Oregon lawmakers backpedal on decriminalizing minor drug offenses.

[lucas80]

Smart. They are listening to their constituents and seeking a path of compromise.
https://apnews.com/article/oregon-drug-decriminalization-law-3f851183d45e9c29609360b09e996d04#

 

[Finance85]

Smart. They are listening to their constituents and seeking a path of compromise.
https://apnews.com/article/oregon-drug-decriminalization-law-3f851183d45e9c29609360b09e996d04#

It looks like a good compromise, and kudos to Oregon for realizing their other attempt wasn't working out as planned.

I think I'd like to see the possession thing be only criminalized for use in public or on private property that's open to the public (businesses).

 

[millah_22]

2 things stick out to me.

1. This did not go as planned:

Those caught with small amounts can have the citation dismissed by calling a 24-hour hotline to complete an addiction screening within 45 days, but those who don’t do a screening are not penalized for failing to pay the fine.

In the year after the law took effect in February 2021, only 1% of people who received citations for possession sought help via the hotline, state auditors found. As of last June, the hotline received an average of 10 calls per month that were related to citations.

Seems they thought the number would be much higher. I think imposing a fine/penalty will make people go the route to be screened.

2. They did not foresee how bad the fentanyl epidemic would be. Seems to be a lot of their deaths. Regardless, it's so deadly seems a lot of people would have died from OD whether they would be penalized or not.

 

[lucas80]

Legislation has moved forward.

Oregon lawmakers pass bill to recriminalize drug possession

The Oregon Legislature has passed a bill that recriminalizes the possession of small amounts of drugs. The Senate approved the measure Friday.

apnews.com