Chapter 183 — Administrative Procedures Act; Review of Rules; Civil Penalties

 

2023 EDITION

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT

 

EXECUTIVE BRANCH; ORGANIZATION

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT

 

(General Provisions)

 

183.310     Definitions for chapter

 

183.315     Application of provisions of chapter to certain agencies

 

(Adoption of Rules)

 

183.325     Delegation of rulemaking authority to named officer or employee

 

183.330     Description of organization; service of order; rules coordinator; order not final until put in writing

 

183.332     Policy statement; conformity of state rules with equivalent federal laws and rules

 

183.333     Policy statement; public involvement in development of policy and drafting of rules; advisory committees

 

183.335     Notice; content; public comment; temporary rule adoption, amendment or suspension; substantial compliance required

 

183.336     Cost of compliance effect on small businesses

 

183.337     Procedure for agency adoption of federal rules

 

183.338     Use of term “noncitizen” in rules and regulations

 

183.341     Model rules of procedure; establishment; compilation; publication; agencies required to adopt procedural rules

 

183.355     Filing and taking effect of rules; filing of executive orders; copies; fees; rules

 

183.360     Publication of rules and orders; exceptions; requirements; bulletin; judicial notice; citation

 

183.365     Publication of administrative rules in electronic form

 

183.370     Distribution of published rules

 

183.390     Petitions requesting adoption of rules

 

183.400     Judicial determination of validity of rule

 

183.403     Agency report to Legislative Assembly regarding temporary rules

 

183.405     Agency review of rules; report by Secretary of State

 

183.407     Small Business Rules Advisory Committee

 

183.410     Agency determination of applicability of rule or statute to petitioner; effect; judicial review

 

(Contested Cases)

 

183.411     Delegation of final order authority

 

183.413     Notice to parties before hearing of rights and procedure; failure to provide notice

 

183.415     Notice of right to hearing

 

183.417     Procedure in contested case hearing

 

183.425     Depositions or subpoena of material witness; discovery

 

183.430     Hearing on refusal to renew license; exceptions

 

183.435     Period allowed to request hearing for license refusal on grounds other than test or inspection results

 

183.440     Subpoenas in contested cases

 

183.445     Subpoena by agency or attorney of record of party when agency not subject to ORS 183.440

 

183.450     Evidence in contested cases

 

183.452     Representation of agencies at contested case hearings

 

183.453     Representation of Oregon Health Authority and Department of Human Services at contested case hearings

 

183.457     Representation of persons other than agencies participating in contested case hearings

 

183.458     Nonattorney and out-of-state attorney representation of parties in certain contested case hearings

 

183.459     Representation of home care worker by labor union representative

 

183.460     Examination of evidence by agency

 

183.462     Agency statement of ex parte communications; notice

 

183.464     Proposed order by hearing officer; amendment by agency; exemptions

 

183.470     Orders in contested cases

 

183.471     Preservation of orders in electronic format; fees

 

(Judicial Review)

 

183.480     Judicial review of agency orders

 

183.482     Jurisdiction for review of contested cases; procedure; scope of court authority

 

183.484     Jurisdiction for review of orders other than contested cases; procedure; scope of court authority

 

183.485     Decision of court on review of contested case

 

183.486     Form and scope of decision of reviewing court

 

183.490     Agency may be compelled to act

 

183.497     Awarding costs and attorney fees when finding for petitioner

 

(Appeals From Circuit Courts)

 

183.500     Appeals

 

(Alternative Dispute Resolution)

 

183.502     Authority of agencies to use alternative means of dispute resolution; model rules; amendment of agreements and forms; agency alternative dispute resolution programs

 

(Housing Cost Impact Statement)

 

183.530     Housing cost impact statement required for certain proposed rules

 

183.534     Housing cost impact statement described; rules

 

183.538     Effect of failure to prepare housing cost impact statement; judicial review

 

(Effects of Rules on Small Business)

 

183.540     Reduction of economic impact on small business

 

(Office of Administrative Hearings)

 

183.605     Office of Administrative Hearings

 

183.610     Chief administrative law judge

 

183.615     Administrative law judges; duties; qualifications; rules

 

183.620     Contract administrative law judges

 

183.625     Assignment of administrative law judges; conduct of hearings

 

183.630     Model rules of procedure; exemptions; depositions

 

183.635     Agencies required to use administrative law judges from Office of Administrative Hearings; exceptions

 

183.640     Use of Office of Administrative Hearings by exempt agencies and by political subdivisions

 

183.645     Request for change of administrative law judge; rules

 

183.650     Form of order; modification of form of order by agency; finding of historical fact

 

183.655     Fees

 

183.660     Office of Administrative Hearings Operating Account

 

183.665     Estimates of office expenses

 

183.670     Rules

 

183.675     Alternative dispute resolution

 

183.680     Standards and training program

 

183.685     Ex parte communications

 

183.690     Office of Administrative Hearings Oversight Committee

 

PERMITS AND LICENSES

 

183.700     Permits subject to ORS 183.702

 

183.702     Statement of criteria and procedures for evaluating permit application; documentation of decision on application; required signature

 

183.705     Extended term for renewed licenses; fees; continuing education; rules

 

REVIEW OF RULES

 

(Legislative Assembly)

 

183.710     Definitions for ORS 183.710 to 183.730

 

183.715     Submission of adopted rule to Legislative Counsel required

 

183.720     Procedure for review of agency rule; reports on rules claimed to be duplicative or conflicting

 

183.722     Required agency response to Legislative Counsel determination; consideration of determination by interim committee

 

183.724     Designation of interim committees for purposes of considering rule reports

 

(Oregon Sunshine Committee)

 

183.730     Review of rule by Oregon Sunshine Committee

 

CIVIL PENALTIES

 

183.745     Civil penalty procedures; notice; hearing; judicial review; exemptions; recording; enforcement

 

READABILITY OF PUBLIC WRITINGS

 

183.750     State agency required to prepare public writings in readable form

 

      183.010 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      183.020 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      183.025 [Formerly 182.065; 1993 c.729 §4; 2003 c.749 §8; renumbered 183.750 in 2003]

 

      183.030 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      183.040 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      183.050 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      183.060 [1957 c.147 §1; repealed by 1969 c.292 §3]

 

      183.090 [1991 c.734 §2; 1997 c.387 §3; 2001 c.621 §71; renumbered 183.745 in 2003]

 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT

 

(General Provisions)

 

      183.310 Definitions for chapter. As used in this chapter:

      (1) “Agency” means any state board, commission, department, or division thereof, or officer authorized by law to make rules or to issue orders, except those in the legislative and judicial branches.

      (2)(a) “Contested case” means a proceeding before an agency:

      (A) In which the individual legal rights, duties or privileges of specific parties are required by statute or Constitution to be determined only after an agency hearing at which such specific parties are entitled to appear and be heard;

      (B) Where the agency has discretion to suspend or revoke a right or privilege of a person;

      (C) For the suspension, revocation or refusal to renew or issue a license where the licensee or applicant for a license demands such hearing; or

      (D) Where the agency by rule or order provides for hearings substantially of the character required by ORS 183.415, 183.417, 183.425, 183.450, 183.460 and 183.470.

      (b) “Contested case” does not include proceedings in which an agency decision rests solely on the result of a test.

      (3) “Economic effect” means the economic impact on affected businesses by and the costs of compliance, if any, with a rule for businesses, including but not limited to the costs of equipment, supplies, labor and administration.

      (4) “Hearing officer” includes an administrative law judge.

      (5) “License” includes the whole or part of any agency permit, certificate, approval, registration or similar form of permission required by law to pursue any commercial activity, trade, occupation or profession.

      (6)(a) “Order” means any agency action expressed orally or in writing directed to a named person or named persons, other than employees, officers or members of an agency. “Order” includes any agency determination or decision issued in connection with a contested case proceeding. “Order” includes:

      (A) Agency action under ORS chapter 657 making determination for purposes of unemployment compensation of employees of the state;

      (B) Agency action under ORS chapter 240 which grants, denies, modifies, suspends or revokes any right or privilege of an employee of the state; and

      (C) Agency action under ORS 468B.050 to issue a permit.

      (b) “Final order” means final agency action expressed in writing. “Final order” does not include any tentative or preliminary agency declaration or statement that:

      (A) Precedes final agency action; or

      (B) Does not preclude further agency consideration of the subject matter of the statement or declaration.

      (7) “Party” means:

      (a) Each person or agency entitled as of right to a hearing before the agency;

      (b) Each person or agency named by the agency to be a party; or

      (c) Any person requesting to participate before the agency as a party or in a limited party status which the agency determines either has an interest in the outcome of the agency’s proceeding or represents a public interest in such result. The agency’s determination is subject to judicial review in the manner provided by ORS 183.482 after the agency has issued its final order in the proceedings.

      (8) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision or public or private organization of any character other than an agency.

      (9) “Rule” means any agency directive, standard, regulation or statement of general applicability that implements, interprets or prescribes law or policy, or describes the procedure or practice requirements of any agency. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule, but does not include:

      (a) Unless a hearing is required by statute, internal management directives, regulations or statements which do not substantially affect the interests of the public:

      (A) Between agencies, or their officers or their employees; or

      (B) Within an agency, between its officers or between employees.

      (b) Action by agencies directed to other agencies or other units of government which do not substantially affect the interests of the public.

      (c) Declaratory rulings issued pursuant to ORS 183.410 or 305.105.

      (d) Intra-agency memoranda.

      (e) Executive orders of the Governor.

      (f) Rules of conduct for persons committed to the physical and legal custody of the Department of Corrections, the violation of which will not result in:

      (A) Placement in segregation or isolation status in excess of seven days.

      (B) Institutional transfer or other transfer to secure confinement status for disciplinary reasons.

      (C) Disciplinary procedures adopted pursuant to ORS 421.180.

      (10)(a) “Small business” means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity formed for the purpose of making a profit, which is independently owned and operated from all other businesses and which has 50 or fewer employees.

      (b) “Small business” does not include a coordinated care organization as defined in ORS 414.025. [1957 c.717 §1; 1965 c.285 §78a; 1967 c.419 §32; 1969 c.80 §37a; 1971 c.734 §1; 1973 c.386 §4; 1973 c.621 §1a; 1977 c.374 §1; 1977 c.798 §1; 1979 c.593 §6; 1981 c.755 §1; 1987 c.320 §141; 1987 c.861 §1; 2003 c.75 §71; 2005 c.523 §8; 2007 c.288 §9; 2019 c.529 §4]

 

      183.315 Application of provisions of chapter to certain agencies. (1) The provisions of ORS 183.410, 183.415, 183.417, 183.425, 183.440, 183.450, 183.452, 183.458, 183.460, 183.470 and 183.480 do not apply to local government boundary commissions created pursuant to ORS 199.430, the Department of Revenue, State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation, Department of Consumer and Business Services with respect to its functions under ORS chapters 654 and 656, State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision or Psychiatric Security Review Board with respect to its functions under ORS 161.315 to 161.351.

      (2) This chapter does not apply with respect to actions of the Governor authorized under ORS chapter 240 and ORS 396.125 or actions of the Adjutant General authorized under ORS 396.160 (14).

      (3) The provisions of ORS 183.410, 183.415, 183.417, 183.425, 183.440, 183.450, 183.452, 183.458 and 183.460 do not apply to the Employment Appeals Board or the Employment Department.

      (4) The Employment Department shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter to the extent that a formal finding of the United States Secretary of Labor is made that such provision conflicts with the terms of the federal law, acceptance of which by the state is a condition precedent to continued certification by the United States Secretary of Labor of the state’s law.

      (5) The provisions of ORS 183.415 to 183.430, 183.440 to 183.460, 183.470 to 183.485 and 183.490 to 183.500 do not apply to orders issued to persons who:

      (a) Have been committed pursuant to ORS 137.124 to the custody of the Department of Corrections or are otherwise confined in a Department of Corrections facility; or

      (b) Seek to visit an adult in custody confined in a Department of Corrections facility.

      (6) ORS 183.410, 183.415, 183.417, 183.425, 183.440, 183.450, 183.460, 183.470 and 183.482 (3) do not apply to the Public Utility Commission. Except as provided in ORS 774.180, judicial review of an order issued by the commission in a contested case may be sought only by a party to the contested case.

      (7) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the suspension, cancellation or termination of an apprenticeship or training agreement under ORS 660.060.

      (8) The provisions of ORS 183.413 to 183.497 do not apply to administrative proceedings conducted under rules adopted by the Secretary of State under ORS 246.190. [1971 c.734 §19; 1973 c.612 §3; 1973 c.621 §2; 1973 c.694 §1; 1975 c.759 §1; 1977 c.804 §45; 1979 c.593 §7; 1981 c.711 §16; 1987 c.320 §142; 1987 c.373 §21; 1989 c.90 §1; 1997 c.26 §1; 1999 c.448 §6; 1999 c.679 §1; 2003 c.64 §8; 2005 c.512 §30; 2005 c.638 §1; 2007 c.239 §8; 2007 c.288 §10; 2011 c.708 §24; 2017 c.312 §1; 2017 c.442 §23; 2019 c.213 §54]

 

      183.317 [1971 c.734 §187; repealed by 1979 c.593 §34]

 

      183.320 [1957 c.717 §15; repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

(Adoption of Rules)

 

      183.325 Delegation of rulemaking authority to named officer or employee. Unless otherwise provided by law, an agency may delegate its rulemaking authority to an officer or employee within the agency. A delegation of authority under this section must be made in writing and filed with the Secretary of State before the filing of any rule adopted pursuant to the delegation. A delegation under this section may be made only to one or more named individuals. The delegation of authority shall reflect the name of the authorized individual or individuals, and be signed in acknowledgment by the named individuals. Any officer or employee to whom rulemaking authority is delegated under this section is an “agency” for the purposes of the rulemaking requirements of this chapter. [1979 c.593 §10; 1993 c.729 §1]

 

      183.330 Description of organization; service of order; rules coordinator; order not final until put in writing. (1) In addition to other rulemaking requirements imposed by law, each agency shall publish a description of its organization and the methods whereby the public may obtain information or make submissions or requests.

      (2) Each state agency that adopts rules shall appoint a rules coordinator and file a copy of that appointment with the Secretary of State. The rules coordinator shall:

      (a) Maintain copies of all rules adopted by the agency;

      (b) Provide to the public, upon request, information pertaining to:

      (A) All rulemaking proceedings of the agency;

      (B) The status of the agency’s rules; and

      (C) All certificates and rules filed by the agency with the Secretary of State; and

      (c) Keep and make available the mailing list required by ORS 183.335 (8).

      (3) An order shall not be effective as to any person or party unless it is served upon the person or party either personally or by mail. This subsection is not applicable in favor of any person or party who has actual knowledge of the order.

      (4) An order is not final until it is reduced to writing. [1957 c.717 §2; 1971 c.734 §4; 1975 c.759 §3; 1979 c.593 §8; 1993 c.729 §2; 2001 c.220 §3; 2017 c.518 §1]

 

      183.332 Policy statement; conformity of state rules with equivalent federal laws and rules. It is the policy of this state that agencies shall seek to retain and promote the unique identity of Oregon by considering local conditions when an agency adopts policies and rules. However, since there are many federal laws and regulations that apply to activities that are also regulated by the state, it is also the policy of this state that agencies attempt to adopt rules that correspond with equivalent federal laws and rules unless:

      (1) There is specific statutory direction to the agency that authorizes the adoption of the rule;

      (2) A federal waiver has been granted that authorizes the adoption of the rule;

      (3) Local or special conditions exist in this state that warrant a different rule;

      (4) The state rule has the effect of clarifying the federal rules, standards, procedures or requirements;

      (5) The state rule achieves the goals of the federal and state law with the least impact on public and private resources; or

      (6) There is no corresponding federal regulation. [1997 c.602 §2]

 

      183.333 Policy statement; public involvement in development of policy and drafting of rules; advisory committees. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that it is the policy of this state that whenever possible the public be involved in the development of public policy by agencies and in the drafting of rules. The Legislative Assembly encourages agencies to seek public input to the maximum extent possible before giving notice of intent to adopt a rule. The agency may appoint an advisory committee or use any other means of obtaining public views that will assist the agency in drafting the rule. The membership of an advisory committee appointed under this subsection must represent the interests of persons and communities likely to be affected by the rule.

      (2) Any agency in its discretion may develop a list of interested parties and inform those parties of any issue that may be the subject of rulemaking and invite the parties to make comments on the issue.

      (3) If an agency appoints an advisory committee for consideration of a rule under subsection (1) of this section, the agency shall seek the committee’s recommendations on whether the rule will have a fiscal impact, what the extent of that impact will be and whether the rule will have a significant adverse impact on small businesses. If the committee indicates that the rule will have a significant adverse impact on small businesses, the agency shall seek the committee’s recommendations on compliance with ORS 183.540.

      (4) An agency shall consider an advisory committee’s recommendations provided under subsection (3) of this section in preparing the statement of fiscal impact required by ORS 183.335 (2)(b)(E).

      (5) If an agency does not appoint an advisory committee for consideration of a permanent rule under subsection (1) of this section and 10 or more persons likely to be affected by the rule object to the agency’s statement of fiscal impact as required by ORS 183.335 (2)(b)(E) or an association with at least 10 members likely to be affected by the rule objects to the statement, the agency shall appoint a fiscal impact advisory committee to provide recommendations on whether the rule will have a fiscal impact and what the extent of that impact will be. The membership of the fiscal impact advisory committee must represent the interests of persons and communities likely to be affected by the rule. An objection under this subsection must be made not later than 14 days after the notice required by ORS 183.335 (1) is given. If the agency determines that the statement does not adequately reflect the rule’s fiscal impact, the agency shall extend the period for submission of data or views under ORS 183.335 (3)(a) by at least 20 days. The agency shall include any recommendations from the committee in the record maintained by the agency for the rule.

      (6) An agency may appoint the Small Business Rules Advisory Committee established in ORS 183.407 as the advisory committee or fiscal impact advisory committee for purposes of this section.

      (7) Subsection (5) of this section does not apply to any rule adopted by an agency to comply with a judgment or a settlement of a judicial proceeding.

      (8) If an agency is required by law to appoint an advisory committee or a fiscal impact advisory committee under this section, the agency may not appoint an officer, employee or other agent of the agency to serve as a member of the advisory committee or fiscal impact advisory committee. [2003 c.749 §4; 2005 c.807 §4; 2013 c.273 §1; 2018 c.20 §3; 2021 c.463 §1]

 

      183.335 Notice; content; public comment; temporary rule adoption, amendment or suspension; substantial compliance required. (1) Prior to the adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule, the agency shall give notice of its intended action:

      (a) In the manner established by rule adopted by the agency under ORS 183.341 (4), which provides a reasonable opportunity for interested persons to be notified of the agency’s proposed action;

      (b) In the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 at least 21 days prior to the effective date;

      (c) At least 28 days before the effective date, to persons who have requested notice pursuant to subsection (8) of this section; and

      (d) Delivered only by electronic mail, at least 49 days before the effective date, to the persons specified in subsection (15) of this section.

      (2)(a) The notice required by subsection (1) of this section must include:

      (A) A caption of not more than 15 words that reasonably identifies the subject matter of the agency’s intended action. The agency shall include the caption on each separate notice, statement, certificate or other similar document related to the intended action.

      (B) An objective, simple and understandable statement summarizing the subject matter and purpose of the intended action in sufficient detail to inform a person that the person’s interests may be affected, and the time, place and manner in which interested persons may present their views on the intended action.

      (b) The agency shall include with the notice of intended action given under subsection (1) of this section:

      (A) A citation of the statutory or other legal authority relied upon and bearing upon the promulgation of the rule;

      (B) A citation of the statute or other law the rule is intended to implement;

      (C) A statement of the need for the rule and a statement of how the rule is intended to meet the need;

      (D) A list of the principal documents, reports or studies, if any, prepared by or relied upon by the agency in considering the need for and in preparing the rule, and a statement of the location at which those documents are available for public inspection. The list may be abbreviated if necessary, and if so abbreviated there shall be identified the location of a complete list;

      (E) A statement of fiscal impact identifying state agencies, units of local government and the public that may be economically affected by the adoption, amendment or repeal of the rule and an estimate of that economic impact on state agencies, units of local government and the public. In considering the economic effect of the proposed action on the public, the agency shall utilize available information to project any significant economic effect of that action on businesses which shall include a cost of compliance effect on small businesses affected. For an agency specified in ORS 183.530, the statement of fiscal impact shall also include a housing cost impact statement as described in ORS 183.534;

      (F) A statement identifying how adoption of the rule will affect racial equity in this state;

      (G) If an advisory committee is not appointed under the provisions of ORS 183.333, an explanation as to why no advisory committee was used to assist the agency in drafting the rule; and

      (H) A request for public comment on whether other options should be considered for achieving the rule’s substantive goals while reducing the negative economic impact of the rule on business.

      (c) The Secretary of State may omit the information submitted under paragraph (b) of this subsection from publication in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360.

      (d) When providing notice of an intended action under subsection (1)(c) of this section, the agency shall provide a copy of the rule that the agency proposes to adopt, amend or repeal, or an explanation of how the person may acquire a copy of the rule. The copy of an amended rule shall show all changes to the rule by striking through material to be deleted and underlining all new material, or by any other method that clearly shows all new and deleted material.

      (3)(a) When an agency proposes to adopt, amend or repeal a rule, it shall give interested persons reasonable opportunity to submit data or views. Opportunity for oral hearing shall be granted upon request received from 10 persons or from an association having not less than 10 members before the earliest date that the rule could become effective after the giving of notice pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. An agency holding a hearing upon a request made under this subsection shall give notice of the hearing at least 21 days before the hearing to the person who has requested the hearing, to persons who have requested notice pursuant to subsection (8) of this section and to the persons specified in subsection (15) of this section. The agency shall publish notice of the hearing in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 at least 14 days before the hearing. The agency shall consider fully any written or oral submission.

      (b) If an agency is required to conduct an oral hearing under paragraph (a) of this subsection, and the rule for which the hearing is to be conducted applies only to a limited geographical area within this state, or affects only a limited geographical area within this state, the hearing shall be conducted within the geographical area at the place most convenient for the majority of the residents within the geographical area. At least 14 days before a hearing conducted under this paragraph, the agency shall publish notice of the hearing in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 and in a newspaper of general circulation published within the geographical area that is affected by the rule or to which the rule applies. If a newspaper of general circulation is not published within the geographical area that is affected by the rule or to which the rule applies, the publication shall be made in the newspaper of general circulation published closest to the geographical area.

      (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, the Department of Corrections and the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision may adopt rules limiting participation by adults in custody in the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule to written submissions.

      (d) If requested by at least five persons before the earliest date that the rule could become effective after the agency gives notice pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the agency shall provide a statement that identifies the objective of the rule and a statement of how the agency will subsequently determine whether the rule is in fact accomplishing that objective.

      (e) An agency that receives data or views concerning proposed rules from interested persons shall maintain a record of the data or views submitted. The record shall contain:

      (A) All written materials submitted to an agency in response to a notice of intent to adopt, amend or repeal a rule.

      (B) A recording or summary of oral submissions received at hearings held for the purpose of receiving those submissions.

      (C) Any public comment received in response to the request made under subsection (2)(b)(H) of this section and the agency’s response to that comment.

      (D) Any statements provided by the agency under paragraph (d) of this subsection.

      (4) Upon request of an interested person received before the earliest date that the rule could become effective after the giving of notice pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the agency shall postpone the date of its intended action no less than 21 nor more than 90 days in order to allow the requesting person an opportunity to submit data, views or arguments concerning the proposed action. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude an agency from adopting a temporary rule pursuant to subsection (5) of this section.

      (5) Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (4) of this section, an agency may adopt, amend or suspend a rule without prior notice or hearing or upon any abbreviated notice and hearing that it finds practicable, if the agency prepares:

      (a) A statement of its findings that its failure to act promptly will result in serious prejudice to the public interest or the interest of the parties concerned and the specific reasons for its findings of prejudice;

      (b) A citation of the statutory or other legal authority relied upon and bearing upon the promulgation of the rule;

      (c) A statement of the need for the rule and a statement of how the rule is intended to meet the need;

      (d) A list of the principal documents, reports or studies, if any, prepared by or relied upon by the agency in considering the need for and in preparing the rule, and a statement of the location at which those documents are available for public inspection; and

      (e) For an agency specified in ORS 183.530, a housing cost impact statement as defined in ORS 183.534.

      (6)(a) A rule adopted, amended or suspended under subsection (5) of this section is temporary and may be effective for a period of not longer than 180 days. The adoption of a rule under this subsection does not preclude the subsequent adoption of an identical rule under subsections (1) to (4) of this section.

      (b) A rule temporarily suspended shall regain effectiveness upon expiration of the temporary period of suspension unless the rule is repealed under subsections (1) to (4) of this section.

      (7) Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (4) of this section, an agency may amend a rule without prior notice or hearing if the amendment is solely for the purpose of:

      (a) Changing the name of an agency by reason of a name change prescribed by law;

      (b) Changing the name of a program, office or division within an agency as long as the change in name does not have a substantive effect on the functions of the program, office or division;

      (c) Correcting spelling;

      (d) Correcting grammatical mistakes in a manner that does not alter the scope, application or meaning of the rule;

      (e) Correcting statutory or rule references;

      (f) Correcting addresses or telephone numbers referred to in the rules; or

      (g) Changing a term or phrase in order to conform with a change prescribed by law.

      (8)(a) Any person may request in writing that an agency send to the person copies of the agency’s notices of intended action issued under subsection (1) of this section. The person must provide an address where the person elects to receive notices. The address provided may be a postal mailing address or, if the agency provides notice by electronic mail, may be an electronic mailing address.

      (b) A request under this subsection must indicate that the person requests one of the following:

      (A) The person may request that the agency mail paper copies of the proposed rule and other information required by subsection (2) of this section to the postal mailing address.

      (B) If the agency posts notices of intended action on a website, the person may request that the agency mail the information required by subsection (2)(a) of this section to the postal mailing address with a reference to the website where electronic copies of the proposed rule and other information required by subsection (2) of this section are posted.

      (C) The person may request that the agency electronically mail the information required by subsection (2)(a) of this section to the electronic mailing address, and either provide electronic copies of the proposed rule and other information required by subsection (2) of this section or provide a reference to a website where electronic copies of the proposed rule and other information required by subsection (2) of this section are posted.

      (c) Upon receipt of any request under this subsection, the agency shall acknowledge the request, establish a mailing list and maintain a record of all mailings made pursuant to the request. Agencies may establish procedures for establishing the mailing lists and keeping the mailing lists current. Agencies by rule may establish fees necessary to defray the costs of mailings and maintenance of the lists.

      (d) Members of the Legislative Assembly who receive notices under subsection (15) of this section may request that an agency furnish paper copies of the notices.

      (9) This section does not apply to rules establishing an effective date for a previously effective rule or establishing a period during which a provision of a previously effective rule will apply.

      (10) This section does not apply to ORS 279.835 to 279.855, 279A.140 to 279A.161, 279A.250 to 279A.290, 279A.990, 279B.050 to 279B.085, 279B.200 to 279B.240, 279B.270, 279B.275, 279B.280, 279C.360, 279C.365, 279C.370, 279C.375, 279C.380, 279C.385, 279C.500 to 279C.530, 279C.540, 279C.545, 279C.550 to 279C.570, 279C.580, 279C.585, 279C.590, 279C.600 to 279C.625, 279C.650 to 279C.670 and 279C.800 to 279C.870 relating to public contracts and purchasing.

      (11)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, a rule is not valid unless adopted in substantial compliance with the provisions of this section in effect on the date that the notice required under subsection (1) of this section is delivered to the Secretary of State for the purpose of publication in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360.

      (b) In addition to all other requirements with which rule adoptions must comply, a rule other than a rule amended for a purpose described in subsection (7) of this section is not valid if the rule has not been submitted to the Legislative Counsel in the manner required by ORS 183.355 and 183.715.

      (c) A rule is not subject to judicial review or other challenge by reason of failing to comply with subsection (2)(a)(A) of this section.

      (12)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (11) of this section, but subject to paragraph (b) of this subsection, an agency may correct its failure to substantially comply with the requirements of subsections (2) and (5) of this section in adoption of a rule by an amended filing, as long as the noncompliance did not substantially prejudice the interests of persons to be affected by the rule.

      (b) An agency may use an amended filing to correct a failure to include a fiscal impact statement in a notice of intended action, as required by subsection (2)(b)(E) of this section, or to correct an inaccurate fiscal impact statement, only if the agency developed the fiscal impact statement with the assistance of an advisory committee or fiscal impact advisory committee appointed under ORS 183.333.

      (13) Unless otherwise provided by statute, the adoption, amendment or repeal of a rule by an agency need not be based upon or supported by an evidentiary record.

      (14) When an agency has established a deadline for comment on a proposed rule under the provisions of subsection (3)(a) of this section, the agency may not extend that deadline for another agency or person unless the extension applies equally to all interested agencies and persons. An agency shall not consider any submission made by another agency after the final deadline has passed.

      (15) The notices required under subsections (1) and (3) of this section must be given by the agency to the following persons:

      (a) If the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal results from legislation that was passed within two years before notice is given under subsection (1) of this section, notice shall be given to the legislator who introduced the bill that subsequently was enacted into law, and to the chair or cochairs of all committees that reported the bill out, except for those committees whose sole action on the bill was referral to another committee.

      (b) If the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal does not result from legislation that was passed within two years before notice is given under subsection (1) of this section, notice shall be given to the chair or cochairs of any interim or session committee with authority over the subject matter of the rule.

      (c) If notice cannot be given under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection, notice shall be given to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate who are in office on the date the notice is given.

      (16)(a) Upon the request of a member of the Legislative Assembly or of a person who would be affected by a proposed adoption, amendment or repeal, the committees receiving notice under subsection (15) of this section shall review the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal for compliance with the legislation from which the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal results.

      (b) The committees shall submit their comments on the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal to the agency proposing the adoption, amendment or repeal. [1971 c.734 §3; 1973 c.612 §1; 1975 c.136 §11; 1975 c.759 §4; 1977 c.161 §1; 1977 c.344 §6; 1977 c.394 §1a; 1977 c.798 §2; 1979 c.593 §11; 1981 c.755 §2; 1987 c.861 §2; 1993 c.729 §3; 1995 c.652 §5; 1997 c.602 §3; 1999 c.123 §1; 1999 c.334 §1; 2001 c.220 §1; 2001 c.563 §1; 2003 c.749 §5; 2003 c.794 §206; 2005 c.17 §1; 2005 c.18 §1; 2005 c.382 §1; 2005 c.807 §5; 2007 c.115 §1; 2007 c.768 §58; 2011 c.380 §2; 2017 c.518 §2; 2019 c.213 §126; 2021 c.463 §2; 2022 c.97 §6]

 

      183.336 Cost of compliance effect on small businesses. (1) The statement of cost of compliance effect on small businesses required by ORS 183.335 (2)(b)(E) must include:

      (a) An estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed rule and identification of the types of businesses and industries with small businesses subject to the proposed rule;

      (b) A brief description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping and other administrative activities required for compliance with the proposed rule, including costs of professional services;

      (c) An identification of equipment, supplies, labor and increased administration required for compliance with the proposed rule; and

      (d) A description of the manner in which the agency proposing the rule involved small businesses in the development of the rule.

      (2) An agency shall utilize available information in complying with the requirements of this section. [2005 c.807 §2]

 

      183.337 Procedure for agency adoption of federal rules. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 183.335, when an agency is required to adopt rules or regulations promulgated by an agency of the federal government and the agency has no authority to alter or amend the content or language of those rules or regulations prior to their adoption, the agency may adopt those rules or regulations under the procedure prescribed in this section.

      (2) Prior to the adoption of a federal rule or regulation under subsection (1) of this section, the agency shall give notice of the adoption of the rule or regulation, the effective date of the rule or regulation in this state and the subject matter of the rule or regulation in the manner established in ORS 183.335 (1).

      (3) After giving notice the agency may adopt the rule or regulation by filing a copy with the Secretary of State in compliance with ORS 183.355. The agency is not required to conduct a public hearing concerning the adoption of the rule or regulation.

      (4) Nothing in this section authorizes an agency to amend federal rules or regulations or adopt rules in accordance with federal requirements without giving an opportunity for hearing as required by ORS 183.335. [1979 c.593 §15]

 

      183.338 Use of term “noncitizen” in rules and regulations. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Noncitizen” means an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States.

      (b) “State agency” means any state officer, board, commission, department, division, institution, branch or agency of the state government.

      (2) A state agency shall use the term “noncitizen” to reference an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States when promulgating a rule or regulation that references an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States. [2022 c.97 §1]

 

      Note: 183.338 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.340 [1957 c.717 §3 (3); 1971 c.734 §6; repealed by 1975 c.759 §5 (183.341 enacted in lieu of 183.340)]

 

      183.341 Model rules of procedure; establishment; compilation; publication; agencies required to adopt procedural rules. (1) The Attorney General shall prepare model rules of procedure appropriate for use by as many agencies as possible. Except as provided in ORS 183.630, any agency may adopt all or part of the model rules by reference without complying with the rulemaking procedures under ORS 183.335. Notice of such adoption shall be filed with the Secretary of State in the manner provided by ORS 183.355 for the filing of rules. The model rules may be amended from time to time by an adopting agency or the Attorney General after notice and opportunity for hearing as required by rulemaking procedures under this chapter.

      (2) Except as provided in ORS 183.630, all agencies shall adopt rules of procedure to be utilized in the adoption of rules and conduct of proceedings in contested cases or, if exempt from the contested case provisions of this chapter, for the conduct of proceedings.

      (3) The Secretary of State shall publish in the Oregon Administrative Rules:

      (a) The Attorney General’s model rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section;

      (b) The procedural rules of all agencies that have not adopted the Attorney General’s model rules; and

      (c) The notice procedures required by ORS 183.335 (1).

      (4) Agencies shall adopt rules of procedure which will provide a reasonable opportunity for interested persons to be notified of the agency’s intention to adopt, amend or repeal a rule.

      (5) No rule adopted after September 13, 1975, is valid unless adopted in substantial compliance with the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (4) of this section. [1975 c.759 §6 (enacted in lieu of 183.340); 1979 c.593 §12; 1997 c.837 §1; 1999 c.849 §§24,25; 2003 c.75 §28]

 

      183.350 [1957 c.717 §3 (1), (2); repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      183.355 Filing and taking effect of rules; filing of executive orders; copies; fees; rules. (1) The Secretary of State shall by rule prescribe requirements for the manner and form for filing rules adopted, amended or repealed by agencies. The Secretary of State may refuse to accept for filing any rules that do not comply with the requirements.

      (2)(a) Each agency shall file with the office of the Secretary of State each rule adopted by the agency.

      (b) Unless otherwise provided by rule adopted by the Secretary of State, an agency adopting a rule incorporating published standards by reference is not required to file a copy of those standards with the Secretary of State if:

      (A) The standards adopted are unusually voluminous and costly to reproduce; and

      (B) The rule filed with the Secretary of State identifies the location of the standards so incorporated and the conditions of their availability to the public.

      (3) Each rule is effective upon filing as required by subsection (2) of this section, except that:

      (a) If a later effective date is required by statute or specified in the rule, the later date is the effective date.

      (b) A temporary rule becomes effective upon filing with the Secretary of State, or at a designated later date, only if the statement required by ORS 183.335 (5) is filed with the rule. The agency shall take appropriate measures to make temporary rules known to the persons who may be affected by them.

      (4) When a rule is amended or repealed by an agency, the agency shall file the amendment or notice of repeal with the Secretary of State.

      (5) A certified copy of each executive order issued, prescribed or promulgated by the Governor shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.

      (6) A rule is not valid or effective against any person or party until the rule is filed in accordance with this section. However, if an agency, in disposing of a contested case, announces in its decision the adoption of a general policy applicable to the case and subsequent cases of like nature the agency may rely upon the decision in disposition of later cases.

      (7) The Secretary of State shall, upon request, supply copies of rules, or orders or designated parts of rules or orders, in the format requested, making and collecting therefor fees prescribed by ORS 177.130. All receipts from the sale of copies shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the Secretary of State Miscellaneous Receipts Account established under ORS 279A.290.

      (8) The Secretary of State shall establish and collect fees from agencies filing rules under this section. The fees shall be established in amounts calculated to be necessary to generate revenues adequate to pay costs incurred by the Secretary of State in performing the following duties that are not paid for by subscriber fees or other fees prescribed by law:

      (a) Publication of the compilation referred to in ORS 183.360 (1);

      (b) Electronic publication of the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 (3); and

      (c) Electronic publication of rules and other information relating to rules under ORS 183.365.

      (9) All fees collected under subsection (8) of this section shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the Secretary of State Miscellaneous Receipts Account established under ORS 279A.290.

      (10) No later than 10 days after an agency files an adopted, amended or repealed rule with the Secretary of State, other than a rule amended for a purpose described in ORS 183.335 (7), the Secretary of State shall:

      (a) Electronically transmit the rule to the Legislative Counsel in accordance with ORS 183.715; and

      (b) Provide to the agency that filed the rule a written confirmation that the rule was transmitted to the Legislative Counsel. [1971 c.734 §5; 1973 c.612 §2; 1975 c.759 §7; 1977 c.798 §2b; 1979 c.593 §13; 1991 c.169 §2; 2003 c.794 §207; 2009 c.289 §1; 2017 c.518 §3]

 

      183.360 Publication of rules and orders; exceptions; requirements; bulletin; judicial notice; citation. (1) The Secretary of State shall compile, index and publish all rules adopted by each agency. The compilation shall be supplemented or revised as often as necessary. Such compilation supersedes any other rules. The Secretary of State may make such compilations of other material published in the bulletin as are desirable. The Secretary of State may copyright the compilations prepared under this subsection, and may establish policies for the revision, clarification, classification, arrangement, indexing, printing, binding, publication, sale and distribution of the compilations.

      (2) The Secretary of State has discretion to omit from the compilation, if published in print, rules the publication of which would be unduly cumbersome or expensive if the rule in printed or processed form is made available on application to the adopting agency, and if the compilation contains a notice summarizing the omitted rule and stating how a copy of the omitted rule may be obtained. In preparing the compilation the Secretary of State may not alter the sense, meaning, effect or substance of any rule, but may renumber sections and parts of sections of the rules, change the wording of headnotes, rearrange sections, change reference numbers to agree with renumbered chapters, sections or other parts, substitute the proper subsection, section or chapter or other division numbers, change capitalization for the purpose of uniformity, and correct manifest clerical or typographical errors.

      (3) The Secretary of State shall publish at least at monthly intervals a bulletin that:

      (a) Briefly indicates the agencies that are proposing to adopt, amend or repeal a rule, the subject matter of the rule and the name, address and telephone number of an agency officer or employee from whom information and a copy of any proposed rule may be obtained;

      (b) Contains the text or a brief description of all rules filed under ORS 183.355 since the last bulletin indicating the effective date of the rule;

      (c) Contains executive orders of the Governor; and

      (d) Contains orders issued by the Director of the Department of Revenue under ORS 305.157 extending tax statutes of limitation.

      (4) Courts shall take judicial notice of rules and executive orders filed with the Secretary of State.

      (5) The compilation required by subsection (1) of this section shall be titled Oregon Administrative Rules and may be cited as “OAR” with appropriate numerical indications.

      (6) The Secretary of State may publish the compilation and bulletin required by this section in print, or by placing the compilation and bulletin on the Internet. [1957 c.717 §4 (1),(2),(3); 1961 c.464 §1; 1971 c.734 §7; 1973 c.612 §4; 1975 c.759 §7a; 1977 c.394 §2; 1979 c.593 §16; 1993 c.729 §13; 1995 c.79 §62; 2001 c.104 §63; 2003 c.168 §3; 2009 c.289 §2; 2017 c.518 §4]

 

      183.362 [1993 c.729 §12; repealed by 2017 c.518 §9]

 

      183.365 Publication of administrative rules in electronic form. (1) Pursuant to ORS 183.360, the Secretary of State shall publish in electronic form administrative rules adopted or amended by state agencies and make the information available to the public and members of the Legislative Assembly.

      (2) The Secretary of State shall determine the most cost-effective format and procedures for the timely release of the information described in subsection (1) of this section in electronic form.

      (3) Pursuant to ORS 183.355, the Secretary of State shall establish requirements for filing administrative rules adopted or amended by state agencies for entry into computer networks for the purpose of subsection (1) of this section.

      (4) Although each state agency is responsible for its information resources, centralized information resource management must also exist to:

      (a) Provide public access to the information described in subsection (1) of this section;

      (b) Provide technical assistance to state agencies; and

      (c) Ensure that the information resources needed to implement subsection (1) of this section are addressed along with the needs of the individual agencies.

      (5) Personal information concerning a person who accesses the information identified in subsection (1) of this section may be maintained only for the purpose of providing service to the person.

      (6) No fee or other charge may be imposed by the Secretary of State as a condition of accessing the information identified in subsection (1) of this section.

      (7) No action taken pursuant to this section shall be deemed to alter or relinquish any copyright or other proprietary interest or entitlement of the State of Oregon relative to any of the information made available pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. [1995 c.614 §5; 2017 c.518 §5]

 

      Note: 183.365 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.370 Distribution of published rules. The bulletins and compilations may be distributed by the Secretary of State free of charge as provided for the distribution of legislative materials referred to in ORS 171.236. Other copies of the bulletins and compilations shall be distributed by the Secretary of State at a cost determined by the Secretary of State. Any agency may compile and publish its rules or all or part of its rules for purpose of distribution outside of the agency only after it proves to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that agency publication is necessary. [1957 c.717 §4(4); 1959 c.260 §1; 1969 c.174 §4; 1975 c.759 §8; 1977 c.394 §3]

 

      183.380 [1957 c.717 §4 (5); repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      183.390 Petitions requesting adoption of rules. (1) An interested person may petition an agency requesting the promulgation, amendment or repeal of a rule. The Attorney General shall prescribe by rule the form for such petitions and the procedure for their submission, consideration and disposition. Not later than 90 days after the date of submission of a petition, the agency either shall deny the petition in writing or shall initiate rulemaking proceedings in accordance with ORS 183.335.

      (2) If a petition requesting the amendment or repeal of a rule is submitted to an agency under this section, the agency shall invite public comment upon the rule, and shall specifically request public comment on whether options exist for achieving the rule’s substantive goals in a way that reduces the negative economic impact on businesses.

      (3) In reviewing a petition subject to subsection (2) of this section, the agency shall consider:

      (a) The continued need for the rule;

      (b) The nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule from the public;

      (c) The complexity of the rule;

      (d) The extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other state rules or federal regulations and, to the extent feasible, with local government regulations;

      (e) The degree to which technology, economic conditions or other factors have changed in the subject area affected by the rule; and

      (f) The statutory citation or legal basis for the rule. [1957 c.717 §5; 1971 c.734 §8; 2003 c.749 §6]

 

      183.400 Judicial determination of validity of rule. (1) The validity of any rule may be determined upon a petition by any person to the Court of Appeals in the manner provided for review of orders in contested cases. The court shall have jurisdiction to review the validity of the rule whether or not the petitioner has first requested the agency to pass upon the validity of the rule in question, but not when the petitioner is a party to an order or a contested case in which the validity of the rule may be determined by a court.

      (2) The validity of any applicable rule may also be determined by a court, upon review of an order in any manner provided by law or pursuant to ORS 183.480 or upon enforcement of such rule or order in the manner provided by law.

      (3) Judicial review of a rule shall be limited to an examination of:

      (a) The rule under review;

      (b) The statutory provisions authorizing the rule; and

      (c) Copies of all documents necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable rulemaking procedures.

      (4) The court shall declare the rule invalid only if it finds that the rule:

      (a) Violates constitutional provisions;

      (b) Exceeds the statutory authority of the agency; or

      (c) Was adopted without compliance with applicable rulemaking procedures.

      (5) In the case of disputed allegations of irregularities in procedure which, if proved, would warrant reversal or remand, the Court of Appeals may refer the allegations to a master appointed by the court to take evidence and make findings of fact. The court’s review of the master’s findings of fact shall be de novo on the evidence.

      (6) The court shall not declare a rule invalid solely because it was adopted without compliance with applicable rulemaking procedures after a period of two years after the date the rule was filed in the office of the Secretary of State, if the agency attempted to comply with those procedures and its failure to do so did not substantially prejudice the interests of the parties. [1957 c.717 §6; 1971 c.734 §9; 1975 c.759 §9; 1979 c.593 §17; 1987 c.861 §3]

 

      183.403 Agency report to Legislative Assembly regarding temporary rules. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Agency” has the meaning given that term in ORS 183.310.

      (b) “Rule” has the meaning given that term in ORS 183.310.

      (c) “Statement of need” means the statement described in ORS 183.335 (5)(c).

      (2) No later than February 1 of each year, an agency that is subject to ORS 183.335 shall provide a report to the Legislative Assembly, in the manner provided in ORS 192.245, regarding all rules that the agency adopted, amended, repealed or suspended during the preceding 12-month period. The report must include:

      (a) The number of rules adopted, amended or repealed in accordance with ORS 183.335 (2) and (3); and

      (b) With respect to rules adopted, amended or suspended using the procedure described in ORS 183.335 (5):

      (A) The number of rules;

      (B) A list of the rules;

      (C) A statement of need for each rule and all of the agency’s findings that a failure to act promptly would result in serious prejudice to the public interest or the interest of parties concerned; and

      (D) For each rule, an explanation of why proceeding under ORS 183.335 (5) was the most appropriate method for adopting, amending or suspending the rule and why it was not appropriate to proceed in accordance with ORS 183.335 (2) and (3). [2016 c.44 §1]

 

      Note: 183.403 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.405 Agency review of rules; report by Secretary of State. (1) Not later than five years after adopting a rule, an agency shall review the rule for the purpose of determining:

      (a) Whether the rule has had the intended effect;

      (b) Whether the anticipated fiscal impact of the rule was underestimated or overestimated;

      (c) Whether subsequent changes in the law require that the rule be repealed or amended;

      (d) Whether there is continued need for the rule; and

      (e) What impacts the rule has on small businesses.

      (2) Upon request of an agency, the Small Business Rules Advisory Committee established in ORS 183.407 may agree to complete the review and reporting required by this section for the agency.

      (3) An agency or the Small Business Rules Advisory Committee shall utilize available information in complying with the requirements of subsection (1) of this section.

      (4) An agency or the Small Business Rules Advisory Committee shall provide a report on each review of a rule conducted under this section:

      (a) To the Secretary of State;

      (b) To the Small Business Rules Advisory Committee, unless the committee completed the review under subsection (2) of this section; and

      (c) If the agency appointed an advisory committee pursuant to ORS 183.333 for consideration of a rule subject to the requirements of this section, to the advisory committee.

      (5) The provisions of this section do not apply to the amendment or repeal of a rule.

      (6) The provisions of this section do not apply to:

      (a) Rules adopted to implement court orders or the settlement of civil proceedings;

      (b) Rules that adopt federal laws or rules by reference;

      (c) Rules adopted to implement legislatively approved fee changes; or

      (d) Rules adopted to correct errors or omissions.

      (7) The Secretary of State shall compile the reports submitted under this section during each calendar year and submit an annual report to the Legislative Assembly in the manner required by ORS 192.245 no later than February 1 of the following year. [2005 c.807 §3; 2017 c.518 §6; 2018 c.20 §4]

 

      Note: 183.405 was added to and made a part of 183.325 to 183.410 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.407 Small Business Rules Advisory Committee. (1) The Small Business Rules Advisory Committee is established to serve as an advisory committee for agencies adopting new administrative rules and to review the effectiveness of existing administrative rules.

      (2) The committee consists of nine members as follows:

      (a) Two representatives of small businesses appointed by the Governor;

      (b) Two representatives of small businesses appointed by the President of the Senate;

      (c) Two representatives of small businesses appointed by the Speaker of the House;

      (d) A representative of small businesses appointed by the Office of Small Business Assistance established in ORS 56.203;

      (e) A representative of state agencies appointed by the Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services; and

      (f) A member who is an expert in the rulemaking process appointed by the State Archivist.

      (3) Upon request of an agency, the committee shall serve as the advisory committee or fiscal impact advisory committee for reviewing an agency’s proposed administrative rules under ORS 183.333.

      (4) Upon request of an agency, the committee may agree to complete the rules review and reporting required by ORS 183.405 in place of the agency.

      (5) Members of the committee shall be appointed to serve for terms of two years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The appointing authority shall appoint a person to fill any vacancy on the committee for the expired term. A member may be reappointed to the committee.

      (6) The members of the committee shall elect a chairperson from among the members of the committee. In the absence of a chairperson, the member appointed by the State Archivist shall serve as acting chairperson.

      (7) A majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

      (8) The committee shall meet upon the call of the chairperson or upon a request of a majority of the members of the committee. The committee may meet by phone or video conference with at least 24 hours’ public notice.

      (9) The State Archives shall provide administrative support to the committee.

      (10) Members of the committee are not entitled to compensation, but may be reimbursed from funds available to the State Archives 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. [2018 c.20 §2]

 

      Note: 183.407 was added to and made a part of 183.325 to 183.410 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.410 Agency determination of applicability of rule or statute to petitioner; effect; judicial review. On petition of any interested person, any agency may in its discretion issue a declaratory ruling with respect to the applicability to any person, property, or state of facts of any rule or statute enforceable by it. A declaratory ruling is binding between the agency and the petitioner on the state of facts alleged, unless it is altered or set aside by a court. However, the agency may, where the ruling is adverse to the petitioner, review the ruling and alter it if requested by the petitioner. Binding rulings provided by this section are subject to review in the Court of Appeals in the manner provided in ORS 183.480 for the review of orders in contested cases. The Attorney General shall prescribe by rule the form for such petitions and the procedure for their submission, consideration and disposition. The petitioner shall have the right to submit briefs and present oral argument at any declaratory ruling proceeding held pursuant to this section. [1957 c.717 §7; 1971 c.734 §10; 1973 c.612 §5]

 

(Contested Cases)

 

      183.411 Delegation of final order authority. Unless otherwise provided by law, an agency may delegate authority to enter a final order in a proceeding or class of proceedings to an officer or employee of the agency, or to a class of officers or employees of the agency. A delegation of authority under this section must be made in writing before the issuance of any order pursuant to the delegation and must be retained in the agency’s records. [2007 c.116 §2]

 

      Note: 183.411 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 183 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.413 Notice to parties before hearing of rights and procedure; failure to provide notice. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that parties to a contested case hearing have a right to be informed as to the procedures by which contested cases are heard by state agencies, their rights in hearings before state agencies, the import and effect of hearings before state agencies and their rights and remedies with respect to actions taken by state agencies. Accordingly, it is the purpose of subsections (2) and (3) of this section to set forth certain requirements of state agencies so that parties to contested case hearings shall be fully informed as to these matters when exercising their rights before state agencies.

      (2) Prior to the commencement of a contested case hearing before any agency including those agencies identified in ORS 183.315, the agency shall serve personally or by mail a written notice to each party to the hearing that includes the following:

      (a) The time and place of the hearing.

      (b) A statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held.

      (c) A statement that generally identifies the issues to be considered at the hearing.

      (d) A statement indicating that the party may be represented by counsel and that legal aid organizations may be able to assist a party with limited financial resources.

      (e) A statement that the party has the right to respond to all issues properly before the presiding officer and present evidence and witnesses on those issues.

      (f) A statement indicating whether discovery is permitted and, if so, how discovery may be requested.

      (g) A general description of the hearing procedure including the order of presentation of evidence, what kinds of evidence are admissible, whether objections may be made to the introduction of evidence and what kind of objections may be made and an explanation of the burdens of proof or burdens of going forward with the evidence.

      (h) Whether a record will be made of the proceedings and the manner of making the record and its availability to the parties.

      (i) The function of the record-making with respect to the perpetuation of the testimony and evidence and with respect to any appeal from the determination or order of the agency.

      (j) Whether an attorney will represent the agency in the matters to be heard and whether the parties ordinarily and customarily are represented by an attorney.

      (k) The title and function of the person presiding at the hearing with respect to the decision process, including, but not limited to, the manner in which the testimony and evidence taken by the person presiding at the hearing are reviewed, the effect of that person’s determination, who makes the final determination on behalf of the agency, whether the person presiding at the hearing is or is not an employee, officer or other representative of the agency and whether that person has the authority to make a final independent determination.

      (L) In the event a party is not represented by an attorney, whether the party may during the course of proceedings request a recess if at that point the party determines that representation by an attorney is necessary to the protection of the party’s rights.

      (m) Whether there exists an opportunity for an adjournment at the end of the hearing if the party then determines that additional evidence should be brought to the attention of the agency and the hearing reopened.

      (n) Whether there exists an opportunity after the hearing and prior to the final determination or order of the agency to review and object to any proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, summary of evidence or recommendations of the officer presiding at the hearing.

      (o) A description of the appeal process from the determination or order of the agency.

      (p) A statement that active duty servicemembers have a right to stay proceedings under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and may contact the Oregon State Bar or the Oregon Military Department for more information. The statement must include the toll-free telephone numbers for the Oregon State Bar and the Oregon Military Department and the Internet address for the United States Armed Forces Legal Assistance Legal Services Locator website.

      (3) The failure of an agency to give notice of any item specified in subsection (2) of this section does not invalidate any determination or order of the agency unless upon an appeal from or review of the determination or order a court finds that the failure affects the substantial rights of the complaining party. In the event of such a finding, the court shall remand the matter to the agency for a reopening of the hearing and shall direct the agency as to what steps it shall take to remedy the prejudice to the rights of the complaining party. [1979 c.593 §§37,38,39; 1995 c.79 §63; 2007 c.288 §1; 2013 c.295 §1]

 

      183.415 Notice of right to hearing. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that persons affected by actions taken by state agencies have a right to be informed of their rights and remedies with respect to the actions.

      (2) In a contested case, all parties shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after reasonable notice, served personally or by registered or certified mail.

      (3) Notice under this section must include:

      (a) A statement of the party’s right to hearing, with a description of the procedure and time to request a hearing, or a statement of the time and place of the hearing;

      (b) A statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;

      (c) A reference to the particular sections of the statutes and rules involved;

      (d) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted or charged;

      (e) A statement indicating whether and under what circumstances an order by default may be entered; and

      (f) A statement that active duty servicemembers have a right to stay proceedings under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and may contact the Oregon State Bar or the Oregon Military Department for more information. The statement must include the toll-free telephone numbers for the Oregon State Bar and the Oregon Military Department and the Internet address for the United States Armed Forces Legal Assistance Legal Services Locator website. [1971 c.734 §13; 1979 c.593 §18; 1985 c.757 §1; 1997 c.837 §2; 1999 c.849 §§27,28; 2003 c.75 §29; 2007 c.288 §2; 2013 c.295 §3]

 

      183.417 Procedure in contested case hearing. (1) In a contested case proceeding, the parties may elect to be represented by counsel and to respond and present evidence and argument on all issues properly before the presiding officer in the proceeding.

      (2) Agencies may adopt rules of procedure governing participation in contested case proceedings by persons appearing as limited parties.

      (3)(a) Unless prohibited by law, informal disposition may be made of any contested case by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default. Informal settlement may be made in license revocation proceedings by written agreement of the parties and the agency consenting to a suspension, fine or other form of intermediate sanction.

      (b) Any informal disposition of a contested case, other than an informal disposition by default, must be in writing and signed by the party or parties to the contested case. The agency shall incorporate that disposition into a final order. An order under this paragraph is not subject to ORS 183.470. The agency shall deliver or mail a copy of the order to each party and to the attorney of record if the party is represented. An order that incorporates the informal disposition is a final order in a contested case, but is not subject to judicial review. A party may petition the agency to set aside a final order that incorporates the informal disposition on the ground that the informal disposition was obtained by fraud or duress.

      (4) An order adverse to a party may be issued upon default only if a prima facie case is made on the record. The record on a default order includes all materials submitted by the party. The record on a default order may be made at the time of issuance of the order. If the record on the default order consists solely of an application and other materials submitted by the party, the agency shall so note in the order.

      (5) At the commencement of a contested case hearing, the officer presiding at the hearing shall explain the issues involved in the hearing and the matters that the parties must either prove or disprove.

      (6) Testimony at a contested case hearing shall be taken upon oath or affirmation of the witness. The officer presiding at the hearing shall administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses.

      (7) The officer presiding at the hearing shall place on the record a statement of the substance of any written or oral ex parte communication on a fact in issue made to the officer during the pendency of the proceeding and notify the parties of the communication and of their right to rebut the communication. If an ex parte communication is made to an administrative law judge assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings established under ORS 183.605, the administrative law judge must comply with ORS 183.685.

      (8) The officer presiding at the hearing shall ensure that the record developed at the hearing shows a full and fair inquiry into the facts necessary for consideration of all issues properly before the presiding officer in the case and the correct application of the law to those facts.

      (9) The record in a contested case shall include:

      (a) All pleadings, motions and intermediate rulings.

      (b) Evidence received or considered.

      (c) Stipulations.

      (d) A statement of matters officially noticed.

      (e) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon.

      (f) A statement of any ex parte communication that must be disclosed under subsection (7) of this section and that was made to the officer presiding at the hearing.

      (g) Proposed findings and exceptions.

      (h) Any proposed, intermediate or final order prepared by the agency or an administrative law judge.

      (10) A verbatim oral, written or mechanical record shall be made of all motions, rulings and testimony in a contested case proceeding. The record need not be transcribed unless requested for purposes of rehearing or court review. The agency may charge the party requesting transcription the cost of a copy of transcription, unless the party files an appropriate affidavit of indigency. Upon petition, a court having jurisdiction to review under ORS 183.480 may reduce or eliminate the charge upon finding that it is equitable to do so, or that matters of general interest would be determined by review of the order of the agency. [2007 c.288 §4]

 

      183.418 [1973 c.386 §6; 1989 c.224 §11; 1991 c.750 §5; repealed by 1999 c.1041 §9]

 

      183.420 [1957 c.717 §8 (1); repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

      183.421 [1991 c.750 §4; repealed by 1999 c.1041 §9]

 

      183.425 Depositions or subpoena of material witness; discovery. (1) On petition of any party to a contested case, or upon the agency’s own motion, the agency may order that the testimony of any material witness may be taken by deposition in the manner prescribed by law for depositions in civil actions. Depositions may also be taken by the use of audio or audio-visual recordings. The petition shall set forth the name and address of the witness whose testimony is desired, a showing of the materiality of the testimony of the witness, and a request for an order that the testimony of such witness be taken before an officer named in the petition for that purpose. If the witness resides in this state and is unwilling to appear, the agency may issue a subpoena as provided in ORS 183.440, requiring the appearance of the witness before such officer.

      (2) An agency may, by rule, prescribe other methods of discovery which may be used in proceedings before the agency. [1971 c.734 §14; 1975 c.759 §11; 1979 c.593 §19; 1997 c.837 §6]

 

      183.430 Hearing on refusal to renew license; exceptions. (1) In the case of any license which must be periodically renewed, where the licensee has made timely application for renewal in accordance with the rules of the agency, such license shall not be deemed to expire, despite any stated expiration date thereon, until the agency concerned has issued a formal order of grant or denial of such renewal. In case an agency proposes to refuse to renew such license, upon demand of the licensee, the agency must grant hearing as provided by this chapter before issuance of order of refusal to renew. This subsection does not apply to any emergency or temporary permit or license.

      (2) In any case where the agency finds a serious danger to the public health or safety and sets forth specific reasons for such findings, the agency may suspend or refuse to renew a license without hearing, but if the licensee demands a hearing within 90 days after the date of notice to the licensee of such suspension or refusal to renew, then a hearing must be granted to the licensee as soon as practicable after such demand, and the agency shall issue an order pursuant to such hearing as required by this chapter confirming, altering or revoking its earlier order. Such a hearing need not be held where the order of suspension or refusal to renew is accompanied by or is pursuant to, a citation for violation which is subject to judicial determination in any court of this state, and the order by its terms will terminate in case of final judgment in favor of the licensee. [1957 c.717 §8 (3), (4); 1965 c.212 §1; 1971 c.734 §11]

 

      183.435 Period allowed to request hearing for license refusal on grounds other than test or inspection results. When an agency refuses to issue a license required to pursue any commercial activity, trade, occupation or profession if the refusal is based on grounds other than the results of a test or inspection that agency shall grant the person requesting the license 60 days from notification of the refusal to request a hearing. [Formerly 670.285]

 

      183.440 Subpoenas in contested cases. (1) An agency may issue subpoenas on its own motion in a contested case. In addition, an agency or hearing officer in a contested case may issue subpoenas upon the request of a party to a contested case upon a showing of general relevance and reasonable scope of the evidence sought. A party entitled to have witnesses on behalf of the party may have subpoenas issued by an attorney of record of the party, subscribed by the signature of the attorney. Witnesses appearing pursuant to subpoena, other than the parties or officers or employees of the agency, shall receive fees and mileage as prescribed by law for witnesses in ORS 44.415 (2).

      (2) If any person fails to comply with any subpoena so issued or any party or witness refuses to testify on any matters on which the party or witness may be lawfully interrogated, the judge of the circuit court of any county, on the application of the hearing officer, the agency or the party requesting the issuance of or issuing the subpoena, shall compel obedience by proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein. [1957 c.717 §8 (2); 1971 c.734 §12; 1979 c.593 §20; 1981 c.174 §4; 1989 c.980 §10a; 1997 c.837 §3; 1999 c.849 §30]

 

      183.445 Subpoena by agency or attorney of record of party when agency not subject to ORS 183.440. (1) In any proceeding before an agency not subject to ORS 183.440 in which a party is entitled to have subpoenas issued for the appearance of witnesses on behalf of the party, a subpoena may be issued by an attorney of record of the party, subscribed by the signature of the attorney. A subpoena issued by an attorney of record may be enforced in the same manner as a subpoena issued by the agency.

      (2) In any proceeding before an agency not subject to ORS 183.440 in which a party is entitled to have subpoenas issued by the agency to compel the appearance of witnesses on behalf of the party, the agency may issue subpoenas on its own motion. [1981 c.174 §6; 1997 c.837 §4; 1999 c.849 §32]

 

      183.450 Evidence in contested cases. In contested cases:

      (1) Irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded but erroneous rulings on evidence shall not preclude agency action on the record unless shown to have substantially prejudiced the rights of a party. All other evidence of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in conduct of their serious affairs shall be admissible. Agencies and hearing officers shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law. Objections to evidentiary offers may be made and shall be noted in the record. Any part of the evidence may be received in written form.

      (2) All evidence shall be offered and made a part of the record in the case, and except for matters stipulated to and except as provided in subsection (4) of this section no other factual information or evidence shall be considered in the determination of the case. Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts, or by incorporation by reference. The burden of presenting evidence to support a fact or position in a contested case rests on the proponent of the fact or position.

      (3) Every party shall have the right of cross-examination of witnesses who testify and shall have the right to submit rebuttal evidence. Persons appearing in a limited party status shall participate in the manner and to the extent prescribed by rule of the agency.

      (4) The hearing officer and agency may take notice of judicially cognizable facts, and may take official notice of general, technical or scientific facts within the specialized knowledge of the hearing officer or agency. Parties shall be notified at any time during the proceeding but in any event prior to the final decision of material officially noticed and they shall be afforded an opportunity to contest the facts so noticed. The hearing officer and agency may utilize the hearing officer’s or agency’s experience, technical competence and specialized knowledge in the evaluation of the evidence presented.

      (5) No sanction shall be imposed or order be issued except upon consideration of the whole record or such portions thereof as may be cited by any party, and as supported by, and in accordance with, reliable, probative and substantial evidence. [1957 c.717 §9; 1971 c.734 §15; 1975 c.759 §12; 1977 c.798 §3; 1979 c.593 §21; 1987 c.833 §1; 1995 c.272 §5; 1997 c.391 §1; 1997 c.801 §76; 1999 c.448 §5; 1999 c.849 §34]

 

      183.452 Representation of agencies at contested case hearings. (1) Agencies may, at their discretion, be represented at contested case hearings by the Attorney General.

      (2) Notwithstanding ORS 9.160, 9.320 and ORS chapter 180, and unless otherwise authorized by another law, an agency may be represented at contested case hearings by an officer or employee of the agency if:

      (a) The Attorney General has consented to the representation of the agency by an agency representative in the particular hearing or in the class of hearings that includes the particular hearing; and

      (b) The agency, by rule, has authorized an agency representative to appear on its behalf in the particular type of hearing being conducted.

      (3) An agency representative acting under the provisions of this section may not give legal advice to an agency, and may not present legal argument in contested case hearings, except to the extent authorized by subsection (4) of this section.

      (4) The officer presiding at a contested case hearing in which an agency representative appears under the provisions of this section may allow the agency representative to present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments relating to the:

      (a) Application of statutes and rules to the facts in the contested case;

      (b) Actions taken by the agency in the past in similar situations;

      (c) Literal meaning of the statutes or rules at issue in the contested case;

      (d) Admissibility of evidence; and

      (e) Proper procedures to be used in the contested case hearing.

      (5) Upon judicial review, no limitation imposed under this section on an agency representative is the basis for reversal or remand of agency action unless the limitation resulted in substantial prejudice to a party.

      (6) The Attorney General may prepare model rules for agency representatives authorized under this section. [1999 c.448 §3]

 

      Note: 183.452 was added to and made a part of 183.413 to 183.470 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.453 Representation of Oregon Health Authority and Department of Human Services at contested case hearings. The Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Human Services may be represented at contested case hearings by an officer or employee of either the authority or the department, subject to the requirements of ORS 183.452. [2013 c.14 §1]

 

      Note: 183.453 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.455 [1987 c.259 §3; repealed by 1999 c.448 §10]

 

      183.457 Representation of persons other than agencies participating in contested case hearings. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 8.690, 9.160 and 9.320, and unless otherwise authorized by another law, a person participating in a contested case hearing conducted by an agency described in this subsection may be represented by an attorney or by an authorized representative subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. The Attorney General shall prepare model rules for proceedings with lay representation that do not have the effect of precluding lay representation. No rule adopted by a state agency shall have the effect of precluding lay representation. The agencies before which an authorized representative may appear are:

      (a) The State Landscape Contractors Board in the administration of the Landscape Contractors Law.

      (b) The State Department of Energy and the Energy Facility Siting Council.

      (c) The Environmental Quality Commission and the Department of Environmental Quality.

      (d) The Department of Consumer and Business Services for proceedings in which an insured appears pursuant to ORS 737.505.

      (e) The Department of Consumer and Business Services and any other agency for the purpose of proceedings to enforce the state building code, as defined by ORS 455.010.

      (f) The Department of the State Fire Marshal.

      (g) The Department of State Lands for proceedings regarding the issuance or denial of fill or removal permits under ORS 196.800 to 196.825.

      (h) The Public Utility Commission.

      (i) The Water Resources Commission and the Water Resources Department.

      (j) The Land Conservation and Development Commission and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

      (k) The State Department of Agriculture, for purposes of hearings under ORS 215.705.

      (L) The Bureau of Labor and Industries.

      (2) A person participating in a contested case hearing as provided in subsection (1) of this section may appear by an authorized representative if:

      (a) The agency conducting the contested case hearing has determined that appearance of such a person by an authorized representative will not hinder the orderly and timely development of the record in the type of contested case hearing being conducted;

      (b) The agency conducting the contested case hearing allows, by rule, authorized representatives to appear on behalf of such participants in the type of contested case hearing being conducted; and

      (c) The officer presiding at the contested case hearing may exercise discretion to limit an authorized representative’s presentation of evidence, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, or presentation of factual arguments to ensure the orderly and timely development of the hearing record, and shall not allow an authorized representative to present legal arguments except to the extent authorized under subsection (3) of this section.

      (3) The officer presiding at a contested case hearing in which an authorized representative appears under the provisions of this section may allow the authorized representative to present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments relating to the:

      (a) Application of statutes and rules to the facts in the contested case;

      (b) Actions taken by the agency in the past in similar situations;

      (c) Literal meaning of the statutes or rules at issue in the contested case;

      (d) Admissibility of evidence; and

      (e) Proper procedures to be used in the contested case hearing.

      (4) Upon judicial review, no limitation imposed by an agency presiding officer on the participation of an authorized representative shall be the basis for reversal or remand of agency action unless the limitation resulted in substantial prejudice to a person entitled to judicial review of the agency action.

      (5) For the purposes of this section, “authorized representative” means a member of a participating partnership, an authorized officer or regular employee of a participating corporation, association or organized group, or an authorized officer or employee of a participating governmental authority other than a state agency. [1987 c.833 §3; 1989 c.453 §2; 1993 c.186 §4; 1995 c.102 §1; 1999 c.448 §1; 1999 c.599 §1; 2021 c.539 §109]

 

      Note: 183.457 was added to and made a part of 183.413 to 183.470 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.458 Nonattorney and out-of-state attorney representation of parties in certain contested case hearings. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any contested case hearing before a state agency involving child support, public assistance as defined in ORS 411.010, medical assistance as defined in ORS 414.025 or the right to be free from potentially unusual or hazardous treatment procedures under ORS 426.385 (3), a party may be represented by any of the following persons:

      (a) An attorney licensed to practice law in any state who is an employee of or contracts with a nonprofit legal services program that receives funding pursuant to ORS 9.572.

      (b) An authorized representative who is an employee of a nonprofit legal services program that receives funding pursuant to ORS 9.572. The authorized representative must be supervised by an attorney also employed by a legal services program.

      (c) An authorized representative who is an employee of the system described in ORS 192.517 (1). The authorized representative must be supervised by an attorney also employed by the system.

      (2) In any contested case hearing before a state agency involving child support, a party may be represented by a law student who is:

      (a) Handling the child support matter as part of a law school clinical program in which the student is enrolled; and

      (b) Supervised by an attorney employed by the program.

      (3) In any contested case hearing before a state agency involving an applicant for or recipient of medical assistance, the claimant may be represented by a relative, friend or any other person of the claimant’s choosing.

      (4) A person authorized to represent a party under this section may present evidence in the proceeding, examine and cross-examine witnesses and present factual and legal arguments in the proceeding. [1999 c.448 §4; 2003 c.14 §86; 2005 c.498 §6; 2009 c.49 §1; 2013 c.688 §25]

 

      Note: 183.458 was added to and made a part of 183.413 to 183.470 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.459 Representation of home care worker by labor union representative. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 8.690, 9.160 and 9.320, a home care worker or personal support worker, as defined in ORS 410.600, who is a party in a contested case hearing conducted by the Department of Human Services may be represented in the hearing by a labor union representative.

      (2) Notwithstanding ORS 8.690, 9.160 and 9.320, a family child care provider, as defined in ORS 329A.430, who is a party in a contested case hearing conducted by the Department of Early Learning and Care may be represented in the hearing by a labor union representative.

      (3) The hearing officer at a contested case hearing in which a labor union representative appears under the provisions of this section shall allow the representative to present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses and make arguments relating to the:

      (a) Application of statutes and rules to the facts in the contested case;

      (b) Actions taken by the agency in the past in similar situations;

      (c) Literal meaning of the statutes or rules at issue in the contested case;

      (d) Admissibility of evidence; and

      (e) Proper procedures to be used in the contested case hearing. [2009 c.424 §2; 2018 c.75 §9; 2021 c.631 §16; 2023 c.554 §43]

 

      Note: 183.459 was added to and made a part of 183.413 to 183.470 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.460 Examination of evidence by agency. Whenever in a contested case a majority of the officials of the agency who are to render the final order have not heard the case or considered the record, the order, if adverse to a party other than the agency itself, shall not be made until a proposed order, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, has been served upon the parties and an opportunity has been afforded to each party adversely affected to file exceptions and present argument to the officials who are to render the decision. [1957 c.717 §10; 1971 c.734 §16; 1975 c.759 §13]

 

      183.462 Agency statement of ex parte communications; notice. The agency shall place on the record a statement of the substance of any written or oral ex parte communications on a fact in issue made to the agency during its review of a contested case. The agency shall notify all parties of such communications and of their right to rebut the substance of the ex parte communications on the record. [1979 c.593 §36c]

 

      183.464 Proposed order by hearing officer; amendment by agency; exemptions. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (1) to (4) of this section, unless a hearing officer is authorized or required by law or agency rule to issue a final order, the hearing officer shall prepare and serve on the agency and all parties to a contested case hearing a proposed order, including recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law. The proposed order shall become final after the 30th day following the date of service of the proposed order, unless the agency within that period issues an amended order.

      (2) An agency may by rule specify a period of time after which a proposed order will become final that is different from that specified in subsection (1) of this section.

      (3) If an agency determines that additional time will be necessary to allow the agency adequately to review a proposed order in a contested case, the agency may extend the time after which the proposed order will become final by a specified period of time. The agency shall notify the parties to the hearing of the period of extension.

      (4) Subsections (1) to (4) of this section do not apply to the Public Utility Commission or the Energy Facility Siting Council.

      (5) The Governor may exempt any agency or any class of contested case hearings before an agency from the requirements in whole or part of subsections (1) to (4) of this section by executive order. The executive order shall contain a statement of the reasons for the exemption. [1979 c.593 §§36,36b; 1995 c.79 §64; 2001 c.104 §64]

 

      183.470 Orders in contested cases. In a contested case:

      (1) Every order adverse to a party to the proceeding shall be in writing or stated in the record and may be accompanied by an opinion.

      (2) A final order shall be accompanied by findings of fact and conclusions of law. The findings of fact shall consist of a concise statement of the underlying facts supporting the findings as to each contested issue of fact and as to each ultimate fact required to support the agency’s order.

      (3) The agency shall notify the parties to a proceeding of a final order by delivering or mailing a copy of the order and any accompanying findings and conclusions to each party or, if applicable, the party’s attorney of record.

      (4) Every final order shall include a citation of the statutes under which the order may be appealed. [1957 c.717 §11; 1971 c.734 §17; 1979 c.593 §22]

 

      183.471 Preservation of orders in electronic format; fees. (1) When an agency issues a final order in a contested case, the agency shall maintain the final order in a digital format that:

      (a) Identifies the final order by the date it was issued;

      (b) Is suitable for indexing and searching; and

      (c) Preserves the textual attributes of the document, including the manner in which the document is paginated and any boldfaced, italicized or underlined writing in the document.

      (2) The Oregon State Bar may request that an agency provide the Oregon State Bar, or its designee, with electronic copies of final orders issued by the agency in contested cases. The request must be in writing. No later than 30 days after receiving the request, the agency, subject to ORS 192.338, 192.345 and 192.355, shall provide the Oregon State Bar, or its designee, with an electronic copy of all final orders identified in the request.

      (3) Notwithstanding ORS 192.324, an agency may not charge a fee for the first two requests submitted under this section in a calendar year. For any subsequent request, an agency may impose a fee in accordance with ORS 192.324 to reimburse the agency for the actual costs of complying with the request.

      (4) For purposes of this section, a final order entered in a contested case by an administrative law judge under ORS 183.625 (3) is a final order issued by the agency that authorized the administrative law judge to conduct the hearing.

      (5) This section does not apply to final orders by default issued under ORS 183.417 (3) or to final orders issued in contested cases by:

      (a) The Department of Revenue;

      (b) The State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision;

      (c) The Department of Corrections;

      (d) The Employment Relations Board;

      (e) The Public Utility Commission of Oregon;

      (f) The Oregon Health Authority;

      (g) The Land Conservation and Development Commission;

      (h) The Land Use Board of Appeals;

      (i) The Division of Child Support of the Department of Justice;

      (j) The Department of Transportation, if the final order relates to the suspension, revocation or cancellation of identification cards, vehicle registrations, vehicle titles or driving privileges or to the assessment of taxes or stipulated settlements in the regulation of vehicle related businesses;

      (k) The Employment Department or the Employment Appeals Board, if the final order relates to benefits as defined in ORS 657.010;

      (L) The Employment Department, if the final order relates to an assessment of unemployment tax for which a hearing was not held;

      (m) The Employment Department, if the final order relates to:

      (A) Benefits, as defined in ORS 657B.010;

      (B) Employer and employee contributions under ORS 657B.150 for which a hearing was not held;

      (C) Employer-offered benefit plans approved under ORS 657B.210 or terminated under ORS 657B.220; or

      (D) Employer assistance grants under ORS 657B.200; or

      (n) The Department of Human Services, if the final order was not related to licensing or certification. [2013 c.156 §2; 2023 c.292 §12]

 

      Note: 183.471 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 183 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Judicial Review)

 

      183.480 Judicial review of agency orders. (1) Except as provided in ORS 183.417 (3)(b), any person adversely affected or aggrieved by an order or any party to an agency proceeding is entitled to judicial review of a final order, whether such order is affirmative or negative in form. A petition for rehearing or reconsideration need not be filed as a condition of judicial review unless specifically otherwise provided by statute or agency rule.

      (2) Judicial review of final orders of agencies shall be solely as provided by ORS 183.482, 183.484, 183.490 and 183.500.

      (3) No action or suit shall be maintained as to the validity of any agency order except a final order as provided in this section and ORS 183.482, 183.484, 183.490 and 183.500 or except upon showing that the agency is proceeding without probable cause, or that the party will suffer substantial and irreparable harm if interlocutory relief is not granted.

      (4) Judicial review of orders issued pursuant to ORS 813.410 shall be as provided by ORS 813.410. [1957 c.717 §12; 1963 c.449 §1; 1971 c.734 §18; 1975 c.759 §14; 1979 c.593 §23; 1983 c.338 §901; 1985 c.757 §4; 1997 c.837 §5; 2007 c.288 §11]

 

      183.482 Jurisdiction for review of contested cases; procedure; scope of court authority. (1) Jurisdiction for judicial review of contested cases is conferred upon the Court of Appeals. Proceedings for review shall be instituted by filing a petition in the Court of Appeals. The petition shall be filed within 60 days only following the date the order upon which the petition is based is served unless otherwise provided by statute. If a petition for rehearing has been filed, then the petition for review shall be filed within 60 days only following the date the order denying the petition for rehearing is served. If the agency does not otherwise act, a petition for rehearing or reconsideration shall be deemed denied the 60th day following the date the petition was filed, and in such cases, petition for judicial review shall be filed within 60 days only following such date. Date of service shall be the date on which the agency delivered or mailed its order in accordance with ORS 183.470.

      (2) The petition shall state the nature of the order the petitioner desires reviewed, and shall state whether the petitioner was a party to the administrative proceeding, was denied status as a party or is seeking judicial review as a person adversely affected or aggrieved by the agency order. In the latter case, the petitioner shall, by supporting affidavit, state the facts showing how the petitioner is adversely affected or aggrieved by the agency order. Before deciding the issues raised by the petition for review, the Court of Appeals shall decide, from facts set forth in the affidavit, whether or not the petitioner is entitled to petition as an adversely affected or an aggrieved person. Copies of the petition shall be served by registered or certified mail upon the agency, and all other parties of record in the agency proceeding.

      (3)(a) The filing of the petition shall not stay enforcement of the agency order, but the agency may do so upon a showing of:

      (A) Irreparable injury to the petitioner; and

      (B) A colorable claim of error in the order.

      (b) When a petitioner makes the showing required by paragraph (a) of this subsection, the agency shall grant the stay unless the agency determines that substantial public harm will result if the order is stayed. If the agency denies the stay, the denial shall be in writing and shall specifically state the substantial public harm that would result from the granting of the stay.

      (c) When the agency grants a stay, the agency may impose such reasonable conditions as the giving of a bond, irrevocable letter of credit or other undertaking and that the petitioner file all documents necessary to bring the matter to issue before the Court of Appeals within specified reasonable periods of time.

      (d) Agency denial of a motion for stay is subject to review by the Court of Appeals under such rules as the court may establish.

      (4) Within 30 days after service of the petition, or within such further time as the court may allow, the agency shall transmit to the reviewing court the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the proceeding under review, but, by stipulation of all parties to the review proceeding, the record may be shortened. Any party unreasonably refusing to stipulate to limit the record may be taxed by the court for the additional costs. The court may require or permit subsequent corrections or additions to the record when deemed desirable. Except as specifically provided in this subsection, the cost of the record shall not be taxed to the petitioner or any intervening party. However, the court may tax such costs and the cost of agency transcription of record to a party filing a frivolous petition for review.

      (5) If, on review of a contested case, before the date set for hearing, application is made to the court for leave to present additional evidence, and it is shown to the satisfaction of the court that the additional evidence is material and that there were good and substantial reasons for failure to present it in the proceeding before the agency, the court may order that the additional evidence be taken before the agency upon such conditions as the court deems proper. The agency may modify its findings and order by reason of the additional evidence and shall, within a time to be fixed by the court, file with the reviewing court, to become a part of the record, the additional evidence, together with any modifications or new findings or orders, or its certificate that the agency elects to stand on its original findings and order, as the case may be.

      (6) At any time subsequent to the filing of the petition for review and prior to the date set for hearing the agency may withdraw its order for purposes of reconsideration. If an agency withdraws an order for purposes of reconsideration, the agency shall, within such time as the court may allow, affirm, modify or reverse its order. If the petitioner is dissatisfied with the agency action after withdrawal for purposes of reconsideration, the petitioner may refile the petition for review and the review shall proceed upon the revised order. An amended petition for review shall not be required if the agency, on reconsideration, affirms the order or modifies the order with only minor changes. If an agency withdraws an order for purposes of reconsideration and modifies or reverses the order in favor of the petitioner, the court shall allow the petitioner costs, but not attorney fees, to be paid from funds available to the agency.

      (7) Review of a contested case shall be confined to the record, and the court shall not substitute its judgment for that of the agency as to any issue of fact or agency discretion. In the case of disputed allegations of irregularities in procedure before the agency not shown in the record which, if proved, would warrant reversal or remand, the Court of Appeals may refer the allegations to a master appointed by the court to take evidence and make findings of fact upon them. The court shall remand the order for further agency action if the court finds that either the fairness of the proceedings or the correctness of the action may have been impaired by a material error in procedure or a failure to follow prescribed procedure, including a failure by the presiding officer to comply with the requirements of ORS 183.417 (8).

      (8)(a) The court may affirm, reverse or remand the order. If the court finds that the agency has erroneously interpreted a provision of law and that a correct interpretation compels a particular action, the court shall:

      (A) Set aside or modify the order; or

      (B) Remand the case to the agency for further action under a correct interpretation of the provision of law.

      (b) The court shall remand the order to the agency if the court finds the agency’s exercise of discretion to be:

      (A) Outside the range of discretion delegated to the agency by law;

      (B) Inconsistent with an agency rule, an officially stated agency position, or a prior agency practice, if the inconsistency is not explained by the agency; or

      (C) Otherwise in violation of a constitutional or statutory provision.

      (c) The court shall set aside or remand the order if the court finds that the order is not supported by substantial evidence in the record. Substantial evidence exists to support a finding of fact when the record, viewed as a whole, would permit a reasonable person to make that finding. [1975 c.759 §15; 1977 c.798 §4; 1979 c.593 §24; 1985 c.757 §2; 1989 c.453 §1; 1991 c.331 §44; 2007 c.659 §§2,5]

 

      183.484 Jurisdiction for review of orders other than contested cases; procedure; scope of court authority. (1) Jurisdiction for judicial review of orders other than contested cases is conferred upon the Circuit Court for Marion County and upon the circuit court for the county in which the petitioner resides or has a principal business office. Proceedings for review under this section shall be instituted by filing a petition in the Circuit Court for Marion County or the circuit court for the county in which the petitioner resides or has a principal business office.

      (2) Petitions for review shall be filed within 60 days only following the date the order is served, or if a petition for reconsideration or rehearing has been filed, then within 60 days only following the date the order denying such petition is served. If the agency does not otherwise act, a petition for rehearing or reconsideration shall be deemed denied the 60th day following the date the petition was filed, and in such case petition for judicial review shall be filed within 60 days only following such date. Date of service shall be the date on which the agency delivered or mailed its order in accordance with ORS 183.470.

      (3) The petition shall state the nature of the petitioner’s interest, the facts showing how the petitioner is adversely affected or aggrieved by the agency order and the ground or grounds upon which the petitioner contends the order should be reversed or remanded. The review shall proceed and be conducted by the court without a jury.

      (4) At any time subsequent to the filing of the petition for review and prior to the date set for hearing, the agency may withdraw its order for purposes of reconsideration. If an agency withdraws an order for purposes of reconsideration, it shall, within such time as the court may allow, affirm, modify or reverse its order. If the petitioner is dissatisfied with the agency action after withdrawal for purposes of reconsideration, the petitioner may refile the petition for review and the review shall proceed upon the revised order. An amended petition for review shall not be required if the agency, on reconsideration, affirms the order or modifies the order with only minor changes. If an agency withdraws an order for purposes of reconsideration and modifies or reverses the order in favor of the petitioner, the court shall allow the petitioner costs, but not attorney fees, to be paid from funds available to the agency.

      (5)(a) The court may affirm, reverse or remand the order. If the court finds that the agency has erroneously interpreted a provision of law and that a correct interpretation compels a particular action, it shall:

      (A) Set aside or modify the order; or

      (B) Remand the case to the agency for further action under a correct interpretation of the provision of law.

      (b) The court shall remand the order to the agency if it finds the agency’s exercise of discretion to be:

      (A) Outside the range of discretion delegated to the agency by law;

      (B) Inconsistent with an agency rule, an officially stated agency position, or a prior agency practice, if the inconsistency is not explained by the agency; or

      (C) Otherwise in violation of a constitutional or statutory provision.

      (c) The court shall set aside or remand the order if it finds that the order is not supported by substantial evidence in the record. Substantial evidence exists to support a finding of fact when the record, viewed as a whole, would permit a reasonable person to make that finding.

      (6) In the case of reversal the court shall make special findings of fact based upon the evidence in the record and conclusions of law indicating clearly all aspects in which the agency’s order is erroneous. [1975 c.759 §16; 1979 c.284 §121; 1979 c.593 §25a; 1985 c.757 §3; 1999 c.113 §1]

 

      183.485 Decision of court on review of contested case. (1) The court having jurisdiction for judicial review of contested cases shall direct its decision, including its judgment, to the agency issuing the order being reviewed and may direct that its judgment be delivered to the circuit court for any county designated by the prevailing party for entry in the circuit court’s register.

      (2) Upon receipt of the court’s decision, including the judgment, the clerk of the circuit court shall enter a judgment in the register of the court pursuant to the direction of the court to which the appeal is made. [1973 c.612 §7; 1981 c.178 §11; 1985 c.540 §39; 2003 c.576 §193]

 

      183.486 Form and scope of decision of reviewing court. (1) The reviewing court’s decision under ORS 183.482 or 183.484 may be mandatory, prohibitory, or declaratory in form, and it shall provide whatever relief is appropriate irrespective of the original form of the petition. The court may:

      (a) Order agency action required by law, order agency exercise of discretion when required by law, set aside agency action, remand the case for further agency proceedings or decide the rights, privileges, obligations, requirements or procedures at issue between the parties; and

      (b) Order such ancillary relief as the court finds necessary to redress the effects of official action wrongfully taken or withheld.

      (2) If the court sets aside agency action or remands the case to the agency for further proceedings, it may make such interlocutory order as the court finds necessary to preserve the interests of any party and the public pending further proceedings or agency action.

      (3) Unless the court finds a ground for setting aside, modifying, remanding, or ordering agency action or ancillary relief under a specified provision of this section, it shall affirm the agency action. [1979 c.593 §27]

 

      183.490 Agency may be compelled to act. The court may, upon petition as described in ORS 183.484, compel an agency to act where it has unlawfully refused to act or make a decision or unreasonably delayed taking action or making a decision. [1957 c.717 §13; 1979 c.593 §28]

 

      183.495 [1975 c.759 §16a; repealed by 1985 c.757 §7]

 

      183.497 Awarding costs and attorney fees when finding for petitioner. (1) In a judicial proceeding designated under subsection (2) of this section the court:

      (a) May, in its discretion, allow a petitioner reasonable attorney fees and costs if the court finds in favor of the petitioner.

      (b) Shall allow a petitioner reasonable attorney fees and costs if the court finds in favor of the petitioner and determines that the state agency acted without a reasonable basis in fact or in law; but the court may withhold all or part of the attorney fees from any allowance to a petitioner if the court finds that the state agency has proved that its action was substantially justified or that special circumstances exist that make the allowance of all or part of the attorney fees unjust.

      (2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section apply to an administrative or judicial proceeding brought by a petitioner against a state agency, as defined in ORS 291.002, for:

      (a) Judicial review of a final order as provided in ORS 183.480 to 183.484;

      (b) Judicial review of a declaratory ruling provided in ORS 183.410; or

      (c) A judicial determination of the validity of a rule as provided in ORS 183.400.

      (3) Amounts allowed under this section for reasonable attorney fees and costs shall be paid from funds available to the state agency whose final order, declaratory ruling or rule was reviewed by the court. [1981 c.871 §1; 1985 c.757 §5]

 

      Note: 183.497 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Appeals From Circuit Courts)

 

      183.500 Appeals. Any party to the proceedings before the circuit court may appeal from the judgment of that court to the Court of Appeals. Such appeal shall be taken in the manner provided by law for appeals from the circuit court in suits in equity. [1957 c.717 §14; 1969 c.198 §76; 2003 c.576 §394]

 

(Alternative Dispute Resolution)

 

      183.502 Authority of agencies to use alternative means of dispute resolution; model rules; amendment of agreements and forms; agency alternative dispute resolution programs. (1) Unless otherwise prohibited by law, agencies may use alternative means of dispute resolution in rulemaking proceedings, contested case proceedings, judicial proceedings in which the agency is a party, and any other decision-making process in which conflicts may arise. The alternative means of dispute resolution may be arbitration, mediation or any other collaborative problem-solving process designed to encourage parties to work together to develop mutually agreeable solutions to disputes. Use of alternative means of dispute resolution by an agency does not affect the application of ORS 192.311 to 192.478 to the agency, or the application of ORS 192.610 to 192.705 to the agency.

      (2) An agency that elects to utilize alternative means of dispute resolution shall inform and may consult with the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the Department of Justice and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services in developing a policy or program for implementation of alternative means of dispute resolution.

      (3) The Attorney General, in consultation with the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government and the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, may develop for agencies model rules for the implementation of alternative means of dispute resolution. An agency may adopt all or part of the model rules by reference without complying with the rulemaking procedures of ORS 183.325 to 183.410. Notice of the adoption of all or part of the model rules must be filed by the agency with the Secretary of State in the manner provided by ORS 183.355 for the filing of rules.

      (4) When an agency reviews the standard agreements, forms for contracts and forms for applying for grants or other assistance used by the agency, the agency shall determine whether the agreements and forms should be amended to authorize and encourage the use of alternative means of dispute resolution in disputes that arise under the agreement, contract or application.

      (5) The Department of Justice, the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Governor shall collaborate to increase the use of alternative dispute resolution to resolve disputes involving the State of Oregon by:

      (a) Assisting agencies to develop a policy for alternative means of dispute resolution;

      (b) Assisting agencies to develop or expand flexible and diverse agency programs that provide alternative means of dispute resolution; and

      (c) Providing assistance in the efficient and effective selection of mediators or facilitators.

      (6)(a) The Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Department of Justice shall work cooperatively in designing the program under ORS 36.179 that is intended to provide services to, apply to or involve any state agency.

      (b) The Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and the Department of Justice shall enter into an interagency agreement that includes, but is not limited to, provisions on appropriate roles, reporting requirements and coordination of services provided to state agencies by the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government pursuant to ORS 36.179.

      (c) Before providing dispute resolution services in a specific matter to a state agency under ORS 36.179, the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government shall notify the Department of Justice of any proposal to provide such services.

      (7) Agencies with alternative dispute resolution programs shall seek to identify cases appropriate for mediation and other means of alternative dispute resolution and to design systems and procedures to resolve those cases.

      (8) The purpose of the agency alternative dispute resolution programs is to:

      (a) Increase agency efficiency;

      (b) Increase public and agency satisfaction with the process and results of dispute resolution; and

      (c) Decrease the cost of resolving disputes.

      (9) An agency may use the services of an employee of another agency or of the federal government to serve as a mediator or facilitator, and may provide the services of an agency employee to another agency or to the federal government to serve as a mediator or facilitator. An agency may enter into an agreement with another agency or with the federal government to determine reimbursement for services of an employee acting as a mediator or facilitator under the provisions of this subsection. This subsection does not apply to mediation under ORS 243.650 to 243.809. [1993 c.647 §2; 1995 c.515 §2; 1997 c.706 §5; 1997 c.801 §42; 1997 c.837 §7; 2001 c.581 §2; 2003 c.791 §§27,27a; 2005 c.334 §§1,2; 2005 c.817 §6]

 

      Note: 183.502 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 183 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.510 [1957 c.717 §16; repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

 

(Housing Cost Impact Statement)

 

      183.530 Housing cost impact statement required for certain proposed rules. A housing cost impact statement shall be prepared upon the proposal for adoption or repeal of any rule or any amendment to an existing rule by:

      (1) The Oregon Housing Stability Council;

      (2) A building codes division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services or any board associated with the department with regard to rules adopted under ORS 455.610 to 455.630;

      (3) The Land Conservation and Development Commission;

      (4) The Environmental Quality Commission;

      (5) The Construction Contractors Board;

      (6) The Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services; or

      (7) The State Department of Energy. [1995 c.652 §2; 2015 c.180 §39]

 

      Note: 183.530 to 183.538 were added to and made a part of ORS chapter 183 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.534 Housing cost impact statement described; rules. (1) A housing cost impact statement is an estimate of the effect of a proposed rule or ordinance on the cost of development of a 6,000 square foot parcel and the construction of a 1,200 square foot detached single family dwelling on that parcel. The Housing and Community Services Department shall adopt rules prescribing the form to be used when preparing the estimate and other such rules necessary to the implementation of this section and ORS 183.530 and 183.538.

      (2) A housing cost impact statement:

      (a) For an agency listed in ORS 183.530 shall be incorporated in the:

      (A) Fiscal impact statement required by ORS 183.335 (2)(b)(E) for permanent rule adoption; or

      (B) Statements required by ORS 183.335 (5) for temporary rule adoption.

      (b) Shall not be required for the adoption of any procedural rule by an agency listed in ORS 183.530. [1995 c.652 §3; 1997 c.249 §54; 2015 c.180 §40; 2023 c.193 §12]

 

      Note: See note under 183.530.

 

      183.538 Effect of failure to prepare housing cost impact statement; judicial review. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 183.335 (12), 183.400 (4) or any other provision of law, the failure to prepare a housing cost impact statement shall not affect the validity or effective date of any rule or ordinance or any amendment to a rule or ordinance.

      (2) If a rule or ordinance or any amendment to a rule or ordinance is challenged based on the failure to prepare a housing cost impact statement, the court or other reviewing authority shall remand the proposed rule or ordinance or any amendment to a rule or ordinance to the adopting or repealing entity if it determines that a housing cost impact statement is required.

      (3) The court or other reviewing authority shall determine only whether a housing cost impact statement was prepared and shall not make any determination as to the sufficiency of the housing cost impact statement. [1995 c.652 §4; 2001 c.220 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 183.530.

 

(Effects of Rules on Small Business)

 

      183.540 Reduction of economic impact on small business. If the statement of cost of compliance effect on small businesses required by ORS 183.335 (2)(b)(E) shows that a rule has a significant adverse effect upon small business, to the extent consistent with the public health and safety purpose of the rule, the agency shall reduce the economic impact of the rule on small business by:

      (1) Establishing differing compliance or reporting requirements or time tables for small business;

      (2) Clarifying, consolidating or simplifying the compliance and reporting requirements under the rule for small business;

      (3) Utilizing objective criteria for standards;

      (4) Exempting small businesses from any or all requirements of the rule; or

      (5) Otherwise establishing less intrusive or less costly alternatives applicable to small business. [1981 c.755 §4; 2003 c.749 §7; 2005 c.807 §6]

 

      183.545 [1981 c.755 §5; repealed by 2003 c.749 §17]

 

      183.550 [1981 c.755 §6; repealed by 2003 c.749 §17]

 

      183.560 [2001 c.374 §1; 2003 c.740 §1; renumbered 183.700 in 2003]

 

      183.562 [2001 c.374 §2; renumbered 183.702 in 2003]

 

      183.600 [1999 c.849 §2; 2003 c.75 §1; repealed by 2009 c.866 §4]

 

(Office of Administrative Hearings)

 

      183.605 Office of Administrative Hearings. (1) The Office of Administrative Hearings is established within the Employment Department. The office shall be managed by the chief administrative law judge appointed under ORS 183.610. The office shall make administrative law judges available to agencies under ORS 183.605 to 183.690. Administrative law judges assigned from the office under ORS 183.605 to 183.690 may:

      (a) Conduct contested case proceedings on behalf of agencies in the manner provided by ORS 183.605 to 183.690;

      (b) Perform such other services, as may be requested by an agency, that are appropriate for the resolution of disputes arising out of the conduct of agency business; and

      (c) Perform such other duties as may be authorized under ORS 183.605 to 183.690.

      (2) All persons serving as administrative law judges in the office must meet the standards and training requirements of ORS 183.680.

      (3) The Employment Department shall provide administrative services to the Office of Administrative Hearings, including budget services, accounting services, procurement services, contracting services, human resources services and information technology services. The services must be provided in a manner that is consistent with law, rules and state policies. The Office of Administrative Hearings shall reimburse the Employment Department for the costs of the services provided. [1999 c.849 §3; 2003 c.75 §2; 2009 c.866 §5]

 

      183.610 Chief administrative law judge. (1)(a) The Governor shall appoint a person to serve as chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings. The appointment of the chief administrative law judge is subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner prescribed in ORS 171.562 and 171.565.

      (b) At the time of appointment, the chief administrative law judge must be an active member of the Oregon State Bar with at least one year of employment experience in administrative law or administrative hearings. Within six months after the appointment, the chief administrative law judge must meet all qualifications required of an administrative law judge under ORS 183.615.

      (c) The Governor shall consider recommendations by the Office of Administrative Hearings Oversight Committee in appointing or reappointing a chief administrative law judge.

      (d) The chief administrative law judge has all the powers necessary and convenient to organize and manage the office. Subject to the State Personnel Relations Law, the chief administrative law judge shall employ all persons necessary for the administration of the office, prescribe the duties of those employees and fix their compensation.

      (e) The chief administrative law judge shall serve for a term of four years.

      (f) Upon a vacancy or expected vacancy in the office of chief administrative law judge, the Governor shall notify the Office of Administrative Hearings Oversight Committee and the Oregon State Bar of the vacancy and direct the Employment Department, in coordination with the oversight committee, to conduct a public candidate search, recruitment and application process to assist the oversight committee in making recommendations to the Governor to fill the vacancy. The Governor may appoint an acting chief administrative law judge until the vacancy is filled.

      (g) Notwithstanding ORS 236.140, the Governor may remove the chief administrative law judge only for cause, but the Governor may decline to reappoint the chief administrative law judge at the end of the four-year term without cause.

      (2) The chief administrative law judge shall employ administrative law judges. The chief administrative law judge shall ensure that administrative law judges employed for the office receive all training necessary to meet the standards required under the program created under ORS 183.680.

      (3) The chief administrative law judge shall take all actions necessary to protect and ensure the independence of each administrative law judge assigned from the office. [1999 c.849 §4; 2003 c.75 §3; 2009 c.866 §1; 2023 c.52 §1]

 

      183.615 Administrative law judges; duties; qualifications; rules. (1) An administrative law judge employed by or contracting with the chief administrative law judge shall conduct hearings on behalf of agencies as assigned by the chief administrative law judge. An administrative law judge shall be impartial in the performance of the administrative law judge’s duties and shall remain fair in all hearings conducted by the administrative law judge. An administrative law judge shall develop the record in contested case proceedings in the manner provided by ORS 183.417 (8).

      (2) Only persons who have a knowledge of administrative law and procedure may be employed by the chief administrative law judge as administrative law judges. The chief administrative law judge by rule may establish additional qualifications for administrative law judges employed for the office. [1999 c.849 §5; 2003 c.75 §4; 2007 c.659 §§3,6]

 

      183.620 Contract administrative law judges. (1) The chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings may contract for the services of persons to act as administrative law judges.

      (2) Contract administrative law judges shall meet the same qualifications as administrative law judges regularly employed by the chief administrative law judge and shall be paid at an hourly rate comparable to the per hour cost of salary and benefits for administrative law judges regularly employed by the chief administrative law judge and conducting similar hearings. [1999 c.849 §6; 2003 c.75 §5]

 

      183.625 Assignment of administrative law judges; conduct of hearings. (1) In assigning an administrative law judge to conduct hearings on behalf of an agency, the chief administrative law judge shall, whenever practicable, assign an administrative law judge that has expertise in the legal issues or general subject matter of the proceeding.

      (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of state law, any agency that is required to use administrative law judges assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings to conduct hearings must delegate responsibility for the conduct of the hearing to an administrative law judge assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings, and the hearing may not be conducted by the administrator, director, board, commission or other person or body charged with administering the agency.

      (3) Any agency may authorize an administrative law judge assigned to conduct a hearing on behalf of the agency under this section to enter a final order for the agency.

      (4) An agency that is not required to use administrative law judges assigned from the office may contract with the chief administrative law judge for the assignment of an administrative law judge from the office for the purpose of conducting one or more contested cases on behalf of the agency. [1999 c.849 §7; 2003 c.75 §6]

 

      183.630 Model rules of procedure; exemptions; depositions. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, all contested case hearings conducted by administrative law judges assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings must be conducted pursuant to the model rules of procedure prepared by the Attorney General under ORS 183.341 if the hearing is subject to the procedural requirements for contested case proceedings.

      (2) The Attorney General, after consulting with the chief administrative law judge, may exempt an agency or a category of cases from the requirements of subsection (1) of this section. The exemption may be from all or part of the model rules adopted by the Attorney General. Any exemption granted under this subsection must be made in writing.

      (3) The Attorney General shall consult with an advisory group when adopting model rules of procedure for the purpose of contested case hearings conducted by administrative law judges assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings. The advisory group shall consist of:

      (a) The chief administrative law judge;

      (b) An officer or employee of a state agency, appointed by the Governor;

      (c) An attorney who practices administrative law, appointed by the Oregon State Bar;

      (d) A deputy or assistant attorney general appointed by the Attorney General; and

      (e) A public member, appointed by the Governor, who is not an attorney or an officer or employee of a state agency.

      (4) Except as may be expressly granted by the agency to an administrative law judge assigned from the office, or as may be expressly provided for by law, an administrative law judge conducting a hearing for an agency under ORS 183.605 to 183.690 may not authorize a party to take a deposition that is to be paid for by the agency. [1999 c.849 §8; 2003 c.75 §7; 2009 c.866 §6]

 

      183.635 Agencies required to use administrative law judges from Office of Administrative Hearings; exceptions. (1) Except as provided in this section, all agencies must use administrative law judges assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings established under ORS 183.605 to conduct contested case hearings, without regard to whether those hearings are subject to the procedural requirements for contested case hearings.

      (2) The following agencies need not use administrative law judges assigned from the office:

      (a) Attorney General.

      (b) Boards of stewards appointed by the Oregon Racing Commission.

      (c) Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

      (d) Department of Corrections.

      (e) Department of Education, State Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

      (f) Department of Human Services for vocational rehabilitation services cases under 29 U.S.C. 722(c) and disability determination cases under 42 U.S.C. 405.

      (g) Department of Revenue.

      (h) Department of State Police.

      (i) Employment Appeals Board.

      (j) Employment Relations Board.

      (k) Energy Facility Siting Council.

      (L) Fair Dismissal Appeals Board.

      (m) Governor.

      (n) Land Conservation and Development Commission.

      (o) Land Use Board of Appeals.

      (p) Local government boundary commissions created pursuant to ORS 199.430.

      (q) Public universities listed in ORS 352.002.

      (r) Oregon Youth Authority.

      (s) Psychiatric Security Review Board.

      (t) Public Utility Commission.

      (u) State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation.

      (v) State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

      (w) State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision.

      (x) State Land Board.

      (y) State Treasurer, except the State Treasurer shall use an administrative law judge for contested cases involving claims arising under ORS 98.302 to 98.436, 98.992 or 116.253 or any other claim to escheated or unclaimed property.

      (3) The Workers’ Compensation Board is exempt from using administrative law judges assigned from the office for any hearing conducted by the board under ORS chapters 147, 654 and 656. Except as specifically provided in this subsection, the Department of Consumer and Business Services must use administrative law judges assigned from the office only for contested cases arising out of the department’s powers and duties under:

      (a) ORS 86A.095 to 86A.198, 86A.990 and 86A.992 and ORS chapter 59;

      (b) ORS chapter 455;

      (c) ORS chapter 674;

      (d) ORS chapters 706 to 716;

      (e) ORS chapter 717;

      (f) ORS chapters 723, 725 and 726; and

      (g) ORS chapters 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 737, 742, 743, 743A, 743B, 744, 746, 748 and 750.

      (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any proceeding in which an agency is required to use an administrative law judge assigned from the office, an officer or employee of the agency may not conduct the hearing on behalf of the agency.

      (5) Notwithstanding any other provision of ORS 183.605 to 183.690, an agency is not required to use an administrative law judge assigned from the office if:

      (a) Federal law requires that a different administrative law judge or hearing officer be used; or

      (b) Use of an administrative law judge from the office could result in a loss of federal funds.

      (6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Department of Environmental Quality must use administrative law judges assigned from the office only for contested case hearings conducted under the provisions of ORS 183.413 to 183.470. [1999 c.849 §9; 2001 c.900 §46; 2003 c.75 §8; 2005 c.22 §131; 2005 c.26 §18; 2007 c.239 §9; 2009 c.541 §6; 2009 c.762 §46; 2009 c.830 §147; 2009 c.866 §10; 2011 c.637 §64; 2011 c.708 §25; 2013 c.296 §19; 2015 c.767 §53; 2017 c.442 §24; 2019 c.678 §56]

 

      183.640 Use of Office of Administrative Hearings by exempt agencies and by political subdivisions. (1) Upon request of an agency, the chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings may assign administrative law judges from the office to conduct contested case proceedings on behalf of agencies that are exempted from mandatory use of administrative law judges assigned from the office under ORS 183.635.

      (2) The chief administrative law judge may contract with any political subdivision of this state to provide the services of administrative law judges to the political subdivision for the purpose of conducting quasi-judicial hearings on behalf of the political subdivision. [1999 c. 849 §10; 2003 c.75 §9]

 

      183.645 Request for change of administrative law judge; rules. (1) After assignment of an administrative law judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings to conduct a hearing on behalf of an agency, the chief administrative law judge shall assign a different administrative law judge for the hearing upon receiving a written request from any party in the contested case or from the agency. The chief administrative law judge may by rule establish time limitations and procedures for requests under this section.

      (2) Only one request for a change of assignment of administrative law judge under subsection (1) of this section may be granted by the chief administrative law judge without a showing of good cause. If a party or agency fails to make a request under subsection (1) of this section within the time allowed, or if a party or agency objects to an administrative law judge assigned after a request for a different administrative law judge has been granted under subsection (1) of this section, the chief administrative law judge shall assign a different administrative law judge only upon a showing of good cause.

      (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a different administrative law judge may not be assigned for a hearing provided under ORS 813.410 or 813.440 on suspension of driving privileges, except upon a showing of good cause. [1999 c.849 §11; 2001 c.294 §8; 2003 c.75 §10]

 

      183.650 Form of order; modification of form of order by agency; finding of historical fact. (1) In any contested case hearing conducted by an administrative law judge assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings, the administrative law judge shall prepare and serve on the agency and all parties to the hearing a form of order, including recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law. The administrative law judge shall also prepare and serve a proposed order in the manner provided by ORS 183.464 unless the agency or hearing is exempt from the requirements of ORS 183.464.

      (2) If the administrative law judge assigned from the office will not enter the final order in a contested case proceeding, and the agency modifies the form of order issued by the administrative law judge in any substantial manner, the agency must identify the modifications and provide an explanation to the parties to the hearing as to why the agency made the modifications.

      (3) An agency conducting a contested case hearing may modify a finding of historical fact made by the administrative law judge assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings only if the agency determines that there is clear and convincing evidence in the record that the finding was wrong. For the purposes of this section, an administrative law judge makes a finding of historical fact if the administrative law judge determines that an event did or did not occur in the past or that a circumstance or status did or did not exist either before the hearing or at the time of the hearing.

      (4) Notwithstanding ORS 19.415 (3), if a party seeks judicial review of an agency’s modification of a finding of historical fact under subsection (3) of this section, the court shall make an independent finding of the fact in dispute by conducting a review de novo of the record viewed as a whole. If the court decides that the agency erred in modifying the finding of historical fact made by the administrative law judge, the court shall remand the matter to the agency for entry of an order consistent with the court’s judgment. [1999 c.849 §12; 2003 c.75 §11; 2009 c.231 §5; 2009 c.866 §7]

 

      183.655 Fees. The chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings shall establish a schedule of fees for services rendered by administrative law judges assigned from the office. The fee charged shall be in an amount calculated to recover the cost of providing the administrative law judge, the cost of conducting the hearing and all associated administrative costs. All fees collected by the chief administrative law judge under this section shall be paid into the Office of Administrative Hearings Operating Account created under ORS 183.660. [1999 c.849 §13; 2003 c.75 §12]

 

      183.660 Office of Administrative Hearings Operating Account. (1) The Office of Administrative Hearings Operating Account is created within the General Fund. The account shall consist of moneys paid into the account under ORS 183.655. Moneys credited to the account are continuously appropriated to the chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings created under ORS 183.605 for the purpose of paying expenses incurred in the administration of the office.

      (2) At the discretion of the chief administrative law judge, petty cash funds may be established and maintained for the purpose of administering the duties of the office. [1999 c.849 §14; 2003 c.75 §13]

 

      183.665 Estimates of office expenses. The chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings shall estimate in advance the expenses that the office will incur during each biennium and shall notify each agency required to use the office’s services of the agency’s share of the anticipated expenses for periods within the biennium. [1999 c.849 §15; 2003 c.75 §14]

 

      183.670 Rules. Subject to the provisions of the State Personnel Relations Law, the chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings may adopt rules to:

      (1) Organize and manage the Office of Administrative Hearings established under ORS 183.605.

      (2) Facilitate the performance of the duties of administrative law judges assigned from the office.

      (3) Establish qualifications for persons employed as administrative law judges by the office.

      (4) Establish standards and procedures for the evaluation and training of administrative law judges employed by the office, consistent with standards and training requirements established under ORS 183.680. [1999 c.849 §16; 2003 c.75 §15]

 

      183.675 Alternative dispute resolution. ORS 183.605 to 183.690 do not limit in any way the ability of any agency to use alternative dispute resolution, including mediation or arbitration, to resolve disputes without conducting a contested case hearing or without requesting assignment of an administrative law judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings. [1999 c.849 §16a; 2003 c.75 §16]

 

      183.680 Standards and training program. (1) The chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings, working in coordination with the Attorney General, shall design and implement a standards and training program for administrative law judges employed by the office and for persons seeking to be employed as administrative law judges by the office. The program shall include:

      (a) The establishment of an ethical code for persons employed as administrative law judges by the office.

      (b) Training for administrative law judges employed by the office that is designed to assist in identifying cases that are appropriate for the use of alternative dispute resolution processes.

      (2) The program established by the chief administrative law judge under this section may include:

      (a) The conducting of courses on administrative law, evidence, hearing procedures and other issues that arise in presiding over administrative hearings, including courses designed to provide any training required by the chief administrative law judge for administrative law judges employed by the office.

      (b) The certification of courses offered by other persons for the purpose of any training required by the chief administrative law judge for administrative law judges employed by the office.

      (c) The provision of specialized training for administrative law judges in subject matter areas affecting particular agencies required to use administrative law judges assigned from the office.

      (3) The chief administrative law judge is bound by the ethical code established under this section and must satisfactorily complete training required of administrative law judges employed by the office other than specialized training in subject matter areas affecting particular agencies. [1999 c.849 §19; 2003 c.75 §17]

 

      183.685 Ex parte communications. (1) An administrative law judge assigned from the Office of Administrative Hearings who is presiding in a contested case proceeding and who receives an ex parte communication described in subsections (3) and (4) of this section shall place in the record of the pending matter:

      (a) The name of each person from whom the administrative law judge received an ex parte communication;

      (b) A copy of any ex parte written communication received by the administrative law judge;

      (c) A copy of any written response to the communication made by the administrative law judge;

      (d) A memorandum reflecting the substance of any ex parte oral communication made to the administrative law judge; and

      (e) A memorandum reflecting the substance of any oral response made by the administrative law judge to an ex parte oral communication.

      (2) Upon making a record of an ex parte communication under subsection (1) of this section, an administrative law judge shall advise the agency and all parties in the proceeding that an ex parte communication has been made a part of the record. The administrative law judge shall allow the agency and parties an opportunity to respond to the ex parte communication.

      (3) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of this section apply to communications that:

      (a) Relate to a legal or factual issue in a contested case proceeding;

      (b) Are made directly or indirectly to an administrative law judge while the proceeding is pending; and

      (c) Are made without notice and opportunity for the agency and all parties to participate in the communication.

      (4) The provisions of this section apply to any ex parte communication made directly or indirectly to an administrative law judge, or to any agent of an administrative law judge, by:

      (a) A party;

      (b) A party’s representative or legal adviser;

      (c) Any other person who has a direct or indirect interest in the outcome of the proceeding;

      (d) Any other person with personal knowledge of the facts relevant to the proceeding; or

      (e) Any officer, employee or agent of an agency.

      (5) The provisions of this section do not apply to:

      (a) Communications made to an administrative law judge by other administrative law judges; or

      (b) Communications made to an administrative law judge by any person employed by the office to assist the administrative law judge. [1999 c.849 §20; 2003 c.75 §18; 2009 c.866 §9]

 

      183.690 Office of Administrative Hearings Oversight Committee. (1) The Office of Administrative Hearings Oversight Committee is created. The committee consists of nine members, as follows:

      (a) The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint four legislators to the committee. Two shall be Senators appointed by the President. Two shall be Representatives appointed by the Speaker.

      (b) The Governor shall appoint two members to the committee. At least one of the members appointed by the Governor shall be an active member of the Oregon State Bar with experience in representing parties who are not agencies in contested case hearings.

      (c) The Attorney General shall appoint two members to the committee.

      (d) The chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings shall serve as an ex officio member of the committee. The chief administrative law judge may cast a vote on a matter before the committee if the votes of the other members are equally divided on the matter.

      (2) The term of a legislative member of the committee shall be two years. If a person appointed by the President of the Senate or by the Speaker of the House ceases to be a Senator or Representative during the person’s term on the committee, the person may continue to serve as a member of the committee for the balance of the member’s term on the committee. The term of all other appointed members shall be four years. Appointed members of the committee may be reappointed. If a vacancy occurs in one of the appointed positions for any reason during the term of membership, the official who appointed the member to the vacated position shall appoint a new member to serve the remainder of the term. An appointed member of the committee may be removed from the committee at any time by the official who appointed the member.

      (3)(a) The members of the committee shall select from among themselves a chairperson and a vice chairperson.

      (b) The committee shall meet at such times and places as determined by the chairperson.

      (4) Legislative members shall be entitled to payment of per diem and expense reimbursement under ORS 171.072, payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly.

      (5) The committee shall:

      (a) Study the operations of the Office of Administrative Hearings;

      (b) Make any recommendations to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly that the committee deems necessary to increase the effectiveness, fairness and efficiency of the operations of the Office of Administrative Hearings;

      (c) Make any recommendations for additional legislation governing the operations of the Office of Administrative Hearings;

      (d) Make recommendations to the Governor for the appointment or reappointment of the chief administrative law judge; and

      (e) Conduct such other studies as necessary to accomplish the purposes of this subsection.

      (6)(a) The Office of Administrative Hearings shall provide the committee with staff.

      (b) The Employment Department shall provide the committee with human resources services and assist the committee with candidate searches for appointment of the chief administrative law judge. [1999 c.849 §21; 2003 c.75 §19; 2005 c.22 §132; 2009 c.866 §3; 2023 c.52 §2]

 

PERMITS AND LICENSES

 

      183.700 Permits subject to ORS 183.702. (1) As used in this section and ORS 183.702, “permit” means an individual and particularized license, permit, certificate, approval, registration or similar form of permission required by law to pursue any activity specified in this section, for which an agency must weigh information, make specific findings and make determinations on a case-by-case basis for each applicant.

      (2) The requirements of this section and ORS 183.702 apply to the following permits granted by:

      (a) The Department of Environmental Quality under ORS 448.415, 454.655, 454.695, 454.790, 454.800, 459.205, 465.315, 465.325, 466.140, 466.145, 466.706 to 466.882, 468A.040, 468A.310, 468B.035, 468B.040, 468B.045, 468B.050 and 468B.095.

      (b) The Department of State Lands under ORS 196.800 to 196.900 and 390.805 to 390.925.

      (c) The Water Resources Department under ORS chapters 537 and 540, except those permits issued under ORS 537.747 to 537.765.

      (d) The State Department of Agriculture pursuant to ORS 468B.200 to 468B.230 and 622.250.

      (e) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife pursuant to ORS 497.142, 497.218, 497.228, 497.238, 497.248, 497.252, 497.298, 497.308, 498.019, 498.279, 508.106, 508.300, 508.760, 508.775, 508.801, 508.840, 508.880, 508.926 and 509.140.

      (f) The Department of Transportation pursuant to ORS 374.312. [Formerly 183.560]

 

      Note: 183.700 and 183.702 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.702 Statement of criteria and procedures for evaluating permit application; documentation of decision on application; required signature. (1) At the time a person applies for a permit specified in ORS 183.700, the issuing agency shall offer a document to that applicant that specifies the criteria and procedures for evaluating a permit application.

      (2) The agencies specified in ORS 183.700 must document in writing the basis for all decisions to deny a permit specified in ORS 183.700, including citation to the criteria applied by the agency and the manner in which agency standards were utilized in applying the criteria. The documentation required under this section shall be made part of the record for the decision on the permit application.

      (3) At least one officer or employee of the issuing agency who has authority to sign orders on behalf of the agency, or the officer or employee responsible for the decision to deny a permit specified in ORS 183.700, shall sign the documentation required under subsection (2) of this section.

      (4) The issuing agency shall provide to the applicant a copy of the documentation required under subsection (2) of this section. [Formerly 183.562]

 

      Note: See note under 183.700.

 

      183.705 Extended term for renewed licenses; fees; continuing education; rules. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an agency that issues licenses that must be renewed on an annual basis under the laws administered by the agency also may offer those licenses with terms of two, three, four or five years. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an agency that issues licenses that must be renewed on a biennial basis under the laws administered by the agency also may offer those licenses with terms of three, four or five years. Extended terms may be offered only for renewed licenses and may not be offered for initial applications for licenses.

      (2) An agency may offer an extended term under this section for a license issued by the agency only after adopting a rule authorizing the extended term. An agency may adopt a rule authorizing an extended term only if the agency finds that the extended term is consistent with public safety and with the objectives of the licensing requirement. An agency by rule may prohibit extended terms based on prior license discipline of an applicant.

      (3) An applicant must meet all qualifications established by the agency to be granted an extended term.

      (4) An agency may not offer an extended term under this section if:

      (a) Another agency or a local government, as defined by ORS 174.116, is authorized by statute to make a recommendation on the issuance of the license;

      (b) The agency or the local government, as defined by ORS 174.116, that has authority to make a recommendation on the issuance of the license has recommended against the issuance of the license; and

      (c) The recommendation of the agency or the local government, as defined by ORS 174.116, is based on licensing criteria established by statute or by rule.

      (5) An extended term granted under this section may be revoked by an agency if the agency determines that the licensee is subject to discipline under the licensing criteria applicable to the licensee. An agency offering extended terms under this section by rule may establish other grounds for revoking an extended term under this section.

      (6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an agency that offers an extended term under this section for a license issued by the agency shall increase the annual or biennial license fee established by statute by a percentage no greater than necessary to ensure that there is no revenue loss by reason of the extended term.

      (7) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an agency that offers an extended term under this section for a license issued by the agency shall increase any annual or biennial continuing education requirement established by statute as necessary to ensure that there is no reduction in the continuing education requirement for licensees by reason of the extended term. [2005 c.76 §2; 2007 c.768 §1]

 

REVIEW OF RULES

 

(Legislative Assembly)

 

      183.710 Definitions for ORS 183.710 to 183.730. As used in ORS 183.710 to 183.730, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Interim committee” means a committee of the Legislative Assembly that is scheduled to meet when the Legislative Assembly is not in session and that has subject-matter jurisdiction over the state agency that has adopted a rule, as set forth in the subject-matter jurisdiction list developed under ORS 183.724.

      (2) “Rule” has the meaning given that term in ORS 183.310.

      (3) “State agency” means an agency as defined in ORS 183.310. [Formerly 171.705; 2009 c.81 §1]

 

      Note: 183.710 to 183.730 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      183.715 Submission of adopted rule to Legislative Counsel required. If a state agency adopts, amends or repeals a rule, the Secretary of State shall electronically submit a copy of the adopted, amended or repealed rule to the Legislative Counsel within 10 days after the agency files the rule in the office of the Secretary of State as provided in ORS 183.355. The electronic transmission of an amended rule that is submitted to the Legislative Counsel must show all changes to the rule by striking through material to be deleted and underlining all new material, or by any other method that clearly shows all new and deleted material. [Formerly 171.707; 1991 c.94 §1; 1999 c.167 §1; 2005 c.18 §2; 2017 c.518 §7]

 

      Note: See note under 183.710.

 

      183.720 Procedure for review of agency rule; reports on rules claimed to be duplicative or conflicting. (1) The Legislative Counsel may review, or shall review at the direction of the Legislative Counsel Committee, a proposed rule or an adopted rule of a state agency.

      (2) The Legislative Counsel may review an adopted rule of a state agency upon the written request of any person affected by the rule. The Legislative Counsel shall review a proposed or adopted rule of a state agency upon the written request of any member of the Legislative Assembly. The written request for review must identify the specific objection or problem with the rule.

      (3) When reviewing a rule of a state agency pursuant to subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the Legislative Counsel shall:

      (a) Determine whether the rule appears to be within the intent and scope of the enabling legislation purporting to authorize its adoption; and

      (b) Determine whether the rule raises any constitutional issue other than described in paragraph (a) of this subsection, and if so, the nature of the issue.

      (4) In making a determination under subsection (3)(a) of this section, the Legislative Counsel shall, wherever possible, follow generally accepted principles of statutory construction.

      (5) The Legislative Counsel shall prepare written findings on a rule reviewed, setting forth the determinations made under subsection (3) of this section.

      (6) When a review of a rule is made by the Legislative Counsel, the Legislative Counsel shall send a copy of the determinations made under subsection (3) of this section to the appropriate interim committee or, if the review was requested by a member of the Legislative Assembly or by a person affected by the rule, to the person requesting the review. If the Legislative Counsel determines that a rule is not within the intent and scope of the enabling legislation purporting to authorize the state agency’s adoption of the rule, or that the rule raises a constitutional issue, the Legislative Counsel shall also send a copy of the determination to the agency. The Legislative Counsel may request that the state agency respond in writing to the determinations or appear at the meeting of the interim committee at which the committee will consider the determinations. The interim committee may direct the Legislative Counsel to send a copy of the determinations to the presiding officer of a house of the Legislative Assembly, who may refer the determinations to any legislative committee concerned.

      (7)(a) A member of the Legislative Assembly may request that Legislative Counsel prepare a report on a rule adopted by a state agency that the member asserts is duplicative of or conflicts with another rule. A person affected by a rule adopted by a state agency may request that Legislative Counsel prepare a report on the rule if the person asserts that the rule is duplicative of or conflicts with another rule. A request for a report must be in writing and contain copies of the two rules that are claimed to be duplicative or conflicting. The second rule may be either a rule adopted by a state agency or a rule or regulation adopted by a federal agency.

      (b)(A) Upon receipt of a written request by a member of the Legislative Assembly, the Legislative Counsel shall prepare a report to the interim committee that contains:

      (i) A copy of the request, including copies of the two rules that the member asserts are conflicting or duplicative; and

      (ii) Legislative Counsel’s analysis of the requirements of the two rules.

      (B) Upon receipt of a written request by a person affected by a rule adopted by a state agency, the Legislative Counsel may prepare a written report to the person and each state agency concerned that contains the Legislative Counsel’s analysis of the requirements of the two rules.

      (8) Upon receipt of a report under subsection (7)(b)(A) of this section, the interim committee may issue a determination that a rule is duplicative of or conflicts with the other cited rule.

      (9) When a report on a rule is made by the Legislative Counsel under subsection (7)(b)(A) of this section, the Legislative Counsel shall send a copy of the report and any determinations made under subsection (8) of this section to each state agency concerned. The interim committee may direct the Legislative Counsel to send a copy of the determinations to the presiding officer of a house of the Legislative Assembly, who may refer the determinations to any legislative committee concerned. [Formerly 171.709; 1993 c.729 §7; 1997 c.602 §4; 2001 c.156 §1; 2009 c.81 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 183.710.

 

      183.722 Required agency response to Legislative Counsel determination; consideration of determination by interim committee. (1)(a) If the Legislative Counsel determines under ORS 183.720 (3) that a proposed or adopted rule is not within the intent and scope of the enabling legislation purporting to authorize the rule’s adoption, or that the rule is not constitutional, and the Legislative Counsel has provided a copy of that determination to the state agency pursuant to 183.720 (6), the agency shall either make a written response to the determination or appear at the meeting of the interim committee at which the committee will consider the determinations. The response of the state agency shall indicate if the agency intends to repeal, amend or take other action with respect to the rule.

      (b) The interim committee shall consider the Legislative Counsel determination described in paragraph (a) of this subsection and any state agency response to the determination. If the interim committee adopts the Legislative Counsel determination, the Legislative Counsel shall post the determination on the Legislative Counsel website. Adopted determinations that are posted on the website shall be organized by OAR number and shall remain on the website until the earlier of the date that:

      (A) The rule is modified and the Legislative Counsel determines that the modified rule is within the intent and scope of the enabling legislation;

      (B) A court makes a final determination that the rule is within the intent and scope of the enabling legislation and is otherwise constitutional, all appeals of the court’s determination are exhausted and the state agency notifies the Legislative Counsel of the determination; or

      (C) The Legislative Assembly modifies the enabling legislation so as to bring the rule within the intent and scope of the enabling legislation, any other constitutional defect in the rule is cured and the state agency notifies the Legislative Counsel of the modification or cure.

      (2) If the Legislative Counsel determines under ORS 183.720 (3) that a proposed or adopted rule is not within the intent and scope of the enabling legislation purporting to authorize the rule’s adoption, or that the rule is not constitutional, and the interim committee is not satisfied with the response to those issues made by the state agency, the committee may request that one or more representatives of the agency appear at a subsequent meeting of the committee along with a representative of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for the purpose of further explaining the position of the agency.

      (3) If a state agency is requested under subsection (2) of this section to appear at a subsequent meeting of the interim committee along with a representative of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, the agency shall promptly notify the department of the request. The notification to the department must be in writing, and must include a copy of the determinations made by the Legislative Counsel and a copy of any written response made by the state agency to the determinations. [1997 c.602 §7; 1999 c.31 §2; 2009 c.81 §5]

Note: See note under 183.710.

 

      183.724 Designation of interim committees for purposes of considering rule reports. (1) As soon as is practicable after the end of each odd-numbered year regular legislative session, the Legislative Counsel shall develop a list of state agencies with areas of responsibility that are primarily within the subject-matter jurisdiction of interim committees of the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Counsel shall assign all state agencies to at least one interim committee. The Legislative Counsel may modify the list to reflect changes in interim committees. The Legislative Counsel shall distribute the list to all state agencies whenever the list is developed or modified.

      (2) If an interim committee of one house of the Legislative Assembly has overlapping subject-matter jurisdiction with an interim committee of the other house, the Legislative Counsel may assign a state agency to either committee or to both committees. The Legislative Counsel shall strive to assign state agencies so as to ensure that the rule review workload is approximately equally distributed between the interim committees of both houses of the Legislative Assembly.

      (3) The consideration of the written findings prepared by the Legislative Counsel on a rule by any one interim committee of either house of the Legislative Assembly satisfies the requirements of ORS 183.710 to 183.730. [2009 c.81 §3; 2011 c.545 §13]

 

      Note: See note under 183.710.

 

      183.725 [Formerly 171.713; 1993 c.729 §8; 1997 c.602 §5; 1999 c.31 §1; 2009 c.81 §6; repealed by 2017 c.518 §9]

 

(Oregon Sunshine Committee)

 

      183.730 Review of rule by Oregon Sunshine Committee. (1) As used in this section, “public record” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.311.

      (2) The Oregon Sunshine Committee shall include in the plan or schedule for review established under ORS 192.511 an adopted rule of a state agency upon the written request of any person affected by the rule if the adopted rule impacts the disclosure, or exemption from disclosure, of a public record. The request must specify the disclosure or exemption that is of concern.

      (3) The committee shall include in the plan or schedule for review established under ORS 192.511 an adopted rule of a state agency upon the written request of a member of the Legislative Assembly if the adopted rule impacts the disclosure, or exemption from disclosure, of a public record. [2017 c.654 §9]

 

      Note: See note under 183.710.

 

CIVIL PENALTIES

 

      183.745 Civil penalty procedures; notice; hearing; judicial review; exemptions; recording; enforcement. (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, an agency may only impose a civil penalty as provided in this section.

      (2) A civil penalty imposed under this section shall become due and payable 10 days after the order imposing the civil penalty becomes final by operation of law or on appeal. A person against whom a civil penalty is to be imposed shall be served with a notice in the form provided in ORS 183.415. Service of the notice shall be accomplished in the manner provided by ORS 183.415.

      (3) The person to whom the notice is addressed shall have 20 days from the date of service of the notice provided for in subsection (2) of this section in which to make written application for a hearing. The agency may by rule provide for a longer period of time in which application for a hearing may be made. If no application for a hearing is made within the time allowed, the agency may make a final order imposing the penalty. A final order entered under this subsection need not be delivered or mailed to the person against whom the civil penalty is imposed.

      (4) Any person who makes application as provided for in subsection (3) of this section shall be entitled to a hearing. The hearing shall be conducted as a contested case hearing pursuant to the applicable provisions of ORS 183.413 to 183.470.

      (5) Judicial review of an order made after a hearing under subsection (4) of this section shall be as provided in ORS 183.480 to 183.497 for judicial review of contested cases.

      (6) When an order assessing a civil penalty under this section becomes final by operation of law or on appeal, and the amount of penalty is not paid within 10 days after the order becomes final, the order may be recorded with the county clerk in any county of this state. The clerk shall thereupon record the name of the person incurring the penalty and the amount of the penalty in the County Clerk Lien Record.

      (7) This section does not apply to penalties:

      (a) Imposed under the tax laws of this state;

      (b) Imposed under the provisions of ORS 646.760 or 652.332;

      (c) Imposed under the provisions of ORS chapter 654, 656 or 659A; or

      (d) Imposed by the Public Utility Commission.

      (8) This section creates no new authority in any agency to impose civil penalties.

      (9) This section does not affect:

      (a) Any right under any other law that an agency may have to bring an action in a court of this state to recover a civil penalty; or

      (b) The ability of an agency to collect a properly imposed civil penalty under the provisions of ORS 305.830.

      (10) The notice provided for in subsection (2) of this section may be made part of any other notice served by the agency under ORS 183.415.

      (11) Informal disposition of proceedings under this section, whether by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default, may be made at any time.

      (12) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, recording an order in the County Clerk Lien Record pursuant to the provisions of this section has the effect provided for in ORS 205.125 and 205.126, and the order may be enforced as provided in ORS 205.125 and 205.126.

      (13) As used in this section:

      (a) “Agency” has that meaning given in ORS 183.310.

      (b) “Civil penalty” includes only those monetary penalties that are specifically denominated as civil penalties by statute. [Formerly 183.090]

Note: 183.745 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

READABILITY OF PUBLIC WRITINGS

 

      183.750 State agency required to prepare public writings in readable form. (1) Every state agency shall prepare its public writings in language that is as clear and simple as possible.

      (2) As used in this section:

      (a) “Public writing” means any rule, form, license or notice prepared by a state agency.

      (b) “State agency” means any officer, board, commission, department, division or institution in the executive or administrative branch of state government. [Formerly 183.025]

Note: 183.750 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

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