Oregon Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Reverse Drug Decriminalization and Expand Treatment Access

Oregon Democrats have proposed a bill that would reintroduce potential criminal penalties for drug possession, unraveling a portion of the 2020 ballot measure that decriminalized small amounts of illicit drugs. The bill aims to make possession of drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin a low-level misdemeanor, while also providing options for offenders to escape consequences by engaging with service providers. The proposal includes measures to step up access to addiction treatment, create new sober housing, and give law enforcement more power to prosecute drug dealers. However, the bill has faced criticism from both decriminalization advocates and law enforcement groups, with some arguing it does not go far enough and others expressing concerns about potential negative impacts.