SALEM, Ore. — A bill to make drug use on public transit a high-level misdemeanor crime has passed the Oregon Legislature.
Senate Bill 1553-1 was proposed by the Oregon Transit Association and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757. It would be a significant amendment to SB 1553, introduced prior to the current session, which as-introduced simply directs the Oregon Health Authority to study problems caused by drug use in Oregon.
The final version of the bill would make drug use on public transportation a Class A misdemeanor, which would incur a maximum of up to one year in jail and a possible fine of up to $6,250. It was amended in the House Rules Committee to not include transit stations and stops — just public transit vehicles themselves.
The legislation would also make this a "drug-designated misdemeanor," which would open access to state-funded treatment "in many cases," the bill said.
The Oregon Transit Association (OTA), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757 and TriMet praised the decision.
"This legislation will make our buses and trains drug-free zones and is an important step in our ongoing work to make transit safer despite the precipitous increase in the public consumption of illicit drugs in our region," TriMet stated.
"Addressing the use of illicit drugs on board our buses and trains will create a safer work environment for our union transit workers and riders who rely on them," added Shirley Block, president of ATU Local 757.
Previously, TriMet said that smoking any substance on public transit or at a station can already result in a fine, citation or ban, but it's unclear how often those codes are enforced. The agency said that it needs police "to be able to help us keep the smoking and use of illegal drugs off our system," as TriMet staff are largely unarmed and prioritize de-escalation.
If Gov. Tina Kotek signs the bill, it will become effective on Jan. 1, 2025.