The legal terrain in Oregon continues to evolve in 2025, bringing significant changes to criminal defense, civil rights, and drug policy. At Corbridge Law, we’re committed to keeping our Beaverton community informed about these developments that may affect your rights and legal standing.
Public Transit Drug Use Ban
As of January 1, 2025, openly using illicit drugs on public transit is now classified as “Interfering with Public Transportation” – a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to 364 days in jail. This response to safety concerns on systems like Portland’s TriMet comes with a silver lining: offenders become eligible for state-funded addiction treatment through the “drug-designated” misdemeanor classification.
Portland Police Oversight Board
January 2nd marked the activation of Portland’s new Community Police Oversight Board, replacing the previous review system. This independent 12-member board now investigates officer misconduct, including shootings and in-custody deaths. Though approved by voters in 2020, implementation waited for the new City Council to establish proper powers and training protocols.
Drug Decriminalization Rollback
Oregon has officially reversed course on its drug decriminalization experiment. HB 4002, effective since September 2024, reclassified possession of small amounts of hard drugs from violations back to misdemeanors, while introducing “deflection” programs to prioritize treatment over incarceration. Drug crimes in Oregon are very serious and you should always contact an attorney to know your rights.
Proposed Legislation on the Horizon
Eliminating Sexual Assault Statutes of Limitations
HB 3581 proposes abolishing time limits for prosecuting most felony sex crimes. Currently, Oregon caps prosecution windows at 20 years for first-degree sex crimes, but this bipartisan bill recognizes that survivors often need decades to come forward.
Police Deadly Force Accountability
HB 3718 would mandate a 72-hour suspension for officers involved in deadly force incidents and prohibit them from reviewing body-cam footage before giving official statements. The bill also requires outside agency investigations and demographic data collection on police-involved fatalities.
Reparations Task Force
HB 2995 aims to establish a Task Force on Reparations to study impacts of historic racism against Black Oregonians, examining everything from housing segregation to wealth gaps, with a focus on developing remedial proposals.
“Freedom to Read” Anti-Censorship Protections
SB 1098 would prohibit discriminatory school library bans, ensuring books cannot be removed solely based on content related to race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion – a direct response to increasing challenges to LGBTQ+ and racial justice materials.
Xylazine Control Measures
HB 2103 proposes classifying xylazine (veterinary tranquilizer increasingly found in street drugs) as a Schedule IV controlled substance, giving law enforcement tools to prosecute trafficking while preserving legitimate veterinary use. If you have been charged with an Oregon drug crime, please contact us so that you know your rights.
Ongoing Enforcement Issues
Portland’s homeless camping restrictions continue to generate debate.
The city ordinance requires people camping on public property to relocate to shelters when space is available and prohibits activities like blocking sidewalks or starting fires. Violations can result in $100 fines or up to 7 days in jail, with enforcement backed by the Supreme Court’s 2024 City of Grants Pass v. Johnson decision.
What This Means For You
These legal shifts create a complex landscape for Oregon residents. If you’re facing charges under any of these new laws or have questions about how these changes might affect your case, contact Corbridge Law for expert criminal defense representation in Beaverton and throughout Oregon.
Our attorneys stay at the forefront of these legal developments to provide you with the most informed defense possible in this changing legal environment.