| Press Release |
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| June 18, 2009 |
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Governor Kulongoski Signs Series of Bills into Law
(Salem) – Governor Ted Kulongoski today signed 95 bills into law, including an extension of unemployment benefits under the state’s Work Share program. Work Share is a program that offers businesses an alternative to laying off employees. It allows businesses to keep employees during slow times by reducing work hours. Employees whose hours and wages are reduced receive a portion of their regular unemployment insurance benefits to compensate for the lost wages.
A summary of some of those bills is below. For the full list of all the bills the Governor signed today and this session, visit: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/2009_Action.shtml
Assisting Unemployed Oregonians
HB 3140 - Extends the number of weeks a qualified worker can receive Work Share unemployment compensation benefits from 26 to 52.
Children’s Health and Safety
HB 2272 - Mandates that every child support order must include a medical support clause that requires parents to provide private health care coverage, except when a parent’s disposable income is less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Law also allows a parent to appeal a support order if income is equal to or less than Oregon minimum wage for full-time employment.
SB 348 - Requires school districts to ensure coaches receive annual training to be able to recognize
concussion symptoms and how to seek proper medical treatment.
Emergency Preparedness
HB 2165 - Permits the Governor to authorize medics of Oregon National Guard to provide health care services in Oregon in declared state of emergency or public health emergency. Authorized Guard members would not be subject to Oregon licensing requirements for health care providers, provided each member is qualified by virtue of his or her military position, training, and qualifications to perform the same functions as an Oregon licensed health care provider for the Armed Forces of the United States under either state or federal status.
SB 8 - Allows volunteer health practitioners licensed in other states, and registered with the volunteer health practitioner registration system, to practice in Oregon during an emergency. Facilitates the creation of registry of out-of-state health care providers.
End and Prevent Homelessness
SB 200 - Requires the Department of Human Services and the Housing and Community Services Department to work together to create a comprehensive and collaborative support system and housing resources required to end and prevent homelessness.
Education Opportunities for Senior Citizens
HB 2011 – Beginning in the 2010 – 2011 academic year, this law requires each state institution of higher education to waive tuition for any courses audited by an Oregonian 65 years of age or older if: 1) space is available after degree seeking students have registered; 2) the department in which the course is being taught approves; and 3) the auditing student is registered for eight credits or fewer per term. Requires the same of Oregon community colleges but only for lower-division courses. Permits charges for student fees associated with an audited course.
Rail Transportation Planning
HB 2408 - Directs the Oregon Department of Transportation to report, by October 1, 2010, on the capacity, availability, and efficiency of rail transportation in Oregon, including the possible extension of commuter rail service from Wilsonville to Salem.
Supporting Veterans in the Workplace
HB 2510 - Implements lifetime veterans hiring preference for public sector employment, repealing the15-year limitation.
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
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