Legislative Briefs

Teacher licensing

House Bills 2135 and 2942, and Senate Bill 129

What it does: HB 2942A would remove specific nonviolent crimes from the list of crimes that create automatic ineligibility for teaching licensure. HB 2135 would prohibit issuing a teaching license or registration to a person convicted of domestic violence. SB 129 would increase the maximum allowable fees for licensees and establish new fees for educator preparation programs and education providers. 

What’s next: The House Education Committee has scheduled a public hearing and possible work session Tuesday, March 30, for HB 2135 and 2942. The Senate Education Committee has scheduled a work session Wednesday, March 31, for SB 129.

Meals for students

House Bill 2536

What it does: Federal guidance allows districts with a high percentage of eligible children to offer meals at no charge to all students without collecting applications from individual families. HB 2536 would make technical changes to statutes created as part of the Student Success Act of 2019 to make it clear that some schools, under certain circumstances, shall offer these same meals without additional approval from the Oregon Department of Education. 

What’s next: OSBA supports this bill. The House Education Committee has scheduled a work session Tuesday, March 30. 

Racial Equity and Justice Student Council

House Bill 3363

What it does: House Bill 3363 would establish a Racial Equity and Justice Student Council composed of students, high school administrators and representatives from culturally specific, community-based organizations. It would advise the governor’s office, the Legislature and other state agencies on how to engage students and elevate their voice in the development and implementation of education policy, and it would reimagine student leadership programs, classes and events. The council would consider racial equity and justice and how to support students with an emphasis on students from underserved communities. 

What’s next: The House Education Committee has scheduled a possible work session Thursday, April 1.

Mental health screenings

Senate Bill 782 

What it does: The Student Success Act requires school districts to address students' mental and behavioral health needs as part of their plan. Senate Bill 782 would require the Oregon Department of Education to establish a universal mental health screenings pilot program in grades 9-12.

What’s next: The Senate Education Committee has scheduled a work session Monday, March 29.