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June 20th, 2025 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are just one week away from Sine Die and working tirelessly to get bills across the finish line.
Legislative Priorities
Signed by the Governor
Medical Debt
SB605 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.
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.”
POWER Act
HB3546 shields families and small businesses from the extra utility costs brought on by huge corporate users of electricity, like data centers and cryptocurrency operations.
Premium Increases
HB2563 requires an insurance company to provide, at the request of the consumer, a written explanation as to why they are increasing the premium for an auto or home policy.
Heading to the Governor
Striking Workers
SB916 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.
Heading to the House Floor
FAIR Energy Act
HB3179 A 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.
Ambulance Billing Equity
HB3243 B prohibits an ambulance company, once they have been paid by the patient's health insurance carrier, from charging the patient for any remaining balance.
HB3792 B increases from $20 million to $40 million the minimum amount to be collected from the customers of electric companies for low-income electric bill payment and crisis assistance.
Heading to the Senate Floor
Performance Based Regulations
SB688 B directs the Public Utility Commission to adopt a framework to implement performance-based regulations in regard to public utilities. Such a system would reward utilities that prioritize things like affordability, energy efficiency, clean electricity standards, modernizing the grid, reliability during disasters, and wildfire prevention and safety.
Telemarketing Modernization Act
HB3865 B updates existing telemarketing laws to include texting, sets the maximum number of solicitations to 3 per day, and prohibits solicitations after 8:00 p.m.
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.
Visit the Oregon Legislative Info System (OLIS) to search and track legislation through the session on topics like:
In The Capitol
Community Economic Coalition
I met with representatives from the Community Economic Coalition to discuss efforts to support our small businesses.
Happy Juneteenth
This week, we recognized Juneteenth. I enjoyed attending the Washington County Chamber’s Juneteenth celebration this past weekend in Hillsboro. There is another such event coming up this weekend:
Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival
When: Saturday, June 21st, Parade from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Festival from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Lilis Albina Park; N Flint St, Portland, OR 97227
More information: Home - juneteenthor
Celebrating PRIDE
This week, we also celebrated Pride Month. We passed HR3, which recognizes and honors the history of Black drag in Oregon, and enjoyed a wonderful performance on the House Floor. Despite those who chose to post inflammatory social media messages instead of enjoying a cultured experience, I was proud to see Oregon's values represented in our chamber. My staff enjoyed meeting and talking with the talented performers.
Notable Press Clippings
Housing & Homelessness
Oregon bill would make landlords give back rent deposit or pay fee if home found defective • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Labor & Workforce Development
Oregon unemployment rate rises to 4.8% as job losses hit key sectors
Economic Development
Oregon's $800M plan for Major League Baseball stadium heads to governor's desk
Mash-up of 2 food court staples coming to Hillsboro, the concept’s 2nd location anywhere
Education
Kotek’s Education Accountability Bill Moves Through Both Chambers
Lawmakers approve record $11.4 billion for Oregon schools • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Other
‘Not business as usual’: Washington County commissioners consider rescinding longstanding DEI resolution | Hillsboro News Times
Bonamici talks ICE, Intel layoffs at Hillsboro town hall
Gov. Tina Kotek signs new Oregon laws on book bans, health care and veterans' services
Oregon road workers urge passage of transportation bill, others warn of financial burden • Oregon Capital Chronicle
80 Years of Juneteenth in Oregon
Democratic Oregon House members celebrate Black drag performers, as nearly all Republicans boycott - oregonlive.com
Prepare for more big fair fun: Washington County Fair returns to Hillsboro next month | Hillsboro News Times
International Day of Yoga in Hillsboro - June 21st
Oregon Juneteenth Festival - June 21st
El Sol Festival - June 21st - 22nd
Latino Cultural Festival - June 22nd
Regular Season Markets — Oregon Farmers Markets Association
Hillsboro Hops 2025 Home Game Schedule
More Events
Wildfire Season Resouces
It’s wildfire season - make sure you and your family are prepared in case of an emergency. Visit www.ready.gov/plan to learn more about developing an emergency plan and creating a go-kit ready with supplies for health, safety and identification.
Planning to have a campfire or burn pile? Depending on where you are in Oregon and that area’s fire environment, restrictions or bans may be in effect limiting certain activities that commonly start wildfires. Check out https://tiny.cc/odffirerestrictions for information on public fire restrictions before burning.
If fireworks are part of your 4th of July plans, know where you can & cannot use them. Fireworks are prohibited on beaches, at state parks, on state or federal lands, and in some communities or other parts of the state. Check before you light: learn more about fireworks and restrictions in Oregon at https://tinyurl.com/bdh6fwuc
More resources:
Prepare for Extreme Heat
Now is the time to prepare for extreme heat. High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, pets 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, neighbors, and pets 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.
Capitol School Tours Are Back!
We are excited to announce the return of our full school tour program for the 2025-2026 school year. We are booking school tours now!
As part of the school tour program, students fourth grade and older can experience a one-hour tour of the building, with stops in the House and Senate Chambers, and of course, the Rotunda. Contact us today and schedule your on-site school tour. Call 503-986-1388 or submit the School Tour Request Form subject to tour availability. Tours are at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting October 13 to May 29.
Guided virtual tours are available. Minimum of 10 students required. You can request a virtual tour by filling out the School Virtual Tour Form.
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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