SB 1557 Oregon Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to courts; and prescribing an effective date.

SB 1557 updates Oregon's rules for court contempt proceedings. It clarifies who can initiate contempt actions (such as parties, district attorneys, city attorneys, or authorized officials) and requires detailed documentation like affidavits to notify defendants of specific alleged misconduct. The bill mandates hearings before imposing sanctions, ensures defendants are informed of their right to counsel (especially if confinement is sought), and specifies that proof of contempt requires clear and convincing evidence. These changes standardize procedures for handling contempt cases across Oregon courts.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed Mar 31, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

A-Engrossed Enrolled · 4 edits · Mar 31, 2026
MODERATE
This bill updates the rules for contempt of court proceedings in Oregon to ensure defendants receive proper legal notice and an opportunity to be heard before facing penalties. It clarifies how complaints are filed, how defendants are served with court orders, and establishes specific procedures for handling cases where defendants fail to appear.
Scope change
The bill applies to all contempt proceedings initiated under the specified Oregon Revised Statutes, replacing the previous version of the law.
REQUIREMENT

Replaced the old, fragmented text with a new, comprehensive set of rules that clearly define how contempt actions must be initiated, served, and heard.

Mandated that court orders must explicitly state whether the hearing will be held in person or remotely.

ENFORCEMENT

Added specific instructions for handling cases where a defendant does not appear, including options for default judgments and warrants.

TECHNICAL

Consolidated and renumbered sections to improve clarity and logical flow of the legal procedures.

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

How they voted

280
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 30
Feb 19, 2026
D Democratic18
17 Yea 1
94% Yea
R Republican12
11 Yea 1
91% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
23
Key actions
7
Committee
4
Mar 31, 2026
Signed into law
Governor signed.
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Speaker signed.
lower
Mar 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
President signed.
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third reading. Carried by Mannix. Passed.
lower
Feb 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass.
lower
Feb 20, 2026
Committee
Referred to Judiciary.
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Introduced
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third reading. Carried by Broadman. Passed.
upper
Feb 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Referred to Judiciary.
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.