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To contact me, please click here: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends,
As I look around our beautiful state, I can see the signs of spring. The days are getting longer, flowers and leaves are beginning to bud, and moments of warm sunlight are becoming more common. The changes remind us to both reflect on the previous season and look ahead to the next season with goals and optimism. In the legislative world, the short session season has ended. Now we enter the interim. No matter the season or what the legislative "weather" brings, I wake up each morning grateful that I have the honor of serving you. Please read on for updates on several notable bills, some wonderful wins for our district, and other community highlights.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Upcoming Town Halls
 
Now that the short session has ended, my colleagues and I are planning a couple of Town Halls:
Tuesday, April 7th at 5:30pm: Rep. Scharf, Sen. Starr, and I will participate in a Community town hall at Stillwater in McMinnville, hosted by the McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, April 23rd at 5:30pm: Sen. Starr and I will lead a Town Hall at the Fire Station in Willamina
These conversations are a great opportunity to share updates from the legislative session, answer questions, and hear directly from constituents about the issues that matter most to them.
I’m grateful to our local cities and chambers for hosting these event and helping create space for open dialogue with our community. I hope you’ll consider joining us.
Update on My Short Session Bills
During the short legislative session, legislators are only allowed to introduce two bills. Unfortunately, neither of my two proposals passed this session. With that being said, I wanted to provide a brief update on the two bills I introduced, why I believe they are important, and where they ended up at the conclusion of session.
It’s no secret that Oregon’s education system is struggling – we rank 47th in the nation overall for K-12 education, and our public universities are facing declining enrollment. I wanted to ensure that one of the proposals I brought forward got directly to the heart of this. Recently passed federal legislation, H.R. 1, included provisions related to new student scholarship opportunities for parents and students. However, for Oregon families to reap these new benefits, Oregon is required to opt-in and adopt these changes into state law. I brought forward House Bill 4133 to do just this.
Starting in January of 2027, individual donors can receive a dollar-for- dollar federal tax credit up to $1,700 when they give to participating Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) that award scholarships to students. These funds can be used for tuition, fees, tutoring, special education services, supplies, and other educational materials at both public and private schools. In addition, beginning in July of 2027, low-income students enrolled in workforce training programs as short as eight weeks can now receive federal Workforce Pell Grants. Historically, short-term programs less than 15 weeks long have not been eligible for federal Pell Grants.
My legislation adopting these two provisions was referred to the House Committee on Education but was never given a public hearing. I am disappointed our state missed this excellent opportunity to receive these benefits, and instead chose to potentially close the door to additional dollars that will directly benefit Oregon students and schools.
It is unclear if Governor Kotek will choose to opt-in to these benefits, which she still could do. I remain committed to encouraging our state to adopt these necessary provisions.
During the 2025 Legislative Session, I was one of the chief sponsors of the Oregon Family Building Act (HB 2959) which would have required insurers to provide family building services, including fertility preservation and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
As of late 2025, 25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws requiring some form of insurance coverage for infertility, with 15 states specifically requiring IVF coverage. Oregon is not one of those states.
Despite bipartisan support and engagement, this bill did not make it across the finish line in 2025. After considering the way we have seen the current Federal Administration prioritize this conversation in way we have not seen before, I decided to bring the policy back with a few technical changes.
During the 2026 Legislative Session, House Bill 4155 received a public hearing in the House Committee on Healthcare, was voted out in committee unanimously, and was sent to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means where it never received another public hearing. However, by elevating this conversation, I had discussions with stakeholders who showed interest in working through the kinks and trying to find a place of consensus during what we call the “interim period” or between now and the next session.
My office and I look forward to hosting these conversations with all of the stakeholders at the table, drafting a modified policy, and bringing this back in the 2027 Legislative Session.
Short Session Key Bills
There were 304 pieces of legislation put forward during this short session. It can be hard to keep up with all of them, but here is an update on many of the key bills:
SB 1599 — Moves the transportation tax referendum vote to the May primary ballot.
Monday, February 23rd: Passed by Senate: 17-13
Monday, March 2nd:
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Passed by House: 31-20
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Signed by House Speaker
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Signed by Senate President
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Signed by Governor
To review, the original bill—which raises taxes to fund the Department of Transportation—sat on the Governor’s desk for nearly a month before being signed into law. By contrast, this follow-up bill was passed and signed on the very same day. That timing raises important questions about the process.
When Oregonians gathered the signatures required to refer the measure to the ballot, the Legislature moved quickly to pass a replacement bill before voters had the opportunity to weigh in. Many Oregonians clearly had concerns about the policy, and the speed of this action has led some to question whether their voices were fully considered.
You can watch my speech from March 2nd on this here.
HB 4145 — Revives Ballot Measure 114, the extreme gun restrictions still tied up in court.
Wednesday, February 25th: Passed by House: 33-19
Thursday, March 5th: Passed by Senate: 30-0
The Senate amended the bill to remove increased licensing fees and extended permit processing timelines. While those changes addressed some concerns, questions remain about moving forward with policies connected to Ballot Measure 114 while its constitutionality is still being considered in the courts. These amendments allow for the court case to stay viable. For many Oregonians, this raises important issues about timing, clarity, and how best to approach public safety policies moving forward.
SB 1507 — Disconnects from the federal tax code
Monday, February 16th: Passed by Senate: 17-13
Wednesday, February 25th: Passed by House: 34-21
Disconnecting from the federal tax code means Oregonians will not see some of the tax relief included in the federal “Big Beautiful Bill.” Instead of aligning with those changes, the Legislature chose to maintain the state’s current revenue structure. For many families and small businesses already feeling financial pressure, this decision may mean missing out on potential tax relief.
SB 1511 — Converts the $1 million exclusion for an estate subject to tax to a deduction of $2.5 million
Tuesday, February 24th: Passed by Senate: 22-5
Died in House Committee
Senate Bill 1511 would have increased Oregon’s top estate tax rate from 16% to 19.9%, while raising the exemption threshold to $2.5 million. However, concerns were raised that the bill’s structure could create unexpectedly high effective tax rates for estates just above that threshold.
The bill ultimately did not move forward in the House and died at the end of session, and I was glad to see it stall. I believe we should be focused on policies that encourage investment and keep families and businesses in Oregon.
HB 4088 — Legal protections for recipients of, and assailants in, abortion or pediatric medical transition services in Oregon.
Monday, February 16th: Passed by House: 34-22
Friday, March 6th: Passed by Senate: 18-11
This bill expands certain legal protections related to abortion and pediatric medical transition services in Oregon. While the intent is to provide safeguards for providers and patients, I remain concerned about how these provisions may interact with existing patient privacy and accountability laws. In a short legislative session, there is often limited time to fully examine complex issues like confidentiality and enforcement, and I believe these topics deserved more thorough discussion.
HB 4127 — Creates an alternative payment mechanism to fund Planned Parenthood after their medicaid eligibility was revoked.
Wednesday, March 4th: Passed by House: 34-20
Friday, March 6th: Passed by Senate: 18-11
This bill creates a new payment mechanism to direct state funding to Planned Parenthood after changes to its Medicaid eligibility. While supporters argue this ensures continued access to services, I have concerns about creating new funding structures at a time when the state is facing significant budget pressures. Oregon has many healthcare providers who offer prenatal and women’s health services, and I believe it’s important that we carefully consider how limited state resources are prioritized.
HB 4079 — Requires school districts to have trained, designated staff to respond when ICE arrives on school property. It also requires schools to develop a notification system to alert parents and the community of immigration related activities.
Tuesday, February 17th: Passed by House: 35-22
Monday, March 2nd: Passed by Senate: 18-10
ICE says that they do not carry out operations on school property unless the situation puts students at an immediate risk. This bill is part of a larger package that is more about virtue signaling than it is policy.
HB 4138 — Requires law enforcement agencies operating in Oregon to enact policies directing officers to have certain identifying information on their uniforms.
Tuesday, February 24th: Passed by House: 36-19
Thursday, March 5th: Passed by Senate: 18-10
Not only is this a part of the large virtue signaling package, but it also could put law enforcement officers at risk. There are no exceptions in this bill for high-risk scenarios where law enforcement might not want to be identifiable.
HB 4114 — This measure would ensure that out-of-state law officials and federal immigration agents would have to identify themselves and have a proper warrant when entering people’s homes or buildings. If they don’t follow the regulations, a person could have the right to sue federal agents.
Wednesday, February 18th: Passed by House: 36-4
Thursday, March 5th: Passed by Senate: 18-11
This is already a law. Federal Immigration agents can not enter private property without a proper warrant; it would be unconstitutional. Opening up a path for civil suits would tie the federal agency up in tedious lawsuits and hinder its ability to remove the criminals from our country.
HB 4098 — Prohibits certain insurance practices under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
Wednesday, February 18th: Failed in House: 28-30
House Republicans successfully stopped this bill, which would have placed significant new regulatory requirements on insurance companies operating in Oregon. While regulation can play an important role, additional mandates often increase administrative costs for insurers, which can ultimately be reflected in higher premiums for consumers. I appreciate the work of my colleagues who helped prevent this proposal from moving forward.
HB 4151 — Increases penalties for swatting, or making a false report to law enforcement, to invoke a specialized response. Expands the current statute to include the possibility of a felony when cases result in serious injury or death.
Thursday, February 19th: Passed by House: 52-3
Thursday, March 5th: Passed by Senate: 28-0
This is a necessary bill in the modern digital age. Social media trends can become dangerous, or even deadly. Oregon will now have the means to pursue felony charges for individuals who knowingly initiate a SWAT response if the incident results in serious injury or death.
HB 4045 — Requires communications companies doing business in Oregon to respond to search warrants within 72 hours when the underlying crime involves stalking or domestic violence.
Tuesday, February 17th: Passed by House: 55-0
Monday, March 2nd: Passed by Senate: 28-0
Also known as Kristil’s law, this bill provides critical protections to victims of stalking and domestic violence. Too many women have died because their case was not taken seriously. Handling cases like Kristil’s in a timely manner could prevent tragic outcomes from happening in the future.
HB 4153 — Alters land use laws to allow counties to approve farm stores as nonfarm use on lands zoned for farm use.
Wednesday, March 4th: Passed by House: 40-14
Friday, March 6th: Passed by Senate: 21-8
During the session, there was some confusion circulating about House Bill 4153. In reality, this bill helps ensure that Oregon’s family farms can continue offering the kinds of local experiences many of us enjoy—such as farm stands, U-picks, and seasonal events.
The bill provides clearer guidelines so small farms can operate these activities while staying in compliance with state rules. These types of agricultural experiences are an important part of our local economy and help connect families with the farmers who grow our food.
I was glad to support this common-sense legislation that helps protect family farms and maintain these traditions in communities across Oregon.
HB 4051 — Creates a program for deferred loans to first-time home buyers, allowing them to get their foot in the door without being overburdened by closing costs.
Current Status: Stalled in committee
This bill would create a program to provide deferred loans for first-time homebuyers, helping reduce the upfront burden of down payments and closing costs. For many young Oregonians and working families, homeownership continues to feel increasingly out of reach. At a time when housing affordability remains a major challenge, I believe programs that help responsible buyers get their foot in the door deserve serious consideration. Homeownership has long been a key pathway to stability and opportunity, and I hope we can continue working toward solutions that make it more attainable.
HB 4075 — Requires the State Treasurer to use up to $44 million from the Unclaimed Property and Estates Fund to guarantee a loan made to a rural hospital for financial stabilization.
Thursday, March 5th: Passed by House: 42-15
Friday, March 6th: Passed by Senate: 16-12
This bill will save lives. The hospital was at risk of losing its DRG (Diagnosis Related Group) status, converting to a Type B Hospital, which would have reduced available beds to 50 or fewer and cut services, such as labor and delivery and behavioral health care. These service reductions were projected to result in an estimated 182 preventable deaths and 2,089 additional patient transfers, placing significant strain on the region’s already limited emergency medical services capacity. I’m so grateful we were able to get this bill passed.
HB 4129 — Caps the Clean Fuels Program, eliminates a 22-cent per-gallon tax at the pump.
Current Status: Stalled in Committee
House Bill 4129 would have placed a cap on Oregon’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, limiting greenhouse gas reduction requirements for fuels to 10% below 2010 levels in an effort to help contain rising fuel costs. The bill also would have prevented local governments from banning or restricting the storage capacity of large fuel terminals in areas already zoned for industrial use, helping ensure the state maintains adequate fuel storage and transportation infrastructure.
HB 4160 — Directs schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan as part of the procedures for responding to medical emergencies.
Thursday, February 19th: Passed by House: 53-1
Wednesday, March 4th: Passed by Senate: 28-0
House Bill 4160, which passed the Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, strengthens cardiac emergency preparedness in Oregon’s K–12 schools. The bill requires schools to include a cardiac emergency response plan within their existing emergency procedures, helping ensure staff are trained and lifesaving equipment like AEDs can be used quickly when seconds matter.
The legislation was inspired in part by Kaleb, a young Oregonian living with congenital heart disease, whose story highlighted the importance of being prepared for sudden cardiac emergencies at school. Developed in partnership with the American Heart Association, this bill helps ensure schools are ready to respond when every minute counts.
SB 1517 - Protects Outdoor Recreation and Community Activities
Thursday, March 5th: Passed by House: 55-2
Friday, March 6th: Passed by Senate: 29-0
The Legislature passed Senate Bill 1517, providing important clarity for recreational businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations across Oregon. The bill confirms that participants may voluntarily sign liability waivers for activities with inherent risks, such as sports and outdoor recreation.
At the same time, the law preserves important protections by ensuring waivers cannot cover serious misconduct, including gross negligence or safety violations. This change helps organizations continue offering recreational opportunities while maintaining safeguards for participants.
Governor’s Prosperity Council: Survey
Governor Kotek’s Prosperity Council is asking the public to share their insights, experiences, and ideas on the state’s economic future.
The Prosperity Council is an outside advisory group convened by Governor Kotek to help shape strategies for Oregon’s economic prosperity and growth. The council includes representatives from different regions of the state, key industries, and labor, and is focused on three main areas: business climate, workforce, and tools for growth. Its role is to develop practical recommendations for the near, medium, and long term in each of these areas.
Council meetings began in January 2026 and will conclude in June 2026, when a final report of recommendations will be delivered. This statewide survey will be circulated widely and will remain open through March 20, 2026, so the council can consider this input as it develops its recommendations. As a note, all survey responses will be included in the public record. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Save the Date for PDAB Community Forums in April, May
 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 flyers in English and Spanish show 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.
Session Wins for Our Communities
One of the most meaningful parts of this session was helping secure funding for projects that directly benefit our local communities. Working alongside Senator Starr and our local leaders, we were able to support several important investments in Yamhill County.
Carlton – Water System Improvements
The City of Carlton will receive $1.8 million to upgrade the southeast water distribution system. This project will replace aging pipes, improve reliability during peak demand and drought conditions, and increase fire protection for Yamhill-Carlton Elementary School. These upgrades will also help support future workforce housing and continued community growth.
McMinnville – Alpine Avenue Street Improvements (Phase 2A)
$1.5 million was approved for the next phase of improvements to Alpine Avenue in northeast McMinnville. The project will include road upgrades, stormwater drainage improvements, and new bike and pedestrian amenities to improve safety and connectivity in the area.
Lafayette – Canyon View Pump Station Replacement
The City of Lafayette will receive $1.4 million to replace the Canyon View Pump Station, an important infrastructure upgrade that will help ensure reliable water service for local residents and businesses.
Protecting Oregon’s Nursery Industry
The Legislature also approved $1.8 million to continue efforts to eradicate the invasive Japanese beetle. This funding is especially important for our region, where nurseries and agriculture are a key part of the local economy.
In addition, House Republicans successfully removed the lottery cap on the County Fair Account, ensuring that 1% of lottery net proceeds will go toward supporting county fairgrounds. These fairgrounds are not only vital to rural economies, but also serve as important community gathering spaces and emergency resources.
I’m grateful to have worked with Senator Starr and local partners to help move these projects forward and bring meaningful investments back to our communities.
Special Thanks to an Amazing Team
In the legislative world, as in many professions, there are a few familiar faces, but the work could not happen without an incredible team behind the scenes. I am incredibly proud of my staff and deeply grateful for the long hours, dedication, and care they bring to serving the people of our district. Their hard work ensures that we can continue representing our community well.
As you know, this was my first session as our House Republican Caucus Leader. I had the privilege of working alongside an outstanding team in our caucus office: Chief of Staff Jacob Vandever, Deputy Chief of Staff Jessica Snook, Communications Director Emily Girsch, Deputy Communications Director Gretchen Sims, Legislative Director Claire Lynn, Legislative Coordinators Ty Vizenor and Jake Pelroy, Office Manager Brayden Thayer, and interns Olivia Augustus, Penelope Ottosen, and William Chang (not all pictured).
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Outside of my staff at the Capitol, Jessica Campbell supports our office through community outreach in House District 24. Many constituents may recognize her as the host of my podcast or from the many community events she helps organize and attend throughout the district. |
Stay Connected With Life and Legislation With Lucetta
Although the short session has ended, there will still be plenty of important legislative topics to follows during the interim. We will continue to publish episodes on my podcast to keep Oregonians connected and educated. There is always something new to learn on Life and Legislation With Lucetta. You can subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or watch episodes on my YouTube Channel.
COMMUNITY KUDOS
Vote for McMinnville!
 While my duties as the House Minority Leader take me all over the state, I absolutely love the days when I can walk up and down McMinnville's 3rd Street with my family. Our downtown is truly special and my family and I love having our businesses on 3rd Street. There's no question that McMinnville's downtown should be listed in the USA Today's Top 10 Main Streets. Be sure to vote here.
ScienceFest
On March 7, the Carlton Observatory hosted ScienceFest 2026 at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, welcoming more than 400 attendees for a day of science and discovery. Guests enjoyed a show in the new planetarium, explored hands-on science activities, and watched presentations from scientists. The event brought together an incredible group of partners, including local high school robotics and rocketry clubs, Linfield University, Pacific University, Portland State’s Aerospace Society, and the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District.
Events like this help inspire curiosity and foster a scientifically literate community. I’m grateful to the Carlton Observatory, the many volunteers, and local sponsors who made this wonderful free event possible.
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A Family Place
 Pictured above: Jon Johnson, Yamhill County Commissioner Kit Johnston, MSD Superintendent Kourtney Ferrua; pictured below: my daughter, Lily Studer
I recently had the opportunity to speak at the A Family Place luncheon, alongside Jon Johnson, as part of the organization’s Leadership Council. A Family Place, a program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, does incredible work supporting parents and caregivers as they build stronger futures for their families and our community.
The event also included remarks from McMinnville School District Superintendent Kourtney Ferrua and a powerful story from Nedya, a mother who received support through A Family Place and is now giving back by supporting others.
I’m honored to serve on the board of A Family Place alongside my daughter, Lily. It’s inspiring to see the impact this program is having across Yamhill County by strengthening families and investing in the next generation.
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Spring Break Sweet Spot Mini Golf
 Looking for something fun to do over Spring Break? Serendipity Ice Cream's Sweet Spot Mini Golf will be popping up in McMinnville from March 20–29 with a family-friendly mini golf course and plenty of treats to enjoy.
The pop-up will feature a 9-hole mini golf course, sweet treats, dirty sodas, loaded popcorn, and large yard games. It’s a fun way for families and friends to spend time together during the break.
Sweet Spot Mini Golf will be located at 645 NE 3rd Street in McMinnville, behind the KAOS building where 1882 Grille is located.
Denim and Diamonds
 The See Ya Later Foundation will host its annual Denim & Diamonds Dinner & Auction on Saturday, April 18 at the Evergreen Lodge & Event Center in McMinnville. This special evening brings the community together to support families facing life-threatening medical challenges, provide scholarships for graduating seniors, and create opportunities for youth through camps and mentorship.
The event will feature dinner, a hosted bar, live and silent auctions, and inspiring stories about the impact the organization has made in our community. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support local families and students, this is a wonderful event to attend.
Newsletters Will Return in May
This will be my last newsletter for a little while. As an elected official it's important to keep the integrity of elections and our elections processes so the true will of the voters can shine through. Part of that is making sure already elected officials running for reelection do not have certain advantages above others who may wish to serve their communities in an elected capacity. In our House Chamber we have a rule that requires a “black out period” for mass communications from state resources (taxpayer dollars), like this newsletter, from being sent with in 60 days of elections where our names are on the ballot running for office. I’ll be back with more updates and information after the Primary Election on May 19th!
Yours truly,
 Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-395, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.LucettaElmer@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/elmer
Representative Lucetta Elmer
House District 24
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