Sen. Kim Thatcher

Requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the STEM Investment Council, to conduct specified reviews for the purpose of developing and recommending standards by which technology-based competitive student activities may satisfy high school diploma requirements or career and technical education program requirements. Sunsets on June 30, 2026. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Digest: The Act lets a person whose civil rights have been violated by a person acting under the color of law sue for damages and other relief. The Act lets a plaintiff who wins this type of suit recover attorney fees. The Act lets a defendant who wins this type of suit recover attorney fees if the plaintiff's claim was frivolous. (Flesch Readability Score 62.7). Allows a person who has been deprived of rights, privileges or immunities secured by the Oregon Constitution or the laws of this state by a person acting under color of law to bring a civil action for economic and noneconomic damages and for injunctive or other equitable relief. Provides for the award of attorney fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff, or to a prevailing defendant if the court finds that a plaintiff's claim was frivolous, unreasonable or without foundation.

Maddy summarySB 1007 modifies Oregon’s wrongful conviction compensation process to help people wrongfully imprisoned in the state. It clarifies eligibility (e.g., convictions reversed, pardons with innocence statements, or exoneration by a national registry) and sets fixed compensation: $65,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment and $25,000 per year for parole/supervision. Petitioners must prove their innocence by a "preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not) in Marion County or the county of conviction, with the state represented by the Attorney General. The bill declares an emergency effective July 15, 2025, to expedite implementation of these changes.

Transfers the office of Children's Advocate from the Department of Human Services to the office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman. Establishes the Children's Advocacy Advisory Board to nominate candidates for the Governor to select from when appointing the Children's Advocate. Expands the duties and authority of the Children's Advocate. Transfers oversight of the Critical Incident Review Teams from the Director of Human Services to the Children's Advocate. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die. .

Increases the criminal and civil penalties for subsequent and intentional violations of specified election laws. Enhances the penalties if the person committing the violation is a public official acting in an official capacity.

Establishes standards for fiduciary of pension benefit plan offered by public body. Limits factors that may be considered in investment of assets of plan.

[ Establishes a testimonial privilege for ] Modifies provisions related to the confidentiality and admissibility of communications by certain public safety employees to a peer supporter.

Maddy summarySCR 28 is a ceremonial concurrent resolution honoring Marine Corps sniper Charles Benjamin "Chuck" Mawhinney (1949-2024). It amends a memorial resolution to specifically note his 16-month Vietnam service and his recognition as "the greatest marksman in the history of the USMC" and "fourth most effective sniper in American military history." The bill has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it solely commemorates an individual's military service. It was adopted and signed without opposition in June 2025.

] [ Expands the types of estates that may use the simple estate process to administer a decedent's estate. Modifies the calculation of fair market values of assets and retains application of the current probate filing fees for the new type of simple estates. Directs the State Court Administrator to adjust asset value limitations for the new type of simple estates annually for inflation. ] Modifies calculations of the fair market value of simple estate assets by excluding the values of manufactured homes from the asset limits for personal property and including the values of manufactured homes in the assets limits for real property.

Digest: Makes changes to the OSC reports including dates and the committee which reviews the reports. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8) Disestablishes the subcommittee on public records and changes the committee that reviews the Oregon Sunshine Committee reports to the committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary. Modifies dates the reports from the Oregon Sunshine Committee are due.