192.005 Definitions for ORS 192.005 to 192.170

As used in ORS 192.005 (Definitions for ORS 192.005 to 192.170) to 192.170 (Disposition of materials without authorization) , unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Archivist” means the State Archivist.

(2) “Photocopy” includes a photograph, microphotograph and any other reproduction on paper or film in any scale.

(3) “Photocopying” means the process of reproducing, in the form of a photocopy, a public record or writing.

(4) “Political subdivision” means a city, county, district or any other municipal or public corporation in this state.

(5) “Public record”:

(a) Means any information that:

(A) Is prepared, owned, used or retained by a state agency or political subdivision;

(B) Relates to an activity, transaction or function of a state agency or political subdivision; and

(C) Is necessary to satisfy the legal, administrative, fiscal, tribal cultural or historical policies, requirements or needs of the state agency or political subdivision.

(b) Does not include:

(A) Records of the Legislative Assembly, its committees, officers and employees.

(B) Library and museum materials made or acquired and preserved solely for reference or exhibition purposes.

(C) Records or information concerning the location of archaeological sites or objects as those terms are defined in ORS 358.905 (Definitions for ORS 358.905 to 358.961) .

(D) Extra copies of a document, preserved only for convenience of reference.

(E) A stock of publications.

(F) Messages on voice mail.

(G) Records of the Judicial Department or its officers and employees.

(H) Spoken communication that is not recorded.

(6) “State agency”:

(a) Means any state officer, department, board or commission created by the Constitution or statutes of this state.

(b) Does not include:

(A) The Legislative Assembly or its committees, officers and employees; or

(B) The Judicial Department or its officers and employees. [1961 c.160 §2; 1965 c.302 §1; 1983 c.620 §11; 1989 c.16 §1; 1999 c.55 §1; 1999 c.140 §1; 2011 c.645 §1; 2023 c.35 §2]

Source: Section 192.005 — Definitions for ORS 192.005 to 192.170 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors192.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).