DRO Legislative Update: June 29, 2009

Online Voter Registration Headed to Governor

On Monday, the Senate passed House Bill 2386, a new and convenient way to register to vote.  The bill creates a system of online voter registration that is expected to improve voter participation, especially amongst voters that are traditionally difficult to reach. 

Disability Rights Oregon staff attorney, Julie Anderson, submitted testimony in support of the bill.

“Anytime we make it more convenient for people to participate in the political process, we see more people becoming engaged,” said Senator Richard Devlin, chief Senate sponsor of the bill, who spoke on the floor. “Oregon continues to be a trailblazer in encouraging civic participation. This bill is another simple way we can expand upon that reputation.”

Oregon will join only three other states that have implemented or have plans for a system of online registration. Such programs are expected to improve voter participation in underrepresented demographics such as students, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Oregon’s system is slated to be up and running March 1, 2010.

The program will be paid for with federal funds from the Help American Vote Act. Online voter registration forms have identical requirements as today’s paper forms, with the single exception that, to register online, a valid Oregon driver license, ID card or learners permit is needed.

"The Senate has agreed to make registering to vote simpler, quicker and more accessible to more people," said Secretary of State Kate Brown.  Secretary Brown spoke at the DRO Open House on June 18 about the importance of making voting accessible, especially people with disabilities.

Senate Passes Two Bills Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Last week’s Legislative Update highlighted House Bill 3114 and House Bill 2442, both supported by Disability Rights Oregon.  This week marked the final legislative proceedings on the bills as they past the Senate.  Both bills now go to the Governor for his approval.  He is expected to sign them both.

HB 3114, sponsored by Rep. Tina Kotek and Rep. Carolyn Tomei, requires the Department of Human Services to develop procedures for children in foster care to receive an assessment from a mental health professional before being prescribed multiple psychotropic or antipsychotic medications.

“We have a special obligation to make sure that we are looking out for the well being of the children in our state’s foster care system,” said Senator Alan Bates, who carried the bill on the floor. “If these kids require multiple medications, there needs to be oversight of how the drugs interact and the effect they have on the quality of life of a child.”

HB 2442, sponsored by Rep. Sara Gelser and strongly supported by Disability Rights Oregon and the Developmental Disabilities Coalition, creates the Quality Care Fund, standardizing abuse investigations, increasing collaboration between the Department of Human Services and local law enforcement agencies, and allowing for immediate notification of all residents of a facility when a substantiated abuse has occurred.

The bill will also preclude individuals with felony convictions and crimes against vulnerable people from being hired as direct care providers.  For the first time in decades, fines and civil penalties for substantiated abuse will be increased and redirected into a fund to improve training of care providers.

“We are strongly committed to improving the quality of care for Oregon’s most vulnerable populations,” said Senator Bill Morrisette (D-Springfield). “More that 5,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities are in foster care or residential facilities in the state. HB 2442 will provide greater consistency in training and investigations of these homes.”