Public Commission on the Oregon Legislature

Final Report Approved November 13, 2006
Print version available in early December from Marjorie Taylor, marjorie.taylor@state.or.us

Title and Table of Contents
Background
Executive Summary
Recommendations
Conclusion
     Supplemental Information
     Committee Summaries
     Senate Bill 1084 (2005)
     Commission Information
     Proposals Submitted for Consideration
     Proposed Legislation
         LC 1595 - Cutoff Calendar
         LC 1569 - Letter from Legislative Counsel
         LC 1569 - Open Primary Elections
         LC 1568 - Nonpartisan Legislature
         LC 1583 - Letter from Legislative Counsel
         LC 1583 - State Controller
         LC 1585 - Letter from Legislative Counsel
         LC 1585 - Initiative Reform
         LC 1584 - Commission on Campaign Finance Reform
         LC 1586 - Letter from Legislative Counsel
         LC 1586 - Use of Campaign Funds
         LC 1566 - Public Officials Compensation Commission
         LC 1566-1 - Letter from Legislative Counsel
         LC 1566-1 - Legislative Referral on Public Officials Compensation Commission
         LC 1570 - Program Evaluation
         LC 1693 - Legislative Research Office

The full version of this report can be viewed by clicking here.

With approval of Senate Bill 1084 and creation of the Public Commission on the Oregon Legislature, the Legislative Assembly acknowledged the need for study and evaluation of the legislature’s administration, procedures, facilities, staffing and overall capacity, and the need for study and evaluation of ways to improve those functions.

The last comprehensive review of the legislative branch, by the legislative branch, took place in 1974. Although others have reviewed the legislature since then, this commission, with the support of legislative leadership and the authority to introduce legislation, has a unique opportunity to suggest changes to strengthen the authority, credibility and effectiveness of future legislatures.

You are encouraged to interact with the commission as it explores issues important to the way the Oregon Legislature operates. Here are some of the tools you can use to work with the commission.

• All commission and committee agendas will be posted on this website as well as the legislative website.
• Meeting minutes will be made available on this website soon after the meeting.
• If you can’t attend a meeting in person, you may listen to commission and committee meetings online - either listen live or access archived meetings.
• You may review proposals on this website that have been submitted to the commission for consideration and submit some of your own.
• Access documents considered at each commission and committee meeting from individual committee websites listed above.
• Learn about commission members and contact them individually from this website.

The commission plans to make recommendations by December 2006 for the next Legislative Assembly to consider. Please use this website to help you follow along with its progress.