Note:  These updates are informational only.  It is not legal advice.  
If you have questions about the information in any update, please contact us so we can properly assess
your situation and discuss a resolution that best suits your government.

Discipline and Discharge

All employers are faced with situations where an employee needs to be disciplined or have their employment terminated. This article will discuss how to avoid making some obvious mistakes when handling the discipline and termination processes. There is no such thing as a “slam-dunk” discipline or termination. In this era of litigation, every discipline or termination decision could be subject to a claim or a lawsuit.

Changes to OFLA and PLO

This is a friendly reminder about the Oregon Legislature’s recently passed Senate Bill 1515, which made changes to the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) effective July 1, 2024.  The goal of these change was to minimize overlap between the provisions of OFLA and Paid Leave Oregon (PLO).  This is your reminder to review and update your policies consistent with the changes from SB 1515. 

One Year of Recreational Immunity

Oregon’s “recreational immunity” law has been a hot topic in the local government world this past year. After a July 2023 Court of Appeals decision, which interpreted and applied the statutory protection in a new way, the Oregon legislature recently passed a bill temporarily re-framing recreational immunity under law.

Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions

Unlike Federal and State systems, local governments typically do not have separation of powers.  For instance, a Fire District Board may in a single meeting act like a legislature by passing a fire code, or act as an executive branch by approving a contract.  The type of decision will dictate the form used.