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To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Session is running full-speed ahead as we inch forward to the halfway mark next week. Our first chamber “post work session” deadline passed on Monday and this week closed out our second week of the 2026 Short Session. On February 9th, bills in their first chamber of origin must have a work session posted in order to move forward. From there, those bills listed for a work session must be moved out of committee by the close of business on Monday, February 16th…. or they die. There are a few exceptions for bills assigned to the Rules, Revenue, and Ways and Means, which are not subject to the chamber deadlines.
There are a number of hot-button proposals circulating that I am watching closely with great concern. It is extremely disheartening to learn that SB 1599, involving the transportation tax referendum, was passed out of the Joint Special Committee On Referendum Petition 2026-302 on a party-line vote, late last night. This action shows complete disregard for the will of Oregon voters. I hope and pray that Oregonians are watching the Super Majority’s overreach carefully and that you will continue to raise your voices when it comes to additional legislation on the table involving: ODOT’s budget shortfall, proposals for the state to keep some of your kicker, and to disconnect from the federal tax code.
The pace remains a steady sprint as we enter our third week of session. Arriving at the Capitol before sunrise this week provided me this beautiful and calm moment before heading to my first of a flurry of meetings for the day.
Thank you for following along and for sharing your thoughts, concerns, and hopes for our state. Your voice matters in the legislative process. Meeting with your legislators, testifying before a committee, or emailing your representatives makes a difference.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have questions on a bill or need help navigating the legislative process. We are here to listen, welcome your input, and appreciate your engagement!
Sincerely,
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Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
In this Issue:
View previous newsletters here.
With the short session’s quick deadlines, committees are moving bills to the floor rapidly. On Tuesday, we began voting our first bills off the floor. You can click on the following links to view the House Floor agendas to see what measures moved, listen to the floor debates and remonstrances that took place in the House chamber this week:
I am pleased to report that HB 4099, my Veterans Crisis Team/Crisis Card bill, passed the House Floor yesterday and is headed to the Senate for further consideration. You can watch a replay of my floor speech and passage of the bill here.
The House Committee On Emergency Management and Veterans worked diligently to move through the 10 measures assigned in advance of Monday’s work session deadline. I am a proud sponsor of HB 4099, HB 4132, and HCR 201. All of these bills moved out of committee on Thursday. Some were amended and several moved to Ways & Means. HB 4099 went to the floor and passed unanimously. HB 4152 was also passed on the floor. HCR 201 passed out of committee to the floor to be adopted, and HB 4091 moved to the House Rules Committee Our committee work is done pending whatever comes from the Senate.
HB 4032 Fuel Diversification
HB 4033 Oregon Volunteers in Disaster (ORVID) Database
HB 4044 Office of Resilience and Emergency Management/Department of Emergency
Management (OREM/OEM)
HB 4091 Oregon National Guard Mobilization Authority
HB 4099 Veterans Crisis Team/Veterans Crisis Cards Task Force
(Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 4100 Bulk Fuel Terminals Financial Responsibility
HB 4121 Statewide Preparedness Authority for Response Training and
Intergovernmental Continuity of Imperative Services (SPARTICIS)
HB 4132 Veterans Omnibus Bill (Lewis Regular Sponsor)
HB 4152 Marriage of Deployed Persons
HCR 201 75th anniversary of the Oregon Fire District Directors Association
(Lewis Regular Sponsor)
Watch a replay of the committee meetings and access meeting materials here.
I am a chief sponsor of HB 4101, HB 4151, and HB 4045 that came before the House Committee On Judiciary. These are three of the following 19 House measures under consideration for this committee. Our committee work will conclude on these bills Monday. As we move into the second half of the session, we will begin receiving Senate bills to work on.
HB 4001 DOJ Study Immigration Enforcement
HB 4041 Public Safety Omnibus Bill
HB 4043 Bonds to Finance Renovation or Expansion of Courthouses
HB 4045 Expedited Warrants “Kristil’s Law” (Lewis Regular Sponsor)
HB 4071 Recreation Operator Waiver
HB 4072 Arraignment Time Periods
HB 4088 SHIELD Reproductive Health Care and Gender-Affirming Treatment
HB 4096 Aggravated Felon in Possession of a Firearm
HB 4101 Attempt to Elude (Rep. Lewis Chief Sponsor)
This concept has been wrapped into HB 4041, the Public Safety Omnibus Bill
HB 4106 Civil Commitment Transportation
HB 4111 Immigration Status Civil Proceedings
HB 4114 Civil Actions in Federal Law Enforcement
HB 4117 Universal Representation Fund
HB 4137 Vehicle Transfer Violations
HB 4138 Law Enforcement Identification on Uniforms
HB 4140 Scrap Metal Sellers
HB 4145 Firearm Permit Provisions - Measure 114 (2022)
HB 4151 Swatting (Lewis Regular Sponsor)
HB 4157 Human Trafficking Hearsay
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Silverton Police Chief, Todd Engstrom, for his compelling testimony before this committee on HB 4151 and for sharing Silverton PD’s real world experience responding to a “swatting” incident in April 2025. That firsthand perspective underscores why stronger accountability and clearer tools are needed to protect both first responders and the public. HB 4151 increases the penalties for the crime of initiating a false report when the report causes an enhanced law enforcement response that results in physical injury or death. I am pleased to support this measure that continues our work from the 2025 session to address the growing and dangerous problem of swatting. These false emergency calls put lives at risk and divert critical law enforcement resources.
Watch a replay of the committee meetings and access meeting materials here.
The Joint Subcommittee On Public Safety remains busy. Our focus is making sure Oregonians are safe and ensuring that we have a public safety system that works. We expect to meet 6-8 times this session. We will go through work sessions, primarily on reports that are coming through from the 2025 session, and at least one federal grant application - if not more. We also expect to hold several informational hearings. Toward that latter end of session, we may have some potential policy measures to come through. All requests must advance through this subcommittee as it does not have the power to table or hold any items before it. The public safety omnibus bill, currently in the House Judiciary Committee, will move through this subcommittee to the Full Ways and Means.
On Tuesday the Oregon Youth Authority, Professional Standards Office provided a report on the backlog of cases of abuse, neglect, and inappropriate behavior by OYA employees. The committee held a work session acknowledging receipt of the agency’s report for the record.
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We also held an informational meeting with the Oregon Youth Authority on Medicaid Positions and their Project Management Office relating to multiple high-priority I.T. projects.
On Thursday, we heard an update from OSP on Record of Arrest and Prosecution Background Program Implementation, a fire funding overview from the Department of the State Fire Marshal and an overview of the state’s emergency management process from a variety of state and local public safety entities.
Watch a replay of the committee meetings and access meeting materials here.
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) took action to address vehicle and Pedestrian Deviations at Aurora State Airport and issued the following press release.
SALEM, OR - The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has published a safety training and is calling on all users and visitors of Aurora State Airport (UAO) to play an active role in maintaining a safe operating environment.
The Aurora State Airport User and Visitor Safety Training provides essential guidance on runway incursions and vehicle/pedestrian deviations, clearly outlines individual responsibilities, explains the airport’s layout, and highlights other critical safety information. Most importantly, the training helps users identify restricted areas, including the Movement and Safety Areas, and understand how to avoid them.
Since the Air Traffic Control Tower opened in 2015, UAO has experienced a high number of Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations (V/PDs). A V/PD occurs when a person or vehicle enters the Movement or Safety Area without authorization from Air Traffic Control. In recent years, UAO has recorded the highest number of V/PDs in the Northwest Mountain Region. Ensuring a safe operating environment for aircraft, airport users, and the surrounding community is ODAV’s highest priority. To address this, the Department is taking decisive action by expanding safety training, enhancing signage, implementing physical improvements to deter unauthorized access, and establishing enforceable rules with penalties for violations.
Effective February 5, 2026, ODAV has adopted Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 738-050-0005, Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations and Civil Penalties, and amended OAR 738-140-0020, Violations for Which a Civil Penalty May Be Imposed. These rules establish enforceable standards and civil penalties for unauthorized entry into movement and safety areas, reinforcing the importance of compliance and accountability in maintaining a safe operating environment at Aurora State Airport.
All airport users and visitors are expected to follow these key safety practices:
- Identifying and remaining outside of controlled movement and safety areas
- Do not share airport access information and always maintain control of guests
- Stop and wait for gates to fully close to prevent piggybacking
- Use the most direct vehicle gate and route to reach your destination
- Drive with heightened situational awareness at all times and always give way to aircraft
ODAV also recognizes and appreciates the significant efforts made by airport users operating on private property with Through-the-Fence access. Willamette Aviation and the Southend Corporate Airpark have implemented substantial improvements, including enhanced secondary access controls and signage, to help prevent unauthorized access to the Movement and Safety Areas. These operators, along with others at UAO, have also supported outreach efforts to raise awareness and strengthen the airport’s safety culture.
Continued collaboration is essential. All operators and users must remain vigilant, clearly identify restricted areas, and take proactive steps to prevent runway incursions and vehicle/pedestrian deviations.
ODAV thanks all users and visitors of Aurora State Airport for helping keep the airport and community safe.
About the Oregon Department of Aviation
Established in 1921, the Oregon Department of Aviation was the first state aviation department in the nation. ODAV enables and advocates for a safe and efficient aviation system that connects communities and drives economic growth.
In recent days, there have been growing conversations and concerns surrounding the sale of the property containing Abiqua Falls, a treasured natural landmark located right here in House District 18. Abiqua Falls is not only a breathtaking part of Oregon’s landscape, but also a place that holds deep recreational and cultural value for many in our communities.
I want to acknowledge the concerns being raised by residents. My office is monitoring developments related to this situation and I appreciate Senator Girod’s efforts in this regard. At this time, details circulating publicly are limited and, in some cases, speculative. Any potential change in ownership or access raises important questions about public use, safety, stewardship, and long-term preservation of Oregon’s treasured landmarks.
Ensuring transparency and protecting the interests of local residents and visitors who care deeply about Abiqua Falls is important to me. I am interested in hearing from state agencies, local stakeholders, and community members to better understand what is being proposed and what implications it could have for public access and conservation.
Community input matters. I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to stay engaged as this conversation continues and to share your thoughts with me on this issue.
ICYMI Media Coverage:
OregonLive: One of Oregon’s most iconic waterfalls is up for sale, putting public access at risk Statesman Journal: Iconic Abiqua Falls in Oregon is up for sale. What to know KATU: Abiqua Falls, one of Oregon’s most beloved waterfalls, is for sale The Oregon Life: Can You Actually Sell An Iconic Waterfall? Oregon Is About to Find Out
The Silverton community recently recognized one of its most dedicated volunteers, honoring Josh Keck as the Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year.
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This well-deserved recognition highlights Josh’s ongoing commitment to serving others and strengthening our community. Through his time, leadership, and willingness to step up wherever help is needed, Josh has made a meaningful impact on local events, organizations, and the people he serves.
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Congratulations to Josh on his outstanding achievement and thank you for your continued dedication to making Silverton a stronger, more connected community.
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This Saturday, February 14, we celebrate two special occasions. It’s Oregon’s birthday, marking 167 years since our great state joined the Union. It’s also Valentine’s Day, a time to reflect on what we love most. Oregon’s strength has always come from its people: hardworking families, strong communities, small businesses, farmers, veterans, and neighbors who look out for one another. From our scenic landscapes to our shared values of independence, resilience, and service, Oregon truly is a place worth celebrating. On this Valentine’s Day, I want to thank you for the pride you take in our communities and for the love you show through civic engagement, volunteerism, and commitment to making Oregon a better place for future generations.
Happy Birthday, Oregon - and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your loved ones.
Join us Saturday at the Oregon State Capitol for Oregon's 167th Anniversary of Statehood event!
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
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
Monday is President’s Day. On that day, we take time to reflect on the leadership and principles that have shaped our nation since its founding. From the courage required to form a new republic to the responsibility of preserving it through changing times, the presidency represents both the strength of our democratic system and the accountability that comes with public service. This holiday is an opportunity to honor those who have served, to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy, and to remember that our government works best when it remains grounded in the Constitution and accountable to the people.
I wish you and your family a meaningful President’s Day as we reflect on our shared history and the enduring values that unite us as Americans.
More on President’s Day here.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1418
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-385, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lewis
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