Bill > HB2302

This bill expands legal protections for vulnerable persons by modifying Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 124.100 to include individuals under 18 years of age in the definition of "vulnerable person," thereby allowing them to bring civil actions for physical or financial abuse. The bill allows the vulnerable person, their guardian, conservator, attorney-in-fact, personal representative, or trustee to file a lawsuit against anyone who has caused or permitted physical or financial abuse. In such actions, a successful plaintiff can recover three times the economic and noneconomic damages, with a minimum of $500, as well as reasonable attorney fees and guardian/conservator fees. Additionally, the bill extends the statute of limitations, allowing actions to be commenced within seven years after discovering the abusive conduct, and applies retroactively to abuse that occurred before, on, or after the bill's effective date, though it cannot revive previously barred claims. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, with the stated purpose of preserving public peace, health, and safety by providing broader legal recourse for vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, who have experienced abuse.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2302