In a significant policy shift, Oregon lawmakers have passed a bill to recriminalize drug possession, reversing a previous law that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of certain drugs. The move comes as addiction and overdose deaths have surged in the state, particularly due to the widespread distribution of the lethal drug fentanyl.

Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat, signed the bill, known as HB 4002, into law on Monday. The legislation makes personal use possession a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. It grants law enforcement authorities the power to confiscate drugs and crack down on their use in public spaces like sidewalks and parks.

Additionally, the law establishes a framework for offering treatment as an alternative to criminal penalties. It encourages law enforcement agencies to create deflection programs, diverting individuals to addiction and mental health services instead of the criminal justice system. The success of the law hinges on close coordination between courts, police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and local mental health providers.

The decision to recriminalize drug possession comes as a response to the alarming rise in addiction and overdose deaths in Oregon. Last year, voters approved Measure 110, which decriminalized most illegal possession of controlled substances and allocated marijuana tax revenue to fund addiction services. However, the measure failed to effectively address the growing crisis, as fentanyl began to sweep across the state and contribute to a skyrocketing number of deadly overdoses.

Public opinion has shifted in Oregon, with a majority of residents now disapproving of Measure 110. In response to mounting concerns, both Republicans and Democrats introduced legislation to roll back the controversial measure. House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich applauded Governor Kotek's decision, emphasizing that it represents a crucial first step towards tackling the ongoing drug crisis in the state.

While many support the recriminalization of drug possession, some voices argue that more comprehensive measures are needed to address the underlying issues. Republican Representative Tim Knopp stated that HB 4002, while a significant step, "is not enough to undo the disaster of Measure 110." Knopp and other House Republicans are eager to continue their efforts in the next legislative session to bring about real change and provide effective solutions to the drug addiction crisis.

Measure 110, which initially directed a substantial amount of cannabis tax revenue towards addiction services, faced challenges in its implementation. State auditors found that the funds were slow to be disbursed, and health authorities, already overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, struggled to establish an efficient treatment system.

The passage of HB 4002 in both the state Senate and House reflects the recognition by Oregon Democrats that a shift in decriminalization policy is necessary. The fentanyl crisis, leading to a surge in deadly overdoses, has prompted lawmakers to prioritize public health and safety. In February, Governor Kotek, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson declared a state of emergency for downtown Portland due to the fentanyl-fueled crisis.

With the recriminalization bill signed into law, Oregon aims to address its drug addiction crisis by empowering law enforcement and behavioral health systems to collaborate in providing life-saving treatment to those struggling with chronic addiction. The legislation sets a standard for the state's approach to tackling addiction, although lawmakers acknowledge that more work will be required in upcoming sessions.

Oregon's decision to recriminalize drug possession reflects a broader cultural shift within the traditionally progressive state. As addiction rates continue to rise, policymakers are reevaluating the effectiveness of decriminalization policies and prioritizing public health and safety concerns.