The Oregon State Senate made significant strides in addressing child safety and accountability during its session on March 18, 2025, with the passage of Senate Bill 385. This legislation aims to toughen penalties for individuals who make false reports of child abuse, a move that Senator Thatcher described as "long overdue."

Senator Thatcher highlighted the severe consequences that false accusations can have on families, particularly in custody disputes and domestic issues. The bill introduces a three-strike rule: the first offense will be classified as a Class B misdemeanor, the second as a Class A misdemeanor, and any subsequent offenses will escalate to a Class C felony. This approach aims to deter malicious reporting, which can divert critical resources away from genuine cases of child abuse.

Thatcher emphasized that the bill is not intended to penalize those who make good faith reports or mistakes but targets individuals who intentionally misuse the system for personal vendettas. "The life of the accused is in the balance of a judge or jury," he stated, underscoring the gravity of the issue.

The Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill, reflecting a strong commitment to protecting children and ensuring that the reporting of abuse is taken seriously. With 24 votes in favor, the bill now moves forward, signaling a proactive step in safeguarding the integrity of child welfare investigations in Oregon.