- Legislature forms committee to address Oregon’s addiction epidemic (Oregon Capital Chronicle, 9/29/2023)
- Oregon legislative leaders have formed a committee to address issues with the state’s addiction crisis, following criticism of the landmark drug decriminalization law and the threat of a well-funded campaign to undo key parts of the law. The committee, comprising House and Senate members, will focus on providing law enforcement with necessary tools to combat drug dealers and cartels, as well as addressing the demand problem by ensuring adequate funding and treatment services for those struggling with addiction. The state’s drug decriminalization law, Measure 110, funded by marijuana taxes, has faced scrutiny, with some Republicans and law enforcement officials calling for its termination, despite advocates emphasizing the need for an expansion of services to tackle the rising drug addiction crisis, particularly concerning the surge in fentanyl-related overdoses.
