Legislative Briefs
Racial justice and equity
What it does: The Racial Justice Council, convened in 2020 by Gov. Kate Brown, has recommended changes that would align state policy and long-term strategies with the Biden administration's racial justice and equity goals. House Bill 2166 and its -1 amendment would establish an early childhood suspension and expulsion prevention program, develop a framework for social and emotional learning, and create nontraditional pathways to educator licensure.
What’s next: The House Education Committee held a public hearing Feb. 23. A work session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16.
Services for suspended students
What it does: House Bill 2945 would require school districts to provide specific services to students serving out a suspension or expulsion. Those services would include the classwork assigned to the student during the suspension or expulsion, access and transportation to any courses that are not held at the school (e.g., CTE courses held at another location and dual-credit courses held at a community college), any needed support services (e.g., services to meet the student’s mental and behavioral health or educational needs), and any meals normally received by the student at no cost. The bill would also establish additional reporting measures submitted annually to the Oregon Department of Education and give ODE the authority to assist school districts that disproportionately impose discipline on any student groups that have historically experienced academic disparities.
What’s next: The House Education Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday, March 16.
Feminine hygiene products
What it does: This bill would require school districts to make tampons and sanitary pads available, free of charge, in at least two female student bathrooms in every public school building.
What’s next: OSBA generally supports bills that benefit the health and safety of students, but a Fiscal Impact Statement has not yet been issued and the bill would likely cost school districts money. The House Education Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday, March 16.
Private school registration
What it does: Senate Bill 223 would establish a process to determine requirements and develop a system by which private schools may register with the Oregon Department of Education. SB 223 would also prohibit school districts from being a member of a voluntary organization that administers interscholastic activities to unregistered private schools.
What’s next: The Senate Education Committee will hold a public hearing Wednesday, March 17.