|
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
The Oregon Legislature adjourned sine die! We wrapped up the 2026 Legislative Session on Friday, March 6th. It was a very fast and productive 32 days. My office and I worked hard and accomplished a lot for Oregon and on behalf of North and Northeast Portland.
I want to take a moment to address that we are in an especially challenging budget cycle. Lawmakers from all the districts were forced to make difficult decisions due to fiscal constraints. Protecting our communities and investing in the people and organizations that make our district strong has been top of mind for me.
Despite the challenges, our office was proud to help move forward meaningful legislation and secure investments that will directly benefit our community and the state!
|
Protecting North Portland from the Risks of the CEI Hub (HB 4100)
For years, residents of North and Northeast Portland have raised concerns about the risks posed by the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub along the Willamette River.
This six-mile stretch of fuel storage infrastructure supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon’s liquid fuel, yet it sits in a seismically vulnerable zone. A major earthquake could result in massive fuel spills, environmental contamination, and long-term disruption for surrounding communities.
These concerns are deeply personal for many in House District 44. Many of my constituents would be left dealing with polluted, liquefied soil and bearing the brunt of contamination. Those living on the St. Johns Peninsula could also lose access to the rest of the city due to the lack of emergency route infrastructure over the railroad cut.
This bill would not have been successful without the hard work from Representative Tran, Representative Isadore, our staff and stakeholders.
Legislative Progress
This session, the legislature passed HB 4100, which takes an important step forward by requiring stronger financial responsibility and accountability from fuel terminal operators.
This bill helps ensure that corporations, and not taxpayers, bear the costs of cleanup and recovery if disaster strikes, and it represents meaningful progress toward addressing long-standing safety concerns in our community.
Investing in Our Community and BIPOC Funding Wins
Even during a challenging budget cycle, we were able to secure important investments that will directly support North and Northeast Portland!
Funding was secured for the Williams & Russell CDC, supporting their work to combat displacement and expand community-driven development in historically Black neighborhoods. This investment is long overdue and helps ensure that longtime residents can remain rooted in the communities they helped build.
Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)
We also helped to secure funding for NAYA, a cornerstone institution providing culturally specific programs, leadership development, and family support for Native youth and families. This funding will help them with long overdue maintenance for this facility and other needs.
NAYA’s work continues to strengthen community stability and opportunity across Northeast Portland.
|
Other Caucus Priorities Adopted into Budget Bills:
- Allocating resources to ensure the children of those detained or deported are provided the resources they need to stay fed, housed, and secure.
- Ensuring the fundamental right to due process by providing immigration legal services.
BIPOC Policy Priority Wins
As a vice-chair of the BIPOC Caucus, I am proud to say that several of our policy priorities passed this session. These bills will safeguard the rights of all Oregonians:
HB 4114: Empowering Oregonians to hold agents accountable for violating their 4th Amendment right, prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant.
HB 4138: Establishing a statewide policy that prohibits law enforcement from wearing masks or concealing who they work for, with narrow
exceptions
SB 1570: Ensuring Oregonians can seek medical care without fear of immigration enforcement by designating nonpublic areas, classifying immigration status and place of birth as protected health information, and providing critical work protections for frontline healthcare workers
SB 1587: Requiring data brokers to attest that they will not sell Oregonians’ personal information received from a public agency for immigration enforcement purposes.
SB 1594: Directing the Oregon Department of Justice to consult with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement on model policies pertaining to sanctuary promise.
|
 |
Several Senators and Representatives were key to getting the Immigration Justice Package passed this session.
House Democrat Wins
Protected students & immigrant families (HB4079, SB 1538); Strengthened civil rights & law enforcement accountability (HB 4III, HB 4114, HB 4138, SB1587); Protected health care access (SB 1570, HB4127); Centered immigrant voices in state policy (SB 1594); Blocked public land sell-offs (SB 1590)
Delivered the largest expansion of Oregon's Earned Income Tax Credit-lowering taxes for more than 200,000 low- and moderate-income Oregonians / Ensured single-family homes are prioritized for Oregon families-not Wall Street (HB 4128); Closed a loophole allowing out-of-state and online lenders to evade Oregon's interest rate limits and consumer protections (HB 4l16); Strengthened transparency in the ticket resale market, protecting Oregonians from misleading practices (HB 4024); Eliminated deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket costs for cervical cancer screenings and follow-up exams (SB 1527)
A Challenging Budget and Work That Will Continue Next Session
This legislative session took place during one of the most difficult budget cycles in recent years. Due to impending HR1 (“Big Beautiful Bill”) the state as a whole is facing constraints and tough decisions. Because of this, many good bills were not able to move forward.
Two bills (disability protections and vacation payout) introduced by our office were unable to move out of Ways and Means this year due to budget limitations. While that outcome was disappointing, the issues these proposals address remain important for our community.
We are committed to continuing this work and bringing these ideas back in the next long legislative session!
Working to Correct a Past Wrong for Robert Parker
Decades ago, Mr. Parker’s career was derailed after he was wrongfully accused of misconduct. Lawmakers later acknowledged the mistake with Senate Concurrent Resolution 22 in 2021 and issued a formal apology. I was happy to stand alongside Senator Frederick and Representative Diehl to begin the bipartisan process to ensure that we correct this wrong and push forward efforts to ensure he receives appropriate compensation and recognition.
|
 It was an unlikely pairing but we came together to support Mr. Parker's fight for justice.
Group Visits at the Capitol
Even though the short session moves quickly, I try to continue to meet with constituents and advocacy groups as much as possible. Many of the meetings towards the end of this session happened right outside of the House Chamber. I have to take many of these meetings in between taking votes. I am glad that the Capitol is fully open so I can take these opportunities to meet with folks.
Students from Roosevelt, Benson, and Vernon K-8.
Students came to the Capitol to engage legislators in discussions about the importance of our democracy, their role in it and what matters most to them in this moment. These students were also here to share their concerns about recent funding cuts and to be part of the important conversation.
 Herman Greene brought this group of students to the Capitol and I was impressed with their passion for advocacy. I look forward to seeing them in future sessions.
Cub Scouts Pack 972 from North Portland
Cub Scouts Pack 972 is one of Portland’s fastest growing packs. Founded in 2019, the pack now includes around 50 families and focuses on building community while teaching outdoor and life skills to Scouts from kindergarten through fifth grade.
 This is my second time hosting Pack 972 at the Capitol. We are trying to make this an annual tradition to help scouts earn badges for political engagement.
So Many Issues to Discuss this Session
In the final weeks of session, I hear about a variety of issues from cannabis packaging to funding education.
Staff Shout Out
I want to take a moment to thank all of the staff who make sure that we have a successful legislative session. There many non-partisan offices that get the work done behind the scenes. I want to give a shout out to Legislative Council, Legislative Fiscal Office, Legislative Policy and Research Office, and Legislative Revenue who all work with our office to make sure bills move through the legislative process. I want to give special thanks to the Chief Clerk's Office because they are the folks who make sure House Floor runs smoothly.
Lastly, I want to give a shout out to all of the Chiefs of Staff and Legislative Assistants for the House Democrats for their hard work during session and in the interim. Many legislators, like myself, have to work a full time job in addition to our legislative work and we rely on our staff to keep the offices running.
Thank You
Legislative work does not happen in isolation. The voices of community members, advocates, and local organizations play a critical role in shaping the decisions made in Salem.
Your engagement, testimony, and continued advocacy help ensure that the priorities of North and Northeast Portland are heard at the Capitol. I want you all to know that we do hear you. During session, the office is inundated with many emails and phone calls. Although, we do not always have the opportunity to respond, we are taking note and always having conversation about what the district is telling us.
I also want to take a moment to recognize the work that happens behind the scenes. This is a joint effort, and I could not do what I do without my amazing staff!
As always, our office remains here to help. If you need assistance with a state agency, have policy ideas, or want to stay engaged, please do not hesitate to reach out. It's always okay (and appreciated) when you follow up!!
|
Best,
 Travis Nelson
State Representative
House District 44
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-275, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nelson
| 
