Chair JAMA convened the Senate Committee on Rules on Monday and opened a public hearing on Senate Bill 450, which would designate Nov. 14 of each year as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in Oregon and declare an emergency, making the observance effective upon passage.

State Sen. Deb Patterson, D-District 10, urged the committee to support the measure, saying Ruby Bridges’ 1960 walk into William Frantz Elementary School "remains a powerful reminder of the courage required to break barriers and the ongoing importance of ensuring that every child has access to a welcoming and supportive learning environment." Patterson said the designation would encourage students to engage in conversations about American history and civil rights.

Several lawmakers and education and community leaders testified in favor. Sen. Aaron Woods, R-District 13, described Ruby Bridges’ action as a symbol of courage and "a reminder of how far we have come in the pursuit of civil rights, but also how much further we still must go." State Rep. Travis Nelson and Sen. Lou Frederick recounted personal experiences of school desegregation and supported the bill.

Local school and active-transportation leaders described existing events and educational efforts connected to the proposed observance. Beth Schmidt, Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School coordinator, said her district has grown participation from one school to "thousands of students" and highlighted classroom preparation accompanying annual walks. TJ Crockett, acting chief operations officer for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, said the district has recognized National Walk to School Day as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day for three years and urged statewide recognition to support "safe and welcoming schools for all students." Sarah Iannarone, executive director of The Street Trust, said 170 schools in Oregon participated in 2024 and framed the day as aligning with Safe Routes to School goals.

During a subsequent work session Vice Chair Bonham moved Senate Bill 450 to the Senate floor with a “do pass” recommendation. The committee conducted a roll call: Senator Goldman — Aye; Senator Manning — Aye; Senator Patrick — Aye; Vice Chair Yvonne — Aye; Chair Johnson — Aye. The motion passed. Senator Bassett was named the carrier for the bill on the Senate floor.

Supporters told the committee the observance would provide an annual opportunity to teach students about civil rights, promote inclusive school climates and pair educational lessons with physical-activity events such as walking or rolling to school.

No fiscal or revenue impact was reported during the hearing.