Salem, OR. – Official Release: The Oregon House passed HB 3825 today, a bill carried by Rep. Willy Chotzen (D-Southeast Portland), to eliminate outdated, archaic fines for small amounts of marijuana possession.
In 2015, Oregon legalized possession of less than one ounce of marijuana for adults 21 years and older, wiping the offense from state law. In 2022, Governor Kate Brown pardoned tens of thousands of state-level convictions and fines. However, a critical gap remained – local court cases weren’t included. As a result, many Oregonians are still burdened with debt in city and county courts for something that is no longer a crime.
Rep. Chotzen stated in support of the bill, “These fines are all at least a decade old and have disproportionately fallen on low-income communities and people of color. By eliminating debt for conduct that is now perfectly legal, this bill will make it easier for Oregonians to access housing, school, and jobs.”
In Oregon, court debt from criminal cases can be collected for up to 20 years, unlike in Washington and California, which allow collection only for 10 years.
Rep. Tom Andersen (D-South Salem) says, “A one-time bad decision shouldn’t follow someone for the rest of their life when that person has continued to follow the law for many years.”
Most debts impacted by this bill have been sent to collections, damaging credit scores and creating long-term barriers to stability. Without relief, those affected may never get the chance to clear their records of an outdated offense.
“For so many Oregonians, court fines become a barrier between them and the rest of their lives. Everything from housing to job placement can be hampered by fines and fees that follow you for decades—even after you’ve done the work to turn your life around. I’m not in favor of eliminating accountability. Far from it,” said Rep. Shannon Isadore (D – NW & Downtown Portland, Linnton & Cathedral Park). “I’d like to see a system that recognizes when someone has taken real steps forward and removes unnecessary roadblocks that keep them from building something better.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
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