Here's What Happened in the 2026 Legislative Session

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To contact me, please click here: Rep.SusanMcLain@oregonlegislature.gov 

Dear Neighbors and Community Members,

We reached the finish line of the 2026 Session! The Legislature adjourned sine die last Friday afternoon. As I've touched on over the last five weeks, I have heard from many of you about the issues that matter most: strong public schools, safe communities, and the growing cost of everyday essentials. Those conversations and your valuable input shaped my priorities in Salem. We made progress to support residents as they access services and live their lives in our communities. I'd like to share an in-depth look at what we accomplished and the work that lies ahead.

In this newsletter, you'll find:

• Highlights from the 2026 Session on education, affordability, federal response, health care, economic development, and outdoor access
• An update on the state of our transportation budget work
• A shout out to our FFA students on their acheivements
• Upcoming events and opportunities in Western Washington County

Sine Die in the Rotunda of the State Capitol.

Highlights from the 2026 Legislative Session

These bills were each voted on and approved by the House and Senate—now they head to the Governor's desk for her signature.

The Safeguarding Students & Families Act (HB 4079)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: HB 4079 prepares our school districts and institutions of higher education to notify communities when federal immigration enforcement efforts occur on campus. It ensures students, families, and staff can receive verified information from a trusted source in uncertain moments. Schools will be able to share updates through the communication systems they already use to notify families about safety issues or operational changes.

Why it matters: As NW Regional Education Service District Superintendent Dan Goldman shared in his letter of support, "HB 4079 establishes clear expectations around transparency, communication and responses so that schools are not improvising in moments of crisis when ICE shows up on more campuses across Oregon."

I want to thank Representative Sarah Finger McDonald for her leadership and collaboration on this bill. The Oregon School Board Association and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators provided valuable feedback on amendments to ensure this policy could be feasibly implemented and testified in support of the bill. I appreciate the engagement from educators, administrators, and community members who worked to strengthen the legislation.

If you missed it, you can watch my testimony in support of HB 4079 HERE.

Codifying Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness (HB 4149)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: The measure safeguards and affirms longstanding protections already followed by Oregon school districts, ensuring students experiencing homelessness can enroll and fully participate in school without barriers such as missing records, transportation challenges, or placement disputes. It also reinforces coordination among schools, social service providers, and state agencies to strengthen support for students and families experiencing homelessness.

Why it matters: The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act outlines specific rights and protections for students without stable housing. Last year, during national budget discussions, the McKinney-Vento program was vulnerable to federal cuts. While the program was ultimately preserved, that uncertainty underscored the need for state-level protections. Maintaining school stability can significantly improve academic outcomes, graduation rates and long-term wellbeing for students experiencing housing instability.

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism (HB 4154)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: HB 4154 increases transparency and public access to student attendance data. 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 quarterly.

Why it matters: Former Representative Hòa Nguyễn championed solutions to chronic absenteeism and advocated fiercely for our students. This bill moves her work forward. 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.

Protecting Education Access for All Students (SB 1538)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: SB 1538 strengthens state education law by explicitly adding immigration and citizenship status to the list of protected categories in Oregon’s nondiscrimination statutes. The Supreme Court held in Plyer v. Doe that all children are entitled to a public education, regardless of immigration status. This law builds on that promise by including instructional programs and requiring the Oregon Department of Justice to update model policies for school responses to federal immigration enforcement.

Why it matters: The bill is intended to reduce confusion, support school leaders, and maintain learning environments where students feel safe and able to focus on their education. As a former teacher of 42 years, I know how important it is that our students feel supported and comfortable in their learning environments. This update provides clarity to schools and reassurance to families that every child in Oregon has the right to access a public education, regardless of background.

Ensuring Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools (HB 4160)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: This bill requires schools to have a cardiac emergency plan to respond in case of medical emergencies. It establishes requirements for the response plan, including alignment with national standards, and requires athletic coaches and other staff to be trained in CPR and the use of AEDs.

Why it matters: The concept was championed in the 2025 Session by Representative Grayber, a firefighter and EMT who personally resuscitated a student who suffered cardiac arrest on an athletic field. A version of this legislation was reintroduced this year with the support of the Oregon Fire Marshals Association to strengthen emergency preparedness. 

Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit & Adding a New Tax Credit for Job Creation (SB 1507)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: This bill disconnects Oregon from portions of the federal tax code to protect almost $300 million in revenue for critical public services. It delivers the largest expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit in Oregon history, and creates a new tax credit for businesses that provide job opportunities to Oregonians.

Why it matters: The Earned Income Tax Credit expansion will lower taxes for over 200,000 low and moderate-income families in Oregon and put money back into the pockets of working families. 

Creating and Preserving Affordable Housing

(SB 5702 and HB 4036)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: These bills invested $100 million to create and preserve affordable housing.

Why it matters: Preserving our existing supply of affordable housing is an efficient and cost-effective way to ensure more housing units are available. Preservation is critical to keeping tenants safe, healthy, and in stable housing.

Buyers Over Billionaires Act (HB 4128)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: This bill creates restrictions on the purchase of single-family residences by certain large institutional real estate investors, requiring that the residence be publicly listed for sale for at least 90 consecutive days before an offer can be submitted.

Why it matters: This ensures single-family homes are prioritized for Oregon families, not multinational corporate investors. Oregonians should have an opportunity to purchase a home without competition from massive corporations.

Cracking Down on Hidden Fees and Scams (HB 4024)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: HB 4024 prohibits ticket resellers from selling tickets unless the reseller actually has possession of the ticket or explicit authorization in a written contract to obtain the ticket.

Why it matters: This bill helps put a stop to fraudulent listings and inflated prices when consumers go to purchase a tickets. Oregonians should have the piece of mind that when they purchase a ticket, they won't be subjected to predatory and deceptive practices.

Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act

(HB 4138) 

✅ PASSED | 💖 CO-CHIEF SPONSORED 

What it does: LEAVA increases transparency in law enforcement activities by requiring officers to clearly identify themselves and limiting the use of masks except in specific circumstances. The bill establishes a method to legally challenge a violation of this policy modeled on the Sanctuary Promise Act: it enables any person to seek a court order against an agency to stop a violation.

Why it matters: The Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act strengthens public trust by ensuring that all law enforcement actions in Oregon are more transparent, visible, and accountable. Masked law enforcement agents, often with no identification, make it difficult for the public to know who is in our neighborhoods, what they are doing, and whether their actions are lawful.

I am proud to be a Co-Chief Sponsor of HB 4138, which pushes for the visibility and transparency of all law enforcement officials within Oregon. Thank you to my colleagues, especially Rep. Farrah Chaichi and Rep. Willy Chotzen, who worked tirelessly to refine and advocate for this proposal. I am deeply appreciative of the essential stakeholders who took part in these conversations, including law enforcement. This bill was thoughtfully constructed with community safety at the center. 

You can watch my testimony in support of HB 4138 HERE!

Protect Your Door Act (HB 4114)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: Creates a civil cause of action against individuals who enter certain property without a warrant or legal exception.

Why it matters: HB 4114 provides a legally defensible pathway to address instances where federal law enforcement actions exceed lawful authority or conflict with established constitutional protections. It reinforces long-standing standards around warrants and due process while giving Oregonians a clear legal avenue to challenge unlawful entry and protect their rights.

Safeguarding Public Lands from Sell-Offs (SB 1590)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: The measure prohibits state government, local government, and special government bodies from assisting the federal government in selling or transferring federal lands until January 2, 2032.

Why it matters: Oregon won’t collaborate with any federal effort to privatize national parks and monuments. Senate Bill 1590 bars state and local governments from cooperating with the federal government if it tries to sell off public land in Oregon. Approximately 53 percent of Oregon is federal public land. The measure puts no restrictions on Tribes, the original stewards of Oregon land.

Anti-Discrimination Protections (HB 4111)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: The bill strengthens anti-discrimination protections based on citizenship status. It prohibits law enforcement officers from profiling a person based on immigration status and clarifies that someone's immigration status is not admissible as evidence in an unrelated civil case. It also prohibits an employer from taking adverse action against an employee for updating personal information to reflect a lawful change to their federal employment authorization.

Why it matters: This bill helps ensure that cases are decided based on the facts of the case, not on the basis of bias or someone’s immigration status. By preventing immigration status from being used to intimidate or discredit parties, this law will help people feel safer participating in the legal process, and ultimately strengthens access to justice for everyone.

Landlord-Tenant Confidentiality (HB 4123)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: Landlords routinely collect highly sensitive personal information from tenants during the rental application process. This information can include financial records, income sources, employer information, Social Security numbers or ITINs, immigration or citizenship status, medical conditions, disability status, and other protected class information. This legislation will fill the gap in Oregon’s Landlord Tenant Law to prohibit landlords from sharing or disclosing sensitive information without consent. 

Why it matters: Tenants deserve to feel safe in their homes and confident that their
personal information will not be misused or disclosed without explicit consent.

Improving Immigrant and Refugee Policy Guidance

(SB 1594)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: Senate Bill 1594 directs the Oregon Department of Justice to formally collaborate with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA) when developing or revising model policies tied to Oregon’s longstanding sanctuary law.

Why it matters: Public facilities should remain accessible and welcoming to all members of our community. By ensuring collaboration with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, this bill brings informed expertise to the table and helps create thoughtful, consistent policies that protect access to essential services while upholding Oregon law.

Stopping Data Brokers from Sharing Our Info (SB 1587)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: SB 1587 prohibits public bodies from disclosing personally identifiable information to data brokers unless the broker certifies the data will not be sold or transferred for federal immigration enforcement.

Why it matters: This bill strengthens privacy protections and helps ensure Oregonians’ personal data is not misused. The bill prohibits state and local government agencies from disclosing personally identifiable information to data brokers unless the broker provides written assurance that the information will not be sold or transferred for immigration enforcement purposes. The bill seeks to ensure that public agencies are not inadvertently contributing to immigration enforcement through third-party data sales.

Health Care Without Fear Act (SB 1570)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: The bill requires hospitals to have policies and procedures in place that address how the hospital will respond if a law enforcement authority arrives at the hospital and to designate which areas of the hospital are not open to the public.

Why it matters: Oregonians should be able to visit a hospital without fear of immigration enforcement. Healthcare spaces must remain safe, trusted environments where patients can seek care without fear or confusion. By designating private areas and outlining appropriate responses, this policy helps safeguard sensitive medical information, uphold patient rights, and maintain focus on delivering uninterrupted care to those who need it most.

Preserving Funding for Planned Parenthood & Reproductive Healthcare (HB 4127)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: The bill requires the Oregon Health Authority to adopt a payment mechanism to pay certain nonprofit reproductive health care providers that are not eligible to receive federal Medicaid funds for services provided to medical assistance recipients.

Why it matters: This summer, the Trump Administration enacted a federal budget bill that blocks "prohibited entities” from receiving any Medicaid reimbursements for one year. This language is designed to specifically target Planned Parenthood. There are 11 Planned Parenthood health centers across Oregon that provide thousands of care visits each year. This care includes preventive screenings, contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and general reproductive health care. 

If federal policy changes or funding restrictions prevent Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving Medicaid reimbursement, HB 4127 ensures Oregon can step in with state funding so patients do not lose access to care.

Strengthening Patient and Provider Privacy – Oregon Shield Law (HB 4088)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: This bill strengthens protections against out-of-state actions against health care providers, expands professional and privacy protections for providers, safeguards patients’ private health data, and protects privacy for name and gender marker changes.

Why it matters: Personal health care decisions should be made by individuals and our health care providers — not by politicians and the government. At a time of federal threats, it is more important than ever that patients have confidence that their private information will be protected.

Low-Cost Cervical Cancer Screenings (SB 1527)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: Current insurance law makes initial screenings for cervical cancer cost-free for patients already, but without Senate Bill 1527, additional tests can require copayments—or full payment if the patient deals with a deductible on their insurance plan. This legislation passed directs insurance plans to fully cover those follow-up exams.

Why it matters: Oregon patients have missed opportunities for early intervention when their conditions could be more effectively treated and possibly cured. This is a bipartisan bill that will help to identify cancer early and save lives.

Protecting No-Cost Vaccine Coverage (SB 1598)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: This bill makes sure Oregonians continue to have access to recommended vaccines at no cost. State-regulated health plans will be required to cover vaccines without out-of-pocket costs, regardless of changes at the federal level.

Why it matters: In the absence of public health leadership at the federal level, this bill allows Oregon to follow state-specific vaccine recommendations rather than exclusively leaning on federal guidance. Other members of the West Coast Health Alliance have taken similar action to ensure families can continue to access vaccines. 

This session, we rebalanced the Oregon Department of Transportation budget to stabilize operations through the end of this budget cycle. As Chair of the House Transportation Committee, I am deeply committed to the safety and resilience of our multimodal transportation system. In order to maintain and modernize our infrastructure, we must have stable, sustainable, and diversified funding.

The current reality is that ODOT and transportation systems nationwide are struggling financially. While funding tools are paused as we await the results of a ballot referendum, our state is forced to make painful cuts to the programs and services our communities count on. This stopgap solution to rebalance the current budget averts a worst-case-scenario, but it leaves us with fewer resources to keep our system safe and functional. This plan is the short-term, bipartisan compromise that will allow everyone to move forward – nobody is happy with the cuts in this package, but there is agreement on this path.

The rebalance was the result of a bipartisan process to reach a middle ground. It pauses some transportation projects around the state and temporarily re-allocates that funding to operations and maintenance; cuts currently vacant positions at ODOT; and reduces expected funding for critical transportation programs. There is no question that the redirection of funds in this plan will be painful for communities across our state. No one got fired, no filled positions were cut, but these cuts represent real reductions in ODOT’s capacity.

It is important to note that this temporary patch does not provide any structural correction to the long-term imbalance between costs and resources. Absent a comprehensive and sustainable funding solution in 2027, Oregon will face another fiscal crisis in the next biennium. I am committed to finding a lasting solution that ensures Oregonians can travel safely around our state, no matter where they live or how they choose to get around. We will continue our work to stabilize, improve, and modernize Oregon's transportation system.

Protecting the Moda Center (SB 1501)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: This bill ceates the Oregon Arena Fund in the State Treasury and dedicates certain tax revenues related to work in and around the Moda Center to the fund.

Why it matters: The Moda Center and the Portland Trail Blazers are foundations of Oregon's community, culture, and economy. Families share experiences of basketball games and concerts, businesses develop and grow in the Rose Quarter, and the surrounding Albina neighborhood is a vibrant community hub. My father worked in Albina during my childhood, and I have fond memories of that time. The economic health of our entire state is impacted by Portland, and this bill allows us to fight to keep the Trail Blazers—and the jobs they create—in our state.

Leveling the Playing Field for Small Cities' Infrastructure (SB 1585)

✅ PASSED | ❤️ SPONSORED 

What it does: SB 1585 makes it easier and less expensive for small cities to apply for grants and execute projects by capping the matching funds requirements of those grants at lower levels for small cities, on a sliding scale, based on population. The bill will open up the allowable uses of these grants to help small cities manage and afford these important projects.

Why it matters: Small cities face significant and unavoidable infrastructure needs while operating with limited revenue options. They depend upon grants and user-based revenues. This bill helps level the playing field for cities when it comes to critical repairs and upgrades.

Recreational Liability (SB 1517)

✅ PASSED | 👍 VOTED YES

What it does: This bill provides that an operator may require a participant in a sport, fitness or recreational activity to release the operator for claims for ordinary negligence under certain circumstances. 

Why it matters: From rafting and climbing to hiking and hunting, outdoor recreation fuels our local economies and our way of life here in Oregon. By improving liability protections, we will help preserve access to insurance so these businesses can keep serving Oregonians and visitors alike.

1.25% for Wildlife (HB 4134)

✅ PASSED | 💖 CO-CHIEF SPONSORED 

What it does: HB 4134 increases Oregon’s statewide transient lodging tax by 1.25 percent. Oregon will remain among the lowest lodging tax states in the nation after the increase. Roughly two-thirds of the tax is paid by out-of-state visitors.

Why it matters: HB 4134 is bipartisan legislation that takes a significant step forward in securing sustainable funding for Oregon’s fish, wildlife and natural habitats. The bill will also help prevent the spread of harmful invasive species, reduce poaching crimes, alleviate wildfire risks, reduce conflicts with wildlife, and invest in workforce development and natural resource livelihoods, increasing resilience for both wildlife and communities across the state.

Click HERE to view my testimony in support!

Congrats to Forest Grove's Future Farmers of America!

Congratulations to members of Forest Grove FFA who demonstrated outstanding leadership and public speaking skills at the Sectionals Leadership Development Events!

Huge shout out to Braelyn Marino, who won Sectional Prepared Public Speaking and will compete at the Oregon FFA State Convention in two weeks. Congratulations to Luke Flowers, who placed 3rd in Extemporaneous Speaking, and Aleta Wang, who placed 3rd in Beginning Public Speaking.

I am tremendously proud of you all. This is an incredible achievement that highlights the strength of Forest Grove’s agricultural education program and our future leaders. 

2026 Cornelius State of the City

Save the date for the first annual State of the City address. Mayor Jefrrey Dalin will recap accomplishments and look ahead to the future of Cornelius. 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
5:30 pm: Doors Open
6:00 pm: Event Begins

At the Cornelius Public Library in the Walters Community Room
1370 N Adair St, Cornelius, OR 97113

This event is open to the entire community. Please RSVP to confirm your attendance.

Fire Station 9 Community Open House

South Hillsboro Fire Station 9 is now in service, and you're invited to come behind the scenes of Hillsboro's newest fire station at this free community event.

3rd Annual Hillsboro Film Festival

The Hillsboro Film Festival returns to the Downtown Cultural Arts District for a third year with a curated slate of short films from around the country anchored by a full-length local documentary. Look ahead to April 24th and 25th on your calendar!

Nearly 50 short films were submitted for the festival and 36 were selected for competition. A panel of judges will award the top films in each category.

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!

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.

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.

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.

2026 Legislative Staff photo! Thankful for their support throughout the Short Session.

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