2017 LEGISLATIVE BILLS AND PRIORITIES

April News from Oregon State Representative Ron Noble

Hello Friends,

As we move into the Spring season, things are moving at a fast pace in the House of Representatives.  I’d like to give you an update on my legislative priorities, the visitors we have had in the past month, as well as community activities in District 24.

Below is a list of bills I am sponsoring, along with the status of the bills.  Information regarding all House Bills and Senate Bills can be found at www.oregonlegislature.gov.  This is a great website for information, and I urge you to take a look.

HB 2992 – Requires school district board and public charter school governing body to adopt and implement policy that requires volunteers to undergo criminal records check.

  • Provides a level of safety in knowing that volunteers in our schools are undergoing a background check
  • Current Status:  This bill passed through the Judiciary Committee and has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

HB 3363 – Changes term “osteopath” to “osteopathic physician.” Clarifies that doctors of osteopathic medicine practice medicine as physicians.

  • This concept came to me via a constituent to standardize the way osteopathic physicians are referenced in statute.
  • Current Status:  This passed through the Health Care Committee unanimously, and I will be presenting this during the Floor Session for a vote.

HJR 28 – Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution to require Legislative Assembly, in each odd-numbered year regular session, to appropriate moneys to fund public education before passing any other budget bill.

  • This bill ensures that appropriate moneys go towards education
  • Current Status: Public Hearing held on 3/29/17.

HB 3415 – Imposes requirements upon mental health treatment providers and programs to ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate care for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing

  • This establishes a Bill of Rights to ensure that mental health programs throughout the state provide culturally and linguistically affirmative mental health services to the deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing individuals.
  • Current Status: I testified at the public hearing, along with Senator Monnes Anderson and Senator Gelser on April 12th.  This bill passed through the Health Care Committee and has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

Another priority of mine is supporting our veterans.  Specifically, I am seeking to restore funding that was cut in the Governor’s proposed budget.  Oregonians were very clear with the passage of Ballot Measure 96 that they wanted to see their state government do more to support veterans, and they want funding for veteran’s services to be a priority in Salem.  Toward that end, I have introduced an amendment that would establish the funding level at the rate Oregonians expected following the passage of Measure 96 in 2016.

In addition, I am also committed to support a transportation package that facilitates the completion of the Newberg-Dundee bypass, takes care of our current maintenance concerns, and looks toward future infrastructure needs.

Community Engagement

  • We had the honor of having two of my friends perform the Opening Ceremony for the House Session.
  • On March 27th, Pastor Beto Reyes provided the House with the opening prayer.  Beto is one of the Pastors at McMinnville Praise Academy.
  • Rev. Fred Douglas gave us the opening prayer on Monday, March 13th.  I have known Fred for over 30 years. He is the Executive Director of Portland Youth for Christ and it was our honor to have him in the Capitol.
  • I was asked to be an auctioneer with Representative Vial for the Scholls Country Auction, a benefit for Groner Elementary School held at Oregon Heritage Farms.  The auction was organized by community volunteers through the local Parent Teacher Organization.  It was my first time as an auctioneer – with that said, we still raised funds to replace the two-decade old for playground equipment at the Groner K-8 school.  It was a great experience, and I hope they ask me to do this again next year!
  • On March 9th , I participated in a Washington County Budget Town Hall in Beaverton with Senator Riley, Senator Steiner Hayward, Representative Barker, Representative Doherty, Representative Vial, Representative McLain, Representative Helm, Representative Malstrom, Representative Sollman, and Representative Witt.  Hearing the thoughts and concerns of the constituents is the most important thing we can do as Representatives, and I thank everyone who came out to give your insights into your communities.
  • On March 15, I had the opportunity to visit with the Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO) 13 and 15 to listen to the concerns of those from the southern part of Washington County.
  • Another highlight was a visit from the Yamhill-Carlton Middle School.  I had the privilege of having The Student Body President, Joey Jones, sit with me during the Floor Session.  After that, a Q&A was held with the students.  Let me tell you – those students asked intelligent, insightful questions!  I look forward to seeing their accomplishments in the years to come.
  • We held a Town Hall in McMinnville on April 6th at the McMinnville Civic Hall.  Thank you to all who attended and provided your comments, thoughts and ideas for our community.

Thanks for taking time to read my Newsletter.  Remember – if you find yourself in the Salem area, I would love it if you stopped by my office to say hello!

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1424
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-376, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.RonNoble@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/noble