The House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services unanimously adopted a -1 amendment to House Bill 28‑15 and voted to send the bill to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means by prior reference.

The amendment repeals the existing tribal advisory committee, directs the Department of Early Learning and Care to develop and implement a statewide early learning and care plan, and establishes the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance to advise the department on that plan. "House Bill 28‑15 is related to tribal early learning services," a committee staff member said during the work session.

The committee agreed to the amendment on a voice vote; no roll call was requested. Representative Ruiz moved to adopt the -1 amendment and then moved that HB 28‑15, as amended, receive a due‑pass recommendation and be referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means by prior reference. The motions passed without recorded dissent.

Committee members did not enter extended debate on the measure during the work session. The committee record notes the bill will now proceed to the budget committee for fiscal consideration and any subsequent action there.

The bill’s amendment and referral mark the committee’s formal direction that staff and the Department of Early Learning and Care proceed with the statewide plan work and with formation of the advisory alliance, pending budget and Ways and Means review.