The House Committee on Rules convened on June 19, 2025, to discuss critical legislation aimed at addressing maternal and child health priorities in Oregon, particularly focusing on housing stability for families with infants. The meeting highlighted the urgency of the situation, as Oregon ranks worst in the nation for unsheltered homelessness among children, with rates significantly higher than the national average.

The primary focus of the discussion was on the "Mom Novus 2025" package, which includes several policies designed to support families during the crucial early years of a child's life. A key component of this package is Senate Bill 690, which aims to prevent eviction for families with children under one year old while they await housing assistance through the Oregon Health Plan's health-related social needs program. This program can provide up to six months of rent support, but families often face delays in receiving these funds, leading to potential evictions.

The bill also directs the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) to prioritize families with infants in their housing stabilization and homeless services. This prioritization is deemed essential, especially as some housing programs face budget cuts. The bill does not require additional funding but seeks to optimize existing resources to better serve the most vulnerable populations.

Support for the bill has grown, with unanimous approval from the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate floor. Notably, the Multifamily Northwest association, which represents landlords, has shifted from opposition to support after collaborative discussions, indicating a broad consensus on the need for action.

An amendment to the bill was also discussed, which aims to address concerns raised by the Oregon Judicial Department to ensure smoother implementation and effectiveness in the courts. This amendment does not alter the core policy but enhances its operational aspects.

The committee's discussions underscored the critical need for immediate action to support families with young children facing housing instability, emphasizing that the well-being of Oregon's youngest residents is a priority that requires urgent attention and collaborative efforts.