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To contact me, please click here: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
I hope you and your families are having a wonderful August and finding time to enjoy everything summer has to offer here in House District 31. Whether you’re spending time outdoors, supporting local events, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, I hope this season has been a rewarding one.
As we continue through the legislative interim, I’m staying engaged with communities across our district and keeping a close eye on issues that affect Oregonians. Public participation remains an important part of Oregon’s policymaking process, and I encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged on issues that impact our communities.
With September Legislative Days approaching, legislators will return to Salem for committee meetings to receive updates from state agencies, and continue discussions on issues that may shape future legislation ahead of the 2027 session. These meetings are open to the public and can be viewed online, providing an opportunity for Oregonians to follow the legislative process and stay informed. In this newsletter, you’ll find links to the committees I serve on and information on how to watch meetings live or access agendas and meeting materials.
I currently serve on the following committees:
- House Committee on Behavioral Health (Vice Chair)
- House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment
- House Committee on Housing and Homelessness
- Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology
I also want to thank everyone who continues to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Hearing directly from constituents helps me better understand the challenges and opportunities facing House District 31 and ensures your voice is represented in Salem.
Below you’ll find the latest community updates, legislative resources, and information about upcoming committee meetings. As always, if my office can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
The best way to contact me during the interim is by email:
rep.darceyedwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Thank you again for the privilege of serving House District 31. It is an honor to represent our communities, and I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf.
Warm regards,
Representative Darcey Edwards
House District 31
Proposed Oregon OSHA Rule Change on Civil Penalties
Oregon OSHA has proposed a permanent revision to its rule governing the annual adjustment of civil penalties. The change would modify how annual penalty increases are calculated if the required Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is unavailable, allowing Oregon OSHA to use the most recent available West Region CPI-U data instead. The proposal is intended to prevent delays in future penalty adjustments, similar to those caused by the 2025 federal government shutdown.
A virtual public hearing will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interested parties can register to attend and provide testimony using the Zoom link below:
Virtual Hearing Registration: https://dcbs-oregon.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_U4MnENuGSp-GpXPiN1A9_g
The public comment period remains open through Friday, September 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
If adopted, the rule is expected to take effect in October 2026.
Proposed Rule Change: Research and Development Tax Credit for Semiconductors
Business Oregon has proposed amendments to the rules governing the Research and Development Tax Credit for Semiconductors Program. The proposed changes would adjust the annual tax credit caps for the 2025 and 2026 tax years to address oversubscription of the program in 2025 while remaining within the statutory funding limits established for the 2025–2027 biennium.
A virtual public hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Interested parties may participate remotely using the information below:
Virtual Hearing (Microsoft Teams):
Teams Meeting Link
Meeting ID: 249 100 149 889 408
Passcode: Tu9Mf3kV
Phone (audio only): 1-503-446-4951
Conference ID: 542 531 486#
The public comment period remains open through Friday, August 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Comments may be submitted by email to John.B.HOBBS@biz.oregon.gov or by mail to the Oregon Business Development Department Rules Coordinator.
House District 31 is home to some of Oregon’s most beautiful forests. From the Coast Range to the timberlands and outdoor recreation areas that make our communities special, we all have a role to play in protecting these natural treasures.
Beginning August 4 at 12:01 a.m., the Oregon Department of Forestry is increasing fire restrictions across parts of Western Oregon due to elevated wildfire risk.
Here’s how you can help keep our forests and communities safe:
- Follow all current fire restrictions in your area.
- Never leave campfires unattended, and only build fires where they are permitted.
- Avoid activities that can create sparks, especially during the heat of the day.
- Properly dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials.
- Keep vehicles off dry grass and carry fire extinguishers when required.
- Report any signs of wildfire immediately by calling 911.
A single spark can have lasting consequences. By taking a few extra precautions, we can help protect our forests, wildlife, homes, and the firefighters working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
For current fire restrictions and an interactive map, visit: https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/ifpl.html
Let’s all do our part to keep House District 31 safe this wildfire season.
One of House District 31’s most cherished community traditions is just around the corner. The 80th Annual Banks BBQ Truck & Tractor Pull Parade will take place on Sunday, August 16, bringing together families, local businesses, community organizations, and visitors to celebrate everything that makes Banks a special place to call home.
Whether you’re participating in the parade or cheering from the sidelines, this annual event is a great opportunity to support our local community and celebrate 80 years of tradition.
Parade Information:
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Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
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Registration: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Free)
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Registration Location: Corner of Sunset Avenue and Main Street, in front of the Log Cabin
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Parade Begins: 11:00 a.m.
I encourage everyone across House District 31 to come out and enjoy this longstanding community tradition. I look forward to seeing everyone in Banks for another great parade.
September Legislative Days will take place September 8th - 10th, when legislators return to Salem for committee meetings, agency updates, and public testimony. These meetings play an important role in preparing for future legislative sessions and are open to the public.
I am honored to represent House District 31 through my service on the following committees during September Legislative Days:
Tuesday, September 8
- House Committee on Climate, Energy, & Environment
2:30 - 5:00 PM | Hearing Room 60
Wednesday, September 9
- House Committee on Behavioral Health (Vice Chair)
11:30 - 2:00 PM | Hearing Room F
- House Committee on Housing & Homelessness
2:30 - 5:00 PM | Hearing Room 40
Thursday, September 10
- Joint Committee on Information Management & Technology
8:30 - 11:00 AM | Hearing Room G
I encourage you to stay engaged by following these committee meetings, reviewing agendas, and watching hearings live or recordings of previous committee meetings. You can find my committee assignments, meetings, schedules, and livestream links by visiting my committee page:
Representative Darcey Edwards committees
Your participation and feedback are invaluable, and I appreciate your continued engagement as we work together to serve the communities of House District 31.
Please join me in congratulating Officer Jacob Cunningham on graduating from the Oregon Basic Police Academy in Salem!
After completing 16 weeks of rigorous training, Officer Cunningham is returning to Columbia County to begin his Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP). This important next step will provide hands-on experience as he prepares to serve the residents of Scappoose and Columbia County.
The dedication and commitment required to become a law enforcement officer deserve recognition, and we are grateful for those who choose to serve and protect our communities.
Congratulations, Officer Cunningham, on this outstanding accomplishment. I wish you a safe, successful, and fulfilling career in law enforcement as you begin serving our community. Thank you for your commitment to public service.
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
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