HB 2020 defines the role of the First Partner, bans speaking fees and requires other public disclosure from Governor’s staff.
Under a bill passed by the Oregon House this morning, the roles and responsibilities of Oregon’s First Partner will be clarified and defined in state statute.
House Bill 2020 is part of bipartisan package of bills, proposed by Governor Kate Brown, to begin the work of restoring the public’s faith in state government. It was co-sponsored by House Speaker Tina Kotek, House Majority Leader Val Hoyle, Senate President Peter Courtney, Senate Majority Leader Diane Rosenbaum, and Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli.
HB 2020 addresses a longstanding lack of clarity around the official roles and responsibilities of the First Partner. The bill recognizes that the person who is the Governor’s partner – the First Lady or the First Gentleman – serves in a public role. To this end, the bill makes clear that the First Partner is a statutorily defined position.
Additionally, HB 2020 prohibits the Governor, First Partner, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General and Commissioner of Bureau of Labor and Industries from receiving speaking fees while in office. It also requires the First Partner and key advisors in the Governor’s office to fill out Statement of Economic Interest forms.
“It’s become crystal clear that we’ve got a lot of work to do to restore the public’s trust in those they’ve elected to represent them,” says Rep. Val Hoyle (D-West Eugene & Junction City), who carried the bill. “There’s no single bill that will accomplish that goal, but I believe that by working together—across the aisle—to make real, meaningful improvements, we can increase transparency and improve accountability.”
HB 2020 passed 58-1 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
