HB 4157 Oregon House · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to hearsay; and prescribing an effective date.

Summary

Provides that certain hearsay statements related to certain sex crimes are not inadmissible in evidence, even though the declarant is available as a witness. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed Mar 31, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Enrolled · 3 edits · Mar 5, 2026

MINOR

The bill has transitioned from a draft version to its final enrolled form, updating the list of sponsoring legislators and removing the non-binding summary. The core legal text regarding hearsay exceptions in Oregon law (ORS 40.460) remains substantively unchanged in the provided text, though the final version includes a new subsection (18a) that appears to be cut off in the source data.

Scope change

The scope of the bill's applicability remains focused on Oregon's hearsay rules, but the final text introduces a new provision (subsection 18a) concerning specific types of abuse complaints, which was not present in the earlier draft.

ELIGIBILITY

A new subsection (18a) was added to the list of admissible hearsay evidence, specifically addressing complaints of sexual misconduct, abuse of the elderly, and certain criminal violations, though the full text of this new provision is incomplete in the provided data.

TECHNICAL

The list of sponsoring representatives and senators was updated to reflect the final enrolled version, adding several new names and removing others.

The 'Summary' section, which provided a brief, non-binding overview of the bill's intent, was removed in the final enrolled version.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2026 · House Feb 19, 2026

How they voted

29–0

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 30

Mar 3, 2026

D Democratic18

18 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican12

11 Yea 1

91% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 31, 2026

Signed into law

Governor signed.

lower

Mar 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

President signed.

upper

Mar 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

Speaker signed.

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third reading. Carried by Taylor. Passed.

upper

Feb 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass.

upper

Feb 20, 2026

Committee

Referred to Judiciary.

upper

Feb 20, 2026

Introduced

First reading. Referred to President's desk.

upper

Feb 19, 2026

Introduced

Vote explanation(s) filed by Chaichi.

lower

Feb 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third reading. Carried by Tran. Passed.

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass.

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

Referred to Judiciary.

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

2 primary · 32 co-sponsors