OR SB604

Establishes the Strong Start Program within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to provide academic support and comprehensive services for first-year and underrepresented students at Oregon's public universities

Requires services including community building, summer programs, academic programs, and wraparound supports, with specific details to be determined by commission rule

Creates the Strong Start Program Fund in the State Treasury with continuous appropriation to HECC; funds distributed to universities through a formula based on prior-year first-time students who are Pell Grant eligible, rural, underrepresented, or veterans

Appropriates $700,000 for the 2025-2027 biennium for staffing and administration, distributed equally at $100,000 to each of Oregon's seven public universities

Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025