SB 1538
Requires district school boards to admit all students to all schools and instructional programs of the school district.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Senate Interim Committee on Education)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
40%
Oppose
60%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires Oregon school districts to admit all students to all schools and instructional programs within the district, regardless of immigration status. It prohibits discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status, with limited exceptions. The bill also mandates districts and education service districts to adopt and implement policies related to immigration enforcement, guided by model policies developed by the Attorney General, and outlines specific provisions regarding transportation, foster care arrangements, and eligible post-secondary courses for students in the Expanded Options Program. It includes amendments to various Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) related to student residency, foster care, and post-secondary education.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Senate Interim Committee on Education
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of SB 1538 emphasize the bill's importance in addressing student achievement gaps and promoting equity in education, with advocates arguing that it is crucial for improving education outcomes and increasing access to quality educational resources. Many testifiers, including educators and community leaders, express concern about the impact of immigration enforcement on students' mental health and well-being, highlighting the need for clear policies and guidance to protect their rights. The proposed legislation aims to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment, ensuring that all students, regardless of citizenship status or immigration background, have equal access to education and are protected from discrimination. By expanding access to education for all residents, SB 1538 seeks to promote equality of opportunity and ensure that every child can thrive in school.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of Senate Bill 1538 express concerns that the legislation would divert resources away from lawfully present students and divert federal funding intended for education. They argue that the bill's policies and training requirements could lead to costly lawsuits, obstruct federal agencies like ICE, and create unnecessary burdens on public school educators and administrators. Critics also contend that the bill incorrectly shifts responsibility for enforcing federal immigration laws onto school employees, potentially jeopardizing federal education funds, and that it would impose an undue burden of bureaucracy and compliance on the education system, exacerbating existing challenges in Oregon's public schools.
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