SALEM, Ore. (NEWSnet/AP) — A bill to criminalize possession of small amounts of drugs was passed Friday by Oregon Legislature.

It reverses a key part of the state’s first-in-the-nation drug decriminalization law.

The state Senate approved House Bill 4002, in a 21-8 vote, after the House passed it 51-7 on Thursday. The bill heads to Gov. Tina Kotek, who said she is open to signing a bill that would rescind decriminalization, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber said the bill “doubles-down” a commitment to ensure Oregon residents have access to treatment and care.

Lieber, one of the bill's authors, said its passage will be “the start of real and transformative change for our justice system.”

The measure makes possession of small amounts of drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail. It enables police to confiscate drugs and prohibit drug use on sidewalks and in parks. Drug treatment is to be offered as an alternative to criminal penalties.

The bill also aims to make it more efficient to prosecute people who sell drugs. It increases access to addiction medication, and to obtain and keep housing without facing discrimination for using that medication.

Decriminalization of personal-use amounts of drugs, a measure approved by voters in 2020 under Ballot Measure 110, was intended to move hundreds of millions of dollars of marijuana tax revenue into drug treatment and harm-reduction programs.

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