OR SB971

Department of Administrative Services must contract with a nonprofit organization to develop and administer a certification program for educational surrogates who advocate for children with disabilities in special education matters

Certification requires at least 20 hours of initial training covering topics including the IEP process, Section 504, ADA, IDEA, restraint and seclusion, student discipline, and filing complaints; recertification requires 3 hours every two years

Grant program covers tuition, travel, and daily stipend for certification applicants who commit to two years of service and accept court appointments for at least four students per school year

Courts must appoint certified surrogates for children in state custody who may need special education services; uncertified surrogates may only be appointed if no certified surrogates are available after a reasonable search

Amendments to ORS 419B.220 and 419B.223 become operative July 1, 2028; the act takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment of the 2025 legislative session