OSBA/COSA Legislative Report summarizes 2026 session

The 2026 legislative session started Feb. 2 under a cloud. The 2026 OSBA/COSA Legislative Report shows some of the silver linings but also the potential for more storms.

Federal tax and spending changes in 2025 cut Oregon's revenue expectations and reduced the federal support for health and nutrition programs. As the legislative session drew near, increased immigration enforcement was affecting schools, and changes at the U.S. Education Department were threatening Oregon programs.

Legislators had a lot on their minds, as reflected in more than 300 bills filed for the short session. Education advocates found more than 100 of them would have affected public education in some way.

The legislative report, compiled by education advocates from OSBA and the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, offers a summary of the 30 education-related bills that passed before session's end March 6, as well as some context.

"This legislative report is an important reminder of the critical collaboration between school administrators and elected board members in support of every student in our K-12 public schools," said Krista Parent, COSA executive director.

An improved economic forecast and some tough votes by the Legislature to recoup revenue helped set the state budget right. Education advocates with help from board members and school administrators were able to meaningfully affect the legislative process.

Public education avoided funding cuts although it did not receive any significant new investments either. Education advocates were able to shape some bills on public meeting rules and immigration notifications.

Other topics, such as class size as a mandatory bargaining topic and accountability measures, are expected to resurface in 2027. And unless Oregon's economic growth is more than expected, adequate funding will be a major concern for many districts.

"It's clear we have a lot of work to do to ensure that the growing needs of our students are at the forefront of budget and policy deliberations as we begin looking toward the 2027 session," Parent said. "We must continue to work together and speak up on behalf of public education."

OSBA and COSA release a legislative report after every session. The report offers context for the laws and guidance for changes as the laws take effect.

"The report is a summation of hours and hours of research, meetings, phones calls and time in the Capitol to express the will and the needs of school leaders from around the state," said Emielle Nischik, OSBA executive director. "It is also a signpost for the work ahead, both to implement these laws and to prepare for the next legislative session."

- Jake Arnold, [email protected]