Oregon Senate approves misdemeanor charge for drug use on public transit

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A bill that would make drug users on public transit serve up to a year in jail has inched closer to becoming a law after passing the Oregon Senate with bipartisan support.

Senate Bill 1553 would list drug use under the existing crime of Interfering with Public Transportation, making it a Class A misdemeanor crime with a maximum sentence of 364 days, a $6,250 fine, or even both.

Sen. Chris Gorsek (D-Gresham), a co-chief sponsor of the bill, said he understands the bill’s importance because he uses public transit himself.

“Oregonians deserve to be safe on public transit,” Gorsek said. “Our kids, people with disabilities, seniors, and people just trying to get to work should not have to worry about being exposed to smoke and residue from illicit drugs.”

Next, the bill will head to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

The decision comes after TriMet reported a 30% drop in riders feeling safe on buses and trains. Last September, the University of Washington released a study that found drugs like meth and fentanyl could be found in the air and on the surfaces of public transit vehicles in Oregon.

Researchers determined the small traces of drugs weren’t enough to pose a health risk to passengers or drivers, but TriMet has made efforts to curb drug use.

“We’ll continue doing everything we can to keep drug use off of our buses and trains,” TriMet said. “But we can’t do it alone — and we urge our state and local leaders and our law enforcement partners to address drugs and addiction in our community.”

Until the bill passes, TriMet says smoking is prohibited on all buses, trains, MAX and WES platforms, etc. Anyone who violates this policy may face a fine of up to $175 and could be banned from riding.