Governor Tina Kotek signs eight bills to limit impacts of federal immigration enforcement and ensure immigration status can no longer be used as evidence in civil court cases

Oregon – Tina Kotek signed a package of eight bills during a ceremonial event in East Portland aimed at strengthening protections for immigrant and refugee communities while reinforcing civil liberties and government accountability.

The legislation was signed at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, where advocates, lawmakers, and community members gathered to mark the occasion. The bills address a range of policies, including education access, workplace protections, law enforcement transparency, and data privacy.

Among the measures, House Bill 4079 requires schools and higher education institutions to adopt policies outlining how they will respond if federal immigration authorities enter campuses. House Bill 4111 prohibits the use of immigration status as evidence in civil cases and expands anti-profiling protections, while House Bill 4114 creates a legal pathway to challenge unlawful entry onto certain properties.

Additional legislation includes House Bill 4138, which increases transparency by requiring law enforcement officers to identify themselves and limiting the use of masks in most circumstances. Senate Bill 1538 ensures equal access to public education for all students, and Senate Bill 1570 requires hospitals to establish protocols for interactions with law enforcement.

Senate Bill 1587 restricts public agencies from sharing personal data with brokers if it could be used for federal immigration enforcement, while Senate Bill 1594 directs the state to develop model policies addressing immigration-related concerns.

During the ceremony, Kotek said the legislation is intended to protect residents and ensure they can safely access services without fear. She emphasized that immigrant and refugee communities are an integral part of Oregon.

Speakers at the event included representatives from advocacy organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon and PCUN, along with local officials and educators. They highlighted the legislation as the result of years of organizing and collaboration, aimed at addressing concerns about enforcement practices and access to essential services.

Officials said the new laws position Oregon as a leader in advancing policies focused on immigrant protections, while acknowledging that further work remains.