Legislature 2023

The Mental Health Alliance SUPPORTS SB 915.

Oregon Department of Justice testimony letter supporting SB 915

Oregon State Sheriff’s Association and Oregon Association of Chief’s of Policetestimony letter supporting SB 915

Multnomah County District Attorney testimony letter supporting SB 915

Shiloh Phelps – testimony letter supporting SB 915

Pacific Northwest Family Circle- testimony letter supporting SB 915

Democratic Party of Lane County- testimony letter supporting SB 915

Mental Health Alliance- testimony letter supporting SB 915

Barbara Kenney, PhD – testimony letter supporting SB 915

Mental Health Association of Portland – testimony letter supporting SB 915

Judiciary Committee Fiscal Impact Statement

UPDATE – April 3, SB 915 passes from Judiciary Committee to Senate Ways and Means, Public Safety Subcommittee.


The Mental Health Alliance SUPPORTS House Bill 2731.

We write in strong support of HB 2731, which provides enduring support for the Family Preservation Project.


The Mental Health Alliance SUPPORTS Senate Bill 219.

Modifies timing of progress report superintendent of state mental hospital or director of facility to which defendant is committed must send court concerning defendant’s fitness to proceed. Modifies timing of progress report superintendent of state mental hospital or director of facility to which defendant is committed must send court concerning defendant’s fitness to proceed. Requires committing court to cause defendant to be transported back to court when certain circumstances occur. Establishes maximum time period authorized for restoration of defendant who lacks fitness to proceed. Directs Oregon Health Authority to retain consultant to work with local governments, community mental health programs and other entities to establish recommendations concerning community restoration services and financial liability for defendants who lack fitness to proceed.


The Mental Health Alliance OPPOSES Senate Bill 73.

Modifies definition of “person with mental illness” as used in civil commitment statutes. Modifies definition of “person with mental illness” as used in civil commitment statutes.


The Mental Health Alliance SUPPORTS House Bill 2445

Authorizes independent behavioral health certification entity that meets specified requirements to certify addiction peer support specialists to work with coordinated care organizations.


In 2023 the Mental Health Alliance advised Oregon State Senator Chris Gorsek by authoring and supporting Senate Bills 236, 237, and 915.

Senate Bill 236
Directs Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to adopt rules requiring law enforcement units to report certain incidents and complaints to commission. Directs Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to adopt rules requiring law enforcement units to report certain incidents and complaints to commission. Directs commission to publish annual report on incidents and complaints. Directs Department of Justice to establish division within department to aid and support families of persons killed or seriously injured by police. Establishes Office of Law Enforcement Oversight in Division of Audits of office of Secretary of State to study system of investigation, prosecution and victim support related to certain law enforcement issues and misconduct. Directs office to report at least annually to appropriate committee or interim committee Legislative Assembly. Establishes Advisory Board for Law Enforcement Oversight to study and report on operations of Office of Law Enforcement Oversight.

Senate Bill 237
Provides that Department of State Police has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate certain incidents involving police officers and corrections officers. Provides that Department of State Police has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate certain incidents involving police officers and corrections officers. Directs Superintendent of State Police to establish division within department for investigations of incidents. Establishes requirements for investigations of incidents. Requires department to report annually on investigations. Provides that Governor may appoint committee to advise department on implementation of provisions of Act.

Senate Bill 915
Creates Deadly Force Prosecutions Unit within Criminal Justice Division of Department of Justice. Appropriates moneys from General Fund to department for purposes of unit.


Members of the Mental Health Alliance Legislative Work Group

Kristen Chambers, JD
Beckie Child, PhD
Bob Joondeph, JD
Eben Joondeph Hoffer
Amanda J. Marshall, JD
Jason Renaud
Aimee Sukol, JD, MA, MS Ed.