Oregon Public Records Search

What Records Are Public In Oregon?

Oregon has a public records law known as the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.410-192.505) which ensures that all public records in the possession of public bodies are accessible to the public. The law defines public records as any written or recorded information, regardless of the physical format or characteristics, that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by a public body. Some examples of public records that are available in Oregon include court records, arrest records, property records, business registration records, marriage and divorce records, and vital records. Other records that are available include government meeting minutes, budget documents, public employee salaries, and correspondence and emails sent and received by government officials in the performance of their duties. It is important to note that while public records are generally accessible to the public in Oregon, there are certain exemptions that can be applied to protect sensitive information from disclosure, such as trade secrets, privileged information, and personal information that would constitute an invasion of privacy if disclosed. However, any records that are exempt from disclosure must be specifically identified by the public body and the legal justification must be provided. Additionally, while the law requires public records to be accessible to the public, there may be fees associated with obtaining records. Public bodies may charge a reasonable fee for producing records, including the cost of staff time, materials, and mailing expenses. In summary, Oregon's Public Records Law ensures transparency and access to public records, including court records, arrest records, property records, business registration records, and vital records. While there are exemptions to protect sensitive information, any records that are exempt must be specifically identified and justified by the public body. Fees may be associated with obtaining records.

Who Do You Contact For Public Records In Oregon?

In Oregon, the agency responsible for managing public records is the Oregon Secretary of State. Specifically, the Secretary of State's Corporation Division manages public records related to corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities. However, the Secretary of State's office also maintains public records related to elections, lobbying activity, and other government agencies. To request public records in Oregon, the first step is to determine which agency or department has the records you are interested in. Then, you can contact that agency directly to request the records. Many agencies have online request forms and information about their public records policies available on their websites. If you are not sure which agency has the records you need, you can contact the Oregon Secretary of State's office directly for assistance. They may be able to help you locate the records you are looking for or direct you to the appropriate agency. Oregon law requires that most public records be made available upon request, although there are certain exemptions for records that are confidential, privileged, or specifically exempted by law. In some cases, there may be fees associated with obtaining public records in Oregon, such as copying or search fees.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In Oregon?

In the state of Oregon, individuals seeking to make a change to public records must follow a specific process. Public records are defined as any document, record, or other written or recorded material that pertains to the business of government and is required to be made available to the public. To make a change to public records in Oregon, individuals must first identify which agency or department holds the record they wish to modify. They can then request a copy of the record from the agency or department. If the record is incorrect or incomplete, individuals may request that the agency or department modify the record by submitting a written request for correction. They should specifically identify the information that is incorrect and provide supporting evidence or documentation to support the requested change. If the agency or department denies the request for correction, individuals have the right to appeal the decision. The process for appealing a decision varies depending on the agency or department. However, in most cases, individuals must submit a written appeal to the agency or department within a certain period of time following the denial of their initial request for correction. If the appeal is denied, individuals may pursue legal action to challenge the decision. This may involve filing a complaint in court and presenting evidence to support their claim. It is important to note that some types of public records, such as criminal records, may be subject to restrictions on modification or expungement. It is advisable for individuals to consult with an attorney or legal expert before taking any steps to modify public records.

Oregon State Resources

• Governor Tina Kotek
• Secretary of State
• State Agencies
• State Personnel Directory
• Association of Counties
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Justice
• Department of Rehabilitation
• Legislative Branch
• Judicial Branch
• DMV
• Census

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