Oregon lawmakers approve bill to reinstate penalties for drug possession
OAN’s Abril Elfi
4:20 PM – Saturday, March 2, 2024
Oregon lawmakers have passed a bill to criminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs.
The Oregon Legislature passed a bill on Friday recriminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs, thereby undoing a significant portion of the state’s first-ever drug decriminalization law.
After the House passed House Bill 4002 51-7 on Thursday, the state Senate voted 21-8 to approve it. The bill is now headed to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk.
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Kotek stated in January that she would be willing to sign a bill that reversed decriminalization.
“With this bill, we are doubling down on our commitment to make sure Oregonians have access to the treatment and care that they need,” said Democrat Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, of Portland, one of the bill’s authors, adding that its passage will “be the start of real and transformative change for our justice system.”
Under the law, possessing small amounts of drugs like heroin or methamphetamine is considered a misdemeanor and carries a maximum six-month jail sentence. It makes it possible for law enforcement to seize the drugs and strictly prohibit their use in parks and on sidewalks. Offering drug treatment as an alternative to criminal penalties is mandated.
Lew Frederick (D-Oregon.) complained that the bill was too flawed and that the testimony he had heard on the bill repeatedly indicated that treating substance use disorders should be treated medically.
“I’m concerned that the bill will attempt to use the same tactics of the past and fail, only to reinforce the punishment narrative that has failed for 50 years,” he said, adding that the measure could move more people into the court system without making them healthier.
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How might the passage of House Bill 4002 impact the future of Oregon’s drug policy and potentially influence drug policy in other jurisdictions
G meaningful progress in addressing substance use disorders.
The passage of this bill marks a significant shift in Oregon’s approach to drug possession. In 2020, the state passed Measure 110, which effectively decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs, redirecting resources towards addiction treatment and recovery services instead of incarceration. However, critics of the measure argued that it failed to address the underlying issues of substance use disorders and placed a burden on law enforcement to enforce drug laws.
The new bill, House Bill 4002, aims to address these concerns by recriminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs. Under this law, possessing drugs like heroin or methamphetamine will be considered a misdemeanor and could result in a maximum six-month jail sentence. Law enforcement will have the authority to seize the drugs and strictly prohibit their use in public spaces such as parks and sidewalks. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of offering drug treatment as an alternative to criminal penalties.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that individuals struggling with substance use disorders have access to the treatment and care they need. Democrat Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, one of the bill’s authors, believes that its passage will initiate meaningful and transformative change in the state’s justice system.
However, not all lawmakers are in favor of this recriminalization. Lew Frederick, a Democrat from Oregon, expressed concerns about the bill’s flaws and its potential to reinforce the failed punishment narrative of the past. He argues that treating substance use disorders as a medical issue, rather than a criminal one, would be a more effective approach.
The passage of House Bill 4002 has sparked a contentious debate within Oregon’s legislature and among its residents. While some believe that recriminalizing drug possession is necessary for public safety and accountability, others argue that it undermines the progress made by Measure 110 and fails to address the root causes of addiction.
Governor Tina Kotek will now have the final say on whether this bill becomes law. Given her previous statement expressing a willingness to sign a bill reversing decriminalization, it is likely that she will approve House Bill 4002.
Regardless of the outcome, Oregon’s approach to drug policy continues to be a topic of national and international interest. The decisions made by the state have the potential to set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar challenges. It is crucial that lawmakers carefully consider the impact of their choices on the well-being and futures of individuals affected by substance use disorders.
In conclusion, Oregon lawmakers have passed a bill to recriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs, reversing the state’s previous decriminalization efforts. The bill will now be presented to Governor Tina Kotek for consideration. While supporters argue that it will enhance access to treatment and care, critics believe that it fails to address the underlying issues of substance use disorders. The decision on this bill will have significant implications for Oregon’s approach to drug policy and may serve as a model for other jurisdictions facing similar dilemmas.
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