HB 4177: Relating to public meetings; and prescribing an effective date.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Restates the serial communications prohibitions for public meetings law purposes. Identifies the types of communications between governing body members that are excluded from public meetings requirements. Changes the obligation to provide notice for meetings from a governing body to the public body for each of its governing bodies. Changes the obligation to provide for the sound, video or digital recording or the taking of written minutes from a governing body to the public body for each of its governing bodies. Clarifies that public meetings may be held in person, through use of electronic means or in a hybrid format of in-person and electronic means. Requires public meetings law complainants to provide specified documentation to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission before complaints are considered filed. Requires complainants to proceed in court if the complaint alleges a public meetings law violation by one or more members of the commission. Modifies requirements concerning which public officials must attend public meetings law training and when those officials must attend the training. Allows the commission to proceed against a public body or a public official associated with a public body for violations of public meetings laws. Establishes methods by which governing bodies and public bodies may cure public meetings law violations under certain circumstances. Clarifies the imposition of penalties by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission against public bodies and public officials. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Sponsors

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 16, 2026Governor vetoed.
2. March 10, 2026President signed.
3. March 10, 2026Speaker signed.
4. March 6, 2026Third reading. Carried by Lieber. Passed.
5. March 5, 2026Second reading.
6. March 5, 2026Recommendation: Do pass the B-Eng. bill.
7. March 5, 2026Referred to Ways and Means.
8. March 4, 2026First reading. Referred to President's desk.
9. March 4, 2026Third reading. Carried by Sosa. Passed.
10. March 3, 2026Second reading.
11. March 3, 2026Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed B-Engrossed.
12. March 2, 2026Work Session held.

Showing 12 most recent of 21 actions. Full history