NEWS RELEASE: BOLI removes barrier to civil rights filings by lifting public notary requirement

[Burr, Charlie]

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For Immediate Release
May 12, 2016
CONTACT: Charlie Burr, (971) 673-0788

BOLI removes barrier to civil rights filings by lifting public notary requirement

PORTLAND, OR-The Civil Rights Division of the Bureau of Labor and Industries will no longer require public notarization of complaints, the agency announced today.

The change results from recent conversations with the Oregon Law Center, Legal Aid Services of Oregon and others about the difficulty and expense faced by farm workers, rural Oregonians, and lower-income populations in obtaining access to notary publics.

Although the division had a longtime practice of requiring notarization for most complaints, applicable rules and statutes do not require notarization of a complainant's signature.

Revised civil rights charge forms will now include the following declaration above the signature line:

"I hereby declare under penalty of perjury, that the above statement is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I understand it is made for use as evidence in an official proceeding.

I understand that the above statement is a public record and that the information herein may be disclosed to any person, at any time."

"The Civil Rights Division enforces laws meant to protect equal opportunity in employment, housing and public places," said Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian. "We hope that this modest change will make it easier for anyone potentially facing unlawful discrimination or other unfair treatment."

The change will be effective Monday, May 16.

For more information about BOLI's efforts to protect workplaces and support Oregon employers, visit http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI.

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Charlie Burr
Communications Director
Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 1045
Portland, Oregon  97232
Tel:  971-673-0788
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