Oregon Legislature approves bill to re-criminalize certain drug possession

CNN
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Oregon lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill that would make possession of small amounts of certain drugs a misdemeanor in the state, making it a misdemeanor after voters previously decriminalized possession and personal use of all drugs. Certain substances, such as tinea, were recriminalized.

The measure, called HB4002, now moves to Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk for her consideration. Kotek has not said publicly whether she supports the measure, but in late January, the governor joined local officials in declaring a fentanyl emergency in downtown Portland.

CNN has reached out to the governor’s office for comment.

The bill passed both chambers with bipartisan support, with the state Senate approving it Friday by a 21-8 vote, after the bill passed the state House by a 51-7 vote the night before.

In 2020, Oregon passed Measure 110 with 55.8% of the vote, becoming the first state in the United States to decriminalize the possession and personal use of all drugs. This regulation takes effect in February 2021.

Under the voter-approved measure, possession of small amounts of drugs such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine is no longer punishable by jail time and carries penalties similar to those of a traffic ticket. It also expands access to addiction treatment assistance and other medical services.

Supporters of HB4002 celebrated the reversal of aspects of the state’s previous decriminalization efforts.

“While lawmakers have a lot of work to do in the coming sessions to continue to make progress on the fentanyl-fueled overdose and addiction crisis facing our state, I’m proud to be on the right side of history, Vote for HB 4002,” Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp said in a statement.

“Passage of this bill will put Oregon on the road to recovery and mark the end of the nationwide decriminalization movement,” he added.

Critics of the bill argue that recriminalization would disproportionately harm communities of color.

“When we know the system is biased, it’s not enough to just monitor it,” said Jennifer Parrish Taylor, director of advocacy and public policy at the Portland Urban League. “I worry that we’ll be back next year and hearing these stories of harm, And figure out how to make our communities whole.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.