Oregon Democrats Propose Rollback of Drug Decriminalization Law Amid Rising Overdose Deaths

The proposed plan, criticized by both Republicans and advocacy groups, seeks to recriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs and impose higher sentences for drug dealing in certain locations.

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.