Senate committee adopts amendment to SB 1535, sends ERDC study and TANF changes to Ways and Means

Chair Reynolds opened a continued public hearing on Senate Bill 1535, which directs the Department of Early Learning and Care to study childcare and report to the interim committees by Sept. 15, 2027, and would modify subsidy priority for families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) while directing a work group to study childcare liability insurance.

Public testimony stressed the bill’s consequences for low‑income families. Patty Whitney Wise of Partners for Hunger Free Oregon and the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force said she supported the bill ‘‘with measured support,’’ warning that pausing Employment‑Related Day Care (ERDC) eligibility for some TANF families would sharply limit parents’ ability to work. Martha Dominguez, a longtime childcare provider, testified (through a Spanish interpreter) that ERDC would run out of funds in January 2027 unless the Legislature provides funding, and cited a budget shortfall she described as “nearly $90,000,000.” Marsha Keller of the Women’s Rights Coalition said TANF’s monthly resource limit is $616 and the cash grant is $506 and argued cuts would push families into distress.

During the work session, Vice Chair Anderson moved to adopt the -2 amendment dated Feb. 19, 2026. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed; the committee adopted the amendment. Senator Anderson then moved that SB 1535, as amended, receive a "do pass" recommendation and be referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. That motion also passed by roll call and the measure was sent to Ways and Means.

Committee members noted the intent is for the changes to be temporary while additional funding is pursued. The committee record includes repeated concerns that reducing ERDC access would both harm TANF families and destabilize childcare providers who rely on enrolled children.

The committee closed the work session on SB 1535 after sending the bill to Ways and Means.