By Senator Suzanne Weber,

Getting Connected

I wanted to share the exciting news that the 108-mile fiber construction project on Highway 6 is complete! Here is an article with additional information on the project that provides high-speed internet connectivity to more than 270 homes in Tillamook County.

Squatter Eviction Bill

House HB 3522, is meant to streamline squatter evictions.  Passing the house unanimously, it is on its way to the Senate.  This bipartisan bill allows property owners and landlords to remove squatters using the standard eviction process.

The bill closes a loophole in Oregon law that prevents property owners from using the state’s standard eviction process—known as Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED)—to remove squatters when there is no evidence of forced entry or an existing landlord-tenant relationship. Without this fix, property owners have been forced into a lengthy and costly civil process known as ejectment, delaying access to their own property and racking up thousands in legal fees.

The bill allows property owners to pursue standard evictions when squatters are present without a lease—closing a loophole without affecting tenants’ rights.

The bill drew wide-ranging support from both landlord and tenant advocacy groups. Organizations like Multifamily NW and the Oregon Law Center recognized the need for reform and backed the bill as a targeted fix.

Visitors to the Capitol

I was so pleased to see so many show up for Purple Up! Day, for the Month of the Military Child.  In addition to passing Senate Concurrent Resolution 30, designated April 10th 2025 as Purple Up Day, my colleagues and I had the honor of giving courtesies to the children present.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 30

Whereas Oregonians appreciate the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women who defend our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic; and

Whereas the children of military families face unique challenges and we appreciate their strength and sacrifices as they support their enlisted family members, at times enduring long periods of separation; and

Whereas the children of military families are directly impacted by the deployment of one, and sometimes both, parents on full-time duty status in military service, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty orders; and

Whereas we acknowledge the role we play in supporting the children of military families to help them be successful in life, in educational pursuits and in community involvement while their parents are deployed; and

Whereas Month of the Military Child was established in 1986 to recognize military children for their commitment, sacrifice, strength and unconditional support of our troops and to remind us of the opportunity to provide support and encouragement; and

Whereas as part of Month of the Military Child, there has been a growing trend to establish a day of recognition honoring the children of servicemen and women, and this day of recognition is known as Purple Up! Day; and

Whereas thousands of brave Oregonians are demonstrating their courage and commitment to freedom by serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America here at home and abroad; and

Whereas Oregon has more than 10,000 children with a parent or parents currently serving in the military, and hundreds more children in Oregon are connected to the military through the service of siblings, aunts, uncles or grandparents; and

Whereas these children are a source of pride and honor for us all, and it is only fitting that we take time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon:
That we, the members of the Eighty-third Legislative Assembly, designate April 10, 2025, as Purple Up! Day for Month of the Military Child in Oregon; and be it further Resolved, That we encourage all Oregonians to wear purple, the color symbolizing all branches of the military, as a visible show of support and appreciation for military children for their commitment, their sacrifice and their unconditional support of our service members, because when parents serve in the military, their children serve too.

I was so pleased to receive this picture of the new Rainier Oregon Historical Museum nearing completion. Unfortunately, I was unable to make it to the Soft Opening last weekend, but I am overjoyed at the progress and can’t wait to come visit this summer.

 

Please join me for this weeks From the District update on the 83rd Legislative District. It was a busy week with the First Chamber Deadline creating a scramble from members of the Legislature, staff, constituents, and lobbyists to keep their bills alive.

 

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716  District Phone: 503-300-4493
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-405, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen​.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov
Website:  ​https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/weber/​