Oregon lawmakers advance Senate Bill 690 to prioritize housing for pregnant people and infants

Oregon's Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health convened on April 8, 2025, to address critical housing issues affecting pregnant individuals and families with infants. A key focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 690, which aims to prioritize housing for these vulnerable groups amid alarming statistics revealing that Oregon has the highest rate of unsheltered children in the nation.

During the session, committee members discussed the urgent need for clear legislative language to ensure that the housing needs of pregnant people and families with babies are met effectively. The bill is still in the drafting phase, with lawmakers emphasizing the importance of getting the details right to reflect their intent. The current statistics are stark: Oregon has approximately 20 unsheltered children per 100,000, significantly higher than the national average of 1.4 per 100,000.

One committee member highlighted the critical developmental stage for infants, stressing that failure to address their housing needs could have long-term consequences. The discussion underscored a collective recognition that the time for inaction regarding homeless children must end, as the state grapples with its troubling status.

While some members expressed skepticism about the bill's readiness, citing undetermined fiscal impacts, others argued that immediate action is necessary to address the root causes of homelessness among families. The committee ultimately decided to move Senate Bill 690 to the Senate Committee on Rules for further consideration, reflecting a commitment to advancing the conversation around housing for Oregon's most vulnerable populations.

As the legislative process continues, the committee's focus on prioritizing housing for pregnant individuals and families signals a critical step toward addressing the state's homelessness crisis and ensuring that the needs of its youngest residents are not overlooked.