A Few Bills to Note
DD Services
SB 1548: This bill would allow the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) to define and develop a service delivery option called Agency with Choice. In this service delivery option, people supported can choose their Direct Support Professional (DSP) and direct their day-to-day tasks. The Agency with Choice provider has more of a hands-off approach than a traditional provider organization. They act more as an employment agency; handling employment related paperwork like tax withholdings, coordinating DSP schedules and verifying DSP qualifications.
SB 1548 also would create an exception for the requirement to install sprinklers in DD group and foster homes. It asks the department to report to the legislature the impact of the requirement of sprinklers on specified homes by Oct 1, 2022. We anticipate amendments to this section of the bill in the coming week.
SB 1548 would require the department to adopt rules to ensure fiscal transparency for businesses and organizations providing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
SB 1548 has a work session in Senate Human Services, Mental Health and Recovery on Feb. 8 at 3:15 pm.
Housing and Air Conditioners
These last few years, we have experienced extreme heat spikes in the summer months. Two bills are looking at supporting the health needs of Oregonians in low-income households.
House Bill 4058 would direct the Oregon Health Authority to create an emergency distribution program that would deliver air conditioners and air filters those in need of them. Additionally, it would create an incentive program for those in need to purchase energy efficient heat pump cooling systems. This program would prioritize low-income households, people experiencing disabilities, rural and coastal communities, communities of color. HB 4058 has a work session in House Environment and Natural Resources on Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.
Senate Bill 1536 would remove barriers for renters to install portable air conditioners in rental units that can’t currently support them. It requires cooling in new construction rentals and helps support landlords in the creation of cooling centers for tenants through funding and technical assistance resources. This bill will support Oregonians through the extreme heat waves that we have been experiencing the past several years.
These two pieces of legislation are important to improve the health and safety of all Oregonians, but in particularly those who live in homes with barriers to accessing those resources and appliances currently. SB 1536 has a work session on Senate Committee on Housing and Development on Feb. 9 at 3:15 p.m.
Education
HB 4031: Establishes state goal that percentage of diverse employees employed by Department of Education reflects percentage of diverse students in public schools. House Bill 4031 would work to ensure that that our state’s schools reflect the diversity that makes up Oregon’s communities. This bill would hold Oregon Department of Education to hiring standards and benchmarks to ensure continued equity and diversity In Oregon schools and administration. HB 4031 has a work session in House Education on Feb. 8 at 3:15 p.m.
