Oregon legislature expands foster children—s rights, shortens notice timeline

Senate Bill 8 75 B cleared the House after lawmakers adopted committee amendments intended to preserve both foster children—s rights and foster family religious-liberty concerns.

The measure updates the Oregon Foster Children—s Bill of Rights and the Foster Children—s Sibling Bill of Rights to add protections—such as prohibitions on abuse, neglect, exploitation and inappropriate restraint—requires a rights document be provided within seven days instead of 60, and strengthens rules to keep siblings connected during placements.

Representative Andrea Hartman, the bill—s carrier in the House, said the changes aim to give children in care greater stability and clearer information. "This bill changes and places an emphasis on some very important areas. Areas that foster children themselves have asked us to add to…