Senate passes public records disclosure legislation

Senator Burdick carries bill to provide government transparency

Salem – The Oregon State Senate passed Senate Bill 671 today, requiring certain public information that is held under attorney-client privilege be disclosed to the public, providing government transparency.  Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland/Tigard), co-sponsor of the legislation, carried the bill on the floor, helping to pass the bill on a 26-1 vote.

Senator Burdick, a former Associated Press reporter, strongly believes in open government and public disclosure.  In her opening statement on SB 671, Senator Burdick said, “Senate Bill 671 strikes a balance between transparency in government and protecting the attorney-client privilege.  This bill will allow a public body to summarize a public record to contain the factual information without waiving the attorney-client privilege.”

Senate Bill 671 is the product of an agreement between the Oregon State Bar and the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.  The bill addresses a problem stemming from Klamath Falls where an inquiry into alleged misappropriation of funds by the Klamath Falls School District was conducted and not subsequently disclosed due to attorney-client privilege.  This bill allows information that is exempt from public disclosure to be released in a condensed version, informing the public and allowing for public scrutiny.  This allows for the most sensitive information to remain confidential while allowing some information to be released to the public.

Senator Doug Whitsett (R-Klamath Falls), one of the additional sponsors of the bill, stated that “When the public pays for an investigation, the public should have access to the findings of that investigation.  Transparency in government should offer no less.”

Senate Bill 671 now heads to the House for consideration.