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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends and Neighbors,
I want to wish you all a wonderful Presidents' Day weekend. Most of you know Saturday is Valentine's Day, but it is also Oregon's birthday! Whether you're celebrating love, Oregon's statehood, traveling somewhere for the three-day weekend, or all of the above, I hope it's a time of enjoyment!
As we wrap up the second week of short session, there is a lot of legislation to unpack. The days have been long, but I am here to represent your voices and help you feel connected with all that is happening at the Capitol. Please read on to learn about some of the bills that are moving forward, see the groups that have visited my office, and learn about some of the wonderful things happening in our local community,
Let Your Voice be Heard
Register to testify!
- If there is a bill you are particularly passionate about, you can register to testify either in support or opposition to the bill.
- Advance registration is required! Registration closes 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled to begin.
- To register, go to olis.oregonlegislature.gov, 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 a 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.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Special Joint Committee Pushes Through Bill to Change Date of Transportation Tax Referendum Vote
 After Oregonians rallied together and referred the proposed transportation tax package to the ballot, Governor Kotek asked the Legislature to repeal the package in its entirety. When a 90-year-old judicial opinion was unearthed that expressly stated this violated voters’ rights, the majority party began scrambling to avoid placing a controversial ballot measure on the general election ballot in November. They proposed to move the vote up to the May primary election, where voter turnout is historically lower.
A special joint committee was assembled to bypass the lengthy process of having committee hearings in both chambers. This results in a rushed and less transparent process.
Most people who testified in opposition were demanding accountability from their government — requesting the Legislature honor the petitions they signed, which were certified by the Secretary of State, that expressly stated a vote would be held in November 2026.
On Thursday night, Senate Bill 1599 was pushed through the committee and will head to the Floor for a full vote of the Senate.
One Step Closer to Expand Access to IVF Treatment in Oregon
I'm happy to share that my bill to help those in need of fertility treatments is one step closer to becoming a reality. On Tuesday, the House Committee on Healthcare held a public hearing and voted to send the bill onto the next step in the process: the budget committee.
Current Oregon law does not require insurance agencies, private or public, to cover IVF (in vetro fertilization) treatment. House Bill 4155 would require employee and individual health plans to reimburse the cost of fertility-related treatments for individuals diagnosed with infertility or individuals who have a high risk of experiencing fertility issues due to an unrelated medical condition or treatment. The bill would also prohibit insurance entities from placing exclusions, limitations, or restrictions on coverage of fertility treatment when the treatment is deemed necessary by a medical provider.
Infertility often takes those who experience it on a long and excruciating path that can consume those forced to walk it, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Knowing that treatment is available, yet financially out of reach, is a devastating end of the road for many people, but it shouldn’t have to be. Money should not be the barrier between Oregonians and the family that they dream of.
I’m encouraged to see bipartisan support behind this bill and hopeful that Oregon can help lead the way in expanding access to vital healthcare for women across the country.
Bill to Prevent Swatting Makes a Welcome Comeback
The prevalence of social media has created a gray area in legislation — technology is rapidly expanding, and lawmakers have struggled to keep up. In fact, some of the most challenging things to legislate are social media trends. Trends come and go on a whim; they are often over just as fast as they started. Most trends are harmless, but others can have detrimental consequences.
One such trend is swatting, or the act of knowingly initiating a false alarm or report to a law enforcement agency, fire department, or emergency services.
Swatting was popularized on social media after users started to falsely report a serious crime at an influencer’s residence while they were livestreaming with the intent to invoke a SWAT response. At no point was this a harmless prank. Recipients of swatting attempts have been traumatized, severely injured, and even killed during an incident that can be confusing and disorienting for both victims and responders.
My colleague, Representative Darcey Edwards, introduced a bill to address swatting during the 2025 Legislative Session. Due to technical issues, that bill stalled. However, the policy idea was alive and well and is now making an exciting comeback.
House Bill 4151 would expand the current Oregon law that categorizes an intentional false report as a Class A Misdemeanor. The new law would add the possibility of a Class C Felony if the knowing and intentional false report resulted in an Enhanced Law Enforcement Response, which is defined as involving the dispatch of two or more officers or units and one or more of the following: the dispatch of specialized or tactical teams; establishment of a perimeter, evacuation of bystanders, or restriction of public access; use/deployment of specialized equipment (armored vehicles, breaching tools, aircraft); or an initiation of emergency procedures (shelter-in-place directive or activation of rapid response protocols).
This bill also has bipartisan support, so I am optimistic that we will get it passed this session.
What is HB 4153 and Why Do Farmers Want it?
As someone who grew up on a farm, I am deeply appreciative of all of Oregon's farms and farming families. Unfortunately, our current land-use laws are stuck in the 1970s. And due to overregulation by state agencies it’s legally difficult for a farmer with a farm stand permit to do anything other than sell crops and livestock.
House Bill 4153 updates the existing law to make it easier for farmers to operate farm stands. The bill provides clarity to producers on how to meet growing consumer demand for high-quality agricultural products and experiences while staying true to the goals of Oregon’s unique land use system. By providing a more efficient pathway for Oregon’s agricultural producers to more effectively vertically-integrate their operations, the pragmatic bill strongly aligns with state economic prosperity goals.
A public hearing was held on Monday. Many of those who testified in opposition appeared to be confusing this bill with a different, contentious measure that Republicans defeated last session. There has been significant confusion surrounding HB 4153, so let’s clear it up.
First and foremost: HB 4153 does not “shut down” roadside farm stands, berry stands, or U-Pick operations. Selling what you grow on Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) land is already protected as “farm use” under ORS 215.203. That includes roadside sales of produce, eggs, or flowers you grow, U-Pick operations, and wholesale or bulk sales of crops or livestock raised on your property. No permit is required for those activities under current law — and HB 4153 does not change that.
A permit may be required under existing law if an operation functions more like a retail store or event venue — for example, re-selling products you didn’t grow, selling processed goods, or hosting paid events. HB 4153 does not eliminate those pathways or cancel existing permits. In fact, any current farm stand approvals remain fully protected.
The bill primarily renames “farm stands” as “farm stores” to create clearer distinctions and prevent counties from overreaching when farmers are simply selling what they grow. It also creates an optional pathway for farms that want to expand beyond current restrictions. Importantly, the bill would not take effect until January 2, 2027, giving property owners time to comply under existing law if needed. HB 4153 applies only to EFU and mixed farm/forest zones — not rural residential or city properties. Finally, while Oregon’s Cottage Foods law relaxed food safety licensing, it did not change land-use requirements. Home-based food businesses on EFU land may still require a home occupation permit. HB 4153 does not alter that framework.
In short, HB 4153 protects traditional farm activities, preserves existing permits, and provides clarity, while maintaining Oregon’s long-standing requirement that EFU land remain focused on commercial agriculture.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
 On Monday, I met with the Oregon Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP delivers prevention programs, educates the public, and raises funds for suicide research and programs. They also reach out to those who have lost someone to suicide. We discussed AI bots and the role they are playing in the lives of our teens and youth. Our conversation centered around the need for the human element in suicide prevention.
As you know, suicide prevention is something I hold at a high priority. Last year, I championed HB 3643 which created an annual Youth Suicide Awareness Day in Oregon on October 9th. Sadly, suicide is still greatly misunderstood and tragically far too common. But I believe that because of groups like AFSP and others, we can change those realities and offer a brighter future to all.
University of Oregon Lobby Class
 House Democrat Leader Ben Bowman and I had the pleasure of speaking to the University of Oregon's lobby class. UO offers courses in political science, public policy, and related fields that cover lobbying, advocacy, and civic engagement, primarily within the Department of Political Science and the School of Law. Students interested in lobbying careers can take specialized courses in public policy and political action. The class we spoke with was taught by a former State Representative, Charlie Conrad. We discussed the process of the building and how to effectively lobby a legislator.
Oregon Association of Counties
 On Wednesday, I met with the Association of Oregon Counties, a statewide organization that unites our 36 counties through a variety of services. The AOC works to ensure that county government serves Oregonians well.
Credit Union Advocacy Day
 February 11th was Credit Union Advocacy Day. Credit union leaders, staff, and advocates came together to meet with state legislators, discuss key industry issues, and highlight the community impact of financial cooperatives. Unlike traditional banks, credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives. That structure means decisions are made locally, profits are returned to members in the form of better rates and lower fees, and the focus remains on serving families, small businesses, and local communities rather than outside shareholders. Their community-first model plays an important role in expanding access to affordable financial services across Oregon.
Honorary Page for the Day
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Romeo Ramelli, a student and choir member at Delphian School, served as the House Honorary Page for the day on Thursday. The Oregon House of Representatives offers a one-day Honorary Page Program for students aged 13-17 during the legislative session, providing a hands-on experience at the Capitol. Pages assist with Chamber duties, observe floor sessions, and learn about the legislative process.
The program is full for this session but keep an eye out for opportunities in 2027!
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Amity Girls Soccer Team
 On Thursday, the Capitol was honored to host the Amity Girls Soccer Team, winners of the State Championship Title. The Warriors went undefeated in 2025 and won their first ever State Championship in November. Amity is the first public school to win the title in their classification in the last decade. Congratulations to all of these dedicated young ladies and to their coaches as well!
Oregon Dairy Farmers Association
 On Thursday, I met with members of the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association. ODFA is a nonprofit, producer-led trade association that represents nearly 150 licensed dairy farms across Oregon. We discussed industry struggles, water issues, and saving funding for the FFA.
Oregon Recovers Advocacy Day
 Oregon Recovers strives to end Oregon’s addiction crisis by increasing access to effective care. For far too long, Oregon has ranked near the bottom of states in providing access to treatment and recovery support services. I am grateful or Oregon Recovers putting together this advocacy day so I could hear directly from Oregonians who have struggled with addiction and are willing to share their journey through recovery to help achieve better access to resources and treatment for others currently struggling.
COMMUNITY KUDOS
Oregon's Birthday
 On Saturday morning, there will be a celebration of Oregon's statehood, including events, exhibits, and performances.
Events and exhibits, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
· Oregon’s Original Constitution on display in the Galleria
· Educational activities from event partners in Galleria
· Enter to win prize baskets at Visitor Services booth near Hearing Room C
· Meet the Secretary of State, Tobias Read, in the Galleria until noon—if you purchase an Oregon Blue Book from the store, he will sign it for you!
· Explore the House and Senate Chambers
· Visit the Capitol’s Welcome Center
All performances take place in the Rotunda
10 a.m. Old Time Fiddler’s Performance
11 a.m. Free cupcakes served in Galleria
Noon Old Time Fiddler’s Performance
1 p.m. Independence Wagon Wheelers Square Dance Performance
Provoking Hope
Provoking Hope is an addiction and recovery non-profit organization serving the greater Willamette Valley. On Saturday evening, Provoking Hope hosted its 15th Annual Dessert Dash and Auction, a special evening dedicated to nurturing hope and fostering recovery. This year the theme was “Mercy is Sweet,” celebrating the grace that carries people through their hardest moments.
It was an evening of music, inspirational stories, and a parade of handmade posters sharing the impact of Hope. It is an honor to support such an incredible organization.
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 Local leaders came together to support the amazing work of Provoking Hope.
From left to right: Nikki Elliot, Sheriff Sam Elliott, Mr. Reynolds, Bob Reynolds, Provoking Hope's Executive Director Diane Reynolds, Mike Morris, McMinnville's Mayor Kim Morris, Yamhill County Commissioner Kit Johnston, Caralee Johnston
Love Inc.
 On Thursday evening, Love in the Name of Christ (Love Inc.) held a fundraiser in McMinnville. Love Inc. is a nationally-proven model that networks local churches, volunteers, and community service organizations so that all can better serve people in need. Different from a crisis center, Love Inc. focuses on long-term transformation. Love Inc. has been successfully operating in other parts of Oregon for decades and it is wonderful to see that this organization is growing a chapter for Greater McMinnville and the West Valley.
Yours truly,
 Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-395, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/elmer
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