Bill > HB3111

This bill establishes a mandatory statewide eviction mediation program in Oregon, designed to help landlords and tenants resolve eviction disputes more quickly and cost-effectively. The Housing and Community Services Department will be responsible for creating a court-connected mediation program available in all circuit and justice courts. Key provisions include requiring landlords to provide information about the mediation program in termination notices, mandating that parties participate in mediation before an eviction trial, and allowing tenants to be represented by non-attorneys. The mediators will be professionally trained, with specific qualifications including substantial mediation experience and understanding of landlord-tenant law. The program aims to facilitate settlements, with representatives from the Veterans' Affairs, Health Authority, and Housing and Community Services departments available to help connect tenants with potential benefits or resources. The bill also modifies existing laws to support the new mediation process, such as allowing more flexible court procedures and ensuring that settlement agreements can be easily entered into court records. The program is set to become operative on July 1, 2026, and the bill includes an appropriation to fund its implementation, reflecting a significant effort to provide a more collaborative approach to resolving potential evictions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3111