Request Advice

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) is an independent state agency that administers and enforces three areas of law.  One of the core functions of OGEC is to provide guidance.  Advice given by the Commission or Commission staff is based on the information and specific facts provided to the Commission.

OGEC provides three types of written guidance: Commission Advisory Opinion, Staff Advisory Opinion and informal advice.

Advisory Opinion

Advisory Opinions are issued by OGEC pursuant to ORS 171.776 and ORS 244.280. A public official or business with which a public official is associated shall not be liable under Lobby Regulation law, Oregon Government Ethic law, or the Executive Session provisions of Public Meeting law for any action or transaction carried out in accordance with this opinion. This opinion is limited to the facts set forth in the request. Opinion numbers in our database contain an "A". The process to receive an advisory opinion is at least 60 days.

Staff Opinion

Staff Opinions are informal opinions that addresses the application of Oregon Government Ethic law, Lobbying Regulation law or Executive Session provisions of Public Meetings law only to the facts stated in the request. Any relevant information, which was not included by the requester of this opinion in the stated facts, could completely change the outcome of this opinion. Other laws or requirements may also apply.

These opinions do not exempt a public official from liability under the applicable law for any action or transaction carried out in accordance with the opinion. These opinions are the personal assessment of the executive director of OGEC. Opinion numbers in our database contains an "S". Staff opinions are usually issued within 30 days of the request.

Informal Advice

Informal advice is informal responses from OGEC staff that addresses the application of Oregon Government Ethic law Lobbying Regulation law, and the Executive Session provisions of Public Meetings law only to the facts stated/provided to OGEC by the requestor. This advice is offered in several forms, such as in person, by telephone, email, or letter.

The advice issued restates the facts as presented in the request/inquiry and the relevant/applicable laws or regulations are applied. In addition, the advice given will provide a conclusion as to whether a particular action comports with the law. Informal advice is usually issued within seven days of the request, and depends on whether we need further information and the volume of requests we have received.