Oregon Youth Authority budget hearing spotlights investigative failures, funding for safety and facility upgrades

Co-chair Bridal opened the March 24 Public Safety Committee informational hearing on House Bill 5,041, saying: "I will open the informational meeting on House Bill 5,041, Oregon Youth Authority." The subcommittee began a phase 1 review of OYA's 2025-27 primary budget and heard agency and state fiscal office overviews; public testimony is scheduled for Thursday and additional phase 2 accountability hearings were announced.

The Legislative Fiscal Office presented an overview showing OYA's all-funds current service level at about $517,000,000 for the 2025-27 biennium, with roughly 90% of that expected to be general fund. Allison Daniel of the Department of Administrative Services Chief Financial Office summarized the governor's recommended budget and highlighted specific investments, including $5 million for modernization of the juvenile justice information system (JAGES), $3.2 million to remodel and expand the infirmary and pharmacy at McLaren Youth Correctional Facility, $27 million earmarked for deferred maintenance across close-custody facilities (including $6.8 million to upgrade…