Bill > SB442

This bill establishes the COFA Shared Services Office within the Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority to support citizens from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) countries - specifically the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. The office will help COFA citizens access various benefits and services, including medical assistance, housing support, nutrition assistance, employment services, legal representation, and immigration services. The office will conduct outreach, award grants to community organizations providing culturally specific services, and provide incentives to recruit health workers who can serve COFA citizens. It will be led by a director and include staff such as an innovator agent, community ambassador, and community outreach specialists. The office will develop a multilingual website and submit annual reports to legislative committees about its progress. The bill specifies that the office will become operational on January 1, 2026, and the legislation will take effect 91 days after the 2025 legislative session adjourns. The primary goal is to improve access to essential services and support for COFA citizens in Oregon.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB442