Oregon lawmakers approve research on racial impacts of reversing Measure 110

Oregon lawmakers have approved a formal request to research the effects of House Bill 4002, which would recriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs, after advocates raised concerns about the potential racial impacts.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – After advocates raised concerns about the potential racial impacts of reversing Measure 110, Oregon lawmakers have approved a formal request to research the effects of House Bill 4002.

The bill, if passed, would recriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs – effectively reversing the measure that has received mixed feedback since it was approved by voters in 2020.

HB 4002 would also 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.

And though HB 4002 seems to be gaining momentum in the Oregon legislature, local social justice advocates have raised concerns about how the proposed reversal could disproportionately harm communities of color.

A recent letter from the Oregon Justice Resource Center called for leaders in the legislature to conduct a Racial and Ethnic Impact Statement before moving forward with the bill.

On Thursday, House Speaker Dan Rayfield and Senate President Rob Wagner approved the request, sharing that they “share [OJRC’s] concerns about the historical disproportionate impact our criminal justice system has had on people of color in Oregon.”

“A core principle of our work has been reimagining Oregon's justice system and identifying proven solutions that will lead to positive outcomes for our entire state,” the letter read. “This analysis, our continued legislative oversight of law enforcement, and new law enforcement data collection as required by House Bill 4002 will help us continue to improve our response to the drug and addiction crisis in Oregon.”