Public Records and Meetings Law
Attorney General's Government Transparency Initiative - Government transparency is vital to a healthy democracy. Public scrutiny helps ensure that government works for the people and spends their tax dollars wisely. The best way to hold government accountable is to make government records and public meetings accessible to the people.
2010 Attorney General's Government Transparency Report - This report summarizes the current state of transparency in Oregon and suggests changes that should be made to Oregon Public Records and Meetings Law based on Department of Justice research and input received from the press, local government officials and members of the public.
Public Records and Meetings Manual - Every two years, following adjournment of regular legislative sessions, the Attorney General updates and publishes a Public Records and Meetings Manual. The manual is intended to provide assistance to state agencies, local governments and to the public generally.
Citizen's Guide to Public Records and Meetings - Oregon's open government laws promote democracy by ensuring that all state, regional and local governments conduct their business with transparency. Oregon citizens have a right to know how their government is spending their tax dollars and exercising the powers granted by the people.
Request for Public Records - Requests for public records in the custody of the Department of Justice must be submitted in writing. Oregon law provides that the Department of Justice may require the requestor to cover the cost of compiling records. The costs associated with complying with a public records request may include locating, photocopying, reviewing, redacting and mailing the documents (see Public Records Costs and Fees).
Appeal a State Agency's Denial of Your Request for Records - Oregon law provides that if an individual is denied public records from a state agency, that person may petition the Attorney General to issue a Public Records Order (PRO). The Attorney General may only review petitions relating state agency records. If your request was denied by a local public body, you may petition the District Attorney in the county. See ORS 192.450 & 192.460.
Search for Public Records Orders - The Attorney General issues Public Records Orders in response to appeals from state agencies' public records decisions. Many Public Records Orders are available on the Attorney General's website.
Public Records of High-Profile Investigations
