The short, fast-paced 2024 legislative session ended with real wins for the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) public safety portfolio. AOC’s Public Safety Steering Committee identified two priorities in advance of the session — increasing state investment in community corrections for the remainder of the 23-25 biennium, and elevating the county voice and role in Ballot Measure 110 reform conversations. Both of these priorities were achieved due to the ongoing advocacy of AOC members.

Community corrections funding

This past fall AOC heard from counties across the state that funding for community corrections was at a critical breaking point. In response, the AOC Public Safety Steering Committee prioritized increased state investments in community corrections funding for the remainder of the 23-25 biennium in the 2024 short session. 

Thanks to advocacy from AOC members and community corrections directors, the legislature recognized this critical need and appropriated the requested amount. HB 5204 includes $16 million allocated to the Oregon Department of Corrections for grant-in-aid funding to counties specific to community corrections funding. AOC and other partners have committed to coming to the table over the interim to collaborate on a new funding formula for community corrections, ensuring that future funding formulas are better reflective of current populations coming through community corrections. 

Addressing the fentanyl crisis

In addition to community corrections needs, the AOC Public Safety Steering Committee also prioritized Measure 110 reforms in the 2024 legislative session. Specifically, our members asked AOC to elevate the county voice in Measure 110 reform, supporting policy modifications that prioritize engagement in substance abuse treatment, provide sufficient funding for county services, and strengthen tools the criminal justice system can use to fight illegal drug use and sales.

The legislature passed two bills related to Measure 110 reform — House Bill 4002: Measure 110 Reform Policy Package, and House Bill 5204: Measure 110 Reform Funding Package. 

AOC staff worked closely throughout session with public safety partners and legislative leadership consistently communicating how potential Measure 110-related policy changes would affect counties. AOC staff advocated for appropriate funds and capacity building at counties, while also pushing for maintaining the integrity of counties’ local mental health authority. AOC President Danielle Bethell testified on behalf of AOC in front of the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response during a public hearing on HB 4002 and relayed AOC’s position, which was also submitted as written testimony. AOC is grateful to our members, partners, and the legislature for passing meaningful legislation and centering counties in the policy development process and policy implementation. View a comparison of AOC adopted principles with the final bill outcomes here. 

HB 5204 allocates more than $110 million to counties and county-related programs for infrastructure projects, standing up deflection programs, supporting specialty courts, funding community corrections, and more. HB 4002 creates a new PCS-U misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance, and offers pathways to expungement, dismissal, or no charges filed. Deflection programs will be created and coordinated at the county level, with public safety and behavioral health partners working together. Access a visual flowchart of how deflection works here. Twenty-three counties have indicated interest in setting up a deflection program. AOC will continue to keep our members informed on the progress of HB 5204 funding and HB 4002 deflection program implementation through regular meetings and email communications.

Contributed by: Legislative Affairs Manager Jen Lewis-Goff