HB 4149
Directs school districts to adopt policies that provide for the immediate enrollment, school placement and provision of services to homeless students.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
97%
Oppose
3%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires Oregon school districts to immediately enroll, place, and provide services to students who are experiencing homelessness. It directs districts to adopt policies that ensure these students are enrolled regardless of records, deadlines, or disputes. Furthermore, the bill designates a state coordinator to oversee the implementation of these policies and ensures coordination with local social services and other districts to support homeless students and their families.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Emerson Levy
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 4149 emphasize the need to ensure educational rights for homeless students, protect them from housing instability, and provide practical protections to prevent educational disruption. They argue that the bill strengthens a systems-level approach by strengthening coordination between school districts, local social service agencies, and state partners. Advocates highlight the importance of school stability for students experiencing homelessness, who face challenges in maintaining enrollment and attendance due to frequent relocation. Many testifiers share personal anecdotes and experiences, emphasizing the devastating impact of delays in accessing education on academic trajectory and long-term consequences. They also emphasize the need to codify federal protections into Oregon law, ensuring continuity and stability in education, ultimately helping students experiencing homelessness thrive.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 4149 express concerns that the bill's proposed funding structure is insufficient to support its intended scope, potentially leading to a burdensome and unaffordable bureaucratic system. They argue that this could compromise the ability to provide adequate care and services for vulnerable populations, including undocumented children who may be eligible for federal assistance programs. Critics also contend that the bill's lack of clear funding mechanisms and potential reliance on state or local resources could create uncertainty and instability in the delivery of essential services.
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.