Oregon DOJ launches new online resource to help residents navigate government

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Justice has launched an online resource called “Open Door to Government” to help residents navigate state government operations, in hopes of making government more transparent and accessible for all Oregonians.

The new portal offers guidance on public records requests, public meeting laws, official legal opinions, board appointments and administrative rulemaking. The resource is designed to clarify information on legal rights and government procedures without residents needing to seek out legal expertise.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the initiative aims to make state resources directly available to the public.

“Government only works for people if they can find their way into it,” Rayfield said. “Open Door to Government is about making sure Oregonians don't have to be lawyers or insiders to understand their rights, ask a question, or get an answer. We're opening the door wider and we're committed to continuously expanding and improving these resources.”

The resource features an “Oregon DOJ and Me” toolkit that outlines the role of the Attorney General, explains agency functions and answers common questions. A separate Public Records Toolkit provides links to submit records requests, view current requests and review answers regarding state public records law.

For local governance, the Public Meetings Toolkit outlines legal compliance obligations for governing bodies and provides guidance for citizens monitoring public meetings. The Attorney General Opinions section offers formal legal positions representing the state, along with context detailing their local relevance.

The portal also includes an Attorney General Appointments section listing advisory committees, task forces, councils and commissions that receive appointments from the attorney general, alongside instructions for public involvement.

Lastly, the Rules and Rulemaking section provides rule definitions, proposed regulations and recently adopted administrative policies.

The DOJ plans to expand the online resource to include additional tools in the coming months.