Oregon leaders approve Washington County's proposed drug treatment plan

Washington County has been approved to receive $1.5 million for their deflection plan, which aims to deflect drug users from the criminal justice system in compliance with Oregon's new drug law.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Counties across the state are sending applications to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to get funding for their programs that could give drug users a choice between treatment and jail time.

Washington County's deflection plan was approved early Wednesday morning, which will deflect drug users from the criminal justice system in compliance with Oregon's new drug law, House Bill 4002.

The law will effectively recriminalize the possession of small amounts of hard drugs starting Sept. 1 in a stark shift from the previously approved Measure 110, which legalized drug possession in 2020.

Until then, counties have developed their deflection plans – with some finding more state support than others. Washington County’s plan did pass with enough votes, but one member was concerned that the requirement to qualify was too strict and voted against it.

“Frankly I would not be eligible for this program because of a conviction 34 years ago for a robbery in the second degree charge,” Paul Solomon of the Criminal Justice Commission said. “I think that's problematic.”

Another commission member said they were worried about tracking the large administrative cost. Washington County is expected to receive $1.5 million for the program.

Marcia Hamden countered that commissioners “have to be careful not to get too far in the weeds on what we think will work, and not work and give them a chance to get something workable off the ground.”

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow county deflection efforts.