Measure 110 could be tweaked — but no indication that will happen soon
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Ballot Measure 110 goes into effect Monday. State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) said that the Legislature does have the power to change the language of a measure approved by the voters, but House Speaker Tina Kotek would have to have 40 votes. There has been no talk of a major overhaul coming out of Salem.
“This is going to be a debate that’s going to be ongoing over the next couple of years,” Smith said.
Measure 110 decriminalizes possession of user amounts of narcotics, reducing them to a $100 fine. The fine can be avoided if the person agrees to complete addiction treatment.
Smith himself opposed Ballot Measure 110. He said he had doubts as to how it could be paid for, and worries that it would bring addicts into Oregon who are attracted because when caught, they just have to pay a citation.
“This is going to be a debate that’s going to be ongoing over the next couple of years,” Smith said.
Smith said he does not deny that the state needs to do something to quell addictions.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that addiction services are critical,” he said. “I’m just not sure Measure 110 was the way to do it.”
