Hansell calls Measure 110 a ‘complete failure’
By Terry Murry on Friday, March 1st, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM – The Oregon Senate has passed the bill that recriminalizes narcotics. The effort to fix the state’s drug decriminalization Measure 110 breezed through the House yesterday and the Senate today. Sen. Bill Hansell said Oregon is sending an important message to the world.
“The three-year experiment on drug decriminalization has been a complete failure,” the Republican from Athena said. “The voters in Oregon were sold a bill of goods.”
Hansell said it was one of the best moments he’s experienced as a legislator, watching the Democrat leadership move so far from an original stance of supporting measure 110. He acknowledged that treatment is vital for those with substance use disorders, but said that you must make accountability a part of the formula.
He said that no one got everything they wanted with House Bill 4002-A, but that’s what happens when both sides work to find common ground. He added that the measure is a starting point.
“I’m not saying that 4002 is the final word,” he said. “It’s a step in the right direction.”
He added that those addicted to narcotics must be required to pay consequences for the crimes they commit as indicated by the failure to seek help when Ballot Measure 110 was on the books.
The vote was 22 in favor and seven opposed to the measure with one excused absence. Those opposed were one Independent, two Republicans, and five Democrats. The excused senator, a Republican, indicated their vote would have been in favor if they could have been present. The bill now needs to be signed by Gov. Tina Kotek.
