Dirk VanderHart

Oregon's legislature has passed a new bill recriminalizing small amounts of drugs and ending the most progressive experiment in U.S. drug policy.

The Oregon state legislature has voted to overhaul Measure 110, recriminalizing small amounts of drugs and signaling the end of the most progressive experiment in U.S. drug policy.

Abortion access has declined dramatically nationwide, but many states have further protected abortion by enacting "shield laws," allocating funding, stockpiling medication and repealing old laws.

Despite a new congressional map less tilted in Democrats’ favor, Republicans elected to stall the process.

So far a legislative session on new political maps has seen a broken deal, a threatened walkout and now a positive coronavirus test.

The Senate passed new political maps Monday, but an ongoing impasse in the House could blow up a highly charged special session.

As the Legislature convenes Monday morning, there are few signs it will be able to successfully pass a new redistricting plan.

Following hours of testimony and accusations of gerrymandering, the state's majority party unveiled maps it says meet "the highest legal standards." An analysis tool suggests the plan biased.

But next week's special session on redistricting will hardly be a return to normalcy. The Capitol is under construction. Mask rules are in place. And many lawmakers are concerned about security after last year's incursion on the building.

State Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, was the second Senate Republican targeted for recall because he showed up to oppose a gun control bill. Detractors wanted Findley to walk away from the Capitol.