Chapter 192 — Records; Public Reports and Meetings

 

2023 EDITION

 

 

RECORDS; REPORTS AND MEETINGS

 

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

 

PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY

 

192.001     Policy concerning public records

 

ARCHIVING OF PUBLIC RECORDS

 

192.005     Definitions for ORS 192.005 to 192.170

 

192.015     Secretary of State as public records administrator

 

192.018     Written policies on use, retention and ownership of public records; State Archivist approval

 

192.040     Making, filing and recording records by photocopying

 

192.050     Copying records; evidentiary effect

 

192.060     Indexing and filing copied records

 

192.070     Duplicate rolls of microfilm required; delivery to State Archivist

 

192.072     State Archivist performing microfilm services for public body

 

192.105     State Archivist authorization for state officials to dispose of records; legislative records excepted; local government policy on disposing of public records; limitations; records officer; standards for State Records Center

 

192.108     Retention schedules

 

192.130     Disposition of valueless records in custody of State Archivist; notice prior to disposition

 

192.170     Disposition of materials without authorization

 

RECORDS AND REPORTS IN ENGLISH

 

192.173     Records and reports required by law to be in English; penalty

 

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

 

192.180     Coordination of executive department response to public records request

 

192.183     Compiling public records stored in electronic form; rules

 

192.191     Department of Justice information sharing guide

 

PUBLIC REPORTS

 

(Standardized Form)

 

192.210     Definitions for ORS 192.210 and 192.220

 

192.220     Standardized report forms; exemptions

 

(Policy; Compliance)

 

192.230     Definitions for ORS 192.235 to 192.245

 

192.235     Policy for ORS 192.230 to 192.250

 

192.240     Duties of state agency issuing report

 

192.243     Availability of report on Internet; rules

 

192.245     Form of report to legislature

 

192.250     Director of Oregon Department of Administrative Services to report to legislature on ORS 192.230 to 192.250

 

(Distribution)

 

192.270     Definitions for ORS 192.270 and 192.275

 

192.275     Notice when report required; content; effect

 

INSPECTION OF PUBLIC RECORDS

 

(Definitions)

 

192.311     Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478

 

(Public Records Request Processing)

 

192.314     Right to inspect public records; notice to public body attorney

 

192.318     Functions of custodian of public records; rules

 

192.324     Copies or inspection of public records; public body response; fees; procedure for records requests

 

192.329     Public body’s response to public records request

 

192.335     Immunity from liability for disclosure of public record; effect of disclosure on privilege

 

192.338     Exempt and nonexempt public record to be separated

 

(Exemptions)

 

192.340     Attorney General catalog of exemptions from disclosure

 

192.345     Public records conditionally exempt from disclosure

 

192.355     Public records exempt from disclosure

 

192.360     Condensation of public record subject to disclosure; petition to review denial of right to inspect public record; adequacy of condensation

 

(Records Containing Personal Information)

 

192.363     Contents of certain requests for disclosure

 

192.365     Disclosure of information pertaining to home care worker, personal support worker, operator of child care facility, exempt child care provider or operator of adult foster home

 

192.368     Nondisclosure on request of home address, home telephone number and electronic mail address; rules of procedure; duration of effect of request; liability; when not applicable

 

192.371     Nondisclosure of public employee identification badge or card

 

192.374     Nondisclosure of concealed handgun license records or information; exceptions; limitations; rules

 

192.377     Required redaction of certain personal information

 

192.380     Immunity from liability for disclosure of certain personal information; recovery of costs

 

(Investigation Records)

 

192.385     Nondisclosure of certain public safety officer investigation records; exceptions

 

(Old Records)

 

192.390     Inspection of records more than 25 years old

 

(Health Records)

 

192.395     Health services costs

 

192.398     Medical records; sealed records; records of individual in custody or under supervision; student records

 

192.401     Records of health professional regulatory boards, Health Licensing Office

 

(Appeals)

 

192.407     When petition for review of public records request allowed; order granting petition; penalty

 

192.411     Petition to review denial of right to inspect state public record; appeal from decision of Attorney General denying inspection

 

192.415     Procedure to review denial of right to inspect other public records; effect of disclosure

 

192.418     Effect of failure of Attorney General, district attorney or elected official to take timely action on inspection petition

 

192.422     Petition form; procedure when petition received

 

192.427     Procedure to review denial by elected official of right to inspect public records

 

192.431     Court authority in reviewing action denying right to inspect public records; docketing; costs and attorney fees

 

PUBLIC RECORDS ADVOCATE

 

192.461     Public Records Advocate

 

192.464     Facilitated dispute resolution services of Public Records Advocate

 

192.468     Discretion of Public Records Advocate in dispute resolution services

 

192.472     Confidentiality of Public Records Advocate records

 

192.475     Public records request training

 

192.476     Estimate of expenses; rules

 

192.477     Public Records Advocate Fund

 

192.478     Exemption for Judicial Department

 

PUBLIC RECORDS ADVISORY COUNCIL

 

192.481     Public Records Advisory Council

 

192.483     Duties of Public Records Advisory Council; rules

 

PUBLIC RECORDS OVERSIGHT

 

192.485     Definitions for ORS 192.485 to 192.513

 

192.488     Open government impact statement

 

192.492     Notification of change to public records laws

 

192.499     Public records subcommittee

 

192.508     Rules

 

192.511     Oregon Sunshine Committee; membership; duties; rules

 

192.513     Review of exemptions from disclosure by Oregon Sunshine Committee

 

RECORDS OF INDIVIDUAL WITH DISABILITY OR MENTAL ILLNESS

 

192.515     Definitions for ORS 192.515 and 192.517

 

192.517     Access to records of individual with disability or individual with mental illness

 

GENETIC PRIVACY

 

192.531     Definitions for ORS 192.531 to 192.549

 

192.533     Legislative findings; purposes

 

192.535     Informed consent for obtaining genetic information

 

192.537     Individual’s rights in genetic information; retention of information; destruction of information

 

192.538     Notice by health care provider regarding anonymous or coded research

 

192.539     Disclosure of genetic information; exceptions

 

192.540     Use of deceased individual’s DNA sample or genetic information for research

 

192.541     Private right of action; remedies; affirmative defense; attorney fees

 

192.543     Criminal penalty

 

192.545     Enforcement; Attorney General or district attorney; intervention

 

192.547     Oregon Health Authority rules; procedures

 

192.549     Advisory Committee on Genetic Privacy and Research

 

MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH CARE RECORDS

 

192.551     Health care records at colleges, universities

 

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

 

192.553     Policy for protected health information

 

192.556     Definitions for ORS 192.553 to 192.581

 

192.558     Use or disclosure by health care provider or state health plan

 

192.561     Disclosure by health care provider in coordinated care organization

 

192.563     Health care provider and state health plan charges

 

192.566     Authorization form

 

192.567     Disclosure without authorization form

 

192.568     Confidentiality; use and disclosure

 

192.571     No right of action

 

192.573     Personal representative of deceased individual

 

192.576     Disclosure to individual appealing denial of Social Security benefits

 

192.577     Disclosure of information concerning adult in custody of Department of Corrections

 

192.579     Allowed disclosure for coordinating care

 

192.581     Allowed retention or disclosure of genetic information

 

BEDBUGS

 

192.582     Confidentiality of bedbug infestation reports

 

PRIVATE FINANCIAL RECORDS

 

192.583     Definitions for ORS 192.583 to 192.607

 

192.586     Disclosure of financial records prohibited; exceptions

 

192.588     Disclosure to Department of Human Services or Oregon Health Authority; procedure; limitations

 

192.589     Financial institution records of deceased individual; disclosure to Department of Human Services or Oregon Health Authority; procedure

 

192.591     Disclosure to state court; procedure; limitations

 

192.593     Authorization by customer for disclosure

 

192.596     Disclosure under summons or subpoena; procedure

 

192.597     Disclosure pursuant to abuse investigation; procedure; liability; affidavit

 

192.598     Disclosure under search warrant

 

192.600     Liability of financial institution for disclosure

 

192.602     Time for compliance; reimbursement; exceptions

 

192.603     Procedure for disclosure to law enforcement agency

 

192.605     Charges for participation in attorney trust account overdraft notification program

 

192.606     Civil liability for violation of ORS 192.583 to 192.607; attorney fees; status of evidence obtained in violation

 

192.607     Severability

 

PUBLIC MEETINGS

 

192.610     Definitions for ORS 192.610 to 192.705

 

192.620     Policy

 

192.630     Meetings of governing body to be open to public; location of meetings; accommodation for person with disability; interpreters

 

192.640     Public notice required; special notice for executive sessions or special or emergency meetings

 

192.650     Recording or written minutes required; content; fees

 

192.660     Executive sessions permitted on certain matters; procedures; news media representatives’ attendance; limits; advisory opinions

 

192.670     Meetings by means of telephone or electronic communication

 

192.672     State board or commission meetings through telephone or electronic means; compensation and reimbursement; recording and publishing

 

192.680     Enforcement of ORS 192.610 to 192.705; effect of violation on validity of decision of governing body; liability of members

 

192.685     Additional enforcement by Oregon Government Ethics Commission

 

192.690     Exceptions to ORS 192.610 to 192.705

 

192.695     Prima facie evidence of violation required of plaintiff

 

192.700     Annual training requirements

 

192.705     Filing written grievance; required response

 

UNIFORM ELECTRONIC LEGAL MATERIAL ACT

 

192.715     Short title

 

192.720     Definitions for ORS 192.715 to 192.760

 

192.725     Electronic record as official record

 

192.730     Authentication of electronic official record

 

192.735     Evidentiary rules concerning authenticated electronic record

 

192.740     Preservation and security of electronic official record

 

192.745     Availability for public use

 

192.750     Implementation; considerations

 

192.755     Uniform construction

 

192.760     Relationship of ORS 192.715 to 192.760 to federal law

 

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION RECORD DISCLOSURES

 

192.800     Definitions for ORS 192.800 to 192.810

 

192.805     Reimbursement required prior to disclosure; charges

 

192.810     Applicability of ORS 192.805

 

ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM

 

192.820     Definitions for ORS 192.820 to 192.868

 

192.822     Address Confidentiality Program; substitute addresses

 

192.826     Application for participation in program; certification of participation; authorization card; rules

 

192.828     Prohibitions; civil penalty

 

192.832     Notice of change in name, address or telephone number

 

192.834     Cancellation of certification

 

192.836     Use of substitute address; waiver of requirement

 

192.842     Use of actual or substitute address in specified circumstances

 

192.844     Prohibition on disclosure of actual address or telephone number by public body

 

192.846     Records of Department of Transportation; substitute address

 

192.848     When Attorney General may disclose actual address or telephone number

 

192.852     Prohibition on obtaining actual address or telephone number; prohibition on disclosure by employee of public body

 

192.854     Application assistants; application assistance not legal advice

 

192.856     Additional response time for notice or other paper

 

192.858     Disclosures to participants

 

192.860     Rules

 

192.865     Criminal penalty

 

192.868     Grants, donations and gifts

 

PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY

 

      192.001 Policy concerning public records. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

      (a) The records of the state and its political subdivisions are so interrelated and interdependent that the decision as to what records are retained or destroyed is a matter of statewide public policy.

      (b) The interest and concern of citizens in public records recognizes no jurisdictional boundaries and extends to such records wherever they may be found in Oregon.

      (c) As local programs become increasingly intergovernmental, the state and its political subdivisions have a responsibility to ensure orderly retention and destruction of all public records, whether current or noncurrent, and to ensure the preservation of public records of value for legal, administrative, fiscal, tribal cultural, historical or research purposes.

      (2) The purpose of ORS 192.005 to 192.170 and 357.805 to 357.895 is to provide direction for the retention or destruction of public records in Oregon in order to ensure the retention of records essential to meet the needs of the Legislative Assembly, the state, its political subdivisions and its citizens, insofar as the records affect the administration of government, legal rights and responsibilities, and the accumulation of information of value for research purposes of all kinds, and in order to ensure the prompt destruction of records without continuing value. All records not included in types described in this subsection shall be destroyed in accordance with rules adopted by the Secretary of State. [1973 c.439 §1; 1991 c.671 §3; 2015 c.27 §18; 2023 c.35 §1]

 

ARCHIVING OF PUBLIC RECORDS

 

      192.005 Definitions for ORS 192.005 to 192.170. As used in ORS 192.005 to 192.170, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Archivist” means the State Archivist.

      (2) “Photocopy” includes a photograph, microphotograph and any other reproduction on paper or film in any scale.

      (3) “Photocopying” means the process of reproducing, in the form of a photocopy, a public record or writing.

      (4) “Political subdivision” means a city, county, district or any other municipal or public corporation in this state.

      (5) “Public record”:

      (a) Means any information that:

      (A) Is prepared, owned, used or retained by a state agency or political subdivision;

      (B) Relates to an activity, transaction or function of a state agency or political subdivision; and

      (C) Is necessary to satisfy the legal, administrative, fiscal, tribal cultural or historical policies, requirements or needs of the state agency or political subdivision.

      (b) Does not include:

      (A) Records of the Legislative Assembly, its committees, officers and employees.

      (B) Library and museum materials made or acquired and preserved solely for reference or exhibition purposes.

      (C) Records or information concerning the location of archaeological sites or objects as those terms are defined in ORS 358.905.

      (D) Extra copies of a document, preserved only for convenience of reference.

      (E) A stock of publications.

      (F) Messages on voice mail.

      (G) Records of the Judicial Department or its officers and employees.

      (H) Spoken communication that is not recorded.

      (6) “State agency”:

      (a) Means any state officer, department, board or commission created by the Constitution or statutes of this state.

      (b) Does not include:

      (A) The Legislative Assembly or its committees, officers and employees; or

      (B) The Judicial Department or its officers and employees. [1961 c.160 §2; 1965 c.302 §1; 1983 c.620 §11; 1989 c.16 §1; 1999 c.55 §1; 1999 c.140 §1; 2011 c.645 §1; 2023 c.35 §2]

 

      192.010 [Repealed by 1973 c.794 §34]

 

      192.015 Secretary of State as public records administrator. The Secretary of State is the public records administrator of this state, and it is the responsibility of the secretary to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of the public records laws. [1973 c.439 §2]

 

      192.018 Written policies on use, retention and ownership of public records; State Archivist approval. (1) Each state agency shall have a written policy that sets forth the agency’s use, retention and ownership of public records. The policy shall ensure that public records are being maintained and managed consistently within the agency from the time of creation of a public record to the time of final disposition of the public record.

      (2) Each state agency shall submit the written policy and any subsequent amendment of the policy to the State Archivist for approval before the policy takes effect or the amendment to the policy takes effect. [2011 c.645 §3]

 

      192.020 [Repealed by 1973 c.794 §34]

 

      192.030 [Amended by 1961 c.160 §4; repealed by 1973 c.794 §34]

 

      192.040 Making, filing and recording records by photocopying. A state agency or political subdivision making public records or receiving and filing or recording public records, may do such making or receiving and filing or recording by means of photocopying. Such photocopying shall, except for records which are treated as confidential pursuant to law, be made, assembled and indexed, in lieu of any other method provided by law, in such manner as the governing body of the state agency or political subdivision considers appropriate. [Amended by 1961 c.160 §5]

 

      192.050 Copying records; evidentiary effect. A state agency or political subdivision may, with the approval of the proper budgetary authority, cause any public records in its official custody to be photocopied or captured by digital imaging system, as in the case of original filings or recordings, or recorded by audio or video technology. Each photocopy, digital image, audio recording and video recording shall be made in accordance with the appropriate standard as determined by the State Archivist. Every such reproduction shall be deemed an original; and a transcript, exemplification or certified copy of any such reproduction shall be deemed a transcript, exemplification or certified copy, as the case may be, of the original. [Amended by 1961 c.160 §6; 1991 c.671 §4; 2023 c.35 §3]

 

      192.060 Indexing and filing copied records. All photocopies, digital images, audio recordings and video recordings made under ORS 192.040 and 192.050 shall be properly indexed and filed so as to facilitate access and retrieval. Each roll of microfilm shall be deemed a book or volume and shall be designated and numbered and provision shall be made for preserving, examining and using the same. [Amended by 1961 c.160 §7; 1991 c.671 §5; 2023 c.35 §4]

 

      192.070 Duplicate rolls of microfilm required; delivery to State Archivist. A duplicate of every roll of microfilm of documents recorded pursuant to law and the indexes therefor shall be made and kept safely. The State Archivist upon request may, pursuant to ORS 357.865, accept for safekeeping the duplicate microfilm. [Amended by 1961 c.160 §8]

 

      192.072 State Archivist performing microfilm services for public body. Upon the request of a public body as defined by ORS 174.109, the State Archivist may perform microfilm services for the public body. The public body shall pay the cost of rendering the microfilm services to the State Archivist. The State Archivist shall deposit moneys received under this section with the State Treasurer, who shall give a receipt for the moneys. All moneys deposited under this section are continuously appropriated for the payment of expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in the administration of the office of the State Archivist. [1955 c.87 §1; 1961 c.172 §3; 1973 c.439 §8; 2003 c.803 §3]

 

      192.074 [1955 c.87 §2; repealed by 1961 c.172 §7]

 

      192.076 [1955 c.87 §3; repealed by 1961 c.172 §7]

 

      192.080 [Amended by 1961 c.160 §9; repealed by 1971 c.508 §4]

 

      192.090 [Repealed by 1961 c.160 §24]

 

      192.100 [Repealed by 1961 c.160 §24]

 

      192.105 State Archivist authorization for state officials to dispose of records; legislative records excepted; local government policy on disposing of public records; limitations; records officer; standards for State Records Center. (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, the State Archivist may grant to public officials of the state or any political subdivision specific or continuing authorization for the retention or disposition of public records that are in their custody, after the records have been in existence for a specified period of time. In granting such authorization, the State Archivist shall consider the value of the public records for legal, administrative, fiscal, tribal cultural, historical or research purposes and shall establish rules for procedure for the retention or disposition of the public records.

      (2)(a) The State Archivist shall provide instructions and forms for obtaining authorization. Upon receipt of an authorization or upon the effective date of the applicable rule, a state official who has public records in custody shall destroy or otherwise dispose of those records that are older than the specified period of retention established by the authorization or rule. An official of a local government may destroy such records if such destruction is consistent with the policy of the local government. No record of accounts or financial affairs subject to audit shall be destroyed until released for destruction by the responsible auditor or representative of the auditor. If federal funds are involved, records retention requirements of the United States Government must be observed. Each state agency and political subdivision shall designate a records officer to coordinate its records management program and to serve as liaison with the State Archivist. The county records officers for the purposes of ORS 192.001, 192.050, 192.060, 192.105, 192.130, 357.825, 357.835 and 357.875 shall be those officers identified in ORS 205.110. The State Archivist shall require periodic reports from records officers about records management programs. The State Archivist may require state agency records designated as inactive by the State Archivist to be transferred to the State Records Center, pending the availability of space.

      (b) The State Archivist shall determine which parts of a public record are acceptable for admission to the State Records Center and may require the state agency or governing body to cause the unacceptable part to be removed before the record is submitted to the State Records Center.

      (3) Authorizations granted prior to January 1, 1978, by any state agency, the State Archivist, or any board of county commissioners, to state agencies, schools, school districts, soil and water conservation districts, or county officials and offices shall remain in effect until they are adopted or amended by the State Archivist.

      (4) This section does not apply to legislative records, as defined in ORS 171.410. [1953 c.224 §1; 1961 c.160 §10; subsection (3) enacted as 1961 c.150 §5; 1971 c.508 §1; 1977 c.146 §1; 1991 c.671 §6; 1993 c.660 §1; 1999 c.59 §43; 2003 c.255 §1; 2003 c.803 §10; 2023 c.35 §5]

 

      192.108 Retention schedules. Each state agency or political subdivision shall maintain a public record or accurate copy of a public record in accordance with a retention schedule authorized under ORS 192.018 or 192.105, without regard to the technology or medium used to create or communicate the record. [2011 c.645 §4]

 

      192.110 [Amended by 1961 c.160 §11; repealed by 1971 c.508 §4]

 

      192.120 [Repealed by 1971 c.508 §4]

 

      192.130 Disposition of valueless records in custody of State Archivist; notice prior to disposition. If the State Archivist determines that any public records of a state agency or political subdivision in the official custody of the State Archivist prove to have insufficient legal, administrative, fiscal, tribal cultural, historical or research value to warrant permanent preservation, the State Archivist shall submit a statement or summary thereof to the records officer of the state agency or political subdivision, or successor agency or body, certifying the type and nature thereof and giving prior notification of the destruction. [Amended by 1961 c.160 §12; 1971 c.508 §2; 1991 c.671 §7; 2023 c.35 §6]

 

      192.140 [Amended by 1961 c.160 §13; repealed by 1977 c.146 §2]

 

      192.150 [Amended by 1961 c.160 §14; repealed by 1977 c.146 §2]

 

      192.160 [Amended by 1961 c.160 §15; repealed by 1977 c.146 §2]

 

      192.170 Disposition of materials without authorization. The destruction or other disposal of the following materials do not require specific authorization:

      (1) Inquiries and requests from the public and answers thereto not required by law to be preserved or not required as evidence of a public or private legal right or liability.

      (2) Public records which are duplicates by reason of their having been photocopied.

      (3) Letters of transmittal and acknowledgment, advertising, announcements and correspondence or notes pertaining to reservations of accommodations or scheduling of personal visits or appearances. [Amended by 1961 c.160 §16; 1971 c.508 §3]

 

RECORDS AND REPORTS IN ENGLISH

 

      192.173 Records and reports required by law to be in English; penalty. (1) With the exception of prescriptions, all records, reports and proceedings required to be kept by law shall be in the English language or in a machine language capable of being converted to the English language by a data processing device or computer.

      (2) Violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. [Formerly 192.310]

 

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

 

      192.180 Coordination of executive department response to public records request. (1) As used in this section, “executive department” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.112, except that “executive department” does not include the Secretary of State in performing the duties of the constitutional office of Secretary of State or the State Treasurer in performing the duties of the constitutional office of State Treasurer.

      (2) The Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall coordinate the efforts of each executive department agency for which the department is the custodian of the public records of the agency that are retained in electronic form, in fulfilling public records requests made of the agency.

      (3) The department shall provide technical assistance to each executive department agency for which the department is not the custodian of the public records of the agency that are retained in electronic form, in fulfilling public records requests made of the agency.

      (4) When an executive department agency is aware that the same public records request has been made of itself and one or more other executive department agencies, the agency shall consult with the department prior to producing records in order to ensure consistency between agencies in the production of records.

      (5) In providing coordination and technical assistance under this section, the department shall apply the standards, protocols and procedures that the State Chief Information Officer develops under ORS 276A.203 (4)(a)(O). [2016 c.48 §2]

 

      Note: 192.180 and 192.183 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.183 Compiling public records stored in electronic form; rules. The State Chief Information Officer and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services may adopt rules to implement the provisions of ORS 276A.203 (4)(a)(O), as amended by section 1, chapter 48, Oregon Laws 2016, and ORS 192.180, including but not limited to rules establishing procedures for compiling public records that are stored in electronic form. [2016 c.48 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.180.

 

      192.190 [1983 c.232 §1; repealed by 2015 c.277 §15]

 

      192.191 Department of Justice information sharing guide. (1) The Department of Justice shall maintain an information sharing guide setting forth the applicable state and federal laws governing the release of educational, juvenile justice, adult correctional, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment and health care information. The guide must set forth the applicable laws according to discipline, including but not limited to the release of information by child welfare agencies, law enforcement, juvenile justice agencies, schools, mental health treatment providers, health care providers, substance abuse treatment providers and human services providers.

      (2) The guide must be made available on the Department of Justice website and updated annually in accordance with changes in the law. [2017 c.647 §3; 2017 c.647 §4]

 

      Note: 192.191 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

PUBLIC REPORTS

 

(Standardized Form)

 

      192.210 Definitions for ORS 192.210 and 192.220. As used in ORS 192.210 and 192.220, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Issuing agency” means:

      (a) Every state officer, board, commission, department, institution, branch or agency of state government whose costs are paid from public funds and includes the Legislative Assembly, the officers and committees thereof, and the courts and the officers and committees thereof; or

      (b) Any county, special district, school district or public or quasi-public corporation.

      (2) “Printing” includes any form of reproducing written material.

      (3) “Report” means any report or other publication of an issuing agency that is required by law to be submitted to the public or to a receiving agency.

      (4) “Receiving agency” means any state officer or state board, commission, department, institution or agency or branch of government that is required by law to receive any report from an issuing agency. If the branch of government is the Legislative Assembly, the receiving agency is the Legislative Administration Committee and if the branch is the judicial branch, the receiving agency is the Supreme Court. [1969 c.456 §1; 1971 c.638 §11]

 

      192.220 Standardized report forms; exemptions. (1) Except where form and frequency of reports are specified by law, every receiving agency shall prescribe by rule standardized forms for all reports and shall fix the frequency with which reports shall be submitted.

      (2) Receiving agencies in the executive or administrative branch of government shall consult with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services in preparing rules under this section.

      (3) With the consent of the Governor, a receiving agency in the executive or administrative branch may exempt any issuing agency from the requirements imposed under subsection (1) of this section. The Legislative Administration Committee may exempt any issuing agency from such requirements for any report required to be submitted to the Legislative Assembly. The Supreme Court may exempt any issuing agency from such requirements for any report required to be submitted to the courts. [1969 c.456 §2; 1971 c.638 §12]

 

(Policy; Compliance)

 

      192.230 Definitions for ORS 192.235 to 192.245. As used in ORS 192.235 to 192.245:

      (1) “Report” means informational matter that is published as an individual document at state expense or as required by law. “Report” does not include documents prepared strictly for agency administrative or operational purposes.

      (2) “State agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.311. [1991 c.842 §1; 2001 c.153 §1]

 

      Note: 192.230 to 192.250 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.235 Policy for ORS 192.230 to 192.250. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

      (a) Many state agency reports are published for reasons that are historical and no longer based on the public’s need to be informed.

      (b) The format of many state agency reports is not economical or well suited to providing needed information in easily understandable form.

      (c) State agency reports containing information that is useful but not to the general public should be placed on a self-supporting schedule.

      (2) It is the policy of the Legislative Assembly to encourage state agencies to inform the public, the Legislative Assembly and the Governor of matters of public interest and concern. It is further the policy of this state to guarantee to its citizens the right to know about the activities of their government, to benefit from the information developed by state agencies at public expense and to enjoy equal access to the information services of state agencies. It is further state policy to encourage agencies to consider whether needed information is most effectively and economically presented by means of printed reports. [1991 c.842 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 192.230.

 

      192.240 Duties of state agency issuing report. To comply with the state policy relating to reports outlined in ORS 192.235, a state agency shall do the following:

      (1) Use electronic communications whenever the agency determines that such use reduces cost and still provides public access to information.

      (2) Whenever possible, use standard 8-1/2-by-11-inch paper printed on both sides of the sheet and use recycled paper, as defined in ORS 279A.010 and rules adopted pursuant thereto.

      (3) Insure that public documents are furnished to the State Librarian, as required in ORS 357.090. [1991 c.842 §3; 1995 c.69 §10; 2003 c.794 §212]

 

      Note: See note under 192.230.

 

      192.243 Availability of report on Internet; rules. (1) In accordance with rules adopted by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and to reduce the amount of paper used by state agencies, by June 30, 2005, each state agency shall make available on the Internet any report that the state agency is required by law to publish. If a statute or rule requires a state agency to issue a printed report, that requirement is satisfied if the state agency makes the report available on the Internet. A state agency may issue printed copies of a report upon request.

      (2) The Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall adopt rules in accordance with subsection (1) of this section requiring each state agency to make available on the Internet any report that the state agency is required by law to publish.

      (3) This section may not be construed to require the disclosure of a public record that is exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478 or other law. [2001 c.153 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 192.230.

 

      192.245 Form of report to legislature. (1) Whenever a law of this state requires a written report be submitted to the Legislative Assembly, the requirement shall be met by distribution of an executive summary of no more than two pages sent to every member of the Legislative Assembly by electronic mail and one copy of the report to the Legislative Administrator. This requirement does not preclude providing a copy of any report to a specific legislative committee if required by law. The requirements of this subsection are not met if the executive summary is distributed to members of the Legislative Assembly in paper format.

      (2) The executive summary described in subsection (1) of this section shall include an explanation of how a member of the Legislative Assembly may obtain a copy of the report. If the report is also available on the Internet, the executive summary shall include the online location of the report.

      (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if a member of the Legislative Assembly requests a paper copy of a report or executive summary, the agency or other entity responsible for submitting the report or executive summary to the Legislative Assembly shall supply a paper copy of the report or executive summary to the member. [1991 c.842 §4; 2009 c.416 §1; 2011 c.380 §1]

 

      Note: See note under 192.230.

 

      192.250 Director of Oregon Department of Administrative Services to report to legislature on ORS 192.230 to 192.250. The Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall report to the Legislative Assembly by appearing at least once during each biennium before the appropriate interim committees designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate. The director shall testify as to the effectiveness of ORS 171.206, 192.230 to 192.250 and 292.956, including any cost savings realized or projected and any recommendations for further legislative action. [1991 c.842 §5; 2003 c.803 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.230.

 

(Distribution)

 

      192.270 Definitions for ORS 192.270 and 192.275. As used in ORS 192.270 and 192.275:

      (1) “Public” does not include any state officer or board, commission, committee, department, institution, branch or agency of state government to which a report is specifically required by law to be submitted but does include any such to which a copy is sent for general informational purposes or as a courtesy.

      (2) “Report” means informational matter published as a report or other document by a state agency but does not include an order as defined in ORS 183.310.

      (3) “State agency” means any state officer or board, commission, department, institution or agency of the executive, administrative or legislative branches of state government. [1993 c.181 §1]

 

      Note: 192.270 and 192.275 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.275 Notice when report required; content; effect. Notwithstanding ORS 192.230 to 192.245, if any state or federal law requires a state agency to send, mail or submit a report to the public, the state agency may meet this requirement by mailing notice of the report to the public. The notice shall state that if the recipient returns an attached or enclosed postcard to the state agency, the state agency will supply a copy of the report. The postcard may contain a checkoff to indicate whether the person wants to continue receiving a copy of complete reports. [1993 c.181 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 192.270.

 

      192.310 [1971 c.743 §294; 2014 c.45 §32; renumbered 192.173 in 2017]

 

INSPECTION OF PUBLIC RECORDS

 

(Definitions)

 

      192.311 Definitions for ORS 192.311 to 192.478. As used in ORS 192.311 to 192.478:

      (1) “Business day” means a day other than Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday and on which at least one paid employee of the public body that received the public records request is scheduled to and does report to work. In the case of a community college district, community college service district, public university, school district or education service district, “business day” does not include any day on which the central administration offices of the district or university are closed.

      (2) “Custodian” means:

      (a) The person described in ORS 7.110 for purposes of court records; or

      (b) A public body mandated, directly or indirectly, to create, maintain, care for or control a public record. “Custodian” does not include a public body that has custody of a public record as an agent of another public body that is the custodian unless the public record is not otherwise available.

      (3) “Person” includes any natural person, corporation, partnership, firm, association or member or committee of the Legislative Assembly.

      (4) “Public body” includes every state officer, agency, department, division, bureau, board and commission; every county and city governing body, school district, special district, municipal corporation, and any board, department, commission, council, or agency thereof; and any other public agency of this state.

      (5)(a) “Public record” includes any writing that contains information relating to the conduct of the public’s business, including but not limited to court records, mortgages, and deed records, prepared, owned, used or retained by a public body regardless of physical form or characteristics.

      (b) “Public record” does not include any writing that does not relate to the conduct of the public’s business and that is contained on a privately owned computer.

      (6) “State agency” means any state officer, department, board, commission or court created by the Constitution or statutes of this state but does not include the Legislative Assembly or its members, committees, officers or employees insofar as they are exempt under section 9, Article IV of the Oregon Constitution.

      (7) “Writing” means handwriting, typewriting, printing, photographing and every means of recording, including letters, words, pictures, sounds, or symbols, or combination thereof, and all papers, maps, files, facsimiles or electronic recordings. [Formerly 192.410]

 

(Public Records Request Processing)

 

      192.314 Right to inspect public records; notice to public body attorney. (1) Every person has a right to inspect any public record of a public body in this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by ORS 192.338, 192.345 and 192.355.

      (2)(a) If a person who is a party to a civil judicial proceeding to which a public body is a party, or who has filed a notice under ORS 30.275 (5)(a), asks to inspect or to receive a copy of a public record that the person knows relates to the proceeding or notice, the person must submit the request in writing to the custodian and, at the same time, to the attorney for the public body.

      (b) For purposes of this subsection:

      (A) The attorney for a state agency is the Attorney General in Salem.

      (B) “Person” includes a representative or agent of the person. [Formerly 192.420]

 

      192.318 Functions of custodian of public records; rules. (1) The custodian of any public records, including public records maintained in machine readable or electronic form, unless otherwise expressly provided by statute, shall furnish proper and reasonable opportunities for inspection and examination of the records in the office of the custodian and reasonable facilities for making memoranda or abstracts therefrom, during the usual business hours, to all persons having occasion to make examination of them. If the public record is maintained in machine readable or electronic form, the custodian shall furnish proper and reasonable opportunity to assure access.

      (2) The custodian of the records may adopt reasonable rules necessary for the protection of the records and to prevent interference with the regular discharge of duties of the custodian. [Formerly 192.430]

 

      192.324 Copies or inspection of public records; public body response; fees; procedure for records requests. (1) A public body that is the custodian of any public record that a person has a right to inspect shall give the person, upon receipt of a written request:

      (a) A copy of the public record if the public record is of a nature permitting copying; or

      (b) A reasonable opportunity to inspect or copy the public record.

      (2) If an individual who is identified in a public body’s procedure described in subsection (7)(a) of this section receives a written request to inspect or receive a copy of a public record, the public body shall within five business days after receiving the request acknowledge receipt of the request or complete the public body’s response to the request. An acknowledgment under this subsection must:

      (a) Confirm that the public body is the custodian of the requested record;

      (b) Inform the requester that the public body is not the custodian of the requested record; or

      (c) Notify the requester that the public body is uncertain whether the public body is the custodian of the requested record.

      (3) If the public record is maintained in a machine readable or electronic form, the public body shall provide a copy of the public record in the form requested, if available. If the public record is not available in the form requested, the public body shall make the public record available in the form in which the public body maintains the public record.

      (4)(a) The public body may establish fees reasonably calculated to reimburse the public body for the public body’s actual cost of making public records available, including costs for summarizing, compiling or tailoring the public records, either in organization or media, to meet the request.

      (b) The public body may include in a fee established under paragraph (a) of this subsection the cost of time spent by an attorney for the public body in reviewing the public records, redacting material from the public records or segregating the public records into exempt and nonexempt records. The public body may not include in a fee established under paragraph (a) of this subsection the cost of time spent by an attorney for the public body in determining the application of the provisions of ORS 192.311 to 192.478.

      (c) The public body may not establish a fee greater than $25 under this section unless the public body first provides the requester with a written notification of the estimated amount of the fee and the requester confirms that the requester wants the public body to proceed with making the public record available.

      (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (c) of this subsection, when the public records are those filed with the Secretary of State under ORS chapter 79 or ORS 80.100 to 80.130, the fees for furnishing copies, summaries or compilations of the public records are the fees established by the Secretary of State by rule under ORS chapter 79 or ORS 80.100 to 80.130.

      (5) The custodian of a public record may furnish copies without charge or at a substantially reduced fee if the custodian determines that the waiver or reduction of fees is in the public interest because making the record available primarily benefits the general public.

      (6) A requester who believes that there has been an unreasonable denial of a fee waiver or fee reduction may petition the Attorney General or the district attorney in the same manner as a requester who petitions when inspection of a public record is denied under ORS 192.311 to 192.478. The Attorney General, the district attorney and the court have the same authority in instances when a fee waiver or reduction is denied as when inspection of a public record is denied.

      (7) A public body shall make available to the public a written procedure for making public records requests that includes:

      (a) The name of one or more individuals within the public body to whom public records requests may be sent, with addresses; and

      (b) The amounts of and the manner of calculating fees that the public body charges for responding to requests for public records.

      (8) This section does not apply to signatures of individuals submitted under ORS chapter 247 for purposes of registering to vote as provided in ORS 247.973. [Formerly 192.440]

 

      192.329 Public body’s response to public records request. (1) A public body shall complete its response to a written public records request that is received by an individual identified in the public body’s procedure described in ORS 192.324 as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay.

      (2) A public body’s response to a public records request is complete when the public body:

      (a) Provides access to or copies of all requested records within the possession or custody of the public body that the public body does not assert are exempt from public disclosure, or explains where the records are already publicly available;

      (b) Asserts any exemptions from disclosure that the public body believes apply to any requested records and, if the public body cites ORS 192.355 (8) or (9), identifies the state or federal law that the public body relied on in asserting the exemptions;

      (c) Complies with ORS 192.338;

      (d) To the extent that the public body is not the custodian of records that have been requested, provides a written statement to that effect;

      (e) To the extent that state or federal law prohibits the public body from acknowledging whether any requested record exists or that acknowledging whether a requested record exists would result in the loss of federal benefits or imposition of another sanction, provides a written statement to that effect, citing the state or federal law that the public body relies on, unless the written statement itself would violate state or federal law; and

      (f) If the public body asserts that one or more requested records are exempt from public disclosure, includes a statement that the requester may seek review of the public body’s determination pursuant to ORS 192.401, 192.411, 192.415, 192.418, 192.422, 192.427 and 192.431.

      (3)(a) If a public body has informed a requester of a fee permitted under ORS 192.324 (4), the obligation of the public body to complete its response to the request is suspended until the requester has paid the fee, the fee has been waived by the public body pursuant to ORS 192.324 (5) or the fee otherwise has been ordered waived.

      (b) If the requester fails to pay the fee within 60 days of the date on which the public body informed the requester of the fee, or fails to pay the fee within 60 days of the date on which the public body informed the requester of the denial of the fee waiver, the public body shall close the request.

      (4)(a) A public body may request additional information or clarification from a requester of public records for the purpose of expediting the public body’s response to the request. If the public body has requested additional information or clarification in good faith, the public body’s obligation to further complete its response to the request is suspended until the requester provides the requested information or clarification or affirmatively declines to provide that information or clarification.

      (b) If the requester fails to respond within 60 days to a good faith request from the public body for information or clarification, the public body shall close the request.

      (5) As soon as reasonably possible but not later than 10 business days after the date by which a public body is required to acknowledge receipt of the request under ORS 192.324, a public body shall:

      (a) Complete its response to the public records request; or

      (b) Provide a written statement that the public body is still processing the request and a reasonable estimated date by which the public body expects to complete its response based on the information currently available.

      (6) The time periods established by ORS 192.324 and subsection (5) of this section do not apply to a public body if compliance would be impracticable because:

      (a) The staff or volunteers necessary to complete a response to the public records request are unavailable;

      (b) Compliance would demonstrably impede the public body’s ability to perform other necessary services; or

      (c) Of the volume of public records requests being simultaneously processed by the public body.

      (7) For purposes of this section, staff members or volunteers who are on leave or are not scheduled to work are considered to be unavailable.

      (8) A public body that cannot comply with the time periods established by ORS 192.324 and subsection (5) of this section for a reason listed in subsection (6) of this section shall, as soon as practicable and without unreasonable delay, acknowledge a public records request and complete the response to the request. [2017 c.456 §4]

 

      Note: 192.329, 192.335 and 192.340 were added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.335 Immunity from liability for disclosure of public record; effect of disclosure on privilege. (1) A public body that, acting in good faith, discloses a public record in response to a request for public records is not liable for any loss or damages based on the disclosure unless the disclosure is affirmatively prohibited by state or federal law or by a court order applicable to the public body. Nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted to create liability on the part of a public body, or create a cause of action against a public body, based on the disclosure of a public record.

      (2) A public body that discloses any information or record in response to a written request for public records under ORS 192.311 to 192.478 that is privileged under ORS 40.225 to 40.295 does not waive its right to assert the applicable privilege to prevent the introduction of the information or record as evidence pursuant to ORS 40.225 to 40.295. [2017 c.456 §8]

 

      Note: See note under 192.329.

 

      192.338 Exempt and nonexempt public record to be separated. If any public record contains material which is not exempt under ORS 192.345 and 192.355, as well as material which is exempt from disclosure, the public body shall separate the exempt and nonexempt material and make the nonexempt material available for examination. [Formerly 192.505]

 

      Note: 192.338, 192.345 and 192.355 were made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Exemptions)

 

      192.340 Attorney General catalog of exemptions from disclosure. (1) The Attorney General shall maintain and regularly update a catalog of exemptions created by Oregon statute from the disclosure requirements of ORS 192.311 to 192.478. The catalog must be as comprehensive as reasonably possible and must be freely available to the public in an electronic format that facilitates sorting and searching of the catalog.

      (2) The catalog required by subsection (1) of this section must include the following information for each exemption:

      (a) A citation to the Oregon statute or statutes creating the exemption from the disclosure requirements of ORS 192.311 to 192.478;

      (b) The relevant text of each statute creating the exemption;

      (c) If the exemption has been construed by a decision of the Oregon Supreme Court or Court of Appeals, a citation to that decision;

      (d) To the extent that the exemption is specific to a particular public body or particular types of public bodies, a description of the public body or bodies to which the exemption relates; and

      (e) Additional information as the Attorney General deems appropriate.

      (3) To help ensure that the catalog required by subsection (1) of this section is as comprehensive as possible:

      (a) The Legislative Counsel shall provide the Attorney General with an electronic copy of any Act passed by the Legislative Assembly that, in the judgment of the Legislative Counsel, creates an exemption from the disclosure requirements of ORS 192.311 to 192.478; and

      (b) When a district attorney issues an order pursuant to ORS 192.415, the district attorney shall send the Attorney General an electronic copy of that order.

      (4) The purpose of the catalog required by subsection (1) of this section is to assist public officials and members of the public in ascertaining what information is exempt from the public disclosure requirements of ORS 192.311 to 192.478. The catalog is not intended to provide legal advice to public bodies or to members of the public.

      (5) A public body may assert that an Oregon statute exempts a public record in the custody of the public body from disclosure even if that statute is not listed in the catalog or the catalog does not include that public body in the catalog’s description of the public bodies to which that exemption applies. [2017 c.456 §7]

 

      Note: See note under 192.329.

 

      192.345 Public records conditionally exempt from disclosure. The following public records are exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478 unless the public interest requires disclosure in the particular instance:

      (1) Records of a public body pertaining to litigation to which the public body is a party if the complaint has been filed, or if the complaint has not been filed, if the public body shows that such litigation is reasonably likely to occur. This exemption does not apply to litigation which has been concluded, and nothing in this subsection shall limit any right or opportunity granted by discovery or deposition statutes to a party to litigation or potential litigation.

      (2) Trade secrets. “Trade secrets,” as used in this section, may include, but are not limited to, any formula, plan, pattern, process, tool, mechanism, compound, procedure, production data, or compilation of information which is not patented, which is known only to certain individuals within an organization and which is used in a business it conducts, having actual or potential commercial value, and which gives its user an opportunity to obtain a business advantage over competitors who do not know or use it.

      (3) Investigatory information compiled for criminal law purposes. The record of an arrest or the report of a crime shall be disclosed unless and only for so long as there is a clear need to delay disclosure in the course of a specific investigation, including the need to protect the complaining party or the victim. Nothing in this subsection shall limit any right constitutionally guaranteed, or granted by statute, to disclosure or discovery in criminal cases. For purposes of this subsection, the record of an arrest or the report of a crime includes, but is not limited to:

      (a) The arrested person’s name, age, residence, employment, marital status and similar biographical information;

      (b) The offense with which the arrested person is charged;

      (c) The conditions of release pursuant to ORS 135.230 to 135.290;

      (d) The identity of and biographical information concerning both complaining party and victim;

      (e) The identity of the investigating and arresting agency and the length of the investigation;

      (f) The circumstances of arrest, including time, place, resistance, pursuit and weapons used; and

      (g) Such information as may be necessary to enlist public assistance in apprehending fugitives from justice.

      (4) Test questions, scoring keys, and other data used to administer a licensing examination, employment, academic or other examination or testing procedure before the examination is given and if the examination is to be used again. Records establishing procedures for and instructing persons administering, grading or evaluating an examination or testing procedure are included in this exemption, to the extent that disclosure would create a risk that the result might be affected.

      (5) Information consisting of production records, sale or purchase records or catch records, or similar business records of a private concern or enterprise, required by law to be submitted to or inspected by a governmental body to allow it to determine fees or assessments payable or to establish production quotas, and the amounts of such fees or assessments payable or paid, to the extent that such information is in a form that would permit identification of the individual concern or enterprise. This exemption does not include records submitted by long term care facilities as defined in ORS 442.015 to the state for purposes of reimbursement of expenses or determining fees for patient care. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the use that can be made of such information for regulatory purposes or its admissibility in any enforcement proceeding.

      (6) Information relating to the appraisal of real estate prior to its acquisition.

      (7) The names and signatures of employees who sign authorization cards or petitions for the purpose of requesting representation or decertification elections.

      (8) Investigatory information relating to any complaint filed under ORS 659A.820 or 659A.825, until such time as the complaint is resolved under ORS 659A.835, or a final order is issued under ORS 659A.850.

      (9) Investigatory information relating to any complaint or charge filed under ORS 243.676 and 663.180.

      (10) Records, reports and other information received or compiled by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services under ORS 697.732.

      (11) Information concerning the location of archaeological sites or objects as those terms are defined in ORS 358.905, except if the governing body of an Indian tribe requests the information and the need for the information is related to that Indian tribe’s cultural or religious activities. This exemption does not include information relating to a site that is all or part of an existing, commonly known and publicized tourist facility or attraction.

      (12) A personnel discipline action, or materials or documents supporting that action.

      (13) Fish and wildlife information developed pursuant to ORS 496.004, 496.172 and 498.026 or ORS 496.192 and 564.100, regarding the habitat, location or population of any threatened species or endangered species.

      (14) Writings prepared by or under the direction of faculty of public educational institutions, in connection with research, until publicly released, copyrighted or patented.

      (15) Computer programs developed or purchased by or for any public body for its own use. As used in this subsection, “computer program” means a series of instructions or statements which permit the functioning of a computer system in a manner designed to provide storage, retrieval and manipulation of data from such computer system, and any associated documentation and source material that explain how to operate the computer program. “Computer program” does not include:

      (a) The original data, including but not limited to numbers, text, voice, graphics and images;

      (b) Analyses, compilations and other manipulated forms of the original data produced by use of the program; or

      (c) The mathematical and statistical formulas which would be used if the manipulated forms of the original data were to be produced manually.

      (16) Data and information provided by participants to mediation under ORS 36.256.

      (17) Investigatory information relating to any complaint or charge filed under ORS chapter 654, until a final administrative determination is made or, if a citation is issued, until an employer receives notice of any citation.

      (18) Specific operational plans in connection with an anticipated threat to individual or public safety for deployment and use of personnel and equipment, prepared or used by a public body, if public disclosure of the plans would endanger an individual’s life or physical safety or jeopardize a law enforcement activity.

      (19)(a) Audits or audit reports required of a telecommunications carrier. As used in this paragraph, “audit or audit report” means any external or internal audit or audit report pertaining to a telecommunications carrier, as defined in ORS 133.721, or pertaining to a corporation having an affiliated interest, as defined in ORS 759.390, with a telecommunications carrier that is intended to make the operations of the entity more efficient, accurate or compliant with applicable rules, procedures or standards, that may include self-criticism and that has been filed by the telecommunications carrier or affiliate under compulsion of state law. “Audit or audit report” does not mean an audit of a cost study that would be discoverable in a contested case proceeding and that is not subject to a protective order; and

      (b) Financial statements. As used in this paragraph, “financial statement” means a financial statement of a nonregulated corporation having an affiliated interest, as defined in ORS 759.390, with a telecommunications carrier, as defined in ORS 133.721.

      (20) The residence address of an elector if authorized under ORS 247.965 and subject to ORS 247.967.

      (21) The following records, communications and information submitted to a housing authority as defined in ORS 456.005, or to an urban renewal agency as defined in ORS 457.010, by applicants for and recipients of loans, grants and tax credits:

      (a) Personal and corporate financial statements and information, including tax returns;

      (b) Credit reports;

      (c) Project appraisals, excluding appraisals obtained in the course of transactions involving an interest in real estate that is acquired, leased, rented, exchanged, transferred or otherwise disposed of as part of the project, but only after the transactions have closed and are concluded;

      (d) Market studies and analyses;

      (e) Articles of incorporation, partnership agreements and operating agreements;

      (f) Commitment letters;

      (g) Project pro forma statements;

      (h) Project cost certifications and cost data;

      (i) Audits;

      (j) Project tenant correspondence requested to be confidential;

      (k) Tenant files relating to certification; and

      (L) Housing assistance payment requests.

      (22) Records or information that, if disclosed, would allow a person to:

      (a) Gain unauthorized access to buildings or other property;

      (b) Identify those areas of structural or operational vulnerability that would permit unlawful disruption to, or interference with, services; or

      (c) Disrupt, interfere with or gain unauthorized access to public funds or to information processing, communication or telecommunication systems, including the information contained in the systems, that are used or operated by a public body.

      (23) Records or information that would reveal or otherwise identify security measures, or weaknesses or potential weaknesses in security measures, taken or recommended to be taken to protect:

      (a) An individual;

      (b) Buildings or other property;

      (c) Information processing, communication or telecommunication systems, including the information contained in the systems; or

      (d) Those operations of the Oregon State Lottery the security of which are subject to study and evaluation under ORS 461.180 (6).

      (24) Personal information held by or under the direction of officials of the Oregon Health and Science University or a public university listed in ORS 352.002 about a person who has or who is interested in donating money or property to the Oregon Health and Science University or a public university, if the information is related to the family of the person, personal assets of the person or is incidental information not related to the donation.

      (25) The home address, professional address and telephone number of a person who has or who is interested in donating money or property to a public university listed in ORS 352.002.

      (26) Records of the name and address of a person who files a report with or pays an assessment to a commodity commission established under ORS 576.051 to 576.455, the Oregon Beef Council created under ORS 577.210 or the Oregon Wheat Commission created under ORS 578.030.

      (27) Information provided to, obtained by or used by a public body to authorize, originate, receive or authenticate a transfer of funds, including but not limited to a credit card number, payment card expiration date, password, financial institution account number and financial institution routing number.

      (28) Social Security numbers as provided in ORS 107.840.

      (29) The electronic mail address of a student who attends a public university listed in ORS 352.002 or Oregon Health and Science University.

      (30) The name, home address, professional address or location of a person that is engaged in, or that provides goods or services for, medical research at Oregon Health and Science University that is conducted using animals other than rodents. This subsection does not apply to Oregon Health and Science University press releases, websites or other publications circulated to the general public.

      (31) If requested by a public safety officer, as defined in ORS 181A.355, or a county juvenile department employee who is charged with and primarily performs duties related to the custody, control or supervision of adjudicated youths confined in a detention facility, as defined in ORS 419A.004:

      (a) The home address and home telephone number of the public safety officer or county juvenile department employee contained in the voter registration records for the officer or employee.

      (b) The home address and home telephone number of the public safety officer or county juvenile department employee contained in records of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

      (c) The name of the public safety officer or county juvenile department employee contained in county real property assessment or taxation records. This exemption:

      (A) Applies only to the name of the officer or employee and any other owner of the property in connection with a specific property identified by the officer or employee in a request for exemption from disclosure;

      (B) Applies only to records that may be made immediately available to the public upon request in person, by telephone or using the Internet;

      (C) Applies until the officer or employee requests termination of the exemption;

      (D) Does not apply to disclosure of records among public bodies as defined in ORS 174.109 for governmental purposes; and

      (E) May not result in liability for the county if the name of the officer or employee is disclosed after a request for exemption from disclosure is made under this subsection.

      (32) Unless the public records request is made by a financial institution, as defined in ORS 706.008, consumer finance company licensed under ORS chapter 725, mortgage banker or mortgage broker licensed under ORS 86A.095 to 86A.198, or title company for business purposes, records described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, if the exemption from disclosure of the records is sought by an individual described in paragraph (b) of this subsection using the procedure described in paragraph (c) of this subsection:

      (a) The home address, home or cellular telephone number or personal electronic mail address contained in the records of any public body that has received the request that is set forth in:

      (A) A warranty deed, deed of trust, mortgage, lien, deed of reconveyance, release, satisfaction, substitution of trustee, easement, dog license, marriage license or military discharge record that is in the possession of the county clerk; or

      (B) Any public record of a public body other than the county clerk.

      (b) The individual claiming the exemption from disclosure must be a district attorney, a deputy district attorney, the Attorney General or an assistant attorney general, the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon or an assistant United States attorney for the District of Oregon, a city attorney who engages in the prosecution of criminal matters or a deputy city attorney who engages in the prosecution of criminal matters.

      (c) The individual claiming the exemption from disclosure must do so by filing the claim in writing with the public body for which the exemption from disclosure is being claimed on a form prescribed by the public body. Unless the claim is filed with the county clerk, the claim form shall list the public records in the possession of the public body to which the exemption applies. The exemption applies until the individual claiming the exemption requests termination of the exemption or ceases to qualify for the exemption.

      (33) The following voluntary conservation agreements and reports:

      (a) Land management plans required for voluntary stewardship agreements entered into under ORS 541.973; and

      (b) Written agreements relating to the conservation of greater sage grouse entered into voluntarily by owners or occupiers of land with a soil and water conservation district under ORS 568.550.

      (34) Sensitive business records or financial or commercial information of the State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation that is not customarily provided to business competitors. This exemption does not:

      (a) Apply to the formulas for determining dividends to be paid to employers insured by the State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation;

      (b) Apply to contracts for advertising, public relations or lobbying services or to documents related to the formation of such contracts;

      (c) Apply to group insurance contracts or to documents relating to the formation of such contracts, except that employer account records shall remain exempt from disclosure as provided in ORS 192.355 (35); or

      (d) Provide the basis for opposing the discovery of documents in litigation pursuant to the applicable rules of civil procedure.

      (35) Records of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training relating to investigations conducted under ORS 181A.640 or 181A.870 (6), until the department issues the report described in ORS 181A.640 or 181A.870.

      (36) A medical examiner’s report, autopsy report or laboratory test report ordered by a medical examiner under ORS 146.117.

      (37) Any document or other information related to an audit of a public body, as defined in ORS 174.109, that is in the custody of an auditor or audit organization operating under nationally recognized government auditing standards, until the auditor or audit organization issues a final audit report in accordance with those standards or the audit is abandoned. This exemption does not prohibit disclosure of a draft audit report that is provided to the audited entity for the entity’s response to the audit findings.

      (38)(a) Personally identifiable information collected as part of an electronic fare collection system of a mass transit system.

      (b) The exemption from disclosure in paragraph (a) of this subsection does not apply to public records that have attributes of anonymity that are sufficient, or that are aggregated into groupings that are broad enough, to ensure that persons cannot be identified by disclosure of the public records.

      (c) As used in this subsection:

      (A) “Electronic fare collection system” means the software and hardware used for, associated with or relating to the collection of transit fares for a mass transit system, including but not limited to computers, radio communication systems, personal mobile devices, wearable technology, fare instruments, information technology, data storage or collection equipment, or other equipment or improvements.

      (B) “Mass transit system” has the meaning given that term in ORS 267.010.

      (C) “Personally identifiable information” means all information relating to a person that acquires or uses a transit pass or other fare payment medium in connection with an electronic fare collection system, including but not limited to:

      (i) Customer account information, date of birth, telephone number, physical address, electronic mail address, credit or debit card information, bank account information, Social Security or taxpayer identification number or other identification number, transit pass or fare payment medium balances or history, or similar personal information; or

      (ii) Travel dates, travel times, frequency of use, travel locations, service types or vehicle use, or similar travel information.

      (39)(a) If requested by a civil code enforcement officer:

      (A) The home address and home telephone number of the civil code enforcement officer contained in the voter registration records for the officer.

      (B) The name of the civil code enforcement officer contained in county real property assessment or taxation records. This exemption:

      (i) Applies only to the name of the civil code enforcement officer and any other owner of the property in connection with a specific property identified by the officer in a request for exemption from disclosure;

      (ii) Applies only to records that may be made immediately available to the public upon request in person, by telephone or using the Internet;

      (iii) Applies until the civil code enforcement officer requests termination of the exemption;

      (iv) Does not apply to disclosure of records among public bodies as defined in ORS 174.109 for governmental purposes; and

      (v) May not result in liability for the county if the name of the civil code enforcement officer is disclosed after a request for exemption from disclosure is made under this subsection.

      (b) As used in this subsection, “civil code enforcement officer” means an employee of a public body, as defined in ORS 174.109, who is charged with enforcing laws or ordinances relating to land use, zoning, use of rights-of-way, solid waste, hazardous waste, sewage treatment and disposal or the state building code.

      (40) Audio or video recordings, whether digital or analog, resulting from a law enforcement officer’s operation of a video camera worn upon the officer’s person that records the officer’s interactions with members of the public while the officer is on duty. When a recording described in this subsection is subject to disclosure, the following apply:

      (a) Recordings that have been sealed in a court’s record of a court proceeding or otherwise ordered by a court not to be disclosed may not be disclosed.

      (b) A request for disclosure under this subsection must identify the approximate date and time of an incident for which the recordings are requested and be reasonably tailored to include only that material for which a public interest requires disclosure.

      (c) A video recording disclosed under this subsection must, prior to disclosure, be edited in a manner as to render the faces of all persons within the recording unidentifiable.

      (41) The contents of tips reported to a tip line, as defined in ORS 339.329. However, personally identifiable information, as defined in ORS 339.329, is not subject to public interest balancing under this section and remains exempt from disclosure except as provided in ORS 339.329.

      (42) Residential addresses of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities residing in adult foster homes as defined in ORS 443.705 or residential training facilities or residential training homes as those terms are defined in ORS 443.400.

      (43) The name, home address, professional address or location of an individual who is authorized to provide physical and behavioral health care services in this state and who provides reproductive and gender-affirming health care services. [Formerly 192.501; 2019 c.61 §1; 2019 c.130 §2; 2019 c.532 §§3,4; 2021 c.318 §§1,2; 2021 c.489 §§22,23; 2023 c.228 §§39,40]

 

      Note: See note under 192.338.

 

      192.355 Public records exempt from disclosure. The following public records are exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478:

      (1) Communications within a public body or between public bodies of an advisory nature to the extent that they cover other than purely factual materials and are preliminary to any final agency determination of policy or action. This exemption shall not apply unless the public body shows that in the particular instance the public interest in encouraging frank communication between officials and employees of public bodies clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

      (2)(a) Information of a personal nature such as but not limited to that kept in a personal, medical or similar file, if public disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy, unless the public interest by clear and convincing evidence requires disclosure in the particular instance. The party seeking disclosure shall have the burden of showing that public disclosure would not constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy.

      (b) Images of a dead body, or parts of a dead body, that are part of a law enforcement agency investigation, if public disclosure would create an unreasonable invasion of privacy of the family of the deceased person, unless the public interest by clear and convincing evidence requires disclosure in the particular instance. The party seeking disclosure shall have the burden of showing that public disclosure would not constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy.

      (3) Upon compliance with ORS 192.363, public body employee or volunteer residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal cellular telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, driver license numbers, employer-issued identification card numbers, emergency contact information, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and other telephone numbers contained in personnel records maintained by the public body that is the employer or the recipient of volunteer services. This exemption:

      (a) Does not apply to the addresses, dates of birth and telephone numbers of employees or volunteers who are elected officials, except that a judge or district attorney subject to election may seek to exempt the judge’s or district attorney’s address or telephone number, or both, under the terms of ORS 192.368;

      (b) Does not apply to employees or volunteers to the extent that the party seeking disclosure shows by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest requires disclosure in a particular instance pursuant to ORS 192.363;

      (c) Does not apply to a substitute teacher as defined in ORS 342.815 when requested by a professional education association of which the substitute teacher may be a member; and

      (d) Does not relieve a public employer of any duty under ORS 243.650 to 243.809.

      (4) Information submitted to a public body in confidence and not otherwise required by law to be submitted, where such information should reasonably be considered confidential, the public body has obliged itself in good faith not to disclose the information, and when the public interest would suffer by the disclosure.

      (5) Information or records of the Department of Corrections, including the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision, to the extent that disclosure would interfere with the rehabilitation of a person in custody of the department or substantially prejudice or prevent the carrying out of the functions of the department, if the public interest in confidentiality clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

      (6) Records, reports and other information received or compiled by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services in the administration of ORS chapters 723 and 725 not otherwise required by law to be made public, to the extent that the interests of lending institutions, their officers, employees and customers in preserving the confidentiality of such information outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

      (7) Reports made to or filed with the court under ORS 137.077 or 137.530.

      (8) Any public records or information the disclosure of which is prohibited by federal law or regulations.

      (9)(a) Public records or information the disclosure of which is prohibited or restricted or otherwise made confidential or privileged under Oregon law.

      (b) Subject to ORS 192.360, paragraph (a) of this subsection does not apply to factual information compiled in a public record when:

      (A) The basis for the claim of exemption is ORS 40.225;

      (B) The factual information is not prohibited from disclosure under any applicable state or federal law, regulation or court order and is not otherwise exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478;

      (C) The factual information was compiled by or at the direction of an attorney as part of an investigation on behalf of the public body in response to information of possible wrongdoing by the public body;

      (D) The factual information was not compiled in preparation for litigation, arbitration or an administrative proceeding that was reasonably likely to be initiated or that has been initiated by or against the public body; and

      (E) The holder of the privilege under ORS 40.225 has made or authorized a public statement characterizing or partially disclosing the factual information compiled by or at the attorney’s direction.

      (10) Public records or information described in this section, furnished by the public body originally compiling, preparing or receiving them to any other public officer or public body in connection with performance of the duties of the recipient, if the considerations originally giving rise to the confidential or exempt nature of the public records or information remain applicable.

      (11) Records of the Energy Facility Siting Council concerning the review or approval of security programs pursuant to ORS 469.530.

      (12) Employee and retiree address, telephone number and other nonfinancial membership records and employee financial records maintained by the Public Employees Retirement System pursuant to ORS chapters 238 and 238A or by another retirement system operated by a public body.

      (13) Records of or submitted to the State Treasurer, the Oregon Investment Council or the agents of the treasurer or the council relating to active or proposed publicly traded investments under ORS chapter 293, including but not limited to records regarding the acquisition, exchange or liquidation of the investments. For the purposes of this subsection:

      (a) The exemption does not apply to:

      (A) Information in investment records solely related to the amount paid directly into an investment by, or returned from the investment directly to, the treasurer or council; or

      (B) The identity of the entity to which the amount was paid directly or from which the amount was received directly.

      (b) An investment in a publicly traded investment is no longer active when acquisition, exchange or liquidation of the investment has been concluded.

      (14)(a) Records of or submitted to the State Treasurer, the Oregon Investment Council, the Oregon Growth Board or the agents of the treasurer, council or board relating to actual or proposed investments under ORS chapter 293 or 348 in a privately placed investment fund or a private asset including but not limited to records regarding the solicitation, acquisition, deployment, exchange or liquidation of the investments including but not limited to:

      (A) Due diligence materials that are proprietary to an investment fund, to an asset ownership or to their respective investment vehicles.

      (B) Financial statements of an investment fund, an asset ownership or their respective investment vehicles.

      (C) Meeting materials of an investment fund, an asset ownership or their respective investment vehicles.

      (D) Records containing information regarding the portfolio positions in which an investment fund, an asset ownership or their respective investment vehicles invest.

      (E) Capital call and distribution notices of an investment fund, an asset ownership or their respective investment vehicles.

      (F) Investment agreements and related documents.

      (b) The exemption under this subsection does not apply to:

      (A) The name, address and vintage year of each privately placed investment fund.

      (B) The dollar amount of the commitment made to each privately placed investment fund since inception of the fund.

      (C) The dollar amount of cash contributions made to each privately placed investment fund since inception of the fund.

      (D) The dollar amount, on a fiscal year-end basis, of cash distributions received by the State Treasurer, the Oregon Investment Council, the Oregon Growth Board or the agents of the treasurer, council or board from each privately placed investment fund.

      (E) The dollar amount, on a fiscal year-end basis, of the remaining value of assets in a privately placed investment fund attributable to an investment by the State Treasurer, the Oregon Investment Council, the Oregon Growth Board or the agents of the treasurer, council or board.

      (F) The net internal rate of return of each privately placed investment fund since inception of the fund.

      (G) The investment multiple of each privately placed investment fund since inception of the fund.

      (H) The dollar amount of the total management fees and costs paid on an annual fiscal year-end basis to each privately placed investment fund.

      (I) The dollar amount of cash profit received from each privately placed investment fund on a fiscal year-end basis.

      (15) The monthly reports prepared and submitted under ORS 293.761 and 293.766 concerning the Public Employees Retirement Fund and the Industrial Accident Fund may be uniformly treated as exempt from disclosure for a period of up to 90 days after the end of the calendar quarter.

      (16) Reports of unclaimed property filed by the holders of such property to the extent permitted by ORS 98.352.

      (17)(a) The following records, communications and information submitted to the Oregon Business Development Commission, the Oregon Business Development Department, the State Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Growth Board, the Port of Portland or other ports as defined in ORS 777.005, or a county or city governing body and any board, department, commission, council or agency thereof, by applicants for investment funds, grants, loans, services or economic development moneys, support or assistance including, but not limited to, those described in ORS 285A.224:

      (A) Personal financial statements.

      (B) Financial statements of applicants.

      (C) Customer lists.

      (D) Information of an applicant pertaining to litigation to which the applicant is a party if the complaint has been filed, or if the complaint has not been filed, if the applicant shows that such litigation is reasonably likely to occur; this exemption does not apply to litigation which has been concluded, and nothing in this subparagraph shall limit any right or opportunity granted by discovery or deposition statutes to a party to litigation or potential litigation.

      (E) Production, sales and cost data.

      (F) Marketing strategy information that relates to applicant’s plan to address specific markets and applicant’s strategy regarding specific competitors.

      (b) The following records, communications and information submitted to the State Department of Energy by applicants for tax credits or for grants awarded under ORS 469B.256:

      (A) Personal financial statements.

      (B) Financial statements of applicants.

      (C) Customer lists.

      (D) Information of an applicant pertaining to litigation to which the applicant is a party if the complaint has been filed, or if the complaint has not been filed, if the applicant shows that such litigation is reasonably likely to occur; this exemption does not apply to litigation which has been concluded, and nothing in this subparagraph shall limit any right or opportunity granted by discovery or deposition statutes to a party to litigation or potential litigation.

      (E) Production, sales and cost data.

      (F) Marketing strategy information that relates to applicant’s plan to address specific markets and applicant’s strategy regarding specific competitors.

      (18) Records, reports or returns submitted by private concerns or enterprises required by law to be submitted to or inspected by a governmental body to allow it to determine the amount of any transient lodging tax payable and the amounts of such tax payable or paid, to the extent that such information is in a form which would permit identification of the individual concern or enterprise. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the use which can be made of such information for regulatory purposes or its admissibility in any enforcement proceedings. The public body shall notify the taxpayer of the delinquency immediately by certified mail. However, in the event that the payment or delivery of transient lodging taxes otherwise due to a public body is delinquent by over 60 days, the public body shall disclose, upon the request of any person, the following information:

      (a) The identity of the individual concern or enterprise that is delinquent over 60 days in the payment or delivery of the taxes.

      (b) The period for which the taxes are delinquent.

      (c) The actual, or estimated, amount of the delinquency.

      (19) All information supplied by a person under ORS 151.485 for the purpose of requesting appointed counsel, and all information supplied to the court from whatever source for the purpose of verifying the financial eligibility of a person pursuant to ORS 151.485.

      (20) Workers’ compensation claim records of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, except in accordance with rules adopted by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, in any of the following circumstances:

      (a) When necessary for insurers, self-insured employers and third party claim administrators to process workers’ compensation claims.

      (b) When necessary for the director, other governmental agencies of this state or the United States to carry out their duties, functions or powers.

      (c) When the disclosure is made in such a manner that the disclosed information cannot be used to identify any worker who is the subject of a claim.

      (d) When a worker or the worker’s representative requests review of the worker’s claim record.

      (21) Sensitive business records or financial or commercial information of the Oregon Health and Science University that is not customarily provided to business competitors.

      (22) Records of Oregon Health and Science University regarding candidates for the position of president of the university.

      (23) The records of a library, including:

      (a) Circulation records, showing use of specific library material by a named person;

      (b) The name of a library patron together with the address or telephone number of the patron; and

      (c) The electronic mail address of a patron.

      (24) The following records, communications and information obtained by the Housing and Community Services Department in connection with the department’s monitoring or administration of financial assistance or of housing or other developments:

      (a) Personal and corporate financial statements and information, including tax returns.

      (b) Credit reports.

      (c) Project appraisals, excluding appraisals obtained in the course of transactions involving an interest in real estate that is acquired, leased, rented, exchanged, transferred or otherwise disposed of as part of the project, but only after the transactions have closed and are concluded.

      (d) Market studies and analyses.

      (e) Articles of incorporation, partnership agreements and operating agreements.

      (f) Commitment letters.

      (g) Project pro forma statements.

      (h) Project cost certifications and cost data.

      (i) Audits.

      (j) Project tenant correspondence.

      (k) Personal information about a tenant.

      (L) Housing assistance payments.

      (25) Raster geographic information system (GIS) digital databases, provided by private forestland owners or their representatives, voluntarily and in confidence to the State Forestry Department, that is not otherwise required by law to be submitted.

      (26) Sensitive business, commercial or financial information furnished to or developed by a public body engaged in the business of providing electricity or electricity services, if the information is directly related to a transaction described in ORS 261.348, or if the information is directly related to a bid, proposal or negotiations for the sale or purchase of electricity or electricity services, and disclosure of the information would cause a competitive disadvantage for the public body or its retail electricity customers. This subsection does not apply to cost-of-service studies used in the development or review of generally applicable rate schedules.

      (27) Sensitive business, commercial or financial information furnished to or developed by the City of Klamath Falls, acting solely in connection with the ownership and operation of the Klamath Cogeneration Project, if the information is directly related to a transaction described in ORS 225.085 and disclosure of the information would cause a competitive disadvantage for the Klamath Cogeneration Project. This subsection does not apply to cost-of-service studies used in the development or review of generally applicable rate schedules.

      (28) Personally identifiable information about customers of a municipal electric utility or a people’s utility district or the names, dates of birth, driver license numbers, telephone numbers, electronic mail addresses or Social Security numbers of customers who receive water, sewer or storm drain services from a public body as defined in ORS 174.109. The utility or district may release personally identifiable information about a customer, and a public body providing water, sewer or storm drain services may release the name, date of birth, driver license number, telephone number, electronic mail address or Social Security number of a customer, if the customer consents in writing or electronically, if the disclosure is necessary for the utility, district or other public body to render services to the customer, if the disclosure is required pursuant to a court order or if the disclosure is otherwise required by federal or state law. The utility, district or other public body may charge as appropriate for the costs of providing such information. The utility, district or other public body may make customer records available to third party credit agencies on a regular basis in connection with the establishment and management of customer accounts or in the event such accounts are delinquent.

      (29) A record of the street and number of an employee’s address submitted to a special district to obtain assistance in promoting an alternative to single occupant motor vehicle transportation.

      (30) Sensitive business records, capital development plans or financial or commercial information of Oregon Corrections Enterprises that is not customarily provided to business competitors.

      (31) Documents, materials or other information submitted to the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services in confidence by a state, federal, foreign or international regulatory or law enforcement agency or by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, its affiliates or subsidiaries under ORS 86A.095 to 86A.198, 697.005 to 697.095, 697.602 to 697.842, 705.137, 717.200 to 717.320, 717.900 or 717.905, ORS chapter 59, 723, 725 or 726, the Bank Act or the Insurance Code when:

      (a) The document, material or other information is received upon notice or with an understanding that it is confidential or privileged under the laws of the jurisdiction that is the source of the document, material or other information; and

      (b) The director has obligated the Department of Consumer and Business Services not to disclose the document, material or other information.

      (32) A county elections security plan developed and filed under ORS 254.074.

      (33) Information about review or approval of programs relating to the security of:

      (a) Generation, storage or conveyance of:

      (A) Electricity;

      (B) Gas in liquefied or gaseous form;

      (C) Hazardous substances as defined in ORS 453.005 (7)(a), (b) and (d);

      (D) Petroleum products;

      (E) Sewage; or

      (F) Water.

      (b) Telecommunication systems, including cellular, wireless or radio systems.

      (c) Data transmissions by whatever means provided.

      (34) The information specified in ORS 25.020 (8) if the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court designates the information as confidential by rule under ORS 1.002.

      (35)(a) Employer account records of the State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation.

      (b) As used in this subsection, “employer account records” means all records maintained in any form that are specifically related to the account of any employer insured, previously insured or under consideration to be insured by the State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation and any information obtained or developed by the corporation in connection with providing, offering to provide or declining to provide insurance to a specific employer. “Employer account records” includes, but is not limited to, an employer’s payroll records, premium payment history, payroll classifications, employee names and identification information, experience modification factors, loss experience and dividend payment history.

      (c) The exemption provided by this subsection may not serve as the basis for opposition to the discovery documents in litigation pursuant to applicable rules of civil procedure.

      (36)(a) Claimant files of the State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation.

      (b) As used in this subsection, “claimant files” includes, but is not limited to, all records held by the corporation pertaining to a person who has made a claim, as defined in ORS 656.005, and all records pertaining to such a claim.

      (c) The exemption provided by this subsection may not serve as the basis for opposition to the discovery documents in litigation pursuant to applicable rules of civil procedure.

      (37) Except as authorized by ORS 408.425, records that certify or verify an individual’s discharge or other separation from military service.

      (38) Records of or submitted to a domestic violence service or resource center that relate to the name or personal information of an individual who visits a center for service, including the date of service, the type of service received, referrals or contact information or personal information of a family member of the individual. As used in this subsection, “domestic violence service or resource center” means an entity, the primary purpose of which is to assist persons affected by domestic or sexual violence by providing referrals, resource information or other assistance specifically of benefit to domestic or sexual violence victims.

      (39) Information reported to the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 431A.860, except as provided in ORS 431A.865 (3)(b), information disclosed by the authority under ORS 431A.865 and any information related to disclosures made by the authority under ORS 431A.865, including information identifying the recipient of the information.

      (40)(a) Electronic mail addresses in the possession or custody of an agency or subdivision of the executive department, as defined in ORS 174.112, the legislative department, as defined in ORS 174.114, a local government or local service district, as defined in ORS 174.116, or a special government body, as defined in ORS 174.117.

      (b) This subsection does not apply to electronic mail addresses assigned by a public body to public employees for use by the employees in the ordinary course of their employment.

      (c) This subsection and ORS 244.040 do not prohibit the campaign office of the current officeholder or current candidates who have filed to run for that elective office from receiving upon request the electronic mail addresses used by the current officeholder’s legislative office for newsletter distribution, except that a campaign office that receives electronic mail addresses under this paragraph may not make a further disclosure of those electronic mail addresses to any other person.

      (41) Residential addresses, residential telephone numbers, personal cellular telephone numbers, personal electronic mail addresses, driver license numbers, emergency contact information, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and other telephone numbers of individuals currently or previously certified or licensed by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training contained in the records maintained by the department.

      (42) Personally identifiable information and contact information of veterans as defined in ORS 408.225 and of persons serving on active duty or as reserve members with the Armed Forces of the United States, National Guard or other reserve component that was obtained by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in the course of performing its duties and functions, including but not limited to names, residential and employment addresses, dates of birth, driver license numbers, telephone numbers, electronic mail addresses, Social Security numbers, marital status, dependents, the character of discharge from military service, military rating or rank, that the person is a veteran or has provided military service, information relating to an application for or receipt of federal or state benefits, information relating to the basis for receipt or denial of federal or state benefits and information relating to a home loan or grant application, including but not limited to financial information provided in connection with the application.

      (43) Business, commercial, financial, operational and research data and information, including but not limited to pricing, intellectual property and customer records, furnished to, developed by or generated in connection with the ownership and operation of an unmanned aerial system test range, if disclosure of the information would cause a competitive disadvantage to the test range or its users.

      (44) Personally identifiable information about a child under the age of 16 years that is submitted to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission or an agent of the commission to obtain a license, tag or permit under the wildlife laws.

      (45) Proprietary information subject to a nondisclosure agreement that is provided to the Oregon Broadband Office pursuant to ORS 285A.176.

      (46) With respect to records held by the State Treasurer relating to unclaimed properties under ORS 98.302 to 98.436:

      (a) All materials or communications received during an examination under ORS 98.412 (2) and (3), except to the extent that the information in the materials or communications appears within a report under ORS 98.412 (4) or 98.352 and the information is not otherwise exempt under ORS 98.352 (4).

      (b) All materials or communications assembled or used by the state or its auditor during the preparation of a report under ORS 98.412 (4), including drafts, correspondence, working papers and other preparatory documents.

      (c) Information obtained during an examination under ORS 98.412 (2) and (3) concerning an unclaimed property holder’s potential liability in a state other than Oregon, even if that information is included in a report under ORS 98.412 (4) or 98.352.

      (d) Information in or supporting claims to unclaimed property under ORS 98.392, except to the extent that the claimant consents to the information’s disclosure.

      (47) Any document, record or plan for protection relating to the existence, nature, location or function of cybersecurity devices, programs or systems designed to protect computer, information technology or communications systems against threat or attack, including but not limited to:

      (a) Records pertaining to devices, programs or systems that depend for their effectiveness in whole or part upon a lack of public knowledge; and

      (b) Contractual records or insurance records that set forth cybersecurity specifications, insurance application and coverage details. [Formerly 192.502; 2019 c.470 §10; 2021 c.174 §1; 2021 c.657 §1; 2022 c.60 §5; 2023 c.50 §1; 2023 c.238 §8; 2023 c.307 §1]

 

      Note: See note under 192.338.

 

      192.360 Condensation of public record subject to disclosure; petition to review denial of right to inspect public record; adequacy of condensation. (1) When a public record is subject to disclosure under ORS 192.355 (9)(b), in lieu of making the public record available for inspection by providing a copy of the record, the public body may prepare and release a condensation from the record of the significant facts that are not otherwise exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478. The release of the condensation does not waive any privilege under ORS 40.225 to 40.295.

      (2) The person seeking to inspect or receive a copy of any public record for which a condensation of facts has been provided under this section may petition for review of the denial to inspect or receive a copy of the records under ORS 192.311 to 192.478. In such a review, the Attorney General, district attorney or court shall, in addition to reviewing the records to which access was denied, compare those records to the condensation to determine whether the condensation adequately describes the significant facts contained in the records. [Formerly 192.423]

 

      Note: 192.360 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Records Containing Personal Information)

 

      192.363 Contents of certain requests for disclosure. (1) A request for the disclosure of records described in ORS 192.355 (3) or 192.365 must include the following information:

      (a) The names of the individuals for whom personal information is sought;

      (b) A statement describing the personal information being sought; and

      (c) A statement that satisfies subsection (2) of this section.

      (2) The party seeking disclosure shall show by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest requires disclosure in a particular instance.

      (3) Upon receiving a request described in subsection (1) of this section, a public body shall forward a copy of the request and any materials submitted with the request to the individuals whose personal information is being sought or to any representatives of each class of persons whose personal information is the subject of the request.

      (4) For purposes of subsection (3) of this section, the public body has sole discretion to determine the classes of persons whose personal information is the subject of the request and to identify the representatives for each class.

      (5) The public body may not disclose information pursuant to the request for at least seven days after forwarding copies of the request under subsection (3) of this section.

      (6) The public body shall consider all information submitted under this section and shall disclose requested information only if the public body determines that the party seeking disclosure has demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest requires disclosure in a particular instance. [Formerly 192.437]

 

      Note: 192.363 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.365 Disclosure of information pertaining to home care worker, personal support worker, operator of child care facility, exempt child care provider or operator of adult foster home. (1) Upon compliance with ORS 192.363, a public body that is the custodian of or is otherwise in possession of the following information pertaining to a home care worker or personal support worker as defined in ORS 410.600, an operator of a child care facility as defined in ORS 329A.250, an exempt family child care provider as defined in ORS 329A.430 or an operator of an adult foster home as defined in ORS 443.705 shall disclose that information in response to a request to inspect public records under ORS 192.311 to 192.478:

      (a) Residential address and telephone numbers;

      (b) Personal electronic mail addresses and personal cellular telephone numbers;

      (c) Social Security numbers and employer-issued identification card numbers; and

      (d) Emergency contact information.

      (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to the Judicial Department or the Department of Transportation or to any records in the custody of the Judicial Department or the Department of Transportation. [Formerly 192.435; 2018 c.75 §10]

 

      Note: 192.365 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.368 Nondisclosure on request of home address, home telephone number and electronic mail address; rules of procedure; duration of effect of request; liability; when not applicable. (1) An individual may submit a written request to a public body not to disclose a specified public record indicating the home address, personal telephone number or electronic mail address of the individual. A public body may not disclose the specified public record if the individual demonstrates to the satisfaction of the public body that the personal safety of the individual or the personal safety of a family member residing with the individual is in danger if the home address, personal telephone number or electronic mail address remains available for public inspection.

      (2) The Attorney General shall adopt rules describing:

      (a) The procedures for submitting the written request described in subsection (1) of this section.

      (b) The evidence an individual shall provide to the public body to establish that disclosure of the home address, telephone number or electronic mail address of the individual would constitute a danger to personal safety. The evidence may include but is not limited to evidence that the individual or a family member residing with the individual has:

      (A) Been a victim of domestic violence;

      (B) Obtained an order issued under ORS 133.055;

      (C) Contacted a law enforcement officer involving domestic violence or other physical abuse;

      (D) Obtained a temporary restraining order or other no contact order to protect the individual from future physical abuse; or

      (E) Filed other criminal or civil legal proceedings regarding physical protection.

      (c) The procedures for submitting the written notification from the individual that disclosure of the home address, personal telephone number or electronic mail address of the individual no longer constitutes a danger to personal safety.

      (3) A request described in subsection (1) of this section remains effective:

      (a) Until the public body receives a written request for termination but no later than five years after the date that a public body receives the request; or

      (b) In the case of a voter registration record, until the individual must update the individual’s voter registration, at which time the individual may apply for another exemption from disclosure.

      (4) A public body may disclose a home address, personal telephone number or electronic mail address of an individual exempt from disclosure under subsection (1) of this section upon court order, on request from any law enforcement agency or with the consent of the individual.

      (5) A public body may not be held liable for granting or denying an exemption from disclosure under this section or any other unauthorized release of a home address, personal telephone number or electronic mail address granted an exemption from disclosure under this section.

      (6) This section does not apply to county property and lien records. [Formerly 192.445]

 

      Note: 192.368 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.371 Nondisclosure of public employee identification badge or card. (1) As used in this section, “public body” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.109.

      (2) A public body may not disclose the identification badge or card of an employee of the public body without the written consent of the employee if:

      (a) The badge or card contains the photograph of the employee; and

      (b) The badge or card was prepared solely for internal use by the public body to identify employees of the public body.

      (3) The public body may not disclose a duplicate of the photograph used on the badge or card. [Formerly 192.447]

Note: 192.371 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.374 Nondisclosure of concealed handgun license records or information; exceptions; limitations; rules. (1) A public body may not disclose records or information that identifies a person as a current or former holder of, or applicant for, a concealed handgun license, unless:

      (a) The disclosure is made to another public body and is necessary for criminal justice purposes;

      (b) A court enters an order in a criminal or civil case directing the public body to disclose the records or information;

      (c) The holder of, or applicant for, the concealed handgun license consents to the disclosure in writing;

      (d) The public body determines that a compelling public interest requires disclosure in the particular instance and the disclosure is limited to the name, age and county of residence of the holder or applicant;

      (e)(A) The disclosure is limited to confirming or denying that a person convicted of a person crime, or restrained by a protective order, is a current holder of a concealed handgun license; and

      (B) The disclosure is made to a victim of the person crime or to a person who is protected by the protective order, in response to a request for disclosure that provides the public body with the name and age of the person convicted of the person crime or restrained by the protective order; or

      (f)(A) The disclosure is limited to confirming or denying that a person convicted of a crime involving the use or possession of a firearm is a current holder of a concealed handgun license; and

      (B) The disclosure is made to a bona fide representative of the news media in response to a request for disclosure that provides the name and age of the person convicted of the crime involving the use or possession of a firearm.

      (2) A public body may not confirm or deny that a person described in subsection (1)(e)(A) or (f)(A) of this section is a current holder of a concealed handgun license unless the person seeking disclosure:

      (a) Under subsection (1)(e) of this section provides the public body with written proof that the person is a victim of the person crime or is protected by the protective order.

      (b) Under subsection (1)(f) of this section provides the public body with written proof that the person is a bona fide representative of the news media.

      (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public body that receives a request for disclosure under subsection (1)(e) or (f) of this section may conduct an investigation, including a criminal records check, to determine whether a person described in subsection (1)(e)(A) or (f)(A) of this section has been convicted of a person crime or a crime involving the use or possession of a firearm or is restrained by a protective order.

      (4) The Attorney General shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section. The rules must include a description of:

      (a) The procedures for submitting the written request described in subsection (1)(d) of this section; and

      (b) The materials an individual must provide to the public body to establish a compelling public interest that supports the disclosure of the name, age and county of residence of the holder or applicant.

      (5) The prohibition described in subsection (1) of this section does not apply to the Judicial Department.

      (6) As used in this section:

      (a) “Convicted” does not include a conviction that has been reversed, vacated or set aside or a conviction for which the person has been pardoned.

      (b) “Person crime” means a person felony or person Class A misdemeanor, as those terms are defined in the rules of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, or any other crime constituting domestic violence, as defined in ORS 135.230.

      (c) “Protective order” has the meaning given that term in ORS 135.886.

      (d) “Victim” has the meaning given that term in ORS 131.007. [Formerly 192.448]

 

      Note: 192.374 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.377 Required redaction of certain personal information. A public body that is the custodian of or is otherwise in possession of information that was submitted to the public body in confidence and is not otherwise required by law to be submitted, must redact all of the following information before making a disclosure described in ORS 192.355 (4):

      (1) Residential address and telephone numbers;

      (2) Personal electronic mail addresses and personal cellular telephone numbers;

      (3) Social Security numbers and employer-issued identification card numbers; and

      (4) Emergency contact information. [Formerly 192.504]

 

      Note: 192.377 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.380 Immunity from liability for disclosure of certain personal information; recovery of costs. (1) A public body or any official of the public body that determines that a party requesting information under ORS 192.355 (3), 192.363 or 192.365 has demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest requires disclosure in a particular instance is immune from civil or criminal liability associated with the disclosure.

      (2) A public body that receives a request for disclosure of records under ORS 192.355 (3) or 192.365 is entitled to recover the cost of complying with ORS 192.363 without regard to whether the public body determines that the party requesting disclosure has demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest requires disclosure in a particular instance. [Formerly 192.497]

 

      Note: 192.380 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Investigation Records)

 

      192.385 Nondisclosure of certain public safety officer investigation records; exceptions. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Law enforcement unit” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.355.

      (b) “Public body” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.311.

      (c) “Public safety officer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 181A.355.

      (2) A public body may not disclose audio or video records of internal investigation interviews of public safety officers.

      (3) Subsection (2) of this section does not prohibit disclosure of the records described in subsection (2) of this section to:

      (a) A law enforcement unit for purposes of the investigation;

      (b) An attorney representing a public safety officer who is the subject of the investigation;

      (c) The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training as required by ORS 181A.670;

      (d) A district attorney, as defined in ORS 131.005;

      (e) A public safety officer who is the subject of the investigation;

      (f) An attorney for a defendant in a criminal proceeding related to the investigation, for use in preparation for the criminal proceeding;

      (g) A labor organization, as defined in ORS 243.650, for use in an action by an employer against a member of the labor organization for the purpose of punishing the member;

      (h) A public body responsible for civilian oversight or a citizen review body designated by the public body for the purposes of fulfilling the investigative and oversight functions of the body;

      (i) A federal law enforcement agency for purposes of the investigation; or

      (j) The Attorney General.

      (4) The disclosure of records under subsection (3) of this section does not make the records subject to further disclosure. [Formerly 192.405]

 

      Note: 192.385 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Old Records)

 

      192.390 Inspection of records more than 25 years old. Notwithstanding ORS 192.338, 192.345 and 192.355 and except as otherwise provided in ORS 192.398, public records that are more than 25 years old shall be available for inspection. [Formerly 192.495]

 

      Note: 192.390 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Health Records)

 

      192.395 Health services costs. A record of an agency of the executive department as defined in ORS 174.112 that contains the following information is a public record subject to inspection under ORS 192.314 and is not exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.345 or 192.355 except to the extent that the record discloses information about an individual’s health or is proprietary to a person:

      (1) The amounts determined by an independent actuary retained by the agency to cover the costs of providing each of the following health services under ORS 414.591, 414.631 and 414.688 to 414.745 for the six months preceding the report:

      (a) Inpatient hospital services;

      (b) Outpatient hospital services;

      (c) Laboratory and X-ray services;

      (d) Physician and other licensed practitioner services;

      (e) Prescription drugs;

      (f) Dental services;

      (g) Vision services;

      (h) Mental health services;

      (i) Chemical dependency services;

      (j) Durable medical equipment and supplies; and

      (k) Other health services provided under a coordinated care organization contract under ORS 414.591 or a contract with a prepaid managed care health services organization, as defined in ORS 414.025;

      (2) The amounts the agency and each contractor have paid under each coordinated care organization contract under ORS 414.591 or prepaid managed care health services organization contract for administrative costs and the provision of each of the health services described in subsection (1) of this section for the six months preceding the report;

      (3) Any adjustments made to the amounts reported under this section to account for geographic or other differences in providing the health services; and

      (4) The numbers of individuals served under each coordinated care organization contract or prepaid managed care health services organization contract, listed by category of individual. [Formerly 192.493]

 

      Note: 192.395 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.398 Medical records; sealed records; records of individual in custody or under supervision; student records. The following public records are exempt from disclosure:

      (1) Records less than 75 years old which contain information about the physical or mental health or psychiatric care or treatment of a living individual, if the public disclosure thereof would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy. The party seeking disclosure shall have the burden of showing by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest requires disclosure in the particular instance and that public disclosure would not constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy.

      (2) Records less than 75 years old which were sealed in compliance with statute or by court order. Such records may be disclosed upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction or as otherwise provided by law.

      (3) Records of a person who is or has been in the custody or under the lawful supervision of a state agency, a court or a unit of local government, are exempt from disclosure for a period of 25 years after termination of such custody or supervision to the extent that disclosure thereof would interfere with the rehabilitation of the person if the public interest in confidentiality clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Nothing in this subsection, however, shall be construed as prohibiting disclosure of the fact that a person is in custody.

      (4) Student records required by state or federal law to be exempt from disclosure. [Formerly 192.496]

 

      Note: 192.398 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.401 Records of health professional regulatory boards, Health Licensing Office. (1)(a) A person denied the right to inspect or to receive a copy of a public record of a health professional regulatory board, as defined in ORS 676.160, that contains information concerning a licensee or applicant, and petitioning the Attorney General to review the public record shall, on or before the date of filing the petition with the Attorney General, send a copy of the petition by first class mail to the health professional regulatory board. Not more than 48 hours after the board receives a copy of the petition, the board shall send a copy of the petition by first class mail to the licensee or applicant who is the subject of a public record for which disclosure is sought. When sending a copy of the petition to the licensee or applicant, the board shall include a notice informing the licensee or applicant that a written response by the licensee or applicant may be filed with the Attorney General not later than seven days after the date that the notice was sent by the board. Immediately upon receipt of any written response from the licensee or applicant, the Attorney General shall send a copy of the response to the petitioner by first class mail.

      (b) A person denied the right to inspect or to receive a copy of a public record of the Health Licensing Office that contains information concerning an individual who holds, or an applicant for, an authorization to practice a profession to which ORS 676.595 applies, and petitioning the Attorney General to review the public record shall, on or before the date of filing the petition with the Attorney General, send a copy of the petition by first class mail to the office. Not more than 48 hours after the office receives a copy of the petition, the office shall send a copy of the petition by first class mail to the holder of the authorization or the applicant who is the subject of a public record for which disclosure is sought. When sending a copy of the petition to the holder of the authorization or the applicant, the office shall include a notice informing the holder of the authorization or the applicant that a written response by the holder of the authorization or the applicant may be filed with the Attorney General not later than seven days after the date that the notice was sent by the office. Immediately upon receipt of any written response from the holder of the authorization or the applicant, the Attorney General shall send a copy of the response to the petitioner by first class mail.

      (2)(a) The person seeking disclosure of a public record of a health professional regulatory board, as defined in ORS 676.160, that is confidential or exempt from disclosure under ORS 676.165 or 676.175 shall have the burden of demonstrating to the Attorney General by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest in disclosure outweighs other interests in nondisclosure, including but not limited to the public interest in nondisclosure. The Attorney General shall issue an order denying or granting the petition, or denying or granting it in part, not later than the 15th day following the day that the Attorney General receives the petition. A copy of the Attorney General’s order granting a petition or part of a petition shall be served by first class mail on the health professional regulatory board, the petitioner and the licensee or applicant who is the subject of a public record ordered to be disclosed. The health professional regulatory board shall not disclose a public record prior to the seventh day following the service of the Attorney General’s order on a licensee or applicant entitled to receive notice under this paragraph.

      (b) The person seeking disclosure of a public record of the Health Licensing Office that is confidential or exempt from disclosure as described in ORS 676.595 shall have the burden of demonstrating to the Attorney General by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest in disclosure outweighs other interests in nondisclosure, including but not limited to the public interest in nondisclosure. The Attorney General shall issue an order denying or granting the petition, or denying or granting the petition in part, not later than the 15th day following the day that the Attorney General receives the petition. A copy of the Attorney General’s order granting a petition or part of a petition shall be served by first class mail on the office, the petitioner and the holder of the authorization or the applicant who is the subject of a public record ordered to be disclosed. The office shall not disclose a public record prior to the seventh day following the service of the Attorney General’s order on a holder of an authorization or an applicant entitled to receive notice under this paragraph.

      (3)(a) If the Attorney General grants or denies the petition for a public record of a health professional regulatory board, as defined in ORS 676.160, that contains information concerning a licensee or applicant, the board, a person denied the right to inspect or receive a copy of the public record or the licensee or applicant who is the subject of the public record may institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief in the circuit court for the county where the public record is held. The party seeking disclosure of the public record shall have the burden of demonstrating by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest in disclosure outweighs other interests in nondisclosure, including but not limited to the public interest in nondisclosure.

      (b) If the Attorney General grants or denies the petition for a public record of the Health Licensing Office that contains information concerning a holder of an authorization to practice a profession or an applicant, the office, a person denied the right to inspect or receive a copy of the public record or the holder of the authorization or the applicant who is the subject of the public record may institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief in the circuit court for the county where the public record is held. The party seeking disclosure of the public record shall have the burden of demonstrating by clear and convincing evidence that the public interest in disclosure outweighs other interests in nondisclosure, including but not limited to the public interest in nondisclosure.

      (4) The Attorney General may comply with a request of a health professional regulatory board or the Health Licensing Office to be represented by independent counsel in any proceeding under subsection (3) of this section. [Formerly subsections (4) to (7) of 192.450]

 

      192.405 [2011 c.485 §1; renumbered 192.385 in 2017]

 

(Appeals)

 

      192.407 When petition for review of public records request allowed; order granting petition; penalty. (1) A person who has submitted a written public records request in compliance with a public body’s policy may seek review of the following, in the same manner as a person petitions when inspection of a public record is denied under ORS 192.311 to 192.478:

      (a) The failure of a public body to provide the response required by ORS 192.329 within the prescribed period. A failure of the public body to timely respond shall be treated as a denial of the request unless the public body demonstrates that compliance was not required under ORS 192.329.

      (b) An estimate of time provided by a public body pursuant to ORS 192.329, if the person believes that the estimated time frame for the response is unreasonably long and will result in undue delay of disclosure.

      (c) Any other instance in which the person believes that the public body has failed to comply with ORS 192.329.

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the Attorney General, the district attorney and the court have the same authority with respect to petitions under this section as when inspection of a public record is denied.

      (3) If the Attorney General, the district attorney or a court grants a petition filed under this section, the order granting the petition:

      (a) May require disclosure of nonexempt material responsive to the request within seven days, or within any other period that the Attorney General, district attorney or court concludes is appropriate to comply with ORS 192.329;

      (b) May require the public body to pay a penalty of $200 to the requester if the Attorney General, district attorney or court determines that the public body responded to the request with undue delay or failed to respond to the request; and

      (c) May order a fee waiver or a fee reduction if a public body has responded to the request with undue delay or has failed to respond to the request in the time and manner prescribed in ORS 192.329. Nothing in this subsection prohibits a reviewing body from finding an unreasonable denial of a fee waiver or a fee reduction on other grounds.

      (4) Nothing in this section limits the authority of a court to act under ORS 192.431. [2017 c.456 §5; 2019 c.205 §1]

 

      Note: 192.407 was added to and made a part of 192.311 to 192.478 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.410 [1973 c.794 §2; 1989 c.377 §1; 1993 c.787 §4; 2001 c.237 §1; 2005 c.659 §4; 2017 c.456 §2; renumbered 192.311 in 2017]

 

      192.411 Petition to review denial of right to inspect state public record; appeal from decision of Attorney General denying inspection. (1) Subject to ORS 192.401 (1) and 192.427, any person denied the right to inspect or to receive a copy of any public record of a state agency may petition the Attorney General to review the public record to determine if it may be withheld from public inspection. Except as provided in ORS 192.401 (2), the burden is on the agency to sustain its action. Except as provided in ORS 192.401 (2), the Attorney General shall issue an order denying or granting the petition, or denying it in part and granting it in part, within seven days from the day the Attorney General receives the petition.

      (2) If the Attorney General grants the petition and orders the state agency to disclose the public record, or if the Attorney General grants the petition in part and orders the state agency to disclose a portion of the public record, the state agency shall comply with the order in full within seven days after issuance of the order, unless within the seven-day period it issues a notice of its intention to institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief in the Circuit Court for Marion County or, as provided in ORS 192.401 (3), in the circuit court of the county where the public record is held. Copies of the notice shall be sent to the Attorney General and by certified mail to the petitioner at the address shown on the petition. The state agency shall institute the proceedings within seven days after it issues its notice of intention to do so. If the Attorney General denies the petition in whole or in part, or if the state agency continues to withhold the public record or a part of it notwithstanding an order to disclose by the Attorney General, the person seeking disclosure may institute such proceedings.

      (3) The Attorney General shall serve as counsel for the state agency in a suit filed under subsection (2) of this section if the suit arises out of a determination by the Attorney General that the public record should not be disclosed, or that a part of the public record should not be disclosed if the state agency has fully complied with the order of the Attorney General requiring disclosure of another part or parts of the public record, and in no other case. In any case in which the Attorney General is prohibited from serving as counsel for the state agency, the agency may retain special counsel. [Formerly subsections (1) to (3) of 192.450]

 

      192.415 Procedure to review denial of right to inspect other public records; effect of disclosure. (1) ORS 192.401 and 192.411 apply to the case of a person denied the right to inspect or to receive a copy of any public record of a public body other than a state agency, except that:

      (a) The district attorney of the county in which the public body is located, or if it is located in more than one county the district attorney of the county in which the administrative offices of the public body are located, shall carry out the functions of the Attorney General;

      (b) Any suit filed must be filed in the circuit court for the county described in paragraph (a) of this subsection; and

      (c) The district attorney may not serve as counsel for the public body, in the cases permitted under ORS 192.411 (3), unless the district attorney ordinarily serves as counsel for the public body.

      (2) Disclosure of a record to the district attorney in compliance with subsection (1) of this section does not waive any privilege or claim of privilege regarding the record or its contents.

      (3) Disclosure of a record or part of a record as ordered by the district attorney is a compelled disclosure for purposes of ORS 40.285. [Formerly 192.460]

 

      192.418 Effect of failure of Attorney General, district attorney or elected official to take timely action on inspection petition. (1) The failure of the Attorney General or district attorney to issue an order under ORS 192.401, 192.411 or 192.415 denying, granting, or denying in part and granting in part a petition to require disclosure within seven days from the day of receipt of the petition shall be treated as an order denying the petition for the purpose of determining whether a person may institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief under ORS 192.401, 192.411 or 192.415.

      (2) The failure of an elected official to deny, grant, or deny in part and grant in part a request to inspect or receive a copy of a public record within seven days from the day of receipt of the request shall be treated as a denial of the request for the purpose of determining whether a person may institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief under ORS 192.401, 192.411 or 192.415. [Formerly 192.465]

 

      192.420 [1973 c.794 §3; 1999 c.574 §1; 2003 c.403 §1; renumbered 192.314 in 2017]

 

      192.422 Petition form; procedure when petition received. (1) A petition to the Attorney General or district attorney requesting the Attorney General or district attorney to order a public record to be made available for inspection or to be produced shall be in substantially the following form, or in a form containing the same information:

______________________________________________________________________________

 

______

 

(Date)

      I (we), ____________ (name(s)), the undersigned, request the Attorney General (or District Attorney of ______ County) to order ______ (name of governmental body) and its employees to (make available for inspection) (produce a copy or copies of) the following records:

 

      1. ____________________

(Name or description of record)

 

      2. ____________________

(Name or description of record)

 

      I (we) asked to inspect and/or copy these records on ______ (date) at ______ (address). The request was denied by the following person(s):

 

      1. ____________________

(Name of public officer or employee;

title or position, if known)

 

      2. ____________________

(Name of public officer or employee;

title or position, if known)

 

 

______________________

 

(Signature(s))

______________________________________________________________________________

 

This form should be delivered or mailed to the Attorney General’s office in Salem, or the district attorney’s office in the county courthouse.

      (2) Promptly upon receipt of such a petition, the Attorney General or district attorney shall notify the public body involved. The public body shall thereupon transmit the public record disclosure of which is sought, or a copy, to the Attorney General, together with a statement of its reasons for believing that the public record should not be disclosed. In an appropriate case, with the consent of the Attorney General, the public body may instead disclose the nature or substance of the public record to the Attorney General. [Formerly 192.470]

 

      192.423 [2007 c.513 §2; renumbered 192.360 in 2017]

 

      192.427 Procedure to review denial by elected official of right to inspect public records. In any case in which a person is denied the right to inspect or to receive a copy of a public record in the custody of an elected official, or in the custody of any other person but as to which an elected official claims the right to withhold disclosure, no petition to require disclosure may be filed with the Attorney General or district attorney, or if a petition is filed it shall not be considered by the Attorney General or district attorney after a claim of right to withhold disclosure by an elected official. In such case a person denied the right to inspect or to receive a copy of a public record may institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief in the appropriate circuit court, as specified in ORS 192.401, 192.411 or 192.415, and the Attorney General or district attorney may upon request serve or decline to serve, in the discretion of the Attorney General or district attorney, as counsel in such suit for an elected official for which the Attorney General or district attorney ordinarily serves as counsel. Nothing in this section shall preclude an elected official from requesting advice from the Attorney General or a district attorney as to whether a public record should be disclosed. [Formerly 192.480]

 

      192.430 [1973 c.794 §4; 1989 c.546 §1; renumbered 192.318 in 2017]

 

      192.431 Court authority in reviewing action denying right to inspect public records; docketing; costs and attorney fees. (1) In any suit filed under ORS 192.401, 192.411, 192.415, 192.422 or 192.427, the court has jurisdiction to enjoin the public body from withholding records and to order the production of any records improperly withheld from the person seeking disclosure. The court shall determine the matter de novo and the burden is on the public body to sustain its action. The court, on its own motion, may view the documents in controversy in camera before reaching a decision. Any noncompliance with the order of the court may be punished as contempt of court.

      (2) Except as to causes the court considers of greater importance, proceedings arising under ORS 192.401, 192.411, 192.415, 192.422 or 192.427 take precedence on the docket over all other causes and shall be assigned for hearing and trial at the earliest practicable date and expedited in every way.

      (3) If a person seeking the right to inspect or to receive a copy of a public record prevails in the suit, the person shall be awarded costs and disbursements and reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal. If the person prevails in part, the court may in its discretion award the person costs and disbursements and reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal, or an appropriate portion thereof. If the state agency failed to comply with the Attorney General’s order in full and did not issue a notice of intention to institute proceedings pursuant to ORS 192.411 (2) within seven days after issuance of the order, or did not institute the proceedings within seven days after issuance of the notice, the petitioner shall be awarded costs of suit at the trial level and reasonable attorney fees regardless of which party instituted the suit and regardless of which party prevailed therein. [Formerly 192.490]

 

      192.435 [2015 c.26 §3; 2015 c.805 §2; renumbered 192.365 in 2017]

 

      192.437 [2015 c.805 §3; renumbered 192.363 in 2017]

 

      192.440 [1973 c.794 §5; 1979 c.548 §4; 1989 c.111 §12; 1989 c.377 §2; 1989 c.546 §2; 1999 c.824 §5; 2001 c.445 §168; 2005 c.272 §1; 2007 c.467 §1; 2017 c.456 §3; renumbered 192.324 in 2017]

 

      192.445 [1993 c.787 §5; 1995 c.742 §12; 2003 c.807 §1; renumbered 192.368 in 2017]

 

      192.447 [2003 c.282 §1; renumbered 192.371 in 2017]

 

      192.448 [2012 c.93 §2; 2012 c.93 §5; renumbered 192.374 in 2017]

 

      192.450 [1973 c.794 §6; 1975 c.308 §2; 1997 c.791 §8; 1999 c.751 §4; 2017 c.101 §4; subsections (1) to (3) renumbered 192.411 and subsections (4) to (7) renumbered 192.401 in 2017]

 

      192.460 [1973 c.794 §7; 2007 c.513 §4; renumbered 192.415 in 2017]

 

PUBLIC RECORDS ADVOCATE

 

      192.461 Public Records Advocate. (1) The office of the Public Records Advocate is created as an independent office within the executive department, separate and distinct from any other state agency.

      (2) The Public Records Advocate shall be appointed by the Public Records Advisory Council under ORS 192.481.

      (3) The Public Records Advocate shall be a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar.

      (4) The term of office of the Public Records Advocate shall be four years, except that the advocate may be removed for cause by the Public Records Advisory Council. A determination to remove for cause may be appealed as a contested case proceeding under ORS chapter 183.

      (5) The advocate may be reappointed to consecutive terms.

      (6) The Public Records Advocate is in the exempt service.

      (7)(a) The Public Records Advocate shall select, appoint and fix the compensation of a Deputy Public Records Advocate. The Deputy Public Records Advocate shall be a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar.

      (b) The Public Records Advocate may delegate to the Deputy Public Records Advocate any authority, power or duty to act possessed by the Public Records Advocate except the power to delegate set forth in this paragraph.

      (c) If the position of the Public Records Advocate becomes vacant, the Deputy Public Records Advocate shall serve as the acting Public Records Advocate until a new Public Records Advocate has been appointed.

      (8)(a) The Public Records Advocate may hire and fix the compensation of other professional staff to assist in performing the duties assigned to the Public Records Advocate.

      (b) Officers and employees of the office of the Public Records Advocate are in the exempt service.

      (9) The Public Records Advocate may seek out office facilities and administrative support from other state agencies or local public bodies. State agencies shall assist the advocate. Local public bodies may assist the advocate. [2017 c.728 §1; 2017 c.728 §16; 2019 c.107 §1; 2021 c.582 §1]

 

      192.464 Facilitated dispute resolution services of Public Records Advocate. (1)(a) The Public Records Advocate shall provide facilitated dispute resolution services when requested by a person described in subsection (2) of this section or by a state agency under the conditions described in subsection (3) of this section.

      (b) The Public Records Advocate may provide facilitated dispute resolution services when requested by a person described in subsection (6) of this section and a city.

      (2) A person may seek facilitated dispute resolution services under this section when seeking to inspect or receive copies of public records from a state agency and the person:

      (a) Has been denied access to all or a portion of the records being sought;

      (b) Has been denied a fee waiver or reduction in fees after asserting under ORS 192.324 (5) that a fee waiver or reduction of fees is in the public interest; or

      (c) Received a written fee estimate under ORS 192.324 (4) that the person believes exceeds the actual cost to be incurred by the public body in producing the requested records.

      (3)(a) A state agency may seek facilitated dispute resolution services under this section if, in response to a request for public records, the agency asserts:

      (A) That the records being sought are not public records;

      (B) That the records being sought are exempt from mandatory disclosure; or

      (C) That the agency is, under ORS 192.324, entitled to the fees the agency is seeking in order to produce the records being requested.

      (b) A person seeking to inspect or receive copies of public records may opt out of facilitated dispute resolution services being sought by a state agency by giving written notice of the requester’s election within five days of the requester’s receipt of the agency’s request for facilitated dispute resolution. If written notice is given under this paragraph, the state agency may not determine under subsection (4)(a) of this section that the person seeking to inspect or receive copies of public records has failed to engage in good faith in the facilitated dispute resolution process.

      (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of ORS 192.311 to 192.478:

      (a) The failure of a person seeking to inspect or receive copies of public records to engage in good faith in the facilitated dispute resolution process described in this section upon being authorized to do so under subsection (2) of this section shall be grounds for the state agency to deny the request and refuse to disclose the requested records.

      (b) The failure of a state agency to engage in good faith in the facilitated dispute resolution process described in this section after a public records requester seeks facilitated dispute resolution services under subsection (2) of this section shall be grounds for the award of costs and attorney fees to the public records requester for all costs and attorney fees incurred in pursuing the request after a good faith determination under subsection (5) of this section.

      (5)(a) Either party to the facilitated dispute resolution may request that the Public Records Advocate make a determination concerning whether a party is acting in good faith for purposes of applying the remedies described in subsection (4) of this section.

      (b) A determination by the advocate that a party failed to engage in good faith facilitated dispute resolution and an award of costs and attorney fees are subject to review by the Circuit Court of Marion County as a proceeding under ORS 183.484.

      (6) In the case of a person seeking to inspect or obtain copies of public records from a city, either the person seeking records or the city may seek facilitated dispute resolution services under this section, but only if both the person seeking records and the city agree to have the Public Records Advocate facilitate resolution of the dispute and the advocate consents to facilitated resolution of the dispute. A dispute described in this subsection is not subject to subsections (4) and (5) of this section.

      (7) Facilitated dispute resolution shall be requested by submitting a written request for facilitated dispute resolution and such other information as may be required by the Public Records Advocate. Facilitated dispute resolution between parties shall be conducted and completed within 21 days following receipt by the advocate of the request for facilitated dispute resolution. The facilitated dispute resolution period may be extended by unanimous agreement among the public records requester, the public body and the advocate.

      (8) If the facilitated dispute resolution results in an agreement between the public records requester and the state agency or city, the advocate shall prepare a written document memorializing the agreement. The written agreement shall be executed by the public records requester and an authorized representative of the state agency or city. The written agreement shall control the resolution of the records request. [2017 c.728 §2]

 

      192.465 [1975 c.308 §5; renumbered 192.418 in 2017]

 

      192.468 Discretion of Public Records Advocate in dispute resolution services. Consistent with ORS 192.464 and rules adopted thereunder, the Public Records Advocate possesses sole discretion over the conduct of facilitated dispute resolution sessions. [2017 c.728 §3]

 

      192.470 [1973 c.794 §10; renumbered 192.422 in 2017]

 

      192.472 Confidentiality of Public Records Advocate records. Written records, documents, notes or statements of any kind prepared for or submitted to the Public Records Advocate, prepared by the advocate or exchanged between parties seeking a facilitated dispute resolution are subject to ORS 36.220 to 36.238. The Public Records Advocate may claim any exemption from disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478 that a public body that is a party to the facilitated dispute resolution may claim with respect to a request for public records described in this section. [2017 c.728 §4]

 

      192.475 Public records request training. (1) The Public Records Advocate shall provide training for state agencies and local governments on the requirements and best practices for processing and responding to public records requests.

      (2) The Public Records Advocate shall perform training sessions throughout this state.

      (3) Upon the written request of a state agency or local government, the Public Records Advocate may provide guidance and advice on matters pertaining to public records request processing and the disclosure and applicability of exemptions from disclosure of public records.

      (4) Guidance and advice provided pursuant to subsection (3) of this section is purely advisory and must cease when the particular advice sought relates to a matter that is referred to facilitated dispute resolution under ORS 192.464. [2017 c.728 §5]

 

      192.476 Estimate of expenses; rules. (1) On or before January 1 preceding the start of a biennium, the Public Records Advocate shall estimate the expenses the advocate will incur for the upcoming biennium in carrying out the provisions of ORS 192.461 to 192.477. The advocate shall report the estimate to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Legislative Fiscal Officer.

      (2) The advocate shall charge an assessment to each public body in state government so as to recoup the costs estimated under subsection (1) of this section. Each public body in state government shall pay to the credit of the advocate the amount the public body was assessed under this subsection as an administrative expense from funds or appropriations available to the public body in the same manner as other claims against the public body are paid.

      (3) The advocate shall adopt rules specifying the method for allocating the expenses described in subsection (1) of this section among public bodies in state government and for collecting the assessments described in this section.

      (4) As used in this section, “state government” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.111. [2023 c.155 §1]

 

      192.477 Public Records Advocate Fund. (1) The Public Records Advocate Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Public Records Advocate Fund shall be credited to the Public Records Advocate Fund.

      (2) The Public Records Advocate Fund shall consist of:

      (a) Moneys collected under ORS 192.476;

      (b) Moneys appropriated or otherwise transferred to the fund by the Legislative Assembly; and

      (c) Interest earnings of the fund.

      (3) Moneys in the Public Records Advocate Fund are continuously appropriated to the Public Records Advocate for the purpose of funding the operations of the office of the Public Records Advocate and the Public Records Advisory Council. [2021 c.582 §4; 2023 c.155 §2]

 

      192.478 Exemption for Judicial Department. The Judicial Department is not subject to ORS 192.464 and 192.475. [2017 c.728 §6]

 

      192.480 [1973 c.794 §8; renumbered 192.427 in 2017]

 

PUBLIC RECORDS ADVISORY COUNCIL

 

      192.481 Public Records Advisory Council. (1) The Public Records Advisory Council is created.

      (2) The Public Records Advisory Council consists of:

      (a) The Secretary of State or a designee of the Secretary of State;

      (b) The Attorney General or a designee of the Attorney General;

      (c) The Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services or a designee of the director;

      (d) A representative of the news media who is a member in good standing of a professional journalism association and who is appointed by the Governor;

      (e) Two additional representatives of the news media who are appointed by the Governor;

      (f) A representative of the cities of this state who is appointed by the Governor;

      (g) A representative of the counties of this state who is appointed by the Governor;

      (h) A representative of the special districts of this state who is appointed by the Governor;

      (i) A representative of the public sector workforce who is appointed by the Governor;

      (j) A member of the public who is appointed by the Governor;

      (k) A Senator who is appointed by the President of the Senate and who serves as an ex officio nonvoting member;

      (L) A Representative who is appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and who serves as an ex officio nonvoting member; and

      (m) The Public Records Advocate.

      (3) The council shall elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson, who each shall serve in that capacity for a two-year term, or until their membership on the council ends, whichever is of shorter duration. A chairperson or vice chairperson may be reelected to their positions.

      (4) At any time when the office of Public Records Advocate is vacant:

      (a) The council shall convene at the time and place designated by the chairperson but within 30 days of the vacancy of the office of Public Records Advocate;

      (b) The council shall take up the question of the process, selection and appointment of a new Public Records Advocate; and

      (c) The individual who had vacated the office of Public Records Advocate may participate in deliberations and vote on the slate of nominees unless the individual vacated the office for reasons described in ORS 192.461 (4).

      (5) The appointment of a member of the council described in subsection (2)(d) to (j) of this section is subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner prescribed in ORS 171.562 and 171.565.

      (6) A member of the council described in subsection (2)(d), (e) or (j) of this section is entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495.

      (7) The members of the council described in subsection (2)(d) to (L) of this section shall each serve two-year terms and may be reappointed to successive terms.

      (8) A majority of the voting members of the council constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

      (9) The council shall meet at least once every six months. The council also may meet at other times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the members of the council.

      (10) All public bodies, as defined in ORS 192.311, shall assist the council in the performance of its duties and, to the extent permitted by laws relating to confidentiality, furnish such information, including public records, and advice as the members of the council consider necessary to perform their duties.

      (11)(a) The council may support or oppose legislation relating to public records law.

      (b) The council may request that one or more legislators introduce legislation relating to public records law. [2017 c.728 §8; 2019 c.107 §2; 2021 c.582 §2]

 

      192.483 Duties of Public Records Advisory Council; rules. (1) The Public Records Advisory Council created under ORS 192.481 shall periodically perform all of the following:

      (a) Survey state agency and other public body practices and procedures for:

      (A) Receiving public records requests, identifying the existence of records responsive to the requests and gathering and disclosing responsive records;

      (B) Determining fee estimates and imposing or waiving fees under ORS 192.324; and

      (C) Determining and applying exemptions from required disclosure of public records.

      (b) Examine practices similar to those described in paragraph (a) of this subsection in other jurisdictions.

      (c) Identify inefficiencies and inconsistencies in application of the public records law that impede transparency in public process and government.

      (d) Make recommendations on changes in law, policy or practice that could enhance transparency in public process and government, and facilitate rapid dissemination of public records to requesters.

      (e) Make recommendations on the role of the Public Records Advocate as facilitator in disputes between custodians of public records and public record requesters.

      (2) No later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the council shall submit to the Governor, and to the Legislative Assembly in the manner provided by ORS 192.245, a report that describes the findings of the council since the council’s last report. The report may include recommendations for legislation.

      (3) The council or the Public Records Advocate may prepare reports and studies more frequently than required under subsection (2) of this section.

      (4) The council may adopt rules governing the operations of the office of the Public Records Advocate, including but not limited to rules establishing procedures for the conduct of facilitated dispute resolution under ORS 192.464. The council shall consider efficiencies and the preference for a policy of transparency and openness in government in this state in adopting rules under this subsection.

      (5) The Public Records Advocate shall serve as the custodian of all council records. [2017 c.728 §10; 2021 c.582 §3]

 

PUBLIC RECORDS OVERSIGHT

 

      192.485 Definitions for ORS 192.485 to 192.513. As used in ORS 192.485 to 192.513, “public record” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.311. [2017 c.654 §1]

 

      Note: 192.485 to 192.513 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.488 Open government impact statement. (1) The Legislative Counsel shall prepare an open government impact statement for each measure reported out of a committee of the Legislative Assembly if the measure affects the disclosure, or exemption from disclosure, of a public record.

      (2) An open government impact statement must:

      (a) State whether the measure conforms to any standards adopted by the Legislative Counsel for drafting measures that establish exemptions from disclosure of public records; and

      (b) Describe how the measure would alter existing standards regarding the disclosure or exemption from disclosure of public records and how the measure would impact public interests in disclosure that would be served if the public record were subject to mandatory disclosure. [2017 c.654 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 192.485.

 

      192.490 [1973 c.794 §9; 1975 c.308 §3; 1981 c.897 §40; renumbered 192.431 in 2017]

 

      192.492 Notification of change to public records laws. The Legislative Counsel shall notify the Legislative Counsel Committee, or its designee, and the Oregon Sunshine Committee if a measure that changes an exemption from disclosure for public records or existing standards of disclosure for public records is introduced. [2017 c.654 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 192.485.

 

      192.493 [2003 c.803 §27; 2011 c.602 §33; 2015 c.792 §3; renumbered 192.395 in 2017]

 

      192.495 [1979 c.301 §2; renumbered 192.390 in 2017]

 

      192.496 [1979 c.301 §3; renumbered 192.398 in 2017]

 

      192.497 [2015 c.805 §4; renumbered 192.380 in 2017]

 

      192.499 Public records subcommittee. (1) The Legislative Counsel Committee shall establish a public records subcommittee.

      (2) The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint to the subcommittee four members of the Legislative Assembly from among the members of the committee as follows:

      (a) The President of the Senate shall appoint:

      (A) One member who is a member of the Senate and a member of the majority party; and

      (B) One member who is a member of the Senate and a member of the minority party.

      (b) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint:

      (A) One member who is a member of the House of Representatives and a member of the majority party; and

      (B) One member who is a member of the House of Representatives and a member of the minority party.

      (c) The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each appoint a cochair from the members described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection.

      (3) The subcommittee shall review and may accept, modify or reject the plan or schedule for review of exemptions from disclosure for public records established by the Oregon Sunshine Committee under ORS 192.511.

      (4) The subcommittee shall review the Oregon Sunshine Committee reports required by ORS 192.511 and may accept, modify or reject the Oregon Sunshine Committee reports as the reports of the subcommittee. On or before September 1 of each even-numbered year, the subcommittee shall submit the subcommittee report, with the original Oregon Sunshine Committee report as an appendix, to the Legislative Counsel Committee.

      (5) The subcommittee shall cooperate with and invite advice and comment from:

      (a) The Attorney General;

      (b) The Governor;

      (c) The Secretary of State;

      (d) The State Treasurer;

      (e) Any committee or task force appointed by the Attorney General, the Governor or the Secretary of State to examine any aspect of ORS 192.311 to 192.478 or of the disclosure of public records; and

      (f) The Oregon Sunshine Committee.

      (6) Interested members of the public may provide comment to the subcommittee. [2017 c.654 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.485.

 

      192.500 [1973 c.794 §11; 1975 c.308 §1; 1975 c.582 §150; 1975 c.606 §41a; 1977 c.107 §1; 1977 c.587 §1; 1977 c.793 §5a; 1979 c.190 §400; 1981 c.107 §1; 1981 c.139 §8; 1981 c.187 §1; 1981 c.892 §92; 1981 c.905 §7; 1983 c.17 §29; 1983 c.198 §1; 1983 c.338 §902; 1983 c.617 §3; 1983 c.620 §12; 1983 c.703 §8; 1983 c.709 §42; 1983 c.717 §30; 1983 c.740 §46; 1983 c.830 §9; 1985 c.413 §1; 1985 c.602 §13; 1985 c.657 §1; 1985 c.762 §179a; 1985 c.813 §1; 1987 c.94 §100; 1987 c.109 §3; 1987 c.320 §145; 1987 c.373 §23; 1987 c.520 §12; 1987 c.610 §24; 1987 c.731 §2; 1987 c.839 §1; 1987 c.898 §26; repealed by 1987 c.764 §1 (192.501, 192.502 and 192.505 enacted in lieu of 192.500)]

 

      192.501 [1987 c.373 §§23c,23d; 1987 c.764 §2 (enacted in lieu of 192.500); 1989 c.70 §1; 1989 c.171 §26; 1989 c.967 §§11,13; 1989 c.1083 §10; 1991 c.636 §§1,2; 1991 c.678 §§1,2; 1993 c.616 §§4,5; 1993 c.787 §§1,2; 1995 c.604 §§2,3; 1999 c.155 §3; 1999 c.169 §§1,2; 1999 c.234 §§1,2; 1999 c.291 §§21,22; 1999 c.380 §§1,2; 1999 c.1093 §§3,4; 2001 c.104 §66; 2001 c.621 §85; 2001 c.915 §1; 2003 c.217 §1; 2003 c.380 §2; 2003 c.524 §1; 2003 c.604 §98; 2003 c.674 §26; 2003 c.803 §12; 2003 c.807 §§2,3; 2005 c.203 §§1,2; 2005 c.232 §§33,34; 2005 c.455 §1; 2007 c.608 §6; 2007 c.687 §1; 2008 c.48 §1; 2009 c.57 §2; 2009 c.135 §1; 2009 c.222 §2; 2009 c.769 §1; 2011 c.9 §14; 2011 c.285 §1; 2011 c.637 §68; 2013 c.325 §1; 2013 c.768 §107; 2014 c.37 §§1,2; 2014 c.64 §§1,2; 2015 c.14 §2; 2015 c.313 §§1,2; 2015 c.550 §§5,6; 2015 c.767 §§56,57; renumbered 192.345 in 2017]

 

      192.502 [1987 c.373 §23e; 1987 c.764 §3; 1987 c.898 §27 (enacted in lieu of 192.500); 1989 c.6 §17; 1989 c.925 §1; 1991 c.825 §7; 1993 c.694 §27; 1993 c.817 §1; 1995 c.79 §70; 1995 c.162 §62a; 1995 c.604 §1; 1997 c.44 §1; 1997 c.559 §1; 1997 c.825 §1; 1999 c.274 §17; 1999 c.291 §24; 1999 c.379 §1; 1999 c.666 §1; 1999 c.683 §3; 1999 c.811 §2; 1999 c.855 §4; 1999 c.955 §23; 1999 c.1059 §§12,16; 2001 c.377 §§17,18; 2001 c.915 §3; 2001 c.922 §§12,13; 2001 c.962 §§80,81; 2001 c.965 §§62,63; 2003 c.14 §§90,91; 2003 c.524 §§2,3; 2003 c.733 §§49,50; 2003 c.803 §§5,6; 2005 c.397 §1; 2005 c.561 §3; 2005 c.659 §1; 2007 c.152 §1; 2007 c.181 §1; 2007 c.513 §5; 2007 c.687 §7; 2009 c.57 §4; 2009 c.500 §1; 2009 c.541 §7; 2009 c.604 §22; 2010 c.76 §15; 2011 c.9 §16; 2011 c.424 §1; 2011 c.645 §6; 2012 c.45 §26; 2012 c.90 §§19,30; 2013 c.325 §3; 2013 c.550 §5; 2013 c.587 §1; 2013 c.732 §5; 2015 c.26 §1; 2015 c.313 §5; 2015 c.383 §1; 2015 c.481 §2; 2015 c.805 §1; 2017 c.340 §1; 2017 c.475 §1; renumbered 192.355 in 2017]

 

      192.503 [1993 c.224 §3; repealed by 1997 c.678 §15]

 

      192.504 [2015 c.26 §4; renumbered 192.377 in 2017]

 

      192.505 [1987 c.764 §4 (enacted in lieu of 192.500); renumbered 192.338 in 2017]

 

      192.508 Rules. (1) The Legislative Counsel Committee and the public records subcommittee established under ORS 192.499 may adopt rules applicable to deliberations of the committee and subcommittee under ORS 192.485 to 192.513. The rules may enhance the opportunity for public participation in the deliberations of the committee and subcommittee, including through the live-streaming of meetings.

      (2) All deliberations of the Legislative Counsel Committee and the public records subcommittee shall be conducted in accordance with the open meeting requirements of Article IV, section 14, of the Oregon Constitution, and rules adopted thereunder. [2017 c.654 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 192.485.

 

      192.511 Oregon Sunshine Committee; membership; duties; rules. (1) The Oregon Sunshine Committee is established, consisting of 15 members as follows:

      (a) The members of the public records subcommittee established under ORS 192.499 shall be ex officio nonvoting members of the committee.

      (b) The Governor and the Attorney General, or their designees, shall be voting members of the committee.

      (c) The State Archivist, or a designee of the State Archivist, shall be a voting member of the committee.

      (d) The Attorney General shall appoint to the committee as voting members:

      (A) A person with information technology expertise;

      (B) Three representatives of local government to represent the interests of counties, cities, school districts and special districts;

      (C) A representative of broadcasters;

      (D) A representative of professional journalists;

      (E) A representative of newspaper publishers; and

      (F) A representative from a nonprofit open government or public interest group.

      (2)(a) The term of each voting committee member appointed by the Attorney General is four years, but a member so appointed serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General.

      (b) Before the expiration of a term of a member appointed by the Attorney General, the Attorney General shall reappoint the member to a new term or appoint a successor.

      (c) If there is a vacancy for any cause in a position that is appointed by the Attorney General, the Attorney General shall make an appointment to become immediately effective.

      (3) The Oregon Sunshine Committee shall do all of the following:

      (a) Establish, and adjust as necessary, a plan or schedule to review all exemptions from disclosure for public records included in the Attorney General’s catalog required by ORS 192.340 that provides for review not later than December 31, 2026, except that the following exemptions need not be considered:

      (A) Exemptions required by federal law;

      (B) Evidentiary privileges described in ORS 40.225 to 40.295, other than the lawyer-client privilege described in ORS 40.225;

      (C) The exemption for trade secrets as described in the public records law, ORS 192.311 to 192.478, or the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, ORS 646.461 to 646.475;

      (D) Security records described in ORS 192.345 (23) or 192.355 (11), (32) or (33);

      (E) Personal information of certain scientific workers described in ORS 192.345 (30), care workers described in ORS 192.363 and 192.365 or public safety workers or county juvenile department employees described in ORS 192.345 (31); and

      (F) Public safety plans described in ORS 192.345 (18).

      (b) Include in the review required by this subsection any administrative rule for which a review was requested under ORS 183.730.

      (c) Study and identify any inefficiencies and inconsistencies in the application of public records laws that impede transparency in public process and government.

      (d) Make recommendations on changes in existing law, policy and practice to enhance transparency and facilitate rapid fulfillment of public records requests made to public bodies.

      (e) On or before July 1 of each even-numbered year, submit a report to the public records subcommittee established under ORS 192.499 and include in the report the recommendations described in paragraph (d) of this subsection and recommendations to amend or repeal the exemptions from disclosure reviewed by the committee during the period since the last report submitted by the committee under this section.

      (4) The Oregon Sunshine Committee may take all lawful actions and exercise any lawful powers the committee deems reasonable for facilitating its work, including but not limited to conducting public hearings and creating subcommittees. Any subcommittees created by the committee are subject to the public meetings and public records requirements that apply to the committee.

      (5) A majority of the voting members of the Oregon Sunshine Committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

      (6) Official action by the committee requires the approval of a majority of the voting members of the committee.

      (7) The committee shall select one of its members to serve as chairperson.

      (8) The committee shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the voting members of the committee and shall meet at least three times per year.

      (9) All meetings of the committee must be open to the public. Any public records created by the committee are subject to disclosure, and any privilege or exemption from disclosure that would otherwise be applicable may not be claimed.

      (10) The committee may adopt rules necessary for the operation of the committee.

      (11) The Department of Justice shall provide administrative support to the committee.

      (12) Members of the committee who are not members of the Legislative Assembly are not entitled to compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by them in the performance of their official duties in the manner and amounts provided for in ORS 292.495. Claims for expenses incurred in performing functions of the committee shall be paid out of funds appropriated to the Department of Justice for purposes of the committee.

      (13) All agencies of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111, are directed to assist the committee in the performance of the committee’s duties and, to the extent permitted by laws relating to confidentiality, to furnish information and advice the members of the committee consider necessary to perform their duties. [2017 c.654 §6; 2019 c.61 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 192.485.

 

      192.513 Review of exemptions from disclosure by Oregon Sunshine Committee. (1) Pursuant to a plan or schedule for review accepted by the public records subcommittee of the Legislative Counsel Committee under ORS 192.499, the Oregon Sunshine Committee may review exemptions from disclosure of public records previously enacted into law for which an open government impact statement was not prepared.

      (2) On or before July 1 of each even-numbered year, the Oregon Sunshine Committee shall deliver to the public records subcommittee the results of any review performed pursuant to this section. [2017 c.654 §7]

 

      Note: See note under 192.485.

 

RECORDS OF INDIVIDUAL WITH

DISABILITY OR MENTAL ILLNESS

 

      192.515 Definitions for ORS 192.515 and 192.517. As used in this section and ORS 179.505 and 192.517:

      (1) “Facilities” includes, but is not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, facilities defined in ORS 430.205, board and care homes, homeless shelters, juvenile training schools, youth care centers, juvenile detention centers, jails and prisons.

      (2) “Individual” means:

      (a) An individual with a developmental disability as defined in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 15002) as in effect on January 1, 2003;

      (b) An individual with mental illness as defined in the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act (42 U.S.C. 10802) as in effect on January 1, 2003; or

      (c) An individual with disabilities as described in 29 U.S.C. 794e as in effect on January 1, 2006, other than:

      (A) An adult in custody in a facility operated by the Department of Corrections whose only disability is drug or alcohol addiction; and

      (B) A person confined in a youth correction facility, as that term is defined in ORS 420.005, whose only disability is drug or alcohol addiction.

      (3)(a) “Other legal representative” means a person who has been granted or retains legal authority to exercise an individual’s power to permit access to the individual’s records.

      (b) “Other legal representative” does not include a legal guardian, the state or a political subdivision of this state.

      (4) “Records” includes, but is not limited to, reports prepared or received by any staff of a facility rendering care or treatment, any medical examiner’s report, autopsy report or laboratory test report ordered by a medical examiner, reports prepared by an agency or staff person charged with investigating reports of incidents of abuse, neglect, injury or death occurring at the facility that describe such incidents and the steps taken to investigate the incidents and discharge planning records or any information to which the individual would be entitled access, if capable. [1993 c.262 §1; 1995 c.504 §1; 2003 c.14 §92; 2003 c.803 §7; 2005 c.498 §7; 2019 c.213 §55]

 

      Note: 192.515 and 192.517 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.517 Access to records of individual with disability or individual with mental illness. (1) The system designated to protect and advocate for the rights of individuals shall have access to all records of:

      (a) Any individual who is a client of the system if the individual or the legal guardian or other legal representative of the individual has authorized the system to have such access;

      (b) Any individual, including an individual who has died or whose whereabouts are unknown:

      (A) If the individual by reason of the individual’s mental or physical condition or age is unable to authorize such access;

      (B) If the individual does not have a legal guardian or other legal representative, or the state or a political subdivision of this state is the legal guardian of the individual; and

      (C) If a complaint regarding the rights or safety of the individual has been received by the system or if, as a result of monitoring or other activities which result from a complaint or other evidence, there is probable cause to believe that the individual has been subject to abuse or neglect; and

      (c) Any individual who has a legal guardian or other legal representative, who is the subject of a complaint of abuse or neglect received by the system, or whose health and safety is believed with probable cause to be in serious and immediate jeopardy if the legal guardian or other legal representative:

      (A) Has been contacted by the system upon receipt of the name and address of the legal guardian or other legal representative;

      (B) Has been offered assistance by the system to resolve the situation; and

      (C) Has failed or refused to act on behalf of the individual.

      (2) The system shall have access to the name, address and telephone number of any legal guardian or other legal representative of an individual.

      (3) The system that obtains access to records under this section shall maintain the confidentiality of the records to the same extent as is required of the provider of the services, except as provided under the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act (42 U.S.C. 10806) as in effect on January 1, 2003.

      (4) The system shall have reasonable access to facilities, including the residents and staff of the facilities.

      (5) This section is not intended to limit or overrule the provisions of ORS 41.675 or 441.055 (7). [1993 c.262 §2; 1995 c.504 §2; 2003 c.14 §93; 2003 c.803 §8; 2005 c.498 §8; 2009 c.595 §165; 2009 c.792 §72]

 

      Note: See note under 192.515.

 

      192.518 [2003 c.86 §1; renumbered 192.553 in 2011]

 

      192.519 [2003 c.86 §2; 2005 c.253 §1; 2009 c.442 §34; 2009 c.595 §166; 2009 c.833 §29; 2009 c.867 §39; 2011 c.703 §30; 2011 c.715 §17; renumbered 192.556 in 2011]

 

      192.520 [2003 c.86 §3; renumbered 192.558 in 2011]

 

      192.521 [2003 c.86 §4; 2007 c.812 §1; renumbered 192.563 in 2011]

 

      192.522 [2003 c.86 §5; renumbered 192.566 in 2011]

 

      192.523 [2003 c.86 §6; renumbered 192.568 in 2011]

 

      192.524 [2003 c.86 §7; renumbered 192.571 in 2011]

 

      192.525 [1977 c.812 §1; 1997 c.635 §1; 1999 c.537 §2; 2001 c.104 §67; repealed by 2003 c.86 §8]

 

      192.526 [2005 c.253 §3; renumbered 192.573 in 2011]

 

      192.527 [2007 c.798 §2; 2009 c.595 §167; repealed by 2010 c.16 §1]

 

      192.528 [2007 c.798 §3; repealed by 2010 c.16 §1]

 

      192.529 [2007 c.800 §5; renumbered 192.581 in 2011]

 

      192.530 [1977 c.812 §2; 1995 c.79 §71; repealed by 2003 c.86 §8]

 

GENETIC PRIVACY

 

      192.531 Definitions for ORS 192.531 to 192.549. As used in ORS 192.531 to 192.549:

      (1) “Anonymous research” means scientific or medical genetic research conducted in such a manner that any DNA sample or genetic information used in the research is unidentified.

      (2) “Blanket informed consent” means that the individual has consented to the use of the individual’s DNA sample or health information for any future research, but has not been provided with a description of or consented to the use of the sample in genetic research or any specific genetic research project.

      (3) “Blood relative” means a person who is:

      (a) Related by blood to an individual; and

      (b) A parent, sibling, son, daughter, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, first cousin, niece or nephew of the individual.

      (4) “Clinical” means relating to or obtained through the actual observation, diagnosis or treatment of patients and not through research.

      (5) “Coded” means identifiable only through the use of a system of encryption that links a DNA sample or genetic information to an individual or the individual’s blood relative. A coded DNA sample or genetic information is supplied by a repository to an investigator with a system of encryption.

      (6) “Deidentified” means lacking, or having had removed, the identifiers or system of encryption that would make it possible for a person to link a DNA sample or genetic information to an individual or the individual’s blood relative, and neither the investigator nor the repository can reconstruct the identity of the individual from whom the sample or information was obtained. Deidentified DNA samples and genetic information must meet the standards provided in 45 C.F.R. 164.502(d) and 164.514(a) to (c), as in effect on July 17, 2007.

      (7) “Disclose” means to release, publish or otherwise make known to a third party a DNA sample or genetic information.

      (8) “DNA” means deoxyribonucleic acid.

      (9) “DNA sample” means any human biological specimen that is obtained or retained for the purpose of extracting and analyzing DNA to perform a genetic test. “DNA sample” includes DNA extracted from the specimen.

      (10) “Genetic characteristic” includes a gene, chromosome or alteration thereof that may be tested to determine the existence or risk of a disease, disorder, trait, propensity or syndrome, or to identify an individual or a blood relative. “Genetic characteristic” does not include family history or a genetically transmitted characteristic whose existence or identity is determined other than through a genetic test.

      (11) “Genetic information” means information about an individual or the individual’s blood relatives obtained from a genetic test.

      (12) “Genetic privacy statutes” means ORS 192.531 to 192.549, 659A.303 and 746.135 and the provisions of ORS 659A.300 relating to genetic testing.

      (13) “Genetic research” means research using DNA samples, genetic testing or genetic information.

      (14) “Genetic test” means a test for determining the presence or absence of genetic characteristics in an individual or the individual’s blood relatives, including tests of nucleic acids such as DNA, RNA and mitochondrial DNA, chromosomes or proteins in order to diagnose or determine a genetic characteristic.

      (15) “Health care provider” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.556.

      (16) “Identifiable” means capable of being linked to the individual or a blood relative of the individual from whom the DNA sample or genetic information was obtained.

      (17) “Identified” means having an identifier that links, or that could readily allow the recipient to link, a DNA sample or genetic information directly to the individual or a blood relative of the individual from whom the sample or information was obtained.

      (18) “Identifier” means data elements that directly link a DNA sample or genetic information to the individual or a blood relative of the individual from whom the sample or information was obtained. Identifiers include, but are not limited to, names, telephone numbers, electronic mail addresses, Social Security numbers, driver license numbers and fingerprints.

      (19) “Individually identifiable health information” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.556.

      (20) “Obtain genetic information” means performing or getting the results of a genetic test.

      (21) “Person” has the meaning given in ORS 433.045.

      (22) “Research” means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalized knowledge.

      (23) “Retain a DNA sample” means the act of storing the DNA sample.

      (24) “Retain genetic information” means making a record of the genetic information.

      (25) “Unidentified” means deidentified or not identifiable. [Formerly 659.700; 2003 c.333 §1; 2005 c.678 §1; 2007 c.800 §6]

 

      Note: 192.531 to 192.549 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.533 Legislative findings; purposes. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that:

      (a) The DNA molecule contains information about the probable medical future of an individual and the individual’s blood relatives. This information is written in a code that is rapidly being broken.

      (b) Genetic information is uniquely private and personal information that generally should not be collected, retained or disclosed without the individual’s authorization.

      (c) The improper collection, retention or disclosure of genetic information can lead to significant harm to an individual and the individual’s blood relatives, including stigmatization and discrimination in areas such as employment, education, health care and insurance.

      (d) An analysis of an individual’s DNA provides information not only about the individual, but also about blood relatives of the individual, with the potential for impacting family privacy, including reproductive decisions.

      (e) Current legal protections for medical information, tissue samples and DNA samples are inadequate to protect genetic privacy.

      (f) Laws for the collection, storage and use of identifiable DNA samples and private genetic information obtained from those samples are needed both to protect individual and family privacy and to permit and encourage legitimate scientific and medical research.

      (2) The purposes of the genetic privacy statutes are as follows:

      (a) To define the rights of individuals whose genetic information is collected, retained or disclosed and the rights of the individuals’ blood relatives.

      (b) To define the circumstances under which an individual may be subjected to genetic testing.

      (c) To define the circumstances under which an individual’s genetic information may be collected, retained or disclosed.

      (d) To protect against discrimination by an insurer or employer based upon an individual’s genetic characteristics.

      (e) To define the circumstances under which a DNA sample or genetic information may be used for research. [Formerly 659.705; 2003 c.333 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.535 Informed consent for obtaining genetic information. (1) A person may not obtain genetic information from an individual, or from an individual’s DNA sample, without first obtaining informed consent of the individual or the individual’s representative, except:

      (a) As authorized by ORS 181A.155 or comparable provisions of federal criminal law relating to the identification of persons, or for the purpose of establishing the identity of a person in the course of an investigation conducted by a law enforcement agency, a district attorney, a medical examiner or the Criminal Justice Division of the Department of Justice;

      (b) For anonymous research or coded research conducted under conditions described in ORS 192.537 (2), after notification pursuant to ORS 192.538 or pursuant to ORS 192.547 (7)(b);

      (c) As permitted by rules of the Oregon Health Authority for identification of deceased individuals;

      (d) As permitted by rules of the Oregon Health Authority for newborn screening procedures;

      (e) As authorized by statute for the purpose of establishing parentage; or

      (f) For the purpose of furnishing genetic information relating to a decedent for medical diagnosis of blood relatives of the decedent.

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a physician licensed under ORS chapter 677 shall seek the informed consent of the individual or the individual’s representative for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section in the manner provided by ORS 677.097. Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, any other licensed health care provider or facility must seek the informed consent of the individual or the individual’s representative for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section in a manner substantially similar to that provided by ORS 677.097 for physicians.

      (3) A person conducting research shall seek the informed consent of the individual or the individual’s representative for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section in the manner provided by ORS 192.547.

      (4) Except as provided in ORS 746.135 (1), any person not described in subsection (2) or (3) of this section must seek the informed consent of the individual or the individual’s representative for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section in the manner provided by rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority.

      (5) The Oregon Health Authority may not adopt rules under subsection (1)(d) of this section that would require the providing of a DNA sample for the purpose of obtaining complete genetic information used to screen all newborns. [Formerly 659.710; 2003 c.333 §3; 2005 c.678 §2; 2009 c.595 §168; 2017 c.651 §39]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.537 Individual’s rights in genetic information; retention of information; destruction of information. (1) Subject to the provisions of ORS 192.531 to 192.549, 659A.303 and 746.135, an individual’s genetic information and DNA sample are private and must be protected, and an individual has a right to the protection of that privacy. Any person authorized by law or by an individual or an individual’s representative to obtain, retain or use an individual’s genetic information or any DNA sample must maintain the confidentiality of the information or sample and protect the information or sample from unauthorized disclosure or misuse.

      (2)(a) A person may use an individual’s DNA sample or genetic information that is derived from a biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information for anonymous research or coded research only if the individual:

      (A) Has granted informed consent for the specific anonymous research or coded research project;

      (B) Has granted consent for genetic research generally;

      (C) Was notified in accordance with ORS 192.538 that the individual’s biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information may be used for anonymous research or coded research and the individual did not, at the time of notification, request that the biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information not be used for anonymous research or coded research; or

      (D) Was not notified, due to emergency circumstances, in accordance with ORS 192.538 that the individual’s biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information may be used for anonymous research or coded research and the individual died before receiving the notice.

      (b) Paragraph (a) of this subsection does not apply to biological specimens or clinical individually identifiable health information obtained before July 29, 2005, if an institutional review board operating under ORS 192.547 (1)(b) meets the requirements described in ORS 192.547 (7)(b).

      (3) A person may not retain another individual’s genetic information or DNA sample without first obtaining authorization from the individual or the individual’s representative, unless:

      (a) Retention is authorized by ORS 181A.155 or comparable provisions of federal criminal law relating to identification of persons, or is necessary for the purpose of a criminal or death investigation, a criminal or juvenile proceeding, an inquest, or a child fatality review by a county child abuse multidisciplinary team;

      (b) Retention is authorized by specific court order pursuant to rules adopted by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for civil actions;

      (c) Retention is permitted by rules of the Oregon Health Authority for identification of, or testing to benefit blood relatives of, deceased individuals;

      (d) Retention is permitted by rules of the authority for newborn screening procedures; or

      (e) Retention is for anonymous research or coded research conducted after notification or with consent pursuant to subsection (2) of this section or ORS 192.538.

      (4) The DNA sample of an individual from which genetic information has been obtained shall be destroyed promptly upon the specific request of that individual or the individual’s representative, unless:

      (a) Retention is authorized by ORS 181A.155 or comparable provisions of federal criminal law relating to identification of persons, or is necessary for the purpose of a criminal or death investigation, a criminal or juvenile proceeding, an inquest, or a child fatality review by a county child abuse multidisciplinary team;

      (b) Retention is authorized by specific court order pursuant to rules adopted by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for civil actions; or

      (c) Retention is for anonymous research or coded research conducted after notification or with consent pursuant to subsection (2) of this section or ORS 192.538.

      (5) A DNA sample from an individual that is the subject of a research project, other than an anonymous research project, shall be destroyed promptly upon completion of the project or withdrawal of the individual from the project, whichever occurs first, unless the individual or the individual’s representative directs otherwise by informed consent.

      (6) A DNA sample from an individual for insurance or employment purposes shall be destroyed promptly after the purpose for which the sample was obtained has been accomplished unless retention is authorized by specific court order pursuant to rules adopted by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for civil, criminal and juvenile proceedings.

      (7) An individual or an individual’s representative, promptly upon request, may inspect, request correction of and obtain genetic information from the records of the individual.

      (8) Subject to the provisions of ORS 192.531 to 192.549, and to policies adopted by the person in possession of a DNA sample, an individual or the individual’s representative may request that the individual’s DNA sample be made available for additional genetic testing for medical diagnostic purposes. If the individual is deceased and has not designated a representative to act on behalf of the individual after death, a request under this subsection may be made by the closest surviving blood relative of the decedent or, if there is more than one surviving blood relative of the same degree of relationship to the decedent, by the majority of the surviving closest blood relatives of the decedent.

      (9) The Oregon Health Authority shall coordinate the implementation of this section.

      (10) Subsections (3) to (8) of this section apply only to a DNA sample or genetic information that is coded, identified or identifiable.

      (11) This section does not apply to any law, contract or other arrangement that determines a person’s rights to compensation relating to substances or information derived from an individual’s DNA sample. [Formerly 659.715; 2003 c.333 §4; 2005 c.562 §21; 2005 c.678 §3; 2009 c.595 §169; 2019 c.141 §10; 2021 c.97 §17]

 

      Note: Section 10, chapter 333, Oregon Laws 2003, provides:

      Sec. 10. Notwithstanding ORS 192.537 (2)(a)(C), a person may use an individual’s DNA sample or genetic information for anonymous research if the DNA sample or genetic information was obtained prior to the effective date of this 2003 Act [June 12, 2003] and the individual was not notified the sample or genetic information may be used for anonymous research. [2003 c.333 §10]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.538 Notice by health care provider regarding anonymous or coded research. (1) A health care provider that is a covered entity as defined in ORS 192.556 (2)(c) and that obtains an individual’s biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information shall notify the individual that the biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information may be disclosed or retained by the provider for anonymous research or coded research.

      (2) A health care provider that is not a covered entity as defined in ORS 192.556 (2)(c) and that obtains an individual’s biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information may notify the individual that the biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information may be disclosed or retained by the provider for anonymous research or coded research.

      (3) A health care provider described in subsection (1) of this section shall provide a notice to the individual describing how the biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information may be used and allowing the individual to request that the specimen or information not be disclosed or retained for anonymous research or coded research. The notice must contain a place where the individual may mark the individual’s request that the specimen or information not be disclosed or retained for anonymous research or coded research before returning the notice to the health care provider.

      (4) The notice described in subsection (3) of this section:

      (a) Must be given no later than when the provider obtains an individual’s biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information; and

      (b) May be given at the same time and in the same manner as the notice of privacy practices required under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy regulations, 45 C.F.R. parts 160 and 164. [2005 c.678 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.539 Disclosure of genetic information; exceptions. (1) Regardless of the manner of receipt or the source of genetic information, including information received from an individual or a blood relative of the individual, a person may not disclose or be compelled, by subpoena or any other means, to disclose the identity of an individual upon whom a genetic test has been performed or the identity of a blood relative of the individual, or to disclose genetic information about the individual or a blood relative of the individual in a manner that permits identification of the individual, unless:

      (a) Disclosure is authorized by ORS 181A.155 or comparable provisions of federal criminal law relating to identification of persons, or is necessary for the purpose of a criminal or death investigation, a criminal or juvenile proceeding, an inquest, or a child fatality review by a county child abuse multidisciplinary team;

      (b) Disclosure is required by specific court order entered pursuant to rules adopted by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for civil actions;

      (c) Disclosure is authorized by statute for the purpose of establishing parentage;

      (d) Disclosure is specifically authorized by the tested individual or the tested individual’s representative by signing a consent form prescribed by rules of the Oregon Health Authority;

      (e) Disclosure is for the purpose of furnishing genetic information relating to a decedent for medical diagnosis of blood relatives of the decedent; or

      (f) Disclosure is for the purpose of identifying bodies.

      (2) The prohibitions of this section apply to any redisclosure by any person after another person has disclosed genetic information or the identity of an individual upon whom a genetic test has been performed, or has disclosed genetic information or the identity of a blood relative of the individual.

      (3) A release or publication is not a disclosure if:

      (a) It involves a good faith belief by the person who caused the release or publication that the person was not in violation of this section;

      (b) It is not due to willful neglect;

      (c) It is corrected in the manner described in ORS 192.541 (4);

      (d) The correction with respect to genetic information is completed before the information is read or heard by a third party; and

      (e) The correction with respect to DNA samples is completed before the sample is retained or genetically tested by a third party. [Formerly 659.720; 2005 c.562 §22; 2009 c.595 §170; 2017 c.651 §40; 2019 c.141 §11]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.540 Use of deceased individual’s DNA sample or genetic information for research. Notwithstanding ORS 192.535 and 192.537 (2), a person may use an individual’s DNA sample or genetic information that is derived from a biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information for anonymous research or coded research if the individual was deceased when the individual’s biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information was obtained. [2005 c.678 §8]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.541 Private right of action; remedies; affirmative defense; attorney fees. (1) An individual or an individual’s blood relative, representative or estate may bring a civil action against any person who violates ORS 192.535, 192.537, 192.539 or 192.547.

      (2) For a violation of ORS 192.537 or 192.547, the court shall award the greater of actual damages or:

      (a) $100, for an inadvertent violation that does not arise out of the negligence of the defendant;

      (b) $500, for a negligent violation;

      (c) $10,000, for a knowing or reckless violation;

      (d) $15,000, for a knowing violation based on a fraudulent misrepresentation; or

      (e) $25,000, for a knowing violation committed with intent to sell, transfer or use for commercial advantage, personal gain or malicious harm.

      (3) For a violation of ORS 192.535 or 192.539, the court shall award the greater of actual damages or:

      (a) $1,000, for an inadvertent violation that does not arise out of the negligence of the defendant;

      (b) $5,000, for a negligent violation;

      (c) $100,000, for a knowing or reckless violation;

      (d) $150,000, for a knowing violation based on a fraudulent misrepresentation; or

      (e) $250,000, for a knowing violation committed with intent to sell, transfer or use for commercial advantage, personal gain or malicious harm.

      (4) It is an affirmative defense to an action described in subsection (2)(a) or (b) or (3)(a) or (b) of this section that the defendant corrected the violation through destruction of illegally retained or obtained samples or information, or took other action to correct the violation, if the correction was completed within 120 days after the defendant knew or should have known that the violation occurred.

      (5) The court may provide such equitable relief as it deems necessary or proper.

      (6)(a) The court may award attorney fees to a defendant only if the court finds that the plaintiff had no objectively reasonable basis for asserting a claim or for appealing an adverse decision of the trial court.

      (b) The court shall award attorney fees to a plaintiff if the court finds that the defendant committed a violation described in subsection (2)(c), (d) or (e) or (3)(c), (d) or (e) of this section.

      (7) An action authorized by subsection (1) of this section must be commenced within three years after the date the plaintiff knew or should have known of the violation, but in no instance more than 10 years after the date of the violation.

      (8) A plaintiff may recover damages provided by subsections (2) and (3) of this section for each violation by a defendant.

      (9) ORS 31.725, 31.730, 31.735 and 31.740 do not apply to amounts awarded in actions under this section. [2001 c.588 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.543 Criminal penalty. (1) A person commits the crime of unlawfully obtaining, retaining or disclosing genetic information if the person knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence, as those terms are defined in ORS 161.085, obtains, retains or discloses genetic information in violation of ORS 192.531 to 192.549.

      (2) Unlawfully obtaining, retaining or disclosing genetic information is a Class A misdemeanor. [2001 c.588 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.545 Enforcement; Attorney General or district attorney; intervention. (1) The Attorney General or a district attorney may bring an action against a person who violates ORS 192.535, 192.537, 192.539 or 192.547. In addition to remedies otherwise provided in ORS 192.541, the court shall award to the Attorney General or district attorney the costs of the investigation.

      (2) The Attorney General may intervene in a civil action brought under ORS 192.541 if the Attorney General certifies that, in the opinion of the Attorney General, the action is of general public importance. In the action, the Attorney General shall be entitled to the same relief as if the Attorney General instituted the action under this section. [2001 c.588 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.547 Oregon Health Authority rules; procedures. (1)(a) The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules for conducting research using DNA samples, genetic testing and genetic information. Rules establishing minimum research standards shall conform to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, 45 C.F.R. 46, that is current at the time the rules are adopted. The rules may be changed from time to time as may be necessary.

      (b) The rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority shall address the operation and appointment of institutional review boards. The rules shall conform to the compositional and operational standards for such boards contained in the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects that is current at the time the rules are adopted. The rules must require that research conducted under paragraph (a) of this subsection be conducted with the approval of the institutional review board.

      (c) Persons proposing to conduct anonymous research, coded research or genetic research that is otherwise thought to be exempt from review must obtain from an institutional review board prior to conducting such research a determination that the proposed research is exempt from review.

      (2) A person proposing to conduct research under subsection (1) of this section, including anonymous research or coded research, must disclose to the institutional review board the proposed use of DNA samples, genetic testing or genetic information.

      (3) The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules requiring that all institutional review boards operating under subsection (1)(b) of this section register with the department. The Advisory Committee on Genetic Privacy and Research shall use the registry to educate institutional review boards about the purposes and requirements of the genetic privacy statutes and administrative rules relating to genetic research.

      (4) The Oregon Health Authority shall consult with the Advisory Committee on Genetic Privacy and Research before adopting the rules required under subsections (1) and (3) of this section, including rules identifying those parts of the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects that are applicable to this section.

      (5) Genetic research in which the DNA sample or genetic information is coded shall satisfy the following requirements:

      (a)(A) The subject has granted informed consent for the specific research project;

      (B) The subject has consented to genetic research generally; or

      (C) The DNA sample or genetic information is derived from a biological specimen or from clinical individually identifiable health information that was obtained or retained in compliance with ORS 192.537 (2).

      (b) The research has been approved by an institutional review board after disclosure by the investigator to the board of risks associated with the coding.

      (c) The code is:

      (A) Not derived from individual identifiers;

      (B) Kept securely and separately from the DNA samples and genetic information; and

      (C) Not accessible to the investigator unless specifically approved by the institutional review board.

      (d) Data is stored securely in password protected electronic files or by other means with access limited to necessary personnel.

      (e) The data is limited to elements required for analysis and meets the criteria in 45 C.F.R 164.514(e) for a limited data set.

      (f) The investigator is a party to the data use agreement as provided by 45 C.F.R. 164.514(e) for limited data set recipients.

      (6) Research conducted in accordance with this section is rebuttably presumed to comply with ORS 192.535 and 192.539.

      (7)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 192.535, a person may use a DNA sample or genetic information obtained, with blanket informed consent, before June 25, 2001, for genetic research.

      (b) Notwithstanding ORS 192.535, a person may use a DNA sample or genetic information obtained without specific informed consent and derived from a biological specimen or clinical individually identifiable health information for anonymous research or coded research if an institutional review board operating under subsection (1)(b) of this section:

      (A) Waives or alters the consent requirements pursuant to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects; and

      (B) Waives authorization pursuant to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy regulations, 45 C.F.R. parts 160 and 164.

      (c) Except as provided in subsection (5)(a) of this section or paragraph (b) of this subsection, a person must have specific informed consent from an individual to use a DNA sample or genetic information of the individual obtained on or after June 25, 2001, for genetic research.

      (8) Except as otherwise allowed by rule of the Oregon Health Authority, if DNA samples or genetic information obtained for either clinical or research purposes is used in research, a person may not recontact the individual or the physician, physician assistant, naturopathic physician or nurse practitioner of the individual by using research information that is identifiable or coded. The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt by rule criteria for recontacting an individual or the physician, physician assistant, naturopathic physician or nurse practitioner of an individual. In adopting the criteria, the department shall consider the recommendations of national organizations such as those created by executive order by the President of the United States and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Genetic Privacy and Research.

      (9) The requirements for consent to, or notification of, obtaining a DNA sample or genetic information for genetic research are governed by the provisions of ORS 192.531 to 192.549 and the administrative rules that were in effect on the effective date of the institutional review board’s most recent approval of the study. [2001 c.588 §6; 2003 c.333 §5; 2005 c.678 §6; 2009 c.595 §171; 2014 c.45 §33; 2017 c.356 §25]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.549 Advisory Committee on Genetic Privacy and Research. (1) The Advisory Committee on Genetic Privacy and Research is established consisting of 15 members. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each appoint one member and one alternate. The Director of the Oregon Health Authority shall appoint one representative and one alternate from each of the following categories:

      (a) Academic institutions involved in genetic research;

      (b) Physicians licensed under ORS chapter 677;

      (c) Voluntary organizations involved in the development of public policy on issues related to genetic privacy;

      (d) Hospitals;

      (e) The Department of Consumer and Business Services;

      (f) The Oregon Health Authority;

      (g) Health care service contractors involved in genetic and health services research;

      (h) The biosciences industry;

      (i) The pharmaceutical industry;

      (j) Health care consumers;

      (k) Organizations advocating for privacy of medical information;

      (L) Public members of institutional review boards; and

      (m) Organizations or individuals promoting public education about genetic research and genetic privacy and public involvement in policymaking related to genetic research and genetic privacy.

      (2) Organizations and individuals representing the categories listed in subsection (1) of this section may recommend nominees for membership on the advisory committee to the President, the Speaker and the director.

      (3) Members and alternate members of the advisory committee serve two-year terms and may be reappointed.

      (4) Members and alternate members of the advisory committee serve at the pleasure of the appointing entity.

      (5) Notwithstanding ORS 171.072, members and alternate members of the advisory committee who are members of the Legislative Assembly are not entitled to mileage expenses or a per diem and serve as volunteers on the advisory committee. Other members and alternate members of the advisory committee are not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for expenses and serve as volunteers on the advisory committee.

      (6) The Oregon Health Authority shall provide staff for the advisory committee.

      (7) The advisory committee shall report biennially to the Legislative Assembly in the manner provided by ORS 192.245. The report shall include the activities and the results of any studies conducted by the advisory committee. The advisory committee may make any recommendations for legislative changes deemed necessary by the advisory committee.

      (8) The advisory committee shall study the use and disclosure of genetic information and shall develop and refine a legal framework that defines the rights of individuals whose DNA samples and genetic information are collected, stored, analyzed and disclosed.

      (9) The advisory committee shall create opportunities for public education on the scientific, legal and ethical development within the fields of genetic privacy and research. The advisory committee shall also elicit public input on these matters. The advisory committee shall make reasonable efforts to obtain public input that is representative of the diversity of opinion on this subject. The advisory committee’s recommendations to the Legislative Assembly shall take into consideration public concerns and values related to these matters. [2001 c.588 §7; 2003 c.333 §6; 2009 c.595 §172; 2011 c.272 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.531.

 

      192.550 [1977 c.517 §1; 1985 c.762 §180; 1987 c.373 §24; 1987 c.414 §146; 1997 c.631 §422; 2003 c.803 §9; 2005 c.130 §1; renumbered 192.583 in 2011]

 

MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH CARE RECORDS

 

      192.551 Health care records at colleges, universities.

(1) A public or private college or university health center, mental health center or counseling center that provides health care, mental health care or counseling services to students, or a health professional retained by a college or university to provide health care, mental health care or counseling services to students, may disclose records of health care, mental health care or counseling provided to a student to any other person within the college or university, affiliated with the college or university or acting on behalf of the college or university, only to the extent that a person unaffiliated with the college or university would be lawfully authorized to disclose the records when providing health care, mental health care or counseling services.

      (2) As used in this section, “person” means a natural individual. [2016 c.20 §1]

 

      Note: 192.551 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

 

      192.553 Policy for protected health information. (1) It is the policy of the State of Oregon that an individual has:

      (a) The right to have protected health information of the individual safeguarded from unlawful use or disclosure; and

      (b) The right to access and review protected health information of the individual.

      (2) In addition to the rights and obligations expressed in ORS 192.553 to 192.581, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy regulations, 45 C.F.R. parts 160 and 164, establish additional rights and obligations regarding the use and disclosure of protected health information and the rights of individuals regarding the protected health information of the individual. [Formerly 192.518]

 

      Note: 192.553 to 192.581 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.555 [1977 c.517 §§2,8(1); 1985 c.565 §24; 1987 c.373 §25; 1987 c.438 §4; 1993 c.131 §3; 1993 c.274 §1; 1993 c.695 §1; 1997 c.142 §1; 1999 c.80 §68; 1999 c.506 §5; 2009 c.541 §8; renumbered 192.586 in 2011]

 

      192.556 Definitions for ORS 192.553 to 192.581. As used in ORS 192.553 to 192.581:

      (1) “Authorization” means a document written in plain language that contains at least the following:

      (a) A description of the information to be used or disclosed that identifies the information in a specific and meaningful way;

      (b) The name or other specific identification of the person or persons authorized to make the requested use or disclosure;

      (c) The name or other specific identification of the person or persons to whom the covered entity may make the requested use or disclosure;

      (d) A description of each purpose of the requested use or disclosure, including but not limited to a statement that the use or disclosure is at the request of the individual;

      (e) An expiration date or an expiration event that relates to the individual or the purpose of the use or disclosure;

      (f) The signature of the individual or personal representative of the individual and the date;

      (g) A description of the authority of the personal representative, if applicable; and

      (h) Statements adequate to place the individual on notice of the following:

      (A) The individual’s right to revoke the authorization in writing;

      (B) The exceptions to the right to revoke the authorization;

      (C) The ability or inability to condition treatment, payment, enrollment or eligibility for benefits on whether the individual signs the authorization; and

      (D) The potential for information disclosed pursuant to the authorization to be subject to redisclosure by the recipient and no longer protected.

      (2) “Covered entity” means:

      (a) A state health plan;

      (b) A health insurer;

      (c) A health care provider that transmits any health information in electronic form to carry out financial or administrative activities in connection with a transaction covered by ORS 192.553 to 192.581; or

      (d) A health care clearinghouse.

      (3) “Health care” means care, services or supplies related to the health of an individual.

      (4) “Health care operations” includes but is not limited to:

      (a) Quality assessment, accreditation, auditing and improvement activities;

      (b) Case management and care coordination;

      (c) Reviewing the competence, qualifications or performance of health care providers or health insurers;

      (d) Underwriting activities;

      (e) Arranging for legal services;

      (f) Business planning;

      (g) Customer services;

      (h) Resolving internal grievances;

      (i) Creating deidentified information; and

      (j) Fundraising.

      (5) “Health care provider” includes but is not limited to:

      (a) A psychologist, occupational therapist, regulated social worker, professional counselor or marriage and family therapist licensed or otherwise authorized to practice under ORS chapter 675 or an employee of the psychologist, occupational therapist, regulated social worker, professional counselor or marriage and family therapist;

      (b) A physician or physician assistant licensed under ORS chapter 677, an acupuncturist licensed under ORS 677.759 or an employee of the physician, physician assistant or acupuncturist;

      (c) A nurse or nursing home administrator licensed under ORS chapter 678 or an employee of the nurse or nursing home administrator;

      (d) A dentist licensed under ORS chapter 679 or an employee of the dentist;

      (e) A dental hygienist or denturist licensed under ORS chapter 680 or an employee of the dental hygienist or denturist;

      (f) A speech-language pathologist or audiologist licensed under ORS chapter 681 or an employee of the speech-language pathologist or audiologist;

      (g) An emergency medical services provider licensed under ORS chapter 682;

      (h) An optometrist licensed under ORS chapter 683 or an employee of the optometrist;

      (i) A chiropractic physician licensed under ORS chapter 684 or an employee of the chiropractic physician;

      (j) A naturopathic physician licensed under ORS chapter 685 or an employee of the naturopathic physician;

      (k) A massage therapist licensed under ORS 687.011 to 687.250 or an employee of the massage therapist;

      (L) A direct entry midwife licensed under ORS 687.405 to 687.495 or an employee of the direct entry midwife;

      (m) A physical therapist licensed under ORS 688.010 to 688.201 or an employee of the physical therapist;

      (n) A medical imaging licensee under ORS 688.405 to 688.605 or an employee of the medical imaging licensee;

      (o) A respiratory care practitioner licensed under ORS 688.815 or an employee of the respiratory care practitioner;

      (p) A polysomnographic technologist licensed under ORS 688.819 or an employee of the polysomnographic technologist;

      (q) A pharmacist licensed under ORS chapter 689 or an employee of the pharmacist;

      (r) A dietitian licensed under ORS 691.405 to 691.485 or an employee of the dietitian;

      (s) A funeral service practitioner licensed under ORS chapter 692 or an employee of the funeral service practitioner;

      (t) A health care facility as defined in ORS 442.015;

      (u) A home health agency as defined in ORS 443.014;

      (v) A hospice program as defined in ORS 443.850;

      (w) A clinical laboratory as defined in ORS 438.010;

      (x) A pharmacy as defined in ORS 689.005; and

      (y) Any other person or entity that furnishes, bills for or is paid for health care in the normal course of business.

      (6) “Health information” means any oral or written information in any form or medium that:

      (a) Is created or received by a covered entity, a public health authority, an employer, a life insurer, a school, a university or a health care provider that is not a covered entity; and

      (b) Relates to:

      (A) The past, present or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual;

      (B) The provision of health care to an individual; or

      (C) The past, present or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual.

      (7) “Health insurer” means an insurer as defined in ORS 731.106 who offers:

      (a) A health benefit plan as defined in ORS 743B.005;

      (b) A short term health insurance policy, the duration of which does not exceed three months including renewals;

      (c) A student health insurance policy;

      (d) A Medicare supplemental policy; or

      (e) A dental only policy.

      (8) “Individually identifiable health information” means any oral or written health information in any form or medium that is:

      (a) Created or received by a covered entity, an employer or a health care provider that is not a covered entity; and

      (b) Identifiable to an individual, including demographic information that identifies the individual, or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify an individual, and that relates to:

      (A) The past, present or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual;

      (B) The provision of health care to an individual; or

      (C) The past, present or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual.

      (9) “Payment” includes but is not limited to:

      (a) Efforts to obtain premiums or reimbursement;

      (b) Determining eligibility or coverage;

      (c) Billing activities;

      (d) Claims management;

      (e) Reviewing health care to determine medical necessity;

      (f) Utilization review; and

      (g) Disclosures to consumer reporting agencies.

      (10) “Personal representative” includes but is not limited to:

      (a) A person appointed as a guardian under ORS 125.305, 419B.372, 419C.481 or 419C.555 with authority to make medical and health care decisions;

      (b) A person appointed as a health care representative under ORS 127.505 to 127.660 or a representative under ORS 127.700 to 127.737 to make health care decisions or mental health treatment decisions;

      (c) A person appointed as a personal representative under ORS chapter 113; and

      (d) A person described in ORS 192.573.

      (11)(a) “Protected health information” means individually identifiable health information that is maintained or transmitted in any form of electronic or other medium by a covered entity.

      (b) “Protected health information” does not mean individually identifiable health information in:

      (A) Education records covered by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g);

      (B) Records described at 20 U.S.C. 1232g(a)(4)(B)(iv); or

      (C) Employment records held by a covered entity in its role as employer.

      (12) “State health plan” means:

      (a) Medical assistance as defined in ORS 414.025;

      (b) The Cover All People program; or

      (c) Any medical assistance or premium assistance program operated by the Oregon Health Authority.

      (13) “Treatment” includes but is not limited to:

      (a) The provision, coordination or management of health care; and

      (b) Consultations and referrals between health care providers. [Formerly 192.519; 2013 c.129 §24; 2013 c.681 §42; 2013 c.698 §30; 2017 c.152 §§1,2; 2017 c.206 §§12,13; 2021 c.554 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.557 [1987 c.438 §2; 1999 c.80 §69; 2003 c.73 §59; renumbered 192.588 in 2011]

 

      192.558 Use or disclosure by health care provider or state health plan. A health care provider or state health plan:

      (1) May use or disclose protected health information of an individual in a manner that is consistent with an authorization provided by the individual or a personal representative of the individual.

      (2) May use or disclose protected health information of an individual without obtaining an authorization from the individual or a personal representative of the individual:

      (a) For the provider’s or plan’s own treatment, payment or health care operations; or

      (b) As otherwise permitted or required by state or federal law or by order of the court.

      (3) May disclose protected health information of an individual without obtaining an authorization from the individual or a personal representative of the individual:

      (a) To another covered entity for health care operations activities of the entity that receives the information if:

      (A) Each entity has or had a relationship with the individual who is the subject of the protected health information; and

      (B) The protected health information pertains to the relationship and the disclosure is for the purpose of:

      (i) Health care operations as listed in ORS 192.556 (4)(a) or (b); or

      (ii) Health care fraud and abuse detection or compliance;

      (b) To another covered entity or any other health care provider for treatment activities of a health care provider;

      (c) To another covered entity or any other health care provider for the payment activities of the entity that receives that information; or

      (d) In accordance with ORS 192.567 or 192.577. [Formerly 192.520; 2015 c.473 §5; 2017 c.484 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.559 [1991 c.825 §2; 1993 c.274 §2; 2001 c.962 §82; renumbered 192.591 in 2011]

 

      192.560 [1977 c.517 §3; renumbered 192.593 in 2011]

 

      192.561 Disclosure by health care provider in coordinated care organization. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 179.505, a health care provider that is a participant in a coordinated care organization, as defined in ORS 414.025, shall disclose protected health information:

      (a) To other health care providers participating in the coordinated care organization for treatment purposes, and to the coordinated care organization for health care operations and payment purposes, as permitted by ORS 192.558; and

      (b) To public health entities as required for health oversight purposes.

      (2) The disclosures described in subsection (1) of this section may be provided without the authorization of the patient or the patient’s personal representative.

      (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to psychotherapy notes, as defined in ORS 179.505. [2012 c.8 §16]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.563 Health care provider and state health plan charges. A health care provider or state health plan that receives an authorization to disclose protected health information may charge:

      (1)(a) No more than $30 for copying 10 or fewer pages of written material, no more than 50 cents per page for pages 11 through 50 and no more than 25 cents for each additional page; and

      (b) A bonus charge of $5 if the request for records is processed and the records are mailed by first class mail to the requester within seven business days after the date of the request;

      (2) Postage costs to mail copies of protected health information or an explanation or summary of protected health information, if requested by an individual or a personal representative of the individual; and

      (3) Actual costs of preparing an explanation or summary of protected health information, if requested by an individual or a personal representative of the individual. [Formerly 192.521]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.565 [1977 c.517 §4; 1999 c.80 §30; renumbered 192.596 in 2011]

 

      192.566 Authorization form. A health care provider may use an authorization that contains the following provisions in accordance with ORS 192.558:

______________________________________________________________________________

AUTHORIZATION

TO USE AND DISCLOSE

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

 

I authorize: _______________ (Name of person/entity disclosing information) to use and disclose a copy of the specific health information described below regarding: _______________ (Name of individual) consisting of: (Describe information to be used/disclosed)

 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

to: _______________ (Name and address of recipient or recipients) for the purpose of: (Describe each purpose of disclosure or indicate that the disclosure is at the request of the individual)

 

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

If the information to be disclosed contains any of the types of records or information listed below, additional laws relating to the use and disclosure of the information may apply. I understand and agree that this information will be disclosed if I place my initials in the applicable space next to the type of information.

 

_____  HIV/AIDS information

_____  Mental health information

_____  Genetic testing information

_____  Drug/alcohol diagnosis, treatment, or

      referral information.

 

 

I understand that the information used or disclosed pursuant to this authorization may be subject to redisclosure and no longer be protected under federal law. However, I also understand that federal or state law may restrict redisclosure of HIV/AIDS information, mental health information, genetic testing information and drug/alcohol diagnosis, treatment or referral information.

 

PROVIDER INFORMATION

 

You do not need to sign this authorization. Refusal to sign the authorization will not adversely affect your ability to receive health care services or reimbursement for services. The only circumstance when refusal to sign means you will not receive health care services is if the health care services are solely for the purpose of providing health information to someone else and the authorization is necessary to make that disclosure.

 

You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time. If you revoke your authorization, the information described above may no longer be used or disclosed for the purposes described in this written authorization. The only exception is when a covered entity has taken action in reliance on the authorization or the authorization was obtained as a condition of obtaining insurance coverage.

 

To revoke this authorization, please send a written statement to ____________ (contact person) at ____________ (address of person/entity disclosing information) and state that you are revoking this authorization.

 

SIGNATURE

 

I have read this authorization and I understand it. Unless revoked, this authorization expires ________ (insert either applicable date or event).

 

By: ______________________

      (individual or personal representative)

 

Date: ____________

 

Description of personal representative’s authority:

___________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ [Formerly 192.522]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.567 Disclosure without authorization form. (1)(a) A health care provider may use or disclose protected health information of an individual without obtaining an authorization from the individual or a personal representative of the individual if the conditions in paragraph (b) of this subsection are met and:

      (A) The disclosure is to a family member, other relative, a close personal friend or other person identified by the individual, and the protected health information is directly relevant to the person’s involvement with the individual’s health care; or

      (B) The disclosure is for the purpose of notifying a family member, a personal representative of the individual or another person responsible for the care of the individual of the individual’s location, general condition or death.

      (b) A health care provider may make the disclosures described in paragraph (a) of this subsection if:

      (A)(i) The individual is not present or obtaining the individual’s authorization is not practicable due to the individual’s incapacity or an emergency circumstance; and

      (ii) In the exercise of professional judgment and based on reasonable inferences, the health care provider determines that the disclosure is in the best interests of the individual; or

      (B) The individual is present and the health care provider gives the individual an opportunity to object to the disclosure and the individual does not express an objection or the health care provider reasonably infers from the circumstances, based on the exercise of professional judgment, that the individual does not object to the disclosure.

      (2) A health care provider may disclose protected health information to a person if the health care provider, consistent with standards of ethical conduct, believes in good faith that the disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to the health or safety of any person or the public, and if the information is disclosed only to a person who is reasonably able to prevent or lessen the threat, including the target of the threat.

      (3) With respect to an individual who is being treated for a mental illness, the protected health information disclosed under this section may include, to the extent consistent with the health care provider’s professional judgment and standards of ethical conduct:

      (a) The individual’s diagnoses and the treatment recommendations;

      (b) Issues concerning the safety of the individual, including risk factors for suicide, steps that can be taken to make the individual’s home safer, and a safety plan to monitor and support the individual;

      (c) Information about resources that are available in the community to help the individual, such as case management and support groups; and

      (d) The process to ensure that the individual safely transitions to a higher or lower level of care, including an interim safety plan.

      (4) Any disclosure of protected health information under this section must be limited to the minimum necessary to accomplish the purpose of the disclosure.

      (5) A health care provider is not subject to any civil liability for making a disclosure in accordance with this section.

      (6) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Susanna Blake Gabay Act. [2015 c.473 §§2,3]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.568 Confidentiality; use and disclosure. A health care provider or a state health plan does not breach a confidential relationship with an individual if the health care provider or state health plan uses or discloses protected health information in accordance with ORS 192.558. [Formerly 192.523]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.570 [1977 c.517 §5; renumbered 192.598 in 2011]

 

      192.571 No right of action. Nothing in ORS 192.556 or 192.558 may be construed to create a new private right of action against a health care provider or a state health plan. [Formerly 192.524]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.573 Personal representative of deceased individual. If no person has been appointed as a personal representative under ORS chapter 113 or a person appointed as a personal representative under ORS chapter 113 has been discharged, the personal representative of a deceased individual shall be the first of the following persons, in the following order, who can be located upon reasonable effort by the covered entity and who is willing to serve as the personal representative:

      (1) A person appointed as guardian under ORS 125.305, 419B.372, 419C.481 or 419C.555 with authority to make medical and health care decisions at the time of the individual’s death.

      (2) The individual’s spouse.

      (3) An adult designated in writing by the persons listed in this section, if no person listed in this section objects to the designation.

      (4) A majority of the adult children of the individual who can be located.

      (5) Either parent of the individual or an individual acting in loco parentis to the individual.

      (6) A majority of the adult siblings of the individual who can be located.

      (7) Any adult relative or adult friend. [Formerly 192.526]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.575 [1977 c.517 §6; 1993 c.131 §4; 1995 c.666 §28; renumbered 192.600 in 2011]

 

      192.576 Disclosure to individual appealing denial of Social Security benefits. (1) In the case of an individual appealing the denial of Social Security disability benefits, a covered entity shall upon request provide to the individual or the individual’s personal representative, free of charge, one copy of the individual’s health information created after the date that the individual alleged as the onset of disability in the individual’s initial application for Social Security disability benefits and before the date of the administrative hearing. At the election of the individual or the individual’s personal representative, the health information shall be provided in paper or electronic format.

      (2) A covered entity may deny a request for a copy of health information if:

      (a) The covered entity has already provided one copy of the health information to the individual or the individual’s personal representative; or

      (b) The request is made by a person other than the individual or the individual’s personal representative and the requester has not presented a valid authorization for the release of information.

      (3) A covered entity may charge a fee for providing copies of health information, as provided in ORS 192.563, if:

      (a) The request for copies is made by a person other than the individual or the individual’s personal representative; or

      (b) The covered entity has already provided to the individual or the individual’s personal representative one copy of the information. [2015 c.360 §2; 2017 c.551 §1]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.577 Disclosure of information concerning adult in custody of Department of Corrections. (1) A health care provider shall disclose protected health information concerning an adult in custody of a Department of Corrections facility to the physician of an employee of the department or of Oregon Corrections Enterprises, without an authorization from the adult in custody or a personal representative of the adult in custody, if:

      (a) The employee, in the performance of the employee’s official duties, was directly exposed to the bodily fluids of the adult in custody; and

      (b) The adult in custody has tested positive for a blood-borne infection or other communicable disease that may be transmitted through an individual’s bodily fluids.

      (2) A disclosure under subsection (1) of this section must be limited to the minimum necessary to inform the physician of possible exposure to a blood-borne infection or other communicable disease. [2017 c.484 §2; 2019 c.213 §56; 2019 c.280 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.579 Allowed disclosure for coordinating care. (1) As used in this section, “entity” means a health care provider, a coordinated care organization, as defined in ORS 414.025 or a prepaid managed care health services organization, as defined in ORS 414.025, that provides health care to an individual, if the care is paid for by a state health plan.

      (2) Notwithstanding ORS 179.505, an entity may disclose the identity of an individual who receives health care from the entity without obtaining an authorization from the individual, or a personal representative of the individual, to another entity for the purpose of coordinating the health care and treatment provided to the individual by either entity. [2011 c.418 §2; 2015 c.792 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

      192.580 [1977 c.517 §7; 1985 c.797 §4; 1987 c.482 §1; 2001 c.247 §1; 2003 c.14 §94; renumbered 192.602 in 2011]

 

      192.581 Allowed retention or disclosure of genetic information. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 192.537 (3), a health care provider may retain genetic information of an individual without obtaining an authorization from the individual or a personal representative of the individual if the retention is for treatment, payment or health care operations by the provider.

      (2) Notwithstanding ORS 192.539 (1), a health care provider may disclose genetic information of an individual without obtaining an authorization from the individual or a personal representative of the individual if the provider discloses the genetic information in accordance with ORS 192.558 (3).

      (3) As used in this section, “retain genetic information” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.531. [Formerly 192.529]

 

      Note: See note under 192.553.

 

BEDBUGS

 

      192.582 Confidentiality of bedbug infestation reports. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Bedbug” means a member of the Cimicidae family of parasitic insects.

      (b) “Public health authority” means:

      (A) A local public health authority, as defined in ORS 431.003; or

      (B) The Oregon Health Authority.

      (2) The following information reported by pest control operators to a public health authority must be maintained confidentially and is not subject to disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478:

      (a) The location of a site where a pesticide intended to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate an infestation of bedbugs has been applied or is to be applied;

      (b) The identity of any person who owns, rents or leases property at the site described in paragraph (a) of this subsection; and

      (c) Any information describing or pertaining to the infestation or suspected infestation at the site described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

      (3) Nothing in this section prevents a public health authority from publishing statistical compilations or reports relating to reportable disease investigations if the compilations or reports do not identify individual cases or sources of information. [Formerly 570.880]

 

      Note: 192.582 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

PRIVATE FINANCIAL RECORDS

 

      192.583 Definitions for ORS 192.583 to 192.607. As used in ORS 192.583 to 192.607:

      (1) “Customer” means any person, partnership, limited partnership, corporation, trust or other legal entity, who or which is transacting or has transacted business with a financial institution, or who or which is using or has used the services of such an institution, or for whom or which a financial institution has acted or is acting as a fiduciary.

      (2) “Financial institution” means:

      (a) A “financial institution” as defined in ORS 706.008; or

      (b) A “trust company” as defined in ORS 706.008.

      (3) “Financial records” means any original written or electronic document, any copy of the document, or any information contained in the document, held by or in the custody of a financial institution, when the document, copy or information is identifiable as pertaining to one or more customers of such an institution.

      (4) “Local agency” means every county, city, school district, municipal organization, district, political subdivision; or any board, commission or agency thereof; or any other local public agency; and every officer, agent or employee thereof.

      (5) “State agency” means every state office, department, division, bureau, board or commission or other state agency, including the Legislative Assembly and every officer, agent or employee thereof.

      (6) “Summons or subpoena” means an administrative summons or administrative subpoena issued by any state or local agency, or a judicial subpoena or subpoena duces tecum. [Formerly 192.550]

 

      192.585 [1977 c.517 §8(2),(3); 2005 c.130 §2; renumbered 192.603 in 2011]

 

      192.586 Disclosure of financial records prohibited; exceptions. (1) Except as provided in ORS 192.588, 192.589, 192.591, 192.593, 192.596, 192.597, 192.598 and 192.603 or as required by ORS 25.643 and 25.646 and the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act, ORS 98.302 to 98.436 and 98.992, and ORS 305.084:

      (a) A financial institution may not provide financial records of a customer to a state or local agency.

      (b) A state or local agency may not request or receive from a financial institution financial records of customers.

      (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not preclude a financial institution, in the discretion of the financial institution, from initiating contact with, and thereafter communicating with and disclosing customer financial records to:

      (a) Appropriate state or local agencies concerning a suspected violation of the law.

      (b) The office of the State Treasurer if the records relate to state investments in commercial mortgages involving the customer. The records and the information contained therein are public records but are exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.311 to 192.478 unless the public interest in disclosure clearly outweighs the public interest in confidentiality. However, the following records in the office must remain open to public inspection:

      (A) The contract or promissory note establishing a directly held residential or commercial mortgage and information identifying collateral;

      (B) Any copy the office retains of the underlying mortgage note in which the office purchases a participation interest; and

      (C) Information showing that a directly held loan is in default.

      (c) An appropriate state or local agency in connection with any business relationship or transaction between the financial institution and the customer, if the disclosure is made in the ordinary course of business of the financial institution and will further the legitimate business interests of the customer or the financial institution.

      (3) ORS 192.583 to 192.607 do not prohibit any of the following:

      (a) The dissemination of any financial information that is not identified with, or identifiable as being derived from, the financial records of a particular customer.

      (b) The examination by, or disclosure to, the Department of Consumer and Business Services of financial records that relate solely to the exercise of the department’s supervisory function. The scope of the department’s supervisory function shall be determined by reference to statutes that grant authority to examine, audit, or require reports of financial records or financial institutions.

      (c) The furnishing to the Department of Revenue of information by the financial institution, whether acting as principal or agent, as required by ORS 314.360.

      (d) Compliance with the provisions of ORS 708A.655 or 723.844.

      (4) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a financial institution may:

      (a) Enter into an agreement with the Oregon State Bar that requires the financial institution to make reports to the Oregon State Bar whenever a properly payable instrument is presented for payment out of an attorney trust account that contains insufficient funds, whether or not the instrument is honored by the financial institution; and

      (b) Submit reports to the Oregon State Bar concerning instruments presented for payment out of an attorney trust account under a trust account overdraft notification program established under ORS 9.685. [Formerly 192.555; 2012 c.70 §§10a,26; 2013 c.352 §2; 2015 c.129 §3; 2017 c.644 §9]

 

      192.587 [1993 c.131 §6; renumbered 192.605 in 2011]

 

      192.588 Disclosure to Department of Human Services or Oregon Health Authority; procedure; limitations. (1) Upon the request of the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority and the receipt of the certification required under subsection (2) of this section, a financial institution shall advise whether a person has one or more accounts with the financial institution, and if so, the balance on deposit in each such account on the date this information is provided.

      (2) In requesting information under subsection (1) of this section, the department or authority shall specify the name and Social Security number of the person upon whom the account information is sought, and shall certify to the financial institution in writing, signed by an agent of the department or authority:

      (a) That the person upon whom account information is sought is an applicant for or recipient of public assistance, as defined in ORS 411.010, or medical assistance, as defined in ORS 414.025; and

      (b) That the department or authority has authorization from the person for release of the account information.

      (3) Any financial institution supplying account information under ORS 192.583 to 192.588 and 411.632 shall be reimbursed for actual costs incurred.

      (4) No financial institution that supplies account information to the department or authority pursuant to this section shall be liable to any person for any loss, damage or injury arising out of or in any way pertaining to the disclosure of account information under this section.

      (5) Each financial institution that is requested to supply account information under this section may specify to the department or authority that requests for account information and responses from the financial institution shall be submitted in written, tape or electronic format. A reasonable time shall be provided the financial institution for response.

      (6) The department or authority shall seek account information under this section only with respect to persons who are applicants for or recipients of public assistance, as defined in ORS 411.010, or medical assistance, as defined in ORS 414.025. [Formerly 192.557; 2013 c.688 §26]

 

      192.589 Financial institution records of deceased individual; disclosure to Department of Human Services or Oregon Health Authority; procedure. (1) At any time after an individual dies, the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority may deliver to a financial institution the written notice and request described in subsection (2) of this section.

      (2) A written notice and request under this section must:

      (a) Include the name, last known address and Social Security number of the deceased individual;

      (b) State the date of the deceased individual’s death;

      (c) State that the deceased individual received public assistance or medical assistance that was subject to a claim for reimbursement under ORS 411.640, 411.708, 411.795 or 416.350; and

      (d) Request that the financial institution provide all or any part of the following information to the department or the authority:

      (A) Whether the financial institution held on the date of the deceased individual’s death any deposit account in the deceased individual’s name or in more than one name, one of which is the deceased individual’s name;

      (B) The balance on deposit in each deposit account described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph on the date of the deceased individual’s death;

      (C) The name of each person to whom the financial institution disbursed funds from a deposit account described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph on or after the date of the deceased individual’s death, if the financial institution closed the deposit account on or after the date of the deceased individual’s death;

      (D) A record of the activity in each of the deposit accounts described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph in the period that begins 30 days before the date of the deceased individual’s death and ends on the date of the deceased individual’s death;

      (E) A copy of any affidavit or declaration the financial institution received under ORS 708A.430 or 723.466; and

      (F) The name and address of any person named as an owner of a deposit account described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, if the financial institution has the information in the financial institution’s records.

      (3) The department or the authority may submit an affidavit or declaration under ORS 708A.430 or 723.466 at the same time the department or authority submits a notice and request under subsection (2) of this section, except that a declaration under ORS 708A.430 must be submitted no earlier than 46 days after the death of the depositor and no later than 76 days after the death of the depositor.

      (4) The department and the authority shall reimburse a financial institution as provided in ORS 192.602 for all reasonable costs and expenses the financial institution incurs to provide information in response to a notice and request under subsection (2) of this section. [2015 c.129 §2; 2017 c.51 §3; 2023 c.84 §3]

 

      192.590 [1977 c.517 §9; 1981 c.897 §41; 1995 c.696 §18; renumbered 192.606 in 2011]

 

      192.591 Disclosure to state court; procedure; limitations. (1) Upon the request of a state court and the receipt of the certification required under subsection (2) of this section, a financial institution shall advise whether a person has one or more accounts with the financial institution and, if so, the balance on deposit in each such account on the date this information is provided and a record of the account’s activity for at least the prior 30 days, which may include the current and previous account statement period.

      (2) In requesting information under subsection (1) of this section, the state court shall specify the name and Social Security number of the person about whom the account information is sought, and shall certify to the financial institution in writing, signed by an agent of the state court, that the person about whom account information is sought has requested appointed counsel or that appointed counsel has been provided for the person. In addition, the state court shall forward to the financial institution a certification signed by the person about whom account information is sought that authorizes the release of the account information.

      (3) Any financial institution supplying account information under this section shall be reimbursed for reasonable costs incurred.

      (4) No financial institution that supplies account information to a state court pursuant to this section is liable to any person for any loss, damage or injury arising out of or in any way pertaining to the disclosure of account information under this section.

      (5) Each financial institution that is requested to supply account information under this section may specify to the state court that requests for account information and responses from the financial institution shall be submitted in written, tape or electronic format. The financial institution shall respond to the request within three business days.

      (6) The state court may seek account information only with respect to persons who have requested appointed counsel or who have had counsel appointed by the court. [Formerly 192.559]

 

      192.593 Authorization by customer for disclosure. (1) A financial institution may disclose financial records of a customer to a state or local agency, and such an agency may request and receive such records, when the customer has authorized such disclosure as provided in this section.

      (2) The authorization of disclosure shall:

      (a) Be in writing, signed and dated by the customer;

      (b) Identify with particularity the records authorized to be disclosed;

      (c) Name the agency to whom disclosure is authorized;

      (d) Contain notice to the customer that the customer may revoke such authorization at any time in writing; and

      (e) Inform the customer as to the reason for such request and disclosure.

      (3) No financial institution shall require a customer to sign an authorization for disclosure as a condition of doing business with such institution. [Formerly 192.560]

 

      192.595 [1977 c.517 §10; renumbered 192.607 in 2011]

 

      192.596 Disclosure under summons or subpoena; procedure. (1) A financial institution may disclose financial records of a customer to a state or local agency, and a state or local agency may request and receive such records, pursuant to a lawful summons or subpoena, served upon the financial institution, as provided in this section or ORS chapter 25.

      (2) The state or local agency issuing such summons or subpoena shall make personal service of a copy of it upon the customer.

      (3) The summons or subpoena shall name the agency issuing it, and shall specify the statutory authority under which the financial records are being obtained.

      (4) The summons or subpoena shall state that service of a copy thereof has been made upon the customer, and shall state the date upon which service was accomplished.

      (5) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, a financial institution shall not disclose the financial records of a customer to a state or local agency, in response to a summons or subpoena served upon it, for a period of 10 days following service of a copy thereof upon the customer, unless the customer has consented to earlier disclosure. If the customer moves to quash such summons or subpoena, and the financial institution receives written notice of such action from the customer, all within 10 days following the date upon which a copy of the summons or subpoena was served upon the customer, the financial institution shall not disclose the financial records of said customer pursuant to said summons or subpoena unless:

      (a) The customer thereafter consents in writing to the disclosure; or

      (b) A court orders disclosure of the financial records to the state or local agency, pursuant to the summons or subpoena.

      (6) Pursuant to the issuance of a summons or subpoena, a state or local agency may petition the court, and the court, upon a showing of reasonable cause to believe that a law subject to the jurisdiction of the petitioning agency has been or is about to be violated, may order that service upon the customer pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, information concerning such service required by subsection (4) of this section, and the 10-day period provided for in subsection (5) of this section be waived or shortened.

      (7) Where the court grants such petition, a copy of the court order granting the same shall be attached to the summons or subpoena, and shall therewith be served upon the financial institution.

      (8) The provisions of subsections (2) to (7) of this section do not apply to subpoenas issued pursuant to ORS chapter 25. [Formerly 192.565]

 

      192.597 Disclosure pursuant to abuse investigation; procedure; liability; affidavit. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 192.596, a financial institution shall disclose and provide copies of the financial records of a person who is the alleged victim in an investigation under ORS 124.070 or 441.650 in accordance with a subpoena issued by a court or on behalf of a grand jury under ORS 136.563.

      (2) A subpoena issued under this section shall specify:

      (a) The name and Social Security number of the person about whom financial records are sought; and

      (b) That the person about whom financial records are sought is the alleged victim in an abuse investigation under ORS 124.070 or 441.650.

      (3) Disclosure and provision of copies under this section shall be made:

      (a) Without the consent of the person who is the alleged victim in the abuse investigation, or of the person’s caretaker, fiduciary or other legal representative; and

      (b) When made under subsection (7)(b) of this section, without the consent of the person who is not the alleged victim in the abuse investigation.

      (4) A copy of the subpoena issued under this section may be served upon the person or the person’s caretaker, fiduciary or other legal representative, in the discretion of the court or the district attorney that issued the subpoena.

      (5) Except when specifically directed by the court or district attorney issuing the subpoena not to, a financial institution that discloses and provides copies of financial records under this section may, but is not required to:

      (a) Inform the person about whom financial records have been sought about the disclosure; or

      (b) Inform the person’s caretaker, fiduciary or other legal representative, about the disclosure.

      (6) A financial institution that provides copies of financial records under this section may be reimbursed for costs incurred as provided in ORS 192.602.

      (7)(a) Financial records may be subpoenaed under this section only with respect to a person who is the alleged victim of abuse in an investigation under ORS 124.070 or 441.650.

      (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, financial records may be subpoenaed under this section when the financial records pertain to an account, loan or other financial relationship owned, held or maintained by a person who is the alleged victim in an abuse investigation under ORS 124.070 or 441.650 together with one or more other persons who are not alleged victims in the abuse investigation.

      (8) A financial institution that discloses and provides copies of financial records under this section is not liable to any person for any loss, damage or injury arising out of or in any way pertaining to the disclosure and provision of the copies.

      (9)(a) Copies provided by a financial institution under this section must be accompanied by an affidavit or declaration of a custodian of records for the financial institution that states the following:

      (A) That the affiant or declarant is a duly authorized custodian of the financial records and has authority to certify the financial records;

      (B) That the copies are true copies of all of the financial records responsive to the subpoena; and

      (C) That the financial records were prepared by the personnel of the financial institution acting under the control of the financial institution in the ordinary course of the financial institution’s business.

      (b) If the financial institution has none of the financial records described in the subpoena, or only part of the financial records described in the subpoena, the affiant or declarant shall state in the affidavit or declaration that none or only a part of the financial records described in the subpoena are in the financial institution’s possession and control and shall disclose and provide only those financial records of which the affiant or declarant has custody.

      (c) When more than one person has knowledge of the facts required to be stated in the affidavit or declaration under this subsection, more than one affidavit or declaration may be used.

      (d) Copies provided under this subsection are admissible in evidence in a proceeding before a court in which testimony may be compelled to the same extent as though the original financial records were offered and a custodian of the financial records had been present and testified to the matters stated in the affidavit or declaration. The affidavit or declaration is admissible as evidence of the matters stated in the affidavit or declaration. The matters stated in the affidavit or declaration are presumed to be true. The presumption established by this paragraph is a presumption affecting the burden of producing evidence. [2012 c.70 §10; 2013 c.352 §11]

 

      192.598 Disclosure under search warrant. (1) A financial institution may disclose financial records of a customer to a state or local agency, and a state or local agency may request and receive such records, pursuant to a lawful search warrant, as provided in this section.

      (2) The content of the search warrant shall conform to the requirements of ORS 133.565.

      (3) The state or local agency seeking financial records shall make personal service of the search warrant upon the financial institution in the manner provided by law for service of a subpoena.

      (4) Disclosure of financial records may occur as soon as the warrant is served upon the financial institution. [Formerly 192.570]

 

      192.600 Liability of financial institution for disclosure. (1) Nothing in ORS 192.583 to 192.607 shall require a financial institution to inquire or determine that those seeking disclosure have duly complied with the requirements set forth in ORS 192.583 to 192.607, provided only that the customer authorization, summons, subpoena or search warrant served upon or delivered to a financial institution pursuant to ORS 192.593, 192.596, 192.597 or 192.598 shows compliance on its face.

      (2) A financial institution which in good faith reliance refuses to disclose financial records of a customer upon the prohibitions of ORS 192.583 to 192.607, shall not be liable to its customer, to a state or local agency, or to any person for any loss or damage caused in whole or in part by such refusal.

      (3) Financial institutions shall not be required to notify their customers concerning the receipt by them of requests from state or local agencies for disclosures of financial records of such customers. However, except as otherwise provided in ORS 192.583 to 192.607, nothing in ORS 192.583 to 192.607 shall preclude financial institutions from giving such notice to customers. A court may order a financial institution to withhold notification to a customer of the receipt of a summons, subpoena or search warrant when the court finds that notice to the customer would impede the investigation being conducted by the state or local agency.

      (4) Financial institutions that participate in a trust account overdraft notification program established under ORS 9.685 are not liable to a lawyer or law firm on the attorney trust account, to a beneficiary of the trust account or to the Oregon State Bar for loss or damage caused in whole or in part by that participation or arising in any way out of that participation.

      (5) A financial institution shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or injury arising out of or in any way pertaining to the release of information pursuant to ORS 192.586 (2)(a). [Formerly 192.575; 2012 c.70 §§10b,27; 2013 c.352 §3]

 

      192.602 Time for compliance; reimbursement; exceptions. (1)(a) A financial institution shall have a reasonable period of time in which to comply with any proper customer authorization, summons, subpoena or search warrant permitting or seeking disclosure of financial records. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, a “reasonable period of time” shall in no case be less than 10 days from the date upon which the financial institution receives or is served with a customer authorization, summons, subpoena or search warrant.

      (b) When disclosure is sought under ORS 192.596, the reasonable period of time shall be not less than 20 days.

      (c) When disclosure is sought under ORS 192.597, the reasonable period of time shall be that period of time required by the circumstances but in no case more than 10 days from the date upon which the financial institution receives or is served with a subpoena under ORS 192.597.

      (2) Before making disclosures, a financial institution may require that the requesting state or local agency reimburse the financial institution for the reasonable costs incurred by the financial institution in the course of compliance. These costs include, but are not limited to, personnel costs, reproduction costs and travel expenses. The following charges shall be considered reasonable costs:

      (a) Personnel costs, $30 per hour per person, computed on the basis of $7.50 per quarter hour or fraction thereof, for time expended by personnel of the financial institution in searching, locating, retrieving, copying and transporting or conveying the requested material to the place of examination.

      (b) Reproduction costs, $1 per page, including copies produced by reader and printer reproduction processes. Photographs, films and other materials shall be reimbursed at actual costs.

      (c) Travel expenses, 50 cents per mile, plus other actual costs, necessary to transport personnel to locate and retrieve the information required or requested and to convey the required or requested material to the place of examination.

      (3) The provisions of subsection (2) of this section do not apply in the case of records subpoenaed by a prosecuting attorney as evidence of the crimes of negotiating a bad check under ORS 165.065, forgery under ORS 165.007 and 165.013, theft by deception by means of a bad check under ORS 164.085, fraudulent use of a credit card under ORS 165.055, identity theft under ORS 165.800 or racketeering activity under ORS 166.720 or of an offense listed in ORS 137.700. [Formerly 192.580; 2012 c.70 §§10c,28; 2013 c.352 §4]

 

      192.603 Procedure for disclosure to law enforcement agency. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Account information” means, whether or not the financial institution has an account under a particular customer’s name, the number of customer account items dishonored or that created overdrafts, dollar volume of dishonored items and items that when paid created overdrafts, a statement explaining any credit arrangement between the financial institution and the customer to pay overdrafts, dates and amounts of deposits and debits to a customer’s account, copies of deposit slips and deposited items, the account balance on such dates, a copy of the customer’s signature card and the dates the account opened or closed.

      (b) “Secure electronic message” means an electronic message that is encrypted or otherwise transmitted in a manner that is reasonably calculated to prevent accidental, unlawful or unauthorized disclosure or access to parties not authorized to receive or access the electronic message.

      (2) When a police or sheriff’s department or district attorney’s office in this state requests account information from a financial institution to assist in a criminal investigation, the financial institution shall supply a statement setting forth the requested account information with respect to a customer or a customer account specified by the police or sheriff’s department or district attorney’s office, for a period of up to three months prior to and three months following the date of occurrence of the account transaction giving rise to the criminal investigation. The disclosure statement required under this subsection may include only account information as defined in subsection (1) of this section. If the police or sheriff’s department or district attorney’s office makes the request by sending a secure electronic message to the financial institution, the financial institution shall respond to the request in a secure electronic message. The police or sheriff’s department or district attorney’s office requesting the information shall, within 24 hours of making the request, confirm the request in a written or secure electronic message delivered or mailed to the financial institution, setting forth the nature of the account information sought, the time period for which account information is sought, and that the information has been requested pursuant to a criminal investigation. [Formerly 192.585; 2019 c.399 §6]

 

      192.605 Charges for participation in attorney trust account overdraft notification program. Financial institutions that participate in an attorney trust account overdraft notification program established under ORS 9.685 may charge attorneys or law firms who have trust accounts with the financial institution for the reasonable costs incurred by the financial institution by reason of that participation. [Formerly 192.587]

 

      192.606 Civil liability for violation of ORS 192.583 to 192.607; attorney fees; status of evidence obtained in violation. (1) Any customer who suffers any ascertainable loss as a result of a willful violation of ORS 192.583 to 192.607 by any person, may bring an individual action in an appropriate court to recover actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater.

      (2) Any customer who suffers any ascertainable loss as a result of a negligent violation of ORS 192.583 to 192.607 by any person, may bring an individual action in an appropriate court to recover actual damages.

      (3)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the court may award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in an action under this section.

      (b) The court may not award attorney fees to the state or a political subdivision of the state if the state or political subdivision prevails in an action under this section.

      (4) An action to enforce any provision of ORS 192.583 to 192.607 must be commenced within two years after the date on which the violation occurred.

      (5) Evidence obtained in violation of ORS 192.583 to 192.607 is inadmissible in any proceeding. [Formerly 192.590]

 

      192.607 Severability. If any provision of ORS 192.583 to 192.607 or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid for any reason, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision or application of ORS 192.583 to 192.607 which can remain in effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of ORS 192.583 to 192.607 are severable. [Formerly 192.595]

 

PUBLIC MEETINGS

 

      192.610 Definitions for ORS 192.610 to 192.705. As used in ORS 192.610 to 192.705:

      (1) “Convening” means:

      (a) Gathering in a physical location;

      (b) Using electronic, video or telephonic technology to be able to communicate contemporaneously among participants;

      (c) Using serial electronic written communication among participants; or

      (d) Using an intermediary to communicate among participants.

      (2) “Decision” means any determination, action, vote or final disposition upon a motion, proposal, resolution, order, ordinance or measure on which a vote of a governing body is required, at any meeting at which a quorum is present.

      (3) “Deliberation” means discussion or communication that is part of a decision-making process.

      (4) “Executive session” means any meeting or part of a meeting of a governing body which is closed to certain persons for deliberation on certain matters.

      (5) “Governing body” means the members of any public body which consists of two or more members, with the authority to make decisions for or recommendations to a public body on policy or administration.

      (6) “Public body” means the state, any regional council, county, city or district, or any municipal or public corporation, or any board, department, commission, council, bureau, committee or subcommittee or advisory group or any other agency thereof.

      (7)(a) “Meeting” means the convening of a governing body of a public body for which a quorum is required in order to make a decision or to deliberate toward a decision on any matter.

      (b) “Meeting” does not include any on-site inspection of any project or program or the attendance of members of a governing body at any national, regional or state association to which the public body or the members belong. [1973 c.172 §2; 1979 c.644 §1; 2023 c.417 §1]

 

      192.620 Policy. The Oregon form of government requires an informed public aware of the deliberations and decisions of governing bodies and the information upon which such decisions were made. It is the intent of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 that decisions of governing bodies be arrived at openly. [1973 c.172 §1]

 

      192.630 Meetings of governing body to be open to public; location of meetings; accommodation for person with disability; interpreters. (1) All meetings of the governing body of a public body shall be open to the public and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting except as otherwise provided by ORS 192.610 to 192.705.

      (2) A quorum of a governing body may not meet in private for the purpose of deciding on or deliberating toward a decision on any matter except as otherwise provided by ORS 192.610 to 192.705.

      (3) A governing body may not hold a meeting at any place where discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability is practiced. However, the fact that organizations with restricted membership hold meetings at the place does not restrict its use by a public body if use of the place by a restricted membership organization is not the primary purpose of the place or its predominant use.

      (4)(a) Meetings of the governing body of a public body shall be held:

      (A) Within the geographic boundaries over which the public body has jurisdiction;

      (B) At the administrative headquarters of the public body;

      (C) At the nearest practical location; or

      (D) If the public body is a state, county, city or special district entity, within Indian country of a federally recognized Oregon Indian tribe that is within the geographic boundaries of this state. For purposes of this subparagraph, “Indian country” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. 1151.

      (b) Training sessions may be held outside the jurisdiction as long as no deliberations toward a decision are involved.

      (c) A joint meeting of two or more governing bodies or of one or more governing bodies and the elected officials of one or more federally recognized Oregon Indian tribes shall be held within the geographic boundaries over which one of the participating public bodies or one of the Oregon Indian tribes has jurisdiction or at the nearest practical location.

      (d) Meetings may be held in locations other than those described in this subsection in the event of an actual emergency necessitating immediate action.

      (5)(a) It is discrimination on the basis of disability for a governing body of a public body to meet in a place inaccessible to persons with disabilities, or, upon request of a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, to fail to make a good faith effort to have an interpreter for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing provided at a regularly scheduled meeting. The sole remedy for discrimination on the basis of disability shall be as provided in ORS 192.680.

      (b) The person requesting the interpreter shall give the governing body at least 48 hours’ notice of the request for an interpreter, shall provide the name of the requester, sign language preference and any other relevant information the governing body may request.

      (c) If a meeting is held upon less than 48 hours’ notice, reasonable effort shall be made to have an interpreter present, but the requirement for an interpreter does not apply to emergency meetings.

      (d) If certification of interpreters occurs under state or federal law, the Oregon Health Authority or other state or local agency shall try to refer only certified interpreters to governing bodies for purposes of this subsection.

      (e) As used in this subsection, “good faith effort” includes, but is not limited to, contacting the department or other state or local agency that maintains a list of qualified interpreters and arranging for the referral of one or more qualified interpreters to provide interpreter services. [1973 c.172 §3; 1979 c.644 §2; 1989 c.1019 §1; 1995 c.626 §1; 2003 c.14 §95; 2005 c.663 §12; 2007 c.70 §52; 2007 c.100 §21; 2009 c.595 §173; 2017 c.482 §1; 2019 c.286 §1; 2021 c.367 §12]

 

      192.640 Public notice required; special notice for executive sessions or special or emergency meetings. (1) The governing body of a public body shall provide for and give public notice, reasonably calculated to give actual notice to interested persons including news media which have requested notice, of the time and place for holding regular meetings. The notice shall also include a list of the principal subjects anticipated to be considered at the meeting, but this requirement shall not limit the ability of a governing body to consider additional subjects.

      (2) If an executive session only will be held, the notice shall be given to the members of the governing body, to the general public and to news media which have requested notice, stating the specific provision of law authorizing the executive session.

      (3) No special meeting shall be held without at least 24 hours’ notice to the members of the governing body, the news media which have requested notice and the general public. In case of an actual emergency, a meeting may be held upon such notice as is appropriate to the circumstances, but the minutes for such a meeting shall describe the emergency justifying less than 24 hours’ notice. [1973 c.172 §4; 1979 c.644 §3; 1981 c.182 §1]

 

      192.650 Recording or written minutes required; content; fees. (1) The governing body of a public body shall provide for the sound, video or digital recording or the taking of written minutes of all its meetings. Neither a full transcript nor a full recording of the meeting is required, except as otherwise provided by law, but the written minutes or recording must give a true reflection of the matters discussed at the meeting and the views of the participants. All minutes or recordings shall be available to the public within a reasonable time after the meeting, and shall include at least the following information:

      (a) All members of the governing body present;

      (b) All motions, proposals, resolutions, orders, ordinances and measures proposed and their disposition;

      (c) The results of all votes and, except for public bodies consisting of more than 25 members unless requested by a member of that body, the vote of each member by name;

      (d) The substance of any discussion on any matter; and

      (e) Subject to ORS 192.311 to 192.478 relating to public records, a reference to any document discussed at the meeting.

      (2) Minutes of executive sessions shall be kept in accordance with subsection (1) of this section. However, the minutes of a hearing held under ORS 332.061 shall contain only the material not excluded under ORS 332.061 (2). Instead of written minutes, a record of any executive session may be kept in the form of a sound or video tape or digital recording, which need not be transcribed unless otherwise provided by law. If the disclosure of certain material is inconsistent with the purpose for which a meeting under ORS 192.660 is authorized to be held, that material may be excluded from disclosure. However, excluded materials are authorized to be examined privately by a court in any legal action and the court shall determine their admissibility.

      (3) A reference in minutes or a recording to a document discussed at a meeting of a governing body of a public body does not affect the status of the document under ORS 192.311 to 192.478.

      (4) A public body may charge a person a fee under ORS 192.324 for the preparation of a transcript from a recording. [1973 c.172 §5; 1975 c.664 §1; 1979 c.644 §4; 1999 c.59 §44; 2003 c.803 §14]

 

      192.660 Executive sessions permitted on certain matters; procedures; news media representatives’ attendance; limits; advisory opinions. (1) ORS 192.610 to 192.705 do not prevent the governing body of a public body from holding executive session during a regular, special or emergency meeting, after the presiding officer has identified the authorization under ORS 192.610 to 192.705 for holding the executive session.

      (2) The governing body of a public body may hold an executive session:

      (a) To consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent.

      (b) To consider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent who does not request an open hearing.

      (c) To consider matters pertaining to the function of the medical staff of a public hospital licensed pursuant to ORS 441.015 to 441.119 and 441.993 including, but not limited to, all clinical committees, executive, credentials, utilization review, peer review committees and all other matters relating to medical competency in the hospital.

      (d) To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations.

      (e) To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions.

      (f) To consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection.

      (g) To consider preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce in which the governing body is in competition with governing bodies in other states or nations.

      (h) To consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

      (i) To review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer of any public body, a public officer, employee or staff member who does not request an open hearing.

      (j) To carry on negotiations under ORS chapter 293 with private persons or businesses regarding proposed acquisition, exchange or liquidation of public investments.

      (k) To consider matters relating to school safety or a plan that responds to safety threats made toward a school.

      (L) If the governing body is a health professional regulatory board, to consider information obtained as part of an investigation of licensee or applicant conduct.

      (m) If the governing body is the State Landscape Architect Board, or an advisory committee to the board, to consider information obtained as part of an investigation of registrant or applicant conduct.

      (n) To discuss information about review or approval of programs relating to the security of any of the following:

      (A) A nuclear-powered thermal power plant or nuclear installation.

      (B) Transportation of radioactive material derived from or destined for a nuclear-fueled thermal power plant or nuclear installation.

      (C) Generation, storage or conveyance of:

      (i) Electricity;

      (ii) Gas in liquefied or gaseous form;

      (iii) Hazardous substances as defined in ORS 453.005 (7)(a), (b) and (d);

      (iv) Petroleum products;

      (v) Sewage; or

      (vi) Water.

      (D) Telecommunication systems, including cellular, wireless or radio systems.

      (E) Data transmissions by whatever means provided.

      (o) To consider matters relating to the safety of the governing body and of public body staff and volunteers and the security of public body facilities and meeting spaces.

      (p) To consider matters relating to cyber security infrastructure and responses to cyber security threats.

      (3) Labor negotiations shall be conducted in open meetings unless negotiators for both sides request that negotiations be conducted in executive session. Labor negotiations conducted in executive session are not subject to the notification requirements of ORS 192.640.

      (4) Representatives of the news media shall be allowed to attend executive sessions other than those held under subsection (2)(d) of this section relating to labor negotiations or executive session held pursuant to ORS 332.061 (2) but the governing body may require that specified information be undisclosed.

      (5) When a governing body convenes an executive session under subsection (2)(h) of this section relating to conferring with counsel on current litigation or litigation likely to be filed, the governing body shall bar any member of the news media from attending the executive session if the member of the news media is a party to the litigation or is an employee, agent or contractor of a news media organization that is a party to the litigation.

      (6) No executive session may be held for the purpose of taking any final action or making any final decision.

      (7) The exception granted by subsection (2)(a) of this section does not apply to:

      (a) The filling of a vacancy in an elective office.

      (b) The filling of a vacancy on any public committee, commission or other advisory group.

      (c) The consideration of general employment policies.

      (d) The employment of the chief executive officer, other public officers, employees and staff members of a public body unless:

      (A) The public body has advertised the vacancy;

      (B) The public body has adopted regular hiring procedures;

      (C) In the case of an officer, the public has had the opportunity to comment on the employment of the officer; and

      (D) In the case of a chief executive officer, the governing body has adopted hiring standards, criteria and policy directives in meetings open to the public in which the public has had the opportunity to comment on the standards, criteria and policy directives.

      (8) A governing body may not use an executive session for purposes of evaluating a chief executive officer or other officer, employee or staff member to conduct a general evaluation of an agency goal, objective or operation or any directive to personnel concerning agency goals, objectives, operations or programs.

      (9) Notwithstanding subsections (2) and (6) of this section and ORS 192.650:

      (a) ORS 676.175 governs the public disclosure of minutes, transcripts or recordings relating to the substance and disposition of licensee or applicant conduct investigated by a health professional regulatory board.

      (b) ORS 671.338 governs the public disclosure of minutes, transcripts or recordings relating to the substance and disposition of registrant or applicant conduct investigated by the State Landscape Architect Board or an advisory committee to the board.

      (10) Any person may submit to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission:

      (a) A written request for the commission to issue and publish a commission advisory opinion under ORS 244.280 on the application of this section to any actual or hypothetical circumstance;

      (b) A written request for the executive director of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission to issue and publish a staff advisory opinion under ORS 244.282 on the application of this section to any actual or hypothetical circumstance; or

      (c) A written or oral request for the executive director or other staff of the commission to issue written or oral staff advice under ORS 244.284 on the application of this section to any actual or hypothetical circumstance.

      (11) Notwithstanding ORS 244.290, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission may not adopt rules that establish what entities are considered representatives of the news media that are entitled to attend executive sessions under subsection (4) of this section. [1973 c.172 §6; 1975 c.664 §2; 1979 c.644 §5; 1981 c.302 §1; 1983 c.453 §1; 1985 c.657 §2; 1995 c.779 §1; 1997 c.173 §1; 1997 c.594 §1; 1997 c.791 §9; 2001 c.950 §10; 2003 c.524 §4; 2005 c.22 §134; 2007 c.602 §11; 2009 c.792 §32; 2015 c.421 §2; 2015 c.666 §3; 2018 c.50 §11; 2021 c.264 §4; 2023 c.252 §1]

 

      192.670 Meetings by means of telephone or electronic communication. (1) Any meeting, including an executive session, of a governing body of a public body which is held through the use of telephone or other electronic communication shall be conducted in accordance with ORS 192.610 to 192.705.

      (2) When telephone or other electronic means of communication is used and the meeting is not an executive session, the governing body of the public body shall make available to the public at least one place where, or at least one electronic means by which, the public can listen to the communication at the time it occurs. A place provided may be a place where no member of the governing body of the public body is present.

      (3) All meetings held by a governing body of a public body, excluding executive sessions, must provide to members of the general public, to the extent reasonably possible, an opportunity to:

      (a) Access and attend the meeting by telephone, video or other electronic or virtual means;

      (b) If in-person oral testimony is allowed, submit during the meeting oral testimony by telephone, video or other electronic or virtual means; and

      (c) If in-person written testimony is allowed, submit written testimony, including by electronic mail or other electronic means, so that the governing body is able to consider the submitted testimony in a timely manner.

      (4) The provisions of subsection (3) of this section:

      (a) Apply to hearings under ORS 197.797, 215.402 to 215.438 and 215.700 to 215.780 regardless of whether a governing body or governing body’s designee, including a hearings officer, conducts the hearing; and

      (b) Do not apply to contested case hearings under ORS chapter 183. [1973 c.172 §7; 1979 c.361 §1; 2011 c.272 §2; 2021 c.228 §1]

 

      192.672 State board or commission meetings through telephone or electronic means; compensation and reimbursement; recording and publishing. (1) A state board or commission may meet through telephone or other electronic means in accordance with ORS 192.610 to 192.705.

      (2)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 171.072 or 292.495, a member of a state board or commission who attends a meeting through telephone or other electronic means is not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for expenses for attending the meeting.

      (b) A state board or commission may compensate or reimburse a member, other than a member who is a member of the Legislative Assembly, who attends a meeting through telephone or other electronic means as provided in ORS 292.495 at the discretion of the board or commission.

      (3)(a) A state board or commission that meets through telephone or other electronic means in accordance with ORS 192.610 to 192.705 shall record and promptly publish the meeting on a publicly accessible website or hosting service, so that members of the public may without charge:

      (A) Observe a recording of the meeting if the meeting was conducted through videoconferencing technology; or

      (B) Listen to a recording of the meeting if the meeting was conducted through teleconferencing technology that did not include video capabilities.

      (b) The requirement that a meeting be published under this subsection does not apply to that portion of a state board or commission meeting that was lawfully held in executive session under ORS 192.660 or other law.

      (c) The requirement to record and publish meetings under this subsection applies to any state board or commission that is within the executive department, as defined in ORS 174.112, and whose members are subject to Senate confirmation under ORS 171.562 and 171.565. [2011 c.272 §1; 2023 c.565 §1]

 

      Note: 192.672 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.680 Enforcement of ORS 192.610 to 192.705; effect of violation on validity of decision of governing body; liability of members. (1) A decision made by a governing body of a public body in violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 shall be voidable. The decision shall not be voided if the governing body of the public body reinstates the decision while in compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.705. A decision that is reinstated is effective from the date of its initial adoption.

      (2) Any person affected by a decision of a governing body of a public body may commence a suit in the circuit court for the county in which the governing body ordinarily meets, for the purpose of requiring compliance with, or the prevention of violations of ORS 192.610 to 192.705, by members of the governing body, or to determine the applicability of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 to matters or decisions of the governing body.

      (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if the court finds that the public body made a decision while in violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705, the court shall void the decision of the governing body if the court finds that the violation was the result of intentional disregard of the law or willful misconduct by a quorum of the members of the governing body, unless other equitable relief is available. The court may order such equitable relief as it deems appropriate in the circumstances. The court may order payment to a successful plaintiff in a suit brought under this section of reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal, by the governing body, or public body of which it is a part or to which it reports.

      (4) If the court makes a finding that a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 has occurred under subsection (2) of this section and that the violation is the result of willful misconduct by any member or members of the governing body, that member or members shall be jointly and severally liable to the governing body or the public body of which it is a part for the amount paid by the body under subsection (3) of this section.

      (5) Any suit brought under subsection (2) of this section must be commenced within 60 days following the date that the decision becomes public record.

      (6) The provisions of this section shall be the exclusive remedy for an alleged violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705, except that this subsection does not apply to proceedings of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. [1973 c.172 §8; 1975 c.664 §3; 1979 c.644 §6; 1981 c.897 §42; 1983 c.453 §2; 1989 c.544 §1; 2023 c.417 §8]

 

      192.685 Additional enforcement by Oregon Government Ethics Commission. (1)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 192.680, complaints of violations of any provision of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 alleged to have been committed by public officials may be made to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for review and investigation as provided by ORS 244.260 and for possible imposition of civil penalties as provided by ORS 244.350.

      (b) If at any time the commission has reason to believe that there has been a violation of ORS 192.660, the commission may proceed under this section and as provided by ORS 244.260 on its own motion as if the commission had received a complaint.

      (2) A complainant may not file a complaint with the commission under this section unless the complainant has complied with the written grievance procedures described in ORS 192.705 and:

      (a) Has received a response from the public body that denies that a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 occurred;

      (b) Has received a response from the public body that admits that a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 occurred that the public body has failed to take adequate steps to cure; or

      (c) Has not received a response from the public body within the time prescribed for a response under ORS 192.705.

      (3) A complainant shall submit documentation of the complainant’s actions taken under ORS 192.705 and the public body’s response as described in subsection (2) of this section, if any. The commission shall dismiss any complaint filed under this section that does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.

      (4) If a complaint satisfies the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, the commission may interview witnesses, review minutes and other records and obtain and consider any other information pertaining to meetings of the governing body of a public body for purposes of determining whether a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 occurred. Information related to an executive session conducted for a purpose authorized by ORS 192.660 shall be made available to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for its investigation but shall be excluded from public disclosure.

      (5) If the commission chooses not to pursue a complaint of a violation brought under subsection (1) of this section at any time before conclusion of a contested case hearing, the public official against whom the complaint was brought may be entitled to reimbursement of reasonable costs and attorney fees by the public body to which the official’s governing body has authority to make recommendations or for which the official’s governing body has authority to make decisions. [1993 c.743 §28; 2023 c.68 §2; 2023 c.417 §6]

 

      192.690 Exceptions to ORS 192.610 to 192.705. (1) ORS 192.610 to 192.705 do not apply to any of the following:

      (a) Deliberations of the Psychiatric Security Review Board or the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision.

      (b) Deliberations of state agencies conducting hearings on contested cases in accordance with the provisions of ORS chapter 183.

      (c) Deliberations of the Workers’ Compensation Board or the Employment Appeals Board of similar hearings on contested cases.

      (d) Meetings of the state lawyers assistance committee operating under the provisions of ORS 9.568.

      (e) Meetings of the personal and practice management assistance committees operating under the provisions of ORS 9.568.

      (f) Meetings of county child abuse multidisciplinary teams required to review child abuse cases in accordance with the provisions of ORS 418.747.

      (g) Meetings of child fatality review teams required to review child fatalities in accordance with the provisions of ORS 418.785.

      (h) Meetings of peer review committees in accordance with the provisions of ORS 441.055.

      (i) Mediation conducted under ORS 36.252 to 36.268.

      (j) Any judicial proceeding.

      (k) Meetings of the Oregon Health and Science University Board of Directors or its designated committee regarding candidates for the position of president of the university or regarding sensitive business, financial or commercial matters of the university not customarily provided to competitors related to financings, mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures or related to the sale or other disposition of, or substantial change in use of, significant real or personal property, or related to health system strategies.

      (L) Oregon Health and Science University faculty or staff committee meetings.

      (m) Communications between or among members of a governing body that are:

      (A) Purely factual or educational in nature and that convey no deliberation or decision on any matter that might reasonably come before the governing body;

      (B) Not related to any matter that, at any time, could reasonably be foreseen to come before the governing body for deliberation and decision; or

      (C) Nonsubstantive in nature, such as communication relating to scheduling, leaves of absence and other similar matters.

      (2) Because of the grave risk to public health and safety that would be posed by misappropriation or misapplication of information considered during such review and approval, ORS 192.610 to 192.705 shall not apply to review and approval of security programs by the Energy Facility Siting Council pursuant to ORS 469.530. [1973 c.172 §9; 1975 c.606 §41b; 1977 c.380 §19; 1981 c.354 §3; 1983 c.617 §4; 1987 c.850 §3; 1989 c.6 §18; 1989 c.967 §§12,14; 1991 c.451 §3; 1993 c.18 §33; 1993 c.318 §§3,4; 1995 c.36 §§1,2; 1995 c.162 §§62b,62c; 1999 c.59 §§45a,46a; 1999 c.155 §4; 1999 c.171 §§4,5; 1999 c.291 §§25,26; 2005 c.347 §5; 2005 c.562 §23; 2007 c.796 §8; 2009 c.697 §11; 2011 c.708 §26; 2017 c.442 §25; 2019 c.141 §12; 2023 c.417 §2]

 

      192.695 Prima facie evidence of violation required of plaintiff. In any suit commenced under ORS 192.680 (2), the plaintiff shall be required to present prima facie evidence of a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 before the governing body shall be required to prove that its acts in deliberating toward a decision complied with the law. When a plaintiff presents prima facie evidence of a violation of the open meetings law, the burden to prove that the provisions of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 were complied with shall be on the governing body. [1981 c.892 §97d; 1989 c.544 §3]

 

      192.700 Annual training requirements. (1)(a) The Oregon Government Ethics Commission shall annually prepare training on the requirements of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 and best practices to enhance compliance with those requirements. The commission may delegate the preparation and presentation of trainings to another organization, except that the commission must approve the content of training prepared by another organization prior to presentation of the training.

      (b) At the discretion of the commission, trainings prepared under this section may be presented in live sessions or be made available for viewing online. Training sessions may be presented to multiple governing bodies at any one time and may be presented in a prerecorded format.

      (2)(a) Every member of a governing body of a public body with total expenditures for a fiscal year of $1 million or more shall attend or view training prepared under this section at least once during the member’s term of office and shall verify the member’s attendance using the method prescribed by the commission.

      (b) A member of a governing body who, under paragraph (a) of this subsection, is not required to attend training is nevertheless encouraged to attend training given under this section.

      (3) The commission shall, at least once every five years, adjust the expenditure threshold for mandatory training described in subsection (2)(a) of this section to account for changes in inflation and shall by rule establish a new threshold, rounded to the nearest $100,000, for mandatory training attendance under this section.

      (4) This section does not apply to governing bodies of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111. [2023 c.417 §3]

 

      192.705 Filing written grievance; required response. (1) A person who believes that a governing body has acted in violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 may, within 30 days of the alleged violation, file a written grievance with the public body whose governing body is alleged to have violated ORS 192.610 to 192.705, setting forth the specific facts and circumstances that the person asserts amounted to a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705. The grievance must state the identity of the person filing the grievance and any other information required by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission by rule.

      (2) A public body receiving a written grievance filed under this section shall, within 21 days of the receipt of the grievance, provide a written response to the person:

      (a) Acknowledging receipt of the grievance; and

      (b)(A) Denying that the facts and circumstances as set forth in the grievance accurately reflect the conduct of the governing body and setting forth the facts and circumstances as determined by the public body and the reasons why those facts and circumstances do not amount to a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705;

      (B) Admitting that the facts and circumstances as set forth in the grievance accurately reflect the conduct of the governing body but denying that those facts and circumstances amount to a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705; or

      (C) Admitting that the conduct of the governing body amounted to a violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 and setting forth the steps the governing body will take to cure the violation, including but not limited to:

      (i) Rescinding the decision taken by the governing body in violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705; or

      (ii) Acknowledging in a properly noticed and conducted public meeting held within 45 days of the governing body’s original decision that:

      (I) The original decision was made in violation of ORS 192.610 to 192.705;

      (II) Good cause exists for the governing body to not rescind the decision; and

      (III) The governing body’s practices will be modified to ensure future violations of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 do not occur.

      (3) The public body shall send a copy of the written grievance and the public body’s response under this section to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission at the time the public body responds to the person who filed the grievance. [2023 c.417 §5]

 

      192.710 [1973 c.168 §1; 1979 c.262 §1; repealed by 2015 c.158 §30]

 

UNIFORM ELECTRONIC LEGAL

MATERIAL ACT

 

      192.715 Short title. ORS 192.715 to 192.760 may be cited as the Uniform Electronic Legal Material Act. [2013 c.221 §10]

 

      Note: 192.715 to 192.760 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.720 Definitions for ORS 192.715 to 192.760. As used in ORS 192.715 to 192.760:

      (1) “Electronic” means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities.

      (2) “Legal material” means, whether or not in effect:

      (a) The Oregon Constitution;

      (b) Session laws published by the Legislative Counsel under ORS 171.236;

      (c) The Oregon Revised Statutes; or

      (d) Oregon Administrative Rules.

      (3) “Official publisher” means:

      (a) For the Oregon Constitution, the Legislative Counsel;

      (b) For Oregon Laws, the Legislative Counsel;

      (c) For the Oregon Revised Statutes, the Legislative Counsel; or

      (d) For a rule published in the Oregon Administrative Rules, the Secretary of State.

      (4) “Publish” means to display, present or release to the public, or cause to be displayed, presented or released to the public, by the official publisher.

      (5) “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

      (6) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. [2013 c.221 §1]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

      192.725 Electronic record as official record. (1) If an official publisher publishes legal material only in an electronic record, the publisher shall:

      (a) Designate the electronic record as official; and

      (b) Comply with ORS 192.730, 192.740 and 192.745.

      (2) An official publisher that publishes legal material in an electronic record and also publishes the material in a record other than an electronic record may designate the electronic record as official if the publisher complies with ORS 192.730, 192.740 and 192.745. [2013 c.221 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

      192.730 Authentication of electronic official record. An official publisher of legal material in an electronic record that is designated as official under ORS 192.725 shall authenticate the record. To authenticate an electronic record, the publisher shall provide a method for a user to determine that the record received by the user from the publisher is unaltered from the official record published by the publisher. [2013 c.221 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

      192.735 Evidentiary rules concerning authenticated electronic record. (1) Legal material in an electronic record that is authenticated under ORS 192.730 is presumed to be an accurate copy of the legal material.

      (2) If another state has adopted a law substantially similar to ORS 192.715 to 192.760, legal material in an electronic record that is designated as official and authenticated by the official publisher in that state is presumed to be an accurate copy of the legal material.

      (3) A party contesting the authentication of legal material in an electronic record authenticated under ORS 192.730 has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the record is not authentic. [2013 c.221 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

      192.740 Preservation and security of electronic official record. (1) An official publisher of legal material in an electronic record that is or was designated as official under ORS 192.725 shall provide for the preservation and security of the record in an electronic form or a form that is not electronic.

      (2) If legal material is preserved under subsection (1) of this section in an electronic record, the official publisher shall:

      (a) Ensure the integrity of the record;

      (b) Provide for backup and disaster recovery of the record; and

      (c) Ensure the continuing usability of the material. [2013 c.221 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

      192.745 Availability for public use. An official publisher of legal material in an electronic record that is required to be preserved under ORS 192.740 shall ensure that the material is reasonably available for use by the public on a permanent basis. [2013 c.221 §6]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

      192.750 Implementation; considerations. In implementing ORS 192.715 to 192.760, an official publisher of legal material in an electronic record shall consider:

      (1) Standards and practices of other jurisdictions;

      (2) The most recent standards regarding authentication of, preservation and security of, and public access to, legal material in an electronic record and other electronic records, as promulgated by national standard-setting bodies;

      (3) The needs of users of legal material in an electronic record;

      (4) The views of governmental officials and entities and other interested persons; and

      (5) To the extent practicable, methods and technologies for the authentication of, preservation and security of and public access to legal material which are compatible with the methods and technologies used by other official publishers in this state and in other states that have adopted a law substantially similar to ORS 192.715 to 192.760. [2013 c.221 §7]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

      192.755 Uniform construction. In applying and construing ORS 192.715 to 192.760, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it. [2013 c.221 §8]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

      192.760 Relationship of ORS 192.715 to 192.760 to federal law. ORS 192.715 to 192.760 modify, limit, and supersede the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. 7001 et seq., but do not modify, limit or supersede section 101(c) of that Act, 15 U.S.C. 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that Act, 15 U.S.C. 7003(b). [2013 c.221 §9]

 

      Note: See note under 192.715.

 

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

RECORD DISCLOSURES

 

      192.800 Definitions for ORS 192.800 to 192.810. As used in this section and ORS 192.805 and 192.810:

      (1) “Customer” means any person who or which is transacting or has transacted business with a financial institution, or who or which is using or has used the services of such an institution, or for whom or which a financial institution has acted or is acting as a fiduciary.

      (2) “Financial institution” means a financial institution or a trust company, as those terms are defined in ORS 706.008.

      (3) “Financial records” means any original written or electronic document, any copy of the document, or any information contained in the document, held by or in the custody of a financial institution, when the document, copy or information is identifiable as pertaining to one or more customers of the financial institution.

      (4) “Subpoena” means a judicial subpoena or subpoena duces tecum. [1985 c.797 §1; 1997 c.631 §423; 2005 c.130 §3]

 

      192.805 Reimbursement required prior to disclosure; charges. Before producing any documents or making any disclosures, a financial institution may require the requesting person who caused the subpoena to be issued to reimburse the financial institution for the reasonable costs incurred by the financial institution in the course of compliance. These costs shall include but are not limited to personnel costs, reproduction costs and travel expenses. The following charges shall be considered reasonable costs:

      (1) Personnel costs, $30 per hour per person, computed on the basis of $7.50 per quarter hour or fraction thereof, for time expended by personnel of the financial institution in searching, locating, retrieving, copying and transporting or conveying the requested material to the place of examination.

      (2) Reproduction costs, $1 per page, including copies produced by reader and printer reproduction processes. Photographs, films and other materials shall be reimbursed at actual cost.

      (3) Travel expenses, 50 cents per mile, plus other actual costs, necessary to transport personnel to locate and retrieve the information required or requested and to convey the required or requested material to the place of examination. [1985 c.797 §2; 1989 c.309 §1; 2001 c.247 §2]

 

      192.810 Applicability of ORS 192.805. ORS 192.805 does not apply to any subpoena issued by or on behalf of a state agency or local agency subject to the provisions of ORS 192.583 to 192.607, or if the financial institution is a named party to litigation that is the basis for issuance of the subpoena. [1985 c.797 §3; 1989 c.309 §2]

 

ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM

 

      192.820 Definitions for ORS 192.820 to 192.868. As used in ORS 192.820 to 192.868:

      (1) “Actual address” means:

      (a) A residential, work or school street address of an individual specified on the application of the individual to be a program participant; or

      (b) The name of the county in which the program participant resides or the name or number of the election precinct in which the program participant is registered to vote.

      (2) “Address Confidentiality Program” means the program established under ORS 192.822.

      (3) “Application assistant” means an employee of or a volunteer serving a public or private entity designated by the Attorney General under ORS 192.854 to assist individuals with applications to participate in the Address Confidentiality Program.

      (4) “Health care provider” means an individual who is authorized in this state to provide physical and behavioral health care services and who provides reproductive and gender-affirming health care services.

      (5) “Program participant” means an individual accepted into the Address Confidentiality Program under ORS 192.820 to 192.868.

      (6) “Public body” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.109.

      (7) “Public record” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.311.

      (8) “Substitute address” means an address designated by the Attorney General under the Address Confidentiality Program.

      (9) “Victim of a sexual offense” means:

      (a) An individual against whom a sexual offense has been committed, as described in ORS 163.305 to 163.467, 163.427, 163.466 or 163.525; or

      (b) Any other individual designated by the Attorney General by rule.

      (10) “Victim of bias” means:

      (a) An individual against whom a bias crime or bias incident, as those terms are defined in ORS 147.380, has been committed; or

      (b) Any other individual designated by the Attorney General by rule.

      (11) “Victim of domestic violence” means:

      (a) An individual against whom domestic violence has been committed, as defined in ORS 135.230, 181A.355 or 412.072;

      (b) An individual who has been a victim of abuse, as defined in ORS 107.705; or

      (c) Any other individual designated a victim of domestic violence by the Attorney General by rule.

      (12) “Victim of human trafficking” means:

      (a) An individual against whom an offense described in ORS 163.263, 163.264 or 163.266 has been committed; or

      (b) Any other individual designated by the Attorney General by rule. In adopting rules under this subsection, the Attorney General shall consider individuals against whom an act recognized as a severe form of trafficking in persons under 22 U.S.C. 7102 has been committed.

      (13) “Victim of stalking” means:

      (a) An individual against whom stalking has been committed, as described in ORS 163.732; or

      (b) Any other individual designated by the Attorney General by rule. [2005 c.821 §1; 2007 c.542 §1; 2009 c.11 §18; 2009 c.468 §1; 2023 c.228 §41; 2023 c.549 §8]

 

      Note: 192.820 to 192.868 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 192 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      192.822 Address Confidentiality Program; substitute addresses. (1) The Address Confidentiality Program is established in the Department of Justice to:

      (a) Protect the confidentiality of the actual address of a health care provider or a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking, bias or human trafficking; and

      (b) Prevent assailants or potential assailants of the health care provider or victim from finding the health care provider or victim through public records.

      (2) The Attorney General shall designate a substitute address for a program participant and act as the agent of the program participant for purposes of service of all legal process in this state and receiving and forwarding first-class, certified or registered mail.

      (3) The Attorney General is not required to forward any packages or mail other than first-class, certified or registered mail to the program participant.

      (4) The Attorney General is not required to track or otherwise maintain records of any mail received on behalf of a program participant unless the mail is certified or registered. [2005 c.821 §2; 2009 c.468 §2; 2023 c.228 §42; 2023 c.549 §9]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.825 [1997 c.566 §1; 2001 c.535 §31; repealed by 2005 c.118 §1]

 

      192.826 Application for participation in program; certification of participation; authorization card; rules. (1) Any of the following individuals with the assistance of an application assistant may file an application with the Attorney General to participate in the Address Confidentiality Program:

      (a) An adult individual.

      (b) A parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor when the minor resides with the parent or guardian.

      (c) A guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated individual.

      (2) The application must be dated, signed and verified by the applicant and the application assistant who assisted in the preparation of the application.

      (3) Except as provided in subsection (8) of this section, the application must contain all of the following:

      (a) A statement by the applicant that the applicant or the applicant’s child or ward is a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking, bias or human trafficking and that the applicant fears for the applicant’s safety or the safety of the applicant’s child or ward.

      (b) Evidence that the applicant or the applicant’s child or ward is a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking, bias or human trafficking. This evidence may include any of the following:

      (A) Law enforcement, court or other federal, state or local government records or files;

      (B) Documentation from a public or private entity that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking, bias or human trafficking if the applicant or the applicant’s child or ward is an alleged victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking, bias or human trafficking;

      (C) Documentation from a religious, medical or other professional from whom the applicant has sought assistance in dealing with the alleged domestic violence, sexual offense, stalking, bias or human trafficking; or

      (D) Other forms of evidence as determined by the Attorney General by rule.

      (c) A statement by the applicant that disclosure of the actual address of the applicant would endanger the safety of the applicant or the safety of the applicant’s child or ward.

      (d) A statement by the applicant that the applicant:

      (A) Resides at a location in this state that is not known by assailants or potential assailants of the applicant or the applicant’s child or ward; and

      (B) Will not disclose the location to assailants or potential assailants of the applicant or the applicant’s child or ward while the applicant is a program participant.

      (e) Written consent permitting the Attorney General to act as an agent for the applicant for the service of all legal process in this state and the receipt of first-class, certified or registered mail.

      (f) The mailing address and telephone number at which the Attorney General can contact the applicant.

      (g) The actual address that the applicant requests not be disclosed by the Attorney General that directly relates to the increased risk of the applicant or the applicant’s child or ward as a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking, bias or human trafficking.

      (h) A sworn statement by the applicant that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge the information contained in the application is true.

      (i) A recommendation by an application assistant that the applicant be a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program.

      (4) Upon the filing of a properly completed application and upon approval by the Attorney General, the Attorney General shall certify the applicant as a program participant.

      (5) Upon certification, the Attorney General shall issue an Address Confidentiality Program authorization card to the program participant. The Address Confidentiality Program authorization card is valid as long as the program participant remains certified under the program.

      (6) The term of certification shall be for a period of time determined by the Attorney General by rule, unless prior to the end of the period one of the following occurs:

      (a) The program participant withdraws the certification by filing with the Attorney General a request for withdrawal signed by the program participant and acknowledged in writing by a notary public or an application assistant; or

      (b) The Attorney General cancels the certification under ORS 192.834.

      (7) A program participant may renew the certification by filing an application for renewal with the Attorney General at least 30 days prior to expiration of the current certification.

      (8) The Attorney General shall establish by rule the requirements for an application filed by a health care provider. [2005 c.821 §3; 2009 c.468 §3; 2023 c.228 §43; 2023 c.549 §10]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.828 Prohibitions; civil penalty. (1) An applicant for participation in the Address Confidentiality Program or a program participant may not:

      (a) Falsely attest in an initial application or an application for renewal that disclosure of the actual address of the applicant would endanger the safety of the applicant or the safety of the applicant’s child or ward; or

      (b) Knowingly provide false information in an initial application or an application for renewal.

      (2) If after an investigation, the Attorney General finds that a violation of subsection (1) of this section has occurred, the Attorney General may impose a civil penalty as provided in ORS 183.745 in an amount not to exceed $500. [2005 c.821 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.830 [1997 c.566 §2; 2001 c.535 §32; repealed by 2005 c.118 §1]

 

      192.832 Notice of change in name, address or telephone number. (1) A program participant shall notify the Attorney General within 30 days after the program participant has obtained a legal name change by providing the Attorney General with a certified copy of any judgment or order evidencing the change or any other documentation the Attorney General considers sufficient evidence of the name change.

      (2) A program participant shall notify the Attorney General of a change in actual address or telephone number from the actual address or telephone number listed on the application of the program participant within 10 days after the change occurs. [2005 c.821 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.834 Cancellation of certification. (1) The Attorney General shall cancel the certification of a program participant if:

      (a) The Attorney General determines that the program participant violated ORS 192.828;

      (b) The Attorney General determines that the program participant violated ORS 192.832; or

      (c) Subject to ORS 192.832 (2), first class, certified or registered mail forwarded to the program participant by the Attorney General is returned as undeliverable.

      (2) The Attorney General shall send notice of cancellation to the program participant setting out the reasons for the cancellation and setting out the rights and duties of the program participant.

      (3) A program participant has 30 days to appeal the cancellation decision under procedures adopted by the Attorney General by rule. A cancellation of certification under this section is not considered an order as defined in ORS 183.310 and is not subject to judicial review under ORS 183.480.

      (4) An individual whose certification as a program participant is canceled under this section shall notify persons and public bodies using the substitute address as the address of the program participant that the substitute address is no longer the address to be used by public bodies as described in ORS 192.836. [2005 c.821 §6]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.835 [1997 c.566 §3; 1999 c.59 §48; 1999 c.718 §1; 2001 c.535 §33; repealed by 2005 c.118 §1]

 

      192.836 Use of substitute address; waiver of requirement. (1)(a) A program participant may request that public bodies use the substitute address designated by the Attorney General as the address of the program participant in any ongoing actions or proceedings or when creating a new public record.

      (b) A public body is not responsible for requesting that departments, divisions, affiliates or other organizational units of the public body or other public bodies use the substitute address as the address of the program participant.

      (c) Unless requested by the program participant, when the actual address of a program participant is contained in a public record that is filed with the public body, the public body is not responsible for modifying the public record to contain the substitute address designated by the Attorney General.

      (d) The Attorney General is not responsible for making requests under this subsection.

      (2) Except as provided in this section and ORS 192.842, when a program participant submits a current and valid Address Confidentiality Program authorization card to a public body, the public body shall accept the substitute address on the authorization card as the address of the program participant when creating a new public record. Upon the request of the program participant, the public body shall use the substitute address on the authorization card in any ongoing actions or proceedings.

      (3) A public body may request a waiver from the requirements of the Address Confidentiality Program by submitting a waiver request to the Attorney General. The waiver request shall be in writing and include:

      (a) An explanation of why the public body cannot meet its statutory or administrative obligations by possessing or using the substitute address; and

      (b) An affirmation that if the Attorney General accepts the waiver, the public body will only use the actual address of the program participant for those statutory or administrative purposes included in the waiver request.

      (4) The Attorney General shall accept or deny a waiver request from a public body in writing and include a statement of specific reasons for acceptance or denial. An acceptance or denial made under this subsection is not considered an order as defined in ORS 183.310 and is not subject to judicial review under ORS 183.480.

      (5) Except as provided in ORS 192.820 to 192.868, if a law or rule requires the use of a residence address, the substitute address may be used instead. [2005 c.821 §7; 2007 c.542 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.840 [1997 c.566 §4; repealed by 2001 c.535 §36]

 

      192.842 Use of actual or substitute address in specified circumstances. (1) A county clerk or other elections official shall use the actual address of a program participant for voter registration purposes. Except as provided in ORS 192.820 to 192.868, a county clerk or other elections official may not disclose the actual address.

      (2) A county clerk or other elections official shall use the substitute address of the program participant for purposes of mailing a ballot to an elector under ORS 254.470.

      (3) A school district shall use the actual address of a program participant for any purpose related to admission or assignment. The school district shall take such measures as necessary to protect the confidentiality of the actual address of the program participant. Student records created under ORS 326.565 and 326.580 shall use the substitute address of the program participant.

      (4) A county clerk shall accept the substitute address of the program participant as the address of the applicant for the purpose of issuing a marriage license under ORS 106.041 or registering a Declaration of Domestic Partnership under ORS 106.325. [2005 c.821 §8; 2007 c.99 §13; 2007 c.542 §12]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.844 Prohibition on disclosure of actual address or telephone number by public body. (1) Except as provided in ORS 192.820 to 192.868, a public body that receives a request from a program participant under ORS 192.836 may not disclose the actual address or telephone number of the program participant.

      (2) Each public body that receives a request from a program participant under ORS 192.836 shall adopt a procedure to prevent unnecessary disclosure of actual addresses or telephone numbers of program participants to employees of that public body or other persons in that public body. [2005 c.821 §9; 2007 c.542 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.845 [1997 c.566 §5; 1999 c.718 §2; repealed by 2005 c.118 §1]

 

      192.846 Records of Department of Transportation; substitute address. (1) A program participant may request that any driver or vehicle record kept by the Department of Transportation that contains or is required to contain the program participant’s actual address contain instead the substitute address designated by the Attorney General. A request under this subsection must:

      (a) Be in a form specified by the department; and

      (b) Contain verification that the individual is a program participant.

      (2) Upon receipt of a request and verification under this section, the department shall remove the program participant’s actual address from its records and instead use the substitute address designated by the Attorney General. The department shall note on the records that the address shown is a substitute address under ORS 192.820 to 192.868. While the request is in effect, the program participant may enter the substitute address on any driver or vehicle form issued by the department that requires an address.

      (3) If an individual ceases to be certified as a program participant, the individual shall notify the department of a change of address as provided in ORS 803.220, 807.420 or 807.560. [2007 c.542 §11]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.848 When Attorney General may disclose actual address or telephone number. (1) The Attorney General may not disclose the actual address or telephone number of a program participant, except under either of the following circumstances:

      (a) Upon receipt of a court order signed by a judge pursuant to a finding of good cause. Good cause exists when disclosure is sought for a lawful purpose that outweighs the risk of the disclosure and, in the case of a request for disclosure received from a federal, state or local law enforcement agency, district attorney or other public body, when information is provided to the court that describes the official purpose for which the actual address or telephone number of the program participant will be used. If a judge finds that good cause exists, the terms of the court order shall address, as much as practicable, the safety and protection of the program participant. In cases where the Attorney General has not received prior notice of a court order, not later than three business days after receiving the order, the Attorney General may object to the order and request a hearing before the judge who signed the order.

      (b) Where the program participant is required to disclose the actual address of the program participant as part of a registration for sex offenders as required under ORS 163A.005 to 163A.235.

      (2) A person to whom an actual address or telephone number of a program participant has been disclosed pursuant to a court order may not disclose the actual address or telephone number to any other person unless permitted to do so by order of the court.

      (3) The Attorney General shall notify a program participant within one business day after the Attorney General discloses an actual address under subsection (1)(a) of this section.

      (4) Upon request by a public body, the Attorney General may verify whether or not a person is a program participant when the verification is for official use only. [2005 c.821 §10; 2007 c.542 §4; 2013 c.708 §26]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.850 [1997 c.566 §6; 2001 c.535 §34; repealed by 2005 c.118 §1]

 

      192.852 Prohibition on obtaining actual address or telephone number; prohibition on disclosure by employee of public body. (1) A person may not attempt to obtain or obtain the actual address or telephone number of a program participant from the Attorney General or a public body through fraud or misrepresentation.

      (2) Except as provided in ORS 192.820 to 192.868 or federal law, an employee of a public body may not intentionally disclose the actual address or telephone number of a program participant to a person known to the employee to be prohibited from receiving the actual address or telephone number of the program participant. This subsection applies only when an employee obtains the actual address or telephone number of the program participant during the performance of the official duties of the employee and, at the time of disclosure, the employee has specific knowledge that the actual address or telephone number disclosed belongs to a program participant. [2005 c.821 §11]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.854 Application assistants; application assistance not legal advice. (1) The Attorney General may designate employees of or volunteers serving public or private entities that provide counseling and shelter services to victims of domestic violence, a sexual offense, stalking or human trafficking as application assistants to assist individuals applying to participate in the Address Confidentiality Program.

      (2) Any assistance rendered to applicants for participation in the Address Confidentiality Program by the Attorney General or an application assistant is not considered legal advice. [2005 c.821 §12; 2009 c.468 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.855 [1997 c.566 §7; repealed by 2001 c.535 §36]

 

      192.856 Additional response time for notice or other paper. Notwithstanding any other law and the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure, whenever a program participant has the right or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period of 10 days or less after the service of a notice or other paper upon the program participant and the notice or paper is served by mail pursuant to ORS 192.820 to 192.868, five days shall be added to the prescribed period. [2005 c.821 §13]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.858 Disclosures to participants. The Attorney General shall disclose in writing to a program participant prior to certification:

      (1) The rights and obligations of the program participant under ORS 192.820 to 192.868; and

      (2) The term of certification as determined by the Attorney General under ORS 192.826. [2005 c.821 §14]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.860 Rules. The Attorney General may adopt rules the Attorney General considers necessary to carry out the provisions of ORS 192.820 to 192.868. [2005 c.821 §15]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.865 Criminal penalty. Violation of ORS 192.852 is a Class C misdemeanor. [2005 c.821 §16]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.868 Grants, donations and gifts. (1) The Department of Justice may seek, solicit, receive and administer monetary grants, donations and gifts to establish and operate the Address Confidentiality Program.

      (2) All moneys received by the department under subsection (1) of this section shall be deposited in the Department of Justice Operating Account created in ORS 180.180. Amounts deposited under this section are continuously appropriated to the department to carry out the provisions of ORS 192.820 to 192.868. [2005 c.821 §17]

 

      Note: See note under 192.820.

 

      192.990 [1973 c.168 §2; 2011 c.597 §169; repealed by 2015 c.158 §30]

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