Oregon lawmakers have moved to reverse a flagship liberal policy, opting to recriminalize certain drugs amid a surge in overdose deaths, which prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency for Portland’s fentanyl crisis. The shift comes after the passage of Ballot Measure 110 in 2020, which aimed to decriminalize small amounts of all drugs and allocate marijuana tax revenue to addiction services. However, with addiction and overdose deaths soaring, the effectiveness of the measure was questioned, Fox News reports.
In response to mounting concerns, both Republicans and Democrats pushed for legislation to roll back decriminalization.
The state Senate passed a bill recriminalizing drug possession with a 21-8 vote, following the House’s approval of the measure 51-7. Governor Tina Kotek expressed openness to signing such a bill, emphasizing the urgent need to address the public health and safety crisis fueled by fentanyl.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber underscored the importance of prioritizing access to treatment and care.
She remarked, “With this bill, we are doubling down on our commitment to make sure Oregonians have access to the treatment and care that they need,” highlighting the potential for transformative change in the justice system.
The measure reclassifies possession of small amounts of drugs as a misdemeanor, allowing for up to six months in jail. It empowers law enforcement to seize drugs and crack down on their use in public spaces, while also offering drug treatment as an alternative to criminal penalties.
Additionally, the bill aims to facilitate prosecution of drug sellers and improve access to addiction medication, as well as housing without facing discrimination.
However, Democratic Senator Lew Frederick voiced concerns about the bill’s reliance on punitive measures, cautioning against reinforcing failed strategies of the past.
Meanwhile, private security guard Michael Bock highlighted the devastating impact of fentanyl overdoses, citing a 533% increase in Multnomah County.
He described drug dealers operating with impunity, distributing drugs openly in various settings, signaling the urgent need for action to address the crisis.
