House Bill 3059, introduced in the Oregon State Legislature on February 27, 2025, aims to address the educational and mental health needs of youth residing in residential facilities while attending public schools. Sponsored by Representative Evans, the bill mandates a joint study by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Education (ODE) to assess the challenges faced by these students.

The bill outlines specific objectives for the study, including identifying funding gaps for mandated programs and services, evaluating the availability of support services, and improving information sharing among students, parents, residential facility staff, and school districts. The findings from this study are required to be submitted to the interim committees related to human services and education by September 15, 2026, with the bill set to sunset on January 2, 2027.

Notably, the bill has been declared an emergency measure, which means it will take effect immediately upon passage. This urgency reflects the pressing need to address the unique challenges faced by youth in residential settings, who often struggle with mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues alongside their educational pursuits.

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on vulnerable youth, it may face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of resources allocated for the proposed study and subsequent recommendations. Experts in education and child welfare have emphasized the importance of comprehensive support systems for these students, suggesting that the outcomes of the study could lead to significant policy changes in how Oregon addresses the needs of youth in residential care.

As the legislative session progresses, House Bill 3059 will be closely monitored for its implications on funding and services for youth in residential facilities, potentially shaping the future of educational support for this demographic in Oregon.