Committee hears competing views on bill to apply public‑records law to public university foundations

SALEM, Ore. — Supporters and foundation leaders offered sharply different views Tuesday on House Bill 3213, the so‑called University Foundation Sunshine Act, which would bring public university foundations under Oregon public‑records laws.

Representative Bárbara (Bara) Chaitche (D–House District 35), the bill sponsor, said the measure would expand transparency by adding university foundations to the statutory definition of public bodies and requiring annual financial reporting, audits and disclosure of donor‑restricted terms and foundation contracts. “Shining a light on these conditions encourages open discussion on spending in the best interests of students, faculty, donors and the public,” she said.

Supporters’ case: Andrew Ducharme, a graduate student at the University of Oregon and ASUO senator, testified on behalf of education workers that foundations hold and disperse donated money “for the use of a public university” and that gift restrictions substantially shape university programs. He said many foundation activities are effectively intertwined with…