Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
To contact me, please click here: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov

Hello from the Oregon House of Representatives! It's been a busy and productive week here on the House floor, with several long days spent voting on important legislation. I'm proud to share that we've made significant progress, passing both my personal bills and a number of bipartisan measures that will have a meaningful impact on Oregonians.

A special thank you to Rep. Chotzen and Rep. Gomberg for their collaboration on privacy laws. Together, we’ve strengthened Oregon’s privacy protections in key areas.

This week, we passed a law that closes loopholes in Oregon's current privacy protections, ensuring that personal data cannot be sold without consent. This new law extends protections to include not just 13-year-olds, but also 16-year-olds, safeguarding the privacy of our youth as they navigate the digital world.

Another important piece of legislation allows Oregon consumers to opt out of the sale of their motor vehicle data. This means that the information gathered about your vehicle's location and movements—such as data collected by in-car tracking systems—will no longer be automatically sold without your permission.

In addition to these privacy victories, I’m excited to share that my bill creating a “Non-Opioid Directive” form is on its way to the Senate! It’s a crucial step in ensuring that patients have more control over their pain management options, helping to combat the opioid crisis.

As we pass the halfway mark of the legislative session, our focus will shift toward the state budget, and I expect many more discussions in the Ways and Means committee.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited the Capitol this week. Your advocacy is essential and truly makes a difference.

Please read on for more updates, and be sure to join us at our final Ways and Means roadshow stop this Friday in Klamath Falls!

Warmly,

Passing House Bill 3211 in the House

On Monday, the Oregon House unanimously passed HB 3211, a groundbreaking bill that creates a voluntary, easily accessible nonopioid directive form. This form allows patients to communicate their preferences regarding opioid use to health care providers and emergency medical service personnel. By empowering patients—especially those at risk of addiction—to choose nonopioid alternatives, this legislation encourages informed, proactive conversations between patients and their primary care providers.

HB 3211 follows the successful model of Michigan's law, which has played a key role in reducing opioid use and insurance costs. The form, developed by the Oregon Health Authority, will be incorporated into existing health care forms, and patients can revoke the directive at any time. Importantly, exceptions will be made for situations requiring emergency care, surgery, or treatment for substance use disorder. 

This policy is an important step in Oregon’s ongoing efforts to reduce opioid use, combat addiction, and promote healthier pain management options for our residents. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Cell Phones in Schools Bill Passes in the House

This week, the Oregon House passed HB 2251, a bill that requires school districts to implement policies prohibiting the use of cell phones in public schools. As a mother and legislator, I believe we have a responsibility to take the necessary steps to improve both educational outcomes and the mental health of our students.

Across the nation, many states are adopting policies to protect children by restricting social media and making schools phone-free. I’m proud to sponsor this bill, which is the result of many conversations with youth advocates over the past year. Research by Dr. Larry Rosen, an expert in technology and its effects on learning, shows that even the mere presence of phones in the classroom can negatively impact students' attention spans and cognitive capacity.

In Bend-La Pine, when the district implemented a cell phone ban, it led to more student engagement and lively, interactive lunchrooms. This bill is an important step toward creating a more focused and connected learning environment for all Oregon students. HB 2251 now heads to the Senate for review.

HB 3088: Study of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Oregon

On Tuesday, I testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation in support of HB 3088, which would establish a task force, hosted by Oregon State University, to explore the economic opportunities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production in Oregon.

Oregon has the right resources—such as a low-carbon fuel standard, abundant feedstock from agriculture, forestry, and food processing, and a strong business community focused on decarbonization—to lead in SAF production. SAF is aviation's best near-term solution for reducing emissions, and this bill will bring together industry leaders, advocates, and academics to advance its development here in Oregon.

By aligning Oregon’s climate goals with clean fuel policies in neighboring states, this bill positions Oregon to capitalize on SAF’s potential, helping decarbonize aviation and create new economic opportunities. We are currently refining amendments to clarify the task force’s membership and mission.

Quick Roundup of Other Important Bills That Have Passed This Week!

• HB 2964 - Establishes a loan program to fund the predevelopment costs of affordable housing. 
• HB 2299 -  Increases penalties for the unlawful dissemination of intimate images, including digitally altered or "deep fake" content.
• HB 3365 - Requires the State Board of Education to include climate change causes and effects in academic content standards for core subjects. 
• HB 2008 - Bans processing, profiling, or selling personal data for consumers under 16 and prohibits selling precise location data tied to individuals or their devices.

Passover Seder at the State Library

This week, I had the privilege of joining fellow Jewish members of the House and Senate, along with staff from the Capitol, for a bipartisan Passover Seder at the State Library. It was a meaningful gathering, where we came together to celebrate tradition, community, and the values of freedom and justice that are at the heart of both the holiday and our work in the legislature. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event so special.

Potato Day at the Capitol 

A big shoutout to the Oregon Potato Commission for bringing some spud-tacular energy to the Capitol on Tuesday! It was a fun day celebrating our state vegetable—and yes, that's Rep. Levy rocking a potato hat in the spirit of it all!

Legal Resources for Those Affected by Visa Revocations

Oregon’s Universal Representation program (Equity Corps of Oregon) provides legal services to immigrants and refugees, including those affected by recent visa revocations at Oregon State University’s Cascades campus. This program supports individuals facing deportation or seeking to normalize their immigration status, offering free legal assistance through a statewide network. With over 11,000 people served, Universal Representation is vital in helping Oregonians navigate federal immigration challenges. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the hotline at (888) 622-1510 or the statewide call center at (888) 274-7292.

Bend Town Hall with Attorney General Dan Rayfield

Join me and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, along with Representative Kropf and Senator Broadman, for a federal oversight forum in Bend. The event will feature a panel discussing the impact of federal funding cuts on various communities in Oregon, including food assistance, public health, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and federal workers. It will also include an open forum for community members to share their experiences and ask questions.

Where: OSU Cascades Campus, Edward J. Ray Hall - Atrium

When: May 3rd at 9:30am - 11am

Click this link to RSVP!

Joint Ways & Means is on the Road — Week 6!

We’re wrapping up the final week of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means’ statewide budget tour, and I’m committed to ensuring that Central Oregon’s voice is heard loud and clear as we shape Oregon’s 2025–2027 budget. This committee plays a key role in determining how state funds are allocated—impacting schools, healthcare, housing, and more. Now is your chance to speak up about the programs and services that matter most to you.

• Klamath Falls | Friday, April 25 (5:00pm – 7:00pm) Klamath Community College, Building 4 Commons7390 South 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
• Members of the public can register to testify here

If you can't attend in person, you can join the virtual hearing or email me your budget priorities. Let’s make sure Central Oregon’s needs are reflected in the final budget!

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1453
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-486, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.EmersonLevy@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/levye​