A new Oregon law took effect on Jan. 1, which will impose stricter penalties for drug use on public transportation. Senate Bill 1553 classifies the act as a Class A misdemeanor, marking a significant policy shift for the state, which fully decriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs through ballot Measure 110 in 2020.
Measure 110 garnered both praise and criticism. Some law enforcement agencies expressed that without proper enforcement mechanisms in place, their ability to combat drug crime was hindered, while advocates contended it would save lives. Although data shows no direct link between the law and increased overdoses, public sentiment was negative, culminating in last year’s rollback of key aspects of the policy.
Under SB 1553, a Class A misdemeanor is the most severe charge short of a felony in Oregon, as offenders can face up to 364 days in jail, a $6,250 fine or both. The new law could notably impact systems like Eugene’s EmX bus line, which allows riders to board without any upfront fare validation and relies on transit police for fare inspections and addressing disturbances.
Holden Friedrich, a University of Oregon student and frequent EmX rider, shared mixed feelings about the law’s implications.
“I think the new law is overly harsh in relation to the crime, but overall I feel like these kinds of laws are important to combat the drug problem in Eugene,” Friedrich said.
Friedrich, who identifies as an advocate for drug reform, added, “I’ve personally never seen drug use on the EmX, but I’ve often seen people visibly under the influence. While I’ve never felt directly threatened, I have definitely felt unsafe around people acting erratically.”
The law does not impose additional penalties for passengers found to be under the influence of drugs while riding public transit. In a statement supporting SB 1553, TriMet, Oregon’s largest transit agency serving the Portland area, cited a 30% decline in riders reporting that they feel safe on buses and trains.
For Lane Transit District (LTD), SB 1553 helps bolster a commitment to the enhancement of safety and community outreach that began in 2023 with the implementation of their Community Outreach and Communications Assessment (COCA). In July 2024, LTD appointed Sarah Koski as their first community resource liaison, a position which according to LTD serves as “a touchpoint between the district, the area’s unhoused population and local non-profit organizations.” LTD also partnered with the Reveille Foundation to offer housing services at Eugene Station, providing assessments and housing connections to underserved individuals.
