Legislative Briefs
Youth suicide prevention
Senate Bill 563
What it does: Oregon’s youth suicide intervention and prevention coordinator develops and maintains strategies to address youth access to mental health. Provisions governing youth suicide prevention and interventions are currently applicable to youth ages 10 to 24. Senate Bill 563 changes the age range to include children starting at age 5.
What’s next: The bill goes into effect on passage and was signed by the governor May 21.
Post-graduate scholar program
Senate Bill 843
What it does: Senate Bill 1537 (2016) established the post-graduate scholar program that allows certain school districts to continue small programs that use State School Fund dollars. Students who are not eligible for Oregon Promise or federal Pell grants are allowed to enroll in high school but attend community college for college credit. Senate Bill 843 removes the sunset on the program to allow these programs’ continued operation where they already exist.
What’s next: The bill goes into effect on passage and was signed by the governor May 21.
Legislative notes:
House Bill 2051 (April 26 and May 3 Legislative Briefs) would modify the enrollment criteria for the statewide reengagement system established with the 2019 Student Success Act, expanding eligibility to students up to age 24 and to students who are enrolled but are not on track to graduate. The bill will go into effect July 1 and was signed by the governor May 24.
House Bill 2817 (March 22 and April 26 Legislative Briefs) would allow students enrolled in district-administered General Educational Development programs to participate in interscholastic activities at neighborhood schools. The bill will go into effect July 1 and was signed by the governor May 21.
House Bill 2589 (April 26 Legislative Briefs) would require each public university and community college to have the same developmental educational requirements and require the same placement tests for students who enter with a GED as students who enter from a traditional high school. The bill will go into effect on Jan. 1 and was signed by the governor May 21.