The Oregon Legislature has approved a bill that recriminalizes the possession of small amounts of drugs, overturning a significant aspect of the state's drug decriminalization law. The move comes as authorities grapple with the devastating overdose crisis currently gripping the United States.
The bill, known as House Bill 4002, received overwhelming support in both chambers of the legislature. The state Senate passed the bill with a 21-8 vote, following a 51-7 vote in the House. The legislation is now awaiting the signature of Governor Tina Kotek, who has indicated her willingness to sign a bill that would reverse decriminalization.
