Athena senator’s final policy bills both pass
By Terry Murry on Thursday, March 7th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) saw both of his policy bills be overwhelmingly approved by the Oregon Legislature. Lawmakers were limited to only two bills each during the short session which ends Sunday. In even-numbered years, the sessions are held for 35 days.
Senate Bill 1587 passed the House of Representatives unanimously on Tuesday. It passed the Senate last month and now awaits Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature. The bill, which was also sponsored by Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo) will close a legal loophole by granting immunity from liability to licensed centers that are charged with investigating allegations of crimes against children. Hansell said the legislation is particularly important to the Guardian Care Center in Umatilla County. That center conducts forensic interviews with children alleged to have suffered abuse.
The passage of the bill includes declaring it an emergency. That means it will go into effect as soon as it is signed by Gov. Tina Kotek.
Earlier this week, Hansell’s other policy bill was passed. It establishes a task force to deal with fish passage on the Walla Walla River. That measure involves Oregon, Washington state, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and agricultural representatives. The Walla Walla River is the only river on the mainstem Columbia River with its headwaters in Oregon and its mouth in Washington.
