SB1515 Wrongful Conviction Compensation and New PCR Process
Summary
Oregon Governor signed SB1515 into law on April 7, 2026, creating a new post-conviction relief petition process for individuals whose convictions were based on discredited forensic science. The law also modifies existing provisions for wrongful conviction compensation. The new process sunsets on January 2, 2031, and the law includes an emergency clause making it effective immediately upon signing.
What changed
Oregon SB1515 creates a new post-conviction relief (PCR) petition process specifically for individuals whose convictions were based on discredited forensic science, including scientific expert testimony, evidence, or opinion from specified disciplines. The law also modifies existing wrongful conviction compensation provisions. The new petition process is subject to a sunset date of January 2, 2031.
Criminal defendants with convictions based on discredited forensic science now have a dedicated pathway to challenge their convictions. Defense attorneys and legal aid organizations should prepare to file petitions under this new process, while state courts will need to handle anticipated increased caseloads. The emergency clause means the law took effect immediately upon the Governor's signature.
What to do next
- Criminal defendants with convictions based on discredited forensic science should consult legal counsel about the new PCR petition process
- Legal professionals should review the new petition requirements and timelines
- State courts should prepare for increased PCR filings under the new process
Archived snapshot
Apr 9, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
ChangeBridge / Oregon / SB1515 Signed by Governor SB1515 Senate Bill Signed by Governor 2026-04-07
Relating to wrongful convictions; and declaring an emergency.
The Act changes the law about compensation for wrongful convictions and makes a new PCR process when a conviction is based on some discredited science. The Act goes into effect when the Governor signs it. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.9). Modifies provisions relating to petitions for compensation for wrongful conviction. Creates a new post-conviction relief petition process when a person has a conviction that is based on scientific expert testimony, scientific expert evidence or scientific expert opinion derived from specified discredited forensic science disciplines. Sunsets the new petition process on January 2, 2031. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Bill Details
State Oregon
Session 2026 Legislative Measures
Chamber Senate
Official Source olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Meas...
LegiScan View on LegiScan
Action History
2026-04-07 S Governor signed. 2026-03-10 H Speaker signed. 2026-03-10 S President signed. 2026-03-06 S Manning Jr, excused, granted unanimous consent to vote aye. 2026-03-06 S Senate concurred in House amendments and repassed bill. Ayes, 29; Excused, 1--Hayden. 2026-03-05 H Third reading. Carried by Chotzen. Passed. Ayes, 40; Nays, 16--Boice, Bunch, Diehl, Edwards, Harbick, Helfrich, Lewis, Mannix, McIntire, Osborne, Owens, Reschke, Scharf, Skarlatos, Smith G, Yunker; Excused, 3--Hartman, Levy B, Valderrama; Excused for Business of the House, 1--Boshart Davis. 2026-03-04 H Second reading. 2026-03-03 H Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed B-Engrossed. 2026-03-03 H Work Session held. 2026-03-02 H Public Hearing held. 2026-02-24 H Referred to Rules. 2026-02-24 H First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk. 2026-02-24 S Third reading. Carried by Thatcher, Prozanski. Passed. Ayes, 28; Nays, 1--Drazan; Excused, 1--Smith DB. 2026-02-23 S Carried over to 02-24 by unanimous consent. 2026-02-20 S Second reading. 2026-02-19 S Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.) 2026-02-16 S Work Session held. 2026-02-11 S Work Session held. 2026-02-04 S Public Hearing held. 2026-02-02 S Referred to Judiciary. 2026-02-02 S Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.
Votes
2026-02-16 Senate Committee Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.) Yea: 6 Nay: 0 2026-02-24 Senate Third Reading Yea: 28 Nay: 1 2026-03-03 House Committee Do pass with amendments to the A-Eng bill. (Printed B-Eng.) Yea: 7 Nay: 0 2026-03-05 House Third Reading Yea: 40 Nay: 16 2026-03-06 Senate Third Reading in Concurrence Yea: 29 Nay: 0
Committee Referrals
2026-02-02 S Judiciary 2026-02-24 H Rules
Amendments
2026-02-04 Senate Committee On Judiciary Amendment #-1 2026-02-11 Senate Committee On Judiciary Amendment #-3 2026-02-11 Senate Committee On Judiciary Amendment #-4 2026-02-16 Senate Committee On Judiciary Amendment #-3 2026-02-16 Senate Committee On Judiciary Amendment #-4 2026-03-02 House Committee On Rules Amendment #-A5 2026-03-03 House Committee On Rules Amendment #-A5 2026-03-03 House Committee On Rules Amendment #-A6 Adopted
Bill Text Versions
0000-00-00 Introduced 0000-00-00 Introduced 0000-00-00 Engrossed 0000-00-00 Engrossed 0000-00-00 Engrossed 0000-00-00 Enrolled Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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