BOLI Proposes Rule Changes to Clarify Time Limitations

On October 10, 2006, the Bureau of Labor and Industries filed Notices of Proposed Rulemaking for amendments to Division 3 Civil Rights Rules.  The proposed changes to OAR 839-003-0025 and OAR 839-003-0065 are intended to clarify time limitations for notifying respondents of civil rights complaints and for respondents to respond to civil rights complaints. 

The proposed rules state that BOLI will provide a written notice to the employer within 30 days after an administrative complaint is filed.  The rules impose a 14-day deadline on parties responding to the complaint.  The 14-day response time, which runs from the date of the notice, as opposed to the date on which the notice is received, may provide inadequate time for some employers to investigate and submit a written response.

BOLI is accepting comments on the proposed rules until November 28, 2006.  Comments may be mailed to Marcia Ohlemiller, c/o BOLI, 800 NE Oregon St. #1045, Portland Or. 97232 or emailed to Marcia.L.Ohlemiller@state.or.us.