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To contact me, please click here: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
We are now well underway in the 2026 short legislative session, and the pace in Salem has been steady as committees hear bills, amendments are drafted, and measures move to the House floor for votes.
Even in a short session, the decisions we make have meaningful impacts on eastern Oregon and rural communities across our state. I remain focused on protecting our natural resource industries, supporting agriculture, ensuring responsible water policy, and advocating for investments that strengthen our local economies.
I also want to thank everyone who has taken the time to contact my office. Your input is invaluable and helps guide my decisions as I work on your behalf.
Below is an update on key legislation, district priorities, and my recent floor votes and a short weekly video to update you with what is happening.
Moments with Mark - February 12, 2026
SB 1599 A – Proposal to Change Referendum Election Date
Senate Bill 1599 would move the transportation tax referendum from the November 2026 general election to the May 2026 primary election. This proposal follows the referral of the transportation tax package to the ballot after more than 250,000 Oregonians signed petitions requesting a public vote on the November 2026 ballot.
To consider the bill, a special joint committee was formed, allowing the proposal to move through the legislative process on an accelerated timeline. Two public hearings were held this week, and more than 4,600 Oregonians submitted written testimony. According to committee records, the vast majority of testimony expressed opposition and urged the Legislature to maintain the originally scheduled November election date.
SB 1599 passed out of committee Thursday evening and will now be considered by the full Senate this coming week.
🔗 View SB 1599 Bill Overview
🔗 Watch the Committee Work Session
HB 4153 – Farm Stand and Farm Store Clarification
House Bill 4153 updates portions of Oregon’s land use framework related to farm stands on Exclusive Farm Use land. The bill is intended to clarify how agricultural producers can sell products directly to consumers while maintaining Oregon’s long-standing protections for agricultural land.
Importantly, HB 4153 does not prohibit traditional farm stands, roadside stands, U-Pick operations, or the sale of products grown on the farm. These activities are already protected under Oregon law and would remain unchanged.
The bill clarifies definitions, protects existing permits, and provides an optional pathway for farms that wish to expand certain retail activities while maintaining EFU land protections. The bill would not take effect until January 2027, providing time for farmers and counties to understand the updated framework.
Additional background materials note that selling products grown on the farm, including roadside stands and U-Pick operations, remains protected as farm use, and existing permitted farm stands would not lose their approvals under the bill.
🔗 View HB 4153 Bill Overview
🔗 View HB 4153 -3 Amendment
🔗 Read: Clearing Up Confusion on Farm Stands and Farm Stores
HB 4105 – Predictable Harvest Levels in State Forests
HB 4105 addresses the need for greater predictability in timber harvest levels on state forest lands, which provide critical revenue for counties that rely on these funds to support schools, public safety, and infrastructure.
Last year, some conservation organizations remained neutral on similar discussions, but several have expressed opposition this session and this is disappointing. I have been working with the Department of Justice to clarify potential fiscal impacts and implementation details.
The public hearing provided valuable historical context on the creation of the Council of Forest Trust Land Counties and why predictable harvest levels are essential for the 15 counties that depend on these revenues. The work session is planned for Monday, February 16 at 1pm in House Committee On Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.
🔗 View HB 4105 Bill Overview
🔗 Watch the Public Hearing
HB 4049 – Harney Basin Voluntary Agreement
HB 4049 addresses voluntary agreements related to groundwater management in the Harney Basin, which remains critical to protecting agricultural viability and long-term water sustainability.
I continue working with the Governor’s Office and Oregon Water Resources Department to ensure solutions reflect the needs of producers and local communities.
🔗 View HB 4049 Bill Overview
HB 4002 – Improving Legislative Efficiency and Transparency
HB 4002 would reduce the number of bills that can be introduced during long legislative sessions. This proposal comes in response to concerns from constituents and legislators alike about the sheer volume of legislation.
During the 2025 session, over 5,400 bills and resolutions were drafted, with more than 3,400 introduced and only about 20% ultimately passing. This volume makes it difficult for legislators and the public to fully evaluate every proposal.
I testified in support of this bill because restoring public confidence in the legislative process requires improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
🔗Public Hearing Video
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Upcoming Budget Discussions: Protecting Rural Programs
Budget rebalancing discussions will begin next week, including funding for programs that are vital to rural Oregon, such as:
- Future Farmers of America (FFA)
- Outdoor School
- Oregon State University Extension Program
These programs provide educational opportunities and support the next generation of leaders in agriculture and natural resources.
One of my most important responsibilities is voting on legislation that comes before the House floor. I believe transparency and accountability are essential, and I want you to know exactly how I am representing House District 60.
Session Vote Summary as of 2/13:
🟢 Supported: 13 | 🔴 Opposed: 2 | 🟡 Excused (House Business): 2
Vote Key:
🟢 Aye — Supported the bill
🔴 Nay — Opposed the bill
🟡 Excused (House Business) — Officially excused while conducting legislative duties, often meetings with other legislators.
February 10, 2026
🔗 HB 4005 A |🟢 Aye– Designates Water Professionals Appreciation Week each October
🔗 HB 4012 A |🟢 Aye – Requires state agencies to assess use of unlicensed labor contractors in construction
🔗 HB 4013 | 🔴 Nay– Clarifies federal rules governing minor work hour regulations
🔗 HB 4022 A |🟢 Aye – Establishes the Oregon Imagination Library Program for children
🔗 HB 4024 |🟢 Aye – Regulates ticket resales to ensure seller possession or authorization
🔗 HB 4025 |🔴 Nay – Allows certain utility rate increases during winter months
🔗 HB 4034 A |🟢 Aye – Revises definition of animal rescue entity
🔗 HB 4068 |🟢 Aye – Expands youth residential treatment home eligibility age range
🔗 HB 4097 |🟢 Aye – Authorizes Oregon Ocean Science Trust to create nonprofit organization
🔗 HB 4102 |🟢 Aye– Allows DEQ to enter agreements to improve regulatory efficiency
February 11, 2026
🔗 HB 4083 A |🟡 Excused (House Business) – Requires centralized credentialing system for behavioral health providers
🔗 HB 4066 A |🟡 Excused (House Business)– Limits student board member participation in certain OHSU labor matters
February 12, 2026
🔗 HB 4029 A |🟢 Aye – Requires proper licensing for solar energy system installers
🔗 HB 4031 A |🟢 Aye – Exempts certain renewable energy facilities from site certification requirements
🔗 HB 4099 |🟢 Aye– Establishes Task Force on Responding to Veterans in Crisis
🔗 HB 4152 A |🟢 Aye – Allows deployed service members to be married remotely
🔗 HJM 201 |🟢 Aye – Urges Congress to extend tax relief for wildfire victims
It was great to welcome farmers and students from across eastern Oregon to the Capitol this week in recognition of Dairy Day.
I want to thank the dairy farmers who made the trip to Salem to share their work and highlight the importance of Oregon’s dairy industry. Agriculture remains the backbone of our rural communities, and it is always valuable to connect directly with the producers who help feed our state and nation.
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I also want to recognize the outstanding FFA students who stopped by the office and brought locally produced treats, including cheese, jerky from Hines Beef, and milk. Their hard work, leadership, and commitment to agriculture represent the future of rural Oregon.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit and share the story of agriculture in our district.
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This week, I had the privilege of recognizing Oregon wheat growers with a floor courtesy in the House Chamber. Wheat producers are a cornerstone of Eastern Oregon’s economy and a vital part of our state’s agricultural legacy.
Oregon’s wheat industry has a proud history dating back nearly a century, and the work of these farmers continues to feed communities here at home and around the world. I remain committed to supporting policies that protect and strengthen Oregon agriculture and the rural way of life.
With Oregon’s short legislative session underway, I invite you to join me for a virtual town hall with Senator Mike McLane and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson.
This online conversation will focus on what we expect during the short session, key budget and policy issues, and how legislative decisions may impact our districts. Hearing directly from constituents is critical, and your input helps guide my work in Salem.
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Tuesday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom (registration required)
I hope you’ll join us for this important discussion.
Your input is important to me, and I encourage you to reach out if you have questions, concerns, or feedback.
Representative Mark Owens
Oregon State Capitol
900 Court St. NE, H-374
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-986-1460
Email: Rep.MarkOwens@oregonlegislature.gov
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