Bill > SB1140

This bill addresses English-only policies in the workplace by adding new provisions to Oregon state law that protect employees from discriminatory language requirements. The legislation prohibits employers from mandating that employees speak only English at all times in the workplace, with some important exceptions. Employers can impose an English-only requirement only if they can demonstrate a clear "business necessity" and the requirement applies in limited, specific circumstances such as communicating with English-only customers or coworkers, ensuring workplace safety during emergencies, promoting collaborative work efficiency, or enabling English-speaking supervisors to monitor job performance. If an employer chooses to implement such a policy, they must provide employees with a written notice that clearly explains the English-only requirement, specifies the circumstances when it applies, and outlines potential consequences for non-compliance. Importantly, if an employer fails to provide this required notice, it will be considered prima facie evidence of discrimination based on national origin, which is a violation of existing Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 659A.030. The bill aims to protect workers from unnecessary language restrictions while allowing for reasonable workplace communication needs.

Business and Industry

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB1140