Bill > HB4157

This bill amends Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 40.460, which lists exceptions to the hearsay rule, meaning statements that would normally be excluded in court because they are out-of-court statements offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, can still be admitted under certain circumstances. Specifically, this bill adds a new provision, subsection (27)(a), that allows for the admission of a victim's statement about certain crimes related to human trafficking and prostitution, including commercial sex acts, if the statement was made within 24 hours before or after the victim engaged in such an act, was recorded or made to specific officials like peace officers or firefighters, and has sufficient indicia of reliability, meaning the circumstances surrounding the statement suggest it is trustworthy. The bill also renumbers existing provisions and clarifies that these changes apply to statements offered as evidence on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session adjourns.

Justice

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4157