Oregon Lawmakers Vote to Undo a Significant Part of Drug Decriminalization Law

Oregon legislatures passed a bipartisan bill undoing a significant part of the state’s 2021 drug decriminalization law.

Details: The bill allows for penalties for the possession and sale of small amounts of drugs such as methamphetamine or heroin, and allows law enforcement to seize drugs if used in public spaces such as parks and sidewalks. Small possession of drugs can now lead to a misdemeanor charge and up to six months in prison. The bill also expands the availability of addiction treatments and medication as an alternative to criminal penalties.

For Context: In 2020, nearly 60% of voters in Oregon voted in favor of Measure 110, which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. In early 2021, Oregon became the first state to pass a drug decriminalization law. But in recent years, the state’s continued struggle with opioid abuse sparked backlash against the measure.

How the Media Covered It: The Hill (Center Bias) emphasized the bill's bipartisan nature and its focus on providing alternatives such as drug treatment. Fox News (Right bias) focused more on the increasing overdose deaths, portraying the drug decriminalization as a failed experiment. The Guardian (Lean Left bias) noted concerns that the change “would create more suffering and disproportionately harm people of color.” This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.