LOC News
OGEC Rules Poised to Compromise Executive Session Confidentiality
Administrative rules proposed by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) would mandate that cities and other public bodies allow virtual attendance of media during executive sessions if any official, employee or other party attend virtually. The LOC and other local government interests testified and submitted written comments this week objecting to the proposed rules as administrative overreach and damaging to public interest.
The LOC also pointed out verbally and in writing that public bodies have no practical way to ensure who is actually online and it is inappropriate for an agency to impose administratively what the Legislature chose not to. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legislature required agencies to allow virtual executive session attendance by media but let that requirement expire with the relaxing of COVID precautions. Further, a bill similar to the OGEC’S latest proposed language was introduced but did not pass in the 2023 legislative session, demonstrating a lack of legislative intent to impose this mandate.
The OGEC is set to meet later this month and is expected to vote on this and other administrative adjustments.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist - swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 9/6/24