Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 644 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, OREGON SHEEP COMMISSION
Here’s a clearer and more polished summary of Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 644 (Department of Agriculture – Oregon Sheep Commission):
📁 Chapter Structure (Divisions)
Division 1 – Procedural Rules (§ 644‑001‑0000)
Division 5 – Screening & Selection Procedures for personal service contracts (§ 644‑005‑0005 to 30) (oregon.public.law)
Division 10 – Reporting & Payment of Assessments (§ 644‑010‑0005 to 644‑010‑0025) (oregon.public.law)
Division 20 – Public Records Requests (§ 644‑020‑0010 to 0060) (law.cornell.edu)
Division 30 – Commission Makeup, Terms, Qualifications, Removal (§ 644‑030‑0010 to 0030) (oregon.public.law)
Division 40 – Compensation & Expenses for Commissioners (§ 644‑040‑0010 to 0140) (oregon.public.law)
⚙️ Key Sections Explained
🔹 Division 5 – Contracting Procedures
Establishes competitive and transparent procurement for personal service contracts.
Defines terms, method selection, request-for-proposal maintenance, and negotiation steps (law.cornell.edu).
🔹 Division 10 – Assessment Rules
644‑010‑0005: Defines key terms such as “Person,” “Commission,” “Producer,” “Handler,” and “Sheep” (oregon.public.law).
644‑010‑0010:
Handlers must deduct a $0.50 per head assessment when paying producers, remitting quarterly (regulations.justia.com).
Producers selling out-of-state must remit the same unless the out-of-state handler deducts it (oregon.gov).
Sheep must have been fed/grazed in Oregon for ≥ 30 days prior to sale (regulations.justia.com).
🔹 Division 20 – Public Records
Specifies how to request public records, applicable timeframes, fee structures, and exemptions.
🔹 Division 30 – Commission Composition
Details the commission's size, qualifications for producers, handlers, public members, term limits, and removal procedures.
🔹 Division 40 – Compensation & Expenses
Lays out per diem rates aligned with state standards plus reimbursable travel and related expenses for commissioners.
🧾 Summary Table
Topic
Details
Assessments
$0.50 per live sheep head, deducted by handlers or remitted directly by producers; quarterly payments
Commission Structure
Includes producers, handlers, and a public member; terms, qualifications, and removal rules defined
Contracts
Transparent, competitive procurement for service contracts, governed by Division 5
Per Diem
Standard state rates + travel reimbursement for commission meetings
Records
Formal public records request process with fees and exemptions outlined
📌 Authority & Context
These rules are enacted under ORS Chapter 576, which empowers commodity commissions (like sheep, beef, wool, fescue) to establish assessments, commissions, and record procedures in support of their industries.
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