Time to end M110 disaster, Yes on HB 4002

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

The great drug decriminalization of Measure 100 has been an epic failure.

It attracted thousands of the nation’s worst addicts to move here to take advantage of our abundant and cheap narcotics.   The politicians were slow (by years) in rolling out Measure 110 treatment programs, but were fast in rolling out free crack pipes, free needles, free $500 gift cards and 20,000+ free tents.

Portland made things worse by de-funding their police and not prosecuting criminals with their liberal District Attorney.

HB 4002 aims to bring back basic penalties for hard drugs.   Without penalties, criminal users are able to avoid rehab and continue to commit more crimes.

HB 4002 has passed the House and is now. heading to the Senate.

1. Call your Senator
2. Use the toll-free Capital Switchboard (Legislative Policy Office) phone number 1-800-332-2313.
3. Ask to be connected to your State Senator
4. Tell them to vote Yes on HB 4002.

HB 4002 summary:

“The Act makes changes to laws to make it easier to get treatment for substance use problems. The Act changes drug laws. The Act takes effect when the Governor signs it. Prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization or other utilization review for coverage of substance use disorder medications. Specifies exceptions. Requires coordinated care organizations to provide to members medications for treatment of opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health condition. Prohibits coordinated care organizations and public payers of health insurance from requiring prior authorization for medication-assisted treatment. Allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense early refills of medication for opioid use disorder under specified conditions. Allows pharmacists to have on-site prescription drug lockers without obtaining a license or registration from the State Board of Pharmacy. Requires coordinated care organizations to have adequate networks of addiction treatment providers. Directs the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to conduct a study related to access to opioid use disorder treatment and interventions. Requires commission to report recommendations to Legislative Assembly to address barriers to accessing opioid use disorder treatment and interventions. Establishes a certified community behavioral health clinic program in the Oregon Health Authority and specifies the requirements for the program. Establishes the Joint Task Force on Regional Behavioral Health Accountability to make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly to improve the governance of behavioral health systems and strengthen evidence-based and equitable funding decisions and accountability of behavioral health systems. Sunsets January 2, 2026. Establishes the Task Force on Improving the Safety of Behavioral Health Workers to make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly to address the safety concerns that are prevalent in the behavioral health industry. Sunsets January 2, 2026. Establishes the United We Heal Medicaid Payment Program in the authority to provide supplemental medical assistance payments to behavioral health providers to enable the providers to access enhanced apprenticeship and training programs and opportunities by participating in a labor-management training trust.

Modifies the definition of “delivery” for purposes of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. Increases presumptive sentences when unlawful delivery of a controlled substance occurs in specified locations. Increases penalties for unlawful possession of a controlled substance on September 1,2024. Designates crime as a drug enforcement misdemeanor and specifies sentence. Creates a new form of conditional discharge for drug enforcement misdemeanors and establishes processes for sealing records related to the crime. Establishes the Oregon Behavioral Health Deflection Program consisting of grants awarded to fund deflection programs. Directs the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to track data including arrests and prosecutions for possession and delivery crimes and data concerning deflection program outcomes. Increases the number of hours a person can be held in a facility when admitted to the facility due to intoxication or being under the influence of controlled substances. Authorizes members of a mobile crisis intervention team to take a person to a sobering facility or appropriate facility. Modifies immunity from civil and criminal liability for certain persons involved in the provision of treatment. Establishes the Oregon Jail-Based Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Grant Program.”

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