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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
I am excited to have so many upcoming opportunities to connect. Please visit me at an upcoming Community Conversation or Town Hall. Bring your thoughts and questions and meet fellow members of the community. I look forward to seeing you soon!
- Joint Town Hall with Reps Susan McLain and Nathan Sosa. Monday, August 18th. 6:00PM - 8:00PM at the Hillsboro Civic Center Auditorium
- Community Conversation #150!! at Orenco New Seasons/Farmers Market. Sunday, September 7th. 10:00AM-11:00AM. We will meet on the outside patio at the Orenco New Seasons.
- Community Conversation at Rogers Park in Forest Grove. Wednesday, September 24th. 6:30PM - 7:30PM. Meet at the tables under the shelter.
Legislative Updates
OFFICE OF SENATOR JANEEN SOLLMAN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2025
Sen. Janeen Sollman Gets Results for Western Washington County
Lowering Utility Costs, Safer Communities, and $1.25 Million for Courthouse Planning
SALEM, OR – Senator Janeen Sollman (D - Hillsboro) wrapped up the 2025 legislative session last month with meaningful wins for the people of Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, and the Rock Creek area. Key bills curb rising utility rates and enhance public safety, measures grounded in the input Sen. Sollman receives from the people she serves.
“As your Senator, I lead with the values I’ve always held: listen to my constituents, learn from you, and act for positive change. I’m at the table with those who agree with me and those who don’t,” said Senator Sollman. “The bills I championed in the 2025 Legislative Session reflect the principles I hold and were shaped by the voices I heard all across the district. Representing the people of Oregon’s Senate District 15 is my constitutional duty, and I take it seriously.”
In addition to passing substantial policy legislation, Senator Sollman also helped secure $1.25 million in state funding for the Washington County Courthouse Replacement Planning Project. It’s a crucial step in modernizing local justice infrastructure so people have access to safe, functional court services for years to come.
Senator Sollman’s focus in the 2025 session centered on practical, people-centered solutions. Whenever a bill she sponsored passed in a floor vote, it did so with bipartisan support. From affordability to safety to digital privacy, she committed to addressing everyday concerns of Oregonians and built bridges, not barriers, in getting things done.
Key Bills Sponsored by Senator Sollman
Consumer Protections
- SB 549 - Requires faster decisions on prior authorization for repairs to rehabilitation devices. The Oregon Health Authority or a coordinated care organization must make a determination on paying for repair of complex rehabilitation technology within 72 hours.
- SB 550 - Widens repair options so users of wheelchairs and other mobility equipment can shrink the length of time their important devices are out of commission. The measure adds electric wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation technology to Oregon’s Right to Repair Law, so customers and independent shops will get the same access to repair resources that equipment companies give authorized repair shops.
- HB 3179 - Requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider the economic impact on customers when they decide whether to approve increases in gas and electric rates. The measure also authorizes the commission to require 18 months between rate increases up until January of 2027, and it calls on the PUC to adopt rules on how long utilities must hold rates steady after that date.
- HB 3546 - Stops massive energy users, like data centers and cryptocurrency operations, from shifting electrical costs to regular residential customers.
Safety, Justice, and Dignity
- SB 548 - Raises the state’s legal minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18 years old, strengthening legal protections against sexual exploitation.
- SB 710 - Requires that state training for judges covers verified, meaningful information on sexual assault, stalking, and other matters related to interpersonal violence. The measure is designed to give survivors of sexual assault a court experience of protection, not further harm.
- SB 950 - Allows the State Board of Sign Language Interpreters to establish by rule criteria for the issuance of a supervisory sign language interpreter license.
- SB 1016 - Prohibits the Department of Human Services from using trash bags for transporting foster kids’ personal belongings and requires durable carriers—such as duffel bags, suitcases, or rigid containers—when children are moving from one living situation to another.
- HB 2299 - Updates Oregon law to protect against the unlawful use of AI-generated intimate images. The measure modifies the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image, so victims of digital abuse and sextortion receive the same legal protections as anyone else.
Health and Environment
- SB 91 - Bans perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) in foam substances that fire departments use to put out fires. PFAS are chemicals that persist without breaking down for very long periods, and scientific studies have found they are harmful to people and animals. Fire stations in Forest Grove and the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue district already don’t use PFAS foam.
- SB 551 - Prohibits restaurants and retailers from providing single-use checkout bags to consumers.
- SB 992 - Authorizes the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission to approve one or more alternative access redemption centers.
Special Honors
- SB 547 - Designates the month of April of each year as Oregon Native Plant Appreciation Month.
- SCR 7 - In memoriam: Dr. Phillip David Creighton, 1945-2024.
- SCR 8 - Recognizes and honors Private William Ezra Leon "Billy" Calkins (1925-1942) for his service to his country.
- SCR 11 - Recognizes and honors the National Conference of State Legislatures on its 50th anniversary in 2025.
- SCR 15 - Recognizes and honors Hector Hinojosa Robles for his remarkable contributions to the people of this state.
- SCR 16 - In memoriam: Dr. Ralph Franklin Helzerman Jr.
- SCR 17 - Celebrates the life and accomplishments of Colonel Richard Kidd (1936-2024) and honors him for his service to his country.
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Out and About in Senate District 15
Community Conversation #148
Monday night, a great group joined me online for my 148th Community Conversation. We talked about a range of issues including Intel layoffs, state revenue reform, economic development and ways to help our neighbors in light of federal immigration enforcement actions. I look forward to continuing these discussions and seeing new faces. Please consider joining me me at an upcoming event. I would love to see you there.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 - Honoring Dr. Phil Creighton
It was an honor to sponsor Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 to recognize the life and legacy of Dr. Phil Creighton, President Emeritus of Pacific University.
Dr. Creighton led Pacific through an unprecedented era of growth—from founding the Hillsboro Campus to expanding graduate health programs. His vision helped shape Pacific into the comprehensive university it is today.
On July 28, I presented a copy of the resolution to Pacific President Jenny Coyle, joined by several members of the Pacific community who supported this tribute.
We value Dr. Creighton's leadership, service, and impact on generations of students in Washington County and beyond.
Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon
Earlier this week I was invited to participate in the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce luncheon, to provide a recap of the 2025 legislative session. I appreciated the opportunity to talk about session wins and misses alongside my colleague, State Representative Susan McLain. Thank you to the Chamber for inviting us to listen, learn and share with your local businesses.
Updates from Senate District 15
Intel Update
There has been a lot of media attention on changes happening at Intel, both globally and locally. The unknown can be scary. I have been in contact with Intel to request information that I could share with constituents to be informed. I also wanted to provide resources needed to those Oregonians impacted. Here is the update:
While things are changing, it is important that you know that Oregon continues to be central to Intel's process technology R&D, with over 50 years of innovation. Since 1974, Intel has invested $64 billion in Oregon modernizing facilities to advance semiconductor technology. In 2022, Intel expanded the D1X fab with a $3 billion investment, adding Mod3, 270,000 square feet of clean room space. Intel also installed the world’s first High-NA EUV lithography tool, enhancing domestic chip manufacturing and U.S.-based R&D to meet national economic and security goals. D1X Modernization continues to be a priority in Oregon, enabling the next generations of process technology.
As you well know, Intel is the anchor tenant of the state’s semiconductor industry and the Silicon Forest. The vast semiconductor supply chain in Oregon uniquely positions the state with the necessary talent and economic ecosystem to advance cutting-edge research and contribute substantially to our state’s tax base and overall prosperity, solidifying Oregon’s reputation as a leader in the global technology landscape.
Recent headlines of Intel’s workforce reductions have generated questions and concerns. As of today, Intel expects to reduce its global workforce by 15% to approximately 75,000 employees by year-end. While significant reductions have already occurred, we don't yet have a detailed breakdown by state but will share updates as they become available. The talented folks at Intel have been working with state and local agencies, local chambers and other companies to support efforts to keep impacted talent in the region and ensure Oregon remains a leader in semiconductor research and development.
Here are some additional resources for folks in our community:
Looking ahead, Intel is taking the necessary steps to put its business on a financially sustainable path forward. Intel is focused on ramping 18A into high-volume manufacturing later this year and is actively engaging with key customers to tailor its next-generation chip, 14A, to meet specific and confirmed customer requirements, which will influence Intel’s investments going forward.
Intel remains committed to its work in Oregon and advancing U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership. I’m committed to identifying ways to make Oregon a competitive place for industry to ensure Intel and the tens-of-thousands of direct and indirect jobs remain in Oregon and contribute to our state’s leading edge semiconductor ecosystem.
Washington County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Updates
Recently, our office reached out to our partners at Washington County for updates on their actions related to diversity, equity and inclusion for federal grant funding. Last week, the Washington County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution that reflects the evolution of the County’s ongoing commitment to providing opportunity and access to everyone in the County. The newly adopted Access and Opportunity resolution is available on the Board’s agenda. Key points were shared with our office:
- We did not rescind the prior resolution and order on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Instead we adopted a second Resolution and Order on Access and Opportunity.
- We are continuing our journey in civil rights and focusing our work on creating access and opportunities for everyone to interact with and be supported by County services.
- This new resolution was drafted with community, particularly those organizations and partners who are part of the equity work we have done, to find a path forward and retaining access to vital funds for now.
- We will continue to uphold state law. This includes Oregon’s longstanding Sanctuary Promise Law.
- The County is working to keep vital programs open and accessible to all members of our community.
Intern Corner
Perseid Meteor Shower
Bored of long, hot summer days? Then this month, consider waiting until sunset and watching the Perseid Meteor Shower. Named after the constellation Perseus, where the meteors seem to appear from in the sky, the Perseid Meteor Shower is a great way to spend restless summer nights.
The shower occurs every year from mid-July to late August, and is expected to reach its peak on Aug. 11-12. With good conditions, you may be able to see 50 to 100 meteors per hour on these days, though you’ll likely see far fewer if you’re watching near home. For the best viewing conditions, make sure the sky is clear and you’re as far away from light pollution as possible. Oregon has several designated dark sky places open to visitors, for anyone willing to make a drive. If you’re watching from home, you may still be able to see a few meteors, though.
If you need something new to see, drive out to a remote field this August, bring your friends, your family and a comfy folding chair, and appreciate an otherworldly phenomenon.
~Helena Vargas
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Community Outreach
Oregon Unclaimed Property Program
Oregon holds millions of dollars in unclaimed assets, like uncashed checks, forgotten bank accounts, security deposits, tax refunds, credit balances, investment accounts, and other funds. Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program – now part of Oregon State Treasury – keeps those funds safe for their rightful owner to claim. Search to see if the state is holding money that belongs to you!
Check to see if you have money waiting: unclaimed.oregon.gov
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Prepare Your Home for Power Outages
Be ready for summer heat waves and wildfire conditions that can lead to power outages. Summertime means prep time. For fun, for vacations, and unfortunately, for extreme summer weather. As Oregon’s climate changes, the hot and dry conditions increase the likelihood of power outages. But if we’re all prepared, an outage can be a little easier to get through. Please visit PGE for tips to prepare your home and learn about wildfire prevention.
Westside Electric Living Fair - Saturday, August 9th
 Westside Electric Living Fair will take place on Saturday, August 9, from 10am to 2pm at the Tyson Recreation Center, 1880 NE Griffin Oaks St, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
Don't miss this FREE one stop shop to connect to experts and contractors so you can learn how to transition your home to be more cost and energy efficient as well as comfortable without relying on fossil fuels. This helps reduce your carbon footprint and is a great step to take to fight climate change.
Free education, mentoring and fun for the whole family. The event will offer free Kona Ice and ice cream treats for the first 100 guests, giveaways and prizes available including a STIHL FSA 57 battery-powered trimmer from sponsor STIHL NW, ideal for suburban yards and a two burner induction cooktop.
This event is a collaboration between 350 Washington County, Westside Planet Alliance, and the City of Hillsboro. Event sponsors include the City of Hillsboro, PGE, and A&R Solar.
Find more information here.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
I serve as the Oregon State Lead for both the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Every year they hold their annual conferences in the same city, back to back, which allows me the opportunity to attend and learn from colleagues and advocates across the country. This year, we are convening in Boston and celebrating NCSL's 50th Anniversary. I thoroughly enjoy these opportunities to collaborate on all the good work being done in Oregon and other states. The non-partisan research and information, and opportunities for relationship building that these conferences provide, are invaluable to my work in the Oregon legislature.
Due to conference attendance, we will not have a newsletter out next week, but I look forward to sharing about all I learned here in Boston upon my return.
 Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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