Oregon's House Bill 2060, introduced on April 11, 2025, aims to enhance educational support by establishing a registry for nonlicensed tutors. This initiative, sponsored by Representatives McIntire and Wright, seeks to ensure that school districts can only contract with registered tutors, thereby promoting accountability and safety in tutoring services.

The bill mandates the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to create and maintain this registry, which will include individuals who provide tutoring through independent entities rather than directly through school districts. To be registered, tutors must undergo a nationwide criminal background check and provide relevant identification information. The ODE retains the authority to deny or remove individuals from the registry based on specific criteria, including substantiated reports of misconduct or criminal convictions.

This legislative move addresses growing concerns about the quality and safety of tutoring services, particularly as educational needs evolve in the wake of recent challenges faced by students. By regulating nonlicensed tutors, the bill aims to protect students and ensure that those providing educational support meet certain standards.

Debate surrounding House Bill 2060 has highlighted the balance between increasing access to tutoring services and maintaining rigorous safety protocols. Supporters argue that the registry will enhance educational outcomes by ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to tutor students, while opponents express concerns about potential barriers for tutors seeking to enter the profession.

The implications of this bill extend beyond immediate educational concerns. By formalizing the tutor registration process, Oregon may set a precedent for other states considering similar measures, potentially reshaping the landscape of educational support services nationwide. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its impact on both tutors and students will be closely monitored, with advocates hopeful for a positive outcome that prioritizes student safety and educational integrity.