Public Opinion Shift
About 58% of Oregon voters passed in 2020, decriminalizing small amounts of all drugs and redirecting much of the state’s marijuana tax revenue to fund grants for addiction services. However, addiction and drug-related issues have skyrocketed in Oregon and nationwide since then, particularly with the surge of fentanyl. Now, three years later, surveys indicate that Oregonians favor re-criminalizing hard drugs and making treatment mandatory instead of voluntary.
The Proposed Changes
The new bill being considered in the state legislature would make possession of drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and meth a Class A misdemeanor, imposing up to a year in jail and a $6,250 fine for drug users. Treatment would be required to avoid incarceration. The bill would also ban public drug use and impose harsher prison sentences on drug dealers, especially those involved in cases resulting in fatalities.
Divided Opinions
The Democratic-controlled state legislature has indicated its intention to roll back parts of Measure 110 during their upcoming session. They may consider reducing possession to a Class C misdemeanor, the lowest crime classification. However, reform advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon and the Health Justice Recovery Alliance, strongly oppose any move towards re-criminalization, labeling it as cruel, harmful, and a failure of leadership.
Local Urgency
City officials in Portland, where the effects of Oregon’s drug laws are most visible, have been pressuring the state to take action. Portland’s City Council has already passed an ordinance banning public drug use, but the law cannot be enforced until state lawmakers pass a new law granting them that authority.
Seeking Solutions
Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber expressed the Democrats’ commitment to finding a solution that connects people to addiction treatment, removes drugs from the streets, and ensures community safety. She emphasized the importance of avoiding a return to failed drug war tactics while acknowledging the urgent need to address drug addiction and overdose deaths.
The Road Ahead
The legislative session begins on February 5, and lawmakers will need to carefully consider the proposed changes. A coalition of political and business leaders has also been lobbying for reform, warning that they will take the issue directly to voters with a ballot measure if the legislature fails to act promptly.
