02/07/2026
Parents deserve to know what’s happening. HB 4059 would make it harder to protect children from abuse — because it raises the bar when an investigation will be conducted for a report on child abuse.
Kids don’t always use words when something is wrong.
They show it in silence, shutdowns, fear, behavior changes, or a look in their eyes.
But HB 4059 says those early signs aren’t enough.
This bill says help only comes when harm is severe and likely to happen.
It also says investigations can only look at parents or caregivers — not third parties like
coaches, neighbors, mentors, or other adults children interact with every day.
If we wait for “severe,” we wait too long.
If we limit who can be investigated, we limit child safety.
And kids — all kids — pay the price.
Supporters say this bill reduces workload.
But no workload is worth a child’s safety.
Law enforcement has testified that it is not illegal for an adult to reach out to a child unless the intent is to meet the child.
If DHS can’t step in, and law enforcement can’t act, who protects a child who can’t speak for themselves?
📢 Oppose HB 4059.
Children deserve protection of harm — not when harm has already occurred.
Your voice matters. Your testimony matters. Their safety depends on it.
Visit Oregon Legislative Website to submit written testimony or register for spoken testimony.
This HB is scheduled for public hearing 02/10 at 8:00am.
