The Oregon Legislature has wrapped up their 2024 legislative session. Despite the quick turnaround of the short session, the staff at Youth, Rights & Justice have been hard at work advocating for policy changes that will benefit our clients.
One of the largest discussions during the session surrounded the Measure 110 reform package, HB 4002, which decriminalizes drug possession. The staff at YRJ, including Lisa Kay Williams and Christa Obold Eshleman, worked with lawmakers and our partners to address the bill’s impact on youth. Their efforts highlighted the work that needs to be done moving forward.
The impact of these conversations could be seen in the floor speech of Rep. Jason Kropf (D-Bend), the co-carrier of the bill. Rep. Kropf stated, “most of our conversations about this bill have come with adults in mind, but I want to be clear on this: No kid should be held pre-adjudication in detention for possession of a small amount of a substance.” Our staff continue to demonstrate their expertise on juvenile issues and the value of YRJ in their relationship building.
Additional bills our staff worked on this session:
Supervising Attorney Jennifer McGowan testified in favor of HB 4084, which creates a program in three Oregon public schools to provide wraparound support for students who are in foster care. The program will also collect important data for policymakers and the community to inform future investment decisions for foster children’s educational needs.
Supervising Attorney Christa Obold Eshleman testified on HB 4156, which will expand the definition of “contact” in Oregon’s stalking laws. Her testimony addressed concern over a provision in the original bill that specified stalking protective orders would not be confidential, even when heard in juvenile court, where court records are protected. The provision was removed from the bill because of her testimony.
Many other staff provided valuable feedback throughout the session on bills and the impact they could have on our clients. Staff Attorney Maggie Carlson played an integral part in advising on bills that impact the child welfare system, particularly children the Oregon Department of Human Services puts in hotels and Airbnbs when a strong system of support services and care are needed.
YRJ also supported the Clean Slate coalition’s adult expunction bill, HB 4097. This important measure would positively impact families, allowing for a fresh start and a brighter future for parents with criminal records. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass this session, but the efforts will continue in 2025.
YRJ Executive Director Heather Busby also continued ongoing conversations with lawmakers about the benefits of the holistic Parent Child Representation (PCRP) juvenile public defense model. After the PCRP was expanded to Multnomah County in 2020, YRJ experienced firsthand the benefits of a model where attorneys collaborate with social workers to provide support to our clients. The PCRP also established a reduced caseload that allows for more quality contact with clients.