Oregon governor Kotek signs bill protecting homeless students’ educational rights
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) Gov. Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4149 into law on March 31, codifying educational protections for students experiencing homelessness into Oregon statute. This new legislation ensures these safeguards remain in place regardless of changes to federal policy, establishing a durable state-level framework.
The bill reinforces Oregon's commitment to providing students facing housing instability with the support needed to stay in school and succeed.
House Bill 4149 establishes a state-level framework to support the more than 22,000 students in Oregon who experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year, according to a report by Portland State University. These protections aim to address significant barriers to academic success faced by students navigating housing instability, who often graduate at lower rates than their peers.
The new law guarantees several key protections for students experiencing homelessness. These include immediate school enrollment regardless of documentation, transportation to a student's school of origin, access to comprehensive support services and clear, consistent dispute resolution processes.
Gov. Kotek underscored the necessity of state-level action, stating, "We can no longer depend on the federal government to defend the rights of our most vulnerable communities. This bill ensures that students experiencing homelessness can be confident their rights are enshrined in state law and not subject to the whims of an unreliable federal government." The legislation incorporates protections historically provided under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act into state law, ensuring continuity even amid potential federal policy changes.
Andrea Bell, executive director of Oregon Housing and Community Services, spoke on the broader vision behind the bill. "In Oregon, every child should have access to housing, education and support that gives them the power to live a life of their choosing, regardless of income or zip code," Bell said. "When we get this right, we won't just teach them of Oregon's promise to them—we embed it into the experience of all students."
Dr. Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education, highlighted the foundational role of education for these students. "The federal McKinney‑Vento Act affirms that education is a gateway not only to learning and opportunity, but also to stability, safety and connection. Oregon legislators reinforced this commitment by passing HB 4149," Dr. Williams said. She added that the Oregon Department of Education "will continue to deepen our work with school districts, community organizations and all those who support and advocate for students navigating housing instability. Together, we will ensure that every scholar has equitable access to education and the opportunity to thrive alongside their housed peers."
Mary Ferrell, executive director of Maslow Project, emphasized the bill's long-term impact on preventing homelessness and intergenerational poverty. Ferrell noted, "By guaranteeing stable education, immediate enrollment and comprehensive support for students experiencing homelessness, we're addressing one of the root causes of intergenerational poverty and homelessness. When children can remain in their school of origin, maintain consistent relationships with teachers and friends and access the services they need to thrive, we fundamentally change their life trajectory."
