SB 444 Oregon Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to accessibility standards for housing; prescribing an effective date.

Summary

Requires the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to conform the state building code to accessibility requirements under the Fair Housing Act and to certain American National Standards Institute standards for housing accessibility. Prohibits the Housing and Community Services Department from funding new rental housing that is a subsidized development unless the housing meets specified accessibility standards. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Issues: ✓ Housing

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Jun 2025

Senate Passage

May 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 5 edits · May 12, 2025

MODERATE

This bill was amended to update accessibility requirements for housing, expanding the number of Oregon statutes it amends and clarifying definitions for subsidized housing and accessibility standards. The changes refine thresholds for required accessible units and update references to federal standards to current versions rather than a specific past date.

Scope change

The bill now amends three statutes (ORS 447.220, 456.508, and 456.510) instead of two, and adds a new definition section for key terms used in housing accessibility and subsidy programs.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the threshold for requiring accessible units in new buildings from 10 dwelling units to 15 dwelling units for the minimum one accessible unit requirement.

Updated references to federal accessibility standards from a specific past date (January 1, 2004) to the current effective date of the 2025 Act.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for key terms including 'accessible', 'common living space', 'contiguous units', 'new', 'powder room', 'rental housing', 'subsidized development', and 'visitable'.

Added a new section (456.508) that defines important terms used throughout the housing accessibility and subsidy provisions.

SCOPE

Added ORS 447.220 to the list of amended statutes, expanding the bill's scope to include broader accessibility standards for commercial facilities and public accommodations.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 28, 2025

Lower · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

lower

May 14, 2025

Committee

Referred to Rules.

lower

May 13, 2025

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

May 12, 2025

Upper · Passed

Third reading. Carried by Patterson. Passed.

upper

May 7, 2025

Upper · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)

upper

Jan 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to Housing and Development.

upper

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced

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

upper

1 primary · 5 co-sponsors