Rep. Boomer Wright

Directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services and the State Department of Agriculture to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the administration and enforcement of the safety and health standards for agricultural labor housing. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

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 $13.99 million. Raises the threshold for the filing of an estate tax return to a gross estate valued at more than $13.99 million. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Requires the Department of Education to contract with a third party to conduct a study to determine how to promote the effective use of instructional time for the purposes of achieving positive learning outcomes and promoting a positive classroom learning environment. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to education not later than September 15, 2026. Sunsets on January 2, 2027. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Digest: The measure makes changes to LBPR 27 to limit the role of secrecy in investigations made under the rule. The measure says that a person being investigated has a right to a lawyer, with the costs paid for by the LEO, a right to discover evidence and question witnesses and a right to appeal to a court. The measure makes changes to the standard of proof for facts. (Flesch Readability Score 60.6). Modifies Legislative Branch Personnel Rule 27 to eliminate confidential reports or information being used for investigations performed under the rule by requiring disclosure at conclusion of investigation. Authorizes an investigation respondent to obtain independent counsel to be paid for by the Legislative Equity Officer. Provides that an investigation respondent has the right to discover evidence and depose witnesses. Requires that findings of fact must be established beyond a reasonable doubt. Provides that a respondent who is subject to remedial measures has the right to appeal the determination to a court for de novo judicial review. Provides that a person subject to the rule may not be accused of violating the rule for the same conduct that was previously not found to violate the rule.

Directs the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to issue credits or adjust fees for angling tags and permits when an angling season is shortened or canceled, in proportion to the portion of the season during which the tags or permits may not be used. Directs the commission to issue credits or adjust fees for commercial fishing permits when a commercial fishing season is shortened or canceled, in proportion to the portion of the season during which the permits may not be used.

Appropriates moneys to the Oregon Business Development Department to provide grants to specified cities to build infrastructure that will contribute to the development of housing under the program established by a 2024 Act. Extends sunsets for the program and for cities' reports on the program. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2446 prohibits new massage facilities from being located within 1,000 feet of public or private schools, including prekindergarten/kindergarten programs, public elementary/secondary schools, and private/parochial schools teaching children. The law applies to permits issued or facilities relocated after the bill's effective date, requiring new locations to comply with the buffer zone. Existing facilities already operating near schools before the effective date may continue unless their permit is revoked. The bill modifies licensing rules for massage facilities under Oregon law, adding this location restriction while allowing relocation through a fee-based process.

Appropriates moneys from the General Fund to the Oregon Health Authority for the purpose of screening newborns for five specific diseases under the Northwest Regional Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program.

Expands the crime of assault in the third degree to include causing physical injury to a public employee. Expands the crime of aggravated harassment to include propelling bodily fluids or another dangerous substance at a public employee. Requires a district school board to have a policy requiring expulsion when a student commits assault against or propels bodily fluids or another dangerous substance at a school employee. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Requires the Oregon Health Authority to establish a grant program for the purpose of making grants to entities that provide services related to encouraging and assisting pregnant persons in carrying their pregnancies to term. Establishes the Pregnancy Assistance Fund and continuously appropriates moneys in the fund to the authority for the purpose of making grants. Specifies a minimum biennial amount that must be deposited in the fund. Specifies that the authority may reimburse abortions as part of this state's medical assistance program only if the abortion is necessary to avoid the impairment of the pregnant person's major bodily functions or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Refers the Act to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election.