ORS 20.130: Proceeding to which state or public corporation is party.

In all actions or suits prosecuted or defended in the name and for the use of the state, or any county or other public corporation therein, the state or public corporation is liable for and may recover costs and disbursements in like manner and with like effect as in the case of natural persons. When a natural person is joined with the state as plaintiff, or the action is upon the information of such natural person, the natural person shall be liable in the first instance for the defendant’s costs and disbursements; and such costs and disbursements shall not be recovered from the state until after execution is issued therefor against such person and returned unsatisfied in whole or in part.