BEND, OR -- A bill re-criminalizing public drug use and possession in Oregon is scheduled to get a vote in the full House Thursday, after passing out of a joint committee with bipartisan support earlier this week. 

Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson says he’s pleased it includes key changes to Measure 110, "We want dealers who are delivering near parks or to these vulnerable populations, we want them to have a higher accountability with the law. So, I am hopeful that this is going to be a good tool." After numerous amendments, Nelson is optimistic, "It may not have been directly in line with all of the suggestions from the Sheriffs, Chiefs and District Attorneys, but I think it’s going to accomplish what we’re trying to accomplish." Nelson tells KBND News, "As long as we’re taking a step forward, or taking a step in a different direction to try and make this challenge more manageable, it’s a good thing."

Sheriff Nelson says, "The things that were important is: We wanted it re-criminalized. We also have to remember, we wanted them to take a look at the amounts that were considered user-amounts of drugs. So, I feel good about where we’re going." House Bill 4002 also increases penalties for drug dealers who set up shop near parks and homeless shelters. And, Nelson says, "It funds medication-assisted treatment programs in jails, which we’ve had one for over a year now, through a grant. When you have folks in custody, it’s an excellent opportunity to provide them medication-assisted treatment so that they can try and improve their life and move forward." But, he wants the legislature to remain open to additional fixes in the future, if needed.

The bill is scheduled for it's first floor vote Thursday. If it's approved by the House, it still must pass in the Senate before going to the Governor.