Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act (Measure 110)

Oregon Health Authority

In November 2020, Oregon voters passed by referendum Measure 110, or the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act.

The purpose of Measure 110 is to make screening health assessment, treatment and recovery services for drug addiction available to all those who need and want access to those services; and to adopt a health approach to drug addiction by removing criminal penalties for low-level drug possession.

When they passed the ballot measure, the people of Oregon recognized drug addiction and overdoses are a serious problem in Oregon; and that Oregon needs to expand access to drug treatment. A health-based approach to addiction and overdose is more effective, humane and cost-effective than criminal punishments. Making people criminals because they suffer from addiction is expensive, ruins lives and can make access to treatment and recovery more difficult.

Multiple criminal sentencing laws regulating the possession of controlled substances changed from felonies to Class E violations on February 1, 2021.

It is the policy of the State of Oregon that screening, health assessment, treatment and recovery services for drug addiction are available to all those who need and want access to those services.

The initial measure required OHA to establish:

• A Treatment and Recovery Services fund, financed with marijuana revenues. This would fund the new Addiction Recovery Centers and Community Access to Care grants.
  
• Fifteen 24/7/365 Addiction Recovery Centers throughout the state by Oct. 1, 2021.
  
• A grant program to support the Addiction Recovery Centers.
• A second grant program to increase access to community-based services.
  
• An Oversight and Accountability Council to oversee the distribution of the grants. OHA would provide technical, logistical and other necessary supports to the council. 
  
• A 24/7 Telephone Addiction Recovery Center by Feb. 1, 2021.