Oregon House Bill HB2757

Oregon 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Refer: 3/17/23
• Report Pass: 6/22/23
• Engrossed: 6/22/23
• Refer: 6/22/23
• Report Pass: 6/24/23
• Enrolled: 6/25/23
• Passed: 7/13/23
• Chaptered: 7/24/23
• Passed: 7/24/23

Caption

Relating to crisis services; prescribing an effective date; and providing for revenue raising that requires approval by a three-fifths majority.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to establish better crisis response mechanisms across the state, ensuring that all residents can reliably access behavioral health services, irrespective of their location. Additionally, it requires cities to enter into memoranda of understanding with counties to provide effective mobile crisis intervention services. By securing dedicated funding through the telecommunications tax, the bill aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of emergency mental health support.

Summary

House Bill 2757 aims to expand and fund a coordinated crisis services system in Oregon, prominently featuring the establishment of the 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline. The legislation imposes a tax on consumers and retail subscribers of telecommunications services, which will be used to finance the crisis services. This tax will apply to bills issued and retail transactions occurring on or after January 1, 2024, indicating a future date for its implementation.

Contention

While HB 2757 is framed as a substantial improvement to public health infrastructure, it faces potential criticism regarding the added burden of taxation. Concerns may arise from those who view new taxes, even if aimed at supportive services, as a hindrance to economic growth or household budgets. Some stakeholders may also question the adequacy of funding and oversight mechanisms that will ensure the efficient operation of these crisis services, as well as the implications for local governments who might have to align their existing services with state mandates.