Category: Legislation
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Texas Celebrates March 18, 2025 as COFA Day
The adoption of House Resolution 559 (HR 559) and Senate Resolution 268 (SR 268) officially established March 18 as COFA Day in Texas. Joining the Vice President for the recognition were Senator David Anitok (RMI), H.E. Ambassador Hersey Kyota (Palau), H.E. Ambassador Jackson Soram (FSM), Acting Consul General Dominic Maluchmai, and Mr. Francis Sakate, President…
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HCR 21 & SCR 16: Resolution Recognizing COFA Islanders in Oregon
Oregon State House of Representatives and Senate resolution that recognizes, honors, and supports COFA islanders residing in Oregon. It acknowledges the unique historical and political relationship between the United States and the Freely Associated States—the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia—while also recognizing the sacrifices, service,…
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Oregon Passes the COFA Dental Equity Bills
The bills establish the COFA Dental Program within the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The goal is to provide comprehensive dental services to low-income citizens of the Pacific Island nations (the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau) who reside in Oregon under the Compact of Free Association.
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The COFA/Refugee Equity Tuition Bill
B 553- The COFA/Refugee Equity Tuition bill will provide in-state tuition rates for all COFA citizens and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) refugees in Oregon Higher Education Colleges and Universities. It is estimated that it may impact 100 COFA students and 10 or fewer refugee students.
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SB 706- The COFA Medicaid Outreach Bill
The primary goal of SB 706 is to ensure that COFA citizens are successfully enrolled in Medicaid (known as Medi-Cal in California or OHP in Oregon) and understand their restored eligibility for full-scope coverage.
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Washington State improves COFA Citizen Healthcare
Passed during Washington’s 2018 legislative session, House Bill 1291 was a landmark piece of legislation designed to bridge a critical gap in healthcare access for Pacific Islanders living in Washington under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
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Oregon Passes HB 2517 Full-Term Driver’s License
House Bill 2517, often referred to as the Full-Term Driver’s License bill, is a legislative measure designed to eliminate administrative hurdles for certain non-citizen residents—specifically those living in the U.S. under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).