Oregon legislation · 2026 Legislative Measures
Oregon HB4138: Relating to limitations on the actions of public employees; and declaring an emergency.
Status: Chaptered, April 6, 2026
Digest: The Act sets police ID rules and limits the actions of public employees when working with U.S. or out-of-state law enforcement. The Act also allows a person to seek an injunction when the rules are violated. The Act goes into effect when the Governor signs it. (Flesch Readability Score: 62.5). Requires law enforcement agencies to require officers to wear uniforms with specified identifying information. Specifies exceptions. Requires law enforcement agencies to enact policies prohibiting the wearing of facial coverings by officers except in specified circumstances. Prohibits the wearing of facial coverings by law enforcement officers except in specified circumstances. Prohibits employees of state and local law enforcement agencies and other public bodies in this state from participating in certain actions. Directs state and local law enforcement agencies and other public bodies to enact policies prohibiting engagement in certain actions. Provides that volunteers in a civil defense force are agents of a public body for purposes of the Oregon Tort Claims Act. Allows a person harmed by violations of certain provisions to seek an injunction. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, March 6, 2026:
83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2026 Regular Session House Bill 4138 Sponsored by Representatives CHAICHI, TRAN, Senator MANNING JR, Representatives ANDERSEN, CHOTZEN, JAVADI, MCLAIN, MUNOZ, NELSON, NOSSE, WISE, Senators CAMPOS, FREDERICK, PHAM K, PROZANSKI; Representatives FRAGALA, GAMBA, GOMBERG, GRAYBER, HUDSON, ISADORE, KROPF, MARSH, MCDONALD, NATHANSON, NGUYEN D, RUIZ, SOSA, WALTERS, Senators GELSER BLOUIN, GOLDEN, JAMA, NERON MISSLIN, PATTERSON, REYNOLDS, SOLLMAN (Presession filed.) CHAPTER ................................................. Relating to limitations on the actions of public employees; creating new provisions; amending ORS 399.035; and declaring an emergency. Whereas the Legislative Assembly affirms that law enforcement agencies in Oregon are committed to the principles of transparency, accountability and public trust; and Whereas Oregonians expect to feel safe when interacting with law enforcement officials; and Whereas law enforcement officers rely on trust to build legitimacy within their communities, which is accomplished by allowing the public the ability to identify officers and communicate with them openly; and Whereas facial coverings and masks, which conceal facial identity and expression, can undermine that trust; and Whereas interaction with law enforcement officers whose faces are visible can reduce fear and anxiety during stressful encounters; and Whereas Oregonians expect all law enforcement agencies and officers who operate within this state to abide by the principles of transparency, accountability and public trust; and Whereas it shall be the policy of the State of Oregon …