Important Notice: If a bill comes in later than 5PM on Fridays, check here for updates & changes! We will not be sending additional emails!

Clicking the bill number will allow you access to more information on the bill via OLIS.

Clicking Submit Testimony Button below each bill in the list will allow you to fill out the testimony form online or upload pre-written testimony to OLIS.

Links are provided for more information, testimonies on various sites, including OLIS as featured testimonies.

The bill text, any submitted amendments and testimony that may have already been submitted is available in the tabs at the top of the OLIS webpage.

By Clicking the “Register to Testify” tab on OLIS, you can fill out the form to sign up to testify remotely through Microsoft Teams for the bill either via Teams Video or on the phone.

The bills below, of course, do not incapsulate all the bills for the coming week.  Bills could also be added to committee agendas at any time and after the work to put this list together.

Are we missing bill? SUBMIT A BILL every Friday by 5PM for distribution in the weekly alert!

Fight for Oregon, Rep. Vikki Breese Iverson, Sen. Tim Knopp, Rep. Boomer Wright, Sen. David Brock Smith, Rep. Virgle Osborne, Rep. Court Boice, Senator Kim Thatcher, Sen. Linthicum, Sen. Findley, Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Oregon Firearms Federation and the Oregon Citizens Lobby have provided the content this week. Listed below are Bills of Concern and Bills to Support that are coming up for Public Hearings this week and/or need your voice. 

Your testimonies are greatly needed in the fight for Oregon! Our goal is to make it easy for you to testify and share! Anyone can subscribe or unsubscribe to these alerts! Encourage folks to subscribe!

Visit FightforOregon.com Weekly Alerts for a more updated version of this week’s bills! We are committed to NOT inundate your email box because these are a moving target and change daily, so the latest news will be on the website!

Quick Links

ALERT: SHOWDOWN ON THE SENATE FLOOR!

100% Walkout.

Update:  05-19-2023

Of the 13 Senators who are Republicans or independent, 10 have probably sacrificed their political futures to stand up for you. Senator Girod has not hit the ten day window because he has been excused for medical reasons.

OPB Article May 18, 2023: “The ongoing walkout by Senate Republicans hit a meaningful milestone Thursday, as the bulk of the chamber’s GOP members opted to remain absent and potentially forfeit their ability to run again.

Six Republicans — Sens. Tim Knopp, Lynn Findley, Bill Hansell, Kim Thatcher, Art Robinson and Suzanne Weber — did not attend a scheduled floor session, each notching their 10th unexcused absence of the session. That’s the threshold, approved overwhelmingly by voters last year with Measure 113, at which lawmakers are disqualified from serving their next term.

The six lawmakers join four others — Sens. Daniel Bonham, Cedric Hayden, Dennis Linthicum and Brian Boquist, a former Republican who is now a registered Independent — who hit the mark earlier this week. Three Republicans — Dick Anderson, David Brock Smith and Fred Girod — have fewer than 10 absences. Their presence would theoretically be enough to grant the chamber a 20-person quorum if all Democrats are present. But both Girod and Democratic Sen. Chris Gorsek have been absent for weeks for health reasons.”

https://www.opb.org/article/2023/05/18/oregon-republican-walkout-6-more-senators-potentially-ineligible-for-reelection/

The Democrats, in their zeal for retribution, screwed up. They now have zero leverage. The Senate Republicans have demonstrated amazing courage and selflessness.

The Senators who have risked it all for you are listed below. Please express your gratitude for their courage and principles with an email.

Senator Daniel Bonham

503-986-1726

 

Senator Brian Boquist

503-876-8676

 

Senator Lynn Findley
503-986-1730

Senator Bill Hansell
503-986-1729

Senator Cedric Hayden
503-986-1706
 
Senator Tim Knopp
503-986-1727
 
Senator Dennis Linthicum
503-986-1728
 
Senator Art Robinson
503-986-1702
 
Senator Kim Thatcher
503-986-1711
 
Senator Suzanne Weber
503-986-1716
 
A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.
–James Freeman Clarke

Update:  05-18-2023

As of today, 10 of our members have accrued 10 or more unexcused absences due to Rob Wagner for State Senate’s arbitrary and retaliatory actions.

We want to get the People’s work done, NOT facilitate an extreme, unlawful agenda.

OREGON SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:  May 18, 2023
Contact: Ashley Kuenzi
Ashley.Keunzi@oregonlegislature.gove

Senate Republicans Defend Democracy, Support Constitutional Bipartisanship

SALEM, Ore. – Due to President Rob Wagner’s arbitrary, capricious, and retaliatory actions, 10 Senate Republicans have accrued 10 or more unexcused absences.

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) released the following statement:

“Senate Republicans are engaged in a peaceful, constitutional protest of the unlawful, uncompromising, and uunconstitutional agenda the untrustworthy and deeply partisan Senate President has broght forward.  we commit to Oregonians and our Democrat colleagues that we will return before the constitutional sine die to suspend readings and rules on lawful, substantially bipartisan budgets and bills.  While Democrats are laser focused on the issues that do nothing but divide, we are focused on the real issues Oregonians care most about – homelessness, affordable housing, public safety, cost of living, job creation, and fully-funded education.  We are committed to getting the People’s work done, not facilitating an extreme, unlawful, unconstitutional agenda.”

###

OREGON SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:  May 15, 2023
Contact: Ashley Kuenzi
Ashley.Keunzi@oregonlegislature.gove

Weekend Negotiations Were Not Done in Good Faith
Democrats Double Down on Extreme, Unlawful, Unconstitutional Agenda

SALEM, Ore. – Weekend negotiations between Democrat and Republican leaders failed to produce a legitimate agreement.  Today, all Senate Republicans protested the Senate floor session in solidarity with the three members who reached 10 unexcused absences.

I conveyed in discussions over the weekend that Senate Republicans will end their protest to pass substantially bipartisan budgets and bills that are lawful and constitutional and that will benefit all Oregonians,”  said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend).  “Democrats are instead using their slim majority to justify moving forward with an extreme, unlawful, and unconstitutional agenda.  Democrat leadership offered no solutions to rectify the constitutional and legal dilemma we raised and are instead aiding and abetting a culture of corruption.”

Yesterday, the Oregonian Editorial Board wrote:

“But as a general rule, the state shuld not be giving children an avenue for pulling away from parents – their key support system – in such a serious situation, especially since the state won’t be sticking around to help that child afterwards.  While Democrats cast this bill as if it keeps government out of patients’ medical decisions, in reality, it helps keep parents out of their kids’ lives.”

“If Democrats thought we would facilitate an agenda that intentionally removes the rights of parents, they were seriously mistaken.  Democrats have gone too far,” said Deputy Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) who reached the 10-absence threshold.

###

Heroes and Zeros

05.15.2023
If you’ve been with us for a while you know we have never been shy about calling out Republican legislators as well as Democrats.

Today we have a different story.

As we told you earlier, every single Republican Senator refused to show up today for the grotesque parody we have been witnessing in Salem.

Today, three of then reached their tenth day of “unexcused absences” meaning under Ballot Measure 113, they cannot run for office in the next election cycle. We have no reason to believe more will not follow in the days ahead.

So, before we do one more thing, let’s send our gratitude to those who took the point in the the ugliest time in Oregon politics.

They crossed the Rubicon for us and for something the bottom dwellers in the Democrat caucus could never understand. Principle.

So right now, please reach out with an expression of thanks for a level of courage unheard of in modern politics.

HEROS

Senator Brian Boquist
Senator Dan Bonham
Senator Dennis Linthicum

ZERO

Senator Rob Wagner

Wagner personifies everything venal, arrogant, petty and, ultimately, stupid about Oregon’s modern Democrats.

He has no concept of personal integrity, no honor, and no interest in anything except the acquisition of power. So it’s been instructive to watch him grow increasingly frazzled as his threats and bluster failed to intimidate the Senate Republicans.

Today he blathered on about the Constitution. Something he and his fellow Democrats have never given a damn about before and certainly have not considered as they steamrolled extremist bills they know are unconstitutional.

Wagner is outraged ! OUTRAGED! that Republican Senators have peacefully walked away from this disgraceful sideshow even as his ilk praise the riots and disruptions that take place when something happens his party does not like.

He continually refers to the passage of Ballot Measure 113 as some kind of holy grail because the “people” of Oregon passed it, never mentioning that they also passed the catastrophic Ballot Measure 110 and a series of other ballot measures the leftists in the legislature immediately went to work to overturn. The will of the “people” only counts when it aligns with his extremist agenda.

The “will of the people” meant nothing when the people of Columbia County voted twice for a Second Amendment sanctuary ordinance.

But now Wagner and his fellow travelers are out of plays. The Senators they have been threatening have called their bluff and placed integrity over self interest. And cowards and liars like Wagner have no cards left to play.

Please take a minute to send a message of support to the men who stood up for us today.

–Oregon Firearms Federation

05.15.2023

Today, Senate President Rob Wagner delivered a hideously hypocritical speech, once again trying desperately to mislead the public about the Democrat’s disgraceful agenda.

He even threw into the mix a quote from Lane Shetterly, a former Republican legislator, who was (and continues to be) a mouthpiece for leftist Democrats.

But, today, not a single Republican came to the floor to participate in the massive fraud that is this legislative session.

For some, this commitment to integrity comes at an enormous price.

God bless every one of them.

05.11.2023

Thursday, May 11, 2023, after a brief poetry reading, Senate President Rob Wagner seemed to grasp the reality that sometimes it’s best not to be a jerk.

After once again noting that there was not a quorum, which meant the Democrats were, once again, prevented from shoving some truly awful legislation down the throats of Oregonians, Wagner adjourned until Monday.

You will recall that Wagner was having floor sessions every day, including unprecedented Sunday sessions, in an effort to speed up the process of punishing Republicans who don’t share his twisted world view.

As you know, as soon as any Republican had ten “unexcused absences” they were subject to the truly mindless rules imposed by Ballot Measure 113, which prohibits them from holding office in the next election cycle.

So Wagner’s decision to not hold floor sessions Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is a breakthrough.

Also, Republican Senator Cedric Hayden was officially “excused” today even though Wagner swore there would be no more excused absences. Hayden was one of four Senators who was dangerously close to the ten day mark.

It’s interesting to note that Hayden was also the Senator who filed an official complaint against Wagner for refusing to allow him to have an excused absence to attend church, something that, as far as we know, has never happened before.

In a press release today the Senate Republican leader said “Following Wednesday’s leadership meeting, at my request, President Wagner agreed not to hold floor sessions this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is my hope that this will give us time to work out a legitimate agreement that will benefit all Oregonians.I have communicated that I will be available over the weekend to have these critical discussions.”

Meanwhile Senate President Wagner said: “I hope this agreement to pause Senate floor sessions will create room for progress. I will continue to engage in good faith conversations to move our state forward.”

The truth is Wagner wouldn’t know “good faith” if it fell from the sky and landed in his drum circle. He may just have had a sudden flash of cogent thought and realized that he has overplayed his hand.

Meanwhile, unfortunately, the House Republicans keep dutifully meeting and passing Democrat bills. In an email released by House Republican leader Vikki Iverson, she said: “Because the Senate and House leadership refused to follow the state constitution and statute, Senate Republicans, with the full support of House Republicans, walked out of the building to force Democrats to negotiate on the bills.”

I’m not sure, but does “full support” from the House Republicans mean passing as many Democrat bills as possible so they can save their jobs while expecting the Senate Republicans to take all the risks to protect our rights? I hope there is some sort of game plan.

Also today on a party line vote, the House Committee on Rules passed out the clearly unconstitutional HB 2572 which was drafted and promoted by radical anti-gun extremists and is designed to entrap law abiding gun owners. Weirdly, Republican House Rep Kim Wallan opposed the bill because it was not extreme enough! 

One of the main features of HB 2005, a bill the House Republicans allowed to pass, is a stripping of the Second Amendment rights of 18-20 year olds,

The only good news is that a federal court in Virginia just declared that to be unconstitutional. Another win for gun owners.

We are hoping the bill will never be heard on the Senate floor. But if it is, this is one more strike against it.

You can view this post in a browser here  https://www.oregonfirearms.org/democrats-blink

–Oregon Firearms Federation

Below, are the bills “scheduled” for Public Hearing for the coming week, if there is a quorum.  Hold onto your chairs, there are more bills headed our way in the days to come.  We need ALL of you to make a difference.

WE are going to NEED ALL OF YOU come election time to HOLD the seats we currently have and gain more.  That’s the ONLY way we can stop this madness… by being the MAJORITY!  It’s time.  

Pick a Date or Bill

Senate Readings:
HB 2002 B – 2nd Reading
HB 2005 – 1st Reading

Of Concern:
SB 807 A – Public Hearing
SB 105 A – Public Hearing
SB 607 – Public Hearing

Nothing is Scheduled for Public Hearing at this writing.

Please Review the Schedule, bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List

SB 789 – Public Hearing
SB 1045 – Public Hearing
SB 456 – Public Hearing
HB 3223 A – Public Hearing

SB 166 – Public Hearing

Nothing is Scheduled for Public Hearing at this writing.

Please Review the Schedule, bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List

BAD BILLS:
HB 2779 – Death w/Dignity Act
HB 3042 – Rent Term. & Inc. Limitations

Good Bills:
SB 523 – Community College Bachelor Science/Nursing

OLCC is trying to raise taxes on Alcohol!  Take Action Now!  Register to testify in person on 5/18/2023 or Submit written testimony by June 5, 2023!

BAD BILLS:
SB 348 -3 BM 114 Firearms
SB 891 – Assisted Suicide
SB 579 – Voting in Prison
SB 530 – Climate Change

Good Bills:
HB 2631 – Wolf Compensation
SB 471 – Wolf Compensation
SB 955 – Suicide Prevention
HB 2194 – ODA Grant Program
HB 3247 – OSU Vet. Support
HB 5002 – Agriculture Budget
HB 5509 – Restore Predator Control

Monday - May 15, 2023

Bills of Concern

***MAJOR THREAT***

HB 2002 B – is scheduled for a Senate Second Reading May 15 and a Third Reading on May 16 and vote on the Senate floor. Parents, the time to stand is NOW!

HB 2002-A is the most extreme abortion and gender-altering bill the United States has ever seen.  – Taking away the age of consent requirements for “reproductive health care” which includes abortion and hormone therapy for transgender youth.

"In less than an hour of debate in a recent Joint Ways and Means committee meeting and with minimal time for questions, Democratic leadership forced a vote on this bill knowing there would be no further opportunity for public comment than the one hearing held in March.

During the committee meeting, the Ways and Means Democratic co-chairs audibly gasped when Legislative Counsel confirmed that 10-year-olds would be able to get abortions without parental knowledge – despite one co-chair boasting they were “intimately involved with the development of this bill.”

Republicans had a multitude of questions that were left unanswered. We asked about the estimated fiscal impact on the health care insurance premiums for Oregonians. The answer? We will have to pass it to find out.

However, as budget committee staff confirmed, we do know that House Bill 2002 B vastly expands the types of irreversible sex-changing treatments and procedures funded by Oregon taxpayers. These services will be offered through the Healthier Oregon program, which provides health coverage to low-income individuals who would qualify for Medicaid except for immigration status and who “live in Oregon.” According to the Oregon Health Authority, there’s no time requirement to establish residency.

We believe it should be standard practice to know how much something costs before approving it. Nothing about this bill or the approach taken by Democratic leadership is fiscally responsible. This is a long and complicated bill. It needs more input, not less.

Don’t be fooled, this is not an abortion or equality issue – this is a parental rights issue. This is the state of Oregon effectively telling you that the government understands the needs of your child better than you do. This is an extreme attack on the sacred relationship between a parent and a child. John Doe

House Bill 2002 B is scheduled for a vote on the House floor on Monday, May 1. Please call your state representative and state senator and make your voice heard.

Parents – the time to take a stand is now. "

They’re setting your children up to be victims to a new multi-billion dollar industry behind your back using your wallet
May 10, 2023

Make no mistake about it, HB 2002-B is not about protecting Oregon’s abortion rights post ruling on Roe vs. Wade. Roe vs. Wade had no effect on Oregon’s abortion laws. It is about expanding abortion to your children – without you as a parent/guardian knowing. It’s about “gender affirming” medical alteration experimentations for children - without a parent or guardian’s knowledge - compliments of the Oregon Democrat Activist legislators. Yet, they’re hiding their true agenda by telling you, the public, they’re only “protecting your abortion rights”. Oregon already allows abortion all the way to birth - current law. Nothing changed.

The truth is in the bill. Read it here.

SJR 33 is the ugly sister that would solidify these bad ideas through the Constitution. Further, the proponents (or Activist Democrats) got to write the ballot title to ensure the Constitutional amendment passes! Normally ballot titles are written by the Attorney General with a back-and-forth appeals process available to help ensure accurate wording. There will be no such opportunity with this measure, thanks to SB 27.

HB 2002-B is the most extreme and partisan bill in our country. There are layers of unanswered questions created by this legislation, as well as terrible consequences that are being ignored. It also poses constitutional challenges. Democrat activists will tell you it needs to come to the senate floor for a vote and deliberation. Folks, the Floor of the Senate is not the place to vet any bills. Committees are supposed to vet bills. This bill was not thoroughly vetted in any committee and opposition to it was shut down. As with all bills going through the Oregon Legislature, the Democrats are in charge of which ones they want to move and which ones they want to die. They want this one – BADLY!

This is a 46-page bill. The first 10 pages refer to abortions in stating that “Every individual has a fundamental right to make decisions about the individual’s reproductive health…to continue the individual’s pregnancy and give birth or to terminate the individual’s pregnancy.” (Page 2, lines 16-19 of the bill). The word “every” exactly means “every” individual, regardless of age. A 10-year-old could, by herself, through resources at her school, get an abortion if this bill becomes law. Her parents or guardian would have no idea; however, her parent’s or guardian’s health insurance would be mandated to cover the cost with no deductions. The parent or guardian would never need to know.

Here are just a few of the provisions of HB 2002-B:

· Any individual regardless of age can seek an abortion without her parents or guardians knowing anything about it. (Page 2; Page 4, lines 39-42)

· For a parent or guardian to know their child is about to get an abortion or transgender medical procedures, the child must sign written consent to notify the parent/guardian. You read that right, a child must give written permission for their parent or guardian to find out the medical care their child is about to receive. (Page 4, lines 39-42)

· Your child, the person you care for, could seek life-altering medical procedures by having an abortion at a very young age; or secretly deciding to alter their natural bodily functions and processes and commit to life-long irreversible drugs or surgeries to satisfy his/her gender preference, through his/her public school resources.

· Your child would likely be referred to the nearest Student Health Clinic through his/her public school resources. There are hundreds of clinics popping up all over the nation – big money – big industry - for children to seek very controversial and experimental medical procedures behind their parent/guardian’s backs. (pages 9-10)

· HB 2002-B will ensure these experiments are continued to the detriment of children and their families, all with the State of Oregon’s stamp of approval. If you think they’re not serious, there is a handy Student Health Center Reproductive Health Grant Fund within the State Treasury. (pages 9-10)

· Your children are being recruited through Social Media and the public schools, themselves. OHSU is readying itself to supply the doctors for every phase of the granted procedures within HB 2002-B. . Doernbecher has a number of Gender Clinics offering a full range of experimental services for children to alter their gender.

· Follow the money - Planned Parenthood, the gender clinics and all the doctors are salivating thinking of the money they’ll rake in. Pharmaceuticals are poised to make a ton of money on the drugs they’ll be supplying for the launching of this new industry in Oregon. Afterall, drugs will need to be supplied throughout the lifetime of the transgendered child who will be prescribed these life-altering chemicals. You will pay for it through not only your insurance premiums, but also through your taxes.

· Disturbingly, HB 2002-B deletes ORS 167.820 which would makes it no longer a crime to conceal a birth. This would prevent law enforcement the ability to make a determination of whether the infant was born dead or alive. It would enable all kinds of creepy and criminal activity to take place. (page 43 of HB 2002-B, line 41 “[and 167.820]”

· HB 2002-B requires your private health insurance to pay for all expenses without deductions, for medical procedures relating to abortion or gender alterations. Keep in mind, gender alterations are a lifetime commitment to hormone therapy, physical manipulations, surgeries, medications and everything that will be associated with the fight against a person’s gender at birth. If you do not have private health insurance, don’t worry, the taxpayers will cover it. By the way, there is no requirement to pay for any kind of reversal. (pages 11-12)

· Your insurance will be required to pay for cosmetic procedures without deductions for transgender surgeries: tracheal shave, hair electrolysis, facial feminization surgery or other facial gender affirming treatment, revisions to prior forms of gender-affirming treatment and any combination of gender-affirming treatments. Again, if you do not have private health insurance, don’t worry, the taxpayers will cover it. (pages 11-12)

In other words, HB 2002-B creates a state-sanctioned secret between parents/guardians and children, putting the state in charge of your children’s health care without your consent or knowledge (Page 4, lines 39-42) and leaves you holding the bill for your child and everybody else’s. And SJR 33 solidifies it in the Constitution.

Common sense would tell you, a child seeking an abortion without parental/guardian influence would set off alarm bells that she might be a crime victim. Yet, there will be no such safeguards in place.

Science being questioned by scientists - Altering our children’s biological sex

The science promoting the safety and effectiveness of gender altering care (which includes puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries that are used to “align” an individual with their new gender identity) has been under increased scrutiny in both America and abroad. Gender-affirming care is beginning to fall apart and is under question by scientists themselves. It is controversial and by no means settled.

Oregon Democrats, on the other hand, are choosing to turn a blind eye in favor of the flawed science undergirding Oregon’s guidelines for gender-altering care and are even doubling down. This reveals the reality that Oregon’s Legislative Activist Democrats are more interested in following an ideology rather than actual science.

The human brain is not fully developed until well into the 30s. The Oregon children targeted in HB 2002 do not have the mental capacity to understand the permanent, often devastating, nature of these decisions.

These kids simply do not understand that their awkwardness is fleeting because they do not have the wisdom that comes with growing up.

No child should feel alone or coerced by schools, government or social media to choose a certain path. Instead, we should be following what Sweden is doing by recommending treatment for these minors should not go beyond psychotherapy.

Europe pulls back as gender-altering medical procedures are questioned

There’s so much controversy behind the effectiveness and unknown long-term risks of these procedures that other countries are pulling back on gender-affirming care for minors.

Indeed, the science behind gender-affirming care is not settled. Oregon legislative Democrats, led by activism, refuse to acknowledge the flaws of the science of gender-altering medical procedures. They need to be willing to fully vet these flaws in committee, and without the conversation spiraling into accusations of questioners being “transphobic.”

Many countries have concluded that the evidence backing the benefits of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries is insufficient, so much so that that the costs and risks of the irreversible procedures likely outweighs their benefits for gender dysphoric children.

  • Norway – The Norwegian Healthcare Investigation Board (NHIB/UKOM) recently found that its gender-affirming care guidelines were not evidence-based and relied on cherry-picked studies. The board concluded that puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming surgery for children and youth were experimental and proposed updated guidelines that these interventions be restricted to research settings.

  • Finland – The Finnish Health Authority (COHERE) conducted a systematic review of the data in 2020 and concluded that psychotherapy, or what we might call counseling, should be the first line of treatment for gender dysphoric youth, not puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, which should be reserved for rare cases. The review warned of the irreversible nature of gender-affirming interventions, and how a minor’s lack of neurological maturity impacts these decisions.

  • France – France’s National Academy of Medicine urged doctors to be cautious in offering pharmaceutical and surgical gender-affirming interventions to minors. They cited the psychological vulnerability of minors and the serious risks associated with these treatments – weak bones, risk of sterility, and emotional and intellectual consequences.

  • Britain – Britain’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) conducted systemic reviews and found that the scientific evidence underpinning common gender-affirming treatments was weak, discouraging, and often contradictory. Puberty blockers were found to have little impact on patients’ well-being and cross-sex hormones were found to have low certainty in improving mental health.

  • Our children are quickly becoming victims of medical experimentation as parents and guardians are iced out and government takes their places. Democrats in the legislature would rather gain popularity with leftist audiences on TikTok and social media than help the youth of today,

    Take action now! Voice your concerns to every single lawmaker, especially those from the Democratic side of the aisle (If you would like a list, please request it by hitting Reply). Oregon is on a downward spiral, especially when it comes to safeguarding our children from human traffickers and medical experimentation. The bills are currently awaiting a floor session for Second Reading and then the vote on Third Reading to pass it and send it to the governor to sign.

    Look for like-minded people who realize the recklessness of HB 2002-B and the destruction being inflicted upon our children, families and society. Reach out and peacefully protest whenever or wherever you can!

    This interview is fairly long, but worth watching as I am interviewed by Naomi Wolf on HB 2002.

    Another compelling report ran across is titled: Answers Sought on NIH Transgender

***MAJOR THREAT***

Senate will hold a First Reading on House Bill 2005 B – May 15, 2023

HB 2005 – Defines “undetectable firearm.” Punishes manufacturing, importing, offering for sale or transferring undetectable firearm by maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both. Punishes possession of undetectable firearm by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, and 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, upon second and subsequent convictions. Punishes possessing,] offering for sale, selling or transferring firearm without serial number by maximum of $1,000 fine upon first conviction, 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, upon second conviction, and 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, upon third and subsequent convictions. Punishes possession of firearm without serial number occurring on or after September 1, 2024, by maximum of $1,000 fine upon first conviction, 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, upon second conviction, and 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, upon third and subsequent convictions. Defines “unfinished frame or receiver.” Requires gun dealer to conduct criminal background check before transferring unfinished frame or receiver. Punishes importing, offering for sale or transferring unfinished frame or receiver by maximum of $1,000 fine upon first conviction, 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, upon second conviction, and 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both, upon third and subsequent convictions. Specifies exceptions. Punishes possession of unserialized unfinished frame or receiver occurring on or after September 1, 2024, by maximum of $1,000 fine upon first conviction, 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both, upon second conviction, and five years’ imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both, upon third and subsequent convictions. Provides that person commits crime if person possesses unfinished frame or receiver and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Punishes by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Prohibits person under 21 years of age from possessing firearms and unfinished frames and receivers with specified exceptions. Punishes by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Establishes affirmative defense for person under 21 years of age who owned firearm before effective date of Act or who relinquished firearm prior to prosecution. Authorizes governing bodies of certain public entities that own or control public building to adopt policy, ordinance or regulation precluding affirmative defense for possession of firearm in or on public building by concealed handgun licensee. Provides that in prosecution for possession of firearm in or on public building subject to such policy, ordinance or regulation, concealed handgun licensee affirmative defense is not complete defense, but results in Class A misdemeanor conviction punishable by 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Prohibits person from transferring certain firearms to recipient person knows, or reasonably should know, is under 21 years of age. Punishes by maximum of 364 days’ imprisonment, $6,250 fine, or both. Specifies exceptions. Appropriates moneys to Department of State Police for implementation of Act. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Read Testimonies

"Oregon: Ask Representative to Oppose Anti-Gun Omnibus Bill HB 2005 B On May 2nd, the House will hold a floor vote on House Bill 2005 B, the anti-gun package requested by Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, now combined into one bill. Please contact your state representative and ask them to OPPOSE HB 2005 B

House Bill 2005 B is the amended version of House Bill 2005 that also includes the provisions of House Bills 2006 and 2007. It goes above and beyond existing federal laws and regulations in restricting private individuals from making their own firearms for personal use, denies Second Amendment rights to young adults aged 18-20 by prohibiting them from possessing semi-automatic firearms, and further weakens Oregon’s preemption law in order to allow localities to prohibit concealed carry in public buildings and on their grounds. "

" HB 2005 ...Why Oppose HB 2005: Gun free zones embolden criminals and invites crime, it discriminates against young "people" and violates their rights and Oregon law, and it overregulates the longstanding tradition of home-built firearms without addressing crime.
An example of what constituents of District 9 are saying about HB 2005

Dear Representatives,

As a lifelong Oregon resident avid hunter, outdoorsman, and firearms owner I am contacting you to urge you to not show up for the vote on HB 2005. Simply doing so will allow a majority vote to be passed and allow this terrible piece of legislation which is blatantly unconstitutional according to Oregon Constitution and the United States Constitution to be passed. 

This bill will make law-abiding gun owners instant criminals and serve no purpose whatsoever other than to disarm my fellow Oregonians and criminalize possession of parts clearly allowed by federal law.
I am urging you urgently do not let this bill be voted on or go through. This is a last resort to protect Oregon's Citizens Second Amendment rights which are guaranteed by the US and Oregon Constitution.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Representative,

I beg you to fight for our 2nd Amendment rights as is in the Oregon constitution and the constitution of the United STATES OF AMERICA!
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Dear Representatives and Senators,

I write this note to you all, as you are in the safety of the capitol with state troopers guarding the door, and metal detectors in operation, and to remind you that you all took an oath to abide by the constitution.

By passing this bill and the others that will come before you, you are disarming the very people who have the capability to protect you, the law-abiding citizens.

The laws you have in place currently are not being enforced adequately; the social programs you have enacted are not working, what makes you think making more laws will stop the mentally ill, the criminals, and drug dealers from harming the people?
Requesting you really think about what you are about to do, and hope you sleep well.
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Dear Representative Boomer Wright,

As a constituent, I ask you to please oppose House Bill 2005 A.

This bill seeks only to disarm us law-abiding citizens and continue eroding our Second Amendment rights without improving public safety. Criminals, by definition, do not obey the law. Criminals already violate existing laws to obtain firearms and cause carnage. They will just ignore any new decrees from the Legislature as well. Please, instead, enforce existing laws on violent criminals, hold them responsible for their actions, get them off the streets, and keep them off the streets.

HB 2005 A goes beyond existing federal laws and regulations in restricting hobbyists from making their own firearms for personal use. It is already illegal for prohibited persons, such as felons, to possess any firearms, whether home-built or factory mass produced. It conflates lawfully home-built firearms with guns from which criminals have intentionally removed serial numbers with criminal intent. >br>
Adults aged 18-20 are old enough to vote, enter into contracts, join the military without parent permission, and get married. It is unreasonable for something to deny them Second Amendment rights. There is no indication that this group of adults contributes to crime: this bill just strips them of their rights.

Weakening preemption will only cause Oregon to have a more confusing patchwork of gun laws and their citizens across the state to not have the same rights. Allowing localities to restrict carry will also create more arbitrary zones where law-abiding citizens are left defenseless against criminals who ignore such boundaries. Concealed carry permit holders are among Oregon’s most law-abiding citizens. They don't commit crimes. If they did commit a crime, they wouldn't be eligible for the permit. They are not the problem. "

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1409
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-372, Salem, OR 97301​​
Email: Rep.BoomerWright@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wright

House Committee on Judiciary 8:00 AM

SB 807 A – Provides procedure whereby elected judge may challenge party,  attorney, law firm, district attorney’s office, defense consortium or public defender’s office that files motions to disqualify judge with such frequency as to] that effectively deny judge assignment to criminal or juvenile delinquency docket.

Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Eastern Oregon Senior Judges in Opposition

House Committee on Early Childhood & Human Svcs 1:00PM

SB 105 A – Requires Department of Human Services to study delivery of developmental disability services statewide. Directs department to submit report to interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to human services not later than September 15, 2024.] Expands definition of “abuse” to include restraint or seclusion of or infliction of corporal punishment on adult with developmental disability by public education program, for purposes of complaints of abuse to and investigation of complaints by Department of Human Services.

Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Would have had negative effects in adopting our son

House Committee on Behavioral Health & Health Care 3:00PM

SB 607 – Requires Oregon Health Authority to study membership of Pain Management Commission. Directs authority to submit findings to interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to health not later than September 15, 2024. Sunsets January 2, 2025.

Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Pain Management is not the problem – in Opposition

Tuesday - May 16, 2023

Bills of Concern

House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources & Water 3:00 PM

SB 789 – Makes permanent certain restrictions on growing canola within Willamette Valley Protected District. Declares emergency, effective July 1, 2023

Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony:  Pacific Northwest Canola Assoc in Opposition

Senate Committee on Rules 3:00 PM     **Attention Parents!**

SB 1045 – Directs Department of Education to review department’s statutes, rules and internal policies to identify how best to incorporate suggestions made by Secretary of State following audit of education in this state. Declares emergency, effective July 1, 2023.

Author’s Note: The -2 Amendments would shift control of management and operations to the State Board of Education, would create a new bureaucracy to classify schools as standard, non-standard, or conditionally standard, and it would give ODE the ability to directly take over school management in certain circumstances. Locally elected school board members are in the best position to respond to the needs of their local education communities. A shift away from locally elected school board members to an unelected, appointed State Board of Education should not move forward. And this is just one of many concerns about the policies the bill would enact.

Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Oregon School Boards in Opposition – takes away Local School Board Authority

To view a live stream of the meeting go to:

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Committees/SRULES/Overview

Senate Committee on Finance & Revnue 3:00 PM

SB 456 – Provides that Oregon estate tax is imposed only on estates of decedents dying on or before December 31, 2022. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Read Testimonies
There are no testimonies at this writing.

Senate Committee on Health Care 1:00 PM

HB 3223 A – Prohibits Oregon Board of Dentistry from requiring applicant for certification as dental assistant to pass written examination. Requires board to adopt rules to establish alternative pathways to certification. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die

Please note: Although HB 3223 A is scheduled solely for the purpose of hearing testimony from the people who previously signed up to testify at the meeting on 5-10-2023, YOU STILL CAN SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY.

Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony: Dental Assisting National Board in Opposition

To view a live stream of the meeting go to:
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Committees/SHC/Overview

Wednesday - May 17, 2023

Bills of Concern

Nothing is Scheduled for Public Hearing at this writing.

Please Review the Schedule, bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List

Thursday - May 18, 2023

Bills of Concern

BAD BILL ALERT!

House Committee on Rules 1:00 PM

SB 166 – Explicitly guarantees electors right to vote and right to secret ballot. Establishes that crime of aggravated harassment includes harassment against election worker. Punishes crime of harassment or aggravated harassment against election worker by maximum of five years’ imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both. Alters requirements for annual county elections security plans. Removes requirement that name and number of precinct in which elector resides or precinct split of elector be included in lists of electors provided to political parties.

Read Testimonies
Featured Testimony:  We the People have the right to Public Record

Friday - May 19, 2023

Bills of Concern

Nothing is Scheduled for Public Hearing at this writing.

Please Review the Schedule, bills can be added at any time for Public Hearing
https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/Committees/Meeting/List

Referred to Ways & Means - KEEP WATCH!

**ALERT** 
SB 348 -3 BM 114 Firearms

Work Session held on 4/4. Voted out of Senate Committee on Judiciary with 2 Nays (Senator Thatcher and Senator Linthicum) and 3 Ayes (Senator Gelser Blouin, Senator Manning, and Senator Prozanski). Referred to Ways and Means. A minority report has been submitted by Republicans.

"As you know, Measure 114 is on hold due to an injunction issued out of Harney County. A full trial is expected there in September. However, everything could change based on what actions the Legislature takes. In the meantime, the Oregon State Police are accepting your “suggestions” on how best to implement a “permit to purchase” policy that we all know will be every bit as chaotic and unworkable as their current “instant background check” system is.

Comments can be emailed to OSP114@osp.oregon.gov or mailed to:
Oregon State Police
Attn: Permit to Purchase Rulemaking
3565 Trelstad Ave. SE
Salem, OR 97317
You can offer your “suggestions” until May 22.

More information here: http://www.oregonfirearms.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rulemaking-Notice_SOS-Filed_4-17-23-1.pdf "

ALERT  SB 891 Eliminates residency requirements for assisted suicide

Work Session held on 3/29 in Senate Committee on Judiciary. Voted out of committee with 2 Nays (Senator Thatcher and Senator Linthicum) and 3 Ayes (Senator Gelser Blouin, Senator Manning, and Senator Prozanski). Referred to Rules.

ALERT SB 579 Voting by adults in custody

Allowing convicted felons to vote while in prison.

Referred to Ways and Means

ALERT SB 530 Climate Change

This bill creates state policy regarding natural solutions and the Natural and Working Lands Fund. This bill directs the Oregon Global Warming Commission, ODOE and other state agencies to jointly coordinate on the development and prepare a net carbon sequestration and storage baseline for natural and working lands. A natural and working lands advisory committee will be create and will consist of 14 members.

Work Session held on 4/3 in Senate Committee on Natural Resources. Voted out of committee and referred to Ways and Means

Oregon Agriculture Bills to Support currently in Ways & Means

HB 2631  – Wolf Compensation with a 7x multiplier for lost cattle – $900,000-$1.2M 

Read Testimonies

SB 471 – Wolf Compensation Fund – $800,000 

Read Testimonies

SB 955 – AgStress – Suicide Prevention Call Line – $300,000

Read Testimonies

HB 2194 – ODA Grant Program to fund construction of meat rendering plants – $4M 

Read Testimonies

HB 2907 – ODA Grant Program to fund establishments that process and sell meat products – $10M

Read Testimonies

HB 3247 – Support for OSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab – $900,000

Read Testimonies

HB 5002 – Oregon Department of Agriculture Budget

Read Testimonies

SB 458 – OSU Statewide Funding including Extension, ag experiment stations and forest research – $50M

Read Testimonies

SB 5509 – Restore Predator Control Funding (USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services) – Leveraging approximately 5:1 federal and county dollars to state dollars, respectively.

Read Testimonies

Keep Your Eyes on the Kicker!

While the two bills that would steal Oregonians’ hard-earned money by taking the constitutionally protected kicker refund are currently sitting in committee without movement, it’s not “over” until Sine Die in June.

With the full legislature at the whim of the majority party, bills can move lightning fast. These bills are SRJ 26 and SB 774 and they would deny Oregonians their much-deserved $5,200 (average per household) personal kicker refunds and redirect that money to grow an already bloated state bureaucracy.

Between 2001 and 2021, Oregon’s budget more than tripled from $34.1 billion to $121.2 billion per biennium – an insane expansion of government, further demonstrating the legislature’s insatiable appetite to spend. Since 2001, annual inflation has averaged 2.4%.

Read more about the history of the Kicker here, and its 1979 inception.

Remember: Each biennium, the Governor proposes an aspirational budget. The legislature then creates a framework and ultimately passes the final budget for the next two fiscal years.

Bills that need your attention & Emails!

BECAUSE OF YOU!
Last week, HB 3501 received LOTS of testimonies! This bill would have allowed homeless tent cities in nearly every park and street in Oregon and allowed homeless people to sue you personally for $1,000 if you try to move them. It was scheduled for a public hearing last week, but this week, the committee chair removed it from the agenda.

This is an example these action alerts can have an impact. They are meant to cause the Democrats in charge to reconsider what they are doing and get them to stop.  Below are ones that need your attention, please take the time to write legislators!  Words DO Matter!

HB 2279 BAD

Repeals residency requirement in Oregon Death with Dignity Act. 
This bill could make Oregon an assisted suicide tourist destination. It’s no secret that we do not have a culture of life here in Oregon, and this is just the latest example.

It is scheduled for a work session in the Senate Committee On Judiciary on Wednesday, May 10, at 1:00 PM. Email the committee chair and ask him not to pass the bill.

HB 3042 – BAD

Limits terminations and rent increases for three years after tenants’ housing is withdrawn from publicly supported housing. Requires owners or landlords to provide notice to new tenants and applicants during notice period before withdrawal from publicly supported housing. Allows Housing and Community Services Department to record extension of affordability restrictions for publicly supported housing if property owner misses certain deadlines. Allows department to record right of first refusal if no qualified purchaser makes an offer. Makes other amendments to publicly supported housing preservation program. Declares emergency, effective on passage

This bill would allow the government to change an agreement with a subsidized housing provider by limiting their recoup costs beyond the agreed timeframe. This sets a dangerous precedent by changing the rules mid-game. How will this attract more housing to solve our housing crisis? We should create certainty for housing providers, not changing the terms of contracts.

It is scheduled for a Work Session in the Senate Committee On Housing and Development on Monday, May 8, at 8:00 AM. Email the Committee Chair and ask him not to pass the bill.

SB 523GOOD
Authorizes community colleges to offer Bachelor of Science, Nursing degrees.

Community colleges have locally elected boards to keep them responsive to local needs. Rogue Community College has an excellent allied health program and is ready to expand to train nurses.

It is scheduled for a Work Session in the House Committee on Higher Education on Thursday, May 11, at 3:00 PM.

Your Voice is Needed Now!

Make Your Voice Heard – OLCC Trying to Raise Taxes on Booze

OLCC is seeking public comment on a proposed increase of the current 50-cent surcharge on each bottle of distilled spirits to one dollar per bottle. 

The Commissioners heard initial testimony at their April 20 Commission meeting.  You can watch the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) testimony on how this tax increase will hurt small bars and restaurants the most at a time when the Governor and the OLCC Commission should be supporting them.

The Commission will listen to additional verbal testimony at the May 18 meeting and will accept written comments through June 5, 2023.

As background, a temporary surcharge of fifty cents was first enacted in the 2009-2011 budget cycle and has been continued ever since, including the 2021-23 cycle. On top of that surcharge, Governor Kotek’s budget for 2023-25 includes a line item for an additional fifty-cent surcharge on distilled spirits which is estimated to raise $45.2 million for the general fund.

Please consider taking action on this by either:
• Providing verbal testimony at the May 18 Commission meeting
(email laura.paul@oregon.gov by 5pm on May 16, 2023)
• Submitting written comments; visit ORLA’s Take Action page by June 5, 2023
at 5 PM to send a customized message to the Commissioners

Are we missing a bill? Submit a Bill is now available! Submittal deadlines are Fridays by 5PM! We’ll try our best to get it on the list!  

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Disclaimer: Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the various authors, and not necessarily each author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

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