existing climate program with a California style market-based system. But with time running short and support looking shaky, the clock could very well run out before solving the transportation funding crisis, and we could have to come back for a special session later this year.
 
HB 2006 - Limits lawmakers to only 25 bills during "long" Legislative Sessions. Had a public hearing yesterday in the Rules Committee.
HB 2548 - Major attack on family farms, essentially unionizing the farming industry statewide. Had a hearing yesterday in the Rules Committee.
HB 3789 - Makes it unlawful for someone to falsely impersonate a union representative, giving unions sweeping new powers to sue their political opponents.
HB 3582 - Removes the statute of limitations for claims based on child sexual abuse or sexual assault.
HB 2931 - Paves the way for tolling on the I-5 bridge replacement project. Passed through both chambers.
SB 426 B - Makes business owner directly liable for unpaid wages, even if wages were responsibility of subcontractor.
SB 485 A - Expands the existing estate tax exemptions for small forestlands that were passed by the Legislature in 2023.
SB 83 A - Wildfire map repeal: sent to House Committee on Rules with fate uncertain.
SB 243 B - Bump stock ban, 72-hour waiting periods, and arbitrary gun-free zones.
HB 3075 A - Effectively implements Ballot Measure 114, bypassing the ongoing court battles.
HB 3076 A - Gun control by way of overregulating firearm retailers.
This week we'd like to honor two softball teams in House District 11 that have really made waves this season, with both making it to State!
Scio's Loggers are 25-1 overall in 3A and 17-1 in their league. Myleigh Cooper has hit a whopping 23 home runs so far this season, breaking the state record of 21, set by Marist Catholic's Lauren Burkein 2016. We wish the entire team best of luck in their quarter-final game tonight against Douglas!
Harrisburg's Eagles have also been strong--ending up 19-9 overall and 13-2 in their league, after a tough loss against Yamhill-Carlton in round 2 of the State Tournament Wednesday night. Join us in congratulating them on a truly remarkable season!
Both of these teams have, and continue to make their communities proud, and we can't wait to see what they do next!
 Do you know of anyone in House District 11 who deserves to be acknowledged? Send us your nominations at Rep.JamiCate@oregonlegislature.gov
Native Heritage Powwow Tomorrow in Lebanon
The Native American Education Program in Lebanon is welcoming Native American, Alaska Native, and descendant families and community members to take part in a vibrant and culturally rich experience tomorrow, Saturday, May 31st! From hands-on workshops like beading, dream catcher making, and crafting ribbon skirts and shirts, to storytelling and culture nights, the program offers something meaningful for all ages.
The goal of the program is to honor and pass on cultural traditions while building a stronger sense of community. Organizers are especially interested in hearing from families about what kinds of activities they'd like to see in the future.
For more information or to get involved, reach out to Laurie Regalado, Native American Education Program Facilitator, at laurie.regalado@lebanon.k12.or.us.
Last Call to Register for 4H & FFA Fair
July's Linn County 4-H and FFA Fair at the County Fair and Expo Center is just around the corner, and excitement is building for what’s sure to be a great event! If you'd like to participate, you'll need to register by tomorrow. For more information and to register, visit this link!
Jefferson Fall Sports Registration Now Open
Fall sports season is just around the corner—and Jefferson Park and Rec is officially open for registration! While a technical hiccup kept things from launching on time, the issue’s been fixed and everything is now good to go. So if you've got kids ready to hit the field, court, or track, don’t wait—get them signed up and ready to roll!
Head to jprd.specialdistrict.org to register or get more info. And if you have questions or need a hand, give the team a call at (541) 327-3581 or reach out to Meagan Semanski at meagan.semanski@jefferson.k12.or.us.
All Heroes Day at Lebanon Strawberry Festival
The Lebanon Strawberry Festival is chalk full of spectacular events, but next Thursday, June 5th's All Heroes Day dedication to honor veterans, active military members, and first responders for their service and sacrifice might be the most special of all. These heroes—and their families—will receive free admission, with the first 100 to check in receiving special appreciation bags filled with donated gifts and coupons from local businesses!
An awards ceremony at 5:00 PM will honor outstanding service by individuals from the Lebanon Fire Department, Lebanon Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and local utility linemen. Information booths offered helpful resources, and the night wrapped up with live music and celebration. Don't miss out on this important part of the festival!
Reminder of 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 at Timber Ridge School in Albany next Monday, June 2nd as part of her “Give ‘Em Hell Tour” across Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, which includes rural Linn and Marion counties. Doors open at 5:00PM, with the event running from 5:30-6:30PM. More information can be found here.
A district-wide telephone town hall is also scheduled for June 11th, giving all OR-05 residents a chance to participate from home. More details will be available for this option soon, so be sure to follow along with Rep. Bynum's website to stay engaged.
Roadwork on I-5 South of Halsey
Starting next week, ODOT will begin paving work on the southbound lanes of Interstate 5, between Halsey and the Lane County line at exit 209.
What to Expect:
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Reduced speed limits
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Primarily nighttime construction with single-lane closures (some daytime work may also occur)
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Construction noise and potential delays
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Occasional Saturday night bridge work
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No lane changes allowed where double white lines are present, due to a two-inch abrupt edge between lanes in the work zone. Motorcyclists are urged to use extreme caution.
For more information or to sign up for project updates, visit the ODOT Project Page
 
With a shorter week due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, things just got more busy! As we paused to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, we also extend heartfelt thanks to all veterans for their service and dedication.
This week’s focus has been on keeping communication strong and working toward closing out the key responsibilities of session. Time has been spent taking and scheduling meetings, sending out over 200 personal notes to constituents, staying responsive to phone calls and emails, and of course working on this weekly newsletter ritual!
A major priority has been finalizing all open constituent cases—reviewing details, following up, and ensuring each case receives the attention it deserves. Some of these cases are complex and can take months, but when someone in HD11 is struggling with local government, a state agency, or not able to make contact with someone at the federal level, we'll do our best to help them along their way to (hopefully) a resolution.
Thank you for staying engaged, and thank you again to all who serve and have served. We appreciate your contributions every day.
- Ali
U.S. Trade Court blocks Trump tariffs, siding with Oregon attorney general
The Oregonian
The federal trade court on Wednesday sided with Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, blocking President Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs based on a series of emergency declarations.
Gov. Kotek considering executive action to ban student cellphones in Oregon schools
KGW
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek says she is "actively exploring" executive action to ban students' use of cellphones in Oregon schools. A bill to restrict student phone use died Wednesday in the Oregon Legislature, with lawmakers at odds over the details.
Oregon child welfare agency has ‘undone’ part of rule requiring public inquiry into child deaths, senator says
The Oregonian
The Department of Human Services received more than 175,000 calls to its child welfare hotline last year, the state said in a letter to lawmakers. State employees screen those calls to see whether the information potentially signals that a child has been neglected or abused, and about 26% led to a child protective services assessment, the state said...
How prescribed burns are reshaping Southern Oregon forests and communities
OPB
In fire-prone Southern Oregon, intentionally setting fire to a forested hillside might seem reckless, especially as summers have grown hotter and wildfire seasons more intense. But under the right conditions, fire can burn away vegetation that would otherwise fuel dangerous wildfires in warmer, drier months, helping protect homes and forests before the next wildfire strikes. Now, a growing number of residents are learning how to use prescribed burns to make their communities safer.
Oregon’s ban on book bans is heading for a final vote in the Legislature
The Oregonian
The stage is set in the Oregon Legislature for a final showdown over a bill that would prohibit removing or declining to carry books from school libraries solely because they are written by diverse authors or contain themes about race, gender, LGBTQ+ issues and other groups protected from discrimination under Oregon law.
Serve as an Honorary Page!
It isn’t just adults who can be engaged with their Oregon Legislature, there are opportunities for kids as well, and the Honorary Page Program is one of those ways!
The Page Program runs from February to June in odd-numbered years and in February and early March in even-numbered years, otherwise known as a "short session." Students between the ages of 12 and 17 must apply for this unique program where they will spend a day engaged in a living history and civics lesson.
As an Honorary Page, the applicant will participate in an official swearing-in ceremony, administered by the House Sergeant at Arms, an event often considered the highlight of the day, in order to be allowed onto the chamber floor. Further events include a classroom session where details of the Legislative process are discussed, performing courier services for the Chief Clerk's Office, working on the House chamber floor with the Legislators during a daily session, visiting each applicant's Representative's office, observing Committee meetings, a personal tour of the capitol building itself, and participation in any special events or activities at the capitol as they occur.
Click here for more information, or to apply for your student to join us on the House Floor!
 
A Mixed Bag of Justice for Wildfire Victims
Wildfire Victims Finally Receive a Hearing!
The Mid-Session Lull is Here!
Some Wildfire Recovery Wins!
Long Floor Days & Questionable Priorities
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