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June 6th, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are in the final stretch of the 2025 session, and everyone is working hard to get bills across the finish line.
Legislative Priorities
Signed by the Governor
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.
Heading to the Governor
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.”
Union Misrepresentation
HB3789 allows unions to take legal action against those who fraudulently misrepresent themselves as union representatives in order to convince union members to opt-out of the organization.
Wage Theft
SB426 holds general contractors jointly liable for unpaid wages owed to the employees of subcontractors. The bill cracks down on dishonest subcontractors who routinely rip off their workers and the general contractors who enable them in order to gain a competitive advantage.
Heading Back to the Senate
Medical Debt
SB605 B 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.
Striking Workers
SB916 B allows workers involved in extended labor strikes to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. Too often in labor disputes, delay is used as a negotiating tactic. This generates resentment that increases the likelihood of strikes. By disincentivizing delay, the bill encourages both sides to reach an agreement as promptly as possible.
Legislative Highlights
The Oregon House passed other significant legislation this week, including the following bills:
HB3546: The POWER Act shields families and small businesses from the extra utility costs brought on by huge corporate users of electricity, like data centers and cryptocurrency operations. (Press release)
SB974: accelerates the production of housing by requiring local governments or special districts to complete final review of final engineering plans for residential development within 120 days of submission.
SB952: in the event that one of Oregon’s U.S. Senate seats becomes vacant, the bill requires the governor to call a special election and appoint a temporary replacement until the election can be held.
Bill Tracking
End of Session Approaching
June 29th marks Constitutional Sine Die meaning that all legislative proceedings must be completed prior to midnight on that date. The Legislative Assembly has established a Target Sine Die of June 18th with a goal to complete the session between these two dates.
Visit the Oregon Legislative Info System (OLIS) to search and track legislation through the session on topics like:
Honoring Juneteenth
June 19th marks Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed they were free.
Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of racial justice and to honor Black history, culture, and contributions. Whether through education, community events, or personal reflection, Juneteenth offers a meaningful opportunity to recognize the significance of this day.
Washington County Juneteenth Event
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jerry Willey Plaza at Orenco Station; 943 NE Orenco Station Loop, Hillsboro, OR
More information: 2025 Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrating Pride Month
June is Pride Month, a time to recognize the resilience, contributions and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Pride traces its roots to the Stonewall uprising of 1969, when LGBTQIA2S+ individuals stood up against discrimination and police violence. That act of resistance helped ignite the modern LGBTQIA2S+ rights movement. Pride is both a celebration and a reminder that the work for justice and belonging continues.
This week, Washington County's Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation formally recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month. This proclamation reaffirms our commitment to equity, inclusion and dignity for all. You can read the proclamation here or watch the proclamation using this link.
Pride Month Celebrations
Washington County and surrounding areas will celebrate Pride Month with a variety of events throughout June, culminating in the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade in July. Below you will find a brief list of upcoming celebrations.
Constituent Coffee - June 7th
I invite you to join me Saturday, June 7th from 9:00-10:30am, for a conversation about the issues that matter most to you, your family, and your community. This month, we will meet at Insomnia - Baseline, located at 5389 E Main Street, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123.
I hope that you will stop by, say hello, and enjoy a cup of coffee with me.
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Bill to bar medical debt from credit reports poised to pass Oregon Legislature | The Lund Report
'Power Act' bill sponsors argue data centers aren't paying their fair share | kgw.com
Oregon workers could soon claim strike payments under bill passed by House • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Housing & Homelessness
Oregon sees a rise in eviction filings, but rent assistance programs are working • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Labor & Workforce Development
Controversial wage theft bill passes Oregon House - OPB
Inside AARP’s Fight to Stop Age Discrimination
Economic Development
Jump for (Chicken)joy! Jollibee brings buzz with overnight campers, crowds in Oregon debut | Hillsboro News Times
Shake Shack announces Hillsboro Reed’s Crossing location opening | Hillsboro News Times
Education
Special education is costly and complicated. A Salem-Keizer middle schooler shows how it can pay off - OPB
Largest K-12 budget in Oregon history advances in state legislature
Other
Gov. Kotek has signed over 100 bills into Oregon law this week. Here's what they are
23 new Oregon laws cover I-5 bridge project, personal data, foster care, preschools
Oregon governor requests federal funding to support aftermath of spring floods • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon bill removes time limits for sex abuse lawsuits: ‘Justice for what happened to you should never have an expiration date’ - oregonlive.com
Oregon Senate approves ban on bump stocks, allows limits on concealed carry - oregonlive.com
Seeking to replace aging courthouse, Washington County leaders turn to state for support
Washington County opens new Hillsboro Recovery Center for substance use treatment services | Hillsboro News Times
Hillsboro Pride Party - June 7th
Tuesday Night Market - June 10th
Juneteenth Celebration - June 14th
Regular Season Markets — Oregon Farmers Markets Association
Hillsboro Hops 2025 Home Game Schedule
2025 Portland Rose Festival Details
More Events
Hillsboro CATT Treatment Center is Open!
On May 22, Washington County officials, service providers and other community partners celebrated the completion of the Hillsboro Recovery Center (HRC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The building is open with limited services initially, with just the Hawthorn Walk-In Center and the County’s Behavioral Health Division on-site.
Learn more: Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) | Washington County, OR
Prepare for Extreme Heat
As we head into June, now is the time to prepare for extreme heat. High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children and people without access to cooling. As temperatures rise, it's important to stay informed and take simple steps to stay safe.
- Stock up on water and make hydration part of your daily routine.
- Identify cool places you can go during the hottest parts of the day, such as libraries, community centers or malls.
- Check your fans and air conditioning to make sure they're working properly.
- Plan to check on family and neighbors who may be at risk during extreme heat.
Preparing today can save lives tomorrow. Let's work together to keep our community safe, healthy and cool all summer long.
Find additional heat-related resources
Find a place to stay cool
Keeping pets cool
Sign up for Public Alerts
Burn bans begin as Oregon forecast turns warmer and drier
Free Food Market: June 10th
- Beaverton-Hillsboro DHS Free Food Market 5300 NE Elam Young Pkwy Hillsboro OR 97124
- Shop for free, fresh, and healthy fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.
- This food is free, and anybody is welcome
- No identification, name, or address needed
- Please bring bags or boxes
Free Food Market: Every Second Tuesday of the Month | News & Announcements | City of Hillsboro, OR (hillsboro-oregon.gov)
Summer Grocery Benefits Return
We're happy to celebrate that Summer EBT, which provides an additional $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child, is back for its second year in Oregon! Last week, 341,504 children received food benefits to make sure they have nutrition during summer months, when school is out and child hunger spikes.
Details: Summer EBT is back! - Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon
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.
Immigration Resources
It is critical for Oregonians to receive the support they need during this time. For a list of resources, see below:
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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