HB 2641 

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Changes how prior convictions may be used. Modifies when a prior conviction is admissible to impeach the character of a witness. Limits prior convictions that may be used to calculate the criminal history of a defendant for the purposes of sentencing.

Relevance to NAACP

Current Oregon Evidence Code (“OEC”) 609 is rooted in policies that historically barred witnesses from testifying  based on racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of bigotry. Such rules allowing for impeachment by prior convictions replicate witness competency laws by systematically silencing witnesses with criminal records—who are disproportionately people of color, due to racial bias at each stage of policing and criminal proceedings.

Pros

• Oregon should join the majority of states by adopting the federal rule of evidence which allows a court to weigh the evidence and keep it out if it’s unfairly prejudicial

• Prior convictions have no established predictive connection to a witness’s truthfulness. Their use prejudices juries and consequently lowers the burden of proof in a case.  

• Current Oregon law diminishes witness and victim testimony and silences defendants from testifying in their own defense.  Prior convictions should not impeach someone’s credibility, unless it's a crime of dishonesty.

• The risk of unfair prejudice is extreme. Research shows that jurors tend to rely on prior convictions for the improper purpose of assessing a criminal defendant’s culpability, rather than their credibility, thereby lowering the prosecution’s burden of proof.

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

OCDLA - Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Multnomah Democrats Criminal Justice Study Group

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

None identified

SB 611

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Establishes the Food for All Oregonians Program in the Department of Human Services to provide nutrition assistance to residents of this state who would qualify for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program but for their immigration status

Relevance to NAACP

The NAACP is committed to the protection and expansion of civil and human rights for all communities of color.

Pros

• Aims to support hungry people who have historically been excluded from federal food benefits because of their immigration status.

• The bill would help people under the age of 25 and over the age of 55

• The legislation is necessary now to support immigrant and refugee communities amid a slew of new policies from the Trump administration.

• Many families of farmworkers, in communities from Tillamook to Ontario, prop up Oregon’s agriculture industry and fuel the state’s economy, bringing food to grocery stores and kitchens throughout the state.

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

House Majority Leader Ben Bowman

Oregon Pediatric Society

Oregon Food Bank

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

Taxpayers Association of Oregon

HB 2995

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Establishes the Task Force on Reparations and directs the task force to study and develop proposals for financial and nonfinancial reparations for Oregonians of African-American descent, develop appropriate methods for educating the public about the task force's findings and recommend appropriate remedies based on the task force's findings. 

Relevance to NAACP

The NAACP is committed to addressing racial inequity and the wealth gap that hinders economic progress for Black families and communities

Pros

• Opens initial consideration of how reparations could be implemented to maximize benefit to Black Oregonians

• It calls for the study of both financial and nonfinancial remedies for past and current injustices

• Oregon has a long history of invoking laws and codes that directly prevented or greatly hindered the ability of Black families to acquire and maintain assets and achieve economic stability

• Reparations are about accountability, repair and collective responsibility and are targeted to achieve statewide justice and equity

• The task force will identify governmental actions that have resulted in harm to Oregonians of African-American descent

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

Sponsored by Representative Nelson; Senators Frederick and MANNING JR; Representatives Isadore and Valderrama 

Oregon Commission on Black Affairs

Our Streets

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

Oregon Citizens Lobby

HB 3198

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Requires the Department of Justice to study missing and murdered Indigenous people. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly. Directs the Oregon Health Authority to dedicate staff in the office of the authority that is responsible for Tribal affairs to lead the work of addressing the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people.

Relevance to NAACP

The bill seeks to reduce violence perpetrated against people of color

Pros

• An amendment directs the Oregon Health Authority to dedicate staff to addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People epidemic in Oregon through providing:

  • Victim services and outreach

  • Development of interagency agreements with Tribal governments

  • Maintenance of data on Missing and Murdered Indigenous people in this state

  • Collaboration with representatives of the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon to implement community education

• A similar 2019 bill produced a report, but there was limited progress on recommendations for improving relationships between Indigenous communities and law enforcement and for improving data collection.

• The disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous people, particularly women and girls, demands investigation and a plan for reduction of these crimes..

• Strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and Native communities will also help build trust and improve coordination of efforts.

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

Multnomah County Board of Commissioners

NAYA Action Fund

Opposing Legislators / Organization

None identified

HB 3378

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Requires residential landlords to offer a method of accessing the dwelling unit other than software on tenant-owned phones or other electronic devices for the dwelling to be considered habitable

Relevance to NAACP

This common-sense legislation requires landlords to offer a non-smartphone, offline option for  residents to access their homes. While smartphones are very common, many low-income tenants, older adults and people with disabilities are not able to use one. Tenants should not be required to sign up for and provide data to an app simply to have access to their home.

Pros

• Requires landlords to provide tenants with at least one alternative access method, such as an access code, fob, key card, or another physical key in addition to access control systems operated through a mobile application or other electronic device. 

• Directs landlords to provide working locks for all dwelling entrances and latches for all windows that allow access to the dwelling unit.

• Apps are convenient, but can experience service interruptions or require updates at inopportune moments. If using an app is the only way to enter your residence, what happens when the wi-fi is out, or your phone’s battery dies before you get home from work?

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

Oregon Housing Alliance

AARP Oregon

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

Multifamily NW

SB 528

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Appropriates moneys to be used for regional health equity coalitions

Relevance to NAACP

Advances health equity and addresses the social determinants of health that

disproportionately impact Black communities and other historically marginalized population

Pros

• Regional Health Equity Coalitions play a critical role in ensuring that health equity is prioritized at the community level.

• SB 528 is vital in providing crucial resources to Regional Health Equity Coalitions (RHECs) to continue their critical work in addressing health inequities in rural and underserved communities

• Community coalitions are the best venue to bring together individuals, agencies, schools and elected officials to truly address the needs of the most vulnerable populations in a community.

• Expanding and properly funding RHECs will strengthen Oregon’s ability to reduce racial health disparities, improve public health outcomes, and advance equity for all Oregonians.

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

JoAnn R. Miller, president of the Oregon Public Health Association

Eugene-Springfield NAACP

Oregon Health Authority

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified

SB 530

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Requires the Oregon Health Authority to adjust for inflation the amount of any grant awarded to a regional health equity coalition

Relevance to NAACP

Advances health equity efforts, prioritizing underserved communities

Pros

• Provides the necessary funding and resources to enable Regional Health Equity Coalitions (RHECs) to further conduct outreach and assist with financial support will continue to improve health outcomes

• Community coalitions such as the RHECs can reach out to underserved and marginalized populations to provide input to the policies and systems that are designed to support them.

• A well-resourced RHEC network means more proactive, cost-effective interventions that reduce health disparities before they escalate into costly public health emergencies

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

JoAnn R. Miller, president of the Oregon Public Health Association

Eugene-Springfield NAACP

Linn Benton Lincoln Health Equity Alliance

Regional Health Equity Coalition of Southern Oregon

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified

SB 610

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Requires the Oregon Health Authority to study the funding formula for substance use services under Ballot Measure 110 (2020)

Relevance to NAACP

The NAACP is committed to the protection and expansion of civil and human rights for all communities of color.  Support for meeting the behavioral health needs associated with substance abuse is critical to marginalized communities.

Pros

• The Association of Oregon Community Mental Health Programs (AOCMHP) approves the proposed board composition and public process outlined in Section 1 of the bill. AOCMHP is deeply concerned with the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC)’s BHRN funding decision making process.  This bill is intended to prevent subjective and biased decision making by the OAC

• SB 611 impacts all 36 counties as each county must have a Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) to support people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD).  This bill would require an agency or organization applying for BHRN funding be located in that county. 

• The latest allocations to counties continue to appear to provide funding to agencies that serve as members of the Oversight and Accountability Council (OAC).  Communities across Oregon, both urban and rural would like to see this process changed and more equitable

Cons

• Multnomah County has the highest rate of substance use in the state, as well as the highest overdose death rate. . SB 610-1 proposes using the Public Health Modernization formula to distribute funds, which would result in a decrease of $19.8 million to Multnomah County

• The impact of the change will provide additional funding to Washington, Clackamas, and Marion counties (among others) but decrease funds in Multnomah, Lane, Jackson, Josephine, and Lincoln Counties

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

Senator Campos

Clackamas County

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

Multnomah County Behavioral Health Department

SB 691

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Directs the Oregon Health Authority to distribute moneys to an entity within the Oregon Health and Science University that advocates for improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Requires the authority and a coordinated care organization to provide reimbursement for services provided by a peer support specialist, regardless of the clinical setting in which services are provided, and for inpatient hospital services provided to specified individuals.

Relevance to NAACP

Improves community health care for all Oregonians.  Provides resources to support evidence based practice and refund peer specialists who work with pregnancies and deliveries of opioid use disorder.

Pros

• Investing in culturally responsive peer support, doula services, and early intervention in substance use disorder treatment is critical to improving outcomes for Black, Indigenous, and other Oregonians of color.

• Peer support allows families to be treated by people who have experienced a similar situation. 

• This bill promotes adding funding to support critical neonatal care.

• Expanding integrated prenatal medical care, substance use disorder treatment, and housing-based support activities can reduce racial disparities in child welfare involvement.

Cons

• The costs have not yet been determined and it uses vague language about the “entity” distributing funding: “distribute moneys to an entity within the Oregon Health and Science University that advocates for improved maternal and neonatal outcomes”

Recommended Changes

No reference in the language of the bill that prioritizes women/children of color, but the legislation clearly benefits Black and other marginalized communities

Supporting Legislators / Organizations 

Oregon Heals Coalition

Oregon Perinatal Collaborative

Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO)

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified

SB 692

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Expands access to maternal health services.  Establishes a community-based perinatal provider to increase access to culturally specific perinatal services and culturally competent perinatal services providers. Specifically, this bill includes doulas and community care workers to be covered by insurance and those on assistance as well as requiring OHA to fund culturally perinatal care,

Relevance to NAACP

Increases access to and funds training of culturally specific perinatal care providers, including lactation consultants and doulas. Also funds culturally specific organizations to train more practitioners.

Pros

• Develops a State Treasury account to fund culturally specific training that supports BIPOC and families around birth and requires private insurance to cover these services. Allows for freedom of choice for birth preparation and delivery.

• Despite the invaluable impact doulas have on maternal and infant health, many doulas face financial strain due to insufficient compensation for the critical work they do. A rate increase would enable them to continue offering services to families who need them most, without fear of financial

Cons

The costs have not yet been determined. 

Recommended Changes

Supporting Legislators / Organizations 

Oregon Perinatal Collaborative

Oregon Heals Coalition

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified

SB 693

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Establishes dates and terms for creating a new Perinatal Task Force to consist of medical and community/cultural health care workers who care for pregnant women before and after birth.  Directs the task force to evaluate the existing perinatal workforce and make recommendations for improvement.

Relevance to NAACP

Raises the voice and perspective of non-traditional and cultural community based health care workers to provide safe birth experiences across Oregon.

Pros

• Supports non-hospital paths to birthing and associated services that may be preferred by BIPOC families.

• Supports and highlights the perspective of community health care workers.

• Across Oregon, hospitals and clinics that serve pregnant, birthing, and postpartum families report that they are struggling to fill key positions and retain staff to provide the care needed. Support to strengthen the perinatal workforce is needed all across our state from rural and frontier counties to urban areas

• Examination of the factors driving hospitals to reduce maternity capacity and exploration of the barriers to training family physicians in obstetrical and perinatal care will help expand Oregon’s capacity to provide care for safe birthing 

Cons

• The costs have not yet been determined. 

• Could create another layer of bureaucracy.

Supporting Legislators / Organizations 

Oregon Perinatal Collaborative

Oregon Academy of Family Physicians

Oregon Academy of Family Physicians

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified

SB 694

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Increases the Oregon’s child tax credit to $1,200 per qualifying dependent under the age of six. Increases income qualification limit to $35,000 and expands income phase-out to $35,000 to $45,000. Aligns inflation adjustment period to reflect increases in credit amount and income qualification/phase-out. 

Relevance to NAACP

Provides tax assistance to low income families with young children and adjusts for a cost of living increases

Pros

• Increases tax benefits for low income families with young children

• Helps alleviate child poverty in Oregon.  Poverty is an important determinant of birthweight, infant mortality, social emotional and language development, nutrition, chronic illness, environmental exposure, and injury.

• Interventions in the areas of housing, income support, and nutritional support improve health outcomes and quality of life, not to mention an overall decrease in health care expenses

• This investment is a preventative investment with savings across the education, health and justice sectors long-term

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

Oregon Pediatric Society

Old Mill Center for Children and Families

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified

SB 695

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Requires the Oregon Health Authority and contracted community care organizations (CCOs) to establish terms and conditions designed to achieve transformational changes to maternal and infant health.  The bill requires CCOs to coordinate with the regional Early Learning Hubs to adopt community health management plans focused on maternal health throughout pregnancy. Includes wrap-around support during pregnancy and the first year postpartum including mental health care, housing, crisis intervention and temporary assistance for low income families.

Relevance to NAACP

Provides resources to support a healthy early start for every birth, ensuring the OHA and community care organizations plan with and establish goals with other family and early childhood support programs in each region of the state and includes coordination with schools.

Pros

• Seeks to advance a range of maternal and early childhood supports through Medicaid managed care by leveraging CCO care coordination expertise.

• Low income families get quicker access to all community support services available as part of their prenatal and postpartum care. 

• Requires development of community based health improvement plans so that all children receive quality early experiences and education. 

• It also provides some accountability by linking it to the Early Learning Hub system’s regional plans. Specifically requires developing metrics to track health equity.

Cons

• The costs have not yet been determined. 

• It increases a bureaucratic load as the bill required linking Coordinated Care to existing Early Learning Hub benchmarks and measurements of success.

Supporting Legislators / Organizations 

Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter (Salem, OR)

Oregon Law Center (OLC)

Prevent Child Abuse Oregon

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified

SB 939

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to establish a program to issue grants to certain nonprofit organizations for security enhancements. 

Relevance to NAACP

Our Branch incurs costs for security that are specific to our advocacy of social justice.  This bill recognizes this threat and provides assistance through grants.

Pros

• Creates grants for nonprofits to purchase safety and security equipment on their properties; nonprofits would be able to apply for grants up to $100,000

• Safety has been a growing concern for nonprofits as political tensions and hate crimes have risen in our country

• Nonprofits must be able to protect their staff and facilities. Unfortunately, many nonprofits cannot afford basic safety and security equipment.  Nonprofits have experienced property damage, vandalism, graffiti, theft, security breaches and even violent threats.

• There is a compelling public interest for the state to foster a safe environment where charitable activities can thrive in communities all over Oregon.

• The increased need for security personnel, protective measures, and emergency preparedness planning comes at a high cost, one that many community organizations cannot afford on their own.

Supporting Legislators / Organizations

Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO)

Pride Northwest Inc

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified

SB 1167

Recommendation:  support

Summary

Gives money to Oregon Department of Administrative Services to give to entities for the development of successful children in this state.  Appropriates monies from the General Fund to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for distribution to seven entities to support the development of successful children in this state. 

Relevance to NAACP

Provides assistance to families with young children.  The bill includes $100,000 of revenue directed at the Linn Benton Lincoln Early Learning Hub.

Pros

• Mitigates known causes of early childhood trauma on low income families.

• Prioritizes locally driven, community-specific strategies to address the root causes that hinder a child’s ability to thrive. 

• To ensure children have an equitable opportunity to succeed by addressing the root causes of early childhood trauma, this bill proposes shifting funds from the General Fund to support maternal health, birth and the first year postpartum. 

Cons

• Removes funds from state administration, potentially infrastructure.

• If the chosen entities do not adequately engage with families and children from various backgrounds, we may inadvertently perpetuate existing disparities

Supporting Legislators / Organizations 

Black Futures for Perinatal Health Collective,

Women’s Foundation of Oregon

Opposing Legislators / Organizations

none identified