Oregon Lawmakers Pass Bill to Recriminalize Possession of Hard Drugs

Oregon lawmakers have passed a bill to recriminalize possession of small amounts of hard drugs in response to a surge in overdose deaths, repealing a previous law that decriminalized drugs. The measure aims to crack down on drug use in public spaces and increase access to addiction treatment, but it has faced criticism from some lawmakers who believe it may reinforce punitive narratives. The decision comes as fentanyl-related overdoses have surged in Oregon, particularly in Multnomah County.