On this week's Eye on Northwest Politics, Barton discussed whether HB 4002 actually fixes Measure 110, whether the system is ready to handle the projected 1,300 new convictions for minor drug possession, the impact this would have on the state's public defender crisis and even addresses a call made to his office by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Most would agree the most significant legislation during the just-concluded short legislative session was the passage of House Bill 4002.
The new bill reverses parts of Measure 110, the voter-approved measure that decriminalized drugs three years ago. Measure 110 is often viewed as a failure amid Oregon's growing fentanyl crisis and a lack of drug treatment options.
The new law makes even minor drug possession a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail. Additionally, law enforcement can seize drugs and enforce a ban on drug use in public areas. The legislation also offers alternatives for drug treatment instead of incarceration.
So what happens next when HB 4002 takes effect in September?
Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton was part of the coalition to fix Measure 110. Now he's one of the stakeholders charged with making the changes work.
On this week's Eye on Northwest Politics, Barton discussed whether HB 4002 actually fixes Measure 110, whether the system is ready to handle the projected 1,300 new convictions for minor drug possession, the impact this would have on the state's public defender crisis and even addresses a call made to his office by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Check out the full interview in the video above.
