Oregon bill sets deadline for release of public records

SALEM – The Oregon House has given final legislative approval to a bill that requires state government agencies to comply with requests for public information in a timely fashion.

Reporters and others seeking public records have complained about long wait times for the release of information.

The bill establishes a 15-day time limit for agencies to release records in most cases. It contains exceptions to the deadline for school districts and colleges when their central administrative offices are closed, and for all governments when they’re short-staffed.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported the House approved the bill 52-0. It previously cleared the Senate and now goes to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature.

A spokesman for the governor said Brown is looking forward to signing the bill.