reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.005 - Definitions for ORS 243.005 to 243.045.

As used in ORS 243.005 to 243.045:
(1) "Firefighter" means persons employed by a city, county or district whose duties involve fire fighting and includes a volunteer firefighter whose position normally requires less than 600 hours of service per year.
(2)(a) "Police officer" includes:
(A) Police chiefs and police officers of a city who are classified as police officers by the council or other governing body of the city;
(B) Police officers commissioned by a university under ORS 352.121 who are classified as police officers by the university;
(C) Sheriffs and those deputy sheriffs whose duties, as classified by the county governing body are the regular duties of police officers;
(D) Employees of districts, whose duties, as classified by the governing body of the district are the regular duties of police officers;
(E) Employees of the Department of State Police who are classified as police officers by the Superintendent of State Police;
(F) Employees of the Criminal Justice Division of the Department of Justice who are classified by the Attorney General as criminal investigators or criminal financial investigators;
(G) Employees of the Oregon State Lottery Commission who are classified by the Director of the Oregon State Lottery as enforcement agents;
(H) Employees of Department of Corrections institutions as defined in ORS 421.005 whose duties, as assigned by the superintendent, include the custody of persons committed to the custody of or transferred to the Department of Corrections institution; and
(I) Parole and probation officers employed by the Department of Corrections.
(b) "Police officer" does not include:
(A) Volunteer or reserve police officers; or
(B) Persons considered by the respective governing bodies to be civil deputies or clerical personnel.
(3) "Public employer" means a city, a county or the state, or one of its agencies or political subdivisions that employs police officers or firefighters. [1971 c.692 §6; 1985 c.302 §11; 1987 c.320 §149; 1991 c.67 §61; 2001 c.33 §1; 2011 c.506 §35; 2019 c.5 §1]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.015 - Life insurance for police and firefighters.

The Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall enter into a contract with an insurance company licensed to do business in this state to purchase insurance as described in ORS 243.025 for all police officers and firefighters in the service of public employers. [1971 c.692 §7; 1973 c.409 §1; 1991 c.67 §62]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.025 - Issuance of $10,000 life insurance certificate.

When the Oregon Department of Administrative Services has awarded the contract under ORS 243.015, every police officer and firefighter in the service of a public employer shall be issued, pursuant to the contract provided for in ORS 243.015, a certificate of insurance in the face amount of $10,000, covering death caused by injury sustained during working hours as a police officer or firefighter or death resulting from such an injury within 365 days. The insurance certificate shall set forth the names of any beneficiaries whom the insured may designate. [1971 c.692 §8; 1973 c.409 §2; 1991 c.67 §63]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.035 - Premiums and administrative costs to be budgeted and paid by public employers.

(1) The premiums and administrative costs incurred by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for the insurance provided for in ORS 243.005 to 243.045 shall be paid by the affected public employers and shall not come from funds of the Public Employees Retirement System.
(2) Every public employer shall include in its budget amounts sufficient to pay the annual premiums accruing on the policies of insurance issued pursuant to ORS 243.005 to 243.045, and amounts sufficient to reimburse the Oregon Department of Administrative Services for its administrative expenses incurred under ORS 243.005 to 243.045. [Subsection (1) enacted as 1971 c.692 §9; subsection (2) enacted as 1971 c.692 §10]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.045 - Police and firefighters considered common group for certain purposes.

For purposes of the Insurance Code, police officers and firefighters are considered to be associated in a common group formed for purposes other than the obtaining of insurance. [1971 c.692 §11; 1973 c.409 §3; 1991 c.67 §64]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.055 - Exemption from requirements of ORS 243.005 to 243.045 for certain public employers.

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 243.005 to 243.045, if a public employer provides benefits equal to or better than the insurance required under ORS 243.025, as determined by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the public employer is exempt from the requirements of ORS 243.005 to 243.045 for so long as such benefits continue to be equal or better than the insurance required, as determined by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
(2) Determinations pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall be made after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing as provided in ORS chapter 183. [1971 c.692 §12; 1973 c.612 §13]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.057 - Role of executive director.

(1) The executive director of the Public Employees’ Benefit Board shall also serve as the executive director of the Oregon Educators Benefit Board.
(2) The executive director shall combine administrative functions and operations of the Public Employees’ Benefit Board and the Oregon Educators Benefit Board to the greatest extent practicable to avoid duplication of effort and to promote efficiency, to the extent the combination of functions and operations is consistent with applicable law and administrative rule.
(3) At least once each year, the executive director shall report to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to health on the status of the merger of the functions and operations of the boards and actions taken by the executive director to carry out the plan developed under section 25, chapter 746, Oregon Laws 2017. [2017 c.746 §26]
Note:
243.057 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 243 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.066 - Officers; quorum; meetings.

(1) The Public Employees’ Benefit Board shall select one of its appointed voting members as chairperson and another appointed voting member as vice chairperson, for terms and with duties and powers necessary for the performance of the functions of those offices as the board determines.
(2) A majority of the voting members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
(3) The board shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the voting members of the board. [1997 c.222 §3]
Note:
See note under 243.061.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.107 - Employees of public universities eligible to participate in benefit plan.

A person employed by a public university listed in ORS 352.002 or the Oregon Health and Science University may be considered an eligible employee for participation in one of the group benefit plans described in ORS 243.135 if the governing board of the public university, or the Oregon Health and Science University Board of Directors for Oregon Health and Science University employees, determines that funds are available therefor and if:
(1) Notwithstanding ORS 243.105 (4)(b)(F), the person is a student enrolled in an institution of higher education and is employed as a graduate teaching assistant, graduate research assistant or a fellow at the institution and elects to participate; or
(2) Notwithstanding ORS 243.105 (4)(b)(B) or (C), the person is employed on a less than half-time basis in an unclassified instructional or research support capacity and elects to participate. [1983 c.266 §2; 1991 c.89 §2; 1995 c.162 §65; 1997 c.222 §28; 1999 c.971 §4; 2011 c.637 §77; 2013 c.768 §113; 2015 c.767 §64]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.125 - Powers and duties of board; rules.

(1) The Public Employees’ Benefit Board shall prescribe rules for the conduct of its business and for carrying out ORS 243.256. The board shall study all matters connected with the providing of adequate benefit plan coverage for eligible employees on the best basis possible with relation both to the welfare of the employees and to the state and local governments. The board shall design benefits, devise specifications, analyze carrier responses to advertisements for bids and decide on the award of contracts. Contracts shall be signed by the chairperson on behalf of the board.
(2) In carrying out its duties under subsection (1) of this section, the goal of the board shall be to provide a high quality plan of health and other benefits for employees at a cost affordable to both the employer and the employees.
(3) Subject to ORS chapter 183, the board may make rules not inconsistent with ORS 243.105 to 243.285 and 292.051 to determine the terms and conditions of eligible employee participation and coverage.
(4)(a) The board shall prepare specifications, invite bids and do acts necessary to award contracts for health benefit plan and dental benefit plan coverage of eligible employees in accordance with the criteria set forth in ORS 243.135 (1).
(b) Premium rates established by the board for a self-insured health benefit plan and premium rates negotiated by the board with a carrier that offers a health benefit plan to eligible employees must take into account any reduction in the cost of hospital services and supplies anticipated to result from the application of ORS 243.256.
(5) The executive director of the board shall report to the Director of the Oregon Health Authority.
(6) The board may retain consultants, brokers or other advisory personnel when necessary and, subject to the State Personnel Relations Law, shall employ such personnel as are required to perform the functions of the board. If the board contracts for actuarial or technical support to manage the functions of the board, the board shall solicit invitations to bid and the proposals must include all of the following:
(a) An explanation of how the bidder has assisted other clients in creating incentives to improve the quality of care provided to enrollees;
(b) An explanation of how the bidder will support the board’s efforts to maximize provider efficiencies and achieve more organized systems of care; and
(c) A description of the bidder’s experience in assisting other clients in structuring contracts that use risk-based networks of providers and alternative provider reimbursement methodologies. [1971 c.527 §3; 1975 c.560 §1; 1975 c.667 §1a; 1983 c.640 §2; 1987 c.879 §9; 1997 c.222 §29; 2001 c.655 §5; 2011 c.418 §10; 2013 c.731 §3; 2017 c.746 §30; 2023 c.51 §1]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.129 - Participation in benefit plan by local government.

(1) The governing body of a local government may elect to participate in a benefit plan offered by the Public Employees’ Benefit Board.
(2) The decision of the governing body of a local government to participate in a benefit plan offered by the board is in the discretion of the governing body of the local government and is a permissive subject of collective bargaining.
(3) If the governing body of a local government elects to offer a benefit plan through the board, the governing body may elect one time only to provide alternative group health and welfare insurance benefit plans to eligible employees if:
(a) The alternative benefit plan is offered through the health insurance exchange under ORS 741.310 (1)(b); and
(b) The participation of the local government is not precluded under federal law on or after January 1, 2017. [2013 c.731 §14]
Note:
243.129 was added to and made a part of 243.105 to 243.285 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.140 - Health benefit and dental plans for persons operating foster homes.

(1) Persons whose homes are certified as a foster home by the Department of Human Services under ORS 418.630 and as defined in ORS 418.625 (3) may participate in a health benefit plan available to employees pursuant to ORS 243.105 to 243.285 at the expense of the foster parent. For such purposes, foster parents shall be considered eligible employees.
(2) A person who maintains a developmental disability child foster home that is certified by the department under ORS 443.830 and 443.835 may participate in a health benefit plan available to employees pursuant to ORS 243.105 to 243.285 at the expense of the person. For such purposes, the person maintaining the home shall be considered an eligible employee.
(3) Persons who participate in the health benefit plan pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) of this section may also participate in a dental plan available to employees pursuant to ORS 243.105 to 243.285 at the expense of the foster parent or the person maintaining the developmental disability child foster home. [1989 c.550 §3; 1991 c.578 §1; 1997 c.222 §31; 1999 c.316 §8; 2001 c.900 §239; 2013 c.731 §5]
Note:
243.140 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 243 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.142 - Application for federal waiver.

The Oregon Health Authority shall apply for a waiver of federal law or any formal permission from the appropriate federal agency or agencies that is necessary to allow districts and eligible employees of districts to obtain health benefit plans through the health insurance exchange in accordance with ORS 243.886. [2012 c.38 §12; 2015 c.3 §37; 2021 c.569 §13]
Note:
243.142 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 243 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.144 - Health benefit plan coverage requirements.

Benefit plans offered by the Public Employees’ Benefit Board that reimburse the cost of medical and other health services and supplies must comply with the requirements for health benefit plan coverage described in:
(1) ORS 743A.058;
(2) ORS 743A.140;
(3) ORS 743A.141;
(4) ORS 743B.256;
(5) ORS 743B.287 (4);
(6) ORS 743B.420;
(7) ORS 743B.423;
(8) ORS 743B.601;
(9) ORS 743B.810; and
(10) ORS 743A.325. [2017 c.309 §2; 2021 c.154 §10; 2022 c.72 §2; 2023 c.228 §25; 2023 c.424 §5]
Note:
243.144 was added to and made a part of 243.105 to 243.285 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.145 - Board authority with respect to health benefit plans; termination of participation.

(1) The Public Employees’ Benefit Board shall have authority to employ whatever means are reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of ORS 243.105 to 243.285 and 292.051. The board’s authority includes, but is not limited to, the authority to self-insure and to seek clarification, amendment, modification, suspension or termination of any agreement or contract that in the board’s judgment requires such action.
(2) Upon providing specific notice in writing to the carrier, the affected employee organization or organizations, the Oregon Health Authority and affected eligible employees, and after affording opportunity for a public hearing upon the issues that may be involved, the board may enter an order withdrawing approval of any benefit plan. Thirty days after entry of the order, the board shall terminate all withholding authorizations of eligible employees and terminate all board-approved participation in the plan.
(3) The board by order may terminate the participation of any state agency or local government if within three months the state agency or local government fails to perform any action required by ORS 243.105 to 243.285 and 292.051 or by board rule. [1971 c.527 §5; 1997 c.222 §32; 2003 c.640 §2; 2011 c.720 §71; 2013 c.731 §6]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.156 - Coverage of adult disabled children.

(1) If the Public Employees’ Benefit Board provides options under which an eligible employee may arrange coverage for family members under ORS 243.135, the board shall allow coverage of an adult disabled child of the eligible employee if:
(a) The eligible employee provides a statement from a physician certifying that the adult child has an ongoing disability that prevents the adult child from engaging in self-sustaining employment;
(b) The adult child was covered by a parent’s insurance immediately before the time the adult child exceeded the age for eligibility for coverage under the parent’s insurance; and
(c)(A) The eligible employee claims the adult child as a dependent of the eligible employee for tax purposes;
(B) The adult child files a tax return properly showing adjusted gross income that does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level; or
(C) The eligible employee is the legal guardian of the employee’s adult child.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) "Disabled" means to have a developmental disability, mental illness or a physical disability that began prior to the age of 26 and that prevents an individual from engaging in self-sustaining employment.
(b) "Self-sustaining employment" means employment with annual earnings that exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level. [2021 c.342 §2]
Note:
243.156 was added to and made a part of 243.105 to 243.285 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.160 - Eligibility of retired officer or employee to participate in dental benefit plan; rules.

A retired state or local government officer or employee is not required to participate in one of the group benefit plans described in ORS 243.135 in order to obtain dental benefit plan coverage. The Public Employees’ Benefit Board shall establish by rule standards of eligibility for retired officers or employees to participate in a dental benefit plan. [1981 c.773 §4; 1991 c.16 §1; 2013 c.731 §7]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.163 - Eligibility of former member of Legislative Assembly to participate in group benefit plan.

A member of the Legislative Assembly who is receiving a pension or annuity under ORS 238.092 (1)(a) or 238A.250 (1) shall be eligible to participate as a retired state officer in one of the group benefit plans described in ORS 243.135 after the member ceases to be a member of the Legislative Assembly if the member applies to the Public Employees’ Benefit Board within 60 days after the member ceases to be a member of the Legislative Assembly. [1989 c.799 §16; 1997 c.222 §33; 2013 s.s. c.3 §14]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.165 - Public Employees’ Benefit Account; continuing appropriation to account.

(1) There hereby is created in the General Fund an account to be known as the Public Employees’ Benefit Account, the balances of which are continuously appropriated to cover administrative expenses incurred in connection with the administration of ORS 243.105 to 243.285 and 292.051.
(2) There hereby is appropriated to the Public Employees’ Benefit Account, subject to ORS 243.185, an amount not to exceed two percent of the monthly employer and employee contributions for any benefit available under ORS 243.105 to 243.285 and 292.051. [1971 c.527 §7; 1997 c.222 §34; 2001 c.655 §3]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.167 - Public Employees’ Revolving Fund; continuing appropriation to fund.

(1) There is created the Public Employees’ Revolving Fund, separate and distinct from the General Fund. The balances of the Public Employees’ Revolving Fund are continuously appropriated to cover expenses incurred in connection with the administration of ORS 243.105 to 243.285 and 292.051. Assets of the Public Employees’ Revolving Fund may be retained for limited periods of time as established by the Public Employees’ Benefit Board by rule. Among other purposes, the board may retain the funds to control expenditures, stabilize benefit premium rates and self-insure. The board may establish subaccounts within the Public Employees’ Revolving Fund.
(2) There is appropriated to the Public Employees’ Revolving Fund all unused employer contributions for employee benefits and all refunds, dividends, unused premiums and other payments attributable to any employee contribution or employer contribution made from any carrier or contractor that has provided employee benefits administered by the board, and all interest earned on such moneys. [2001 c.655 §2; 2003 c.640 §3]
Note:
243.167 was added to and made a part of 243.105 to 243.285 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.170 - Contributions for job-share employees limited.

When more than one individual shares a single position that is classified as a job-sharing position, the state or the local government shall contribute to obtain coverage for the individuals a total amount not greater than the amount that would be contributed to obtain coverage for one individual in the same position. The individuals shall receive credit for the state or local government contribution in such proportions as they and the employer agree upon, and each individual who desires coverage shall make further contribution in such amounts as may be appropriate. [1997 c.222 §25; 2013 c.731 §8]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.185 - Transfer of moneys from General Fund for payment of costs of health benefit plans.

Subject to legislative or Emergency Board approval of budgetary authorization for operation of the Public Employees’ Benefit Board and its administration of the health benefit plans and other duties under ORS 243.105 to 243.285 and 292.051, an amount not to exceed two percent of the employer and employee contributions shall be forwarded by each payroll disbursing officer to the board and deposited by it in the State Treasury to the credit of the Public Employees’ Benefit Account to meet administrative and other costs authorized by ORS 243.105 to 243.285 and 292.051. The board shall take action to ensure that the balance in the account does not exceed five percent of the monthly total of employer and employee contributions for more than 120 days. [1971 c.527 §9; 1997 c.222 §35; 2001 c.655 §4]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.200 - Participation of self-pay groups in benefit plans.

(1)(a) The Public Employees’ Benefit Board may allow self-pay groups to participate in benefit plans available to eligible employees, if the group meets a minimum participation level equal to 75 percent of the persons in the group.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, the board may allow nurses or nurse educators who are employed less than half-time by a state agency, local government or university and who are not otherwise eligible for a state or local government contribution for benefits to participate in a self-pay group without any minimum participation level of persons in the group.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section applies to:
(a) Any person or group of persons similarly situated exempted by state or federal law from any minimum participation requirement; or
(b) Any person or group of persons participating prior to January 1, 1992, in a benefit plan that was offered by the State Employes’ Benefit Board.
(3) As used in subsection (1) of this section, "self-pay group" means a group of persons other than state or local government employees for whom the state or the local government makes no contributions for benefit plans under ORS 243.105 to 243.285. [1991 c.577 §4; 1997 c.222 §36; 2009 c.186 §1; 2013 c.731 §9]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.205 - Reports.

The payroll disbursing officer shall submit reports to the Public Employees’ Benefit Board regarding health care coverage for eligible or participating employees as the board considers desirable. [1971 c.527 §11; 1997 c.222 §37]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.215 - Certain eligible employees permitted to receive employer contributions for health benefit plans of their choice; rules.

Any eligible employee unable to participate in one or more of the plans described in ORS 243.135 (1) solely because the employee is assigned to perform duties outside the state may be eligible to receive the monthly state or local government contribution, less administrative expenses, as payment of all or part of the cost of a health benefit plan of choice, subject to the approval of the Public Employees’ Benefit Board and such rules as the board may adopt. [1971 c.527 §13; 2013 c.731 §10]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.221 - Options that may be offered under flexible benefit plan.

(1) In addition to the powers and duties otherwise provided by law to provide employee benefits, the Public Employees’ Benefit Board may provide, administer and maintain flexible benefit plans under which eligible employees may choose among taxable and nontaxable benefits as provided in the federal Internal Revenue Code.
(2) In providing flexible benefit plans, the board may offer:
(a) Health or dental benefits as provided in ORS 243.125 and 243.135.
(b) Other insurance benefits as provided in ORS 243.275.
(c) Dependent care assistance as provided in ORS 243.550.
(d) Expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 243.560.
(e) Any other benefit that may be excluded from an employee’s gross income under the federal Internal Revenue Code.
(f) Any part or all of the state or local government contribution for employee benefits in cash to the employee.
(3) In developing flexible benefit plans under this section, the board shall design the plan on the best basis possible with relation to the welfare of employees, the state and the local governments. [1989 c.804 §2; 1997 c.222 §38; 2013 c.731 §11]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.223 - Rules for flexible benefit plans; costs.

(1) In providing flexible benefit plans under ORS 243.221, the Public Employees’ Benefit Board shall adopt rules as are considered necessary for the establishment and administration of the plans.
(2) The board may assess a charge to participating employees to pay the cost of administering the plans and may pay some or all of such cost from funds authorized to pay general administrative expenses incurred by the board.
(3) The board may contract with private organizations for administration of flexible benefit plans in accordance with rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section. [1989 c.804 §3; 1997 c.222 §39]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.252 - Payment of cost for employees or retirees.

(1) The state may pay none of the cost of making health benefit plan coverage available to a retired state employee who is an eligible employee and to family members or may agree, by collective bargaining agreement or otherwise, to pay part or all of that cost.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section or other law, except ORS 243.886, prohibits a collective bargaining unit from agreeing with an employer that is a public body, as defined in ORS 174.109, to establish a retiree medical trust, voluntary employees’ beneficiary association, health reimbursement arrangement or other agreement for health care expenses of employees or retirees if the provisions of the trust, association, arrangement or other agreement comply with the requirements of the Insurance Code. [1985 c.224 §7; 2009 c.467 §1]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.256 - Reimbursement methodology for payment to hospitals.

(1) A carrier that contracts with the Public Employees’ Benefit Board to provide to eligible employees and their dependents a benefit plan that reimburses the cost of inpatient or outpatient hospital services or supplies shall reimburse a claim for the cost of a hospital service or supply that is covered by, or is similar to a service or supply that is covered by, the Medicare program in an amount that does not exceed:
(a) For claims submitted by in-network hospitals, 200 percent of the amount paid by Medicare for the service or supply; or
(b) For claims submitted by out-of-network hospitals, 185 percent of the amount paid by Medicare for the service or supply.
(2) A self-insurance program administered by a third party administrator that is offered by the board to eligible employees and their dependents and that reimburses the cost of inpatient or outpatient hospital services or supplies shall reimburse a claim for the cost of a hospital service or supply that is covered by, or is similar to a service or supply that is covered by, the Medicare program in an amount that does not exceed:
(a) For claims submitted by in-network hospitals, 200 percent of the amount paid by Medicare for the service or supply; or
(b) For claims submitted by out-of-network hospitals, 185 percent of the amount paid by Medicare for the service or supply.
(3) A provider who is reimbursed in accordance with subsection (1) or (2) of this section may not charge to or collect from the patient or a person who is financially responsible for the patient an amount in addition to the reimbursement paid under subsection (1) or (2) of this section other than cost sharing amounts authorized by the terms of the health benefit plan.
(4) If a carrier or third party administrator does not reimburse claims on a fee-for-service basis, the payment method used must take into account the limits specified in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. Such payment methods include, but are not limited to:
(a) Value-based payments;
(b) Capitation payments; and
(c) Bundled payments.
(5) This section does not apply to reimbursements paid by a carrier or third party administrator to:
(a) A type A or type B hospital as described in ORS 442.470;
(b) A rural critical access hospital as defined in ORS 315.613;
(c) A hospital:
(A) Located in a county with a population of less than 70,000 on August 15, 2017;
(B) Classified as a sole community hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and
(C) With Medicare payments composing at least 40 percent of the hospital’s total annual patient revenue; or
(d) A hospital located outside of this state.
(6) This section does not require a health benefit plan offered by the board to reimburse claims using a fee-for-service payment method. [2011 c.418 §6; 2017 c.746 §29; 2019 c.484 §5]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.275 - Additional benefit plans authorized; assessment for expenses.

(1) In addition to contracting for health and dental benefit plans, the Public Employees’ Benefit Board may contract with carriers to provide at the expense of participating eligible employees and with or without state or local government participation for coverage, including but not limited to, insurance or other benefit based on life, supplemental medical, supplemental dental, optical, accidental death or disability insurance plans.
(2) The monthly contribution of each eligible employee for other benefit plan or plans coverage, as described in subsection (1) of this section, shall be the total cost per month of the benefit coverage afforded the employee under the plan or plans, for which the employee exercises an option, including the cost of enrollment and administrative expenses.
(3) For any benefit plan or plans described in subsection (1) of this section in which the state or a local government participates, the monthly contribution of each eligible employee for the benefit plan, for which the employee exercises an option and there is state or local government participation, shall be reduced by an amount equal to the portion contributed by the state or the local government, including the cost of enrollment and administrative expenses.
(4) The board may withdraw approval of any such additional benefit plan coverage in the same manner as it withdraws approval of health benefit plans as described and authorized by ORS 243.145.
(5) If any state agency or local government contracts for any of the benefits described in subsection (1) of this section on behalf of any eligible employees, the administrative expenses of the contract shall be paid by assessment of the participating employees. The contracts are subject to approval of the board before they become operative. The board may withdraw approval for any such benefit in the same manner as it withdraws approval under ORS 243.145. [1979 c.469 §12; 1997 c.222 §40; 2013 c.731 §12]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.285 - Salary deductions; payment of moneys deducted.

(1) Upon receipt of the request in writing of an eligible employee so to do, the payroll disbursing officer authorized to disburse funds in payment of the salary or wages of the eligible employee may deduct from the salary or wages of the employee an amount of money indicated in the request for payment of the applicable amount set forth in benefit plans selected by the employee or selected on the employee’s behalf for:
(a) Group health and related services and supplies, including such insurance for family members of the eligible employee.
(b) Group life insurance, including life insurance for family members of the eligible employee.
(c) Group dental and related services and supplies, or any other remedial care recognized by state law and related services and supplies, recognized under state law, including such insurance for family members of the eligible employee.
(d) Group indemnity insurance for accidental death and dismemberment and for loss of income due to accident, sickness or other disability, including such insurance for family members of the eligible employee.
(e) Other benefits, including self-insurance programs, that are approved and provided by the Public Employees’ Benefit Board.
(2) Moneys deducted under subsection (1) of this section shall be paid over promptly:
(a) To the carriers or persons responsible for payment of premiums to carriers, in accordance with the terms of the contracts made by the eligible employees or on their behalf; or
(b) With respect to self-insurance benefits, in accordance with rules, procedures and directions of the Public Employees’ Benefit Board. [1979 c.469 §13; 1997 c.222 §41; 2003 c.640 §4]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.291 - Plan eligibility; costs to be paid by participants; fees.

(1) The Public Employees’ Benefit Board may make available one or more fully insured long term care insurance plans. The plans may be made available to eligible employees, retired employees and family members. Notwithstanding ORS 243.105, for purposes of this subsection, "family members" includes family members as defined by the board and also includes the parents of the employee or retiree and the parents of the spouse of the employee or retiree.
(2) Employees of local governments and employees of political subdivisions may participate in the plans under terms and conditions established by the board, if it does not jeopardize the financial viability of the board’s long term care insurance plans. However, unless the local government or political subdivision provides otherwise, the employee’s participation is a personal action of the employee and does not obligate the local government or political subdivision to pay for the provision of benefits under this subsection.
(3) Participation of eligible employees or retired employees in any long term care insurance plan made available by the board is voluntary and is subject to reasonable underwriting guidelines and eligibility rules established by the board.
(4) The employee or retired employee is solely responsible for the payment of the long term care premium rates developed by the board. The board is authorized to charge a reasonable administrative fee, in addition to the premium charged by the long term care insurer, to cover the cost of administration and consumer education materials. [1997 c.757 §1; 1999 c.59 §60; 2019 c.98 §1]
Note:
243.291 and 243.296 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 243 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.296 - Requirements when board offers long term care insurance plan.

(1) If the Public Employees’ Benefit Board offers a long term care insurance plan under ORS 243.291, the board shall:
(a) Develop effective and cost-effective ways to make the plan available;
(b) In consultation with the Public Employees Retirement System, develop plan specifications, eligibility rules, underwriting guidelines and consumer educational materials; and
(c) Ensure that eligible employees may continue to participate in the plan after retirement and former eligible employees may enroll in the plan after retirement.
(2) The educational materials that the board develops for eligible employees and retired employees under subsection (1) of this section shall provide information on the potential need for long term care, methods of financing long term care and the availability of long term care insurance plans offered by the board. [1997 c.757 §2; 2019 c.98 §2]
Note:
See note under 243.291.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.302 - Grouping retired and nonretired employees for health insurance coverage.

The Public Employees’ Benefit Board may group retired state employees and state employees who are not retired for the purpose of entering into contracts for health insurance coverage. [1991 c.969 §1; 1997 c.222 §42]
Note:
243.302 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 243 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.303 - Local government authority to make health care insurance coverage available to retired officers and employees, spouses and children.

(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Health care" means medical, surgical, hospital or any other remedial care recognized by state law and related services and supplies and includes comparable benefits for persons who rely on spiritual means of healing.
(b) "Local government" means any city, county, school district or other special district in this state.
(c) "Retired employee" means a former officer or employee of a local government who is retired for service or disability, and who received or is receiving retirement benefits, under the Public Employees Retirement System or any other retirement system or plan applicable to officers and employees of the local government.
(2) The governing body of any local government that contracts for or otherwise makes available health care insurance coverage for officers and employees of the local government shall, insofar as and to the extent possible, make that coverage available for any retired employee of the local government who elects within 60 days after the effective date of retirement to participate in that coverage and, at the option of the retired employee, for the spouse of the retired employee and any unmarried children under 18 years of age. The health care insurance coverage shall be made available for a retired employee until the retired employee becomes eligible for federal Medicare coverage, for the spouse of a retired employee until the spouse becomes eligible for federal Medicare coverage and for a child until the child arrives at majority, and may, but need not, be made available thereafter. The governing body may prescribe reasonable terms and conditions of eligibility and coverage, not inconsistent with this section, for making the health care insurance coverage available. The local government may pay none of the cost of making that coverage available or may agree, by collective bargaining agreement or otherwise, to pay part or all of that cost.
(3) A local government and a health care insurer may not create a group solely for the purpose of rating or of establishing a premium for health care insurance coverage of retired employees and their dependents that is separate from the group for health care insurance coverage of officers and employees of the local government and their dependents. Nothing in this subsection prevents a local government from allocating rates or premiums differently among retired employees and their dependents and officers and employees of the local government and their dependents once the rating or premium is established. [1981 c.240 §1; 1985 c.224 §1; 2001 c.604 §1; 2003 c.62 §1; 2003 c.694 §1]
Note:
243.303 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 243 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.305 - Policy of affirmative action and fair and equal employment opportunities and advancement.

(1) It is declared to be the public policy of Oregon that all branches of state government shall be leaders among employing entities within the state in providing to its citizens and employees, through a program of affirmative action, fair and equal opportunities for employment and advancement in programs and services and in the awarding of contracts.
(2) "Affirmative action" means a method of eliminating the effects of past and present discrimination, intended or unintended, on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status or physical or mental disabilities. [1975 c.529 §1; 1981 c.436 §1; 1989 c.224 §35]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.315 - Director of Affirmative Action; duties; legislative and judicial branches to monitor own programs.

(1) There is hereby created in the Oregon Department of Administrative Services the position of Director of Affirmative Action. The primary duty of the occupant of this position shall be to direct and monitor affirmative action programs in all state agencies to implement the public policy stated in ORS 243.305.
(2) The legislative and judicial branches shall each select a person to monitor the effectiveness of the branches’ affirmative action programs. [1975 c.529 §2; 1981 c.436 §2; 2023 c.102 §1]
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.317 - Definitions for ORS 243.317 to 243.323.

As used in ORS 243.317 to 243.323:
(1) "Public employer" has the meaning given that term in ORS 260.432.
(2) "Sexual assault" means unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that is inflicted upon a person or compelled through the use of physical force, manipulation, threat or intimidation.
(3) "Workplace harassment" means conduct that constitutes discrimination prohibited by ORS 659A.030, including conduct that constitutes sexual assault or that constitutes conduct prohibited by ORS 659A.082 or 659A.112. [2019 c.463 §1a]
Note:
243.317 to 243.323 were added to and made a part of ORS chapter 243 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
2023 Oregon Revised Statutes › Volume : 06 - Local Government, Public Employees, Elections › Chapter 243 - Public Employee Rights and Benefits › Section 243.320 - Copy of policy to be provided to unrepresented party.

For purposes of a mediation related to claims or allegations of workplace harassment, a mediator in the mediation shall provide a person who is a party to the mediation and who is not represented by an attorney with a copy of the policy described in ORS 243.319. [2022 c.107 §6]
Note:
See note under 243.317.