Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Oregon Legislature will likely reconsider a new ethics law that led to a wave of resignations in small towns this year.

Hundreds of volunteer politicians stepped down rather than file disclosure statements.

They’d have to list sources of income and names of relatives.  

Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Richard Devlin, says lawmakers need to address the unintended consequences of their work.

Richard Devlin: “We’re just trying to go back and revise the law slightly more so that it can be somewhat less obtrusive and perhaps easier to comply with than the existing law.”

A legislative panel heard three hours of public testimony from disgruntled small town officials in Pendleton Wednesday.

Some speakers said they’re especially concerned by the prospect of having their personal information posted on the internet, which is slated to happen by 2010.