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Friends,
The 2026 legislative session is officially underway, and the pace in Salem has picked up quickly. As the work begins, my focus remains on showing up, listening carefully, and staying engaged on the issues that matter most to our communities in House District 31.
This session is already bringing important conversations and decisions, and I’m committed to approaching them with care, accountability, and a focus on practical outcomes. Whether the topic is public safety, housing, technology, or energy, my goal is to ensure local perspectives are heard and that policy decisions reflect the real needs of the people I represent.
Below is an overview of the committees I’m serving on this session and the legislation I’ve introduced or co-sponsored so far. I look forward to continuing this work and keeping you informed as the session moves forward.
Please reach out any time if 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.
As always, thank you for staying engaged and for sharing your perspectives with me.
Yours truly,
Representative Darcey Edwards
House District 31
Committee Assignments
This session, I’m honored to serve in the following roles:
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Vice Chair, House Committee on Behavioral Health
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Member, Joint Committee on Information & Technology
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Member, House Committee on Climate, Energy, & Environment
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Member, House Committee on Housing & Homelessness
These assignments allow me to focus on issues that directly affect public safety, housing stability, technology oversight, and Oregon’s long-term energy and environmental future.
Legislation I’ve Introduced
I’ve introduced and co-chief sponsored several bills this session aimed at improving safety, accountability, and long-term planning:
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HB 4120 – A public safety and health bill to help reduce smoking in multi-unit housing. This bill lowers the risk of structure fires and reduces secondhand smoke exposure for children and non-smokers.
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HB 4151 – Holds individuals accountable for abusing 911 services to harass others and helps protect schools and children from being targeted by false emergency reports.
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SB 1573 – Prohibits mobile or temporary syringe service programs from operating within 2,000 feet of schools or licensed child care facilities. (Co-chief sponsored with Sen. Christine Drazan)
Come and join us in celebration of Oregon’s Statehood. Oregon became a state on February 14, 1859! This event is free and open to the public. Capitol doors will open at 10 a.m. Please be aware there is security screening to enter the building.
10-11 a.m. Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, Rotunda
11 a.m. Birthday cupcakes in the Galleria, while supplies last
Noon -1 p.m. Oregon Old Time Fiddlers, Rotunda
1 to 1:45 p.m. Wagon Wheelers Square Dancers, Rotunda
Events and exhibits all day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
· Oregon’s original constitution on display in the Galleria
· Living history – historic costumed interpreters in Galleria
· Many activity stations for families
· Enter to win a prize basket
Last week, I spoke in support of SB 1573, which sets clear boundaries to keep syringe service programs away from schools and licensed child care facilities. This bill is about putting children first. Click here or on the image below to watch my testimony and hear why this matters.
Written testimony is currently being accepted on SB 1599, a bill that would move the transportation tax referendum to the May ballot.
I strongly oppose SB 1599 and support keeping the transportation tax referendum on the November ballot, where voters can weigh in as intended. Members of the public who share this view are encouraged to submit written testimony.
Only written testimony may be submitted until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Additional information is available here: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1599
Oregon “Kicker” Tax Credit — Quick Overview
Oregon’s budget surplus for the 2023–2025 biennium has triggered the “kicker” tax credit for the 2025 tax year.
The kicker is not a check. It will be applied as a credit on 2025 Oregon personal income tax returns, which are filed in 2026. The credit may increase a refund or reduce the amount of taxes owed.
Who qualifies: Taxpayers must file both a 2024 and 2025 Oregon personal income tax return. Anyone who has not yet filed a 2024 return should do so to remain eligible.
How much: The kicker equals 9.863% of a taxpayer’s 2024 Oregon income tax liability (before most credits).
Taxpayers can estimate their credit using the “What’s My Kicker?” calculator on Revenue Online.
Oregon Kids Credit — Update and Information
The Oregon Department of Revenue identified an issue in early Tax Year 2025 forms and instructions related to the Oregon Kids Credit. A limited number of returns will be adjusted automatically. Taxpayers who have already filed do not need to take any action.
Fewer than 500 returns were affected out of an estimated 2.2 million returns this tax year. The Department has updated its forms, instructions, and filing systems, including Direct File Oregon.
More information is available on the Department of Revenue’s FAQ page.
For Tax Year 2025, Oregon continues to offer the Oregon Kids Credit, a refundable credit for families with young dependent children. Eligible taxpayers may receive up to $1,050 per qualifying child, subject to income limits. Additional refundable credits may be available to low- and moderate-income households.
Full eligibility details and information about related tax credits are available here.
Energy Trust of Oregon serves residential, multifamily, commercial, public sector, industrial, and agricultural customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, and Avista. These customers have access to cash incentives and technical support for the adoption of energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy systems.
With winter in full swing here in Oregon, there's a fantastic opportunity right now to save both money and energy while keeping your home cozy and comfortable. As temperatures drop, your heating costs can climb—but simple upgrades like adding insulation, sealing drafts, or switching to an efficient heat pump can make a big difference in reducing those bills and cutting energy use.
Energy saving incentives for your home: Residential: Cash Incentives + DIY Resources - Energy Trust of Oregon
Energy saving incentives for your business: Commercial: Existing Buildings: Equipment Incentives - Energy Trust of Oregon
Toll free number: 1.866.368.7878
Email: info@energytrust.org
The Oregon State Board of Education is reviewing proposed rule changes related to student performance measures and support services for English learners and their families. Community members are invited to review the proposals and share feedback.
Public comment period:
January 28, 2026 – March 19, 2026 by 9:00 AM
Public Hearing (Virtual):
February 17, 2026
3:00–3:30 PM
Join online: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618307027
To view all upcoming proposed Oregon Department of Education Rulemaking:
Oregon Department of Education : State Board of Education Oregon Administrative Rules : State Rules and Statutes : State of Oregon
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/2026R1, 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 cannot 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.
Capitol Phone
503-986-1431
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Send me an Email! | Visit my Webpage!
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