Oregon Governor Tina Kotek recently signed a bill into law that reverses the state’s drug decriminalization legislation, marking a significant shift in drug policy. House Bill 4002, set to take effect this fall, will re-establish criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of drugs.
The previous law, Measure 110, had eliminated criminal repercussions for possessing small amounts of illicit substances, but the new legislation will introduce a “drug enforcement misdemeanor” starting on Sept. 1. Decriminalization, which removes criminal penalties without legalizing or authorizing drug use, was adopted in Oregon in 2020 by a majority vote.
The decision to recriminalize drugs comes as the state grapples with a surge in drug overdose deaths, particularly from synthetic opioids. The bill received bipartisan support as a response to the ongoing crisis, with 23 out of Oregon’s 36 counties committing to offering deflection programs under HB4002.
However, there are concerns about the implementation of the new law, including the need for additional public defenders to handle the expected influx of cases. Individuals found with small amounts of illicit drugs could potentially face probation and jail sanctions for violations, depending on the availability of deflection programs in their county.
As Oregon prepares to shift back to a more punitive approach to drug possession, the effects of this new legislation on both the legal system and public health remain to be seen. Stay tuned to KP INSIDER for updates on this evolving story.
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