Oregon lawmakers have voted to reintroduce criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs, effectively ending the state’s three-year venture into a groundbreaking approach.
The move comes in response to mounting concerns over a surge in the fentanyl crisis and increased public drug use since the passage of Measure 110 in 2020, which initially decriminalized the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. The bipartisan agreement among lawmakers involves reclassifying minor drug possession as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail, and allocating $211 million towards specialty court programs, mental health services, and addiction treatment.
While the measure passed the Oregon House earlier this week and gained approval from the state senate on Friday, it awaits Governor Tina Kotek’s signature. Governor Kotek, expressing openness to rolling back decriminalization, stated her position earlier this year, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
The new legislation allows law enforcement to confiscate drugs and take action against their use in public spaces like sidewalks and parks. Critics, however, voice concerns over potential racial disparities in the criminal justice system, as research indicates a disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities.
Proponents argue that individuals caught with small amounts of drugs will have the opportunity to seek treatment before facing criminal consequences. The bill’s authors contend that empowering law enforcement to address public drug use is necessary, especially amid Oregon’s alarming 1,500% rise in overdose deaths since the pandemic began, the steepest increase nationwide.
Despite the crisis, opponents of the legislation question its effectiveness in curbing drug use and emphasize the unpreparedness of the state’s under-resourced criminal justice system for such a substantial policy shift. The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon criticizes the rushed nature of the bill, asserting that essential vetting by relevant stakeholders has been overlooked.
The contentious debate over the proposed changes to Measure 110 reflects a deep divide in perspectives, with supporters urging action against the visible impact of fentanyl and rising drug use, while critics argue that criminal penalties will exacerbate existing challenges in the state’s approach to addiction. The passage of the bill, following weeks of intense deliberation, signals a significant shift in Oregon’s stance on drug decriminalization.
