HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2023-38 CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, OREGON
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-38
A RESOLUTION ASKING THE LEGISLATURE TO MODIFY MEASURE 110 TO REINTRODUCE
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR DRUG OFFENSES AND DIRECTING STAFF TO COLLABORATE WITH
STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS IN THE PURSUIT OF CONSISTENT CRIMINAL REGULATION
OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES IN PUBLIC AND ADEQUATE RESOURCES FOR DRUG
TREATMENT
WHEREAS, in November of 2020, a majority of voters in the State of Oregon passed Measure 110,
with the goals being to "expand access to drug treatment" and adopt a "health based approach to
addiction and overdose" that would be more "effective, humane, and cost effective";
WHEREAS, Measure 110 also decriminalized possession of controlled substances removing a legal
enforcement tool;
WHEREAS, Oregon continues to experience an addiction crisis of overdose deaths creating the
pressing need for coordinated efforts to restore public health and safety among municipal, county, and
state level governments;
WHEREAS, Eugene Springfield Fire has experienced an increase in overdose calls;
WHEREAS, currently, there are few sobering facility options in Springfield for first responders to take
individuals who are intoxicated by controlled substances, leaving first responders with the limited
options of taking individuals to hospitals when there is an imminent health crisis requiring medical
treatment or jails if a crime has been committed;
WHEREAS, the legislature has formed a Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety
Response to evaluate Measure 110's effectiveness and potentially bring reform measures in the
upcoming legislative session scheduled to begin in February 2024;
WHEREAS, the Springfield community is engaged about Measure 110 impacts as demonstrated by a
Springfield City Club program about the topic and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Round Table
Conversations where experts and interested community members in business, the nonprofit sector,
behavioral health and law enforcement gathered to learn about and discuss their experience and views
about drug use in Springfield;
WHEREAS, the City acknowledges that addressing the increase in addiction also necessitates the
provision of adequate treatment and sobering resources to affected individuals;
WHEREAS, the City supports using accountability tools like prohibitions on illicit drug use in public and
treatment courts in conjunction with a health based approach to addiction and overdose;
WHEREAS, the City is committed to supporting and advocating for Lane County to seek appropriate
funding and address these challenges with the urgency that the health and safety of our community
demands.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD:
Section 1: The City Council hereby requests that the Oregon Legislature take all necessary
action to modify Measure 110 to reintroduce accountability for drug offenses.
Section 2: City staff is hereby directed to pursue partnerships with other Oregon local
governments and the state legislature to collaborate on solutions to address the substantial impact of
public consumption of controlled substances on community safety and public health.
Section 3: City staff is hereby directed to collaborate toward the following objectives:
(a) Continue to support and advocate for state funding to Lane County to expedite treatment
programs and sobering facilities, ensuring that appropriate options are available to first
responders when they encounter a person who is intoxicated by controlled substances.
(b) Continue to support and advocate for appropriate funding to ensure the local law
enforcement and Lane County can meet the demands of individuals arrested for committing
crimes that contribute to the public health and safety crisis, including distribution and
ingestion of controlled substances.
(c) State legislation that aligns with existing regulations governing alcohol and cannabis to
make the public consumption of controlled substances, as delineated by ORS 475.005,
prohibited by law.
(d) State legislation that amends ORS 430.402 to empower local governments to enact and
enforce laws that recognize the impact of public consumption of controlled substances on
the health and safety of our community.
Section 4: This Resolution will take effect upon adoption by the Council and approval by the
Mayor.
ADOPTED by the Common Council of the City of Springfield this 4th day of December, 2023, by
a vote of 6 for and o against.
ATTEST:
REVIEWED&APPROVED
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AS TO FORM
M�v BridgetSmith
City Recorder DATE: 4n�ELD CI SPRINGFITY ATTORNEYS OFFICE
Resolution No. 2023-38