Catching up with Rep. Darcey Edwards: Columbia County’s freshman lawmaker tackles first long session

Read article at Columbia County Spotlight.

Oregon House Rep. Darcey Edwards hasn’t been part of the state legislature for long, but she’s already hit the ground running.

In odd-numbered years, the state legislature convenes for up to 160 days in a long session, which contrasts with the 35-day short sessions that occur in even-numbered years. This year’s session began Jan. 21, kicking off Edwards’ first session as the District 31 representative, which covers Columbia County and parts of Washington County.

Here’s what Columbia County residents should know about this year’s legislative session:

What bills should Columbia County residents look out for?

Edwards has sponsored multiple bills this session, but there are a handful that Columbia County residents should pay extra attention to.

One such bill is Senate Bill 1078, which increases the penalty window for individuals who fail to fulfill their obligations as mandatory reporters of child abuse from 18 months to five years.

The bill was prompted by recent sexual abuse cases in Columbia County that have brought the roles of mandatory reporters center stage. St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner was recently charged with official misconduct on grounds that she violated mandatory reporting requirements with regard to the ongoing case against former SHHS choir teacher Eric Stearns.

“The point of it is the safety of your students and the community,” Edwards said.

Columbia County residents should also watch Senate Bill 458, Edwards said, which asks the Oregon Department of Transportation to study safety improvements on Highway 30 between mileposts 49 and 94, which run between Rainier and Astoria.

“In my district I always say there’s three deadly highways. I have (Highway) 30, (Highway) 26 and (Oregon Route) 6,” Edwards said. “But for Columbia County, that’s pretty specific, and they have some S-curves up there that are just pretty scary.”

Edwards is the chief sponsor of House Bill 3671, which directs the Department of Human Services to study funding mechanisms for senior centers.

Edwards said she was at a debate at a senior center when she was approached by a woman who asked her to look into how the center was funded. After doing some research, she learned that the answer is different for nearly every senior center in the area, and many are struggling.

“They’re some of the most vulnerable people in our communities that we need to watch out for,” Edwards said.

Edwards’ tips for following the legislative session

The legislative session can seem like a whirlwind of bills and hearings, but Edwards has some tips on how to make sense of it all.

“Look for the words ‘regulatory’ or ‘fee’, which is like the keyword for tax that’s going to hurt small businesses and homeowners,” Edwards said.

Columbia County residents should also look out for bills that address public safety, infrastructure and addiction, she said.

What else should Columbia County residents know?

Much of the legislative process happens in committees, and Edwards sits on four:

• The Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology

• The Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response

• The House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment

• The House Committee on Housing and Homelessness

“I have a committee meeting every day, and so I’m here working — and it is work,” Edwards said. “I’m learning so much, it’s like a fire hose of acronyms and agencies and learning where things come from.”

And while Edwards welcomes meetings and phone calls with her constituents, she often runs into people with concerns about issues that are in the federal government’s purview that she can’t help with.

Building relationships with others has been another priority for the freshman Republican representative, be it concerned constituents, industry leaders or other legislators.

“I’m in a minority — actually a super minority — but if I can give my time to listen to someone’s bad day, I’m fine with that,” she said.

Edwards can be reached by phone at 503-986-1413 or by email at Rep.DarceyEdwards@oregonlegislature.gov.