Bill heading to Oregon Gov. Kotek’s desk would ban drug use on public transit
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Legislation that would ban riders from using controlled substances on public transit is heading to Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk.
Earlier this week, legislators passed Senate Bill 1553. When it was first introduced, the bill called on the Oregon Health Authority to study the state’s troubling addiction crisis and share its research with lawmakers.
Commissioner Rene Gonzalez says city is ‘running into barriers’ with post-overdose response
The updated legislation addresses the crime of interfering with public transportation. Notably, SB 1553 deems it a Class A Misdemeanor if someone “knowingly ingests, inhales, ignites, injects or otherwise consumes a controlled substance that is not lawfully possessed by the person” while on public transit.
In Oregon, Class A Misdemeanors are punishable by a jail sentence of up to 364 days, a $6,250 fine, or both.
Both the Oregon Transit Association and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 have applauded lawmakers for addressing an ongoing issue for the state’s public transportation passengers and drivers.
Alaska Airlines flight returns to PDX after reports of fume smell in cabin
In September 2023, the University of Washington released a study on drug exposure in public transit vehicles. On Oregon and Washington buses and train cars, researchers found that 98% of surface samples and 100% of air samples tested positive for methamphetamine. They also learned that 46% of surface samples and 25% of air samples were positive for fentanyl.
According to the university, the small traces of drugs weren’t enough to pose a health risk for riders or drivers. Portland-area transit service TriMet has still pushed for SB 1553’s passing.
Over the past six years, TriMet reported a 30% decline in passengers who feel safe on buses and trains. The organization added that just 18% of non-riders believe that public transit is safe.
PHOTOS: One-eyed Oregon chihuahua selected as semifinalist for Cadbury Bunny Tryouts
“TriMet has a diverse team of safety and security personnel who, by design, are unarmed and trained in de-escalation,” TriMet said in a statement on Wednesday. “However, in situations where law enforcement involvement is necessary, this legislation gives law enforcement the tool they need to help support our security efforts and let drug users know that transit vehicles are off-limits.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
