OR HB3945

Expands the Oregon Government Ethics Commission from 9 to 11 members, requiring the Governor to appoint two practicing attorneys from recommendations by the League of Oregon Cities, Association of Oregon Counties, Oregon School Boards Association, and Special Districts Association of Oregon

Limits the Commission's authority to investigate and impose penalties for public meetings law violations (ORS 192.630 quorum requirements) to only intentional violations committed with willful misconduct or intentional disregard of the law

Expands the definition of "convening" for public meetings to include serial electronic written communications among governing body members within a 30-day period

Exempts from ethics violation rules legal expenses incurred by governmental agencies for providing legal advice or representation to public officials for compliance purposes, defense in ethics proceedings, stalking protective orders related to official duties, or proceedings authorized by governing body vote

Permits local government officials to vote on matters related to their own stipends, salaries, or official compensation when approving budgets under ORS chapter 294 or in compliant public meetings