Oregon's Senate Bill 166, introduced on January 30, 2025, aims to reform the electoral structure of the Oregon State Bar's Board of Governors by establishing a more equitable representation system based on the distribution of attorneys across the state. The bill proposes to divide Oregon into regions for the purpose of electing board members, ensuring that each region's representation corresponds to its attorney population. This adjustment seeks to address concerns about unequal representation and enhance the democratic process within the legal community.

Key provisions of SB 166 include a mandate for the Board of Governors to review and potentially adjust regional boundaries every ten years, based on the number of attorneys in each area. Additionally, the bill stipulates that only active members of the Oregon State Bar who maintain their principal offices within the designated regions can vote for and be elected to the board. This change is intended to ensure that board members are closely connected to the communities they represent.

The bill has sparked discussions among legal professionals, with some advocating for the changes as a necessary step toward fair representation, while others express concerns about the potential complexities and administrative burdens of implementing new regional divisions. Notably, the bill also disqualifies judges and full-time judicial officers from serving on the board, aiming to maintain a clear separation between the judiciary and the bar's governance.

The implications of SB 166 extend beyond mere administrative adjustments; they touch on broader issues of representation and accountability within the legal profession. Experts suggest that if passed, the bill could lead to a more engaged and representative board, ultimately benefiting the legal community and the public it serves. As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the bill's progress and its potential impact on the governance of the Oregon State Bar.