Oregon Senate unanimously passes bill to protect newborns from eviction

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday aimed at ensuring no baby goes without a home.

SB 690 states a family with a baby 12 months old or younger cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent if they’ve been approved for rental assistance — particularly if they have yet to receive the funds from Oregon’s Health Related Social Needs program.

The effort also directs the Oregon Housing and Community Services department to prioritize families with newborns whenever possible in rent assistance.

“This is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue,” Sen. Lisa Reynolds (D–Portland) said. “This is an issue of our shared humanity. In our current housing crisis, we are simply trying to get moms and babies in the lifeboats first.”

The bill will now move to the Oregon House of Representatives for a vote.