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To contact me, please click here: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Hello Friends,
We are now fully into the Harvest season, and despite the increase in rain, I have enjoyed watching the Willamette Valley shift from bright green to golden yellows and rusty browns. As usual Legislative Days were busy, filled with committee meetings, proposals from various organizations, and discussions about future legislation. We also took time to review bills from the last session, exploring ways to strengthen and improve them moving forward.
 Ceremonial Bill Signings
I had the honor of joining the Governor for the signing of HB 2299, a bill I was proud to sponsor and work on with my constituent, Kristi George of Keizer. Kristi not only lived through the impacts of this issue but has spent the last 15 years fighting to change the law and protect others.
 HB 2299 addresses a disturbing reality of our digital age: AI-generated “deepfake” pornography. Until now, Oregon law did not give law enforcement the tools to stop someone from distributing intimate images that look real but were created with AI—images that can destroy reputations and cause deep personal harm. With this new law, Oregon is stepping up to protect people from this kind of exploitation.
I’m grateful to Kristi and to everyone who worked so hard to make this change possible. This is an important win for Oregonians and a major step forward in keeping our laws up to date with technology.
 I also had the privilege of standing with survivors, advocates, and colleagues at the ceremonial bill signing of SB 180 - a true team effort to make this change a reality.
SB 180 ensures that Oregonians who speak out in good faith about sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination cannot be silenced or intimidated through defamation lawsuits. These types of lawsuits are being used far too often in Oregon to intimidate and retraumatize survivors, especially in situations where an imbalance of power exists. We have now put an end to this practice!
This is a powerful victory for survivors - and a big win for justice in Oregon.
Behavioral Health Committee Update
As I was a key player in the passage of HB 4002 in 2024, recriminalizing hard drugs in Oregon, I was pleased to attend the first meeting of my new assignment on the House Behavioral Health Committee.
This committee addresses a broad spectrum of issues, including mental health and addiction, particularly the impact of drug and alcohol addiction. Our work focuses on understanding how these challenges affect individuals and society, and on crafting solutions rooted in prevention, treatment, and recovery. Sadly, untreated behavioral health issues regularly intersect with the criminal justice system, as these issues often lead to a path of crime.
Having spent my career advocating for victims and strengthening our criminal justice laws, I am grateful for the opportunity to work on this committee and bring my experience to the table. We have a lot of work to do, but with this new focus I believe we have the opportunity to reduce crime, support those facing behavioral health challenges, and expand access to recovery for those battling drug and alcohol addiction.
 Many bills passed during the last long session are written to take effect on the 91st day following Sine Die, the official adjournment of the Legislature. That effective date just passed on Friday, September 26 and in that list were 4 bills which I had the opportunity to sponsor and be a key advocate for during session.
 HB 3630
In the 2023 legislative session, I celebrated a large success with the passage of SB 498, rolling back the Oregon Estate Tax (Death Tax) for family-owned farms, ranches, fisheries, and woodlands with a $15 million exemption. House Bill 3630 helps clarify this existing exemption and ensures that more families can understand and access this benefit. I consider this another meaningful step in chipping away at the estate tax and supporting generational landowners throughout our state.
SB 485
Building on Oregon’s commitment to supporting natural resource-based industries, SB 485 adds additional clarification to the landmark estate tax reform passed in 2023. Specifically, SB 485 outlines what types of natural resource farms and operations qualify for the $15 million estate tax exemption. This legislation ensures that more families working in Oregon’s natural resource sectors have the clarity and confidence needed to plan for generational ownership.
HB 2316
The "Home Start Land Act" allows for the creation of home start lands on certain state-owned properties within Oregon's urban growth boundaries. Overall, this bill fulfills many needs in Oregon by increasing housing production, creating a more competitive housing market, increasing revenue for the state, and increasing revenue for our local governments in the midst of constant rising costs in our community.
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HB 3145
Continuing Oregon’s push for creative housing solutions, HB 3145 expands the scope of the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Housing Program by allowing funds to be used for pre-built homes. It also directs the Housing and Community Services Department to track and report the outcomes of this investment. By supporting factory-built housing and requiring accountability, this legislation helps streamline development, reduce costs, and provide more families with access to affordable housing options across the state.
 The Rotunda is Open!
Stepping into the first part of legislative days, I was welcomed with the official reopening of the Capitol rotunda, and other restored areas of the 1938 building.
Since returning to the legislature in 2023, I have been working in a partially functioning Capitol building. So, after three long years, I am very glad to see this large step towards its full reopening.
I encourage you all to come visit and see this beautiful building we have missed so much.
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Help Lebanon High School!
While located outside of my district, I would like to recognize Lebanon High School and congratulate them for being the only Oregon school to break into the Top 25 of T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition; out of more than 2,100 schools nationwide!
 They have already secured $25,000 and are now in competition for the $1 million grand prize which would help fund the much-needed replacement of their current football stadium. To join them in their and help fund this Oregon school, you can vote for them by clicking on the photo above. Votes are submitted by entering your email address and are accepted once a day through October 24.
Lebanon high school is located in House District 11 and represented by State Representative Jamie Cate.
Fall in Your Community!
Seeing that fall is into full swing, I thought it would be helpful to provide a list of some activities which are happening near the district. While there are no farms located inside House District 21, I am always grateful for the opportunity to support our local agricultural community.
 Unemployment Assistance Reminder:
 If you or your business is facing employment or financial uncertainty, I want to remind you that the Oregon Employment Department (OED) offers a wide range of support programs. These include Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits for impacted workers and the WorkShare program, which helps businesses retain employees during slowdowns. To make it easier to access these resources, OED now provides weekly webinars and personalized assistance. Below are helpful links to guide you through the application process and connect you with job-seeking services:
For additional support, you can visit oregonworkshare.org or call 503-947-1800. You are also welcome to reply to this newsletter with your concern, and my office will help get you connected.
As always it is an honor to represent you in the Oregon Legislature. If there are things my office can assist you with, do not hesitate to reach out via the information below.
Yours truly,
 Representative Kevin Mannix
House District 21
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1421
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-384, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.KevinMannix@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/mannix
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