Committee advances three early childhood and behavioral health bills to Ways and Means

The Oregon Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health voted April 1 to advance three bills—Senate Bill 62, Senate Bill 142 and Senate Bill 1167—to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, sending each measure forward after adopting amendments and formal roll calls.

Senate Bill 62, described to the panel as the "Oregon Mental Wellness and Community Stability Act of 2025," would direct the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to implement programs supporting consumer engagement and a pilot in Eastern Oregon for young adults experiencing early psychosis and substance-use disorder. Committee staff told members the measure "creates funding mechanisms for each program, including a $1 per member per month contribution from coordinated care organizations and general funds appropriations for the 2025 to 2027 biennium," and that the measure "declares an emergency effective on passage" and has a fiscal impact. Senator Anderson moved SB 62 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation and referral to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means by prior reference; the motion…