(1) The Public Records Advisory Council created under ORS § 192.481 shall periodically perform all of the following:

(a) Survey state agency and other public body practices and procedures for:

(A) Receiving public records requests, identifying the existence of records responsive to the requests and gathering and disclosing responsive records;

(B) Determining fee estimates and imposing or waiving fees under ORS § 192.324; and

(C) Determining and applying exemptions from required disclosure of public records.

(b) Examine practices similar to those described in paragraph (a) of this subsection in other jurisdictions.

(c) Identify inefficiencies and inconsistencies in application of the public records law that impede transparency in public process and government.

(d) Make recommendations on changes in law, policy or practice that could enhance transparency in public process and government, and facilitate rapid dissemination of public records to requesters.

(e) Make recommendations on the role of the Public Records Advocate as facilitator in disputes between custodians of public records and public record requesters.

(2) No later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, the council shall submit to the Governor, and to the Legislative Assembly in the manner provided by ORS § 192.245, a report that describes the findings of the council since the council’s last report. The report may include recommendations for legislation.

(3) The council or the Public Records Advocate may prepare reports and studies more frequently than required under subsection (2) of this section.

(4) The council may adopt rules governing the operations of the office of the Public Records Advocate, including but not limited to rules establishing procedures for the conduct of facilitated dispute resolution under ORS § 192.464. The council shall consider efficiencies and the preference for a policy of transparency and openness in government in this state in adopting rules under this subsection.

(5) The Public Records Advocate shall serve as the custodian of all council records. [2017 c.728 § 10; 2021 c.582 § 3]

PUBLIC RECORDS OVERSIGHT