Bill > SB1078

This bill modifies Oregon state law to strengthen the legal requirements and consequences for public servants who fail to report suspected child abuse. Specifically, the bill amends three statutes to clarify and expand the legal obligations and prosecution timeline for official misconduct related to child abuse reporting. Under the new provisions, if a public or private official fails to report suspected child abuse when they are legally required to do so, they can be charged with official misconduct in the second degree, which is a Class C misdemeanor. The bill also extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting such cases, allowing prosecution to be commenced at any time while the defendant is in public office or employment, or within five years after leaving such a position, but not more than six years beyond the original statute of limitations. This change aims to provide more time for authorities to pursue cases of unreported child abuse, potentially holding public servants more accountable for their mandatory reporting responsibilities. The bill ensures that the expanded prosecution timeline applies to offenses committed before, on, or after the effective date of the law, though it cannot revive prosecutions that were already barred prior to the law's implementation.

Justice

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB1078