Senate committee hears testimony on bill to require schools to notify families when federal immigration authorities are on campus

The Senate Education Committee on Feb. 24 heard testimony on House Bill 4,079, the Safeguarding Students and Families Bill, which would require Oregon’s public K–12 schools and institutions of higher education to adopt policies and reporting procedures to notify students, families and staff when federal immigration authorities are confirmed on school grounds. The measure declares an emergency and, according to sponsor counsel, takes effect on Sept. 30, 2026.

Representative Sarah Finger McDonald, sponsor and a parent and OSU employee, told the committee that the bill’s goal is “to provide good information from a trusted source that can help [families] feel safe making the decision to come to school.” She said the bill requires “the designation of at least one administrator and designee to be trained” and that model policies would be developed with the Department of Justice and education policy writers to minimize burden on districts.

Lisa Fragola, an educator of 25 years, said the presence or perceived presence of federal enforcement near campuses has created a climate of fear that undermines learning. Student advisor Jolie McMahon and Beaverton school board member Tammy Carpenter also spoke in support, describing instances when families and school staff felt alarmed by immigration enforcement activity near campuses and urging clearer communication to preserve trust.

Committee members pressed sponsors on several implementation points. Senators asked who would deliver the training, whether the policy would impose new costs on districts, and how districts would choose languages for notifications. Sponsor testimony said the bill limits training to designated staff to keep costs minimal, that districts should use their existing culturally appropriate communication channels, and that verification procedures and limited consultation with attorneys may mean alerts do not always go out immediately.

Opposition testimony came from June Fufatou Sargosa, who said schools should focus on core safety and educational duties and cautioned against politicizing classrooms; Chair Frederick explicitly disagreed with that view during the hearing. Several senators raised concerns about unintended consequences, including whether notifications could prompt crowds to converge on a campus; sponsors said timing and verification would mitigate that risk.

The hearing record shows supporters arguing the proposal is a narrow notification and verification policy designed to reduce fear and enable families to make informed safety choices, while opponents warned it could distract educators and inflame divisive views. The committee closed the public hearing with no vote and invited additional written testimony (online submissions were due by Thursday at 8 a.m.).