Sen. Cedric Hayden

Proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution directing the Legislative Assembly to enact a property tax relief program for the owner-occupied primary residences of certain seniors. Refers the proposed amendment to the people for their approval or rejection at the next regular general election.

Changes the definitions of "audiologist" and "practice of audiology." Specifies actions within the audiologist scope of practice. Requires the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to establish by rule a timeline for investigations and provide certain information to a person under investigation by the board. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Requires the Oregon Health Authority to develop, implement and administer a program to support consumer engagement efforts aimed at increasing and optimizing consumer involvement in planning and decision-making surrounding the access to, and delivery of, behavioral health services in this state. Requires coordinated care organizations to contribute $1 per member per month toward the consumer engagement program. Requires the authority to administer a pilot program in eastern Oregon to develop an innovative model for providing residential treatment to young adults experiencing early psychosis in conjunction with a substance use disorder. Sunsets the pilot program on January 2, 2036. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Maddy summarySB 1009 creates a system to provide sex crime victims with specific information about offenders. It requires the Department of State Police to assign victims a unique identification number linked to the offender's registry record and establish a toll-free hotline for victims to receive updates on the offender's prison status, release, or parole. The bill defines "victim" broadly to include anyone directly harmed by the sex crime, or by related crimes connected through plea deals, sentencing, or admission of conduct (even without prosecution). This bill directly affects victims of sex crimes in Oregon by improving access to offender information through standardized procedures, without changing sentencing or registration requirements.

Directs the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision to classify a sex offender who has previously been placed into a risk level in another jurisdiction into the corresponding risk level in this state.

Creates an income tax credit for subscriptions to media news outlets and donations to certain journalism organizations. Prohibits a person from falsely advertising the availability of the tax credit. Allows the Department of Revenue to impose a civil penalty for violation. Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2031. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Establishes standards for establishment of farm cafes on lands in Lane County zoned for exclusive farm use. Requires the Oregon Health Authority to review a land use compatibility statement before licensing a farm cafe. Authorizes the authority to revoke, deny or suspend a license upon certain violations of land use conditions.

Maddy summarySB 532 requires dental insurers in Oregon to follow specific rules for processing and paying claims. It defines a "clean claim" as one with no errors, clear documentation, and no delays in payment. This directly affects dental insurers and patients by ensuring claims meeting this standard are handled promptly. The bill amends state law and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 59 removes restrictions that previously prevented homeowners and tenants in planned communities (like neighborhoods with homeowners associations) from growing food, keeping chickens, or keeping bees on their lots. The bill specifically voids any community rules that prohibit or restrict these activities, except for reasonable safety or compliance requirements (e.g., following local laws). This directly affects residents in planned communities who want to grow their own vegetables or raise small livestock for personal use. The key change is making such food production activities legally permissible under state law, overriding conflicting community covenants.

Requires that the sex offender risk assessment methodology take into consideration specified information. Provides that a victim may request the reclassification of a sex offender into a risk level within three years of the initial classification, or within five years when certain circumstances exist. Directs the Department of State Police to include on the department's sex offender website a full address for level three sex offenders and a photo, city and zip code for level one and level two sex offenders. Appropriates moneys to the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision for conducting sex offender risk reassessments at a victim's request. .