Oregon Statutes 192.410 – 192-505, that represents an attempt to balance the need for efficient government with the public’s need to know how government operates. While mainly a “disclosure” law it provides guidelines for conditions on disclosure and confidentiality.

Under ORS 192.420 “every person” has a right to inspect any nonexempt public record of a public body in Oregon. This right extends to any natural person, any corporation, partnership, firm or association, and any member or committee of the Legislative Assembly. ORS 192.410(2).

ORS 192.501 conditionally exempts certain records from disclosure “unless the public interest requires disclosure in the particular instance.”  This policy attempts to balance privacy rights and public interest in accordance with ORS 192.502.