Oregon Senate passes bill to end Measure 110, recriminalize hard drugs

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Oregon Senate passed House Bill 4002 on Friday night to re-criminalize hard drugs.

The Senate passed the bill with a 21-8 vote.

The bill passed through the Oregon House earlier this week. Hard drugs were decriminalized after voters approved Measure 110 back in 2020, but the rollout has been widely criticized.

The bill now goes to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's desk, where she will elect to sign it or veto it.

The new bill would essentially give people the choice between being charged and treatment when they are caught carrying drugs like fentanyl and meth. Treatment would include completing a behavioral health screening and participating in a “deflection program” in order to sidestep fines.

“We must take action. The drug crisis is killing Oregonians and threatening the health and safety of our communities. The Oregon Drug Intervention Plan is a treatment-focused approach that gives providers and law enforcement the tools they need to keep people safe and save lives,” said Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber.

This is a developing story. Stay with KOIN 6 for updates.