Oregon Legislature Passes Bill to Recriminalize Drug Possession
TL/DR –
Oregon lawmakers have approved a bill that would re-criminalize possession of small amounts of certain drugs like fentanyl, which was previously decriminalized. The bill, HB4002, passed both the state Senate and House with bipartisan support and now awaits consideration from Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek. Critics of the bill argue it would disproportionately harm communities of color, while supporters, like Senate Republican leader Tim Knopp, believe it’s a necessary step amidst the fentanyl-fueled drug crisis and signals an end to the decriminalization movement.
Oregon Lawmakers Pass Bill to Reclassify Possession of Certain Drugs
Oregon lawmakers have approved a bill, HB4002, which seeks to reclassify possession of certain drugs, such as fentanyl, as a misdemeanor. This is a significant shift from previous laws, which decriminalized the possession and personal use of all drugs.
The HB4002 bill now awaits the approval of Democratic Governor Tina Kotek. The governor had earlier declared a fentanyl state of emergency in downtown Portland.
The bill won bipartisan support, passing both chambers with the Senate endorsing it in a 21-8 vote and the House with a 51-7 vote.
Oregon’s History with Decriminalization
In 2020, Measure 110 made Oregon the first state to decriminalize all drugs. The measure, which took effect in February 2021, allowed for the possession of small quantities of drugs, including heroin and cocaine, to be treated akin to a traffic violation, rather than a crime. It also expanded access to addiction assistance and health services.
Impact of the New Bill
Supporters of HB4002 view it as a necessary step to combat the state’s ongoing fentanyl-fueled drug overdose and addiction crisis. Senate Republican leader Tim Knopp, who supported the bill, commented that its passage would put Oregon on a path to recovery and constitute an end to the nationwide decriminalization movement.
However, critics argue that the bill could disproportionately harm communities of color. Jennifer Parrish Taylor, the director of advocacy and public policy at the Urban League of Portland, expressed concerns over the potential bias built into the system.
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