Oregon Public Records Law

= Short Description =

Who is covered?
Governor: Covered

Legislature: Not covered

Courts: Unclear, covered constitutionally

Advisory Committees: Unclear, based on court decisions.

What is the process like?
Anyone can request records. Initial requests are to be directed to the actual custiodian of requested records. There is no specific guidance on written vs. oral requests, but written requests are recommended in case of an appeal. There is no specific time frame for a response and many requestors include a time after which they will consider their request denied in their application. A reasonable fee to reimburse actual costs associated with records searches are allowed. If the fee will exceed $25 the public body must provide the requester with an estimate. Public bodies may charge for attorney's time in redacting information.

Most recent changes?
= Legislation =

The following are bills introduced in 2011:
 * SB 41: Legislation to reduce the number of public records exemptions.

= Articles, Blog Posts, etc =


 * OR voters have a right to know - Fosters, Aug. 20, 2011
 * Attorney General John Kroger struggles to toughen Oregon's public records act - Oregon Live, May 7, 2011
 * Oregon may reduce exemptions on public records - Sunlight Foundation, Apr. 15, 2011