Kotek declared a state of emergency for Bend-La Pine Schools and the High Desert Education Service District. The declaration gives the districts flexibility to set aside certain state requirements, including minimum instructional-time rules, as they respond to the attack.

“This is an all-of-government response at the executive branch,” Kotek said at a press conference at the Capitol. “We are treating this like the disaster it is.”

State assistance will include help for eligible workers seeking paid leave, expedited background checks for substitute teachers and mental health professionals, and support for the district’s applications for federal emergency grants. Kotek said she would ask state lawmakers to approve emergency funds when they meet in December, but did not specify an amount.

Oregon Employment Department Director Andrew Stolfi said the department has staff in Bend to help residents apply for Paid Leave Oregon, which provides eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid time off to address a health condition or care for a family member. The department has also established a dedicated email address and phone number to expedite applications connected to the Silver Rail community.

The leave is available not only to Silver Rail and Bend-La Pine employees, Stolfi said, but to any eligible worker who needs time off because they or a family member have been affected by the tragedy.

The Oregon Department of Education is helping Bend-La Pine apply for a federal program that reimburses schools for costs related to violent incidents. While that application proceeds, state funding could help the district cover expenses before federal support arrives.

Education Director Charlene Williams said her agency has been working with local schools, including to speed background checks for mental health professionals assisting survivors. Kotek also directed the department to ensure schools educate parents about Oregon’s safe-storage law, which requires firearms to be locked when not in use to prevent access by minors.

“Having a law is not enough if people do not understand what it requires or how to comply with that,” Kotek said.

Authorities have not said whether they believe the shooter’s mother violated the law. The 16-year-old attacker reportedly used a shotgun purchased by his mother. Kotek said she had no additional information about the investigation.

The governor did not announce proposed changes to Oregon gun laws, but said she expects the Legislature to consider what more the state can do to prevent firearm deaths. State Sen. Anthony Broadman and Rep. Jason Kropf, both Bend Democrats, also spoke about the need to examine whether laws and their implementation are serving the community.

Kropf described the region as grieving while also showing care for those affected. The victims included Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old teacher.

Kotek said the state’s responsibility will continue beyond the immediate response: officials must understand what happened, identify where laws or their implementation can be strengthened, and act on what they learn.