SB 149 Oregon Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to immigration.

Summary

] [ Requires the Department of Human Services to study immigration. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to human services not later than September 15, 2026. ] [ Sunsets on January 2, 2027. ] Requires the Department of Human Services to contract with eligible entities to provide support services to refugees residing in this state, for up to 24 months, and immigration assistance and referrals to individuals who are seeking a refugee status. Defines "eligible entity" and modifies definition of "refugee."

Issues: ✓ Immigration

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 6 edits

MODERATE

SB 149 was substantially rewritten from a study requirement into an active program that requires DHS to contract with eligible entities to provide support services to refugees. The bill now defines who qualifies as a refugee and specifies the types of assistance DHS must provide, including housing, healthcare navigation, legal aid, and employment support.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a one-time study to an ongoing program with specific service requirements and a 24-month service limit for each refugee recipient.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the requirement for DHS to conduct a study on immigration and submit findings to legislative committees.

Added requirement for DHS to award contracts to eligible entities to provide support services to refugees for up to 24 months.

Added specific service requirements including healthcare navigation, housing assistance, utility setup, legal aid, transportation, ESL training, budgeting support, and employment referrals.

DEFINITION

Added new definition of 'eligible entity' to include organizations with prior refugee resettlement contracts and culturally responsive organizations.

Modified the definition of 'refugee' to include specific categories such as asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, parolees, Amerasian immigrants, trafficking victims, and Iraqi/Afghan special immigrants.

TIMELINE

Added a 24-month time limit for providing support services to individual refugees.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 28, 2025

Upper · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

upper

Apr 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to Ways and Means by order of the President.

upper

Apr 17, 2025

Upper · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be referred to Ways and Means. (Printed A-Eng.)

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to Judiciary.

upper

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced

Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.

upper

2 primary · 2 co-sponsors