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Bill

HB 2331

Relating to authority to delegate parental decision making.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Owens and 1 co-sponsor

Oregon bill HB 2331 expands legal options for parents to delegate parental decision-making authority to other adults, streamlining arrangements beyond traditional guardianship.

In committee upon adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2331

Legislative bill overview

HB 2331 would expand the authority for parents or guardians to formally delegate parental decision-making responsibilities to other adults through legal mechanisms. The bill appears designed to create clearer legal pathways for situations where parents need temporary or ongoing third-party involvement in decisions affecting their children's welfare, education, or healthcare.

Why is this important

This bill addresses practical gaps in family law where parents may need to authorize trusted adults (relatives, family friends, etc.) to make decisions without requiring full guardianship proceedings, which can be costly and time-consuming. It could facilitate caregiving arrangements while maintaining parental rights and oversight, potentially reducing strain on the foster care and guardianship systems for straightforward delegation scenarios.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of delegated authority: Unclear what specific decisions can be delegated (medical, educational, financial) and whether safeguards exist to prevent overreach or misuse
  • Child protection considerations: Questions about how the bill balances parental autonomy with child welfare protections and whether delegated decision-makers face accountability standards
  • Biological parent rights: Concerns about how delegation affects custody disputes, parental termination risks, and whether safeguards prevent coerced or fraudulent delegation

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

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