Committee advances Oregon Imagination Library bill to provide free monthly books to eligible children

The Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health unanimously advanced House Bill 4022 A to the Senate floor with a ‘do pass’ recommendation.

Maureen, committee staff, described HB 4022 A as establishing the Oregon Imagination Library program, which would provide a free book each month to eligible children and direct the Department of Early Learning and Care to implement and administer the program. She said fiscal and revenue analyses indicated no fiscal or revenue impact and are posted to OLIS.

Committee members praised the program’s potential statewide reach and noted local partnerships such as United Way coordinating sign-up in Lincoln County. One member said the program would benefit children “in every single corner” of Oregon. Committee members discussed outreach and coordination to ensure families can connect with the program, and the chair asked staff (Cassie Brousse was mentioned) to follow up on operational questions.

Senator Anderson moved HB 4022 A to the floor with a ‘do pass’ recommendation. The clerk called the roll; members recorded ayes and the measure passed. The chair asked Senator Patterson to carry the bill to the floor.

No amendments were taken during the work session. Further implementation details and operational partners were discussed but not finalized during the session.