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Dear friends,
Happy New Year! I hope 2026 is off to a good start for you and your family.
As the Legislature prepares to hold its Short Session this February, I want to share a few updates on issues I know many of you are following closely, along with a look at what’s ahead.
Below, you’ll find an update on the transportation package and the Governor’s renewed effort to revisit it, as well as the latest on my swatting bill, HB 4151, and why this legislation remains important for public safety and accountability. I’ve also included an opportunity for our youth to apply to be an Honorary Page, as well as ways you can be involved in providing verbal or written testimony on legislation.
Please reach out any time my office and my team can be supportive. Our email is rep.darceyedwards@oregonlegislature.gov or you can reach our office at (503) 986-1431.
Thank you, as always, for staying engaged and taking the time to follow along. I appreciate hearing from you and value your perspective as this work continues.
Thank you,
Darcey Edwards
State Representative, House District 31
Visit our webpage here: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/edwards
I want to provide a clear update on where things stand with Oregon’s transportation funding package and the recent actions taken in the Legislature.
Last year, the Legislature passed a major transportation funding bill that included increases to the gas tax, vehicle registration and title fees, and a new payroll tax. Shortly after its passage, Oregonians exercised their constitutional right to referendum. More than 250,000 signatures were submitted—well above the threshold required—to pause the tax increases and refer the package to voters for approval or rejection .
As a result of that successful referendum effort, the transportation package is currently on hold.
Rather than allowing the vote to occur during the November general election—as is typical—legislative leadership has introduced a new bill that would move the referendum to the May 19 primary election ballot . Supporters of the change argue it would provide faster clarity for state and local transportation budgets. Others, myself included, have raised concerns about shifting a major statewide decision to a lower-turnout election.
Moving the vote to May would mean fewer Oregonians have a say on one of the largest tax and fee packages in state history. General elections consistently see much higher voter participation than primary elections, and decisions of this magnitude deserve the broadest possible public input .
Oregonians were clear that they want a vote on this package. The remaining question is when—and under what conditions—that vote should occur. I believe we owe it to taxpayers to respect both the referendum process and the importance of full voter participation.
I will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and respect for voters as this issue moves forward. I will also keep you informed as the Legislature considers whether to advance the bill changing the election date.
As always, thank you for staying engaged and for taking the time to follow the work happening in Salem.
I'm proud to reintroduce legislation in the 2026 session—building on my efforts from last year—to crack down on the dangerous practice of swatting and false emergency reports. As HB 4151, this bipartisan bill, supported by colleagues across party lines in both the House and Senate, raises the penalties for knowingly initiating a false report that triggers an enhanced law enforcement response, such as dispatching multiple officers, tactical teams, or specialized equipment. Importantly, the threshold for escalating to a Class C felony remains high: it only applies when the false report, made with criminal negligence, results in physical injury or death to another person.
This measure is about protecting everyday Oregonians from the real harm these hoaxes can cause, stopping the use of false emergency reports as a tool of political intimidation, and keeping our kids safe in schools where swatting has led to terrifying lockdowns, class cancellations, and unnecessary risks—like the incidents we've seen in places such as Silverton High School.
By working together across the aisle, we're sending a strong message that reckless false reports with severe consequences won't be tolerated, allowing first responders to focus on genuine emergencies and making our communities safer for families everywhere.
Become an Honorary Page for the 2026 Legislative Session!
The Oregon House (and Senate) are now accepting applications for the 2026 Short Legislative Session Honorary Page Program.
Learn more and apply: 2026 House Honorary Page Application
Honorary Pages gain a firsthand look at how state government works by assisting in the House Chamber, observing floor sessions, and learning directly from legislative staff. This civic education experience offers students a meaningful introduction to the legislative process and public service.
Applications are now open. Spaces are limited.
As we prepare to begin the session, here are a few important dates to be aware of. These deadlines shape when bills move forward and when public input is most impactful.
Session Schedule:
- First Day of Session: February 2
- First Post-Work Session Deadline: February 9
- First Chamber Deadline: February 16
- Second Post-Work Session Deadline: February 20
- Second Chamber Deadline: February 26
- Constitutional Last Day of Session: March 8
Register to testify
If there is a bill you are particularly passionate about, you may register to testify in support or opposition.
- Advance registration is required! Registration closes 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
- To register, go to https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1, select the “Bills” icon on the top right corner of your page, enter the bill number, and select “Register to Testify.” Or, call 1-833-588-4500.
- You will want to fill out the “Public Testimony Registration Form.”
- You will receive an email confirmation with an option to join Microsoft Teams if you can not testify in person.
Submit Written Testimony!
If you prefer not to testify in person, you can also submit written testimony in support or opposition to a bill.
- To submit written testimony, follow the same steps as you would to register to testify in front of the committee, but you will select “Submit Testimony” and fill out the “Written Testimony Submission Form.”
- Written testimony must be submitted up to 48 hours after the committee meeting start time.
Learn more at the Oregon Legislature's website.
Medicaid Rule Update
Oregon Health Authority is updating Medicaid income eligibility rules to match the new federal poverty level guidelines, as required each year. This keeps eligibility thresholds current for OHP, CHIP, and related programs.
Comments due:
February 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM
Contact: OHA — medicaid.rules@oha.oregon.gov | 503-979-8907
Remote Public Hearing – OAR 410-200-0315
Feb 17, 20261:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Join via ZoomGov
Meeting ID: 160 019 9351
Passcode: 913605
Conference ID: 1600199351
Elections Rule Update – Public Comment Open
The Elections Division is proposing changes to OAR 165-024-0030, which governs translation requirements for materials in the state voters’ pamphlet. The updates clarify what materials the Secretary of State will translate, simplify requirements that already exist in law, and reorganize the rule for clarity.
Written comments due:
February 25, 2026, by 5:00 PM
Public Hearing (Virtual)
February 17, 20262:00–2:30 PM
Join online: Click here to join the meeting on February 17
Join by phone (audio only): 503-446-4951
Conference ID: 27683769978023
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1431
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/edwards
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