Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek will sign new legislation that makes possession of a small amount of drugs such as fentanyl and heroin a misdemeanor in the state, moving to recriminalize such substances roughly three years after the state became the first in the nation to decriminalize the possession and personal use of all drugs, according to a statement from the Democratic governor.
House Bill 4002 reverses portions of Measure 110, a 2020 voter ballot initiative that relaxed certain penalties for drug possession. The new bill overwhelmingly cleared both chambers of the state legislature with bipartisan support late last week.
“I intend to sign House Bill 4002 and the related prevention and treatment investments within the next 30 days,” Kotek’s statement indicated, adding her focus will be on careful implementation of the law, particularly noting concerns by some advocates that the bill disproportionately impacts communities of color.
“House Bill 4002 will require persistent action and commitment from state and local government to uphold the intent that the legislature put forward: to balance treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and accountability,” she said.
Under the law, offenders could face up to six months in jail, or, in place of criminal penalties, elect to undergo drug treatment. The penalties for unlawful drug possession will take effect on September 1.
In January, Kotek joined local officials in declaring a fentanyl state of emergency in downtown Portland.
“Our country and our state have never seen a drug this deadly and addictive, and all are grappling with how to respond,” she said in a news release, vowing “unprecedented collaboration and focused resources” ahead of a “roadmap for next steps.”
Opioid deaths…
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