2024 Legislative Summary

The overwhelming consensus is that this short (35-day) session was one of the most bi-partisan sessions in a long time, which enabled several significant bills to pass including:

  • HB 4002 - M110 Fix

  • SB 1537 - Housing Bill

  • SB 1576 - Recreational Immunity

  • SB 1596 - Right to Repair

  • HB 4136 - Fix for University District Hospital closing

  • HB 4156 - Modernizing Stalking Criminal Code

  • HB 4024 - Campaign Finance Reform

Certainly, there were some party-line votes, but very few compared to the previous session. In addition to key policy bills, we funded several programs that weren’t fully funded in ‘23. These include summer school programs, Relief Nurseries, Child Advocacy Centers, and Internet Crimes Against Children.

At the end of the session, Speaker Rayfield stepped down to run for Attorney General, and Speaker Fahey was voted in. As always I am optimistic for future sessions continuing to be bi-partisan and for the Oregon legislature to continue functioning and passing legislation that benefits Oregonians. Speaker Fahey has shown her commitment to working with the Republican caucus and Minority Leader Helfrich to ensure Oregonians’ voices are heard.

Committees/Appointments/Groups

Judiciary

Behavioral Health/Health Care

Emergency Management/Vets/General Government

Public Safety Ways and Means Sub-committee

Modernizing Grants and Contracts Task Force - SB 606(2023)

Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER)

Justice Reinvestment Grant Committee

Juvenile Justice Policy Commission

Interstate Compact for Juveniles

Commitment to Change (focused on revising the civil commitment process)

Water Caucus

Veterans Caucus

Capital Projects:

Bear Mountain Radio Tower Upgrade - $900,000

Junction City Alderdale Well Project - $1 mil

Creswell water treatment plant - $1 mil

Cottage Grove water infrastructure - $3 mil

Willamette Family Treatment medical detox and residential facility - $4 mil

Bills Passed (limited to 2 per legislator for the short session)

HB 4043 - Strengthens animal abuse laws.

Signed by Gov. Kotek - 3/27/24

HB 4056 - Addresses U.S. Supreme Court case Tyler vs. Hennepin regarding property tax foreclosure process.

Signed by Gov. Kotek - 4/4/24

Priorities:

Continue advocating for the district and ensuring their voices are heard.

Identify and support district transportation projects as ‘25 is the “transportation” session.

Long-term fix for recreational immunity (the ‘24 session was only a 1-year fix)

Additional funding for youth behavioral health projects and programs

Continue addressing the lack of workforce in rural communities by supporting and funding high school, community college, and trade programs.

Fix the Community Corrections Act formula to ensure parole and probation is fully funded and able to meet the community's needs.

Address the corporatization of healthcare to ensure patients have access to local providers and clinics and practices remain viable.

Continue addressing emergency management response, resiliency, and recovery.