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Bill > HB3945


OR HB3945

Relating to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.


summary

Introduced
03/20/2025
In Committee
03/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/27/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Legislative Measures

Bill Summary

The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act makes changes to the OGEC’s duties and number of members. The Act states whether some situations may be ethics violations. The Act allows local government officials to vote on changes to pay and stipends. (Flesch Readability Score: 63.0). Limits duties of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission in conducting investigations, mak- ing findings and imposing penalties regarding violations of quorum requirements in public meetings law to intentional violations. Provides that the use of serial electronic written communication among members of a governing body within a 30-day period may constitute a meeting of a governing body subject to public meetings law if other specified conditions are satisfied. Exempts from the prohibition on the use of official positions or office to obtain financial gain or avoid financial det- riment any legal expenses incurred by a public official or governmental agency for specified pur- poses. Permits local government officials to vote on matters related to official compensation. Increases the size of the commission to 11 members and requires the Governor to appoint two practicing attorneys to the commission.

AI Summary

This bill makes several changes to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) and laws related to public officials and meetings. The bill increases the size of the commission from 9 to 11 members, requiring the Governor to appoint two practicing attorneys recommended by local government associations. It modifies rules about what constitutes a meeting, limiting the commission's ability to investigate public meeting law violations to only intentional breaches. The bill expands exemptions for legal expenses that public officials can incur, such as receiving legal advice from their governmental agency or defending against ethics commission investigations. Local government officials are now permitted to vote on matters related to their own compensation, provided the vote is made in a public meeting or for budget approval. The bill also changes how the commission handles complaints and investigations, specifically requiring that violations of certain public meeting laws (like ORS 192.630) must be proven to be intentional before penalties can be imposed. These changes aim to provide more clarity and flexibility for public officials while maintaining ethical standards and transparency in government operations.

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

In committee upon adjournment. (on 06/27/2025)

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