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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
As we near Sine Die—the official end of the legislative session—I want to take a moment to thank you for staying engaged and for continuing to share your thoughts, stories, and priorities with me throughout this busy session. Your voices have guided my work every step of the way.
In these final days, I am working hard to ensure the legislation we are passing supports working families. Since January, my colleagues have told me numerous times that the final stretch is always fast paced! These days seem a bit busier, but each day I remain committed to ensuring our district's values are reflected in every vote I cast.
This newsletter includes highlights of recent progress, a look at what is still ahead before adjournment, and how you can stay involved even after the session ends.
Thank you again for the privilege of representing you.
I was invited to speak on the Latino Health Coalition's Panel at a Healthcare for All Oregon Event in Eugene.
While at the Healthcare for All Oregon event, I got to see Rep. Fragala!
Senate Bill (SB) 916 B passed the House on June 4th and is awaiting concurrence in the Senate.
- When workers decide to strike, it is not a decision taken lightly. It is the last option when the rent is overdue, the refrigerator is empty, and the promises at the bargaining table remain broken. SB 916B is grounded in fairness, dignity, and the basic idea that no worker should be pushed into a financial crisis for exercising their legal right to strike.
Senate Bill (SB) 605 B passed the House on May 29th and was repassed in the Senate on June 9th.
- This bill stops medical debt from showing up on credit reports and prohibiting anyone from providing that information to a credit reporting agency. In January 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule that would’ve removed an estimated $49 billion in medical bills for 15 million Americans. This week, NPR reported that new leadership under Trump is actively trying to block the rule from going into effect.
- In contrast, Oregon recognizes that 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.
Senate Bill (SB) 426 passed the House on May 28th. and was signed by Governor Kotek on June 9th.
- Currently, workers who experience wage theft can file a complaint with the Bureau of Labor and Industries, but the bureau has a significant backlog of claims and is limiting the investigations it undertakes. Senate Bill 426 provides workers a new course of action to recover wages and hold bad actors accountable.
- Under SB 426, construction workers will now be able to recover wages more effectively they are owed from project owners or general contractors. The new legislation allows construction workers to file a lawsuit to recover the wages they are owed for their work. By strengthening these worker protections, the bill also encourages better vetting of subcontractors and proactive prevention of wage theft.
Senate Bill (SB) 599 passed the House on May 19th and was signed by Governor Kotek on May 28th.
- This bill closes a longstanding gap in state law by explicitly banning housing discrimination based on immigration status and prohibiting landlords from inquiring about or disclosing the immigration status of applicants, tenants, or household members. Under the bill, landlords can verify applicants and run credit checks but cannot limit tenant identification to forms that are presumed to be tied to citizenship or permanent residency. The proposed law designates as acceptable social security cards, birth certificates, “green cards,” travel and immigration visas, taxpayer ID number cards from the IRS, passports, driver licenses, other government IDs, and reasonably verifiable nongovernment IDs. Once signed into law, Oregon will join Washington, California, New York, and Illinois in affirming that immigration status should never be a barrier to housing.
I had the honor of speaking at the Oregon Workers Relief Rally!
The long-awaited transportation bill was recently made public. I’ve heard many questions and perspectives about the transportation package—both from constituents and Oregonians across the state. I want you to know that I hear your concerns. Your input is deeply valued and will play an important role in shaping the decisions I make moving forward.
Here is the bill information on OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System): HB 2025
Pride month is a time to recognize, uplift, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the rich diversity that strengthens our state. Pride is more than a celebration; it is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality, dignity, and justice for all.
Oregon has a proud history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and I remain committed to continuing that legacy. From expanding protections in housing and healthcare to ensuring safe and inclusive schools, our work is far from done. This month, we honor the pioneers of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, both in Oregon and across the nation, whose courage paved the way for progress.
As your representative, I stand with our LGBTQ+ neighbors not just in June, but every day. Let us continue to build a state where every person—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—can thrive, be heard, and live authentically. Wishing you a joyful and safe Pride Month.
Furthermore, I look forward to attending the 47th annual Pride in the Park Event here in Salem.
- When: 11 AM to 6 PM, Sept 20th
- Where: Salem Riverfront Park
- Cost: Free
The month of June is filled with graduation ceremonies! As the academic year comes to a close, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to the Class of 2025 across Oregon—from high schools to colleges and universities. Your hard work, determination, and resilience have brought you to this moment, and I couldn’t be prouder of all that you’ve accomplished.
Whether you’re stepping into the workforce, continuing your education, or exploring new paths, your achievement marks a milestone not just for you and your families, but for the future of our communities and our state.
Oregon thrives because of the innovation, talent, and energy that graduates like you bring to the table. As you take your next steps, know that I’m you on your side and investing in a future that makes space for your ambitions and contributions.
Congratulations again—and go confidently in the direction of your dreams!
As we wrap up this year’s legislative work, you may hear the term Sine Die—a Latin phrase that plays an important role in our democratic process.
Sine Die is a Latin term meaning “without day.” In legislative terms, it signifies the final adjournment of a legislative session—when no further meeting day is scheduled. It marks the official close of that year’s regular session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly. Once the Legislature adjourns Sine Die, no more bills can be introduced or voted on in that session. From that point forward:
- All pending legislation that hasn't passed dies and must be reintroduced in a future session.
- Lawmakers shift focus to interim work, including committee meetings, community engagement, and preparing legislation for the next session.
- State agencies begin implementing the laws that were
In Oregon, the Legislature meets annually—with a long session in odd-numbered years (up to 160 days) and a shorter session in even-numbered years (up to 35 days). Whether it's a long or short session, adjourning Sine Die is a critical deadline that helps keep our lawmaking process organized and accountable. While the formal session ends, your legislators remain active: working with constituents, conducting oversight of state agencies, and developing policy ideas for the future.
Even though the session ends Sine Die, civic engagement doesn’t! Continue reaching out with your concerns, ideas, and feedback—I’m here to serve you year-round.
This weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Wayne Morse Gala with Representative Grayber and had the pleasure of meeting Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida!
As this legislative session nears adjournment, I’ll continue to share our work tackling the big challenges facing our state. In the meantime, my office and I are here to help if you need assistance navigating local or state government services, or if you have thoughts to share!
Yours truly,
Representative Lesly Muñoz
House District 22
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1422
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-472, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LeslyMunoz@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/munoz
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