February 20th, 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We have officially passed the half-way mark for the 2026 session. Floor sessions remain dynamic as we work to move bills to the Senate and prepare to consider bills coming to the House.
Legislative Priorities
High Interest Consumer Loans / Predatory Lending
Read the Press Release.
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 off the House floor and is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor & Business on February 23rd and scheduled for a work session on February 25th.
Insurance Company Accountability
Watch my remarks from the floor
HB4098: creates consequences for insurance company misconduct by holding them accountable under Unlawful Trade Practices Act (UTPA). I am disappointed that the bill did not pass since every Republican and seven Democrats voted no, refusing to stand up to insurance companies that routinely break the law.
Prioritizing Homebuyers over Corporations
HB 4128: prohibits private equity funds from purchasing single-family homes for 90 days after they go on sale. This will give working families the opportunity to purchase these homes without being outbid by these large real estate investors. It passed off the floor of the House and will move to the Senate.
Community Meetings
Due to my unavailability because of extended floor sessions this week, my staff met with community groups that came to the Capitol.
Childcare For Oregon
Cassidy met with a wonderful group of providers, mothers, and advocates who emphasized the importance of supporting our childcare system in the face of serious budget challenges. Childcare is one of the most significant financial burdens for working families and is particularly straining on single mothers who often must choose between services for their child or continuing their education/career paths.
Make Polluters Pay
Our office also met with a passionate group of young constituents who shared personal stories about how climate change is affecting them and their families. Together, we discussed solutions aimed at shifting the costs of wildfires, floods, and extreme heat away from Oregonians and toward those responsible for driving pollution.
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 3 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.
Passed in the House, moving to the Senate
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.
Passed in the House, moving to the Senate
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.
Passed in the House, moving to the Senate
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.
In Ways & Means
HB4138: Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act (LEAVA)
Requires law enforcement agencies to enact policies concerning identifying information on law enforcement uniforms.
Scheduled for a vote on the House floor: 2/23
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.
Passed in the House, moving to Senate
Senate Bills
SB1570: Sensitive Location Protections
Requires the Oregon Health Authority to study protections in health care facilities.
Awaiting a vote on the Senate floor
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.
Scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor: 2/23
SB1587: Public Lands Promise
Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands.
In the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.
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.
Scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor: 2/24
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
This week, we’re excited to feature CopperHead Coffee, a local favorite with a touching legacy. Founded in 2005 by their grandmother, the shop is now run by a third generation of female owners and baristas.
From authentic espresso to refreshing sparklers, we encourage you to drive through and sip local!
Visit CopperHead Coffee at: 3385 NE 15th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Open Monday - Saturday: 5:30am-4pm, Sunday: 8am-2pm
Order Online at: copperhead-coffee.com
Celebrating Lunar New Year
Happy Lunar New Year! 2026 brings the year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing independence, drive and forward movement. This week, we enjoyed a musical performance from Beaverton's Sen Viet performing the traditional Vietnamese music “Ly Ngua O” by Dan Ca Viet Nam. I was proud to recognize one of my constituents, Kevin Dahl, who played the dan bau during the performance.
Notable Press Clippings
Consumer Protection
Oregon House Advances Bill Targeting High-Interest Online Lending Practices
Here’s how to protect your personal data in Oregon - oregonlive.com
Labor & Workforce Development
ODOT lays off 483 workers in budget crisis; services hit | Oregon / Northwest | centraloregondaily.com
Economic Development
Oregon DOJ notches win in Trump tariff case; it may be short-lived - oregonlive.com
Oregon lawmakers consider nuclear power study as energy shortages loom
Education
Bill that would require schools to alert communities of immigration activity passes Oregon House - oregonlive.com
OR students, advocates press lawmakers for more school funding despite falling enrollment
Other
Oregon lawmakers propose changes to public meetings law - oregonlive.com
ICE activity guts Portland-area Latino businesses: 'A nightmare for us'
First Annual Winter Market - Saturdays, February 7th-March 21st
Lunar New Year Celebration - February 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 and Due by February 27th at 5pm: 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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