Government and public safety leaders endorse Measure 110 amendments
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Six statewide organizations representing public safety and governments have endorsed the amendments to House Bill 4002 which the Oregon Legislature is crafting to align the state’s drug addiction policy with public sentiment.
The organizations are not without representation from this area. Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus is in his second year as president of the Oregon District Attorneys Association. Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann is president of the League of Oregon Cities. Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan is a past president of the Oregon State Sheriffs Association. Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer is first vice president of the Association of Oregon Counties. Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram represents District 16 on the board of directors for the Oregon Chiefs of Police. The Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs is based in the Portland area.
They all agree that the amendments will make fixes that will address adverse court rulings preventing the successful prosecution of drug dealers, provide sentencing enhancements for those trying to deal drugs to more vulnerable people like the homeless, and allow for the establishment of local diversion programs while establishing an unclassified misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance. That amendment allows sanctions if a person fails diversion.
“We applaud the legislature for working collaboratively to craft bipartisan legislation that combines vital tools for law enforcement with significant drug treatment resources to compassionately help those struggling with addiction,” Oregon Chiefs of Police President Matt Scales said. “We believe this important legislation prioritizes the safety of our communities while offering real hope for those suffering with addiction.”
