RELEASE, Key Rural EMS Legisaltion Unanimously Passes Oregon House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FEBRUARY 20, 2026
KEY RURAL EMS LEGISLATION HB 4156 UNANIMOUSLY PASSES HOUSE
SALEM, OR. – Today, the Oregon House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 4156.
HB 4156 modifies and clarifies the requirements for Medicaid supplemental payments to EMS providers, helping ensure that ambulance services and emergency responders continue to have access to federal dollars for the care they provide to Medicaid patients.
This bill is Representative Greg Smith’s (R-Heppner) key policy priority of the 2026 short session. “Emergency medical professionals are often the first to arrive when Oregonians face their most difficult moments,” said Representative Smith. “HB 4156 strengthens the financial stability of our EMS providers, particularly in rural communities, by making sure they are properly reimbursed for the lifesaving services they deliver every day.”
As a Chief Sponsor of the HB 4156, Representative Dacia Grayber (D-SW Portland & East Beaverton) stated, “The last thing EMS providers need right now is further uncertainty about their funding streams. HB 4156 will give Oregon the ability to find other reimbursement methods so our GEMT program can continue undisrupted, and providers can better serve their communities.”
Chief Sponsor Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) joined in, stating, “Oregonians, especially our seniors in rural areas, are counting on us to address EMS access. I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues to champion HB 4156. This will preserve access to critical federal funding and is a step towards a bipartisan solution for modernizing EMS.”
Umatilla County Fire District #1 Chief Scott J. Stanton stated, “Fire chiefs from across the state, and I met with Rep. Smith over the summer, where the Chiefs presented this idea to him, and he agreed to bring it to the legislature as his priority bill. This important work could not have happened without Rep. Smith’s dedication!”
In an open letter to the legislature, Fire Chief David Jensen of Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue wrote, “It is important to clarify that continued federal support for GEMT simply preserves the existing system; HB 4156 does not require any additional state funding. Maintaining this federal partnership ensures stability for local agencies like ours and allows us to continue offering essential services without new financial burdens for Oregon.”
The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association’s official statement: “The passage of HB 4156 on the House Floor ensures Oregon remains eligible for millions of dollars of federal EMS supplemental funding, which is vital to the services provided across the state. Today’s outcome reflects a collaborative effort by many, which has contributed to the strong support we’ve seen throughout the legislative process.”
If you would like to support this legislation’s passage through the Senate, visit HB 4156 on OLIS to testify in support.
Representative Smith is the Republican budget leader who represents the entirety of Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, and Wheeler counties, as well as portions of Clackamas, Jefferson, Marion, Umatilla, and Wasco Counties.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
(541) 993-5236
rep.gregsmith@oregonlegislature.gov
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