Hello Friends,
I hope this finds you and your families well. Although work for the residents of District 1 continues, the 83rd Session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly's 2025 Session came to an end a few months ago.
I wanted to share with you the project funding that has come back to our district and southwest Oregon, as well as the legislation that I Chief and Co-Sponsored that passed the Session and is now Enrolled. This work was successful because of the combined efforts of Representatives Osborne and Boice, my legislative colleagues, residents, their communities, businesses and their advocates.
As you know, the Democrats have Supermajorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This means that no piece of legislation below moves through the process of receiving a public hearing in committee to a vote without their support. That said, I again sincerely appreciate all of the support of my legislative colleagues, for their collaboration and efforts to bring the funding and legislation below across the finish line.
There, of course, were a number of important projects that needed funding and pieces of legislation that did not make it through the legislative process this session. We will continue to push forward in 2027 Legislative Session after 2026 to bring them to fruition.
To read more about the legislation, testimony and other information, click on the bill number.
Project Funding
$35M Roseburg Veterans Home – There are currently two Veterans' Homes in Oregon that provide qualifying veterans with long-term care and Oregon law provides for two more. A 65% federal match to these State funds will provide for the construction, permitting, labor and project administration of building the third Veteran’s Home in Roseburg. Admittance to a Veterans' Home is a benefit that honorably discharged veterans have earned, that extends to their spouses and to the parents of children who died serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
$1.4M Rock Creek Hatchery Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife budget increase for operations and research at the Rock Creek Hatchery.
$946,700 City of Winston sewer Lines – This 47% of funding needed for the replacement of existing sewer lines on Abraham Avenue, Highway 42, and through agricultural fields between the two. A new segment installed on Abraham Avenue in order to abandon a current line that traverses underneath private property. Relocation of the line under the bridge at Lookingglass Creek - moving the line, installing new hangers, and relocating the manholes so that the line is accessible.
$504,000 Sutherlin Fire Department – The construction and site prep of a three story NFPA Certified training tower building that would allow for Sutherlin Firefighters, our mutual aid departments, as well as the Umpqua Community College Fire Science Program students to utilize to learn firefighting tactics and tasks through a multipurpose training building.
$176,721 Cancer Center - Community Cancer Foundation, DBA Community Cancer Center, for quality assurance equipment and the electronic medical records upgrade project.
$100M Port of Coos Bay Channel deepening – Necessary step for the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port Project which would create the first ship-to-rail facility on the U.S. West Coast.
$5M Port of Coos Bay navigation channel – These 2023 Oregon Business Development Departments funds had not yet been used yet and needed other port projects in order to proceed. This allows the port to carryover and not lose those funds.
$1.6M Port of Port Orford Redevelopment Project – These are previously allocated funds from 2017 that have been carried forward each biennium. These funds have now been expended to finish the Port of Port Orford's Crane Project.
$750,000 City of Port Orford Water Recycling - These are previously allocated funds from 2023 that have been carried forward to assist the City with a secondary wastewater outfall.
Chief Sponsored Legislation
SB221-Enrolled - Digest: The Act directs ODFW to support certain fish rearing projects. The Act starts when signed. (Flesch Readability Score: 86.4). Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist in the establishment of fall Chinook fish incubation nursery programs, and to report on the programs to the Legislative Assembly. Sunsets January 2, 2040.
SB347-Enrolled - Digest: The Act would end special tax assessment for land if the owner or the person in control of the land gets a civil penalty for growing pot on the land or is found guilty of growing it there. The Act would make an exception if the owner reasonably didn't know about the pot or called the police as soon as they did know. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4). Disqualifies land from farm use special assessments upon a final civil penalty or judgment of conviction for the illegal growing of marijuana against the landowner or person in possession and control of the land. Provides an exception for a landowner or other obligated taxpayer who reasonably lacked knowledge of the illegal growing of marijuana or promptly notified a law enforcement agency of the illegal growing of marijuana.
SB360-Enrolled - Digest: This Act allows some workers to apply pesticides without a license if they use a device that runs on a battery. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.6). Creates a pesticide licensing exemption for certain employees using a battery-powered device to apply pesticides.
SB485-Enrolled - Digest: The Act would expand the conditions under which small forestlands are exempt from estate tax. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8). Modifies the exemption from taxable estate for the value of natural resource property as applicable to forestland. Limits the exemption to small forestland owners and allows an exemption based on active management appropriate for the current phase of the forest management cycle. Applies to estates of decedents dying on or after January 1, 2026.
SB494-Enrolled - Digest: The Act tells DAS to look at forestry and fire jobs and make a report. (Flesch Readability Score: 90.0). Requires the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to study classification and compensation for forestry and wildland fire positions in state government. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources and wildfire not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.
SB504-Enrolled - Digest: This Act makes LCDC, ODSL and OPRD adopt rules for nature-based solutions to protect the coast. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.6). Requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt rules by January 1, 2028, to provide guidance on nonstructural, nature-based solutions for shoreline stabilization. Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Land Conservation and Development for the purpose of adopting rules. Allows the Department of State Lands and the State Parks and Recreation Department to adopt conforming rules by January 1, 2029.
SB159-Enrolled – Digest: The Act says that owners of motorcycles and mopeds may also get veterans' plates if the owner qualifies. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.4). Authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue qualifying owners veterans' recognition registration plates for use on mopeds and motorcycles.
SB548-Enrolled - Digest: The Act increases the age a person must be to get married to 18. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.7). Increases the minimum legal marriageable age to 18 years of age.
SB550-Enrolled – Digest: Amends the state's new right to repair law. Adds more items to the list of consumer equipment for which an owner or repair provider can get from the item's maker a tool or part needed to fix the item. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.7). Adds electric wheelchairs and complex rehabilitation technology to the type of consumer equipment for which an original equipment manufacturer must make available to an owner or independent repair provider a tool, part or other device or implement that the original equipment manufacturer makes available to an authorized service provider for the purpose of diagnosing, maintaining, repairing or updating consumer equipment.
HB2380-Enrolled – Digest: The Act tells the BOC to make rules to let a person who has a provisional certificate do supervised work. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.8). Directs the Board of Cosmetology to adopt rules to allow the holder of a provisional certificate to perform in a cosmetology field of practice under the supervision of a practitioner in the same field of practice under certain circumstances. Establishes requirements for a practitioner to act as a supervisor. Directs the board to adopt rules for the Health Licensing Office to issue a provisional certificate. Provides that, upon application for certification, a provisional certificate holder may submit evidence of supervised practice in order to meet the educational requirements. Becomes operative on January 1, 2027.
HB2386-Enrolled – Digest: Gives ODVA the power to make rules to carry out the laws on unclaimed remains of veterans and family. (Flesch Readability Score: 62.8). 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.
HB2573-Enrolled – Digest: The Act would make changes to law related to medical services for people living in long term care settings. (Flesch Readability Score: 62.8). Modifies the requirements for the Senior Emergency Medical Services Innovation Program. Extends sunsets for the program and the prohibition on local government regulation of long-term care facilities and residential care facilities.
HB3148-Enrolled – Digest: Repeals the sunset on the Oregon Lifeline plan. Makes changes to the assistance that the plan provides. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.8). Makes permanent the plan of assistance for low-income customers for telecommunication services. Renames the plan of assistance the Oregon Lifeline plan. Adds to the assistance provided to low-income customers a one-time personal computing device benefit for the purchase of an Internet-enabled computer and ancillary devices. Repeals the requirement but still permits the Public Utility Commission to use part of the surcharge assessed on retail telecommunications subscribers for marketing and outreach activities to increase participation in the plan of assistance. Repeals the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program Advisory Committee. Directs the commission to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the Act not later than December 1, 2026.
HB3814-Enrolled – Digest: This Act allows the EQC and DEQ to allow for a mixing zone in a permit for a seafood processor. (Flesch Readability Score: 72.3). Authorizes the Environmental Quality Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality to allow for a mixing zone to meet bacteria water quality criteria in a permit applicable to a seafood processing facility.
HB3921-Enrolled – Digest: This Act approves the City of Roseburg's UGB exchange. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.1). Approves City of Roseburg and Douglas County 2024 ordinances that provided for amendments to the city's urban growth boundary, the city boundaries and the city and county's comprehensive plan and land use regulations. Requires the Director of the Department of Land Conservation and Development to issue a conforming order.
HB3929-Enrolled – Digest: The Act says that some peer supporters may not be examined about what a person said while receiving peer support. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.8). Modifies provisions related to the confidentiality and admissibility of communications by certain public safety employees to a peer supporter.
HCR9-Enrolled - Digest: Pays respect to the life and memory of Dennis Richardson. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). In memoriam: Secretary of State and former state Representative Dennis Michael Richardson, 1949-2019.
SCR19-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the life and memory of Leonard Krug. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). In memoriam: Leonard Warren Krug, 1957-2024.
HCR19-Enrolled – Digest: Honors the life and memory of Frank Wayne Smith. (Flesch Readability Score: 84.9). In memoriam: Frank Wayne Smith, 1945-2024.
Co-Sponsored Legislation
SB15-Enrolled - Digest: The Act changes how to calculate the fair market values of assets for some estates. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.5). Modifies calculations of the fair market value of simple estate assets by excluding the values of manufactured homes from the asset limits for personal property and including the values of manufactured homes in the assets limits for real property.
SB64-Enrolled - Digest: The Act tells ODHS to seek a waiver of certain federal SNAP requirements. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4). Requires the Department of Human Services to seek a waiver of federal requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in order to allow recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance to receive advance installment payments of the tax credit for dependent care expenses. Sunsets January 2, 2031.
SB230-Enrolled - Digest: The Act makes changes to the Veterans Dental Program. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.1). Directs the Oregon Health Authority to require oral health care providers to complete an intake screening with an enrollee of the Veterans Dental Program within 60 days after the enrollee initiates contact with the provider.
SB459-Enrolled - Digest: The Act changes the residency rules for members of the OBMP. (Flesch Readability Score: 72.6). Requires that each public member of the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots be a resident of this state. Requires that at least one licensee member of the board be a resident of this state.
SB463-Enrolled - Digest: Tells a state agency to do a report about how well the state's Insurance Fund is doing. (Flesch Readability Score: 70.1). Requires the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to submit by January 31 of each even-numbered year a report to the Legislative Assembly concerning the soundness of the state's Insurance Fund. Specifies the contents of the report and directs agencies of state government and participants in the fund to cooperate with and assist the department in carrying out the department's duties under the Act.
SB588-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that the PERB has to send disability cases about police and firefighters to be heard within a certain time. The Act changes how PERS looks at the disability of police and firefighters. The Act says that a disabled member of PERS can earn some money and not lose benefits. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7). 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. Provides that a member of the Public Employees Retirement System who is a police officer or firefighter is disabled if the member is mentally or physically incapacitated and unable to perform the work the member performed at the time the member became disabled, instead of unable to perform any work. Allows a disabled member of the system to receive certain earned income without losing disability benefits.
SB699-Enrolled - Digest: This Act tells some health insurance to cover certain devices for more patients and allows OEBB and PEBB to be exempt. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.6). Expands the health insurance coverage of prosthetic and orthotic devices and exempts the Public Employees' Benefit Board and Oregon Educators Benefit Board from the expansion of covered services unless the boards provide notice to the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
SB736-Enrolled - Digest: The Act excludes a child's parents from some laws about abuse of a child in care and requires DHS to tell some people that a DHS employee is not a lawyer. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.2). Creates an exception to abuse of a child in care provisions when the suspected abuse was committed by the parent of the child in care. Requires the Department of Human Services to notify a child's parents or guardians that the department representative is not an attorney and cannot give the parent or guardian legal advice.
SB739-Enrolled - Digest: The Act changes oversight laws for certain types of long-term care facilities. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4). Modifies the requirements for investigations of a residential care facility following a complaint of a licensing violation. Prohibits exceptions to statutory licensing requirements for residential care facilities. Requires a residential care facility to notify a resident's designated contact person of a substantiated licensing violation or abuse finding or of the facility's placement in the enhanced oversight and supervision program. Requires an applicant for a license to operate a residential care facility, if the applicant does not have experience in the operation or management of a residential care facility, to contract with an experienced consultant or management company. Adds new requirements for obtaining a license to operate a residential facility or an adult foster home. Requires the Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority to inspect residential facilities and adult foster homes under certain conditions. Permits the department to extend the duration of an adult foster home license to two years if the department determines that the home has been in substantial compliance for three consecutive years.
SB761-Enrolled - Digest: The Act allows WRD to say yes to a temporary lease of existing water rights to become in-stream water rights, if WRD finds certain facts and conditions. The Act sunsets on Jan. 1, 2030. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.1). Authorizes the Water Resources Department to approve applications by certain water districts within the Walla Walla basin to lease existing water rights for temporary conversion to in-stream water rights if certain conditions exist and the department makes certain determinations. Establishes procedures for how applications may be considered and establishes the terms of leases that are created under the Act. Sunsets on January 2, 2030.
SB777-Enrolled - Digest: The Act tells the State DOA to change the methods used to determine wolf attack loss grants. The Act requires counties to report to the DOA and the DOA to report to the legislature on payments made. (Flesch Readability Score: 76.2). Directs the State Department of Agriculture to modify the methodology under which participating counties award grants for wolf depredation compensation. Establishes reporting requirements for counties and for the department to report to the Legislative Assembly on financial assistance provided under the program.
SB784-Enrolled - Digest: The Act includes certain subjects in the state's dual credit programs. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.9). Specifies that the statewide standards for dual credit programs include programs in agriculture, forestry and natural resources.
SB920-Enrolled - Digest: The Act tells the OSU Extension Service to oversee a project to improve mental health and SUD services in this state. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.6). Directs the Oregon State University Extension Service to oversee a project to accelerate the promotion of behavioral health in Oregon.
SB974-Enrolled - Digest: This Act speeds up review of housing permits. (Flesch Readability Score: 82.3). Requires local governments or special districts to complete final review of final engineering plans for residential development within [90] 120 days of submission. Establishes a limited review process for certain applications for residential development within an urban growth boundary. Becomes operative on July 1, 2026. Prohibits local governments from applying certain design review requirements for certain residential developments within an urban growth boundary.
SB1005-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that a private entity may swipe a driver license to confirm a person's age, regardless of how old the person looks. Increases the amount a person can get from an entity that swipes a license against the law. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.2). Provides that when offering a service with age restrictions, a private entity is allowed to swipe a driver license or identification card to verify a person's age, regardless of how old the person looks. Increases the amount a person may recover against an entity that swipes a driver license or identification card in violation of the law.
SB1011-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says an Indian tribe in this state can ask the Governor to help retrocede P.L. 280 for the tribe. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.6). Allows a federally recognized Indian tribe located in this state to submit a request to the Governor for retrocession of Public Law 280 jurisdiction. Prescribes the Governor's duties.
SB1032-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that an entity may not sell an aerosol duster that contains DFE to a person who is under 18 years old. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.1). Prohibits the retail sale of an aerosol duster that contains 1,1-Difluoroethane to an individual under 18 years of age. Allows the sale or delivery of an aerosol duster that contains 1,1-Difluoroethane through an order pick-up or delivery system if the recipient is at least 18 years of age. Punishes a violation by a maximum of 30 days' imprisonment, $1,250 fine, or both. Requires an aerosol duster that contains 1,1-Difluoroethane to bear a warning label. Defines "1,1-Difluoroethane."
SB1061-Enrolled - Digest: The Act requires the creation of a lumber grading training program. The Act requires DCBS to create a process for certain people to obtain lumber from those who have gone through the program. (Flesch Readability Score: 69.5). Requires the Director of the Oregon State University Extension Service to establish a lumber grading training pilot program. Establishes the requirements of the pilot program. Requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services to establish a process by which specified individuals may obtain lumber from an individual who is certified as having completed the lumber grading training pilot program. Sunsets the pilot program on January 2, 2033.
SB1086-Enrolled - Digest: Tells DCBS to help a group of building officials to develop a plan to set up a program to train people to inspect buildings. (Flesch Readability Score: 62.6). Requires the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to assist and provide support to the Oregon Building Officials Association to develop a proposal for establishing an apprenticeship program for building inspectors. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.
SB1099-Enrolled - Digest: This Act requires cities and counties to allow preschools on church properties. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7). Requires cities and counties to allow lands where worship is allowed to be used for preschool.
SB1137-Enrolled - Digest: This Act tells a health benefit plan to cover certain types of breast reconstruction services with certain rules. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6). Requires health benefit plans to cover autologous breast reconstruction procedures and related services with specific requirements related to out-of-pocket costs, cost-sharing, utilization review, reimbursement rates and network adequacy.
HB2019-Enrolled - Digest: Creates a new state day to celebrate adoption. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.8). Designates August 25 of each year as Oregon Adoption Day.
HB2236-Enrolled - Digest: The Act would make a PEO elect to treat the workers of its clients as either its own workers or the workers of the client for certain UI laws. (Flesch Readability Score: 72.3). Allows a professional employer organization to elect to treat the employees of a client employer for whom the PEO has assumed employer responsibilities as either the employees of the PEO itself or of the client employer for certain purposes under unemployment insurance law.
HB2299-Enrolled - Digest: The Act changes a crime to include disclosing fake nude or sexual images. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.4). Modifies the crime of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image to include the disclosure of digitally created, manipulated or altered images.
HB2307-Enrolled - Digest: This Act exempts lamps purchased by school districts from a ban on sales of some fluorescent lamps. (Flesch Readability Score: 80.0). Exempts, until January 2, 2030, lamps purchased by a school district from the prohibition on the sale of certain fluorescent lamps.
HB2332-Enrolled - Digest: This Act stops the DEQ from making some air curtain incinerators get a Title V permit. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.9). Prohibits the Department of Environmental Quality from requiring a Title V operating permit for certain air curtain incinerators.
HB2375-Enrolled - Digest: Makes a person who builds or updates a wind power facility apply to the FAA or FCC to put in a system to reduce lighting. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.3). Requires a person who is developing or repowering a wind energy facility to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration and, if applicable, the Federal Communications Commission, for approval for the installation and use of light-mitigating technology systems and, if approved, install the systems within 24 months or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. Prohibits a county or city from allowing or permitting a wind energy facility if the person seeking to develop or repower the wind energy facility does not apply for approval for the installation and use of light-mitigating technology systems.
HB2540-Enrolled - Digest: Makes certain health insurers credit certain costs to an enrollee's health plan. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7). Requires certain health insurers to credit any amount an enrollee pays directly to a provider toward out-of-pocket costs and deductibles in certain circumstances.
HB2596-Enrolled - Digest: Causes this state to join a compact for school psychologists. (Flesch Readability Score: 69.7). Enacts the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact. Prescribes that the purpose of the Compact is to facilitate the interstate practice of school psychology in educational or school settings. Describes the rights and responsibilities under the Compact.
HB2647-Enrolled - Digest: This Act creates a process for Monmouth to amend its UGB. (Flesch Readability Score: 87.9). Establishes the process and requirements by which the City of Monmouth may amend its urban growth boundary to add up to 75 acres and to remove up to 90 acres. Sunsets January 2, 2033.
HB2658-Enrolled - Digest: Says that a city or county may not in some cases make a person repair or build a road, curb, gutter or sidewalk in order to get a building permit. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7Prohibits a municipality from requiring in, or as a condition of obtaining, a construction permit to renovate or otherwise alter an existing building that the construction permit holder install a frontage improvement if the alteration does not increase the building's square footage or footprint, if the cost of the alteration does not exceed a specified amount and if existing or proposed uses for the building do not change the occupancy classification group that applied to the building. Specifies exemptions from the prohibition. Requires a municipality and the Department of Transportation to determine if a design, engineering or construction plan exists for any frontage improvements that the municipality or the department requires along a state highway as a condition of obtaining a construction permit or final action on a permit or zone change. Applies to municipalities with a population of 15,000 or greater. Beginning on January 1, 2031, applies to all municipalities.
HB2668-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that private persons who help look for a missing person must first tell certain things to the family of the missing person and to the county sheriff. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.7). Requires certain private persons, before engaging in search and rescue efforts, to make specified disclosures to the family of the missing person and to notify county sheriffs.
HB2975-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that a pleading, admission or finding that criminal conduct constitutes DV is not an element of the crime. The Act takes effect on the 91st day after sine die. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.9). Provides that a pleading, an admission or a finding that criminal conduct constitutes a crime involving domestic violence is not an element of the crime for merger purposes.
HB2978-Enrolled - Digest: The Act makes changes about a program to reduce cars hitting wildlife. The Act tells agencies to create a related advisory group. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.0). Makes certain changes concerning a program to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Instructs the Department of Transportation and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish an advisory group. Makes certain changes related to reporting on the program.
HB3127-Enrolled - Digest: The Act would tell people to report deaths to the state using an electronic system. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.5). Requires use of the state electronic reporting system to report deaths to the Center for Health Statistics.
HB3136-Enrolled - Digest: This Act lets more land professionals serve on planning commissions. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). Removes a requirement that a maximum of two real estate professionals may serve on a city or county planning commission for commissions with more than five members.
HB3141-Enrolled - Digest: The Act makes the third Tuesday of March of each year Oregon Farmer and Rancher Day. (Flesch Readability Score: 79.5). Designates the third Tuesday of March of each year as Oregon Farmer and Rancher Day.
HB3226-Enrolled - Digest: Says that if a person that takes claims from drug stores for payment under a health plan signs a contract with another person that acts for the drug stores, the person must still obey the laws that govern pharmacy benefit managers. Says that the person that acts for or signs contracts for the drug stores must get a license to do that business. (Flesch Readability Score: 62.0). Includes pharmacy services administrative organizations within the definition of pharmacies for the purpose of ensuring that pharmacy benefit managers are subject to laws regulating their activities even if their contracts are with pharmacy services administrative organizations. Requires pharmacy services administrative organizations to register with the Department of Consumer and Business Services as third party administrators. Specifies exemptions from the registration requirement.
HB3447-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that a business has to make sure that a person is at least 18 years of age before they buy nitrous oxide. (Flesch Readability Score: 72.9). Requires a business that makes retail sales of certain nitrous oxide canisters to verify the recipient is at least 18 years of age. Prohibits a business that makes retail sales of the nitrous oxide canisters through an online ordering system from completing the delivery of a nitrous oxide canister unless the business first verifies that the recipient is at least 18 years of age.
HB3478-Enrolled - Digest: The Act removes the need to buy a certain amount of fuel by cardlock users. The Act says that cardlock license holders will need to renew every three years instead of every year. (Flesch Readability Score: 69.5). Eliminates gallonage requirements for eligibility for nonretail cardlock dispensing of motor vehicle fuel. Increases cardlock facility licensing period from one year to three years.
HB3506-Enrolled - Digest: This Act transfers money from a tax deferral account to OHA's Healthy Homes fund and to DOR to promote tax deferrals. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.6). Transfers moneys from the Senior Property Tax Deferral Revolving Account to the Healthy Homes Repair Fund for the purpose of supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities and to the Department of Revenue to increase public knowledge of property tax deferral programs.
HB3522-Enrolled - Digest: This Act allows the eviction of a squatter. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.1). Allows an owner or landlord to evict a squatter.
HB3564-Enrolled - Digest: The Act changes the law about how a publisher must correct or retract a statement in a digital paper. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.6 Modifies provisions relating to demands for correction or retraction of a defamatory statement published in an electronic newspaper, magazine or other periodical.
HB3569-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that some legislators have to be asked to be on the RAC for rules implementing the law. (Flesch Readability Score: 76.5). Requires an agency that appoints a rules advisory committee with regard to rules implementing legislation to invite certain legislators to participate on the committee as nonvoting members. Requires the Small Business Rules Advisory Committee to invite certain legislators to participate on the committee as nonvoting members when the committee is used as a rules advisory committee with regard to rules implementing legislation.
HB3582-Enrolled - Digest: The Act changes the law about the time limit for some claims based on allowing, permitting or encouraging child abuse and sexual assault. The Act gets rid of the time limit for claims based on child sexual abuse or sexual assault. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.2). Modifies the qualifications for certain statutes of limitations for civil actions based on allowing, permitting or encouraging child abuse and sexual assault. Prospectively eliminates the statute of limitations for civil actions based on sexual assault or child sexual abuse.
HB3630-Enrolled - Digest: The Act would make it so estates would not pay estate tax for farm, forestry or fishing interests that are owned by trusts and businesses. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.0). Modifies exemption from the taxable estate for the value of natural resource property to accommodate interests owned through a trust or business entity. Adds detail to look-back and look-forward provisions as applicable to entities. Allows for replacement property. Applies to estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 2025.
HB3643-Enrolled - Digest: Creates a new state day to raise awareness of youth suicide. (Flesch Readability Score: 80.3). Designates October 9 of each year as Oregon Youth Suicide Awareness Day.
HB3653-Enrolled - Digest: Lets a state agency sign a contract to get energy savings and other benefits. Says that the state agency must obey certain rules, hire an approved company and get a guarantee of a certain level of savings. Takes effect on the 91st day after the session ends. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). Defines "energy performance contract" and allows authorized state agencies to enter into energy performance contracts without requiring a competitive procurement if the authorized state agency follows rules that the Attorney General adopts, negotiates a performance guarantee and enters into the contract with a qualified energy service company that the State Department of Energy prequalifies and approves.
HB3712-Enrolled - Digest: The Act would change the metrics for real market value and income to make more people eligible to defer property taxes on their homes. The Act would have LRO study the value of basing program entry on equity vs. income and turn in a report next year. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.5). Changes the metrics for a homestead's real market value and the household income of a claimant in order to expand eligibility for the homestead property tax deferral program. Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to submit a report to the Legislative Assembly about the equity that claimants hold in their homesteads and the advantages and disadvantages of determining program eligibility on the basis of equity rather than household income.
HB3724-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that marijuana items may not be labeled or packed in a way that makes minors want the marijuana items. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.4). Prohibits advertising, packaging and labeling of marijuana items in a manner likely to cause minors to unlawfully possess or consume marijuana items.
HB3727-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says a doctor or PA can sometimes give care to their patient who is temporarily out of this state. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.6). Allows a physician or physician associate to use telemedicine to practice medicine or provide health care services under specified circumstances to a patient located out of state. Clarifies that the physician or physician associate is subject to the laws regulating the practice of medicine in the jurisdiction where the patient is located.
HB3731-Enrolled - Digest: The Act adds data to be added to the yearly reports made by higher learning schools. (Flesch Readability Score: 77.9). Provides additional data to be included by institutions of higher education in an annual report regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and violence on the campus of the institution.
HB3766-Enrolled - Digest: The Act lets a plaintiff sue a person who sends an intimate image to the plaintiff's device. (Flesch Readability Score: 70.1). Allows a plaintiff to bring a civil action against a person who transmits an intimate image to the plaintiff's computer or electronic device in certain circumstances.
HB3875-Enrolled - Digest: Tells a car maker that it must obey the state's privacy laws when getting personal data from a person's use of a car. Takes effect 91 days after the session ends. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.2). Provides that a motor vehicle manufacturer and an affiliate of a motor vehicle manufacturer must comply with the requirements of the state's privacy laws in controlling and processing personal data the motor vehicle manufacturer or affiliate obtains from a consumer's use of a motor vehicle, regardless of the number of consumers from which the motor vehicle manufacturer or affiliate obtains personal data.
HB3920-Enrolled - Digest: The Act says that certain students may receive free tuition. (Flesch Readability Score: 78.2). Increases the age limit for tuition waivers for qualified students. Permits a qualified student to receive a tuition waiver for a master's degree notwithstanding whether the qualified student received a waiver for a baccalaureate degree. Removes the requirement that a qualified student apply for a master's degree within 12 months of receiving a baccalaureate degree to receive a tuition waiver for a master's degree. Permits a qualified student to receive a tuition waiver for a master's degree if the student presents proof of eligibility for specified federal assistance.
HCR2-Enrolled - Digest: Declares the urgent need to find safer gear for firefighters. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). Declares a commitment to the health and safety of firefighters and to finding an urgent solution to the problem of firefighting personal protective gear that contains cancer-causing chemicals.
HCR16-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the life and service of Specialist Four Paul Cochran. (Flesch Readability Score: 69.7). Recognizes and honors Specialist Four Paul Jeffrey "Jeff" Cochran (1947-1968) for his service to his country.
HCR23-Enrolled - Digest: Honors certain Oregonians who were not members of the armed forces for their World War II service. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.1). 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.
HCR29-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the life and memory of David Meyer. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). In memoriam: David Todd Meyer, 1967-2024.
HCR40-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the Portland Trail Blazers and urges the owners to keep the team in Oregon. (Flesch Readability Score: 67.5). Recognizes the Portland Trail Blazers for their economic and cultural contributions to the State of Oregon. Urges the team's owners to keep the team in this state.
SCR8-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the life and service of Private Billy Calkins. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.1). Recognizes and honors Private William Ezra Leon "Billy" Calkins (1925-1942) for his service to his country.
SCR10-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the life and memory of Peter Courtney. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.2). In memoriam: Senate President Peter Courtney, 1943-2024.
SCR11-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the growth and the goals of NCSL on the 50th anniversary of its founding. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8). Recognizes and honors the National Conference of State Legislatures on its 50th anniversary in 2025.
SCR17-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the life and service of Colonel Richard Kidd. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.1). Celebrates the life and accomplishments of Colonel Richard Kidd (1936-2024) and honors him for his service to his country.
SCR20-Enrolled - Digest: Honors OIMB for 100 years of marine research and service to Oregon and the world. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8). Recognizes and honors the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology for a century of leadership in marine research and service to the State of Oregon, the United States and all maritime nations.
SCR24-Enrolled - Digest: Pays respect to Brian Flowers for his service to Gresham and to this state. (Flesch Readability Score: 77.8). Recognizes and honors Brian Edward Flowers (1974-2023) for his service to Gresham and to this state.
SCR28-Enrolled - Digest: Honors the life and service of Chuck Mawhinney. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.8). In memoriam: Charles Benjamin "Chuck" Mawhinney, 1949-2024.
SCR30-Enrolled - Digest: Names a day in April 2025 Purple Up! Day for Month of the Military Child in Oregon. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.8). Designates April 10, 2025, as Purple Up! Day for Month of the Military Child.
SCR31-Enrolled - Digest: Honors LCIS for 50 years of service to the State of Oregon. (Flesch Readability Score: 74.8). Commends the Legislative Commission on Indian Services on its 50th anniversary.
SJM2-Enrolled - Digest: Urges Congress to pass a law about crime victims. (Flesch Readability Score: 75.5). Urges Congress to enact legislation alleviating the funding crisis in the Crime Victims Fund.
Current News
TRANSPORTATION
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek still hasn’t signed transportation funding bill, as pressure grows OPB | By Dirk VanderHart Even some Democrats are objecting as Kotek runs down the clock on the bill’s opponents.
Opinion: Let Oregonians vote on Kotek’s gas tax hike The Oregonian | Guest Column by Bruce Starr, Ed Diehl, and Jason Williams When politicians stop listening, taxpayers must speak louder. Gov. Tina Kotek and her allies in the Legislature have just raised your gas tax and payroll tax—without asking for your vote. Their message is clear: Salem knows best, and Oregonians should pay more and question less. We disagree. That’s why we’re launching a referendum effort to give Oregonians a voice on these new tax hikes. If the governor and legislative leaders won’t trust the people, we’ll make sure the people have the chance to decide for themselves whether these tax increases should go through.
Oregon Republican leaders fed up with Governor Kotek not signing transportation bill KATU | By Steve Dunn Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has until November 12 to sign or veto the state's new transportation package that Senate Democrats passed in late September. Republican lawmakers are not happy with the $4 billion transportation package that will raise gas taxes, vehicle registration fees and the payroll tax. Representative Lucetta Elmer and Senator Bruce Starr, Republican leaders of the Oregon House and Senate, join Steve Dunn on this week’s edition of Your Voice, Your Vote.
Oregon Republicans urge Gov. Kotek to end transportation bill delay; cite bipartisan concern KPTV Oregon Republican leaders sent a letter to Governor Tina Kotek on Monday, urging her to end a month-long delay over a transportation funding package passed but awaiting her signature. Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr and House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer penned the letter, and cited bipartisan concern over the delay.
Two Oregon Senate Democrats urge Kotek to sign transportation bill 'without further delay' KATU | By Vasili Varlamos Oregon Senators Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, and Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, wrote separate letters to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek last week, urging her to sign the transportation bill into law "without further delay." Starr said he is grateful for the bipartisan call for Kotek to sign the bill into law. "They recognize, like we recognize, that the governor holding this bill and not signing it thwarts the ability of Oregonians to weigh in on this. It's anti-democratic not to allow the democratic process to work," said Starr on Monday. Earlier this month, Starr called the delay in signing the bill "a calculated move to silence voters." "Governor Kotek and the Democrat supermajority know Oregonians would reject this massive tax and fee hike if given the chance. She needs to stop hiding behind procedural delays and sign the bill now," said Starr on October 16.
POLITICS
Oregon rejects federal claims of Medicaid spending on undocumented immigrants The Oregonian | By Gosia Wozniacka, Kristine de Leon Oregon health officials are pushing back against federal claims that the state improperly spent $5.4 million on health care for undocumented immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.
International hunt for Melissa Fireside underway KOIN 6 | By Joelle Jones Former Clackamas County Commissioner Melissa Fireside is now believed to be on the run — possibly overseas — after state prosecutors say she fled Oregon with her 9-year-old son just weeks before her trial on felony theft charges.
Why Oregon has 3rd highest percentage of SNAP recipients in U.S. The Oregonian | By Aimee Green How can Oregon rank so high in food assistance if it’s roughly in the middle for need? “The Department of Human Services — and all of the nonprofits that they work with around the state to enroll people — they’ve actually done a great job making sure that as many people as we can get to who are eligible get signed up,” Edwards said. “That cannot be said for many other states who seem like their departments of human services seek to make it as hard as possible for people to sign up.”
Oregon Supreme Court to hear arguments on controversial Measure 114 gun control law Statesman Journal | By Dianne Lugo The Oregon Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Nov. 6 regarding whether the 2022 voter-approved gun control law, Measure 114, is constitutional.
‘Latinx’ leader who served as Oregon policy advisor was illegal immigrant convicted of sex crimes Washington Examiner | By Mia Cathell An illegal immigrant convicted of sex crimes in Oregon, a sanctuary state for unlawful immigration, held various advisory positions on state policymaking committees as a so-called “Latinx” community leader. Juan Pablo Villalobos Garcia, a criminally convicted Venezuelan national who had overstayed his visa, according to U.S. immigration authorities, served in several committee roles advising the state of Oregon on policy areas such as behavioral health, “health equity,” and healthcare for all, regardless of immigration status.
OHA denies Oz’s claim that Oregon spent $5.4M of Medicaid on undocumented immigrants KOIN 6 | By Jashayla Pettigrew Oregon public health leaders are denying Mehmet Oz’s claims that they have spent billions of federal dollars on “illegal immigrants.”
Court Rules Oregon Can’t Force Pro-Life Group to Fund Abortions Life News A federal appeals court has ruled that Oregon cannot compel a pro-life organization to include abortion coverage in its employee health insurance plans, delivering a major victory for conscience rights in a years-long legal battle.
EV rebate program in Oregon to close in December. What to know Statesman Journal | By Dianne Lugo The Charge Ahead Rebate, the second type of rebate offered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for new and used electric vehicles, will be suspended Dec. 5.
Oregon leaders’ electoral success in 2026 starts with business Oregon Capital Chronicle | Commentary by Niel H. Simon National pundits will read the tea leaves from this week’s elections looking for a winning message for 2026 races. But in Oregon, with our highest-in-the-Northwest unemployment rate, the answer is simple: jobs and the economy.
Despite closures nationwide, Oregon Head Start set to remain afloat during government shutdown Oregon Capital Chronicle | By Shaanth Nanguneri The Department of Early Learning and Care is working to help Head Start programs in the state to avert closures until the end of the year during the ongoing government shutdown.
Keizer food bank struggles to provide for hundreds of people amid SNAP reduction Keizertimes | By Riley Ellis Gov. Tina Kotek also announced she was directing the state to allocate $5 million among food banks – a fraction of the monthly benefits. She acted after state Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, publicly chided the governor for not acting. She did so days after announcing she was running for governor herself. A spokeswoman didn’t answer whether Drazan has reached out to the Trump administration about restoring benefits. “As for eligibility: she’s not focused on questioning who should or shouldn’t be getting help. Her concern is that people who do currently qualify aren’t punished because of political gridlock and a lack of urgency from Governor Kotek,” said Ashley Kuenzi, Senate Republican communications director.
Independent food banks in rural Oregon struggle to meet need as SNAP runs out KPTV | By Julia Lopez As nearly 800,000 Oregonians find their SNAP benefits gone this week, independent food banks, including the only food pantry in North Plains, are left to serve more families than ever with zero government support.
New Oregon unemployment claims point to weaker job market The Oregonian | By Mike Rogoway Oregon’s jobless rate hit 5.0% in August, the highest point since the pandemic. But no one knows what’s happened since then.
Former Clackamas County commissioner appears to have fled country before theft trial, state officials say The Oregonian | By Noelle Crombie Melissa Fireside, the former Clackamas County commissioner accused of stealing from an assisted living resident, appears to have fled the country with her school-aged son using fake identification and an Austrian passport, according to court filings.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Opinion: Make Oregon a magnet for opportunity The Oregonian | Guest Column by Karla S. Chambers, co-founder and co-owner of Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc. in Corvallis. She also served on the Federal Reserve Boards of San Francisco and Portland and serves on the Oregon State University Board of Trustees. We have everything we need to thrive — forests, farmland, clean water, renewable energy, world-class universities and a skilled workforce. What we lack is leadership that rewards productivity and entrepreneurship rather than layering on cost and complexity. Oregonians know how to innovate. Corvallis once had the highest patent rates per capita, powered by research and private collaboration. That same spirit can rebuild our economy, if we summon the will to lead again.
Oregon’s hazelnut harvest could break records OPB | By Crystal Ligori Thanks to new hazelnut varieties developed at Oregon State University, the industry is thriving in spite of setbacks.
Portland restaurant closures: 39-year-old Italian spot, 35-year-old taqueria, many neighborhood bars The Oregonian | By Michael Russell As the year’s end approaches, Portland restaurants and bars — especially bars — have begun dropping like so many autumn leaves. “The truth is simple — sales just aren’t there anymore, while costs keep climbing,” owner Adam Robinson wrote on social media.
HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness in Multnomah County rises by 67%, according to report from PSU KPTV A recent report from Portland State University shows homelessness in Multnomah County has increased by 67% since 2023. On Jan. 22, 2025, the count found a total of 12,034 people were experiencing homelessness across Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties—a 61% increase for the region.
Where are people who are homeless in Portland originally from? New data offers insights The Oregonian | By Lillian Mongeau Hughes More than 14,000 people are homeless in Multnomah County, according to the county’s best available estimate. The count is shocking. And it has prompted many readers to write emails to The Oregonian/OregonLive with some version of the question: Where are they all from? And why have they come here? Spoiler alert: As best as anyone can tell, the large majority are from Oregon.
A top Portland political aide took in a homeless woman. He abandoned her at a state park days later The Oregonian | By Shane Dixon Kavanaugh The man behind the wheel: A top Portland City Hall staffer, who says he had let the woman stay at his home while he tried, unsuccessfully, to find her assistance she would accept.
Top Portland council aide on paid leave amid revelations he took in homeless woman, abandoned her at state park The Oregonian | By Shane Dixon Kavanaugh A top Portland City Hall staffer is on administrative leave amid revelations he took in a disabled homeless woman living outside and later abandoned her at a state park.
I know many of you are concerned about the Democrat's Government Shutdown. I hope our Senators Wyden and Merkley choose to join Republicans and vote to open the Federal Government.
Stay tuned for more information and thank you for all of your engagement and support for the funding and legislation we were able to move above. Representative Osborne, Representative Boice and I sincerely appreciate your efforts and advocacy.
If you would like to read more information from the District, please Click Here.
It continues to be truly an honor and privilege to work with and for the residents, their businesses and communities of southwest Oregon's Senate District 01, in the Oregon State Senate.
As always, please be safe and God Bless you, your family and your neighbor.
Yours Truly,
 Senator David Brock Smith
Together, We Will Build a Better Oregon
 Senate District 1
Curry, Coos, and Douglas Counties
Southwest Oregon’s Fish, Farm, and Forestry District.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1701
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-316, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
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