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Bill

SB 170

Relating to assaults in the workplace.

2025 Regular Session

Oregon law SB 170 strengthens workplace assault protections, effective January 1, 2026, establishing new criminal and employment standards for workplace violence incidents.

Effective date, January 1, 2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 170

Legislative bill overview

SB 170 is an Oregon law addressing workplace assaults that was signed by the Governor on June 16, 2025, and becomes effective January 1, 2026. The bill modifies existing statutes related to assault incidents occurring in workplace settings. While the specific provisions are not detailed in the available records, workplace assault legislation typically involves criminal penalties, employer responsibilities, or employee protections.

Why is this important

Workplace safety is a significant public health and labor issue affecting employee well-being, employer liability, and workplace culture. This legislation signals Oregon's commitment to addressing violence in work environments, which can reduce injuries, improve worker retention, and clarify legal responsibilities for both employers and perpetrators.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: Whether the bill's definition of "workplace" and "assault" is broad enough to cover all relevant situations or potentially overreaches into private conduct
  • Employer liability balance: Tension between holding employers accountable for preventing workplace violence versus imposing unreasonable security or surveillance burdens
  • Criminal versus civil remedies: Whether the law adequately addresses both criminal prosecution of perpetrators and civil remedies for injured workers, or prioritizes one approach

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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