Signed by Governor Tina Kotek

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the Department of Education's authority to investigate cases of abuse and sexual conduct in Oregon.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to impose sanctions, such as policy changes, reimbursement, or withholding state funds for verified school discrimination (Sec. 1, ORS 659.855).

• Authorizes the Department of Education subpoena power in sexual misconduct investigations and sets a 90-day investigation timeline (Sec. 3, ORS 339.391).

• Amends and clarifies the confidentiality and record retention requirements (75 years) for a substantiated report (Sec. 3, ORS 339.391(4)(d)).

• Expands definitions of  “education providers,” “sexual conduct,” and “substantiated report” to ensure broader coverage and protections (Sec. 2, ORS 339.370).

• Authorizes shared record between state agencies for investigative and enforcement purposes (Sec. 4, ORS 419B.035).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the Department of Education's authority to investigate cases of abuse and sexual conduct in Oregon.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to impose sanctions, such as policy changes, reimbursement, or withholding state funds for verified school discrimination (Sec. 1, ORS 659.855).

• Authorizes the Department of Education subpoena power in sexual misconduct investigations and sets a 90-day investigation timeline (Sec. 3, ORS 339.391).

• Amends and clarifies the confidentiality and record retention requirements (75 years) for a substantiated report (Sec. 3, ORS 339.391(4)(d)).

• Expands definitions of  “education providers,” “sexual conduct,” and “substantiated report” to ensure broader coverage and protections (Sec. 2, ORS 339.370).

• Authorizes shared record between state agencies for investigative and enforcement purposes (Sec. 4, ORS 419B.035).

Full Bill Text