ODE's 2021 Legislative Summary 

The 2021 Legislative Session was one that will not soon be forgotten as Oregon grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest. Committee hearings were held entirely online while the Oregon State Capitol Building remained closed to the public. Only lawmakers and essential personnel were in the building for floor votes.

While there were many challenges in adjusting to a virtual legislative session, including internet access issues, there were also significant benefits. Principal among them was a noted increase in community engagement: as of May 2021, over 14,400 people had registered online to provide testimony and 30,000 emails had been submitted. For Oregonians statewide, there was increased access to the legislative process, particularly with the removal of the barrier of traveling to Salem to testify.

ODE’s Government Relations Team spent numerous hours advocating for ODE’s proposed legislation and providing information to committees and members. We tracked nearly 300 bills that impacted K-12 education, and almost 100 of those bills became law.

This Legislative Summary highlights the bills moving us further in the direction of equity and anti-racist policies, and provides an overview of all newly passed legislation affecting K-12. ODE is proud to have produced equity-minded legislation and to have worked with many partners to make these policies a reality.

If you have any questions after reviewing the Legislative Summary, please reach out to ODE Government Relations & External Affairs Director Jessica Ventura.