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OregonSB 15332026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Relating to the rights of children in care; and declaring an emergency.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger rights for children in care

The law defines who counts as a foster child for these rights. You are assigned an attorney and can talk with them, and with the ombudsman, in private. You can have your attorney or court‑appointed advocate with you in any police or abuse interview. You have a 24/7 hotline and written, up‑to‑date contacts to report problems. You get a rights paper within seven days after any placement or move. You are told about court hearings, can attend them, and get transportation to hearings and review boards. You can keep your personal items, and they must be moved in proper luggage.

What families get in child protective services

DHS runs child protective services based on state standards and past recommendations. When abuse or neglect is substantiated, DHS must do a full family risk and needs assessment and give immediate protective services. DHS must also provide remedial services needed to keep the child safe. During an investigation, DHS must give parents or caregivers a clear written guide to the process, court hearings, and their rights, and state that workers cannot give legal advice.

Stronger oversight and joint abuse investigations

The DHS Director oversees standards for how child protective services assess, investigate, and enforce safety rules. Police must run child‑sensitive, legally sound criminal investigations and follow interagency agreements. DHS and police investigate at the same time under county team rules that clearly split tasks. When the Children’s Advocate makes a recommendation, DHS must carry it out or give written notice that it will not.

Keeping brothers and sisters connected in care

Siblings are placed together when it is safe and appropriate. Children have regular in‑person visits and contact by phone or electronic messages, and transport is provided. Private communication with siblings is allowed unless a court limits it. A court can limit or stop contact only for safety and must write the facts. If contact is limited, the child is told why in words and in writing, in a trauma‑responsive way. Children are told quickly about a sibling’s birth, placement change, or serious event. A simple sibling‑rights paper is given within seven days of placement or move, shown at reviews, posted where kids can see it, and reviewed each year.

Help for foster teens planning adulthood

If you are 14 or older, you get written transition information within 60 days after placement or a move. It covers opening a bank account, getting a driver license, staying in care after 18, tuition and fee waivers under state law, and getting your credit report. It also explains how to get medical, dental, vision, and mental health care without parent consent, and includes a transition toolkit and plan.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 83 • No: 1

House vote • 3/2/2026

Third reading. Carried by Elmer. Passed.

Yes: 42 • No: 1

House vote • 2/26/2026

Early Childhood and Human Services: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 6 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Third reading. Carried by Gelser Blouin. Passed.

Yes: 30 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/10/2026

Human Services: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date, March 31, 2026.

    4/6/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 81, 2026 Laws.

    4/6/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/31/2026Senate

  4. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026House

  5. President signed.

    3/5/2026Senate

  6. Third reading. Carried by Elmer. Passed.

    3/2/2026House

  7. Second reading.

    2/27/2026House

  8. Recommendation: Do pass.

    2/26/2026House

  9. Work Session held.

    2/26/2026House

  10. Public Hearing held.

    2/24/2026House

  11. Referred to Early Childhood and Human Services.

    2/19/2026House

  12. First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

    2/18/2026House

  13. Third reading. Carried by Gelser Blouin. Passed.

    2/18/2026Senate

  14. Carried over to 02-18 by unanimous consent.

    2/17/2026Senate

  15. Second reading.

    2/16/2026Senate

  16. Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)

    2/13/2026Senate

  17. Public Hearing and Work Session held.

    2/10/2026Senate

  18. Referred to Human Services.

    2/2/2026Senate

  19. Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • A-Engrossed

    2/13/2026

    PDF

  • Senate Amendments to Introduced

    2/13/2026

    PDF

  • SHS Amendment -1 (Adopted)

    2/10/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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