"Oregon Passes Bill to Recriminalize Drug Possession"

Oregon lawmakers passed a bill to recriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs, undoing a part of the state's drug decriminalization law in response to the deadly overdose crisis. The bill makes drug possession a misdemeanor, punishable by jail time, and aims to increase access to addiction medication and housing without discrimination. Supporters believe it will improve access to treatment, while opponents argue it could disproportionately impact marginalized communities and reinforce failed punitive tactics.