SALEM, Ore. (Jun 29, 2026) — Oregon has reached a settlement in a long-running lawsuit over the state’s handling of COVID-19 in its prison system, with state leaders saying the agreement acknowledges the pandemic’s impact on incarcerated adults and their families while avoiding the costs and uncertainty of continued litigation.
Governor Tina Kotek announced the settlement Wednesday in Maney v. State of Oregon, which includes two class-action lawsuits involving adults in custody at the Oregon Department of Corrections who were exposed to COVID-19 during the pandemic between 2020 and 2021.
The state said the settlement was reached in close consultation with the Oregon Department of Justice and is intended to provide closure for those affected while minimizing ongoing legal expenses.
“The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for prison systems nationwide,” Kotek said in a statement. She thanked corrections employees for their service during the public health emergency while also recognizing the hardships experienced by adults in custody and their families, particularly those who lost loved ones.
“It is also important we recognize the impacts and hardships this pandemic imposed on AICs and their families,” Kotek said. “This settlement is an opportunity for people to heal and find closure after such a challenging chapter in Oregon’s history.”
According to the state, the Department of Corrections implemented numerous mitigation measures during the pandemic, including enhanced sanitation protocols, health screenings, medical care and operational changes designed to protect both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff. Officials said those efforts evolved as public health guidance changed throughout the pandemic.
State officials said settlements are commonly used to resolve complex litigation, reduce legal costs and provide certainty for public agencies and those impacted. The governor’s office said the decision to settle was determined to be in the state’s best financial interest while also reducing continued distress for those involved.
Since Kotek took office in 2023, the Department of Corrections has incorporated lessons learned during the pandemic into its operations, policies and emergency preparedness planning, according to the governor’s office.
DOC Director Mike Reese praised correctional staff for continuing to report to work throughout the pandemic despite the risks.
“Our employees reported to work day after day, and year after year, to ensure the safety of our communities while continuing to care for the adults in custody,” Reese said. “Their commitment, resilience, and sense of duty during this period cannot be overstated.”
Terms of the settlement were not immediately released.
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