Oregon lawmakers pass bill undoing part of state drug decriminalization law

Oregon legislatures have passed a bipartisan bill undoing a key part of the state’s decriminalization law, penalizing people for possession and selling small amounts of drugs. 

The bipartisan bill passed both state chambers on Friday and is headed to the desk of Gov. Tina Kotek (D), who showed willingness last month to curb the decriminalization in Oregon. 

The state Senate passed the legislation with a 21-8 vote on Friday following the lower chamber’s 51-7 vote on Thursday, according to the Associated Press (AP). 

“In this historic vote to reimpose criminal penalties for drug possession, we are making it clear that Oregon is no longer a drug tourism state,” Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) said in a Friday statement following the bill’s passage. “Though lawmakers will have much more to do in future sessions to continue making progress on the fentanyl-fueled drug overdose and addiction crisis facing our state, I was proud to stand on the right side of history by casting my vote in favor for HB 4002.”