April 1, 2026
The 2026 Oregon Legislative Session was adjourned Sine Die on March 6. Despite the fast-paced nature of short session and the weight of our state legislators trying to predict and take caution against the unknown effects of HR1 on our systems, there were several wins for children and pediatric providers! Oregon Pediatric Society members from around the state were involved with various pieces of legislation, either through the provision of oral / written testimony or bill support and endorsement. We are excited to share that much of our work paid off!
- HR 4088: Reproductive Health & Gender Affirming Care – PASSED: At Governor’s Office Awaiting Signature
Declares that it is the policy of this state to make sure people are allowed to get certain kinds of health care, including care for their bodies and gender identity. The Act also makes changes to laws about helping the federal government and other states in cases arising involving this kind of care, makes some records and information private and says that midwives who give this kind of care will not get in trouble if they follow the rules. The new law starts right away. - HB 4160: Cardiac Emergency Response Plan – PASSED: At Governor’s Office Awaiting Signature
Ensures Oregon schools have a structured and practiced plan in place to manage sudden cardiac arrest situations, including designation of a response team trained in CPR and AED use, identification of AED locations, ensured accessibility of AED locations, establishment of a protocol for immediate activation of emergency medical services, and provision of regular emergency response drills to enhance readiness. - SB 1548: Cannabis Packaging – Died in Committee
Designed to limit cannabis product packaging to reduce toddler poisoning / toxicity and to encourage slower consumption by older youth and adults; requires cannabis edibles to be individually packaged and allows up to 10 mg of adult-use cannabinoid per individual cannabinoid edible - SB 1570: Health Care Without Fear Act – PASSED: At Governor’s Office Awaiting Signature
Prohibits a hospital from disclosing, for purposes of law enforcement, individually identifiable health information or information concerning a person’s citizenship or immigration status unless disclosure is required by state or federal law or court order or for ensuring continuity of care. - SB 1571: Nicotine Pouches – PASSED: At Governor’s Office Awaiting Signature
This bill closes existing state law loophole to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches through addition of a definition of “nicotine” and expansion of the definition of “tobacco products”. - SB 1598: Preventive Care Access and Coverage – PASSED: At Governor’s Office Awaiting Signature
Ensures continuity of coverage and protects access to preventive care, responds to recent federal changes and confusion created by shifting federal guidance, allows standing order authority to respond quickly when federal guidance changes, respects medical judgment, supports patient choice and keeps decisions between patients and providers.
Our collective efforts matter! With your support, we can do more together. If you would like to become more involved, we invite you to:
- Make a tax-deductible donation to the Oregon Pediatric Society. Your one-time contribution makes a difference; your monthly donation sustains that difference.
