OregonKnowingly false child abuse reports to influence family decisions would be crimes
People who knowingly report false child abuse to influence custody, visits, or child support would face criminal charges based on their prior convictions.
What it does
Knowingly false child abuse reports meant to influence custody, visits, or child support would carry misdemeanor charges, meaning less serious crimes. At least two prior convictions under this rule would make the charge a felony, a more serious crime.
Argument forCriminal penalties could discourage people from knowingly using false child abuse reports to influence custody or child support decisions.
Argument againstCounting convictions from before enactment could expose people with at least two prior convictions to felony charges for another offense.
More detail
The charge would be a Class B misdemeanor with no prior convictions under this rule, a Class A misdemeanor with one, and a Class C felony with at least two. The rule covers reports to the Department of Human Services or a law enforcement agency, including reports passed through a public or private official. The person must know the report is false and intend to influence custody, parenting time, visitation, or child support. A report through an official counts only if the person intends that official to report it to the Department of Human Services or a law enforcement agency. If enacted, the rule would apply to reports made on or after the 91st day after the 2026 regular session ends. Prior convictions under this rule would count whether they occurred before, on, or after that date.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 7In committee upon adjournment.Latest
- Feb 25Referred to Rules.Minor
- Feb 24First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.Minor
- Feb 20Third reading. Carried by Thatcher. Passed.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Third reading. Carried by Thatcher. Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 19Second reading.Minor
- Feb 19Recommendation: Do pass.Minor
- Feb 16Work Session held.
- Vote recorded Heard and Reported Out. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 9Public Hearing held.
- Feb 2Referred to Judiciary.Minor
- Feb 2Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.Introduced
Criminal Justice