October 11, 2023 – Marion County: Resolution 23R-32
BEFORE THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR MARION COUNTY OREGON
IN THE MATTER PROCLAIMING
MARION COUNTY’S CALL FOR REPEAL OF THE PROVISIONS ENACTED PURSUANT TO OREGON
BALLOT MEASURE 110 (2020)
RESOLUTION NO. 23R-32
This matter came before the Marion County Board of Commissioners at its regular scheduled public meeting on October 11, 2023.
WHEREAS, Oregon Ballot Measure 110 (2020), the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, was passed in 2020 with the promise of reducing crime, improving public safety, and saving lives; and
WHEREAS, the evidence shows that Measure 110 has had the opposite effect, leading to an increase in overdose deaths, criminal activity, public nuisance, and a diminished quality of life for the citizens of Oregon; and
WHEREAS, since Measure 110 was passed, there has been a dramatic increase in overdose deaths in Oregon. In 2020, there were 585 overdose deaths. In 2021, that number increased to 917. As of March 8, 2023, there have been 1,161 overdose deaths confirmed in Oregon in 2022, more than doubling the number experienced just two years prior; and
WHEREAS, As of June 30, 2023, of the 5,299 tickets filed in Oregon Circuit Courts since Measure 110 went into effect, more than 60% resulted in a recipient failing to pay and facing no further penalties. A state audit found that, during its first 15 months in operation, the treatment- referral hotline received just 119 calls at a cost to the State of $7,000 per call; and
WHEREAS, Measure 110 has reduced the deterrent effect of drug laws, making it more likely the people would use drugs. The threat of arrest and prosecution serve as a deterrent to some people from using hard drugs. Measure 110 has removed this deterrent, making it more likely that people would use these drugs; and
WHEREAS, hard drug use can lead to a number of public health issues, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Hepatitis C, and mental health problems. These facts place a strain on our healthcare system and make it more difficult to provide care for people who need it; and
WHEREAS, Measure 110 has also made it more likely that people will commit property crimes. A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that drug users are more likely to commit property crimes than non-drug users. The study found that drug users are 2.5 times more likely to commit burglary, 2 times more likely to commit larceny, and 1.5 times more likely to commit motor vehicle theft; and
WHEREAS, members of law enforcement and the criminal justice system have reported that Measure 110 has made it more difficult to motivate drug users to enter treatment. The threat of arrest and prosecution can be a motivating factor for people to enter treatment. Measure 110 removed this motivating factor, making it more likely that people would continue to use drugs and not seek treatment. This is especially true for people who are struggling with addiction and who may need the structure and support of treatment court or in-custody treatment program; and WHEREAS, Measure 110 has reduced the quality of life for residents. Hard drug use is often associated with public nuisance behavior, such as loitering, littering, aggressive panhandling, and increased criminal activity. This has led to a diminished ability to safely use parks and other public spaces inhabited by drug users; and
WHEREAS, we, the Marion County Board of Commissioners, believe the derogatory effects and long-term threats to the health, safety, and welfare to the residents of Marion County by Measure 110 should be acknowledged and that Measure 110 should be repealed; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Marion County that:
1. The provisions enacted pursuant to Oregon Ballot Measure 110 (2020) need to be repealed to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
2. The Oregon Legislature must immediately take any and all actions necessary to repeal the provisions enacted pursuant to Oregon Ballot Measure 110 (2020).
DATED this 11th day of October 2023.
MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Coltublillir
Chair
Bei Camen
Commissioner
DJ BJ
Commissioner
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