Relating to the release of booking photos; and prescribing an effective date.

Booking photo limits with licensed investigator access

Oregon limits when law enforcement agencies can share photos taken to identify people booked into custody. Despite public records rules, public release requires a law enforcement purpose, such as finding fugitives or identifying additional crimes. Release is also allowed after a conviction resulting from the same arrest. Agencies may share photos with investigators licensed under ORS 703.430, but do not have to. Other allowed recipients include the person pictured, the offense victim, and parties in criminal proceedings arising from that arrest. Agencies may also share photos with another law enforcement agency or its officers for a law enforcement purpose. State mental hospitals may receive photos when admitting the person pictured. Courts may receive photos in pretrial release reports or to confirm a defendant’s identity during the pretrial release process. The law takes effect on the 91st day after the 2025 regular legislative session permanently adjourns.