Oregon… recriminalizing…
“The passage of this bill will still be a regression toward the failed war on drugs,” said Rep. Mark Gamba, D-Milwaukie, who said opposing the bill was the toughest vote he’d taken as a lawmaker. “It’s a step backwards for us as a society.” Democrats who backed the bill argue this treatment-forward approach would still give Oregon the most compassionate drug laws in the country.
HB 4002 tightens drug laws in other ways, making several changes that will help prosecutors seek stiff penalties against drug dealers. That includes provisions that would allow dealers to get harsher sentences for selling drugs near a homeless shelter, treatment facility or public park… also hoping to create new “deflection” programs across most of the state, with participating counties working to connect drug users to treatment rather than arresting and charging them with a crime. Those who are convicted would have the crime automatically expunged from their record after three years.
Original Article (OPB):
Oregon takes massive step toward recriminalizing drug possession
Artwork Fair Use: SusanLesch
