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Committee hears arguments to extend public‑body attorney‑client privilege from 25 to 50 years
Summary
Supporters of House Bill 2,533 told the House Judiciary committee that extending the confidentiality period for public‑body attorney‑client communications from 25 years to 50 years will protect candid legal advice and help public entities in long‑running litigation.
Supporters of House Bill 2,533 told the House Committee on Judiciary that extending the time public‑body attorney‑client communications remain exempt from public inspection from 25 years to 50 years is a measured compromise that protects candid legal advice while preserving long‑term public access.
"Attorney client privilege is vital to the fairness of our justice system," said Representative Tom Anderson, the bill's chief sponsor. Jennifer Johnston, senior deputy city attorney for the city of Portland, told the committee that the current 25‑year limitation, which the Oregon Supreme Court recently interpreted in a public‑records case, leaves public bodies at a disadvantage compared with private parties in long‑running litigation.…
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