After an over 3 hour floor debate on Thursday (29 Feb. 2024), the Oregon House passed HB 4002 to end the era of drug decriminalization in Oregon. I am glad to have voted YES.
Oregon will no longer be open for business for Drug Dealers and Drug Cartels. HB 4002 makes it a crime to possess or sell heroin, cocaine, fentanyl or meth. The bill creates an unclassified misdemeanor for sale or possession and up to 180 days in jail.
Every day Ballot Measure 110 remains in place, more Oregonians become addicted and die. The evidence is clearly seen by the explosion of homelessness and despair throughout the state. In January 2023, I introduced HB 2603 to repeal Ballot Measure 110. In October, I demanded the Legislature and Governor act in order to repeal Measure 110. Today I fulfilled that promise to the people of Deschutes and Klamath counties by ending the radical and failed experiment of no-penalty drugs.
HB 4002 will give back the tools that law enforcement and district attorneys need to begin making our neighborhoods and streets safer again. It also provides a glide path for those addicted to find treatment and begin recovery. Treatment in lieu of prison can be made available when treatment beds are available.
Nearly four years of Measure 110’s failed experiment of drug decriminalization won’t be fixed overnight. However, HB 4002 is certainly a step in the right direction.
I am committed to watch how HB 4002 discourages and prevents illicit drug use in Oregon. I will push the legislature to consider stricter penalties and more effective treatment options if the data suggests HB 4002 wasn’t enough of a deterrent to illicit drug use.
A few highlights from the companion appropriation bill, HB 5204, the Legislature will direct:
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$1,500,000 to Deschutes County Community Mental Health Program to support the Deschutes County Stabilization Center.
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$2,400,000 to Klamath Basin Behavioral Health to support the construction of a residential treatment facility with a crisis stabilization center.
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$2,500,000 to Transformations Wellness Center for the construction of a residential, co-occurring, substance use disorder treatment facility with detox beds.
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$666,667 to Oregon Tech for education and training to expand the behavioral health workforce in Oregon
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$2,700,000 to the Department of Education Learning and Care for Relief Nurseries to provide therapeutic and family support services.
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$16,000,000 to Community Corrections throughout the state
 It is an honor to serve the people of Central & Southern Oregon. If you need assistance on a state matter, plan on visiting the Capitol or have an idea for legislation, please reach out to my office.
Best regards,
E. WERNER RESCHKE
State Representative, HD 55
The Crater Lake District
Capitol Phone
(503) 986-1455
Capitol Address
900 Court St. NE, H-383
Salem, OR 97301
Email
Rep.EWernerReschke@oregonlegislature.gov
Website
www.oregonlegislature.gov/reschke
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