Senate Education Committee advances multiple education bills; several sent to Ways and Means

The Oregon State Senate Education Committee on Feb. 24 moved a set of education bills forward, voting to advance measures on robotics credit, after‑school grants, seismic‑plaque funding for schools, and several teacher licensing and administrative changes. Most of the bills were given a “do pass” recommendation and referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for further fiscal review.

The committee approved a due‑pass recommendation for Senate Bill 8 94, which would recognize high school robotics as a pathway eligible for credit similar to other co‑curricular activities. Vice Chair Weber moved the bill to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation and it was referred to Ways and Means. Senator Robinson recorded a “no” on the roll call; senators voting “aye” included Chair Frederick, Vice Chair Weber and Senator Gail Woodard. The motion passed.

The panel also approved a due‑pass recommendation for Senate Bill 8 96, which would create an after‑school learning and enrichment grant program to fund K‑12 after‑school programs and requires the Oregon…