Oregon Rolls Back Drug Decriminalization Amid Rising Overdose Deaths

Oregon lawmakers on Friday passed a bill to recriminalize the possession of drugs, reversing the state’s first-in-the-nation drug decriminalization law that has been in place for three years amid the rising overdose crisis. The bill, dubbed HB 4002, was passed by the state Senate in a 21–8 vote, with support from both Democrats and Republicans. It is now awaiting approval by Gov. Tina Kotek, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. The bill would classify any possession of small amounts of drugs—including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine—as a misdemeanor and require drug treatment to avoid jail time. Under the bill, law enforcement would have the authority to seize drugs and crack down on their use in public spaces....