Provides definitions relating to comparable work for purposes of pay equity provisions. Makes unlawful employment practice to discriminate in payment of wages against employee on basis of protected class. Makes unlawful employment practice to screen job applicants based on salary history, to base salary decision on salary history, other than for internal hires, and to seek salary history information from applicant for employment other than after making offer of employment to employee that includes amount of compensation . Allows employer to pay employees for work of comparable character at different compensation levels only if entire compensation differential is based on bona fide factor related to position in question and based on certain criteria. Extends time limitation to bring certain pay equity claims by making each subsequent payroll action that is based on underlying pay equity violation actionable. Extends tort claim notice requirement from 180 days to 300 days for public employee to give notice of certain pay equity violations. Adds additional remedies for pay equity and wage-related violations that include right to jury trial and right to compensatory and punitive damages. Allows employee who files complaint alleging pay equity violation with Bureau of Labor and Industries and prevails to recover back pay for up to two years plus duration of time spent in complaint process. Permits employer to file motion to disallow award of compensatory or punitive damages. Provides that court shall grant motion if employer demonstrates that employer has completed equal-pay analysis that meets certain criteria, eliminated wage differentials for plaintiff and made reasonable and substantial progress toward eliminating wage differentials for other employees in same protected class asserted by plaintiff. Provides that, if court grants motion, court may award back pay only for two-year period immediately preceding filing of action and allow prevailing plaintiff costs and attorney fees but may not award damages. Becomes operative on January 1, 2019. Makes violation for seeking salary history from prospective or current employee prior to offer of employment subject to compensatory and punitive damages beginning on January 1, 2024. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.
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Requires hospital to adopt policy for release of patients from emergency department following treatment for behavioral health crisis. Requires hospitals to report and Oregon Health Authority to compile information about policies adopted. Requires authority to report to Legislative Assembly no later than January 1, 2018. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.
Requires Department of Environmental Quality to carry out study and propose recommendations for single, coordinated process for parties to meet certain federal and state requirements for, and to obtain certain releases from liability for, cleanup of hazardous waste. Requires department to report results of study to interim committees of Legislative Assembly on or before September 15, 2018. Sunsets January 2, 2019. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
Requires Oregon Arts Commission to establish policies and procedures that ensure Arts Program considers regional differences in public access to, or opportunities for engagement in, arts and cultural development when determining eligibility for grant awards and that promote investment in communities where opportunities for engagement in arts and cultural development are limited. Requires Oregon Arts Commission to suggest rules to Director of Oregon Business Development Department for grant programs administered by Arts Program.
Authorizes moneys in Mental Health Alcoholism and Drug Services Account to be used by counties to provide funding to sobering facilities. Exempts sobering facilities receiving moneys from account from requirements to report data to Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission.
Commemorates 100th anniversary of Deschutes County's creation.
Recognizes and honors Lance Corporal Randy Lee Newman (1985-2006) for his service to his country.
Recognizes and honors First Lieutenant Justin J. Wilkens (1986-2012) for his service to his country.
Requires community health improvement plans adopted by coordinated care organizations and community advisory councils to focus on and develop strategy for integrating physical, behavioral and oral health care services.
Commends Bend Heroes Foundation for its work in recognizing and honoring veterans.