Why I introduced a bill to ban TikTok

Hello Friends,

Thank you for reading my weekly newsletter! This week we have more Hall Boulevard news, a public hearing on my cybersecurity bill, a reproductive rights hotline, and more!

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Hall Blvd Update

First, I wanted to update some information shared in last week's newsletter. We have confirmation from ODOT that they will actually be reducing the speed limit on Hall Boulevard between Locust Street and Pfaffle Street from 40mph to 30mph (an additional 5mph decrease). Once the city approves the speed reduction, new signs will be placed along Hall Boulevard at which point they will be enforceable. Thank you all so much for the outpouring of community support I have received on the problem of Hall Blvd. We still need to pass HB 2756 for Hall to be made fully safe, but this speed reduction is a fantastic step in the right direction.

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My bill on cybersecurity (sometimes called “the TikTok bill”)

Last week I testified on my bill HB 3127 which would ban applications that are threats to Oregon’s cybersecurity on state-owned devices. Applications like TikTok, Huawei, Kaspersky Lab, and others that have close ties to nations that have a hostile stance toward the United States of America would be disallowed from being installed on state devices. This bill has broad, bipartisan support–our 11 co-sponsors include Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend), Sen. Aaron Woods (D-Wilsonville), Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Bend), Rep. Paul Evans (D-Monmouth), Rep. Charlie Conrad (R-Cottage Grove), Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Portland), and Rep. Mark Helfrich (R-Hood River). We want to ensure state devices are protected from cybersecurity threats, so we are also charging the state’s Chief Information Officer with the ability to block additional platforms that pose security threats from state-owned devices. Note: this legislation will not impact the personal devices of Oregonians–it's solely focused on state-owned phones, computers, and tablets.

Testifying in support of my cybersecurity bill banning TikTok and other applications on state devices. To my right is Sen. Tim Knopp (R-Bend) and to my left is Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Bend). Between Rep. Levy and I in the background is Rep. Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River), another supporter.

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Join me at my next constituent coffee

In February, we held a town hall with Sen. Woods and Rep. Courtney Neron. Last month, we held office hours at Symposium. This month, we’re holding a constituent coffee at Well & Good Coffee. You’re invited!

Location: Well & Good Coffee (7357 SW Beveland St. Suite 100, Tigard, OR 97223)

Date: 3/25/2023

Time: 11:00-1:00pm

Format: We’ll start with an overview of what’s happening in the state legislature and an update on some key priorities. We’ll then open up the floor for questions–anything I’m unable to answer, we will follow up with afterward.

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Reproductive Rights Hotline

The Oregon Department of Justice, along with 7 Oregon law firms, have recently launched the Oregon Reproductive Rights Hotline. It is staffed by local law firms and provides free legal advice on Oregon’s reproductive health laws, including abortion. The number is (503) 431-6460. See graphic below for more information.

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Bipartisan Opioid Harm Reduction Package

In 2021, over 745 Oregonians died from opioid overdoses–and nearly three Oregonians per day die from this tragic and growing epidemic. Last week, the Oregon House responded to the fentanyl crisis and passed HB 2395 with broad, bipartisan support. I am proud to be a sponsor of the bill. Among other things, this package will ensure that life-saving naloxone medication is more easily accessible. When administered, naloxone can restore breathing and reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. Naloxone is extremely safe and effective (even if you do not have opioids in your body, there are no dangerous side effects). This is one of many steps needed to address Oregonians struggling with addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people struggling with addiction who have access to harm reduction tools are five times more likely to go into recovery.

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Oregon School Employees Association - Thank you, classified employees!

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to address over 150 classified employees from school districts across the state at a convening of Oregon School Employees Association members. My key message to them was: thank you for all you do for kids–in a moment where kids desperately need caring adults. I heard from personal stories about the needs of our state’s education system, the difficulties of being underfunded, and the increased needs of today’s children. Last week was Classified Employees Week, so if you know someone who works as a classroom aid, bus driver, cafeteria worker, school secretary, or related job–please thank them. Oregon kids depend on the work they do every single day.

Thanks for reading,