Note:  Education reports after January, 2024, are included in Social policy reports. Education reports prior to February, 2024, can be found HERE.

Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2026 Social Policy bills.

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• Behavioral Health

• Criminal Justice

• Education

• Gun Safety

• Healthcare

• Housing

• Immigration

• Reproductive Healthcare

Behavioral Health

by Trish Garner

SB 1528 -2 Amendment passed the Senate Committee on Health Care.. This measure attempts to increase transparency about patient assistance drug programs by requiring drug manufacturers to provide an annual report to the public about all, and not just some, of these programs.  A patient assistance drug program is one where a manufacturer offers coupons or discount cards or copayment assistance to the public when purchasing drugs.  At the present time this information only needs to be provided when a drug has a price increase of 10% or more, which means that it may hide the fact the coupon or discount only covers a higher priced drug. It may also undermine competition with generic drugs. Proponents, including both insurers and consumers, state that SB 1528 improves accountability and transparency without creating additional burdens for patients or providers.  The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of American (PhARMA) and Eli Lily and Company oppose the measure on the grounds that increased reporting requirements will place patient information at increased risk of disclosure.

SB 1532 was passed in the Senate Committee on Human Services. The bill, including 8 Amendments, modifies the authority of the Oregon Department of Human Services regarding residential and long-term care facilities, developmental disabilities services and children in care. It defines “immediate jeopardy” when determining if a person in a residential or long-term care facility is in immediate jeopardy of harm which could then be used as a basis for Oregon Department of Human Services to place a condition on the facility’s license. A child in care may be put in an out-of-state placement that is not licensed as a child-caring agency if it is in a relative foster home or pre-adoptive family placement, is an eating disorder program approved by the state’s Medicaid program or the placement is pursuant to the Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act.  It modifies the criteria that allow out-of-state placements in eating disorder programs that are not inpatient or residential treatment programs but have 24-hour nursing services. 

SB 1534 -9 Amendment, was passed by the Senate Committee on Human Services with a referral to Ways and Means. The measure defines what constitutes abuse of a child in care. Such abuse includes acts such as neglect, the commission of an act that is nonaccidental and causes physical injury, verbal abuse, wrongful use or misappropriation of a child’s funds or property, or encouraging a child to engage in performing or photographing sexual conduct.  Child-caring agencies, developmental disabilities facilities, proctor foster homes, certified foster homes or caretakers with a duty of care to a child are impacted by this measure, while it exempts parents. It defines requirements for licensure of child-care agencies by the Oregon Department of Human Services and modifies enforcement requirements relating to financial statements, notifications upon receiving reports of abuse and provisions that allow certain placements of a child over 16 to be extended. 

1546 -2 Amendment passed the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health with a “do pass” recommendation. The bill attempts to restrict the impact of AI (“artificial intelligence”) chatbots that are increasingly affecting the lives of children, as well as adults. It requires that a system that uses AI intelligence, other than that used solely for business or video game purposes, to clearly and conspicuously remind users that they are using artificial intelligence.  The operator is required to have a publicly published protocol to detect a user who has suicidal ideation or intent or self-harm ideation and to prevent content that encourages the ideation. Such a user must be provided a referral, contact information and a hyperlink for the national 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline. If the user is under 25, a contact to Youthline may be given. Youthline is a service that the American Association for Suicidology has been accredited to provide youth peer support to individuals who contact the network. If an operator of AI believes that a user of its AI is a minor, it must advise that the AI companion is not human, and cannot use rewards, emotional manipulation or dependence or romantic relationships. Minors must be given clear and conspicuous reminders to take breaks, and sexually explicit content is prohibited. This bill could face legal challenges because of a December executive order President Donald Trump signed to limit state regulation of AI services. ( See Executive Order, 12-11-25)

With only one “nay” vote, the Senate has passed SB 1579. The measure provides that making a false report about child abuse is a criminal act.  An initial report can result in a Class B misdemeanor (a fine of up to $2,500, 6 months in jail, probation).  If the person has already been convicted once of this offense, it can result in a Class A misdemeanor (fine of up to $6,250, 364 days in jail, probation) and if there are two or more prior convictions it can result in a Class C felony charge (up to 5 years in prison, fine up to $125,000, probation).

HB 4042A Engrossed passed the House Behavioral Health Committee with a “do pass” recommendation. It requires the Oregon Department of Health Services (“ODHS”) to place conditions on a child caring agency’s license in certain circumstances. Current rules regarding seclusion and restraint in child caring agencies are amended so that they do not include vehicle safety restraints. ODHS is authorized to place a child or ward in a congregate care residential setting that is not a child caring agency or qualified residential treatment program if it is licensed and provides medically necessary and appropriate treatment. This placement can last no longer than 60 or 90 cumulative days in a 12-month period unless extended upon request of the child or it is in the child’s best interests.

HB 4070A Engrossed was passed by the House and has been assigned to Senate Early Childhood and Behavioral Health. The bill provides that the Oregon Health Authority must ensure that access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services is comparable to medical and surgical treatment and services. Limitations applied by OHA, including those imposed for entry into mental health and substance abuse services, can be no more stringent than those imposed for medical and surgical treatment. Crisis stabilization centers are required to have the capacity to screen individuals for physical health needs. Subject to legislatively appropriated funding, services must be made available to all persons with mental health, substance use disorders or intellectual or developmental disabilities. The measure modernizes certain definitions, including changing the reference from “alcoholics” to “persons with alcohol use disorder” and “drug dependent persons” to “persons with substance use disorders.”

Criminal Justice

By Marge Easley and Sharron Noone

Bills stacked up in committee hearings this past week as legislators scrambled to meet the  February 16^th deadline. We’re happy to report that most bills dealing with immigration enforcement are moving, although a one-day boycott on 2/19 by Senate Republicans stalled action on the floor. These immigration bills have successfully passed the House:

• HB 4114 A requires federal and out-of-state law enforcement to follow identification requirements and warrant procedures and allows civil suits against those who don’t follow regulations. League testimony.

• HB 4138 A provides the specifics of police ID rules and limits actions of public employees when working with federal or out-of-state law enforcement. League testimony.

• HB 4111 A provides that immigration status is not admissible as evidence in a civil proceeding. 

• HB 4091 lists the specific reasons for mobilizing the Oregon National Guard, The bill has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Veterans, Emergency Management, Federal and World Affairs with a hearing and possible work session scheduled for 2/24. League testimony.

On the Senate side, these bills await a floor vote as of 2/19:

• SJR 203 A, which forbids secret police in Oregon, passed out of Senate Judiciary and was sent to Rules to allow more time for consideration. League testimony.

• SB 1563 allows for civil action against a law enforcement officer when constitutional rights are violated

• SB 1594 establishes model immigration policies for schools, health facilities, and other public bodies.  

Other criminal justice bills of particular interest to the League include:

• HB 4045 A passed the House and is on the way to the Senate. It requires communication responders to respond to a search warrant within a specified time when domestic violence is involved. League testimony.

SB 1515, which modifies provisions for wrongful conviction petitions (League testimony), and SB 1550 A, which requires an investigation as to the cause of death when domestic violence or child abuse is suspected, both await a vote on the Senate floor.

Education

By Jean Pierce

HB 4079 A  requires public schools to inform parents, students, and community members when ICE is present on the campus. This would assure immigrants that they have accurate information to base decisions to protect their children. The bill passed the House and is scheduled for hearings in Senate Education. The League submitted testimony in support of the bill.

SB 1538 A  creates a new protected class in educational antidiscrimination law (schools cannot discriminate based on immigration or citizenship status), and guarantees admission to Oregon school districts’ instructional programs  The bill passed the Senate and is scheduled for hearings in House Education.  The League submitted  testimony  in support.

HB 4149 directs school districts to enroll and provide services for homeless students. The bill codifies provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in Oregon law.   LWVOR submitted testimony in support.  Rep. Cate expressed concern that this is an unfunded mandate, but it did pass the House.

Gun Policy          

By Marge Easley

HB 4145 A modifies Measure 114 (2022) and provides more details for implementation in 2028, pending an upcoming Supreme Court ruling on its constitutionality. The bill passed out of House Judiciary on 2/16, but the committee vote was not without controversy. In the middle of the vote count,  Chair Kropf called a 20-minute recess after Rep. Tran (D) voted no on the bill.  Democratic committee members were called to the hallway,  and upon return a visibly upset Rep. Tran changed her vote to a yes to break the tie. She has since accused Rep. Kropf of “creating a hostile work environment.”  An OPB article provides additional context.  League testimony. 

HB 4096 was submitted at the request of Multnomah D.A. Nathan Vasquez and increased penalties for a convicted felon in possession of three or more firearms. The bill died in committee. 

Health Care

Christa Danielson  

The following bills align with long-standing League priorities supporting equitable access, transparency, patient protection, and evidence-based public health policy.

Bills for which the League submitted testimony: 

SB 1527 classifies colposcopy as a preventive screening procedure, eliminating patient cost-sharing. The bill advances preventive care access and removes financial barriers to early detection. It passed the Senate. The League wrote testimony.

SB 1570 A limits federal immigration enforcement access to nonpublic areas of healthcare facilities without a lawful court order.

• Requires written response policies and designated administrator

• Requires posting of constitutional rights information

• Prohibits retaliation against workers who inform patients of rights

• Protects immigration status as confidential health information

The  Senate Health Committee recommended passage. LWVOR submitted testimony. 

SB 1598 ensures continued insurance coverage of recommended immunizations and authorizes pharmacy standing orders to improve timely access.

• Does not mandate vaccination

• Protects coverage for evidence-based preventive services

• Supports rapid public health response to outbreaks

• Reinforces patient-provider decision-making

The bill passed the Senate. The League submitted testimony to the House Health Care committee. 

HB 4054  requires insurers to notify providers when automated systems (including AI tools) alter or reduce provider charges, and ensures timely appeal rights. The League submitted testimony. The Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology held a public hearing. 

Other Bills the League is tracking:

SB 1575 A  temporarily pauses new hospice licenses pending Oregon Health Authority (OHA) rulemaking in response to reported fraud and abuse concerns.

• Establishes financial and operational capacity review

• Requires criminal background checks for administrators and medical directors

• Clarifies application denial criteria

• Requires new application for ≥5% ownership changes

The is consistent with League positions that promote accountability, transparency, and patient protection in vulnerable end-of-life care settings. The amended bill received a do pass recommendation from Senate Health Care.

HB 4040 makes technical and administrative updates to 

• Streamline  presumptive eligibility for hospital financial assistance

• Continue  Health Evidence Review Commission

• Include 40+ administrative improvements

The League believes in improving system efficiency while maintaining evidence review infrastructure.  The bill passed House Health Care and was referred to Ways & Means.

Housing

Debbie Aiona and Nancy Donovan

Senate Committee on Housing and Development

HB 4123 would add clear provisions to Oregon’s Landlord Tenant law regarding the disclosure of confidential information on certain personally identifying, financially sensitive and other private information. On February 14, the House passed this bill. It is scheduled for a public hearing on Feb. 24. The amendments would allow landlords to share tenant contact information with repair and maintenance workers and release confidential information if required by an administrative or judicial warrant. (See also the Privacy and Protections Section of the Governance Legislative Report.)

House Committee on Housing and Homelessness 

SB 1523 A was passed by the Senate and heard by the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness on February 19. The bill requires landlords to provide tenants and prospective tenants with non-electronic means of conducting business. Tenants would have the option of submitting rental applications on paper rather than through a tenant portal. SB 1523 also requires landlords to provide access to common areas other than software loaded onto smartphones, such as keys, access codes, fob, etc. 

SB 1576 would require the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to conform to the state building code so that it aligns with federal fair housing accessibility requirements and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. The Senate passed this bill on February 19 and it is scheduled for a public hearing Feb. 24

House Committee on Revenue

HB 4136 would end a tax deduction for mortgage interest paid during a tax year on a taxpayer’s second home. A Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) could only be used for a resident’s principal residence and not for a second home. The bill would establish the Oregon Home Ownership Opportunity Account in the State Treasury. Money in this account would be continuously appropriated to the Housing and Community Services Department to be used solely for down payment assistance, and administered by home ownership programs or nonprofit organizations. 

The House Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on Feb. 16. 

Immigration

Bills with League testimony

Other Bills

See this article describing a multi-agency effort to protect immigrants and refugees in Oregon.

Reproductive Health

Trish Garner

HB 4088A Engrossed has passed in the House. This bill, for which the League provided supportive testimony, declares that it is Oregon’s policy to ensure that people are allowed to get reproductive health care and gender identity treatment services. Several protections are given to providers of these services, including directing public bodies not to cooperate with investigations into reproductive and gender affirming care and a ban on extradition by the Governor related to a person’s engagement with these activities. Disclosure of public records regarding providers of these services is expanded from a person’s name, and home or professional address to also include images and home telephone numbers.  

HB 4127 was passed with  a referral to Ways and Means. The League wrote testimony in support of the bill which ensures that certain providers, including Planned Parenthood affiliates of the Columbia Willamette and of Southern Oregon, are paid for their services.  

Please see the Legislation Tracker for 2025 Social Policy bills for which the League submitted testimony.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: What is your passion related to Social Policy? You can help. Volunteers are needed.  We particularly need help tracking legislation concerning 

• Basic Needs: Food

• Basic Needs: Income

• Juvenile Justice

• Public Safety

Interested in reading additional reports? Please see our Climate Emergency, Governance, and Natural Resources, and Revenue report sections.