Committee advances bill barring denial of mental‑health services based on developmental disability

The House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services voted May 20 to move Senate Bill 729 to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation, after a staff summary said the measure would expand a prohibition on denying mental‑health services to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Taylor, a committee staff member, summarized the bill, saying, “Senate bill 7 29 expands an existing prohibition against denying access to mental health services on the basis that an individual has an intellectual or developmental disability. That currently applies to the Oregon Health Authority, and other entities to include all public bodies. The measure also expands the prohibition to apply to all individuals regardless of age rather than individuals up to age 21. And the measure takes effect on the 90 first day following adjournment.”

Committee members were told the Office of Legislative Information Services recorded a minimal fiscal impact and no revenue impact for the bill. After brief discussion the committee moved the bill and completed a roll call. Representatives who voted “aye” included Representative Elmer, Representative Javety, Representative McIntyre, Representative Nelson, Representative Knowles, Representative Ruiz, Vice Chair Sharf, Vice Chair Walters and Chair Hartman; Chair Hartman announced the motion passed. Representative Reese agreed to be the carrier to the floor.

No statute or regulatory citation was included in the committee summary. The committee did not adopt amendments during the work session; the record shows the vote was to advance the bill with a due‑pass recommendation.

Next steps: the bill will be carried to the House floor by Representative Reese for further consideration.