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To contact me, please click here: Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are officially more than halfway through the 2026 Short Session. As we await bills passing from one chamber to the other, committee activity slowed late this week, while action increased on the House and Senate floors as lawmakers debated and moved bills to their second chambers.
On Wednesday, SB 1599, the transportation tax referendum bill scheduled for a Senate third reading, brought chamber proceedings to a halt when Senate minority members initiated a pause, delaying action on the measure. In the House, HB 4098, relating to violations of the insurance code as unlawful trade practices, was debated for several hours. A minority report was presented. Ultimately, the bill failed but a motion for reconsideration is on the docket.
Today marks another key session deadline. Measures currently in their second chamber policy committees must now be posted for work sessions. Next week, those measures must pass out of committee on or before Thursday, February 26, to remain eligible to cross the legislative finish line.
Budget rebalance discussions are well underway, and the House and Senate Rules, Revenue/Finance, and Ways and Means Committees are kicking into high gear as we make a final push toward the March 8 constitutional end of session, referred to as Sine Die.
In the end, the 35-day short session has shaped up to be about much more than a session to rebalance the budget, which was the intent of the voters when the short session was created.
Please stay tuned, and don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have questions about the legislative process or would like to share your perspective on legislation you are passionate about. Your voice matters.
Until next week, I hope you enjoy a relaxing weekend.
Sincerely,
 Rick Lewis
State Representative
House District 18
Oregon’s Christmas Tree District
In this Issue:
View previous newsletters here.
Over the past two weeks committees moved first chamber bills to the floor for full votes in the House and Senate. The volume of bills moved required us to begin meeting on mornings, afternoons, and into the evenings this week.
You can click on the following links to view the House floor agendas, watch floor debates, remonstrances, and see what measures moved through the House chamber this week.
Having completed our work on the committee’s assigned House measures in advance of Monday’s first chamber deadline, the House Committee On Emergency Management and Veterans did not meet this week. We do not expect any bills to come over from the Senate but may hold informational hearings next week. Stay tuned for committee updates and agendas here.
On Monday, the House Committee On Judiciary held work sessions on the following measures before the first chamber deadline.
HB 4145 Firearm Permit Provisions - Measure 114 (2022)
HB 4041 Public Safety Omnibus Bill
(Incorporates HB 4101 Attempt to Elude - Rep. Lewis Chief Sponsor)
HB 4043 Bonds to Finance Renovation or Expansion of Courthouses
HB 4137 Vehicle Transfer Violations
HB 4140 Scrap Metal Sellers
HB 4151 Swatting (Lewis Regular Sponsor).
HB 4096 Aggravated Felon in Possession of a Firearm
HB 4111 Immigration Status Civil Proceedings
HB 4138 Law Enforcement Identification on Uniforms
HB 4157 Human Trafficking Hearsay
HB 4106 Civil Commitment Transportation
The when it came to voting on HB 4145 relating to Firearm Permit Provisions, things got heated and of questionable procedural process. Watch the video for details. I’m surmising that the story is not over. The measure ultimately passed 5-3 on a party line vote.
The committee also held a public hearing on HB 4001, a bill that would require the Department of Justice to study ways the state may address unlawful immigration enforcement activity. This bill, as well as HB 4106 on Civil Commitment Transportation and HB 4096 relating to Aggravated Felon in Possession of a Firearm did not move forward.
On Wednesday, the committee met for an informational hearing on the topic of Universal Representation Fund.
Watch a replay of the committee meetings and access meeting materials here.
On Tuesday, the Joint Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Public Safety held an informational meeting focused on key updates from Oregon’s Judicial Department, Public Defense Commission, and state financial officials. The presentations centered on court system operations, funding programs, and financial oversight within Oregon’s justice system.
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Judicial Department Updates
The Judicial Department provided an update on their workload requests for this session and presented information on court “set asides” and the impact of ongoing wildfire-related litigation. These large and complex cases continue to affect court workload and resources across the state.
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Lawmakers also heard an overview of the Judicial Department’s Application Contribution Program, which helps support court technology and operational services through user-based contributions. The program plays an important role in maintaining efficient court operations and modernizing services.
Public Defense Commission Technical Adjustment
The Public Defense Commission presented a technical adjustment related to the Application Contribution Program. The update focused on administrative improvements to how funding is applied to public defense services, helping ensure accurate implementation and continued program support.
Criminal Fine Account Review
The Department of Administrative Services Chief Financial Office and the Judicial Department provided a joint update on Oregon’s Criminal Fine Account, which collects and distributes criminal fines and fees. The presentation covered how these funds are managed and allocated to support courts and public safety programs statewide.
On Thursday, the committee held an information meeting to hear from Legislative Counsel, the Public Defense Commission, the Judicial Department, and District Attorneys on the Oregon Supreme Court Decision in State v. Roberts. This decision established that if a defendant is unrepresented for more than 60 consecutive days in a misdemeanor case or 90 consecutive days in a felony case post-arraignment, the criminal charges must be dismissed without prejudice.
Watch a replay of the committee meetings and access meeting materials here.
Serving the people of House District 18 has been one of the greatest honors of my life and I remain fully committed to serving out the remainder of my current term which will end in January 2027. After thoughtful reflection and prayerful consideration, I have made the decision not to seek reelection to a sixth term in the Oregon House of Representatives.
I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to represent our communities in Salem. Throughout my five terms in the Legislature, I have worked to uphold our shared values – upholding hardworking families, strengthening local businesses, advocating for responsible government, standing up for the needs of veterans, farmers, and rural communities.
I am proud of the work we have accomplished together. From addressing challenges facing our state to advocating for policies that promote opportunity, public safety, and fiscal responsibility, every effort has been guided by my commitment to serve you with integrity and dedication.
My time in office has come during one of the most challenging periods in our state and nation’s history, including navigating a pandemic and serving amid deep and often difficult partisan divisions. Throughout these challenges, I have remained committed to listening, working toward solutions, and representing our community with respect and resolve. None of this work would have been possible without the support, encouragement, and engagement of the constituents of House District 18.
Your voices, ideas, and involvement have shaped my work and made this service meaningful. I am sincerely thankful for the relationships built and the many conversations shared over the years. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to my wife and my family for their unwavering support and sacrifice, and to my dedicated staff whose hard work and commitment made it possible to serve our district effectively.
After more than 50 years in public service, I look forward to enjoying retirement with Pat and our children and grandchildren.
It has been a true privilege to serve you, and I will always be grateful for the honor of representing you in the Oregon Legislature. Thank you for your trust, your support and the opportunity to serve.
Remembering Senator Avel Gordley and Rev. Jesse Jackson
February is a time to reflect on the individuals who helped shape our nation and communities through courage, leadership, and service. During Black History Month, I want to honor the legacy of national civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson and Oregon’s own Senator Avel Gordley, whose recent passing marks a profound loss.
Rev. Jesse Jackson dedicated his life to advancing civil rights, promoting opportunity, and calling our nation to live up to its highest ideals of equality and justice. His leadership and voice helped shape important national conversations and inspired generations to pursue positive change.
Here in Oregon, Senator Avel Gordley leaves a lasting legacy of service and leadership. As the first African American woman elected to the Oregon State Senate, she was a tireless advocate for education, families, and underserved communities. Her commitment to public service helped strengthen our state and opened doors for future leaders.
As we remember Rev. Jackson and Senator Gordley, we honor their contributions and reflect on the enduring importance of service, unity, and the pursuit of opportunity for all. Their legacies will continue to inspire our communities and our nation for years to come.
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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