SB 1114 HEARING MONDAY — SUBMIT TESTIMONY ASAP

When providing testimony, it should serve the greater good of all individuals with mental health conditions who have been negatively impacted. We must present a united front to advocate for everyone facing discrimination, rather than individuals seeking personal relief, as this is not the appropriate platform for that.

The Judiciary Committee has scheduled a public hearing for Senate Bill 1114 at 03/24/2025 3:00 PM in Hearing Room E, which addresses reforms to maximum sentencing under the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB). If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by the current PSRB maximum sentencing policies, please consider submitting testimony to support this bill. Your voice will make a difference!

Definitions:

• PSRB (Psychiatric Security Review Board): The board responsible for reviewing cases where mental health factors affect sentencing decisions, especially regarding maximum commitment periods.
• OLIS (Oregon Legislative Information System): The online platform used to register for public hearings and submit testimony for Oregon legislative matters.
• Testimony: A written or oral statement submitted to the public record during a legislative hearing.
• Maximum Sentencing: The longest period an individual can be committed under the current policies.

Things to Remember:

• Deadline: Testimony can typically be submitted up to 48 hours after the public hearing begins. However, it's best to submit your testimony as soon as possible, the hearing is on Monday. Taking the time to carefully prepare your comments means you’re more likely to provide accurate and thoughtful input—it's better to get it right than to rush.
• File Format: Submissions must be in PDF or TXT format. Ensure the file is free of errors, as OLIS scans uploads and will reject problematic files.
• Content Focus: Clearly explain how the PSRB’s maximum sentencing has impacted you or someone you know. Specific examples or personal stories can strengthen your testimony but keep it concise and relevant to SB 1114.
• Privacy: Your name and what you say will be public if you choose to testify, so avoid including sensitive personal details (e.g., medical records or addresses) unless absolutely necessary, as these will also be publicly accessible.
• Oral Testimony Option: If you prefer to testify orally (in-person or remotely, open this link then click—Register to Testify—on OLIS), register as soon as possible but at least 30 minutes before the hearing.
• Confirmation: After submitting written testimony, expect a confirmation email. If you don’t receive one within 24 hours, check your spam folder or contact the Senate Judiciary committee assistant.
• Tone and Respect: Maintain a respectful and professional tone in your testimony, even when sharing a difficult experience. This will maximize its impact and credibility. It’s beneficial to have someone else review your testimony before submitting it to ensure that your message is clear, respectful, and effective.

When preparing your testimony for SB 1114, consider including the following:

• Personal Impact: Share how the PSRB's maximum sentencing has affected you or someone you know. Specific examples or personal stories can make your testimony more compelling.
• Relevance to SB 1114: Explain how your personal experience illustrates the need for the bill's reforms. For instance, if you acknowledge that you initially required PSRB jurisdiction but were held for an excessively long period after you recovered due to prolonged commitment times, detail that experience. Emphasize that SB 1114 is designed to limit the total term of commitment thereby addressing the issues caused by unnecessarily long commitments.
• Conciseness: Keep your testimony focused and concise to ensure your key points are understood.
• Respectful Tone: Maintain a professional and respectful tone, even if discussing difficult experiences. This enhances the credibility of your testimony.
• Privacy Considerations: Avoid including sensitive personal details, like medical records or addresses, unless absolutely necessary, as these will be publicly accessible.
• Two Heads Are Better Than One: Having another person review your testimony before submission can help ensure that your message is clear, respectful, and effective.

Key Details for Submitting Testimony:

When providing testimony, it should serve the greater good of all individuals with mental health conditions who have been negatively impacted. We must present a united front to advocate for everyone facing discrimination, rather than individuals seeking personal relief, as this is not the appropriate platform for that.

Your name and the content of your testimony will become part of the public record.
Testimony can be submitted in writing by clicking here, or directly through the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).