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To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Summer is in full-swing. We’ve had some high temperatures and some cooler days recently that have given us a refreshing break from the heat.
Session is now a month behind us. It ended with a great deal of unfinished business in terms of transportation funding, reforms to ODOT, and no stable plan to fund wildfire prevention and response. I covered much of the session’s ending days in my June 27th Sine Die newsletter. In short, I was deeply disappointed by how the final chapter of session unfolded. Rather than collaboration, we witnessed a process that attempted to steamroll a transportation package forward by the majority party that crashed and burned in the final hours. With that said, the Governor has now called a Special Session to begin August 29th to address transportation funding, and avoid ODOT layoffs, all what she describes as a “Transportation System Emergency.” I will talk more about this topic in the Special Session section below.
Before the 2025 Session fades deep into the sunset, I want to take a moment to thank you for staying engaged and for continuing to share your concerns and priorities with me. This session brought its share of challenges, including efforts to expand government, impose costly mandates, and raise taxes. These burdens fall hardest on our rural communities, small businesses, and working families.
Through it all, I remained focused on the values we share. Fiscal responsibility, public safety, and protecting the freedoms of all Oregonians. I fought against government overreach and unfunded mandates, and I pushed for practical, common-sense solutions to the real issues facing our state. Your support in phone messages, emails, office visits, testimony in committees and letter writing was truly impactful.
I hear you, I see you, and I value your voices.
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Looking ahead, I remain committed to bringing your voices to Salem and advocating for policies that restore balance, accountability, and opportunity across Oregon. I will support efforts to promote economic growth, strengthen communities, and ensure local control remains a cornerstone of our governance.
It is my great honor to serve constituents of House District 18 at your State Capitol. Please stay in touch and don’t hesitate to reach out if there are any issues you would like my team to work on.
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
In this issue:
View previous newsletters here.
After every legislative session, the Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO) prepares Summaries of Legislation. The reports for the 2025 session are now available. They summarize policy measures that received public hearings during the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, including bills, memorials, and resolutions. Measure summaries are organized into chapters by policy areas.
LPRO also provides an at-a-glance view of the policy measures in the Summary Reports through an interactive dashboard. The dashboard allows users to explore measures by policy areas and subtopics, learn whether the measures were enacted, or view measures by the chamber of origin. You can also use the search feature to find measures by their measure numbers or through key terms in the measure summaries. Try it out!
Legislative Summary Reports (2025)
The 2025 Session introduced a record 3,467 measures. 2,119 House Bills and 1348 Senate Bills. Of that number, 640 bills enacted were sent to the Governor for her signature. I received thousands of emails from constituents weighing in on the issues being considered. The “top five” measures that generated the most emails to my inbox were:
Natural Resources – Wildfire
HB 3940: Funding Wildfire Prevention and Response (ENACTED)
The introduced version of this bill had several provisions, one that moved to raise money for wildfire costs by enacting a five-cent surcharge on beverage containers. The measure was amended, stripping out the beverage container surcharge. Instead, its passage raises and moves money to pay for wildfire costs and makes certain changes to laws related to forests and fire protection. It imposes a tax on the distribution of oral nicotine products and directs the revenues to purposes related to wildfire. It directs a portion of the interest from the Rainy-Day Fund to purposes related to wildfire. The measure removes the end date for completion of certain wildfire risk reduction projects. It makes certain changes related to the forest products harvest tax, forest protection districts, minimum assessments and surcharges, the Emergency Fire Cost Committee, forestland acreage assessments, zones for fire protection in certain areas and rural fire protection districts.
SB 83: Repeals Statewide Wildfire Map (ENACTED)
The measure repeals the statewide wildfire map and its application to defensible space requirements, the wildland-urban interface, the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, agency reporting requirements and administration, seller's property disclosure agreement, comprehensive planning, accessory dwelling units and replacement dwellings, building codes, and the small forestland grant program. This was a very important win in the final week of the session.
Health Care - Pharmacy & Prescription Drugs
HB 3212: Pharmacy Benefits (NOT ENACTED – Lewis Sponsor)
I was a regular sponsor on this bill. The measure would have expanded rules governing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and prescription drug coverage in Oregon
Requiring fair payment standards and increasing transparency would have helped ensure small, independent pharmacies can cover their costs, remain financially viable, and continue to serve their communities – especially in rural and underserved areas where they may be the only accessible prescription drug provider. As many small pharmacies struggle to keep their doors open, this bill was of great importance and is a missed opportunity to support rural pharmacies.
Behavioral Health - Business and Consumer Protection - Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Consumer Protection
SB 702 A: Sale of Flavored Tabacco Products (NOT ENACTED)
The measure would have prohibited the distribution or sale of flavored tobacco products at all locations other than at stores as established by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC). It would have banned the free distribution of any tobacco products (i.e., promotional giveaways, free samples), required all tobacco product sales to occur at licensed retailers, and allowed local governments to impose stricter regulations than state law.
Behavioral Health & Business and Consumer Protection - Finance & Reimbursement Alcohol Regulation
HB 3197: Study Taxation of Beer and Wine Sales (NOT ENACTED)
The measure would have required the Legislative Revenue Officer to study the taxation of beer and wine sales and report to the Legislative Assembly.
The 2025 legislative session brought major challenges… but also meaningful wins. Despite being in the minority and up against a Democrat supermajority, Oregon House Republicans stood strong for fiscal responsibility, local control, and rural communities. Even in the face of powerful opposition, we made real progress.
A glance at what we faced and what we achieved:
Challenges Faced:
One-Party Control Limits Balance
Operating under a supermajority meant Democrats controlled the legislative agenda from start to finish. Every bill, budget, and rule change required constant vigilance from Republicans to prevent government overreach and defend local values.
Opposing Costly Tax Proposals
We pushed back against rushed plans to raise transportation taxes and fees, knowing these proposals would hit working families hardest. We succeeded in delaying new tax burdens and will continue to advocate for responsible funding solutions in the upcoming special session.
Navigating a Politicized Budget Process
With Democrats controlling the budget, we had to fight to ensure our communities weren’t left behind. Through persistent advocacy, we secured vital local funding throughout rural Oregon despite the partisan process.
Standing Up for Public Safety
We pushed for stronger public safety measures to address crime and addiction. While some efforts were blocked, we made clear that protecting our communities remains a top priority.
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Victories Secured:
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Blocking Harmful Taxes
Our work stopped or delayed several proposed tax increases that lacked proper accountability. We’ll remain a firewall against policies that punish taxpayers instead of addressing root problems.
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One of my top priorities in the legislature is making sure your tax dollars are working for you, not just in Portland or Salem, but in our rural communities that often get overlooked. I’m pleased to report that through HB 5006, the legislature’s 2025 budget reconciliation bill, I was able to successfully advocate for major investments in House District 18 and surrounding areas.
These projects reflect the values we share: fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure modernization, and strengthening access to basic needs.
Here’s a look at what we accomplished together:
City of Hubbard – Wastewater Facilities (Phases I & II): $2,361,910.
With aging infrastructure and increased demand, Hubbard has faced pressing needs in its wastewater treatment system. Through HB 5006, I secured funding to support both Phase I and Phase II of a multi-stage wastewater facility improvement plan. These upgrades will ensure that Hubbard can continue to grow responsibly while protecting water quality and public health. Clean water is not optional, it’s essential, and this project ensures long-term capacity and environmental sustainability.
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Hubbard Fire District – Protective Gear Project: $149,385.
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Our firefighters are the first to respond when danger strikes. They deserve equipment that protects them as they protect us. Thanks to local advocacy and legislative persistence, I secured funds for the Hubbard Fire District to purchase new, modern protective gear. This funding will help ensure the safety of the men and women who serve on the front lines in our rural communities.
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Marion Polk Food Share, Inc. – Facility Expansion: $6,080,215.
Food insecurity continues to challenge families across our region. I’m proud to report that we secured funding to help Marion Polk Food Share, Inc. acquire new property that will allow for a larger warehouse and production kitchen. This expansion will dramatically improve their ability to store, prepare, and distribute food across Marion and Polk counties, helping more families, schools, and partner agencies in the process.
Each of these wins represents more than just a line item in the state budget, they’re a reflection of your voice being heard in Salem. I will continue to fight for common-sense investments that strengthen our towns, protect our families, and build a stronger future for all of us.
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This session I had the honor to serve as a member of the House Committee On Judiciary, the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety, and a Vice-Chair of the House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans. We convened session on January 21 and adjourned on June 27, 2025. That’s 157 days - just three days shy of the 160-day constitutional deadline for ending the long session. I sponsored 80 legislative measures (click here to review full list.) Below, I have highlighted a few of the key measures that I sponsored that were enacted, as well as some of the missed opportunities:
 Rep. Lewis Sponsored Measures Enacted:
Emergency Preparedness - Emergency Coordination & Communication
HB 2581 Expands the duties of the State Resilience Officer
Criminal Justice - Crimes & Violations
HB 2299 A
Bans sharing intimate images made by AI or other editing software and prohibits sending unsolicited lewd images.
Courts
HB 2306 B
Allows a county court or board of county commissioners in any county to establish a justice of the peace district that includes the county seat.
Veterans - Commemorations & Memorials
HB 2386
Provides the Department of Veterans' Affairs with authority to adopt rules to implement the laws concerning the unclaimed remains of veterans, veterans' spouses and dependents and survivors of veterans.
HCR 23 A
Recognizes and honors Oregon civilians who served the United States on Wake Island during World War II. Commends individuals who have increased public awareness of the service and sacrifice of these civilians.
HCR 34
Recognizes and honors Oregon civilians who served the United States on Wake Island during World War II. Commends individuals who have increased public awareness of the service and sacrifice of these civilians.
SCR 30
Designates April 10, 2025, as Purple Up! Day for Month of the Military Child.
SCR 31
Commends the Legislative Commission on Indian Services on its 50th anniversary.
Natural Resources – Agriculture
HB 3141 A
Designates the third Tuesday of March of each year as Oregon Farmer and Rancher Day.
Early Childhood - Family Supports
HB 3195 A
Modifies eligibility requirements for distributions from the Children's Advocacy Center One-Time Grant Fund.
Housing, Development, and Homelessness - Landlord / Tenant
HB 3522 A
Allows an owner or landlord to evict a squatter.
HB 3630
Modifies exemption from the taxable estate for the value of natural resource property to accommodate interests owned through a trust or business entity.
Civil Law - Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, & Invasion of Privacy
HB 3582 A
Updates the qualifications for statutes of limitation so victims of child abuse or sexual assault can seek justice.
HB 3929 A
Modifies provisions related to the confidentiality and admissibility of communications by certain public safety employees to a peer supporter.
Labor and Employment General Government and Elections - Public Employee Benefits & Compensation
SB 588 A
Requires the Public Employees Retirement Board to refer a contested case for a hearing requested by a police officer or firefighter who is denied disability benefits within a certain period of time.
Business and Consumer Protection - Marijuana Regulation
SB 907 A
Requires an applicant for a license to manufacture psilocybin to submit to the Oregon Health Authority information regarding the ownership and location of the premises to be licensed or for which a license will be renewed.
 Rep. Lewis Sponsored Measures (Not Enacted):
HB 2175
Creates the crime of possessing, purchasing, making, delivering or selling a pill press or similar equipment. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 2187
Removes notification and certain examination requirements that apply to children who are taught by a private teacher, parent or legal guardian.
HB 2293
Limits pretrial release of defendants charged with a felony or Class A misdemeanor to security release.
HB 2301
Allows an additional estate tax exclusion of $7 million.
HB 2315
Directs the Department of State Police to release sex offender information for level two sex offenders to certain entities on a website maintained by the department.
HB 2535
Creates a new way of committing the crime of theft in the second degree when the theft occurs from a dwelling or within the curtilage of a residence.
HB 2549
Expands the rural health care income tax credit to include pharmacist services performed in rural communities.
HB 2753
Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds under Article XI-Q of the Oregon Constitution for the emergency preparedness equipment grant program.
HB 2842 A
Appropriates moneys to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to an organization and Polk County for programs for providing free drop-in childcare for people with business at a county courthouse or with other governmental business and data collection regarding the programs.
HB 2845 A
Declares that it is the goal of the Legislative Assembly to fund the Department of Veterans' Affairs in an amount that is not less than $10,000,000, from the General Fund, in 2015 dollars, adjusted for inflation. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 2901
Modifies the safe haven law to allow a parent to anonymously leave an infant in a newborn safety device.
HB 2946
Requires the Secretary of State to perform a fiscal audit of the Department of Transportation.
HB 3093 A
Requires law enforcement agencies to take a DNA sample of a person arrested for certain crimes. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3094
Directs the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to provide grants and funding for drug treatment and other related services. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3096
Creates income tax credit for taxpayers that provide apprenticeship opportunities. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3097
Increases sentencing guidelines for felony attempting to elude a police officer. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3098
Requires certain recipients of grant or loan moneys distributed by state agencies to submit annual reports to committees of the Legislative Assembly. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3150
Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters.
HB 3198 A
Directs the Oregon Health Authority to dedicate staff in the office of the authority that is responsible for tribal affairs to lead the work of addressing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous people.
HB 3212
Creates additional rules and requirements for pharmacy benefit managers and a policy or certificate of health insurance or other contract providing for the reimbursement of the cost of a prescription drug.
HB 3426 A
Expands offenses relating to the use of an unmanned aircraft system to interfere with official duties to include firefighting and search and rescue efforts.
HB 3471
Directs the Division of Audits to conduct a performance audit of state agencies related to emergencies. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3553
Creates the crime of possessing, purchasing, making, delivering or selling a pill press or similar equipment.
HB 3627
Establishes the Disabled Veterans Assistance Fund. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3630
Modifies exemption from the taxable estate for the value of natural resource property to accommodate interests owned through a trust or business entity.
HB 3633
Sets a minimum amount of security for persons charged with Ballot Measure 11 (1994) offenses.
HB 3744
Establishes the Task Force on Investigations of School Employee Misconduct. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3753
Increases the Oregon standard deduction allowed for personal income taxpayers.
HB 3817 A
Directs the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Veterans' Affairs to study the consumption of ibogaine by certain individuals for the purpose of treating specified disorders.
HB 3873
Requires that the sex offender risk assessment methodology take into consideration victim input and other specified information.
HB 3914
Creates an Oregon personal income tax subtraction for tips received by the taxpayer during the tax year.
HB 3922
Creates the crime of possessing, purchasing, making, delivering or selling a pill press or similar equipment. (Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 3948
Increases the penalty for operating an unmanned aircraft system over a critical infrastructure facility that is a correctional facility or youth correction facility.
HB 3950
Allows a person who owns property on which a certain spring originates to store water from the spring for use for fire prevention and fire suppression if the person obtains a permit.
HB 3969
Creates the crime of initiating a false report in the first degree.
HCR 22
Encourages Oregon counties that have not already done so to create and adopt a natural resource plan and invoke and enforce coordination with all federal and state agencies.
SB 545
Establishes an income tax credit for volunteer firefighters.
During the 2025 legislative session, I supported legislation aimed at honoring our veterans and strengthening the resources available to military families across Oregon.
A summary of veterans’ policy measures that received a public hearing and their status can be found here.
Through HB 5006, we secured funding for vital support and infrastructure that directly benefits veterans and their families. Funding for the construction of the veterans’ home in Roseburg and the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA Veterans Housing for the Albany Veterans Apartments Project made the top of the list.
While more work lies ahead, we continue to mark real progress. As Vice-Chair of the House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, and a Vietnam era veteran, I remain committed to ensuring Oregon lives up to its promise to those who have served.
What’s Taking Place at Your Capitol and the Gold Pioneer’s New Shine
Seismic upgrades continue at the Oregon State Capitol and the building is closed to the public while the construction crews complete their work. The Capitol is scheduled to reopen September 29th for Legislative Days.
The Oregon Pioneer, an iconic 23-foot-tall bronze statue perched atop the Oregon State Capitol has a new shine. After more than 20 years exposed to the elements, the statue’s brilliant gold finish had dulled. But this summer, the Pioneer got his shine back.
As part of ongoing Capitol restoration efforts, expert crews re-gilded the statue by hand, applying delicate layers of 23-karat gold leaf. The project required scaffolding the dome and carefully working more than 140 feet above ground, a rare opportunity to see the statue up close.
More than just a fresh coat of gold, the restoration honors Oregon’s pioneering spirit and symbolizes the resilience of our state’s history, values, and people.
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Originally installed in 1938, the Oregon Pioneer (also known as the “Gold Man”) was created by sculptor Ulric Ellerhusen and cast in bronze at the Piccirilli Brothers foundry in New York. It was shipped by rail to Oregon and raised onto the dome shortly after the current Capitol building was completed. The statue represents the rugged determination and resilience of early settlers and has become a defining symbol of the state, and it is a radiant reminder of Oregon’s enduring values of courage, exploration, and perseverance.
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KGW News “The Story” How the Oregon State Capitol's Gold Guy Gets His Gilded Groove Back reports on the details. It’s worth the watch!
Less than a month post session, Governor Kotek called a “Special Session” to address Oregon’s growing transportation funding crisis and pending layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). This emergency session comes after months of mounting concern over budget shortfalls, declining gas tax revenues, and stalled infrastructure projects across the state. Despite repeated warnings from lawmakers and stakeholders, little was done during the regular session to chart a sustainable path forward. Now, with hundreds of ODOT jobs potentially on the chopping block and critical road maintenance at risk, the Governor is scrambling to respond.
This crisis was both foreseeable and preventable. A no-new-taxes approach proposed by Republicans in HB 3982, that would have preserved operations and maintenance that are key to core functions of ODOT, such as plowing roads and filling potholes, was sidelined by the majority party and died in committee without the opportunity for public testimony. The bill stabilized ODOT and avoided raising the cost of living, prevented a projected $0.60/gallon increase over ten years to Oregon’s hidden gas tax (Clean Fuels Program) and redirected over $134 million of current spending on climate initiatives towards critical functions. Redirected $38 million in funding for passenger rail service towards critical functions. Redirected the payroll tax over two years to provide truckers with a tax credit on future tax bills, repaying them for years of unconstitutional overpayments. Adopted recommendations from the managerial review of ODOT, including the creation of the Major Projects Office. It also modernized fuel taxes and regulations to reduce tax evasion and facilitate easier compliance.
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For years, my colleagues in the minority and I have been sounding the alarm about unsustainable spending, lack of accountability within ODOT, and the legislature’s overreliance on short-term fixes. While urban lawmakers pushed expensive climate mandates and policies that discouraged vehicle use, rural roads deteriorated, and freight corridors suffered. Republican legislators have consistently advocated for a transparent, performance-based transportation strategy that prioritizes maintenance, safety, and economic impact. As the special session unfolds, I am committed to ensuring that any funding plan includes real accountability, supports rural infrastructure needs, and avoids passing new tax burdens onto working Oregonians. The path forward must be about more than dollars; it must be about trust, stewardship, and restoring public confidence.
As the special session approaches, speculation is growing about what kind of proposal the Governor and legislative leadership will put on the table. While no formal draft has been released yet, discussions point to a potential mix of fee increases; a gas tax increase, vehicle registration fees, title fees and electric vehicle increases, surcharges on vehicle-related services, and new tax proposals aimed at bridging the transportation funding gap. Some Democrats have floated the idea of revisiting vehicle registration and title fees, while others have hinted at a mileage-based road usage charge as a longer-term solution. There’s also growing concern that carbon-related regulations or surcharges could be reintroduced under the guise of transportation reform.
These developments raise serious red flags. Oregonians are already struggling under the weight of rising costs, from groceries to utilities, and the last thing working families need is another tax hike. I am wary of proposals that shift the burden onto rural drivers, small businesses, and low-income households without addressing the root causes of ODOT’s fiscal mismanagement. I will be watching closely to ensure that any proposal prioritizes fiscal responsibility, transparency, and measurable outcomes, rather than doubling down on failed policies or bloated bureaucracy. If new revenue is truly necessary, it must come with strict oversight, clear performance metrics, and a commitment to preserving essential infrastructure, not expanding government at the expense of taxpayers. As they say, the devil is in the details. We now wait to see what proposal will be on the table in the coming weeks. Remember… your voice matters and I encourage Oregonians to speak loudly on this issue.
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Now that the 2025 legislative session has come to a close, you might be wondering what I’m up to. While I’m no longer voting on bills in Salem, my work doesn’t stop when the session ends, it just shifts into a different gear. Here’s what I’m focused on during the interim:
Helping Constituents
One of the most rewarding parts of this role is staying connected with you. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a state agency, answering questions, or attending local events, I’m committed to being accessible and responsive throughout the year.
Preparing Legislation
I am working with colleagues and community members to research and draft bills for the next session. The interim is when a lot of thoughtful policy work happens behind the scenes, and your input plays a big role in shaping it.
Oversight & Accountability
Part of my job is holding state agencies accountable, making sure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly, and programs are doing what they were designed to do. Oversight is a key part of ensuring transparency in government.
Community Connections
During the interim, I have more time to be out in the district, visiting with local leaders, small businesses, farmers, attending military mobilization ceremonies, groundbreaking events, and other community gatherings. These conversations help me stay grounded in the real-world impact the decisions we make in Salem have on our district.
Task Force, Work Groups, Commissions and Advisory Committees
I serve on several work groups, commissions and advisory committees. These meetings take place throughout the year and help shape the policies we bring forward in session. I currently serve on the following:
- OYA Safety Advisory Committee
- North Willamette Research and Extension Center Advisory Council
- Juvenile Justice Policy Commission
- Task Force on Community Safety and Firearm Suicide Prevention
- Asset Forfeiture Advisory Committee
- Criminal Justice Commission
- Oregon Homeland Security Council
- Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council
- Oregon Legislative Veterans Caucus
Committee Work & Hearings
I will continue to serve on several interim committees that meet regularly to study policy issues, track the implementation of new laws, and lay the groundwork for future legislation. These meetings are essential for making sure we’re doing our job year-round—not just when we’re in session. Our next Interim Committee Days are scheduled for September 29 through October 1st.
The interim may be quieter than the legislative session, but it’s an essential time for reflection, preparation, and community connection. If there’s a concern you’d like to share or an idea you’d like to see turned into action, I encourage you to reach out. Your voice continues to guide my work—even when the Legislature is out of session.
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This past week, I’ve heard from many of you. Farmers, small business owners, and families throughout the district and around the state expressed their deep concerned about the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development’s (DLCD) proposed rules that could dramatically restrict how farm stands operate. I heard your voices and shared your concerns. In response, I issued a Press Release and a Call to Action to speak out on this issue.
These proposed changes would have limited food sales, reduced agritourism activities, and cut off vital income streams that small farms depend on. For many rural communities, farm stands are more than a place to buy fresh produce, they are a hub of connection, entrepreneurship, and local heritage.
Oregon’s family farms are part of who we are. They sustain our economy, preserve open spaces, and keep our traditions alive. These rules would have undermined their viability and eroded the values that make Oregon’s rural communities strong.
Thank you all for speaking out! Together, we made a difference. On Friday, the Governor halted the rulemaking process. This is a major win for Oregon’s family farms and rural communities, and it happened because YOU spoke up. I will continue to advocate for common-sense policies that protect our farms, respect our land, and keep government overreach in check. I am committed to making sure your voices are elevated in Salem, not just during the session, but every day of the year.
PRESS RELEASE
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