Legislator Web Pages Temporarily Shut Down

Legislator Web pages have been shut down due to links to non-government sites

Oregon's Capitol in spring splendor. Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM AP) - State officials have temporarily shut down legislators' individual Web pages. The action was taken because of their links to non-government Web sites, such as a local business or a newspaper.

An opinion from the Legislative Counsel has recommended allowing only links to local, state or federal government sites. It says other links could result in violations of election and ethics laws.

Legislative administrator Dave Henderson says the move wasn't made because legislators had put up links to anything illicit.

Representative Kim Thatcher of Keizer says she plans to introduce legislation that would allow legislators to decide what's appropriate for their Web pages.

The Web pages are part of the Oregon Legislature's Internet site, which is operated by the state.

Lawmakers typically include their photos, biographies and discussions of issues they view as important.