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Oregon Revised Statutes

Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of May 2026
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      244.020 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Actual conflict of interest” means any action or any decision or recommendation by a person acting in a capacity as a public official, the effect of which would be to the private pecuniary benefit or detriment of the person or a relative or member of the household of the person, or any business with which the person or a relative or member of the household of the person is associated, unless the pecuniary benefit or detriment arises out of circumstances described in subsection (13) of this section.

      (2) “Business” means any corporation, partnership, proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, self-employed individual and any other legal entity operated for economic gain but excluding any income-producing not-for-profit corporation that is tax exempt under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code with which a public official or a relative or member of the household of the public official is associated only as a member or board director or in a nonremunerative capacity.

      (3) “Business with which the person is associated” means:

      (a) Any private business or closely held corporation of which the person or a relative or member of the household of the person is a director, officer, owner or employee, or agent or any private business or closely held corporation in which the person or a relative or member of the household of the person owns or has owned stock, another form of equity interest, stock options or debt instruments worth $1,000 or more at any point in the preceding calendar year;

      (b) Any publicly held corporation in which the person or a relative or member of the household of the person owns or has owned $100,000 or more in stock or another form of equity interest, stock options or debt instruments at any point in the preceding calendar year;

      (c) Any publicly held corporation of which the person or a relative or member of the household of the person is a director or officer; or

      (d) For public officials required to file a statement of economic interest under ORS 244.050, any business listed as a source of income as required under ORS 244.060 (3).

      (4) “Candidate” means an individual for whom a declaration of candidacy, nominating petition or certificate of nomination to public office has been filed or whose name is printed on a ballot or is expected to be or has been presented, with the individual’s consent, for nomination or election to public office.

      (5) “Development commission” means any entity that has the authority to purchase, develop, improve or lease land or the authority to operate or direct the use of land. This authority must be more than ministerial.

      (6) “First Partner” means the spouse or domestic partner of the Governor, or an individual who primarily has a personal relationship with the Governor as determined by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission by rule. “First Partner” encompasses any alternative title that the Governor may publicly substitute for “First Partner,” including, but not limited to, “First Lady,” “First Husband” or “First Spouse.”

      (7)(a) “Gift” means something of economic value given to a public official, a candidate or a relative or member of the household of the public official or candidate:

      (A) Without valuable consideration of equivalent value, including the full or partial forgiveness of indebtedness, which is not extended to others who are not public officials or candidates or the relatives or members of the household of public officials or candidates on the same terms and conditions; or

      (B) For valuable consideration less than that required from others who are not public officials or candidates.

      (b) “Gift” does not mean:

      (A) Contributions as defined in ORS 260.005.

      (B) Gifts from relatives or members of the household of the public official or candidate.

      (C) An unsolicited token or award of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento or similar item, with a resale value reasonably expected to be less than $25.

      (D) Informational or program material, publications or subscriptions related to the recipient’s performance of official duties.

      (E) Admission provided to or the cost of food or beverage consumed by a public official, a relative of the public official accompanying the public official, a member of the household of the public official accompanying the public official or a staff member of the public official accompanying the public official, at a reception, meal or meeting held by an organization when the public official represents state government as defined in ORS 174.111, a local government as defined in ORS 174.116 or a special government body as defined in ORS 174.117.

      (F) Reasonable expenses paid by any unit of the federal government, a state or local government, a Native American tribe that is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state, a membership organization to which a public body as defined in ORS 174.109 pays membership dues or a not-for-profit corporation that is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, for attendance at a convention, fact-finding mission or trip, conference or other meeting if the public official is scheduled to deliver a speech, make a presentation, participate on a panel or represent state government as defined in ORS 174.111, a local government as defined in ORS 174.116 or a special government body as defined in ORS 174.117.

      (G) Contributions made to a legal expense trust fund established under ORS 244.209 for the benefit of the public official.

      (H) Reasonable food, travel or lodging expenses provided to a public official, a relative of the public official accompanying the public official, a member of the household of the public official accompanying the public official or a staff member of the public official accompanying the public official, when the public official is representing state government as defined in ORS 174.111, a local government as defined in ORS 174.116 or a special government body as defined in ORS 174.117:

      (i) On an officially sanctioned trade-promotion or fact-finding mission; or

      (ii) In officially designated negotiations, or economic development activities, where receipt of the expenses is approved in advance.

      (I) Food or beverage consumed by a public official acting in an official capacity:

      (i) In association with the review, approval, execution of documents or closing of a borrowing, investment or other financial transaction, including any business agreement between state government as defined in ORS 174.111, a local government as defined in ORS 174.116 or a special government body as defined in ORS 174.117 and a private entity or public body as defined in ORS 174.109;

      (ii) While engaged in due diligence research or presentations by the office of the State Treasurer related to an existing or proposed investment or borrowing; or

      (iii) While engaged in a meeting of an advisory, governance or policy-making body of a corporation, partnership or other entity in which the office of the State Treasurer has invested moneys.

      (J) Waiver or discount of registration expenses or materials provided to a public official or candidate at a continuing education event that the public official or candidate may attend to satisfy a professional licensing requirement.

      (K) Expenses provided by one public official to another public official for travel inside this state to or from an event that bears a relationship to the receiving public official’s office and at which the official participates in an official capacity.

      (L) Food or beverage consumed by a public official or candidate at a reception where the food or beverage is provided as an incidental part of the reception and no cost is placed on the food or beverage.

      (M) Entertainment provided to a public official or candidate or a relative or member of the household of the public official or candidate that is incidental to the main purpose of another event.

      (N) Entertainment provided to a public official or a relative or member of the household of the public official where the public official is acting in an official capacity while representing state government as defined in ORS 174.111, a local government as defined in ORS 174.116 or a special government body as defined in ORS 174.117 for a ceremonial purpose.

      (O) Anything of economic value offered to or solicited or received by a public official or candidate, or a relative or member of the household of the public official or candidate:

      (i) As part of the usual and customary practice of the person’s private business, or the person’s employment or position as a volunteer with a private business, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, not-for-profit corporation or other legal entity operated for economic value; and

      (ii) That bears no relationship to the public official’s or candidate’s holding of, or candidacy for, the official position or public office.

      (P) Reasonable expenses paid to a public school employee for accompanying students on an educational trip.

      (8) “Honorarium” means a payment or something of economic value given to a public official in exchange for services upon which custom or propriety prevents the setting of a price. Services include, but are not limited to, speeches or other services rendered in connection with an event.

      (9) “Income” means income of any nature derived from any source, including, but not limited to, any salary, wage, advance, payment, dividend, interest, rent, honorarium, return of capital, forgiveness of indebtedness, or anything of economic value.

      (10) “Legislative or administrative interest” means an economic interest, distinct from that of the general public, in:

      (a) Any matter subject to the decision or vote of the public official acting in the public official’s capacity as a public official; or

      (b) Any matter that would be subject to the decision or vote of the candidate who, if elected, would be acting in the capacity of a public official.

      (11) “Member of the household” means any person who resides with the public official or candidate.

      (12) “Planning commission” means a county planning commission created under ORS chapter 215 or a city planning commission created under ORS chapter 227.

      (13) “Potential conflict of interest” means any action or any decision or recommendation by a person acting in a capacity as a public official, the effect of which could be to the private pecuniary benefit or detriment of the person or a relative or member of the household of the person, or a business with which the person or the relative or member of the household of the person is associated, unless the pecuniary benefit or detriment arises out of the following:

      (a) An interest or membership in a particular business, industry, occupation or other class required by law as a prerequisite to the holding by the person of the office or position.

      (b) Any action in the person’s official capacity which would affect to the same degree a class consisting of all inhabitants of the state, or a smaller class consisting of an industry, occupation or other group including one of which or in which the person or a relative or member of the household of the person, or a business with which the person or the relative or member of the household of the person is associated, is a member or is engaged.

      (c) Membership in or membership on the board of directors of a nonprofit corporation that is tax-exempt under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.

      (14) “Public office” has the meaning given that term in ORS 260.005.

      (15) “Public official” means the First Partner and any person who, when an alleged violation of this chapter occurs, is serving the State of Oregon or any of its political subdivisions or any other public body as defined in ORS 174.109 as an elected official, appointed official, employee or agent, irrespective of whether the person is compensated for the services.

      (16) “Relative” means:

      (a) The spouse, parent, stepparent, child, sibling, stepsibling, son-in-law or daughter-in-law of the public official or candidate;

      (b) The parent, stepparent, child, sibling, stepsibling, son-in-law or daughter-in-law of the spouse of the public official or candidate;

      (c) Any individual for whom the public official or candidate has a legal support obligation;

      (d) Any individual for whom the public official provides benefits arising from the public official’s public employment or from whom the public official receives benefits arising from that individual’s employment; or

      (e) Any individual from whom the candidate receives benefits arising from that individual’s employment.

      (17) “Statement of economic interest” means a statement as described by ORS 244.060 or 244.070.

      (18) “Zoning commission” means an entity to which is delegated at least some of the discretionary authority of a planning commission or governing body relating to zoning and land use matters. [1974 c.72 §2; 1975 c.543 §1; 1977 c.588 §2; 1979 c.666 §5; 1987 c.566 §8; 1989 c.340 §2; 1991 c.73 §1; 1991 c.770 §5; 1993 c.743 §8; 1995 c.79 §85; 1997 c.249 §75; 2001 c.200 §1; 2003 c.14 §115; 2005 c.574 §1; 2007 c.865 §8; 2007 c.877 §16a; 2009 c.68 §2; 2009 c.689 §§1,2; 2013 c.42 §1; 2015 c.620 §1; 2015 c.665 §1; 2025 c.353 §1]

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 21 cases, 1978–2014 · leading case: Vannatta v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 222 P.3d 1077 (Or. 2009).
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Vannatta v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 222 P.3d 1077 (Or. 2009). · cites it 3× “” 4 During the 2009 legislative session, the legislature enacted Senate Bill (SB) 30 (2009), which amended several portions of ORS chapter 244, including ORS 244.020, ORS 244.025, and ORS 244.042.”
Brian v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Com'n, 891 P.2d 649 (Or. 1995). · cites it 5× “040(2), because he reasonably could not have *690 known that Seiyu had a “legislative or administrative interest,” as defined by ORS 244.020(12): “ ‘Legislative or administrative interest’ means an economic interest, distinct from that of the general public, in one or more…”
Davidson v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 712 P.2d 87 (Or. 1985). · cites it 2× “020(9) defines "public official" as "* * * any person who is serving in a governmental capacity for the State of Oregon or any of its political subdivisions or any other public body of the state as an officer, employe, agent or otherwise, and irrespective of whether the person…”
State v. Fox, 324 P.3d 608 (Or. Ct. App. 2014). · cites it 2× “That definition provides in part: “‘Public servant’ means: “(a) A public official as defined in ORS 244.020; “(b) A person serving as an advisor, consultant or assistant at the request or direction of the state, any political subdivision thereof or of any governmental…”
Groener v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 651 P.2d 736 (Or. Ct. App. 1982). · cites it 2× “350 (amended by Or Laws 1977, ch 588, § 10), requiring respondent to adopt a schedule for civil penalties or to prescribe forms under ORS 244.020(4) and (5)(c). The legislature did not grant substantive rulemaking authority under ORS 244.”
Brian v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 874 P.2d 1294 (Or. 1994). · cites it 2× “1 ORS 244.020(12) defines “Olegislative official” to mean, among other things, “any member * * * of the Legislative Assembly.”
Frohnmayer v. State Accident Ins. Fund Corp., 660 P.2d 1061 (Or. 1983). “See In re Kinsey, 294 Or 544, 577 , 660 P2d 660 (1983); ORS 244.020(4). 10 The answer to that question may involve the meaning of the words “* * * he may authorize * * *” of ORS 180.”
Young v. State, 33 P.3d 995 (Or. Ct. App. 2001). · cites it 2× “For purposes of that chapter, ORS 244.020(15) defines “public official” as “any person who, when an alleged violation of [ORS chapter 244] occurs, is serving the State of Oregon or any of its political *301 subdivisions * * * as an officer, employee, agent or otherwise * * *.”
Shank v. Bd. of Nursing, 185 P.3d 532 (Or. Ct. App. 2008). “Second, in light of the fact that the statute contemplates the imposition of sanctions against an applicant or licensee, including the revocation of a professional license, it is counterintuitive to believe that the legislature would have intended to include “licensees” and…”
1000 Friends of Oregon v. Wasco Cnty. Court, 742 P.2d 39 (Or. 1987). “The majority opinion observed that the facts did not meet Oregon’s statutory definition of a “potential conflict of interest,” ORS 244.020(4), because the effect of the incorporation decision would not be to Cantrell’s private benefit or detriment, and in any event, the…”
Black v. Corp. Div., 634 P.2d 1383 (Or. Ct. App. 1981). “” ORS 244.020(4). "Securities” v. "Commodity Futures” and Jurisdiction The difficult question here is whether the subject transactions were "securities” under ORS 59.”
Moine v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 877 P.2d 96 (Or. Ct. App. 1994). · cites it 5× “020(16) has since been amended and renumbered ORS 244.020(15). Or Laws 1993, ch 743, § 8.”
Show all 21 citing cases →
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(1) — 1 case
Knutson Towboat Co. v. Oregon Bd. of Mar. Pilots, 885 P.2d 746 (Or. Ct. App. 1994).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(10) — 2 cases
State ex rel. Juv. Dep't v. C. M. C., 259 P.3d 938 (Or. Ct. App. 2011).
State Ex Rel. Juv. Dept. v. Cmc, 259 P.3d 938 (Or. Ct. App. 2011).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(12) — 2 cases
Brian v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Com'n, 891 P.2d 649 (Or. 1995). “040(2), because he reasonably could not have *690 known that Seiyu had a “legislative or administrative interest,” as defined by ORS 244.020(12): “ ‘Legislative or administrative interest’ means an economic interest, distinct from that of the general public, in one or more…”
Brian v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 874 P.2d 1294 (Or. 1994). “1 ORS 244.020(12) defines “Olegislative official” to mean, among other things, “any member * * * of the Legislative Assembly.”
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(13) — 1 case
Brian v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Com'n, 891 P.2d 649 (Or. 1995). “040(2), because he reasonably could not have *690 known that Seiyu had a “legislative or administrative interest,” as defined by ORS 244.020(12): “ ‘Legislative or administrative interest’ means an economic interest, distinct from that of the general public, in one or more…”
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(14) — 1 case
State v. Fox, 324 P.3d 608 (Or. Ct. App. 2014). “That definition provides in part: “‘Public servant’ means: “(a) A public official as defined in ORS 244.020; “(b) A person serving as an advisor, consultant or assistant at the request or direction of the state, any political subdivision thereof or of any governmental…”
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(15) — 5 cases
Young v. State, 33 P.3d 995 (Or. Ct. App. 2001). “For purposes of that chapter, ORS 244.020(15) defines “public official” as “any person who, when an alleged violation of [ORS chapter 244] occurs, is serving the State of Oregon or any of its political *301 subdivisions * * * as an officer, employee, agent or otherwise * * *.”
Shank v. Bd. of Nursing, 185 P.3d 532 (Or. Ct. App. 2008). “Second, in light of the fact that the statute contemplates the imposition of sanctions against an applicant or licensee, including the revocation of a professional license, it is counterintuitive to believe that the legislature would have intended to include “licensees” and…”
Brian v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 874 P.2d 1294 (Or. 1994). “1 ORS 244.020(12) defines “Olegislative official” to mean, among other things, “any member * * * of the Legislative Assembly.”
Moine v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 877 P.2d 96 (Or. Ct. App. 1994). “020(16) has since been amended and renumbered ORS 244.020(15). Or Laws 1993, ch 743, § 8.”
Buntyn v. Gov't Standards & Practices Comm'n, 63 P.3d 37 (Or. Ct. App. 2003).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(16) — 4 cases
Brian v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Com'n, 891 P.2d 649 (Or. 1995). “040(2), because he reasonably could not have *690 known that Seiyu had a “legislative or administrative interest,” as defined by ORS 244.020(12): “ ‘Legislative or administrative interest’ means an economic interest, distinct from that of the general public, in one or more…”
Moine v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 877 P.2d 96 (Or. Ct. App. 1994). “020(16) has since been amended and renumbered ORS 244.020(15). Or Laws 1993, ch 743, § 8.”
Buntyn v. Gov't Standards & Practices Comm'n, 63 P.3d 37 (Or. Ct. App. 2003).
Keller v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 809 P.2d 721 (Or. Ct. App. 1991).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(4) — 6 cases
Groener v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 651 P.2d 736 (Or. Ct. App. 1982). “350 (amended by Or Laws 1977, ch 588, § 10), requiring respondent to adopt a schedule for civil penalties or to prescribe forms under ORS 244.020(4) and (5)(c). The legislature did not grant substantive rulemaking authority under ORS 244.”
Frohnmayer v. State Accident Ins. Fund Corp., 660 P.2d 1061 (Or. 1983). “See In re Kinsey, 294 Or 544, 577 , 660 P2d 660 (1983); ORS 244.020(4). 10 The answer to that question may involve the meaning of the words “* * * he may authorize * * *” of ORS 180.”
1000 Friends of Oregon v. Wasco Cnty. Court, 742 P.2d 39 (Or. 1987). “The majority opinion observed that the facts did not meet Oregon’s statutory definition of a “potential conflict of interest,” ORS 244.020(4), because the effect of the incorporation decision would not be to Cantrell’s private benefit or detriment, and in any event, the…”
Black v. Corp. Div., 634 P.2d 1383 (Or. Ct. App. 1981). “” ORS 244.020(4). "Securities” v. "Commodity Futures” and Jurisdiction The difficult question here is whether the subject transactions were "securities” under ORS 59.”
Caragol v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 780 P.2d 751 (Or. Ct. App. 1989).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(5) — 2 cases
Keller v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 766 P.2d 402 (Or. Ct. App. 1988).
Keller v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 809 P.2d 721 (Or. Ct. App. 1991).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(5)(a) — 1 case
Vannatta v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 222 P.3d 1077 (Or. 2009). “” 4 During the 2009 legislative session, the legislature enacted Senate Bill (SB) 30 (2009), which amended several portions of ORS chapter 244, including ORS 244.020, ORS 244.025, and ORS 244.042.”
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(5)(c) — 1 case
Keller v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 766 P.2d 402 (Or. Ct. App. 1988).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(6) — 2 cases
Vannatta v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 222 P.3d 1077 (Or. 2009). “” 4 During the 2009 legislative session, the legislature enacted Senate Bill (SB) 30 (2009), which amended several portions of ORS chapter 244, including ORS 244.020, ORS 244.025, and ORS 244.042.”
Keller v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 766 P.2d 402 (Or. Ct. App. 1988).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(7) — 2 cases
Caragol v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 780 P.2d 751 (Or. Ct. App. 1989).
Knutson Towboat Co. v. Oregon Bd. of Mar. Pilots, 885 P.2d 746 (Or. Ct. App. 1994).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(7)(a) — 1 case
Knutson Towboat Co. v. Oregon Bd. of Mar. Pilots, 885 P.2d 746 (Or. Ct. App. 1994).
— Or. Rev. Stat. § 244.020(9) — 3 cases
Davidson v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 712 P.2d 87 (Or. 1985). “020(9) defines "public official" as "* * * any person who is serving in a governmental capacity for the State of Oregon or any of its political subdivisions or any other public body of the state as an officer, employe, agent or otherwise, and irrespective of whether the person…”
Keller v. Oregon Gov't Ethics Comm'n, 809 P.2d 721 (Or. Ct. App. 1991).
Columbia Cnty. Admin. Sch. Dist. No. 5 Jt. v. Prichard, 585 P.2d 701 (Or. Ct. App. 1978).
Annotations are extracted automatically from the opinions in the Syfert caselaw corpus and ranked by authority, recency, and treatment. Dots show Syfertize treatment of the citing case itself.