Oregon lawmakers pass bill undoing part of state drug decriminalization law  

Oregon legislatures have passed a bipartisan bill undoing a key part of the state’s decriminalization law, penalizing people for possession and selling small amounts of drugs. 

The bipartisan bill passed both state chambers on Friday and is headed to the desk of Gov. Tina Kotek (D), who showed willingness last month to curb the decriminalization in Oregon. 

The state Senate passed the legislation with a 21-8 vote on Friday following the lower chamber’s 51-7 vote on Thursday, according to the Associated Press (AP). 

“In this historic vote to reimpose criminal penalties for drug possession, we are making it clear that Oregon is no longer a drug tourism state,” Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) said in a Friday statement following the bill’s passage. “Though lawmakers will have much more to do in future sessions to continue making progress on the fentanyl-fueled drug overdose and addiction crisis facing our state, I was proud to stand on the right side of history by casting my vote in favor for HB 4002.” 

The bill allows law enforcement to seize drugs if utilized in parks and or sidewalks. Small possession of drugs such as methamphetamine or heroin can lead to a misdemeanor, with up to six months in prison. The legalization allows for easier crack down on those who sell drugs. 

The alternative to penalties is available in the form of drug treatment. The legislation also offers increased availability of addiction medication. 

The bill’s passage comes as the state is facing one of the country’s largest upticks in overdose deaths. Oregon was the first state to sign a drug decriminalization law in early 2021. The state had the second-highest rate of substance use disorder in the country and ranked towards the bottom for treatment availability, according to a 2023 audit report. 

Some lawmakers criticized the legislation for going too far without creating enough opportunities for people to recover. Sen. Lew Frederick (D-Portland) said the bill will utilize the same methods that failed in the past. 

“I’m concerned that it (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,” Frederick said, according to AP.