The Oregon Senate Committee on Education convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss two significant pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing safety and health standards in public universities and schools. The meeting highlighted House Bill 2551, which focuses on campus security, and House Bill 2684, which addresses integrated pest management in schools.

House Bill 2551 mandates that public university governing boards conduct thorough background checks on special campus security officers, including a review of disciplinary records from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). Representative Zac Hudson, who presented the bill, emphasized that while these officers have the authority to make arrests, they are not sworn law enforcement officers. The bill aims to ensure that universities make informed hiring decisions to enhance campus safety. Hudson noted that this requirement was previously in place until 2015 and is now crucial for maintaining student safety. The bill received unanimous support from the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, indicating strong bipartisan backing.

The committee also reviewed House Bill 2684, which requires school boards to regularly update and publicly post their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans, including a list of low-impact pesticides. This legislation builds on a law introduced in 2009, which aimed to protect children from pesticide exposure in schools. Hudson highlighted the importance of ensuring that schools use safe pest control methods, particularly given children's heightened vulnerability to toxic substances. The bill mandates that IPM plans be reviewed every five years and made accessible online, thereby increasing transparency for parents and the community. The inclusion of school gardens in the definition of school campuses reflects the growing recognition of these spaces as integral to educational environments.

Both bills underscore a commitment to improving safety and health standards in Oregon's educational institutions. The discussions during the meeting revealed a collaborative effort among lawmakers, educational stakeholders, and public health advocates to address these critical issues. As the committee moves forward, the anticipated next steps include further deliberation on these bills, with the potential for additional amendments to refine their provisions. The unanimous support for both measures suggests a strong legislative intent to prioritize the well-being of students across the state.