October 20, 2023 3:40 a.m. 

State Senator David Brock Smith has joined Representative E. Werner Reschke in calling for a Special Legislative Session to work toward the repeal of Measure 110.

Brock Smith said that doing so would protect residents and give public safety officers the tools they need to do so.

Brock Smith said, “Measure 110 has failed Oregonians and the overwhelming majority want change”. Brock Smith said, “The decriminalization of drug possession, the lack of incarceration and required treatment has caused a dramatic increase in drug use and addiction, increased homelessness, open drug use in our communities and increases in overall property and other crimes”. Brock Smith said “Measure 110 has ultimately compromised the safety of our residents by reducing the deterrent effect of law enforcement, taking away their ability for arrest”.

Brock Smith’s release said Oregon was the first state in the nation to decriminalize possession of certain drugs through Measure 110, and the majority shifted funds away from public safety, schools, cities, and counties to the Oregon Health Authority for what he called, “its dismal implementation”. The release said CDC data shows that drug overdoses from drugs like heroin and fentanyl have tripled in Oregon. In addition, more than three fifths of those ticketed never paid their fine. Despite over 5,000 people receiving a ticket, less than 120 called the treatment referral hotline.

Brock Smith said, “Measure 110 is a failure. More lives are lost every day. Our law enforcement officers are put at greater risk and without the necessary tools to protect our citizens and their communities. I appreciate and thank the Douglas, Coos, and Curry County Commissioners for recently passing resolutions requesting the Governor and/or Oregon Legislature to repeal Measure 110. I also appreciate the support of our County Sheriff’s and District Attorneys on these county resolution requests”.

Brock Smith said he is calling on Governor Kotek and his legislative colleagues to act.