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The legislative committee responsible for addressing Measure 110 deficiencies officially confirmed on Tuesday that Democratic lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal to reclassify minor drug possession as a crime.
This proposal marks a significant shift from Oregon’s pioneering drug decriminalization policy, established as the first of its kind in the nation. Voters had overwhelmingly supported Measure 110 in 2020, attracted by the promise of a more humane public health approach to drug addiction.
“It’s the compromise path, but also the best policy that we can come up with to make sure that we are continuing to keep communities safe and save lives,” state Sen. Kate Lieber, a Portland Democrat, told The Associated Press.
In 2020, voters endorsed the groundbreaking decriminalization law, Measure 110, with a solid 58% backing. However, Democratic legislators, initially advocating it as a means to address addiction as a public health concern rather than a criminal offense, are now grappling with one of the nation’s largest surges in overdose deaths. They face mounting pressure from Republicans and increasing demands for an overhaul from a well-funded campaign group.