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House tightens rules for collecting public‑assistance overpayments, moves evidence language
Summary
The House passed H.B. 277 to clarify overpayment definitions and collection authority and H.B. 186 to relocate related evidence language; sponsors said the changes strengthen the Office of Recovery Services' ability to pursue fraud while preserving relief for government error.
Representative Doyle M. Mortimer introduced H.B. 277 as a clarification of the Office of Recovery Services' authority to collect public‑assistance overpayments. Mortimer said the bill defines what constitutes an overpayment and imposes a 10% monetary penalty where an overpayment is found to be obtained fraudulently, while also preserving relief when the overpayment resulted from governmental error.
A companion measure, H.B. 186, was described as reorganizing existing language into a clearer location in the code rather than changing substantive penalties. Members asked whether relocating the language effectively changes penalties; sponsors said it does not alter existing civil and criminal penalties but consolidates language for clarity.
The House passed H.B. 277 (reported in the transcript as 70 affirmative, 0 negative) and passed H.B. 186 shortly afterward (transcript reports the bill passed and referred to the Senate). Sponsors said the legislation aims to give ORS clearer statutory footing for collection and prosecution when fraud is involved, while allowing appeals and relief in cases of administrative error.
