May 19, 2020

COVID-19 Resources – New Chief Justice Order from the Oregon Judicial Department

On Friday, May 15, 2020, the Chief Justice released CJO 20-016. The CJ Order becomes effective on June 1, 2020 and eases current restrictions on court activity while still allowing for social distancing.

On Friday, May 15, 2020 Governor Brown authorized Phase One reopening status for 31 of Oregon’s 36 counties. In those counties that have been authorized for Phase One reopening, courts may conduct bench trials and all other court proceedings. In order for these activities to take place, sufficient court staff must be available and social distancing requirements will need to be met. Jury trials and jury trials and FED first appearances and trials are not included. This goes into effect on June 1, 2020.

On July 1, 2020, in counties where the Governor has authorized gatherings of at least 50 people in one location, courts may conduct jury trials in all civil and criminal cases and FED first appearances and trials if no applicable moratorium is in effect. These activities may take place if sufficient staff are available and social distancing requirements are met.

The court operations under CJO 20-016 are in addition to court operations that have been occurring under amended CJO 20-006 released on March 27, 2020.

For a complete overview of the updates, the Oregon State Bar’s website includes a COVID-19 response portal with up-to-date information from the Oregon Judicial Department, Oregon State agencies, and the Oregon State Bar.

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ABA Advocacy Day Goes Digital

Every year, the OSB participates in the American Bar Association (ABA) Annual Lobby Day. Historically this has been an opportunity for the OSB, the Oregon Law Center, and the Campaign for Equal Justice to meet with Oregon’s congressional delegation and share our support for adequate funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the federal mechanism for funding civil legal aid services. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the concerns about travel, the ABA moved to a Digital Day of Advocacy.

This year the OSB and Oregon’s legal aid providers focused on four issues: adequate funding for civil legal aid, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, funding for veterans’ legal needs, and strengthening Oregon’s broadband access.

Funding for the Legal Services Corporation: Advocacy efforts last year helped increase LSC funding by $25 million to its highest appropriation ever—$440 million. Despite this increase, funding remains woefully insufficient. Nearly one million low-income Americans who seek help for civil legal problems are turned away each year for lack of adequate resources, and due to COVID-19, that number is expected to increase. In fact, legal services offices across the country are seeing a significant increased need for help already.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Bar advocacy is needed to help preserve the PSLF Program, which enables law school graduates and other professionals to embark on, and remain in, less remunerative public service careers by offering partial student loan forgiveness for a service commitment of 10 years. This important program has helped many underserved communities hire the prosecutors, public defenders, legal aid lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, and other professionals they need in vital public service positions.

Legal Services for Homeless Veterans: Nearly 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and there is a very real danger that that number will spike considerably in the coming months, given the increasing number of people losing jobs, being evicted, and facing poverty in the wake of the COVOD-19 pandemic. One way we can help veterans achieve self-sufficiency and secure permanent shelter is to ensure that they receive the legal assistance necessary to access Veterans Affairs (VA) services or benefits to which they are entitled. The lack of available legal help is exacerbated by the fact that the VA lacks the legal authority to directly support legal services.

Rural Broadband: Approximately 25 million Americans lack high-speed internet access, 96 percent of whom live in rural areas. Inadequate access not only makes it hard for lawyers in rural areas to practice law, it also discourages lawyers and other professionals from working in rural areas. Many children and adults living in rural communities impacted by COVID-19 do not have adequate broadband connections to access educational materials online, participate in remote learning, or take advantage of telemedicine opportunities that might be needed if they or their families get sick.


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2020 Interim House Committee Appointments Announced

On April 28, 2020, House Speaker Tina Kotek announced committee appointments for the 2020 interim. During the interim, policy committees provide oversight, provide feedback to legislative work groups, and review legislative concepts and issues before the long legislative session beginning in 2021. In addition, interim committees may presession file legislative concepts for consideration in December 2020 for the 2021 Legislative Session.

There were a number of changes made including to the make-up of the House Judiciary Committee. Representative Janelle Bynum (D – Happy Valley) the previous vice chair, will become chair of the committee. While she remains on the committee, Representative Tawna Sanchez (D- Portland) who chaired the House Judiciary Committee through the 2020 Legislative Session, has stepped down as chair of the House Judiciary Committee to chair the House Human Services Committee. Representative Sherri Springer (R – Scio), a long time vice chair of the committee, has been joined by Representative Karin Power (D- Milwaukie) in the roll. The House Interim Judiciary Committee will meet remotely on May 28, 2020 from 3-6 pm. The meeting will be broadcast over the Oregon Legislative Information System.

The Bar looks forward to working with the members of the House Interim Judiciary Committee in the coming months.

House Judiciary Committee
Chair Representative Janelle Bynum
Vice-Chair Representative Karin Power
Vice-Chair Representative Sherrie Sprenger
Member Representative Jeff Barker
Member Representative Akasha Lawrence Spence
Member Representative Rick Lewis
Member Representative Raquel Moore-Green
Member Representative Ron Noble
Member Representative Carla Piluso
Member Representative Tawna Sanchez

To see a full list of House Committee member assignments, visit the Oregon State Legislature’s website (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/) and click on “Committees” in the ribbon.

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OSB Public Affairs Committee Hosts 2020 Legislative Forum

On April 27, 2020, the Oregon State Bar (OSB) Board of Governors (BOG) Public Affairs Committee met to host the 2020 Legislative Forum. This year seven OSB sections, workgroups, and committees submitted 10 law improvement proposals for consideration by the BOG to be drafted by the legislature’s Office of Legislative Counsel as part of the 2021 Law Improvement Program. In addition, the Public Affairs Committee discussed potential 2021 BOG priority legislation.

Law improvement concepts are proposed bills that clarify statutory ambiguities, remove unnecessary procedural requirements, modify unforeseen glitches in previous legislation, or otherwise improve the practice of law. The proposals are reviewed by the Public Affairs Committee to ensure that they meet the criteria established by both the OSB bylaws and the U.S. Supreme Court case Keller v. State Bar of California, 496 US 1 (1990).

This year, due to the limitations on in-person meetings stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legislative Forum was held via videoconference. Representatives from the seven sections, as well as other interested parties, attended the public meeting and listened to the presentations from section representatives.

The BOG will vote on a legislative package during the May 22, 2020 board meeting.


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Archives



Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.

2020 Public Affairs Committee Members


Eric Foster, Chair
Katherine Denning, Vice Chair
Kyra Rohner
Ryan Hunt
Michael Rondeau
Joseph Hesbrook
Joe Piucci
Rob Milesnick

Public Affairs Department


Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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April 2, 2020

Chief Justice Releases CJOs 20-006 (amended), 20-008, and 20-010 to address COVID-19

On March 27, 2020, Chief Justice Martha Walters released an updated CJO 20-006. This CJO expands on her original order, first released on March 16, 2020. The updated order takes into consideration feedback from Bar members, as well as a number of workgroups with a focus on civil, criminal, landlord-tenant, and family law issues. These workgroups were made up of judges, judicial staff, and practitioners. Additional orders are expected in the coming weeks to allow the courts to respond quickly and appropriately to the changing needs of Oregonians.

In addition to CJO 20-006 (amended), the Chief Justice released CJO 20-008 and CJO 20-010 on March 27, 2020 as well.

      • CJO 20-006 (amended) extends the original order to June 1, 2020, and responds to issues raised by stakeholders.
      • CJO 20-008 will allow eFiling of declarations that have been electronically signed by parties and witnesses when using appropriate electronic signature software.
      • CJO 20-010 allows suspension or waiver of collection fees. Together with CJO 20-006 (amended) and other administrative actions, courts will limit imposition of fines and suspend many collection activities for those who are unable to pay.

The Oregon State Bar has created an access point for CJOs, updates to the Uniform Trial Court Rules, and communications from the Oregon Judicial Department. For up-to-the-moment information, please visit www.osbar.org.


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Oregon Law Commission Submits Remote Online Notarization Legislation to Legislature

Last year the Oregon Law Commission approved the creation of a work group to consider remote online notarization. The group, made up of representatives from the Oregon Judicial Department, the Department of Justice, the Secretary of State, the Oregon Bankers Association, the Oregon State Bar, land title companies, and the counties met throughout the year to discuss the Uniform Law Commission’s “Law on Notarial Acts, Revised.” The Oregon-specific finalized language was accepted by the Oregon Law Commission in late fall for submission to the legislature.

Last week the work group reconvened to review the draft legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After discussion, the group submitted the legislation for consideration during the upcoming legislative session. Thank you to the chair of the work group, Mark Comstock, and Heather Gilmore, Melissa May, Tommy Brooks, and Pat Ihnat, among others, for your participation in the work group.


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Legislature Poised to Address Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Oregon, like the rest of the country, is facing a number of challenges arising from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Over the last month, the legislature’s Emergency Board has released funding to the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Military Department, and the legislature created a Joint Special Committee on Coronavirus Response to review legislative proposals.

Over four meetings beginning on March 18, 2020, and running through March 24, 2020, the Joint Special Committee, led by Sen. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) and Rep. Paul Holvey (D-Eugene), met to discuss and review the effects of the pandemic on Oregon and its citizens. The committee reviewed presentations from the Governor, business and community leaders, the Oregon Judicial Department, labor unions, the Oregon Health Authority, and many more stakeholders. Over the course of the four marathon meetings, the committee received over 1,500 pieces of written testimony and 47 different policy proposals to address the pandemic. On March 25, 2020, the co-chairs released their recommendations to legislative leadership. As additional information from the legislature is released, the Oregon State Bar will update bar members.

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File & Serve Updates—What You Need to Know

The Oregon Judicial Department has made changes consistent with the CJOs issued on Friday, March 27, 2020, to encourage social distancing and increase the public’s ability to access courts remotely. These changes, identified below, are effective immediately.

In addition, the File & Serve upgrade that was scheduled to occur on April 10, 2020, has been postponed. More details will be provided once the new upgrade schedule is in place.

Trial exhibits may now be submitted through File & Serve, for proceedings conducted by remote means.

CJO 20-006 (amended) allows filers to submit trial exhibits that can be converted to a PDF through File & Serve if the proceeding is to be conducted by remote means. This is a temporary change that will make it easier for hearings and trials to be heard remotely and will reduce the need to hand exhibits back and forth in the courtroom during the current emergency. Section 7 of CJO 20-006 (amended) outlines the changes in detail.

The filer must submit exhibits in a single unified PDF unless the envelope is larger than 25MB or as otherwise directed by the local court. If the PDF larger than 25MB, the filer will need to separate the PDF into two documents and file them in separate envelopes. The filer should submit the PDF as confidential. If the document is not marked confidential, then it will be available to view on public kiosks and for all OECI users. Since the exhibits will be marked confidential, the opposing party will be unable to view them in OECI. This means the filer will need to provide the opposing party with copies of the exhibits the filer intends to introduce into evidence. This may be accomplished through File & Serve by either eServing the party or including the party’s email address in the courtesy copy field.

The PDF containing the trial exhibits must include both a linked index and a bookmark for each exhibit. PDFs that do not meet these requirements will be returned. Instructions for creating linked indexes and bookmarking exhibits are included at the end of this article.

If you need to submit exhibits that cannot be converted into a PDF, such as audio, video, or physical evidence, during a remote hearing, please coordinate with your local court.

UTCR 21.090 has been amended to allow nonfilers to electronically sign declarations.

Chief Justice Walters has also amended UTCR 21.090 to allow electronic signatures to be used for declarations signed by nonfilers (i.e., represented parties and nonparty declarants) that are submitted through File & Serve. See CJO 20-008 for details.

The UTCR 21.090 amendment and companion repeal of UTCR 21.120 (now part of 21.090) were already presented to the UTCR Committee, which had tentatively approved them for anticipated adoption by the Chief Justice effective August 1, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Justice has adopted the amendments out-of-cycle, effective March 27, 2020 to reduce the need for in-person and mail contacts.

This change allows attorneys to have clients and witnesses sign declarations remotely. The rule requires the use of electronic signature software that uses a security procedure to verify that the declaration was signed by the purported declarant, and the rule cites the definition of “security procedure” in ORS 84.004(14). This is intended to allow attorneys to choose from electronic signature software that is currently used in the business community. However, the use of “s/” for signing declarations under UTCR 21.090(5) is still limited to the person who is electronically submitting the document.

UTCR 21.090(8) specifies that the filer must retain the electronic document containing the electronic signature of a nonfiler declarant until the entry of a general judgment or other judgment or order that conclusively disposes of the action. The intention is to require the filer to retain the document until the circuit court case reaches its conclusion. This provides the opposing party with a chance to challenge the declaration at the circuit court level and preserve the issue for appeal.

The rules contained within former UTCR 21.120 have been moved to UTCR 21.090, and former UTCR 21.120 has been repealed, so all rules related to electronic signatures are now located within UTCR 21.090. Former UTCR 21.120(1), the retention period for a declaration containing an ink signature of someone other than the filer, has been moved to UTCR 21.090(8)(b), and former UTCR 21.120(2), the requirement that the filer certify to the best of the filer’s knowledge that the signature is that of the purported signer, has been moved to UTCR 21.090(7).

Please keep in mind that UTCR 21.040 requires all filings to be submitted as standard text-searchable PDF or PDF/A documents. This means that any electronic certificate must be removed from the PDF prior to submitting it to a court. The easiest way to remove the certificate is to flatten the document by selecting “print” and saving the document as a PDF.

Upcoming File and Serve Webinars

The Oregon Judicial Department will host two webinars to provide more details about these changes and provide an overview of File & Serve. Those webinars will be held on

Monday, April 6, 2020, from noon to 1:00 p.m., and

Tuesday, April 7, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you are interested, you may register by using this link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/6119071785356738061

If you have any questions related to these changes, please reach out to Sam Dupree at the Oregon Judicial Department ([email protected]; (971) 283-1133).

How to link exhibits and create bookmarks in Adobe Pro

1. Locate the document and open with Adobe Pro.

2. OCR the document (makes the document text searchable).

      • Select View then Tools.
      • From Tools, select Enhance Scans.
      • On the Enhance Scans toolbar, select Recognize Text and select In This File.
      • Select the Recognize Text button.
      • Save and close the Enhance Scans tool.

3. Link the exhibits listed on the index to the appropriate exhibit.

      • Select View, then Tools.
      • From Tools, select Edit PDF.
      • From the Edit PDF toolbar, select Link and Add/Edit Web or Document Link.
      • Locate the first entry on the index.
      • Drag a box around the entire index entry.
      • From the Create Link dialog box, select the Link Type of Invisible Rectangle.
      • Select the Link Action of Go to a page view.
      • Click Next to open the Create Go To View dialog box.
      • With the Create Go To View dialog box still open, scroll to the beginning of the first page of the related exhibit or enter the page number from the navigation bar.
      • Click Set Link.
      • Repeat for each exhibit in the document.

4. Link the exhibits to a bookmark within the document.

        • Select the Bookmark icon on the toolbar on the left side of the page.
        • Highlight the beginning of the exhibit.
        • Then click the New Bookmark icon.
        • Repeat for each exhibit in the document.

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Quick Links

Oregon State Bar Resource Page
https://www.osbar.org/_docs/resources/COVID19.pdf
Professional Liability Fund Resource Page
https://www.osbplf.org/assessment-exemptions/covid-19-april-10-assessment-deadline.html

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Archives



Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.

2020 Public Affairs Committee Members


Eric Foster, Chair
Katherine Denning, Vice Chair
Kyra Rohner
Ryan Hunt
Michael Rondeau
Joseph Hesbrook
Joe Piucci
Rob Milesnick

Public Affairs Department


Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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February 26, 2020

Public Safety Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Additional Funding for Public Defense Services Commission

On February 18, 2020, the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety held an informational hearing on additional funding for the Public Defense Services Commission (PDSC). In the last days of the 2019 legislative session, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means reserved $20 million in a special-purpose appropriation (SPA) through House Bill 5050 (2019) to be distributed to the PDSC during the 2020 legislative session pending certain requirements being met.

Last year, the Sixth Amendment Center released a report on Oregon’s public-defense system identifying areas of improvement. During the presentation, PDSC staff shared changes already made by the Office of Public Defense Services and the PDSC in response to the report. These include adding 30 new public defense attorneys, eliminating the flat-fee payment system, increasing data collection for an ongoing caseload study, and partnering with the Oregon Judicial Department to increase data collection, analysis, and general IT support.

The PDSC indicated during the hearing that if the funding was released, the $20 million would be used to strengthen data-collection programs, monitor and support attorneys, increase compensation, increase the number of public defenders, and reduce disparities in interpreter and investigator rates. Funding must be released before December 1, 2020, or the money will be returned to the General Fund.


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Bills of Interest

HB 4001 – Defines “emergency shelter.” Requires local governments to allow siting of qualifying emergency shelters by qualifying entities notwithstanding land use laws and regulations.

HB 4009 – Modifies administrative provisions of corporate activity tax.

HB 4015 – Authorizes Housing and Community Services Department to grant moneys to nonprofit organization for ADU community pilot programs that develop accessory dwelling units that are for income-eligible homeowners or available for rent by income-eligible tenants.

HB 4164 – Increases rates metropolitan service district is authorized to tax to rates up to two percent.

SB 1528 – Updates connection date to federal Internal Revenue Code and other provisions of federal tax law.


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Update on Grand-Jury Recording Provided to Legislature

On February 20, 2020, the Ways and Means Subcommittee received an update on grand-jury recording in Oregon. During the 2017 session, the legislature passed Senate Bill 505 (2017). The bill created an electronic recording process for grand juries and required all audio recordings to be maintained and stored. The program began in three counties, Multnomah, Deschutes, and Jackson in 2018, and rolled out to the remaining 33 counties in 2019. Responsibility and funding for the program was split between the district attorneys, the counties, and the Oregon Judicial Department.

House Bill 5050 (2019) was passed during the 2019 legislative session. The bill required the three groups to report back to the legislature on implementation and a joint plan for “the most efficient, consistent, and cost effective delivery of grand jury recordation across the state.” In addition, the 2019 legislature set aside an additional $3 million for further costs related to statewide implementation. This additional funding must be released before December 1, 2020, or the money will be returned to the General Fund.

In the group report, the district attorneys and the counties suggested improvements to the grand-jury recording process including maintenance of recording equipment as well as storage of audio recordings and retention periods. After discussion, the three groups clarified roles, responsibilities, and further areas of investigation. Future areas of interest include additional training for DA and county staff in the operation of the recording devices, and the possibility of setting up a centralized location for transcription and storage of audio recordings.

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Oregon State Bar’s 2021 Law-Improvement Program

Is your section or committee interested in participating in the Bar’s legislative activities? If a Bar group would like to propose legislation for the 2019 legislative session, proposals should be submitted to the Board of Governors Public Affairs Committee through the Public Affairs Department by April 1, 2020, for approval by the Public Affairs Committee and Board of Governors.

Proposals from sections and committees are commonly referred to as law-improvement legislation, which includes proposals to clarify statutory ambiguities, to modify unforeseen “glitches” in major legislation passed in previous sessions, and to codify case law as necessary. To ensure that groups are able to devote adequate time to the bills they propose, each Bar group may propose no more than three law-improvement bills. Public Affairs staff provide lobbying assistance to section and committee members for law-improvement proposals.

The Public Affairs Committee will host a legislative forum in May during which Bar groups that have proposed legislation will have an opportunity to present their proposals, and stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment. The Public Affairs Committee will take these comments into account when deciding whether to recommend to the Board of Governors approval of Bar sponsorship of the proposed legislative concepts.

If your section or committee is interested in submitting proposed legislation for consideration to the Public Affairs Committee, please contact the Public Affairs Department for assistance.

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Small-Estate Affidavit — Form Available

The Oregon Judicial Department has created a new Small-Estate Affidavit, with instructions, for statewide use in small-estate probate cases, following enactment of House Bill 3007 (2019), Or Laws 2019, ch 165. The new form is available as a printable PDF on the OJD’s online Forms Center: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/small-estate.aspx.

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Bills on Hold – Senate and House Republicans Leave Capitol

On February 24 and 25 most of the Senate and House Republicans left the Capitol in response to Senate Bill 1530 and House Bill 4167 which modify statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Oregon’s constitution requires a 2/3 majority of members be present in the chamber to constitute a quorum to vote on legislation. With the departure of 11 Senate Republicans and 21 House Republicans, the legislature can not meet the quorum requirement in either chamber and bills that have not passed both chambers will be on hold until a quorum is met or the session ends. The 2020 legislative session is scheduled to end on March 8, 2020 at midnight.

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Archives



Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.

2020 Public Affairs Committee Members


Eric Foster, Chair
Katherine Denning, Vice Chair
Kyra Rohner
Ryan Hunt
Michael Rondeau
Joseph Hesbrook
Joe Piucci
Rob Milesnick

Public Affairs Department


Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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February 14, 2020

HB 4004: Public Defense Services Commission Bill Moves Through First Chamber

This legislative session House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-North Portland) introduced House Bill 4004, which increases the Public Defense Service Commission (PDSC) membership from seven to nine members and modifies the experience necessary to serve on the commission. In addition, the bill includes language in response to concerns raised by a 2019 report published by the Sixth Amendment Center.

On the first day of the legislative session, the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony in support of the bill from representatives of the Public Defense Services Commission, the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and AFSCME Council 75, among others. The Oregon State Bar submitted a letter in support of the concept and the need to respond to the issues raised in the Six Amendment Center Report regarding attorney caseloads and the flat fee contract system. On February 7, 2020, the bill moved out of committee with a unanimous vote and on February 11, 2020 passed the House 57-2 with one excused. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

In the coming weeks the Joint Committee on Ways and Means will have the opportunity to consider additional funding for the PDSC. At the end of the 2019 legislative session, the legislature earmarked up to $20 million for public defense services that may be appropriated during the 2020 legislative session.


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Oregon Judicial Department Introduces Three Legislative Concepts

During a short legislative session, the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) may submit up to five legislative concepts. This year, the OJD submitted three bills to the legislature for consideration. The Oregon State Bar submitted testimony in support of the three bills and will follow each bill’s progress through the legislature process.

House Bill 4142 – Current law requires the OJD to charge a minimum $50 fee to set up a payment plan for individuals who are unable to pay their court fees in full. HB 4142 removes the minimum amount from the statute and allows the chief justice to authorize or direct courts to waive or suspend fees. The bill received a public hearing on February 10, 2020, moved out of the committee on February 12, 2020, and is on its way to the House floor.

Senate Bill 1575 – In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed SB 24 that updated how the courts addressed defendants who are unable to aid and assist with their defense. SB 1575 is follow-up legislation that provides clarity regarding when and how a criminal defendant may be referred to the Oregon State Hospital. The bill received a public hearing on February 10, 2020, unanimously moved out of the committee on February 11, 2020 with the adoption of the -2 amendments, and is on its way to the Senate floor.

Senate Bill 1576 – Judicial Marshals are currently one of the few public law-enforcement officers who do not qualify for membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). SB 1576 would close this statutory loophole and ensure that Judicial Marshalls may join PERS. The bill moved out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 10, 2020, and passed out of the Senate with a 28-0 vote with 2 excused.


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Bills of Interest

HB 4065 – Repeals driving privilege suspension and eliminates imposition of driving privilege restrictions for failure to pay fine.

HB 4125 – Requires insurer to mail or deliver notice of cancellation of automobile insurance policy at least 30 days before effective date of cancellation.

SB 1506 – Establishes Public Records Advocate as independent office within executive department.

SB 1527 – Modifies requirements for enforceable noncompetition agreement.

SB 1540 – Requires certain persons that service student loans in this state to obtain or renew license.

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Board of Governors Host Reception for Legislators, Judges, and Attorneys in Salem

On February 6, 2020, OSB President Liani Reeves, in conjunction with the Oregon Supreme Court’s Council on Inclusion and Fairness, hosted a reception at the Salem Convention Center. Chief Justice Martha Walters, Liani Reeves and Justice Adrianne Nelson, council chair, welcomed the attendees and spoke briefly about the work of the Bar and the work of the council. Over the course of the evening, legislators, the Attorney General, members of the Oregon Supreme Court, Salem attorneys, and members of the OSB Board of Governors had the opportunity to discuss the current legislative session, learn more about the Bar’s legislative priorities, and hear from legislators about their proposed legislation.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made the evening a success!

(From L): Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum, Oregon Supreme Court Justice Adrienne C. Nelson, Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Martha Lee Walters, and Oregon State Bar President Liani Reeves. 

(From L): BOG Member Eric Foster, BOG Member Joe Piucci, Senator Shemia Fagan (D – Portland), BOG Member Jenny Cooke, and BOG Member Joseph Hesbrook. 

 

(From L): BOG Member Kyra Rohner, BOG Member Joe Piucci, BOG Member Katherine Denning, and former State Senator Cliff Bentz (R – Ontario)

(from L): BOG Member Ryan Hunt, Representative Jeff Barker (D – Aloha), and BOG Member Colin Andries.

(from L):  BOG Member Eric Foster, Oregon State Bar President Liani Reeves, Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum, and Representative Marty Wilde (D – Central Lane and Linn Counties).

(From L): Representative Carla Piluso (D – Gresham), Representative Akasha Lawrence Spence (D – Portland), Senator Manning (D – North Eugene, West Eugene, Santa Clara, and Junction City). 

(From L): Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Martha Lee Walters, Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum, Representative Akasha Lawrence Spence (D – Portland), BOG Member Traci Rossi, Oregon State Bar President Liani Reeves, and Mae Lee Browning, Chair, New Lawyers Group.

(From L): Former Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Edwin J. Peterson and Oregon State Bar President Liani Reeves.

(From L): Aruna Masih and Oregon State Bar CEO Helen Hiershbiel

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Board of Governors Legislative Breakfast Hosts Chief Justice and Legislators

On February 7, 2020, the OSB Board of Governors hosted Chief Justice Martha Walters and legislators at a legislative breakfast. Over the course of the morning the chief justice discussed the Oregon Judicial Department’s (OJD) 2020 proposed legislation as well as the the Department’s newly completed Strategic Plan. The strategic is made up of four key commitments, including:

1) Join with community partners to improve services and outcomes for people who are underserved, vulnerable, or marginalized; and develop effective, supportive, and creative solutions to respond to their legal needs

2) Improve access to justice by eliminating barriers; continuing to simplify and streamline our processes and forms; enhancing service options; leveraging technology; improving interpreter services; and advocating for resources to keep courts open, safe, and secure.

3) Enhance the public’s trust and confidence in Oregon’s state government, including the judicial branch, by listening and responding to the needs of those we serve; holding ourselves to high standards; and communicating the role of our courts in providing justice for all.

4) Create a workplace and courthouse culture that is supportive, inclusive, welcoming, and affirming; that embraces diversity; and where all people can thrive and are treated with respect and dignity.

Thank you to everyone who attended!

(from L): Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Martha Lee Walters (seated) and Representative Gary Lief (R – Roseburg).

(From L): Mae Lee Browning, Chair, New Lawyers Group and Representative Duane Stark (R – Grants Pass)

(From L): Representative Raquel Moore-Green (R – Salem) and BOG Member Katherine Denning.

(From L): Representative Jeff Barker (D – Aloha) and Oregon State Bar President Liani Reeves.

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Archives



Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.

2020 Public Affairs Committee Members


Eric Foster, Chair
Katherine Denning, Vice Chair
Kyra Rohner
Ryan Hunt
Michael Rondeau
Joseph Hesbrook
Joe Piucci
Rob Milesnick

Public Affairs Department


Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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January 31, 2020

Judiciary Committee Provides Overview of Bills for 2020 Session

On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, the House and Senate Interim Judiciary Committees met jointly to receive reports, introduce legislative concepts, and discuss policy issues.

The meeting was packed with presentations, including discussion of the Indian Child Welfare Act, an overview of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Program, a review of the Juvenile Expunction Work Group, and an introduction and overview of the House and Senate Judiciary Committee bills, among others. Of particular note are SB 1546, which relates to Public Safety; SB 1547, which relates to courts; and HB 4004, which relates to the Office of Public Defense Services.


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Bills of Interest

HB 4004 Expands membership of Public Defense Services Commission from seven to nine members. (Relating to the Public Defense Services Commission; declaring an emergency).
HB 4040 Directs Judicial Department to establish Family Treatment Court Program in certain counties to improve outcomes in child welfare cases resulting from parent’s or caregiver’s alleged substance use disorder. (Relating to family treatment courts; declaring an emergency).
HB 4148 Declares Oregon policy regarding Indian children. (Relating to Indian children).
SB 1547 Creates exception to requirement that court proceeding involving person in custody be transferred from court facility in Gresham to Portland if defendant is not in custody and certain warrants have been vacated or executed. (Relating to courts; declaring an emergency).
SB 1575 Defines terms related to fitness to proceed. (Relating to fitness to proceed).


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Introduction of Committee Bills during January Legislative Days

In mid-January the Oregon Legislature met to prepare for the 2020 legislative session. Over four days, committees met to receive reports, introduce legislative concepts, and discuss policy issues.

This year, bills were submitted to either the Chief Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate to be filed by the end of day on January 17, 2020, with the exception of bills submitted by the Senate President, the House Rules Committee, and the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

The majority of legislative committees have the opportunity to each submit three committee legislative concepts. This year, each state senator has the opportunity to submit one personal bill, each state representative has the opportunity to submit two personal bills, and the Governor and Judicial Department have the opportunity to submit five bills. There are exceptions to these limitations; for example, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and the Revenue Committees are not limited by the internal deadlines.

On January 27, 2020, the bills were posted and are now available for review. To review 2020 legislative concepts that have been pre-session filed, go to the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS) and click on the 2020 Legislative Session.

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2020 Committee Membership

Senate Committee on Judiciary
Senator Floyd Prozanski, Chair
Senator Kim Thatcher, Vice Chair
Senator Michael Dembrow
Senator Sarah Gelser
Senator Dennis Linthicum
Senator James Manning Jr.
Senator Alan Olsen

House Committee on Judiciary
Representative Tawna Sanchez, Chair
Representative Janelle Bynum, Vice-Chair
Representative Sherrie Sprenger, Vice-Chair
Representative Jeff Barker
Representative Mitch Greenlick
Representative Akasha Lawrence Spence
Representative Rick Lewis
Representative Raquel Moore-Green
Representative Carla Piluso
Representative Karin Power
Representative Duane Stark

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety
Senator James Manning Jr., Co-Chair
Representative Carla Piluso, Co-Chair
Senator Denyc Boles
Senator Lew Frederick
Representative Janelle Bynum
Representative Akasha Lawrence Spence
Representative Gary Leif
Representative Duane Stark

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President’s Reception in Salem – February 6, 2020, at the Salem Convention Center

Please join Oregon State Bar President Liani Reeves, the Oregon State Bar Board of Governors, and the Oregon Supreme Court’s Council on Inclusion and Fairness at the Salem Convention Center from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, February 6, 2020, for the OSB’s annual President’s Reception.

To RSVP, please email Cassandra Dyke at [email protected].

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Innovations in Technology Meets in Portland

In Mid-January, the annual Innovations in Technology Conference was held in Portland. This conference, which is now in its 20th year, began as an offshoot of the Legal Services Corporation’s Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) Program, which provides limited funding to legal services providers for technology projects. The LSC describes the conference’s purpose as “expand[ing] access to justice by promoting technological innovations in legal services delivery and pro se assistance.” Many in the legal community believe the mission is important because funding for low income legal services has historically fallen so short of what is needed to provide legal assistance to all who qualify. Some see the use of technology and alternative service delivery models as a partial solution to meeting the needs of some clients.

This year’s conference brought together legal services providers from around the United States and Canada, as well as IT professionals working on technology projects that aim to facilitate the provision of legal services to those in need. While much of the conference was focused on the legal needs of those who qualify for low income legal services, many of the programs and technologies discussed are equally applicable to meeting the legal needs of other clients.

One of the major focuses in 2020 was on IT projects that court systems and the legal services community have undertaken to assist the public both in understanding that they may have a legal problem and in finding legal services that are available in their area.

The Justice for All Summit was held in conjunction with the LSC Conference and was co-hosted by the Oregon Supreme Court, the Oregon State Bar, and Oregon’s legal aid providers. The one-day summit looking at ways to coordinate Oregon’s online legal self-help resources. Speakers included Angela Tripp, the Director of the Michigan Legal Help Program; J. Singleton, from the Legal Services State Support program in Minnesota; and Stacey Marz, the Administrative Director of the Alaska Court System.

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Archives



Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.

2020 Public Affairs Committee Members


Eric Foster, Chair
Katherine Denning, Vice Chair
Kyra Rohner
Ryan Hunt
Michael Rondeau
Joseph Hesbrook
Joe Piucci
Rob Milesnick

Public Affairs Department


Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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January 9, 2020

Legislature Releases 2020 Session Schedule

 

The 2020 legislative session will begin in less than a month. The session, scheduled for 35 days, was created to allow legislators to return to Salem to make necessary adjustments to the state’s budget and laws. While larger policy issues have arisen in the past, and are expected again this year, the calendar is crafted to move bills quickly through the legislative process by establishing multiple deadlines. For example, the first deadline is just four days after the legislature convenes.

This year, each state senator has the opportunity to submit one personal bill, each state representative has the opportunity to submit two personal bills, and each committee has the opportunity to submit three bills. There are exceptions to these limitations; for example, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and the Revenue Committees are not limited by the internal deadlines.

Bills are expected to be published the week before the legislative session. If questions arise, please don’t hesitate to contact the OSB Public Affairs Department.

Session Dates of Note

February 3, 2020 – Legislature convenes
February 7, 2020 – Bills must be scheduled for a work session in their chamber of origin
February 13, 2020 – Bills must have been voted out of committee in their chamber of origin
February 20, 2020 – Bills must be scheduled for a work session in the second chamber
February 25, 2020 – Bill must have been voted out of committee in the second chamber
March 8, 2020 – Session ends (sine die)

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Jennifer Williamson Resigns from State Legislature to Focus on Secretary of State Race

On December 30, 2019, former State Representative Jennifer Williamson stepped down from her position representing House District 36 to focus on running for Oregon Secretary of State.

During her time in the legislature, Williamson served as the House Majority Leader from 2015–2019 and served on the House Judiciary Committee, including as chair, from 2013–2015 and 2017–2019. Williamson championed additional funding for the courts, civil legal aid services, justice reinvestment, and indigent defense. Throughout her tenure, Williamson’s support of the Bar’s legislative priorities has been invaluable.

Former Representative Williamson joined the Oregon Legislature in 2012. Before that she was in private practice and represented Portland State University in the legislature.

The Democratic primary for Oregon Secretary of State will be held in May 2020. Other candidates for the Democratic nomination are State Senator Mark Hass (D-Beaverton); Jamie McLeod-Skinner, a lawyer, engineer, and city manager; and former director of the Oregon Department of Business and Consumer Services, Cameron Smith.

Jennifer Williamson at event in 2015.

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Oregon Judicial Department Updates Forms

The Oregon Judicial Department has updated many existing statewide forms, and has adopted other new forms, to respond to legislation enacted during the 2019 session that became effective on January 1, 2020.

Updated and new forms that will be available on the OJD’s online Forms Center as of January 1 apply in the following areas:

      • firearms dispossession and surrender (crosses several case types)
      • set-aside of residential evictions
      • set-aside of certain marijuana convictions
      • reduction of the offense classification for certain marijuana convictions
      • postconviction DNA testing
      • denial of U-Visa certification requests

All the affected forms are available online as printable PDFs, and many of them also are available as interactive forms. See https://www.courts.oregon.gov/forms/Pages/default.aspx for more information.


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Military and Vets Host CLE on House Bill 2462 (2019)

On December 17, 2019, the Oregon State Bar Military and Veterans Section hosted a CLE, “Veterans Defense and House Bill 2462,” at the Standard Building downtown. The CLE, led by Jesse Barton, a member of the Military and Veterans Section, focused on the changes stemming from the passage of HB 2462 (2019).

HB 2462 directs trial court judges to notify service members facing criminal prosecution of the various legal protections and programs they are afforded under state and local Oregon law. In response to the legislation, the Oregon Judicial Department is currently updating the Oregon Judges Criminal Benchbook. Once completed the Oregon State Bar will work with the Oregon Judicial Department to update the arraignment video to reflect the information identified in HB 2462.

OSB Military and Veterans Section members (from L): Ross Neher, 2019 chair, Jaimie Fender, 2018 chair, and Jesse Barton, executive committee member and CLE presenter. 

Jesse Barton, OSB Military and Veterans Section Executive Committee member and CLE presenter. 

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Archives



Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.

2020 Public Affairs Committee Members


Eric Foster, Chair
Kate Denning, Vice Chair
Kyra Rohner
Ryan Hunt
Michael Rondeau
Joseph Hesbrook
Joe Piucci
Rob Milesnick

Public Affairs Department


Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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December 17, 2019

State Senator Cliff Bentz Steps Down to Run for Congress

During November Legislative Days, State Senator Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) announced that he would be stepping down as of January 2, 2020, to run for Representative Greg Walden’s Congressional seat (Oregon’s Second District).

Senator Bentz joined the Oregon House of Representatives in 2008. After five terms in the House, he was appointed to the Oregon Senate in 2018 to complete the term of former Senator Ted Ferrolli. During Senator Bentz’s time in the legislature, he also maintained an active practice with Yturri Rose LLP in Ontario, with a focus on agricultural, water, and real property law.

While in the legislature, Senator Bentz worked on a number of issues important to the Bar and, most recently, served on the Senate Judiciary Committee. During the 2019 legislative session, Senator Bentz carried HB 2460, a bill from the Elder Law Section, and SB 360, a bill from the Nonprofit Organizations Law Section.

Former State Senator Jason Atkinson, former State Representative Knute Buehler, David Campbell, Kenneth Medenbach, Mark Roberts and Jeff Smith are also running in the Republican Primary. The Democratic primary contenders are John Holm, Raz Mason, and Isabella Tibbetts. The primary election will be held in May 2020.

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Lawyers at the Crossroads: Legal Ethics CLE at the Capitol

On December 6, 2019, the House and Senate Interim Judiciary Committees, in conjunction with the Oregon State Bar, hosted their final CLE in the Capitol for 2019. This CLE, presented by Dan Gilbert from the Oregon Legislature’s Office of Legislative Counsel and Amber Hollister, General Counsel for the Oregon State Bar, focused on the intersection of statutory ethics rules (ORS Chapter 244) and the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct. Thank you to Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), chair of the Judiciary Committee, for hosting this month’s CLE.

The one-hour CLE was certified for an ethics credit for Oregon lawyers. In addition, the CLE was recorded and is available for playback on the legislature’s website under “News Conferences and Non-Legislative Video.” To find the CLE, go to December 6, 2019, and look for the title of the CLE.

Additional CLEs will be offered in 2020. If you would like more information on future CLEs, please email Amy Zubko at [email protected]. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and provided feedback.

(From L: Dan Gilbert, Office of Legislative Counsel, Amber Hollister, General Counsel Oregon State Bar, and Senator Floyd Prozanski (D- Eugene)).


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How to Report MCLE Credit to the Oregon State Bar

This fall the Oregon State Bar updated the MCLE reporting process. If you attended or watched the CLEs at the Capitol, or participated in any other CLE for credit, the reporting process is below. If any questions arise, please contact the MCLE Department at the Oregon State Bar at [email protected].

Each of the CLEs listed below are available for playback on the legislature’s website under “News Conferences and Non-Legislative Video.”

To find the CLE in the MCLE database, follow the instructions below.

2019 CLEs at the Capitol

Mental Health in the Workplace
Monday, October 14, 2019
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Oregon State Capitol, Salem, Oregon
Program number: 60221

Mandatory Abuse Reporting
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Oregon State Capitol, Salem, Oregon
Program number: 61891

Lawyers at the Crossroads: Government Ethics and the Rules of Professional Conduct
Friday, December 6, 2019
noon – 1:00 p.m.
Oregon State Capitol, Salem, Oregon
Program number: 62700

MCLE Reporting Process
You may add a CLE program to your MCLE transcript by following these steps:

1. Log on to your Member Dashboard at hello.osbar.org
2. Go to the MCLE Reporting
3. Click Add Activity to Transcript
4. Click Accredited Group Course
5. Program Database Search Options (select one of the following)

      • Event ID
        i. Type in program ID # (replaces program number in old system)
        ii. Program automatically pops up in Search Results
        iii. Go to #6 below
      • Event Sponsor
        i. Type in sponsor name (spelled out / no acronyms)
        ii. Date range of program (optional)
        iii. Event Type (optional)
        iv. Credit type (optional)
        v. Go to #6 below
      • Event Title
        i. Type in program number, if available; title will auto populate – click on
        title to fill field
        ii. Leave all other fields blank
        iii. Go to #6 below
      • Date and City (for live events)
        i. Type in date of the event
        ii. Type in city of the event
        iii. Go to #6 below

6. Scroll down and click on Search Events
7. Double click on the course (LIVE version or RECORDED version)
8. Answer the question regarding if you completed all or part of the program.
9. Add the program to your transcript.


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NextGen Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) System Goes Live January 21, 2020

The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon will implement CM/ECF NextGen on January 21, 2020. Please review the NextGen Instructions about how to ensure that you will be able to e-file when NextGen is implemented.

For those with a PACER account that was established in mid-2014 or before, the attorney will need to upgrade the PACER account. In addition, all users will have to make sure they know their CM/ECF username and password and keep them handy, so that they can link their PACER and CM/ECF accounts in order to e-file in Oregon federal district court on or after January 21.

Essentially, the changes to CM/ECF will allow users to have a single user ID and password for both PACER and CM/ECF, and new applicants to the District of Oregon Bar will submit their applications via PACER. Otherwise, the user experience for e-filing will stay the same. Even so, it is important to review the steps in the document linked above to avoid any interruptions to your ability to e-file. For more information, please navigate to ord.uscourts.gov/nextgen.

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Proposed and Out-of-Cycle Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) Changes Published for Public Comment

On October 18, 2019, the Uniform Trial Court Rules Committee made recommendations to the Oregon Supreme Court on proposed changes to the Uniform Trial Court Rules. Some of these proposed changes, and one other change, were adopted out-of-cycle with various effective dates. In addition, the committee also recommended disapproval of some changes.

The committee encourages you to submit comments on these proposals, the recommendations (whether for approval or disapproval), and any other action taken by the committee or the Chief Justice. To be considered by the committee, public comment must be received by the UTCR Reporter by 5:00 p.m. on March 20, 2020.

A complete list with detailed explanations as well as instructions on how to submit comments is posted on the Oregon Judicial Department’s website at https://www.courts.oregon.gov/programs/utcr/Documents/19eBCM032jm_Notice-Seeking-Public-Comment-2020-Proposed-UTCR-Changes.pdf.

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Archives



Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.

2019 Public Affairs Committee Members


Eric Foster, Chair
Eddie Medina, Vice Chair
Whitney Boise
John Bachofner
Kate Denning
Kamron Graham
Bik-Na Han
Michael Rondeau 

Public Affairs Department


Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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November 22, 2019

House of Delegates Votes to Support Funding for Civil Low-Income Legal Services, Court System, and Indigent Defense

On November 1, 2019, the House of Delegates met at the Oregon State Bar Center for their annual meeting. In attendance were 130 delegates who voted on a variety of proposals, including an amendment to Oregon Rule of Professional Conduct 7.2 that would allow nominal gifts and a new fee structure for bar licensing fees.

In addition, the House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly in support of adequate funding for low-income civil legal services, the Oregon Judicial Department, and indigent defense.

Beginning in 2005, the House of Delegates has voted in support of funding for low-income civil legal services every year. As stated in section 1.2 of the OSB Bylaws, the “mission of the Oregon State Bar is to serve justice by promoting respect for the rule of law, by improving the quality of legal services and by increasing access to justice.” One of the three main functions of the Bar is to “advance a fair, inclusive, and accessible justice system.” OSB Bylaw § 1.2.

This year, Danny Lang, a delegate from Region 3, submitted a resolution in support of funding for the Oregon Judicial Department. This resolution encouraged all members of the Oregon State Bar to share the need for adequate funding for the judicial branch with legislators to ensure access to justice. The motion passed.

Since 2011, the Oregon State Bar has been working through the Citizens Campaign for Court Funding in support of funding for the Oregon Judicial Department. For more information on the program, please visit the website.

Delegate Resolution No. 5 in support of public defense referenced the findings of Sixth Amendment Center, which determined that “Oregon’s fixed-fee contract system pits appointed counsels’ financial self-interest against the due process rights of their clients.” The resolution, which passed, encouraged the Oregon State Bar and staff to continue to participate actively and work to obtain adequate resources and appropriate caseload standards.

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Joint Judiciary Committee Meets to Discuss Public Defense Services Commission

This week, the House and Senate Interim Judiciary Committees met jointly to discuss a variety of issues including Juvenile Detention Guidelines, the implementation of Senate Bill 24 (2019), and an update from the Office of Public Defense Services (OPDS).

During the 2019 legislative session, the legislature reserved $20 million for the OPDS through a special purpose appropriation (SPA) in House Bill 5050 (2019). Part of that funding, if released, is expected to be used in part to fund a new contracting model. Funds are also expected to be used to help ensure financial accountability and quality assurance. The Joint Committee on Ways and Means will meet during the February 2020 legislative session.

For additional information, please see the meeting materials published online at the Oregon Legislative Information Services (OLIS) website: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2019I1/Committees/SJUD/2019-11-20-14-00/MeetingMaterials.


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Mandatory Abuse Reporting for Lawyers CLE at the Capitol

On November 19, 2019, the House and Senate Interim Judiciary Committees and the Oregon State Bar hosted Mandatory Abuse Reporting for Lawyers CLE at the Oregon State Capitol. Linn Davis, manager of the Oregon State Bar’s Client Assistance Office and assistant general counsel, presented an updated CLE to legislators, staff, and practitioners. The 1-hour CLE met the requirement for abuse reporting for Oregon lawyers who are required to report in 2019. The CLE was recorded and is available for playback through the Oregon Legislative Information System under “News Conferences and Non-Legislative Events”. To find the CLE, go to November 19, 2019, and look for the title of the CLE.


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Save the Date — December 6, 2019, Ethics CLE at the Capitol

On December 6, 2019, the House and Senate Interim Judiciary Committees and the Oregon State Bar will present Lawyers at the Crossroads: Government Ethics and the Rules of Professional Conduct CLE. Amber Hollister, general counsel for the Oregon State Bar, and Dan Gilbert, senior deputy legislative counsel for the Oregon State Legislature, will present from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the Oregon State Capitol, Hearing Room E. Registration is not required. The CLE will be recorded and available for playback through the Oregon Legislative Information System under “News Conferences and Non-Legislative Events”.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Zubko at [email protected].

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Archives



Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
The archives are available here.

2019 Public Affairs Committee Members


Eric Foster, Chair
Eddie Medina, Vice Chair
Whitney Boise
John Bachofner
Kate Denning
Kamron Graham
Bik-Na Han
Michael Rondeau 

Public Affairs Department


Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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October 24, 2019

House of Delegates to Meet on November 1, 2019

The annual House of Delegates meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on November 1, 2019, at the Oregon State Bar. This year the proposed resolutions include:

      • establishment of a new fee structure with discounts based on income, rather than years of practice;
      • amendment of Oregon Rule of Professional Conduct 7.2 to specifically allow for the exchange of nominal gifts;
      • relocation of the Oregon State Bar to Salem;
      • study of the risk of machine-manipulated media on litigation and other judicial proceedings in Oregon; and
      • support adequate funding for the courts and for civil and criminal legal services for low-income Oregonians.

In addition, Christine Costantino will deliver the report of the President, and Chief Judge James Egan from the Oregon Court of Appeals will deliver the report from the court. David Wade, chair of the BOG Budget and Finance Committee, will report on the committee and provide notice of the 2020 annual bar fees, including the need for an increase of the Client Security Fund assessment from $15 to $50 in 2020.

For more information on the House of Delegates meeting, the proposed resolutions, and reports from the Board of Governors, please visit the Oregon State Bar’s House of Delegate webpage. Any questions, please contact Cassandra Dyke by email at [email protected].

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Oregon Law Commission Meets at the University of Oregon School of Law

On October 18, 2019, the Oregon Law Commission (OLC) held its met at the University of Oregon School of Law. The OLC is tasked by the Legislature to “conduct a continuous program of law revision, reform, and improvement.” Over the last 22 years, the OLC has undertaken law revision projects requiring a long-term commitment and an impartial approach, including: probate modernization, adoption records, collateral consequences, receivership, UCC Article 9 and the Uniform Trust Code.

The Commission currently has five work groups that are either active or in development.

      • LLC Modernization
      • Notarial Acts
      • Direct Criminal Appeals
      • Collaborative Law
      • E-Hearsay

In addition, the Commission received a new project proposal addressing “Dissolution Proceeding Definitions and Allocation of Parental Decision Making.” The Commission will consider the new proposal at its next Commission meeting.

If you have questions about the Commission or the work it has done, please contact Sandy Weintraub at [email protected] or (541) 346-0042.

Chair, P.K. Runkles-Pearson. Photo Credit: Anna Johnson.

Commissioner Senator Floyd Prozanski. Photo Credit: Anna Johnson.

(Counterclockwise from R): Debbie Thurman, Judge Stephen Bushong, Mark Comstock, Justice Rebecca Duncan, P.K. Runkles-Pearson (Chair), Sandy Weintraub, Christina Obold Eshleman, and Madeline Lorang. Photo Credit: Anna Johnson. 


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Update from the Oregon Council on Court Procedures

The Oregon Council on Court Procedures is the Oregon public body that is most directly involved in creating, reviewing, and amending the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCP) that govern procedure and practice in all Oregon circuit courts. The 2019–2021 biennial work cycle began in September and the Council will be meeting the second Tuesday of every month for the next several months.

The Council, which is housed at Lewis and Clark Law School, recently updated its website (link above) to provide greater accessibility and transparency. The work of the Council, including updates to each rule, is now searchable by biennium or by rule. Once approved, agendas and minutes for the current biennium’s council are posted as well.

Over the next two years, the Council will consider proposed rule changes, and, if deemed necessary, submit the updated ORCPs to the Legislature as part of the 2021 legislative process. Proposed rule changes may arise from developments in case law, new state or federal legislation, technological developments, or changes in the practice of law.

If you have questions about the Council or the work it has done, please visit https://counciloncourtprocedures.org, or contact Council staff at [email protected].


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2021 Legislative Session . . . It Will Be Here Sooner than You Think

Preparations for the 2021 legislative session have begun. Workgroups are meeting, draft language is being discussed, and the Oregon State Bar’s Law Improvement Program will be assisting sections and committees to work their way through the legislative process.

The Oregon State Bar Law Improvement Program is an avenue for Bar sections and committees to participate in the legislative process. Law improvement legislation includes proposals to clarify statutory ambiguities, modify unforeseen “glitches” in major legislation passed in previous sessions, and codify case law as necessary. The deadline for submission to the Board of Governors is April 1, 2020. Proposals will be reviewed by the Public Affairs Committee of the Board of Governors during a legislative forum held in early May. For more information on the Law Improvement Program, please visit the OSB Public Affairs Department webpage.

Please contact Susan Grabe, Director of the Oregon State Bar Public Affairs Department, with questions at [email protected].

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CLEs in the Capitol: Mental Health in the Workplace

On October 14, 2019, Judge Gregory Silver from the Multnomah County Circuit Court and Vanessa Nordyke, past president of the Oregon State Bar, presented a CLE on Mental Health in the Workplace. The CLE fulfilled the new Mental Health/Substance Abuse MCLE requirement recently approved by the Oregon Supreme Court.

The CLE, which was co-sponsored by the Senate and House Interim Judiciary Committees and the Oregon State Bar, opened with an introduction from Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), the current chair of the Senate Interim Judiciary Committee, and was attended by close to 40 practitioners. The CLE is also available on the Oregon State Legislature’s website .

The Judiciary Committees and the Oregon State Bar are currently planning to host a Child/Elder Abuse Reporting CLE on November 19, 2019 and an Ethics CLE in December. Additional information will be shared as dates are finalized. If you would like more information on future CLEs, please email Amy Zubko at [email protected].

Thank you to Judge Silver and Vanessa Nordyke for volunteering their time for this important CLE.

(from L): Senator Floyd Prozanski, Vanessa Nordyke, and Judge Gregory Silver.

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    Archives



    Thank you for reading the Oregon State Bar’s CAPITOL INSIDER.
    The archives are available here.

    2019 Public Affairs Committee Members


    Eric Foster, Chair
    Eddie Medina, Vice Chair
    Whitney Boise
    John Bachofner
    Kate Denning
    Kamron Graham
    Bik-Na Han
    Michael Rondeau 

    Public Affairs Department


    Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
    Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
    Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
    Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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September 26, 2019

Oregon File and Serve Closed on Monday, September 30, 2019

On Monday, September 30, 2019, the Oregon Judicial Department will close OJD File & Serve for approximately 7 hours next week.

Chief Justice Walters signed Chief Justice Order 19-061, which closes File & Serve from 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 30 to 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1. This closure is necessary to update the system to reflect court fees modified by House Bill 3447 and take effect on October 1, 2019.

Closing filing hours early, since the filing day ends at 11:59:59 p.m., triggers ORS 174.120, which extends statutory time limitations to the end of the next day. Please be aware, therefore, that many deadlines that would have previously fallen on September 30 will now fall on October 1.

If you have additional questions about this closure, please contact your local court clerk for more information.


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New Court Filing Fees Take Effect October 1

During the 2019 session, the legislature passed HB 3447, which increased filing fees. The new fee schedule will take effect on October 1, 2019. The majority of fees impacted by the bill will increase by 6% from previous levels. Be sure to check for increased fees beginning on October 1.

As part of the process for implementing the new fee schedule, the OJD will be closing the File and Serve system at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30. The system is scheduled to be down for 7 hours. The new fee schedule will also be available on the OJD website after that time.


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2020 and 2021 Legislative Concepts Discussed in Salem

Last week the 90 members of the legislature returned to Salem for the September Legislative and Task Force Days. While there were early discussions of a possible legislative special session addressing Senate Bill 1013, the Governor ultimately announced that a special session would not take place.

A number of potential concepts and issues for the 2020 and 2021 legislative sessions were discussed. During the meeting of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on Wednesday, the committees held an informational hearing.  The agenda included the following topics:

      • Body cameras in Oregon
      • Community Corrections funding
      • Foote v. State (SC S065883
      • The Indian Child Welfare Act
      • Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
      • Improving developmentally disabled adults’ interactions with the Criminal Justice System
      • Wine labeling (Senate only)

The following day, the Attorney General’s Consumer Privacy Task Force held its inaugural meeting. The work group will explore a variety of issues including, but not limited to:

      • Use of biometrics
      • Right to correction
      • Special protections for minors

Use and protection of data by law enforcement, the medical community, and local and state government will be covered in other work groups. The Task Force, organized led by Oregon Department of Justice, aims to develop legislative concepts and language for the 2021 legislative session.

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Oregon Supreme Court Building to Close

Oregon’s historic Supreme Court building will close in November 2019 for an extensive renovation project. The building is expected to close for approximately two years, during which time major upgrades will be made to modernize the structure and ensure its long-term continued use.

Most offices currently located in the courthouse will be moved to other locations in Salem. Arguments in the Oregon Supreme Court and in the Oregon Court of Appeals will be heard at other venues, including at the Justice Building across the street.

For detailed information please visit the Oregon Judicial Department’s website.

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    2019 Legislation Highlights Will be Published in October

    This fall the Oregon State Bar will be releasing the 2019 Oregon Legislation Highlights. Each year the Bar produces a book detailing many of the more significant bills passed by the legislature during the recently completed session. Bill summaries are arranged by topic, allowing lawyers to easily review those that may be relevant to their practice. Summaries are authored by other attorneys who are experienced in the area of law on which they are writing, and often include useful practice tips for lawyers who are working with the new laws. Legislation Highlights is available free online for Bar members through BarBooks. Legislation Highlights can be a valuable tool to provide law practitioners keep up with the latest changes to Oregon law.

    If you have any questions or need more information about the 2019 Legislation Highlights, please contact the Bar’s Public Affairs Department.

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    Save the Date – October 14 Wellness/Mental Health CLE

    On October 14, 2019, the Senate and House Judiciary Committees will host a Wellness/Mental Health CLE (application pending) in Salem at the Oregon State Capitol. Vanessa Nordyke, past-president of the Oregon State Bar, will present the CLE in Hearing Room C from noon to 1:00 p.m.

    On January 1, 2019, the Oregon Supreme Court approved a new MCLE rule requiring one hour per reporting period on the subject of mental health, substance use, and cognitive impairment. This requirement replaced one of the general/practical skills credits. For those bar members who need to report their CLE credits by December 31, 2019, this CLE will meet the new requirement.

    If you have any questions or need more information about the Wellness/Mental Health CLE, please contact Amy Zubko at [email protected].

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    2019 Public Affairs Committee Members


    Eric Foster, Chair
    Eddie Medina, Vice Chair
    Whitney Boise
    John Bachofner
    Kate Denning
    Kamron Graham
    Bik-Na Han
    Michael Rondeau 

    Public Affairs Department


    Susan Grabe, Public Affairs Director
    Amy Zubko, Public Affairs Legislative Attorney
    Matt Shields, Public Affairs Staff Attorney
    Kellie Baumann, Public Affairs Assistant

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