Oregon law sets courthouse bond and restoration rules

The state may issue bonds for courthouse replacement, renovation, or expansion projects. These rules cover Oregon courthouse replacement, renovation, or expansion projects funded with bonds. The chief justice must make the required findings, and the Department of Administrative Services must approve the project. For replacement, the courthouse must have serious safety defects, replacement must cost less than repair, and the project must allow state offices to share the site with the court. For renovation or expansion, the work must benefit the court, be more feasible than replacement, allow or maintain shared space with state offices, and significantly improve the facility; safety defects must be fixed when applicable. An interim agreement may require the county to contribute at least half of estimated project costs. The required share must be at least 75 percent unless the project offers space for other state offices; approved land value may count toward the contribution. Starting January 1, 2027, the law allows these bonds and agreements.

Courts may order community restoration for set periods and extend those periods after a petition and hearing. The time limits depend on the most serious charge in the case. The maximum period depends on the most serious charge: 90 days for some violations and misdemeanors, six months for a person Class A misdemeanor or contempt, 12 months for many felonies, and 18 months for aggravated murder, violent felonies, or listed serious crimes. Extensions may bring the total period to 180 days, 365 days, 18 months, or 24 months, depending on the charge. A court may extend only if a party proves clear progress toward fitness to proceed and that appropriate services are available. Some periods do not count toward the maximum, including time in custody and certain court-determined periods of missed appointments, treatment, or medication. Courts must review status at least every 45 days, hold review hearings at least every 180 days (or every 90 days for specified lower-level charges), and order fitness evaluations at least every 180 days. A party must petition at least five days before the current maximum ends, though the court may allow a late petition for good cause. The court must hold a hearing within 30 days after the petition is filed. These provisions take effect January 1, 2027.

The community mental health program director, or a service provider the director assigns, must notify the court about specified treatment or medication noncompliance. The duty applies to a person ordered to take part in community restoration who fails to take or receive prescribed medication, refuses it, or has other noncompliance or an unexcused absence from treatment. The notice must describe the noncompliance and efforts to engage the person in medication or treatment. The notifying party must also tell the court if the person later resumes medication or treatment. The first notice is due within two judicial days after the noncompliance. These provisions take effect January 1, 2027.