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Committee advances bill to designate Aug. 25 as Oregon Adoption Day
Summary
House Bill 2019, sponsored by Representative Lucetta Elmore to designate August 25 of each year as Oregon Adoption Day, was advanced from the Senate Committee on Rules with a due-pass recommendation; sponsors and committee members spoke in support during the public hearing.
House Bill 2019, which would designate August 25 of each year as Oregon Adoption Day and take effect on passage, was presented and advanced by the Senate Committee on Rules on April 30.
Representative Lucetta Elmore, the bill sponsor, told the committee the date is personal: "It is my day. It's the day I was adopted. It's not my birthday, but it is the day that changed my life forever," she said. She described adoption as transformational for children, families and communities and recounted broad bipartisan support and heartfelt testimony the measure received when it was carried on the House floor.
Committee members expressed support and asked a few policy questions. Senator Manning joined as a cosponsor on the measure and praised Elmore's presentation. Members discussed ancillary policy questions — including whether existing adoption processes are needlessly complicated — and Elmore said she would welcome work on reducing unnecessary legal burdens while retaining appropriate safeguards.
Committee action and vote: Vice Chair Bonham moved that HB 2019 be sent to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation. The roll call recorded the measure as passed in committee.
Procedure: The measure declares an emergency and is effective on passage if enacted. Committee action recorded no amendments in committee.
Next steps: The bill will be carried to the Senate floor for further consideration by the assigned carrier.
