FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2010
Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904
House Places Tighter Controls on Post-Legislative Employment
HB 3638 requires government positions to be advertised, other applicants considered
SALEM – The House today passed a bipartisan measure designed to increase transparency and accountability when a legislator decides to continue his or her public service in an unelected, un-appointed position. HB 3638 requires open public official positions for which a legislator is a candidate to be advertised, and that other qualified applicants be considered.
“One theme we continue to explore in this chamber is trust in government. How do we maintain faith with the public?” said House Democratic Majority Leader Mary Nolan (D-Portland). “This is a positive step toward ensuring the public’s confidence in the process.”
HB 3638 prohibits former members of Legislative Assembly from employment as public officials in state government for one year from the time their legislative service ends, unless:
- The position is advertised for at least two weeks;
- the minimum qualifications for the position do not include legislative service, and;
- the employer considers at least three other qualified applicants, if available.
“Today, we strengthened government accountability and we did it in a bipartisan fashion,” said Representative Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay), Chair of the House Rules Committee. “Oregonians can be proud that we worked together to achieve results on this issue.”
HB 3638 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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