SB 970 makes enrollment in remote or online learning programs voluntary for Oregon students, meaning school districts cannot require students to participate. It directly affects students, families, and school districts by ensuring choice in instructional formats. The bill includes three exceptions: temporary remote learning during behavioral assessments or suspensions, or for majority enrollment due to public emergencies like health crises or disasters. These exceptions allow schools to use remote learning under specific, limited circumstances without violating the voluntary enrollment rule.
Prohibits operating a boat carrying a child under 16 years of age unless the child is wearing a properly sized and secured personal flotation device. Punishes by a maximum fine of $250. Prohibits a child under 16 years of age from using a floating item outside of a swimming area on waters of this state unless the child is wearing a properly sized and secured personal flotation device. Punishes by a fine of $25. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Allows a person to title and register a Kei truck in Oregon. Amends and creates laws related to allowing Kei trucks to operate on highways in Oregon. Creates the offense of unlawfully operating a Kei truck on a highway. Punishes by a maximum fine of $1,000.
Specifies how a person who holds a certified public accountant license from out of state may obtain a certificate to act as a certified public accountant in Oregon.
Modifies discovery procedures. Establishes timing requirements for discovery provided to the defense, including jail calls and evidence supporting a request to hold a defendant in custody pretrial. Requires the court to hold a colloquy before trial or plea to ensure that all exculpatory material has been provided to the defense. Establishes procedures by which a deposition of a law enforcement officer may occur.
Provides that parties that have caused a certain amount of greenhouse gas emissions are strictly liable to harmed parties for damages incurred as a result of extreme weather attributable to climate change or a climate disaster. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Provides that, for the estates of decedents dying on or after January 1, 2026, Oregon estate tax is not due unless the value of the Oregon taxable estate exceeds $13.61 million. Raises the threshold for the filing of an estate tax return to a gross estate valued at more than $13.61 million. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services to study needed exemptions from building code standards for workforce housing in certain areas of the state. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to housing no later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027.
Establishes the Educational Scholarship Program for the purpose of assisting eligible students to pay for costs of attendance at certain nonpublic schools. Prescribes requirements of the program.
Directs the Oregon Public Defense Commission to study best practices to improve the provision of public defense services within this state, and provide the results of the study to the appropriate interim committees of the Legislative Assembly no later than December 31, 2026. Sunsets January 2, 2027.
Allows a student with a disability to use transitional services available to students without disabilities when the student's parent or foster parent revokes consent for, or objects to, the student's placement on an abbreviated school day program. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.
Directs the State Department of Agriculture to study potential uses for animal processing waste products. Directs the department to report to interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources no later than September 15, 2026.
