All Roll Calls
Yes: 110 • No: 17
OregonSB 15152026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Relating to wrongful convictions; and declaring an emergency.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
New conviction challenges for discredited evidence
People can challenge convictions based substantially on hair microscopy, bite mark analysis or comparison, or comparative bullet lead analysis. They must prove the required facts are more likely true than not. After a trial, they must show a reasonable probability of a different result without that evidence. After a guilty or no-contest plea, they must show they knew about the evidence and it materially influenced their plea. Failing to object or raise the issue on appeal, confessing, or completing the sentence does not bar this path. It covers convictions with direct appeals still open on the law's effective date. For appeals already exhausted, petitions must be filed within two years after that date. DNA identifications and validated computer methods replacing the listed techniques are excluded. This path ends January 2, 2031, but timely petitions still awaiting final judgment remain protected.
Easier proof for wrongful conviction claims
People seeking wrongful-conviction compensation can use a qualifying prior court finding to prove innocence. That finding must consider all old and new evidence and conclude no reasonable juror would vote guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Other proof remains allowed, including valid statements, depositions, and testimony from related court cases. Notice is generally due within 180 days after dismissal, acquittal at retrial, or pardon. Up to 90 days of inability to give notice because of injury, being a minor, incompetence, or other incapacity are excluded.
Innocence certificates and sealed conviction records
A wrongful-conviction compensation award must include a certificate stating the person proved innocence of all crimes covered by the award. The proof must show innocence is more likely true than not. When the court grants the compensation petition, it must set aside and seal the related convictions and arrest records. This covers applicable state and federal systems, even when the person has other convictions or pending criminal cases.
Crime involvement bars wrongful conviction compensation
People cannot receive wrongful-conviction compensation if they helped with or took part in acts underlying the conviction. This bar also covers acts underlying another conviction from the same criminal episode. It includes acting as an accessory or accomplice.
Victim protections limit compelled compensation testimony
Compensation claimants cannot force victims to testify unless a court finds the testimony relevant and authorizes a subpoena. Courts may allow electronic appearances when victims ask to avoid personal contact. Claimants or their agents who contact victims must identify themselves and explain that participation is voluntary unless subpoenaed. They must also explain that victims can have a lawyer or advocate present.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/6/2026
Senate concurred in House amendments and repassed bill.
Yes: 29 • No: 0
House vote • 3/5/2026
Third reading. Carried by Chotzen. Passed.
Yes: 40 • No: 16
House vote • 3/3/2026
Rules: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Third reading. Carried by Thatcher, Prozanski. Passed.
Yes: 28 • No: 1
Senate vote • 2/16/2026
Judiciary: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments
Yes: 6 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective date, April 7, 2026.
4/14/2026SenateChapter 131, 2026 Laws.
4/14/2026SenateGovernor signed.
4/7/2026SenateSpeaker signed.
3/10/2026HousePresident signed.
3/10/2026SenateManning Jr, excused, granted unanimous consent to vote aye.
3/6/2026SenateSenate concurred in House amendments and repassed bill.
3/6/2026SenateThird reading. Carried by Chotzen. Passed.
3/5/2026HouseSecond reading.
3/4/2026HouseRecommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed B-Engrossed.
3/3/2026HouseWork Session held.
3/3/2026HousePublic Hearing held.
3/2/2026HouseReferred to Rules.
2/24/2026HouseFirst reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
2/24/2026HouseThird reading. Carried by Thatcher, Prozanski. Passed.
2/24/2026SenateCarried over to 02-24 by unanimous consent.
2/23/2026SenateSecond reading.
2/20/2026SenateRecommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)
2/19/2026SenateWork Session held.
2/16/2026SenateWork Session held.
2/11/2026SenatePublic Hearing held.
2/4/2026SenateReferred to Judiciary.
2/2/2026SenateIntroduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
2/2/2026Senate
Bill Text
HRULES Amendment -A5 (Proposed)
3/3/2026
HRULES Amendment -A6 (Adopted)
3/3/2026
HRULES Amendment -A5 (Proposed)
3/2/2026
SJUD Amendment -3 (Proposed)
2/16/2026
SJUD Amendment -4 (Adopted)
2/16/2026
SJUD Amendment -3 (Proposed)
2/11/2026
SJUD Amendment -4 (Proposed)
2/11/2026
SJUD Amendment -1 (Proposed)
2/4/2026
A-Engrossed
B-Engrossed
Enrolled
House Amendments to A-Engrossed
Introduced
Senate Amendments to Introduced
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