Posted in on August 18, 2026
A public body is generally required to provide the specific statute it is relying on to deny the request. However, it is good practice to also provide a brief description of the exemption. And in certain circumstances a public body... View Article
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Yes. For broad, complex, or costly requests, we recommend that a public body discuss scope with the requester. These conversations can be particularly constructive when the public body first determines the extent of its responsive records, likely exemptions, and alternatives... View Article
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If a public body is still processing a request after 15 business days, the deadline can be satisfied by providing written notice to the requester of this continued processing and of a reasonable estimated date when the request will be... View Article
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If a public body is unable to determine within five business days whether or not it is the custodian of the requested records, it can notify the requester of this uncertainty. We recommend that a public body responding this way... View Article
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The district attorney of the county in which the public body is located.
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Yes. Under ORS 162.305(1), a person commits the crime of tampering with public records if, without lawful authority, the person knowingly destroys, mutilates, conceals, removes, makes a false entry in, or falsely alters any public record. Tampering with Oregon State... View Article
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We recommend that public bodies should not disclose any SSNs without advice from their legal counsel. Public employees’ SSNs contained in the public employer’s personnel records are exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.355(3), absent clear and convincing evidence of a... View Article
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Medical records in the custody of public bodies are subject to the Public Records Law. ORS 179.505 addresses the disclosure of medical records maintained by certain publicly operated institutions and programs, such as Oregon State Hospital and the Department of... View Article
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If an elected official denies your request for public records, you cannot appeal to the Attorney General or District Attorney. To challenge the decision, you must file a lawsuit in Circuit Court.
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If a state agency has denied your request for public records, you may file an appeal to the Oregon Attorney General using the Petition For Public Records Order. Denial by a local government must be appealed to the county District... View Article
