OAR 199-020-0008: Exemption Procedure for Annual Verified Statements of Economic Interest

(1) This rule implements ORS 244.290(2)(b), directing the Commission to allow exemptions for public officials who are otherwise required by 244.050 to file an annual statement of economic interest when the public body on which the public official serves meets so infrequently so as not to warrant the public disclosure. Public officials shall submit a request for an exemption from the filing requirements of 244.050 in writing to the Commission. (2) Only public officials required to file under ORS 244.050(1)(k) are eligible to request the exemption under this rule. The Commission will accept requests that are submitted on behalf of all of the public officials serving on a particular city or county planning, zoning or development commission. (3) The Commission will grant the exemption if the following criteria are met: (a) The public body on which the public official serves has met no more frequently than twice annually for the last three calendar years. (b) The public body has no decision making authority, but limits its function to making recommendations to an accountable public body or public official. (c) The request for exemption is accompanied with copies of agendas and meeting minutes for all meetings conducted by the public body within the last three calendar years, as well as documentation of the authority or role of the public body. (4) Requests for an exemption from filing the annual verified statement of economic interest due April 15 of a given year, must be received in the office of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission not later than 5:00 pm March 15 of that year. Public officials who do not meet that deadline, or whose request is not approved by the Commission, must file the annual verified statement of economic interest as required by April 15. Public officials who receive the exemption will be notified in writing.