Dear Neighbors and Community Members,
This has been a big week in the Oregon State Legislature—we’ve spent long days and evenings on the House Floor for debates and votes. Important policies to protect our communities from federal attacks, strengthen our schools, and uphold the rights of tenants and consumers have cleared a major hurdle. Now, these House bills are onto the Senate for consideration.
In between floor sessions, it has been great to catch up with community members from Western Washington County on the issues that matter most to them. If you’d like to share your perspective on a bill or issue, please feel free to reach out to rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you.
There’s a lot to share as we head into the final stretch of the 2026 Short Session.
In this newsletter, you will find:
- My speech on the House Floor on school safety in the face of federal overreach
- Legislative wins for Oregonians this week
- A recap of the groups and community members who stopped by the office
- News on court rulings about tariffs and the right to protest
- Upcoming community events and opportunities
The Back Row Crew of the Oregon House of Representatives: Rep. Travis Nelson, Rep. Ricki Ruiz, Rep. Nathan Sosa, and me!
 
Immigration Justice & Federal Response
Bills PASS in the House of Representatives
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️CO-SPONSORED AND VOTED YES:
Safeguarding Students and Families (HB 4079)
I was proud to speak in support of HB 4079 on the House Floor. Click the video below to watch my speech on how schools should be places of learning, not fear. ⬇️
Oregonians have made it clear: they need students to feel safe at school and families to feel confident sending their children to class. Families in Western Washington County have kept their children home out of fear of sudden and aggressive federal immigration activity tied to the federal administration’s enforcement agenda. This new law would establish clear communication practices to help ensure schools and families have the information they need so students can safely return to the classroom.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️CO-SPONSORED AND VOTED YES:
Protecting State Authority & Emergency Readiness (HB 4091)
After President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops into Portland last fall, our state has faced heightened concerns about the use of federal military forces in our communities. The bill establishes clear limits on when the Oregon National Guard may be mobilized under federal authority without the consent of the Governor and prohibits state participation in deployments for law enforcement or immigration enforcement purposes. It also ensures that Guard units cannot be mobilized in ways that leave Oregon unable to respond to natural disasters, wildfires, earthquakes or other statewide emergencies.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️CO-SPONSORED AND VOTED YES:
Protect Your Door Act (HB 4114)
HB 4114 establishes clear rules, transparency, and accountability for federal and out-of-state law enforcement operations conducted in Oregon. It creates a civil cause of action allowing Oregonians to seek damages when federal or out-of-state agents violate these requirements or unlawfully enter private property. Prevailing plaintiffs may recover damages, attorney fees, and additional penalties in cases involving excessive force, nighttime entries, or targeting of vulnerable individuals.
The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement from coordinating with federal agencies that fail to follow these rules or that target sensitive locations – such as schools, places of worship, or health care facilities – without proper authorization.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️VOTED YES:
RECOURSE Act (HB 4143)
The RECOURSE Act is designed to protect Oregon communities from the federal government illegally withholding funds owed to the state. Since the start of 2025, the federal government has tried to withhold over $4.6 billion from Oregon communities. In the majority of cases, federal courts have ruled that the federal government acted illegally and have ordered them to release the funds to the State.
To date, the federal administration has complied with such court orders. Should that stop being the case in the future and the federal administration does not follow a court order to release funds to the state, this bill empowers state leaders to hold back certain payments to the federal government.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️CO-SPONSORED AND VOTED YES:
Strengthening Patient and Provider Privacy Act (HB 4088)
HB 4088 protects our ability and privacy to make informed decisions about our own bodies, health, and futures. This bill allows providers to safely provide legal health care without fear of retaliation or punishment.
The bill builds on data privacy protections enacted during the 2025 legislative session, closing gaps that could allow sensitive health information to be weaponized or shared across state lines. Together, these policies ensure that Oregonians and those seeking lawful care in Oregon from out of state can make deeply personal health decisions without fear of surveillance, retaliation, or interference from out-of-state actors.
My Legislative Assistant, Avery, and I on the House floor.
Senate Democrats PASS a Tax Cut to Improve Affordability for Oregon Families
✅PASSED IN SENATE
Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit & Closing Loopholes for the Wealthy & Big Corporations (SB 1507)
Senate Bill 1507 cuts taxes for low- to moderate-income families and encourages job creation by Oregon businesses in Oregon. This week, the Oregon Senate voted to put more money into working Oregonians’ pockets through the largest increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit in Oregon history, spur job growth in Oregon businesses with a jobs-based tax credit, and protect $311 million in needed funding for essential state services.
Specific provisions in the legislation include:
- A new $25 million Jobs Tax Credit for Oregon businesses that have a net increase in good-paying jobs in Oregon
- Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, a tax cut for more than 500,000 Oregonians, half of whom are children
- Preservation of $311 million for health care, education, and public safety
The proposal also reaffirms that neither tips nor overtime pay will be taxed. I look forward to the opportunity to vote on this bill when it comes over to the House.
Education, Housing, & Consumer Bills PASS in the House of Representatives
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️CO-SPONSORED AND VOTED YES:
Shielding Tenants' Sensitive Information (HB 4123)
HB 4123 establishes new safeguards around the disclosure of tenants’ confidential information and creates clear standards for how and when that information can be shared. The bill limits the circumstances under which landlords may disclose sensitive personal information belonging to tenants, former tenants, applicants, or members of their households. The bill also provides statutory damages for individuals affected by knowing violations, helping ensure accountability and reinforcing the importance of privacy in the rental process.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️CO-SPONSORED AND VOTED YES:
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism (HB 4154)
I have worked for several years on improving attendance rates in our schools. I am proud to honor the legacy of Rep. Hòa Nguyễn, who championed solutions to chronic absenteeism and advocated fiercely for our families and students. This bill moves her work forward.
HB 4154 increases transparency and public access to student attendance data across Oregon schools in an attempt to better understand and respond to chronic absenteeism. The Oregon Department of Education will use existing attendance methodologies to calculate and report the number and percentage of students who are regular attenders and who are chronically absent. They will then publish that data four times per year in an easy-to-use public format.
In my classrooms, I saw that when students show up, they succeed. Regular attendance is the foundation for learning, and we can’t improve outcomes if students aren’t in school. Addressing chronic absenteeism is essential to ensuring all students have the support they need. This bill is a practical step toward helping students build strong habits and stay on track.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️VOTED YES:
Streamlining Buildable Housing Land (HB 4035)
The measure modifies eligibility criteria, acreage limits, and procedural requirements for cities seeking to add land to their urban growth boundaries (UGBs) under the one-time process in Senate Bill 1537 (2024). The measure broadens the eligibility criteria for demonstrating housing need by removing the requirement that households be severely cost-or rent-burdened to being cost- or rent-burdened.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️VOTED YES:
Leveling the Playing Field for Homebuyers (HB 4128)
This proposal protects everyday homebuyers and ensures that single-family homes are first available to Oregonians, not multinational corporate investors. Over the past decade, housing costs have risen far faster than wages, making it increasingly difficult for working families to afford homeownership. Meanwhile, private equity and institutional investors have rapidly expanded their footprint in the housing market, purchasing a growing share of homes and driving up both rents and home prices. HB 4128 establishes a 90-day waiting period before large institutional real estate investors can purchase single-family homes in Oregon, helping level the playing field for families seeking to buy a home and strengthening housing stability across the state.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️VOTED YES:
Protections for Oregonians Facing Financial Hardship (HB 4116)
HB 4116 is a consumer protection measure designed to close a loophole that allows out-of-state or online lenders to evade Oregon’s interest rate limits and consumer protections, helping to ensure that all lenders operating in Oregon play by the same rules.
For nearly 20 years, Oregon’s law has said the most a lender can charge a consumer on a small personal loan is 36% interest. Of all the state-regulated finance lenders who operate in Oregon, 98% of them comply with this law. Yet, there are 5 lenders who do not—they are lending to Oregonians at rates of 73% to over 200% interest. The bill reinforces Oregon’s long-standing commitment to strong consumer protections and ensures that financial companies cannot sidestep state safeguards through federal loopholes or jurisdictional ambiguity.
✅PASSED IN HOUSE
❤️VOTED YES:
Improving Car Seat Safety & Protecting Children (HB 4092)
This bill is aimed at strengthening consumer protections by creating a legal pathway for families who purchase car seats that do not meet national safety standards and holds online retailers and marketplaces accountable. Car seats are designed to protect children and are life-saving when they meet rigorous federal safety standards. However, products that have not been tested or certified to U.S. standards remain available in Oregon's marketplace.
Families who inadvertently purchase non-compliant car seats often learn too late that the product cannot legally or safely be used and must purchase a second, compliant seat - doubling their financial burden. For working families already managing tight budgets, this creates unnecessary hardship as an average car seat can cost $250 and can be as high as $1,000. HB 4092 seeks to close this loophole and creates a pathway for families to seek justice when they have been harmed.
Addressing our Transportation Funding Gap
Oregon continues to face a statewide transportation funding gap. Without sufficient resources, our communities will experience delays and disruptions to the services we count on. Here is a snapshot of the critical safety, maintenance, and emergency response services our transportation workers provide:
Here is a look at where our funding tools stand:
 Informational Materials Courtesy of the Oregon Department of Transportation
As costs rise and revenue hasn't kept up, our transportation system needs solutions to protect essential operations. The Oregon Department of Transpiration has already taken $450 million in budget reductions. There are difficult decisions ahead. Without additional funding, conditions and safety on our roads and bridges will continue to decline. We must right-size our budget in the short-term and find sustainable, long-term funding tools to ensure our communities can move around the state.
Supreme Court Strikes Down President Trump’s Unconstitutional Tariffs
This morning, the United States Supreme Court ruled that Trump does not have the power to impose his sweeping and illegal tariffs on nearly every every U.S trading partner. Oregon was a part of the coalition of states that filed the initial suit.
This is a huge win for Oregonians in combatting the ever increasing cost-of-living, as these tariffs have acted as a tax on everyday Americans. Oregonians should not be forced to bear the burden of Trump's overstep, and I am grateful for the diligent efforts of Attorney General Rayfield and the other states who joined the fight.
Judge Extends Order Restricting Use of Tear Gas
On Tuesday, a federal judge extended an order restricting how and when officers at the Portland ICE facility can use tear gas and other crowd control munitions. Judge Michael Simon extended the temporary restraining order restricting how and when officers at the Portland ICE facility can use tear gas and other crowd control munitions to March 3rd. The initial suit was filed by ACLU on behalf of journalists and protesters. The judge first granted the TRO on Feb. 3.
How the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Will Make Oregonians Safer
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has shared an informative video on the need for safety improvements to the bridge across the Columbia River. Check it out below ⬇️
Connecting with Community Members
Though I spent much of this week on the House Floor, I'm sincerely grateful to every constituent and community member who visited their Capitol this week. It is a great privilege to connect and receive your important feedback. Thank you for all you do on behalf of your neighbors and community!
Oregon Education Association
OEA educators were able to catch up with staff while I was on the floor, so I thought I'd share these photos when we chatted last session. I'm forever grateful for the advocacy they do on behalf of schools across the state.
OSPRIG Students
OSPRIG students stopped by the office to show support for 1.25% for Wildlife, HB 4134. I am proud to be a Chief Sponsor of this bill! It was fantastic to see their passion for safeguarding our natural resources in Oregon.
Oregon Music Education Association
We were also able to catch up with representatives from the Oregon Music Education Association and chat about funding for arts education throughout the state. Thanks for stopping by!
Meet our intern, Anastasiia!
Anastasiia is a senior at Willamette University studying international studies and economics. She is passionate about international institutions and governments. Learning about Oregon State Legislature has been an exciting journey for her filled with valuable experience. She is also a former student body president and an international student from Ukraine.
Peace Walk Ends in Washington D.C.
Buddhist monks have completed a peace walk across the United States. The participants walked for 108 days and completed over 2,300 miles on their journey. In D.C., they gathered with faith leaders, elected officials, and community members to highlight the importance of compassion across differences. I am amazed and inspired by their commitment to the critical message of peace and understanding.
 
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Telephone Town Hall with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Oregon Attorney General Rayfield
Representative Bonamici and AG Rayfiled will hold a telephone town hall meeting on Thursday, October 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Join for an update about the work in Washington and for an opportunity to ask questions.
Please sign up here to get a phone call on Thursday.
An audio livestream of the call will also be available here.
Hillsboro - Lunar New Year Celebration
Join the library as we welcome the new year with plenty of good fortune. This year, we'll be celebrating the Year of the Horse.
The celebration will kick off with a vibrant lion dance performance by the White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance at noon. Enjoy family-friendly crafts, such as a horse New Year card, paper collage lantern, and buttons of your zodiac animal. Stay a while to try out the activities or learn about the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy, demonstrated by Dr. Jiyu Yang, a classically-trained scholar. Dr. Yang will be giving away short phrases and paintings as requested while supplies last.
WHEN: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 12:00PM – 2:00PM
WHERE: Hillsboro Public Library, Brookwood
Forest Grove - Free ESL Class (Beginning level)
Goodwill Industries is offering free English classes at the Forest Grove Library. Fridays from 2:00-3:30pm in the Rogers Room. Registration is not required. Students at the beginning level are welcome!
Goodwill ofrece clases de inglés gratis a la biblioteca de Forest Grove. Todos los viernes, 2:00-3:30pm en la sala Rogers. No es necesario registrarse. Estudiantes de nivel principiante son bienvenidos! https://or-forestgrove.civicplus.com/calendar.aspx?EID=2500
WHEN: Friday, February 20, 2026 2:00 PM thru 03:30 PM
WHERE: 2114 Pacific Avenue, Forest grove, OR, 97116
INFO: https://dafg.downtownforestgrove.com/connections/67656-forest-grove-city-library/events/2026/2/20/416660/free-esl-class-beginning-level-clase-de-ingles-gratis-nivel-principiante-42/
Cornelius - Citizenship Class
Want to prepare for the citizenship test? Come practice with a tutor, one-on-one or in small groups. Drop in any Wednesday from 6-8pm Jan 7 to Mar 18, 2026.
¿Quieres prepararte para el examen de ciudadanía? Ven a practicar con un tutor, de forma individualizada o en pequeños grupos. No necesitas registrarte; acompáñanos los miércoles de 6 a 8pm, del 7 de enero al 18 de marzo de 2026.
WHERE: Cornelius Public Library 1370 N Adair St Cornelius, OR 97113
My office has compiled a list of resources for our community. You can click on the images below to open a document with the relevant links. If you know of a resource that should be included here, or you need a resource and are having trouble finding the information you need, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at rep.susanmclain@oregonlegislature.gov.
EDUCATION RESOURCES
Click here, or on the image to the right for a list of Education-related resources. This includes links to the Forest Grove and Hillsboro School Districts, the Oregon and US Departments of Education, information on how to pay for college, student lunch programs, and much more!
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WILDFIRE-RELATED RESOURCES
Click here, or on the image to the right for important resources related to wildfire prevention and recovery. This list includes links to current fire restrictions and recreation site status maps, the Oregon Department of Forestry's fire prevention tip page, and important resources for wildfire victims.
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RESOURCES FOR OUR VETERANS
Click here, or on the image to the right for a list of important resources for Veterans, including links and phone numbers to the various divisions of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, local Washington County assistance, supportive and community-based groups like the American Legion, and mental health resources.
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STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Click here, or on the image to the right for links to important local and state government pages, including the Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and Cornelius city government pages. You can also access the Oregon Legislature's page, and other important state agency sites, like the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Unemployment Department, and the Oregon Health Authority.
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My colleagues, Representative Grayber and Representative Valderrama, on the floor this week.
Yours truly,
 Representative Susan McLain
House District 29
email: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1429
address: 900 Court St NE, H-493, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mclain
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