LOC News
Public Records Bills Heard in Committee
Bills to address public records fees and police discipline were heard this week in the House Committee on Rules, chaired by Representative Barbara Smith Warner (D-Portland).
HB 2485, sponsored by Rep. Karin Power (D-Milwaukie), requires state agencies to provide a 50% discount on fees for public records requests made by the news media and levy no charge when requests are narrowly tailored. The bill further requires local governments to either adopt or reject the same requirements in a public meeting. The LOC expressed misgivings over the bill in testimony, citing the lack of a definition of the news media.
HB 2487, also sponsored by Rep. Power, requires agencies to release police discipline records when requested. The LOC testified with concerns about the bill, as good employers use discipline such as verbal and written counseling to correct, and not to punish or embarrass. The LOC also pointed out that legislation creating a police misconduct database is being considered in another committee.
Neither bill is scheduled for additional work, and the chair indicated that the hearing was the beginning of conversations.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist - swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 2/19/21