February 13th, 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We wrapped up another whirlwind week here in the Capitol. I enjoyed meeting with so many constituents. I am also excited to share updates on some of the bills we are considering.
 Hillsboro Brookwood Library: Image Courtesy of Celestial Archer on YouTube
Tomorrow, Oregon will celebrate its 167th birthday. It became the 33rd state in the union when President James Buchanan signed the act on Feb. 14, 1859. Coinciding with Valentine's Day, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how much we love the state we call home.
Legislative Priorities
Passed out of the House
Speculative Ticketing
Watch my Floor Remarks
HB4024: cracks down on deceptive and fraudulent sales tactics in regard to event tickets by requiring the sellers to actually possess the tickets before listing them for sale. It passed off the House Floor and is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor & Business on February 16th.
Press Release, Read more
HB4022: establishes the Oregon Imagination library program to provide a free book each month to eligible children, encouraging children to develop a love of reading.
HB4029: strengthens protections for residential solar customers by requiring clear disclosures before a system is sold or leased, defining what must be included in installation contracts, requiring proper licensing for installers, and prohibiting misleading statements. Violators can be held accountable under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
Headed to the House Floor
High Interest Consumer Loans/ Predatory Lending
HB4116: puts a stop to predatory lending by out-of-state, online lenders. These companies are using a loophole in federal law to bypass our state’s interest-rate cap of 36%. They are lending to consumers at interest rates of 73% - 200%. My bill would remove the federal loophole and protect consumers. It passed out of committee this week and will soon be debated on the floor of the House.
Read more
Committees
House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
We passed the following bills out of committee:
Car Seat Safety
HB4092: prohibits the sale of car seats that do not meet federal or state safety standards.
Insurance Company Accountability
HB4098: if an insurance company engages in unfair settlement practices when handling a claim, a consumer can hold them accountable under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act (UTPA).
House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business and Trade
We held multiple work sessions including:
HB4061: directs the Oregon Business Development Department to work with multiple stakeholders to develop a unified trade strategy to promote our state’s economic relationships abroad.
HB4084: creates a fast-track permitting process for major projects, expands economic “enterprise zones,” and invests $40 million in industrial land site readiness to promote manufacturing.
HB4086: directs the Oregon Business Development Department to develop a roadmap for the purpose of promoting industrial symbiosis activities in Oregon.
HB4139: allocates more resources to law enforcement to help stop illegal marijuana grow operations.
Community Meetings
Immigrant Day of Justice
Thank you to everyone who attended the Immigrant Day of Justice at the Capitol. The overwhelming turnout was a testament to how important it is for us to stand up to federal actions and protect the people in our community.
Urban League of Portland
I had a great conversation with members of the Urban League of Portland. We discussed the challenges faced by so many community members and the need for the legislature to preserve the progress we have made on affordable housing, healthcare, and education.
Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal Degeneration
I had a heartfelt meeting with members of the Alzheimer's Association and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Alzheimer's and FTD are serious forms of dementia with no cure. I am deeply grateful to them for sharing their personal stories and perspectives.
Pacific NW Bleeding Disorders
I was deeply moved by the meeting I had with members of the Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders. They described the struggles faced by families who live with these disorders and the need for the legislature to sustain its support for programs that assist them with life-saving medication.
Bill Tracking
Visit the Oregon Legislative Info System (OLIS) to search and track legislation through the session on topics like:
Don't forget to "e-subscribe" to committee updates and bills of interest.
Federal Response
The Oregon legislature has prioritized the following bills in response to chaos and harm brought about by federal actions. Below, you can learn about each bill. I encourage you to register for testimony to share your perspective (which you can do via the links to each bill below). Testimony must be received within 48 hours after the start time of the committee meeting.
See week 2 updates in red
House Bills
HB 4079: Safeguarding Students and Families
Directs schools to adopt policies that address how the institution will respond when a federal immigration authority enters property.
Moving to House Floor: TBD
HB4111: Anti-Discrimination Protections for Immigrant Workers
Provides that evidence of a party's or a witness's immigration status is not admissible as evidence in a civil proceeding.
Scheduled for work session: 2/16
HB4114: Protect Your Door Act
Strengthens one's Fourth Amendment protections. If anyone enters one's home illegally, you can sue them personally for damages.
Moving to House Floor: TBD
HB4117: Universal Representation & Children's Stability Fund
Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for purposes of deposit in the Universal Representation Fund.
Work session scheduled: 2/16
HB4138: Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act (LEAVA)
Requires law enforcement agencies to enact policies concerning identifying information on law enforcement uniforms.
Work session scheduled: 2/16
HB4143: Reciprocal Enforcement of Claims on Unpaid or Reduced State Entitlements) Act (RECOURSE)
Authorizes the Governor to direct state agencies to withhold moneys owed to the federal government if federal funds are being withheld from the state in contravention of a valid court order.
Moving to House Floor: TBD
Senate Bills
SB1570: Sensitive Location Protections
Requires the Oregon Health Authority to study protections in health care facilities.
Work session scheduled: 2/16
SB1581: School Meals for All
Requires school districts to offer lunch and breakfast to students at no charge, regardless of income.
In Ways & Means
SB1587: Data and Consumer Privacy Protections
Prohibits data brokers from providing data to others for purposes related to enforcement of civil law, except pursuant to a court order.
Work session scheduled: 2/16
SB1587: Public Lands Promise
Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands.
Third reading on Senate Floor: 2/17
SB1594: Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement Fix
Directs the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement to develop and maintain model policies, standards and procedures related to the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Work session scheduled: 2/16
Immigration Resources
We continue to face unprecedented attacks on our vulnerable communities. Below, you'll find resources and recommendations for legal aide, and how to report injustice.
It is critical for Oregonians to receive the support they need during this time. For a list of resources, see below:
Understanding Your Rights
Legal Representation/Resources
Reporting Injustice
Reporting ICE Activity in Hillsboro
As a sanctuary city, the Hillsboro Police Department does NOT coordinate with ICE or enforce immigration law. HPD is committed to serving and protecting everyone.
Small Business Spotlight
We’re excited to bring back our Small Business Spotlight at a time when supporting local businesses matters more than ever. We encourage you to eat, shop, and play local and to continue uplifting our Latino small business community.
This week, we’re proud to feature Amelia’s Rustic Mexican Restaurant.
Rooted in Mexican heritage and family traditions, Amelia’s serves the Hillsboro community with authentic flavors and warm hospitality. With fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations, every dish reflects quality, culture, and community.
Visit Amelias Rustic Mexican Restaurant at 2130 NE Griffin Oaks St, Hillsboro, OR 97124 open Mon-Thu: 11am - 8pm, Fri/Sat: 11am - 9pm
We also encourage you to visit their Downtown Hillsboro location, Amelia's Exquisite Mexican Dining, located at 105 NE 4th Ave. Hillsboro, OR 97124 open Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Oregon House committee passes bill designed to curb high-interest lending - oregonlive.com
Oregon House approves bill targeting speculative ticket resales, boosting safeguards
Oregon targets ticket fraud with new consumer protection bill | Regional | kdrv.com
Salem Lawmakers Fast-Track Renewable Energy in Push to Ease Utility Costs for Southern Oregon Families
Oregon lawmakers seek to shine a light on balcony solar, but safety issues linger
Labor & Workforce Development
Proposal to criminalize ‘wage theft’ alarms Oregon farmers
New bill aims to protect Oregon's child labor laws amid federal changes
OHSU Will Negotiate With Feds Over Turning Primate Center Into Sanctuary
Economic Development
Oregon Democrats advance tax bill they say would cut taxes for 200,000 households
Oregon Democrats advance tax bill they say would cut taxes for 200,000 households
With Blazers' future at stake, Oregon lawmakers consider Moda Center overhaul bill
Education
Bills protecting immigrant students, families at Oregon public schools move forward at the capitol
A sweeping plan to reshape how Oregon schools are funded runs into a buzzsaw of opposition in Salem
Under financial strain, Oregon colleges push back on talk of campus mergers
Other
Oregon bills would bar ICE agents from wearing masks, require identification
Hillsboro's 2026 State of the City
Join Mayor Beach Pace and the Hillsboro City Council for the 2026 State of the City event. This is an annual update to the community on the work the work City has done to serve you, and the work we have ahead.
The theme is “Unity in Community”. More than ever, our unity is our strength.
Details:
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 5 pm: Reception, 6 pm: Event Begins
Location: Hillsboro Civic Center's Shirley Huffman Auditorium 150 E Main Street, Hillsboro
Other Events
First Annual Winter Market - Saturdays, February 7th-March 21st
More Activities, Cultural Events, and Performances
Información y solicitud en español
Hillsboro City Council approved the creation of the Small Business Stabilization Program in response to community feedback about the harmful impacts of federal immigration enforcement on local businesses in Hillsboro.
The program will help stabilize and retain small businesses in the community, especially those seeing a reduction in customer base resulting from ICE activity or experiencing economic instability.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. A total of $200,000 is available.
Eligible industries include restaurants, mobile food services, food markets, bakeries, grocery stores, and retail stores.
Applications Are Open: Small Business Stabilization Program | Programa de Estabilización para Pequeños Negocios
House Honorary Page Program
The 2026 House Honorary Page Program application is now open for scheduling! The program is a unique opportunity for young minds to engage directly with the legislative process and gain invaluable experience at the Oregon State Capitol.
The program is a one-day program, from 9:00am – 3:00pm. Transportation and lunch is not provided. The program is open to students aged 13-17 and runs Monday – Thursday from February 9 – February 26.
Interested students may fill out an application here: https://forms.office.com/g/H6zVQBHS50
Preparing for Winter Weather
Stay safe this winter by dressing in warm layers, preparing your car and home for power outages, and staying informed about local weather conditions. Avoid overexertion when spending time outside, and watch for signs of frostbite or hyperthermia, such as numbness or shivering. Check on friends, family, neighbors and pets. Get more safety tips at Ready.gov.
Visit Cold Weather Washington County to help you prepare for dealing with winter storms, preparing for power outages, and finding energy bill assistance and tips for heating your home efficiently. Find additional weather-related resources below:
Weatherization
Ensure your home is staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Weatherizing your home involves finding areas where warm or cool air may be lost, like windows, doors, and vents, and improving them. The following organizations provide free or low-cost weatherization assistance to low-income households.
- Community Action
- The Low-Income Weatherization Program provides weatherization and energy conservation services at no cost to households at or below 200% of federal poverty income level.
- Through Energy Trust landlords can receive up to $250,000 per year in cash incentives for increasing energy efficiency and weatherization at multifamily properties they manage.
Fire Safety
With below freezing overnight temperatures and recent home fires related to heating, the Oregon State Fire Marshal would like to remind Oregonians about the importance of fire safety. Since January 1, the agency has investigated 10 home fires across the state from various causes.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers these tips:
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Keep things that burn, like paper, curtains, bedding, or furniture, at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves.
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Always plug space and portable heaters directly into a wall outlet and never into an extension cord or power strip.
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Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
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Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
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Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
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Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
For more home heating safety tips, visit the OSFM’s website.
Salvation Army Washington County Hope Center
Pathway of Hope Program, Mobile Outreach Program, and Food Pantry
503-640-4311
Food Access
Find free groceries, meals, or fresh produce near you.
English: needfood.oregon.gov
Spanish: alimentos.oregon.gov
Small Business Resources
The Economic Development Resource Webpage provides Washington County small businesses with access to a variety of resources through the new small business resource directory and includes various opportunities ranging from workforce development to government contracting.
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Small Business Resource Directory: Resources range from technical assistance services, help with access to business capital, networking opportunities and legal services. They include the local area and culturally specific chambers of commerce, community-based organizations and trade associations.
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Workforce Development Resources: Resources for job seekers, employers and community partners navigating their workforce development needs.
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City Resources and Government Contracting: Resources for those who are interested in or currently contracting with local, regional, or federal government agencies.
Utility Bill Assistance
The City of Hillsboro is committed to helping customers in need. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, visit the City’s Utility Assistance webpage or call 503-681-6163 to see if you qualify for a flexible payment plan or bill relief option.
Visit our Utility Rate Adjustments webpage to learn more about when & how the rates on your City of Hillsboro Utility Bill are reviewed and adjusted to support the costs of providing quality utility services throughout the community.
You can also visit our Community Resources webpage to find information on reduced garbage rates, energy & rent assistance, food pantries, weatherization programs, and more.
Don't forget to contact my office with any questions or feedback. Your best way to connect with us is via email: Rep.NathanSosa@oregonlegislature.gov or visit our office (H-280) Monday-Thursday between 9:30am-3pm.
I look forward to hearing from you!
I'm on Instagram! Follow me: @Rep.NathanSosa
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-280, Salem, Oregon 97301
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