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To contact me, please click here: Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Dear Friends,
I hope you and your families are enjoying these final weeks of summer here in House District 31. As August begins to wind down, many families are preparing for the start of a new school year, while our communities continue to host events and opportunities to stay connected and involved.
With students heading back to classrooms in the coming weeks, I want to wish our students, parents, educators, and school staff a successful start to the 2026–27 school year. Each of our local school districts operates on a slightly different calendar, so this newsletter includes a roundup of important first-day dates to help families prepare.
There are also several opportunities for public participation coming up. The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking public input on proposed rule changes affecting memory care communities, adult foster homes, and assisted living and residential care facilities. These proposals address issues including resident safety, facility oversight, inspections, licensing, and background checks. I encourage those who may be affected by these changes—including residents, families, caregivers, and providers to review the proposals and consider participating in the upcoming public hearings or submitting written comments.
As we approach the fall and September Legislative Days, I will continue staying engaged with communities throughout House District 31 and following the issues that matter to our district. Hearing directly from constituents remains one of the most important parts of representing you in Salem, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to reach out and share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
Below you’ll find additional information, important dates, public participation opportunities, and community resources. As always, if my office can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The best way to reach our office during the interim is by email:
rep.darceyedwards@oregonlegislature.gov
Thank you for the continued privilege of serving House District 31. I hope everyone enjoys the remainder of summer, and I wish our students and families a great start to the school year.
Warm regards,
Darcey Edwards
State Representative, House District 31
Proposed Rule Change - Memory Care Communities
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Aging and People with Disabilities, has filed proposed changes to Oregon’s rules governing endorsed memory care communities. The proposal implements Senate Bill 739 (2025) and Senate Bill 228 (2025) and updates existing memory care standards.
The proposed rules strengthen requirements related to resident safety and rights, including elopement prevention and response, staff training, emergency procedures, secured exit systems, and environmental safety. They also establish protections for independent family councils, giving residents and family members the right to organize and raise concerns about care, services, safety, and quality of life.
Public Hearing:
Date: September 21, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Format: Remote
Join Online: Join conversation
Phone: 1-971-277-2343
Conference ID: 802 829 685
Those planning to speak should join within the first 15 minutes. The hearing may conclude after 30 minutes if no participants join or provide comments.
Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on October 8, 2026.
Comments:
Email: apd.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Mail: ODHS APD Rules Coordinator, 500 Summer Street NE, E-02, Salem, OR 97301
For questions, contact David Berger — 503-983-4372 or David.R.Berger@odhs.oregon.gov
Proposed Rule Changes - Oregon Adult Foster Homes
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Aging and People with Disabilities, is seeking public comment on proposed changes to rules governing Adult Foster Homes (AFHs). The proposal implements Senate Bill 739 (2025) and House Bill 4115 (2026), along with additional updates intended to strengthen resident safety and clarify licensing requirements.
Among the proposed changes, qualifying adult foster homes that have maintained substantial compliance for three consecutive years could receive two-year licenses instead of annual licenses. The rules would also require an on-site inspection between 90 and 120 days after an initial license is issued. yes 1.pdf The proposal also changes certain background-check requirements from every two years to every three years and allows eligible caregivers to transfer recent background checks when changing positions.
The proposed rules also include updates related to resident safety, including new definitions for elopement and missing persons, as well as other changes to Adult Foster Home licensing, operations, and oversight.
Public Hearing: September 24, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. (remote) Phone: 1-971-277-2343 Conference ID: 73375610
Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/293149823138738
Those wishing to speak should join within the first 15 minutes. The hearing may conclude after 30 minutes if no participants join or provide comments.
Written comments are due by 5:00 p.m. on October 8, 2026.
Comments:
Email: apd.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Mail: ODHS APD Rules Coordinator, 500 Summer Street NE, E-02, Salem, OR 97301.
For questions, contact Eleni Gialoyrakes at 503-949-6290 or Eleni.M.Gialoyrakes@odhs.oregon.gov.
Proposed Rule Changes - Assisted Living & Residential Care Facilities
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Aging and People with Disabilities, is seeking public comment on proposed changes to rules governing assisted living and residential care facilities. The proposal implements SB 739 (2025), SB 1532 (2026), HB 4115 (2026), and SB 1556 (2021) and includes changes intended to strengthen resident safety and update facility oversight requirements.
Among the proposed changes, ODHS would establish new timelines and procedures for facility investigations and inspections, including requiring an inspection 90–120 days after an initial license is issued. The rules also address when new applicants without Oregon community-based care experience must hire a qualified consultant or management entity.
The proposal also establishes procedures for preliminary findings of immediate jeopardy, giving facilities an opportunity to provide initial information or evidence before ODHS makes such a finding. It also requires development of a model consent form for electronic monitoring devices in resident rooms. Background-check rules would be updated to allow greater portability between entities and extend the renewal cycle from two years to three years.
Additional safety-related changes include new definitions for elopement, missing persons, harm, and preliminary findings, as well as updates to licensing and oversight procedures.
Public Hearing: September 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (remote) Phone: 1-971-277-2343 Conference ID: 24419w1488
Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/293149823138738
Those wishing to speak should join within the first 15 minutes. The hearing may end after 30 minutes if no one joins or provides comments.
Written comments are due by 5:00 p.m. on October 8, 2026.
Comments:
Email: apd.rules@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Mail: ODHS APD Rules Coordinator, 500 Summer Street NE, E-02, Salem, OR 97301.
For questions, contact Katie Gaffney at 503-979-5330 or katie.gaffney@odhs.oregon.gov.
Celebrating Dedicated Service in St. Helens
The St. Helens City Council recently recognized two dedicated City employees for their years of service to the community.
Jesse Templin, a Utility Worker II with the City’s Public Works Department, was honored for 20 years of service. Jesse joined the City in July 2006 and has spent two decades helping support the infrastructure and services St. Helens residents rely on.
Jamie Edwards, an Accountant III with the City’s Finance Division, was recognized for 10 years of service. Jamie began working for the City in July 2016 as a Utility Billing Specialist and has continued serving the community through her work in the Finance Division.
Congratulations to Jesse and Jamie on these impressive milestones and thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the St. Helens community!
Stay Connected with the City of Banks
The City of Banks is encouraging community members to sign up for its Community Outreach Email List to stay informed about what’s happening around the city.
Subscribers can receive updates on city and community events, Banks Public Library programs, public notices, city news, and more directly by email.
Sign up: www.cityofbanks.org/communityoutreach
Signing up is an easy way for Banks residents to stay connected and receive important community information throughout the year.
Back to School: 2026–27 School Start Dates
As summer winds down, families across House District 31 are getting ready for another school year. To help parents and students prepare, here are the upcoming 2026–27 school start dates for local school districts:
- Banks School District: August 24 for 9th-grade and new high school students; August 25 for grades 10–12. Families with elementary or middle school students should check their school’s calendar for grade-specific information.
- Rainier School District: August 25 — start dates vary by grade.
- Scappoose School District: August 31 for grades 1, 4, 7 and 9; September 1 for grades 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10–12; September 8 for kindergarten.
- St. Helens School District: September 2 is the first day of school for students.
- Hillsboro School District / North Plains: September 1 for grades 1–6; September 2 for kindergarten.
- Vernonia School District: August 31 for K–12 students.
We wish all of our students, families, teachers, and school staff a safe and successful start to the new school year!
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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