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To contact me, please click here: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In my last update, I called for us all to be bold in setting intentions for the 2026 we want to see. I spoke about my excitement to welcome new ideas that will help us tackle some of the big issues we will face this year. I hope you all had a restful New Year’s holiday, but now, with the 2026 session just around the corner, it’s time to get back to work and make our intentions for 2026 come to life!
We already have a number of good bills coming up and I look forward to supporting the work of my colleagues in advancing meaningful legislation and policy fixes. With everything happening in our sometimes chaotic political landscape, we must work together to find ways to overcome adversity and bridge the increasing divides in our state and in our country.
But this work is not done in a vacuum. Every voice matters, so making your voice heard is critical in accomplishing the goals we care about. I have an open-door policy for all who wish to speak about the issues concerning them. There are also many ways to get involved in the process! If you have time, a visit to the Capitol is always worthwhile -especially now that the building is opening up from construction. You can also sign up to give testimony on bills, either in-person, virtually, or by submitting written testimony.
As we head into session, I want to take an opportunity to share the two bills I’ll be bringing forward, as well as some of the top issues I’m looking forward to tackling. The five week short sessions are generally geared to important policy fixes, budget updates, and other topics that can fit into a relatively brief conversation. Most bills this session will do just that. Though, there are also a handful of larger-scale policies slated to be discussed. These are important conversations that just cannot wait a year for the next long session.
Personal Priority Bills
The Car Seat Safety Act (HB 4092)
Keeping our kids safe is a #1 priority across the board. This is why products designed for children have such strict safety standards — such as car seats, which are regulated by the federal government under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But with counterfeit or non-compliant car seats flooding the online market, I believe that we need to strengthen protections for children and families who think that they’re getting a good deal.
Strong 4 Life, Legit or Counterfeit: How to Spot a Fake Car Seat
While car seats in the US must meet federal standards, there is no law explicitly prohibiting the sale of non-compliant seats. That is why I am looking to introduce a bill that strengthens families and the Attorney General's right and authority to seek justice against bad actors when harm has been done.
Expanding the use of Mobile Pharmacies (HB 4131)
According to OPB, “Oregon has the second fewest retail pharmacies per capita in the nation”, behind only Alaska. As pharmacy access continues to shrink for countless Oregonians, flexible service options that allow us to meet patients where they are offer a promising path to improving access to essential medications for all. Click to edit this placeholder text.
A significant portion of counties have a majority of their population living more than 15 minutes from the closest pharmacies
One emerging way to provide these alternative service options are with mobile health units. Many of Oregon’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) already operate mobile medical and dental units. This community-based model has proven effective in removing common barriers that Oregonians face when accessing healthcare by bringing services to patients where they live and work.
House Behavioral Health Committee
As a committee Chair, I have the opportunity to introduce three additional committee bills.I know there’s a lot to be said and done about Oregon’s behavioral health landscape. It’s imperative that we meet the moment and work to ensure that all Oregonians can access the care they need at all stages.
I am taking a narrow and focused approach to our committee bills - perfect for the spirit of a short session. We will have intentional conversations about workforce safety to make sure that there are ample protections for workers and address increased incidents of violence. In partnership with the Oregon Health Authority, we are making a small change but will have a profound impact on maintaining continuity of services for youth who are becoming adults in the Transition Residential Treatment Home program. And finally, we are making significant updates to the language in our statute to reflect current and best practices so that providers have the clarity that they need to provide care.
Economic Development & Improving Affordability
I know that families and businesses are feeling the strain of tightening budgets and the uncertainty of the market ahead. That is why I will be focusing on policies that can help strengthen Oregon’s economy and create competitive, family-wage jobs. I have signed on in support of a number of bills that range from a bill that levels the playing field between institutional investors and first-time home buyers (Buyers Before Billionaires Act), to requiring energy utilities to inform consumers about the costs of costs of storing waste that results from new energy production (Energy Cost Transparency Act).
One of the major economic development packages that the Legislature will consider is the Oregon Jobs Act which looks to incentivize job creation and advanced manufacturing, unlocking build-ready industrial land, and more. We know that our advanced manufacturing industry right here in the Silicon Forest is the economic engine for the state. Biotechnology, semiconductors, food manufacturing, and high-wage jobs are only made possible with bold, collaborative, and strategic action.
Making Government Work
As a legislator, I strongly believe that we can always improve government even with the limited resources that we have. For that reason, I will be supporting bills that work more efficiently to deliver services and goods for Oregonians like streamlining processes for homebuilders and developers so that we can get more affordable mixed-income housing on the market, modernizing our background check system so that caregivers don’t have to wait months to get to work and ultimately reduce costs to the state, and urging Congress to act to permanently extend federal tax cuts for wildfire victims.
Preserving Core Programs
With the passage of H.R.1 and the significant impacts it will have on our neighbors who rely on SNAP and Medicaid benefits, it’s more important now than ever to meaningfully preserve key programs. I believe that intentional and targeted early investments can truly change the health, well-being, and trajectory of a life and ultimately result in savings. I will be a strong supporter of preserving Oregon’s access to reproductive healthcare, funding for schools so that they can provide free or reduced school lunches for all kids, and funding for immigration legal services and financial support for families who have been impacted by federal immigration enforcement.
Federal Response Package
Like many of you, I have been watching the news with horror as federal ICE agents have continued to terrorize and violently traumatize all of our communities. What we have witnessed is a pattern of aggression and a dangerous erosion of constitutional rights and civil liberties.
I am struggling to find the words to describe the loss of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were truly American heroes and were truly the best of us. Renee Good was a 37-year old wife, mother and award-winning poet. Alex Pretti was a veteran’s ICU nurse with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. They should not have lost their lives for exercising their first amendment rights.
A mural depicting Alex Pretti and Renee Good
As bad as it may seem now, I do trust that and hope that justice will prevail and the tide will shift. But my colleagues and I are not going to stand idly by, we are eager and ready to fight for legislation that restores justice, peace, and democracy. Some of the highlights include:
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No Secret Police which bans the use of masks by law enforcement officers and would require law enforcement officers to wear uniforms with badge numbers.
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Safeguarding Students and Families Bill which will help provide security to our school communities and requires Oregon's public schools, and universities to notify families, students, and staff when the presence of immigration agents is verified on school grounds or campuses.
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Anti-Discrimination Protections for Oregon’s Immigrant Workforce which allows workers to update their work authorization documents without fear, keeping irrelevant information about immigration out of civil court, and enhancing Oregon’s law against profiling
Together, these changes will strengthen legal protections so every Oregonian can work, access the legal system, and participate in their communities without fear. We must work to ensure the lasting safety and dignity of all who call Oregon home.
And lastly, Governor Kotek just signed an executive order to direct state agencies to coordinate their response to increased federal immigration enforcement and protect immigrants' access to services. Governor Kotek has established the Interagency Council for Immigrant and Refugee Coordination so that Oregon can respond to disruptions that do not align with state law and that families can continue to access basic services. I look forward to coordinating efforts with the new council to protect Oregon families and give them the reassurance that they need to feel safe.
Out & About In the District
Morrison Child & Family Services
Rep. Pham and members from Morrison Child & Family Services
Morrison Child & Family Services are a prime example of how we can support our children, friends, and neighbors when they need it most.
Randall Children’s Hospital Tour
Photo of Rep. Pham with associates of Randall's Children's Hospital
I was delighted to have had the chance to visit Randall Children’s Hospital. As many of you know, I am a pediatric dentist in my day job. I’m often more recognized as Dr. Pham than Rep. Pham, so I very much appreciated the visit (especially because Randall's is where my dentistry career began).
Photo of Rep. Pham with Nurses at Randall's Children's Hospital
The work being done by these wonderful practitioners is truly incredible and inspiring. I look forward to additional opportunities to help support their efforts in the legislature.
Washington County Chamber of Commerce
This week, I had a productive roundtable discussion with members of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber serves as a voice for Washington County’s thriving business community, which is considered the economic engine of Oregon. They represent more than 800 small and large employers and nonprofits operating in Washington County, ranging from local restaurants and auto repair shops to high-tech manufacturers representing over 75,000 jobs.
Photo of roundtable meeting with Rep. Pham and members of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce
I had the opportunity to hear from large corporations like Nike and Genentech, as well as small and local businesses like Sweet T Bakery and 3 Goats Vineyard. I appreciated the chance to take the time and hear some concerns and ideas they had for the county and state’s business landscape.
Group photo with Rep. Pham and members of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Local Updates, News, Things to Know
Free, on-demand SPOT bus service kicks off for South Cooper Mountain/River Terrace area
Great news! For those living in the South Cooper Mountain and River Terrace area, there will be a new pilot project called SPOT Southwest that allows riders to plan and schedule trips - for free!
Image depicting the SPOT transportation van
I have heard from many constituents in the area that it’s hard for adults and families to get to jobs, doctor’s appointments, or for students to go home after school programs. There are not that many transit stops in the area leaving riders to make tough choices between walking miles to the next bus stop or having to call and pay for an Uber or Lyft. This is a great way to make sure we can expand affordable and accessible transportation in the region.
The service will benefit the neighborhoods of South Cooper Mountain, Progress Ridge, Murrayhill and River Terrace. Through the app, riders mark on a map where and when they want to be picked up and dropped off. Then, the app will state when the rider should arrive at the pickup point, and off the bus and the rider will head toward a destination. It operates from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
When do we spring forward in 2026? Daylight saving time starts soon
Daylight saving time will begin at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026. Funnily enough, this is also the date marked for Sine Die (the end of the 2026 legislative session). That means we’ll have one hour less to wrap up business for this year’s session, hopefully we won’t need it!
Oregon ABLE Age Adjustment Takes Effect
The Oregon ABLE Savings Plan is a program that is designed to help individuals with disabilities to save for eligible expenses while maintaining eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
As of Jan 1, 2026, the program has officially expanded eligibility and opened the door for thousands more Oregonians with disabilities to save and invest without risking critical benefits! Individuals whose disability or blindness began before age 46- up from the previous age limit of 26 -may now be eligible to open an ABLE account. This change, authorized by federal law, reflects growing recognition that disability can occur at any stage of life and that access to financial tools should not be limited by age of onset.
These programs are approaching nearly 10,000 active accounts with more than $130 million saved for people with disabilities and their families. Oregonians who believe they may now qualify under the expanded age limit are encouraged to visit oregonABLEsavings.com.
House Honorary Page Program - Now Open!
The Oregon House is now accepting applications for the 2026 House Honorary Page Program. This is a great opportunity for students to spend a day at the Capitol, see how the Legislature works up close and learn more about the state government.
Photo of Chief Clerk's Office leading Pages students
The program is open to students ages 13 to 17 and runs Monday through Thursday between Feb 9th and Feb 26th. Pages participate for one day, from 9 am to 3 pm. Transportation and lunch are not provided.
Students who are interested can apply here. If you have any questions about the program, you can contact Civics Education at civics.education@oregonlegislature.go or the Chief Clerk’s Office at 503-986-1870.
Please Stay Connected!
While session is one of the busiest times of year for legislators, we will all be in the same place. This is a great time to visit your Capitol, see what’s going on in Salem, and get involved in the political process.
If you do stop by, you’ll probably see me running up and down the stairs, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays because all three of my committees are scheduled on the same day and they’re all down in the basement (the newly opened concourse level). I would definitely recommend taking a look at the new hearing rooms we have down there, the cafeteria, and the welcome center, on the main floor.
I’m looking forward to the work ahead and hope that you’ll continue staying engaged. As always, I’m honored to serve as your State Representative and am always available as a resource to you.
Please reach out and connect at any time. You can connect with my legislative work by following me on Facebook, Instagram, or email my office at Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov.
Thanks for reading,
 Representative Hai Pham
State Representative, House District 36
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1436
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-282, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.HaiPham@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/phamh
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