MICHAEL SUMMERS CALLS FOR ACTION Following the end of Measure 110: A Failed Experiment on Public Health.
Bend, OR – As Measure 110, Oregon’s controversial drug decriminalization law, officially ends this Saturday, Michael Summers, candidate for Senate District 27, is calling for a renewed focus on effective policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of Central Oregonians.
Passed by voters in 2020, Measure 110 sought to decriminalize low-level drug possession while injecting significant funds into the state’s treatment system. However, the measure has been widely criticized for its ineffective enforcement, lack of accessible treatment options, and the alarming rise in overdose deaths, particularly due to fentanyl.
“The end of Measure 110 marks the conclusion of a failed experiment that has jeopardized the safety of our communities,” said Michael Summers.“Although it was well-intentioned, the measure did not deliver the support our communities needed. Instead, it led to rampant public drug use, increased crime, and a growing sense of lawlessness, particularly in cities like Bend.”
Key data from the Oregon Judicial Department highlights the shortcomings of Measure 110:
Over 7,200 citations were issued under Measure 110, yet only 85 individuals completed the substance abuse screenings intended to divert them from convictions.
Of the nearly $900,000 in fines imposed, the state collected a mere $78,143, underscoring the measure’s ineffectiveness in ensuring accountability.
Methamphetamine and fentanyl were the most frequently cited drugs, exacerbating the public safety crisis in our communities.
“The data is clear,” Summers continued. “Measure 110 failed to provide the necessary treatment options and did nothing to protect our neighborhoods from the devastating impact of drug addiction. Too many lives have been lost, and too many families have been affected by the chaos this law has unleashed.”
With the upcoming implementation of House Bill 4002, drug possession will be reclassified as a misdemeanor crime, equipping law enforcement with better tools to combat Oregon’s drug crisis while still offering pathways to treatment.
“As your future senator for District 27, I will fight for real solutions—investing in effective treatment, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring our policies align with the realities facing our communities,” Summers stated. “The residents of Central Oregon deserve better, and I am committed to working for a safer, healthier future for all.”
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