In an unprecedented shift in the battle against what many consider the most controversial and unsuccessful drug policy in U.S. history, Oregon is taking bold steps to overturn Measure 110. This measure, passed in 2020, marked a radical departure by decriminalizing possession of small quantities of illicit drugs, sparking heated debates across the nation. In response, Oregon legislators have now rallied across party lines to advance House Bill 4002, a proposal to reimpose criminal penalties for minor drug offenses. With a commanding 10-2 committee vote, the bill signals a significant bipartisan agreement and is gearing up for critical votes in both the House and Senate. This legislative turn reflects a deep reconsideration of the state's approach to drug policy, aiming to address the complexities and challenges that have arisen since Measure 110's enactment.

House Bill 4002 - 2024

The proposed legislation, which carries a $211 million budget, seeks to address various aspects of drug addiction and mental health. This includes funding for specialty courts, projects aimed at tackling addiction and mental health issues, medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction in jails, and training for mental health professionals. A significant portion, over $30 million, is allocated for county-based diversion programs, emphasizing the bill's comprehensive approach to drug addiction.

Opposition Of House Bill 4002

The bill's progression has not been without controversy, especially regarding the potential rollback of decriminalization. Critics, including Rep. Andrea Valderrama express concerns about the bill's impact on communities of color and the potential for exacerbating disparities within the criminal justice system. Valderrama highlighted the risks the bill poses to people of color, based on testimony from advocacy groups.

There is also concern that just like Measure 110, the bill will be rolled out too fast and will not be implemented well. Opponents point out a lack of current treatment beds for those needing drug treatment, and a lack of public defenders for those who would be charged with a misdemeanor under the new bill.

Support For House Bill 4002

Despite concerns, other legislators argue that the bill provides law enforcement with necessary tools for drug intervention without defaulting to incarceration. Proponents emphasize the bill's focus on treatment before criminal penalties, including provisions for automatic expungement and no imposition of fees or fines.

Some proponents laud the bill as a strong package, suggesting that it represents a balanced approach to addressing Oregon's drug crisis.

As Oregon's House Bill 4002 advances, aiming to recalibrate the state's stance on drug decriminalization, a pressing question emerges: Is this legislative effort too little too late? Since the enactment of Measure 110, Portland, along with other parts of the state, has undergone a profound transformation, becoming almost unrecognizable to its residents. The streets of Portland, in particular, bear witness to the rampant rise in drug use, with fentanyl and other substances casting long shadows over the city's public spaces and communities.

This burgeoning crisis underscores the monumental challenge facing the state. Despite the bill's comprehensive $211 million strategy to tackle drug addiction and mental health, which includes funding for specialty courts, medication-assisted treatment, and support for mental health professionals, the pervasive spread of drug use in urban areas like Portland raises doubts about the timeliness and sufficiency of these measures.

Critics of House Bill 4002, like Rep. Andrea Valderrama, caution against the potential for exacerbating racial disparities within the criminal justice system, underscoring the complex web of issues that any policy shift must navigate. Meanwhile, concerns about the bill's implementation echo the shortcomings of Measure 110, particularly regarding the availability of treatment services and the readiness of the legal system to adapt to new mandates.

As Oregon stands at this legislative crossroads, the effectiveness of House Bill 4002 in reversing the tide of drug misuse and its societal impacts remains to be seen. The stark reality of Portland's streets, marred by drug addiction, prompts a reflection on the broader implications of drug policy reform. While the bill seeks to strike a balance between enforcement and treatment, the enduring scars of the drug crisis in Portland and beyond may signal a deeper need for a reevaluation of not just policies, but the societal, economic, and systemic factors that fuel drug addiction. As Oregon attempts to navigate out of the aftermath of Measure 110, the question lingers: Are these efforts a case of too little, too late?

You can read more about the bill here and here.