Labor & Employment

SB 1569 amends Oregon's Public Employees Retirement System to classify certain correctional employees as "police officers" for retirement purposes. Specifically, it adds Department of Corrections staff assigned custody duties at correctional facilities to the definition of "police officer" under ORS 238.005(20)(a). This change directly affects correctional employees in state institutions who perform custody-related duties, allowing them to qualify for police officer retirement benefits and lower retirement ages. The bill modifies eligibility criteria for retirement benefits but does not alter contribution rates or fund structure.

HB 4011 requires Oregon school districts to negotiate class size and caseload limits as mandatory topics during collective bargaining with employee representatives. This applies specifically to schools receiving Title I federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bill expands existing bargaining requirements by adding these two specific issues to the list of subjects school districts must discuss with unions. It does not change other topics excluded from mandatory negotiations, such as school calendars or curriculum decisions.

Provides that evidence of a party's or a witness's immigration status is not admissible as evidence in a civil proceeding. Provides exceptions. Makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate, retaliate or take other adverse action against an employee because the employee updates, or attempts to update, the employee's personal information based on a lawful change to the employee's employment authorization documentation. Clarifies what actions constitute an unlawful practice. For purposes of law enforcement profiling requirements, modifies the definition of "profiling" to include immigration status. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

HB 4069 requires behavioral health employers (like residential treatment facilities, detox centers, mobile crisis teams, and shelters that contract with Oregon Health Authority) to create and implement a written safety plan for their workers. The plan must specifically address lone workers, facility safety reporting procedures for structural hazards, and details about required safety training. Employers must provide the plan to new hires and make it easily accessible to all staff. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, with implementation timelines based on existing contracts with the Oregon Health Authority.

HB 4081 regulates photo radar use in Oregon highway work zones on state highways. It requires photo radar units to operate only within 100 yards of highway workers or temporary roadway changes (like lane shifts), with clear signage placed 100-400 yards before the zone. The Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State Police must ensure radar units meet strict accuracy standards, produce clear images, undergo regular inspections, and provide annual calibration. The law also mandates biennial safety evaluations and annual reports to the Legislative Assembly about photo radar usage and public acceptance. This directly affects drivers in work zones, the DOT, and law enforcement agencies operating the radar systems.