HB 3385
Modifies the statute that governs the fee schedule for public records filed with a county clerk.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Oregon Association of County Clerks)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
82%
Oppose
18%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill modifies Oregon law regarding fees for public records filed with a county clerk. Specifically, it exempts these records from the standard fee schedule. The bill outlines procedures for providing copies, acknowledging requests, and establishing reasonable fees for making public records available, while also allowing for waivers or reductions based on public interest. It also clarifies how fees are handled for records filed with the Secretary of State.
Key provisions
- Exempts public records filed with a county clerk from the standard fee schedule.
- Establishes a maximum fee of $25 for public records fees, requiring written notification to the requester.
- Allows public bodies to waive or reduce fees if it serves the public interest.
- Specifies procedures for handling public records requests, including contact information and fee calculations.
- Clarifies fee structures for records filed with the Secretary of State.
- Outlines a process for appealing unreasonable fee denials.
- Defines the role of the Attorney General and district attorneys in fee waiver/reduction disputes.
- Excludes signatures submitted for voter registration from the fee schedule.
Who is affected
- County Clerks
- Members of the Public
- Oregon Residents
- Government Agencies
- Oregon Association of County Clerks
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
House Committee On Rules
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3385 agree that clarifying fee structures for public records requests would alleviate confusion among county clerks, ensuring transparency and accountability in local government processes. They believe the bill will provide affordable access to public information, eliminating previous high costs, and establish standard rates for public records fees, promoting clarity and stability for county clerks' services. By implementing this measure, proponents aim to enhance accessibility and promote a more equitable system for requesting and accessing public documents, ultimately benefiting citizens and local governments alike.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Many the proposed legislation, citing concerns over jurisdictional control and fee schedules. They argue that counties should have the authority to set their own fee schedules and retain the revenue within their jurisdictions, allowing for more localized decision-making and potentially more efficient use of resources. Additionally, some opposition to increasing fees, arguing that it is unnecessary and may disproportionately affect certain groups. Furthermore, others contend that HB 3385 fails to adequately address access to public records, instead relying on individual luck rather than providing meaningful solutions to ensure transparency and accountability.
Source: Testimony Summaries