Overview

• Oregon Democrats propose to roll back the state's pioneering drug decriminalization law in response to rampant public drug use and rising overdose deaths.
• The proposed plan includes higher sentences for drug dealing in certain locations, like near parks or homeless shelters, and making it easier for people to get treatment, housing and insurance.
• The plan has drawn criticism from both Republicans and pro-decriminalization advocacy groups, with Republicans arguing the proposal is not tough enough and advocacy groups criticizing the re-institution of criminal penalties.
• The new bill would recriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs as a low-level misdemeanor, enabling police to confiscate them and crack down on their use on sidewalks and in parks.
• Lawmakers will meet for a special legislative session beginning Feb. 5 that is expected to last no more than 35 days.