HB 4135

83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2026 Regular Session
  Enrolled
  House Bill 4135
Sponsored by Representatives HARTMAN, SCHARF, LEVY B, BOWMAN, LEVY E, NELSON,
   PHAM H, Senators GELSER BLOUIN, REYNOLDS; Representatives ANDERSEN, BOICE,
   BUNCH, CHAICHI, CHOTZEN, DOBSON, FRAGALA, GAMBA, GRAYBER, HELM, MARSH,
   RIEKE SMITH, WALTERS, WISE, Senators BROADMAN, FREDERICK, GIROD, JAMA,
   MANNING JR, MEEK, NERON MISSLIN, PATTERSON, PHAM K, PROZANSKI, SOLLMAN
   (Presession filed.)
  CHAPTER .................................................
  AN ACT
Relating to HPV Awareness Day; and declaring an emergency.
     Whereas human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and a
leading cause of several preventable cancers, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal and penile
cancers; and
     Whereas cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern and HPV vaccination can
prevent over 90 percent of cancers caused by HPV, and early detection through routine cervical
cancer screening is proven to reduce HPV-related cancer risk dramatically; and
     Whereas HPV is believed to be responsible for more than 90 percent of anal and cervical can-
cers, approximately 70 percent of vaginal and vulvar cancers and 60 percent of penile cancer; and
     Whereas many people who become infected with HPV are asymptomatic and do not know they
have it; and
     Whereas Oregon’s HPV vaccination completion rate for adolescents, at approximately 67.6 per-
cent, falls below national public health goals and is lower than in many other states; and
     Whereas gaps in public awareness about the timing and importance of HPV vaccination and
cervical cancer screening contribute to preventable cancers, delayed diagnoses and long-term health
burdens for Oregon families; and
     Whereas only 53.1 percent of Oregon women ages 25 to 44 have reported cervical cancer
screenings that adequately met the recommended guidelines; and
     Whereas clinicians recommend HPV vaccination for adolescents beginning as early as age nine
and routine cervical cancer screenings beginning at age 21; and
     Whereas many Oregonians remain unaware of when vaccinations or screenings are recom-
mended, and increasing public understanding of these guidelines is essential to improving early de-
tection and prevention; and
     Whereas access to HPV vaccinations and cervical cancer screenings is uneven across Oregon,
with substantial disparities affecting rural communities, low-income families and communities of
color; and
     Whereas culturally responsive, community-based outreach efforts are especially effective in re-
ducing stigma related to HPV and improving vaccination and screening rates; and
     Whereas improving awareness of HPV-related cancer prevention supports Oregon’s broader
goals around health equity and disease prevention; and
     Whereas an annual day of awareness around HPV would reinforce the Oregon Health
Authority’s existing prevention efforts and complement the voluntary work already undertaken by
Enrolled House Bill 4135 (HB 4135-INTRO)  Page 1
county health departments, school-based health centers, community clinics and youth-serving or-
ganizations; and
     Whereas establishing an annual day of awareness provides a low-cost, high-impact opportunity
to elevate public education around HPV prevention, cervical cancer screenings and vaccine avail-
ability; and
     Whereas increasing public awareness of HPV and routine screenings will support statewide
goals for reducing cancer disparities and increasing early detection; and
     Whereas the Legislative Assembly encourages the Oregon Health Authority, as resources allow,
to recognize HPV Awareness Day each year through voluntary public education and outreach ac-
tivities; and
     Whereas the Legislative Assembly further encourages local public health authorities, community
clinics, county health departments, school-based health centers, educators and youth-serving organ-
izations to participate in HPV Awareness Day by sharing medically accurate, age-appropriate and
culturally responsive information on HPV prevention and cervical cancer screening; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
    SECTION 1. March 4th of each year is designated as HPV Awareness Day.
    SECTION 2. This 2026 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public
peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2026 Act takes effect
on its passage.
Passed by House February 27, 2026  Received by Governor:
  ........................M.,........................................................., 2026
       ..................................................................................
  Approved:
  Timothy G. Sekerak, Chief Clerk of House
  ........................M.,........................................................., 2026
       ..................................................................................
  Julie Fahey, Speaker of House
  ..................................................................................
  Tina Kotek, Governor
Passed by Senate March 4, 2026
  Filed in Office of Secretary of State:
       ..................................................................................   ........................M.,........................................................., 2026
  Rob Wagner, President of Senate
  ..................................................................................
  Tobias Read, Secretary of State
Enrolled House Bill 4135 (HB 4135-INTRO)  Page 2