Bill > HB2996

This bill addresses how the Department of Human Services (DHS) can investigate and substantiate child abuse allegations, specifically focusing on cases of neglect related to a parent's financial resources. The bill prohibits DHS from finding a parent has neglected a child based solely on the parent's economic circumstances. The legislation modifies the existing legal definition of child abuse in ORS 419B.005, specifically changing language about negligent treatment from actions "likely to endanger the health or welfare of the child" to actions that "harm the child or place the child at imminent risk of harm." By making this change, the bill aims to prevent low-income parents from being automatically classified as neglectful simply because they struggle financially. The new provisions will apply to all abuse determinations made by DHS on or after the bill's effective date, ensuring that future investigations consider a more holistic and nuanced view of parental care that does not penalize parents for economic hardship.

Health and Social Services

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2996