|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With the legislative session now complete, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work accomplished in Salem and thank you for the opportunity to represent House District 31. This session brought many important discussions and opportunities to advance policies that support our communities.
I’m encouraged by the progress made this year and grateful to see several pieces of legislation I worked on move forward. While every session brings challenges, it also brings opportunities to find common ground and deliver meaningful results for the people we serve.
It is truly an honor to represent House District 31 and advocate on behalf of our communities. Thank you for the trust you place in me to bring your voice to the Capitol and work to ensure our district continues to thrive.
Sincerely,
Representative Darcey Edwards
Public service is always a team effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of my legislative staff, Andrew Janke and Sam Evans. Throughout the session, they worked tirelessly behind the scenes—helping respond to constituent concerns, supporting legislation, and ensuring our office continued to serve the people of House District 31.
I was proud to recognize them on the House floor on two separate occasions this session to thank them for their commitment, professionalism, and the teamwork they bring to our office every day. Their effort and support make it possible for us to do this work, and I’m thankful to have them on the team.
📹Rep. Edwards Courtesy to Chief of Staff Sam Evans
📹Rep. Edwards Courtesy to Legislative Assistant Andrew Janke
As the 2026 legislative session came to a close on March 6, legislators worked through a number of important bills in the final days at the Capitol. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside colleagues, community leaders, and constituents to move forward policies that support our communities and address the needs of House District 31.
Below are updates on several key pieces of legislation I worked on or supported during this session:
HB 4151: Strengthening Laws Against Dangerous “Swatting” Hoaxes
This bill to strengthen Oregon’s laws against dangerous “swatting” hoaxes, passed both the House and Senate this session. These false emergency calls waste critical public safety resources and can put Oregonians, first responders, and bystanders at serious risk. This bill makes a targeted change to hold individuals accountable when a false report leads to serious injury or loss of life.
HB 4120: Supporting Smoke-Free Multifamily Housing
This bill gives landlords of multifamily housing the option to designate their properties as smoke-free, passed the Legislature this session. This policy empowers property owners while helping protect residents from exposure to secondhand smoke in shared living environments. It provides another tool to support healthier living spaces while respecting property rights and housing choice.
HB 4153: Flexibility for Family Farms
This bill updates Oregon’s on-farm retail rules by allowing counties to approve “farm stores” on exclusive farm use (EFU) land. This gives family farms greater flexibility to sell products grown on their farms and support local agriculture. The bill also allows limited agritourism activities under locally approved conditions, helping farmers diversify their income while preserving Oregon’s farmland.
Securing Funding for Local Public Safety and Infrastructure
I helped secure $173,000 for the Banks Fire District Capital Construction project and successfully advocated to protect $1.25 million in funding for the Washington County Courthouse that was originally allocated during the 2025 session. These investments support critical public safety infrastructure and help ensure communities across House District 31 have the resources they need.
This session also brought forward a number of complex and challenging proposals. I worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move forward practical solutions for our communities, while also speaking out against policies I believed would negatively impact the families, businesses, and rural communities of House District 31. I will continue working to ensure our district has a strong, common-sense voice at the Capitol.
Need help using your phone, tablet, or computer? The Banks Public Library is offering one-on-one technology assistance with a Digital Navigator, available weekly.
Help available includes:
- Device setup and troubleshooting
- Email account questions
- Internet navigation
- Other general technology questions
When: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Banks Public Library
How: Call or email the library to schedule dedicated time with the Digital Navigator, or stop by during the listed hours for drop-in assistance.
Bring your own device or use the public computers at the library to explore how technology can work for you.
📍 Banks Public Library
42461 NW Market St, Banks, OR 97106
📞 (503) 324-1382
✉️ banksPL@wccls.org
The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) will host in-person and online community forums in April and May to seek feedback about a list of selected medications. The attached flyer shows meeting dates, times, locations, and Zoom information.
PDAB also invites people to share their stories during the May 20 online board meeting. Sign up to speak by submitting our public comment form.
If you have questions, email pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov or call 971-374-3724.
📹Scott Adams, Banks Fire District, Committee Testimony
📹Rep. Edwards Remonstrance on SB 1599
📹Rep. Edwards Floor Speech on HB 1561
📹Rep. Edwards Courtesy to Chief of Staff Sam Evans
📹Rep. Edwards Courtesy to Legislative Assistant Andrew Janke
Although the legislative session has concluded, my office remains here to assist the people of House District 31. If you have questions about state programs, need help navigating a state agency, or would like to share your thoughts on issues impacting our community, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
As we move into the election season, please note that legislative newsletters must pause during the state’s election blackout period from March 20 through May 20. During that time, my office will still be available to help constituents with state-related matters. I look forward to continuing to stay connected and serving our community.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1431
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-374, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/edwards
| 
