Oregon measure sets limits on officials’ use of public office

The section describes limits on how public officials may use their office for financial gain. The rules cover public officials, their relatives and household members, and businesses associated with them. The limits include listed exceptions, such as official compensation, certain gifts, expense reimbursement, and other specified items. The enrolled act took effect when it passed on April 7, 2026.

Public officials may not trade official decisions for promises of future jobs. The rule applies to public officials and to people offering or giving them a promise of future employment. The restriction applies when there is an understanding that the promise would influence the official’s vote, action, or judgment.

Current and former officials may not use confidential information from public service to advance personal gain. The rule covers current officials using information for their own gain and former officials using it to advance another person’s gain.

Officials may not use public money to pay civil penalties imposed on them by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. This covers current and former public officials and penalties imposed under the cited state laws.