Democratic legislators are considering a proposal which would allow drug possession to be classified as a misdemeanor, with fewer penalties than the Republican proposals.
Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon House Republican legislators released details on a proposal Thursday that would end Measure110 by mandating misdemeanor punishment for drug possession, and treatment in order to avoid jail.
House Republicans are pushing to make small amounts of heroin, meth, and fentanyl a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a maximum fine of $6,250 or both. The bill would allow users to avoid jail by undergoing mandatory addiction treatment. The bill would also impose a misdemeanor punishment for public drug usage.
The majority of Democratic legislators in the Legislature will release detailed proposals on drug addiction during the 35-day session that begins February 5th.
Oregon voters passed Measure 110 in 2020, which decriminalizes the possession of small quantities of hard drugs. A portion of the cannabis revenue will be used to fund addiction programs and services. Since then, criticism has increased. Reactions are split. Measure 110 supporters urge Oregonians to give it a chance to succeed once programs start. Some say that smaller changes are needed to address drug abuse in the public and to allow police to intervene. Others want Measure 110 to be repealed.
Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton, one of six GOP main sponsors of this proposal said: “The citizens in Oregon understand the failures Measure 110.” We see the consequences on the street, with the unacceptable death rate from overdoses and the devastating effects to our communities. We need to make a change, and we cannot afford to take steps that are insufficient to address the issue.
The proposal calls for tougher sentences for drug manufacturers and dealers, including mandatory prison terms of at least 3 years if the person has a previous conviction in the past five years.
Kevin Mannix (R) of Salem and Christine Goodwin, R-Canyonville are the main sponsors. Both serve on a joint committee that is addressing the crisis in drug addiction.
Mannix stated that the bill would restore accountability to the State, provide public safety as well as “compassionate rehab services for addicted persons”.
Goodwin stated that the state must change its direction, and this bill is a start.
Goodwin stated, “People don’t feel safe.” Businesses are leaving. “People are afraid to do businesses in our state.”
A Democratic proposal
Senate Majority leader Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), said that lawmakers are working on an integrated proposal.
Lieber told the Capital Chronicle that he was working with his Republican colleagues to develop a plan to connect people to addiction treatment and get drugs off our streets. This would keep our communities safe. We know that we can’t go back to a failed drug war, and we can’t continue to let Oregonians die from drug overdoses in our streets. We have not finalized a policy, but we are looking forward to thoroughly vetting ideas in a public forum once we do.
Democratic lawmakers are considering a proposal which would allow drug possession to be classified as a misdemeanor, with fewer potential penalties than the Republican proposals. The Democratic proposal would classify possession as a Class C Misdemeanor that could result in a jail term of up to thirty days.
This proposal, which may change, gives people the opportunity to avoid a misdemeanor charge by talking to a provider regarding treatment and other services. The charge would be brought to court if the person refused to seek help. However, if the person entered a treatment program, they could get the case dismissed before trial. In cases that went to trial, the accused would likely go to drug courts for help and to have their charges expunged.
Democratic legislators have stated that they want stronger penalties for drug dealers. They also want prevention and education, as well as the courts to play a part in the state’s reaction to the addiction crisis.
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