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Bill

HB 3213

Relating to public records disclosure by public university foundations; declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Farrah Chaichi and 11 co-sponsors

Oregon bill requiring public university foundations to disclose public records like their parent universities, with emergency implementation clause.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3213

Legislative bill overview

HB 3213 would require public university foundations in Oregon to disclose their records to the public, similar to transparency requirements that apply to the universities themselves. The bill declares an emergency, suggesting the sponsors believe immediate implementation is necessary rather than waiting for standard legislative timelines.

Why is this important

University foundations control and distribute significant charitable funds and donations that support public universities. Currently, these foundations operate with greater privacy protections than the universities themselves, creating a transparency gap in how public university-related money is spent and managed. This bill addresses whether foundations funded by or closely associated with public institutions should be subject to the same public records laws as government agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Donor privacy vs. transparency: Foundations argue that disclosure requirements could discourage major donors who expect confidentiality, potentially reducing charitable giving to universities
  • Competitive disadvantage: Foundations may claim that revealing financial strategies, investment decisions, and donor information could harm their ability to compete with private foundations or manage endowments effectively
  • Scope definition: Disagreement over which foundations should be covered—only those directly controlled by universities, or any foundation significantly supporting a public university

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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