Vulnerable Oregonians Remain Without Critical Mental Health Protections After State Legislature Fails To Advance HB 4106 (Photo) - 02/19/26

SALEM, OR — Last week, Commissioner Danielle Bethell testified on House Bill 4106, which would have provided a crucial tool for mental health services, helping navigate individuals in crisis to healthcare facilities without resorting to jail and giving peace officers the support to be successful in transporting them.

The bill was not advanced by House Judiciary Committee Chair Representative Jason Kropf, despite bipartisan sponsorship and support, leaving law enforcement without the tools they need and vulnerable populations without critical support in crisis. Chair Kropf chose to not move the bill forward, instead asking Representative Tom Andersen, one of the bill’s sponsors, to work on it and bring it back next session.

“It’s unfortunate to see our legislators fail to be responsive to the very real needs of our community,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “This bill would have filled a crucial gap in the process of law right now that prohibits us from doing the best we can to take care of vulnerable individuals experiencing mental health crises.

“We have been working on this bill for multiple sessions and have received little to no cooperation from Representative Kropf. This is a massive failure of the Legislature to support some of the most vulnerable in our community.”

Without HB 4106, counties must continue to rely on law enforcement and jail settings for individuals who would be better served in clinical environments. The county will be unable to pursue a new solution through legislation until the 2027 long legislative session.

Marion County Justice Of The Peace Receives Carson Award (Photo) - 01/30/26

SALEM, OR — Jan 30, 2026 — The Marion County Bar Association (MCBA) has selected Marion County Justice of the Peace Justin Kidd as the recipient of the Carson Award for service to the community, recognizing his sustained commitment to public service.

The Carson Award is presented annually to an MCBA member whose work reflects exceptional dedication to the legal profession and to the broader community it serves. The award honors individuals who demonstrate integrity, leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility beyond the courtroom.

Judge Kidd was recognized for his contributions to the Marion County community through his professional service, mentorship, civic engagement, and commitment to ensuring access to justice. Colleagues noted his exceptional commitment to serving Spanish and Russian speaking communities in Marion County. The Justice Court provides hearing completely in Spanish, where appropriate, and Judge Kidd conducts courthouse weddings in English, French, Spanish, and Russian.

“I deeply appreciate Judge Kidd’s commitment to Marion County residents and his enthusiasm for expanding community access to the Justice Court,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “He meets people where they're at and works hard to help them navigate the legal process smoothly. I think that reflects the best service we seek to provide here at the County.”

Under Kidd's leadership the Marin County Justice Court has grown. When he was appointed in 2021, the court heard about 16,000 cases per year. Now, the court hears more than 30,000 cases per year. The additional cases had been heard at the circuit court. Moving these cases to the Justice Court frees up the circuit court to focus on public safety concerns.

"Show up. Do the work. Open the Courthouse door," said Judge Kidd.  "Those are the guiding principles of my work—both in the court and the community.  I'm thankful to MCBA. I'm also thankful to the County Commissioners for providing the court with the resources that make my work possible."

Judge Kidd coaches mock trial at both Salem—Keizer Public Schools and also for Willamette University.  Willamette's moot court board awarded him the 2025 award for Outstanding Legal Professional.  He also serves as a law student mentor, having previously earned Willamette University's Mentor of the Year award.

Judge Kidd's service extends to the community.  He has a special heart for foster children, having served as resource parent.  He is the adoptive father of two former foster children, and he has served on the board of Marion County CASA and Kindred Matters, an organization that works to reunite foster children separated from their siblings by the foster care system.

MCBA also honored Tiffany Humphrey with the Carson award to Service for the Bar, as well as Hunter Emerick and Ron Hellewell with the De Muniz award for outstanding professionalism, integrity, fairness, and service to the legal system and the community. The awards will be celebrated with a dinner at the Salem Convention Center February 5, 2026.