Rep. Ricki Ruiz

Establishes the Task Force on Community College Adult Reconnect. Directs the task force to study and make recommendations related to assisting adult learners to overcome barriers to earning a degree or credential. Sunsets the task force on December 31, 2026. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Allows a worker to receive permanent disability payments and complete the appeal of a notice of closure while engaged in training. Allows the redetermination of a worker's permanent total disability compensation after ceasing to engage in training. Allows a worker to postpone the selection of a training program and engagement in the program until after claim closure becomes final.

Modifies the meaning of "sexually explicit conduct" for certain crimes involving children. Directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to classify invasion of personal privacy in the first degree as a crime category 8 on the sentencing guidelines grid when the victim is a minor. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Maddy summaryHB 3203 requires Oregon's Department of Education to create an advisory committee focused on improving school attendance, particularly for students facing language barriers. The committee, including representatives from education, human services, school boards, and educator associations, will gather current practices (like family coach programs) and communication methods to help develop new attendance policies. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage. It directly affects Oregon public schools and students with language barriers by directing state-level action to address attendance challenges. The bill does not change existing laws but initiates a process to develop new guidance.

Provides that each firearm possessed by a person committing the crime of felon in possession of a firearm constitutes a separately punishable offense.

Maddy summaryHB 3898 requires Oregon's Department of Transportation to offer written commercial driver license examinations in both English and Spanish to applicants seeking commercial driving privileges. This directly affects individuals applying for commercial driver licenses (CDLs) in Oregon who may prefer or require Spanish-language testing. The bill mandates that the written knowledge test must be available in both languages, ensuring accessibility for Spanish-speaking applicants without altering other exam requirements. The policy change applies to all written commercial driver exams administered on or after the bill's effective date.

Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Department of Early Learning and Care for the purpose of funding Relief Nursery programs. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Requires the Oregon Business Development Department to study the security upgrade needs of small businesses in Oregon. Directs the department to submit a report of the study to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to economic development no later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets January 2, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 3377 authorizes the State Treasurer to issue lottery bonds to raise $10 million in net proceeds for constructing the James Beard Public Market in Portland, with funds directed to the Historic Portland Public Market Foundation. The bill requires these bond proceeds to be deposited into a state economic development fund for the market's construction, aiming to support downtown Portland's economy, local food vendors, and farming industries. It declares an emergency effective July 1, 2025, to expedite the project. The legislation cites job creation and economic development as key purposes, aligning with the market's role in revitalizing downtown Portland.

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Education for distribution to the Oregon Coast Visitors Association for the purpose of promoting seafood in the public schools of this state. Appropriates moneys to the State Department of Agriculture for the purpose of implementing local food incentives and product development to provide seafood products in public schools. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.