OregonHB 41592026 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Independent lawyers and privacy in ethics cases

The commission can hire its own Oregon-licensed lawyer when the Attorney General’s representation would create a conflict or require representing more than one public client in the same matter, and the case is not covered by ORS 180.230 or 180.235; the commission must make that finding first. The Attorney General cannot represent a state public official before the commission when the commission starts the complaint or action. Communications to the commission about complaints it is deciding keep attorney-client privilege.

New structure and rules for ethics commission

The law sets the Oregon Government Ethics Commission at nine members. The Governor appoints eight from names sent by legislative leaders (two each from both parties in each house) and one at-large; if the Governor rejects a name, leaders must send another, and the Senate confirms. No more than three members can be from the same party, and at least one must have local government experience. People holding the public offices listed in ORS 244.050(1) cannot be appointed; a current commissioner is not disqualified by this rule. Members serve four-year terms and no one can be appointed to more than two full terms; a person may finish an unexpired term and vacancies are filled for the rest of the term. The commission elects a chair and vice chair and sets their duties. A quorum is five, and final decisions need a majority of all appointed members. Members receive pay and expense reimbursement under ORS 292.495.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Rules
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 126 • No: 17

House vote • 3/6/2026

House concurred in Senate amendments and repassed bill.

Yes: 37 • No: 15

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Third reading. Carried by Golden. Passed.

Yes: 28 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/2/2026

Rules: Heard and Reported Out with Amendments

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 2/24/2026

Third reading. Carried by Sosa. Passed.

Yes: 49 • No: 2

House vote • 2/19/2026

Rules: Heard and Reported Out

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Chapter 124, (2026 Laws): Effective date January 1, 2027.
4/13/2026House
Governor signed.
4/7/2026House
President signed.
3/10/2026Senate
Speaker signed.
3/10/2026House
House concurred in Senate amendments and repassed bill.
3/6/2026House
Third reading. Carried by Golden. Passed.
3/5/2026Senate
Carried over to 03-05 by unanimous consent.
3/4/2026Senate
Second reading.
3/3/2026Senate
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)
3/2/2026Senate
Work Session held.
3/2/2026Senate
Public Hearing held.
2/27/2026Senate
Referred to Rules.
2/25/2026Senate
First reading. Referred to President's desk.
2/25/2026Senate
Third reading. Carried by Sosa. Passed.
2/24/2026House
Second reading.
2/23/2026House
Recommendation: Do pass.
2/20/2026House
Work Session held.
2/19/2026House
Public Hearing held.
2/17/2026House
Referred to Rules.
2/5/2026House
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
2/5/2026House

Bill Text

Enrolled
3/6/2026
PDF
A-Engrossed
3/2/2026
PDF
SRULES Amendment -1 (Adopted)
3/2/2026
PDF
Senate Amendments to Introduced
3/2/2026
PDF
SRULES Amendment -1 (Proposed)
2/27/2026
PDF
Introduced
2/4/2026
PDF

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