Senate Judiciary advances six bills to the floor; members debate liability for Psychiatric Security Review Board

The Senate Committee on Judiciary on April 22 moved six House bills to the Senate floor with due pass recommendations, and members spent notable time debating whether to grant expanded immunity to the Psychiatric Security Review Board.

The bills advanced include measures on remote testimony in civil cases, consolidation and procedural rules for the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB), limited liability protections for the PSRB, exemptions for PSRB health records from public disclosure, disclosure of health records to the PSRB and the Department of Corrections, and a study of pretrial release practices.

The committee recorded votes on each bill and sent them to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. Several senators asked questions during the work sessions; the most extensive discussion focused on House Bill 2807, which would immunize the PSRB and certain actions by persons under its jurisdiction from liability, subject to an exception for "willful or wanton misconduct." Disability Rights Oregon submitted a letter of opposition raising concerns the bill’s wording could leave constitutional or ADA claims unclear.

Votes at a glance

- House Bill 2461: Modifies the minimum notice requirement and court…