The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission's IMPACTs grant committee has shifted its stance, now approving grant funding for a new deflection center in Clackamas County aimed at aiding those battling addiction, this funding was initially denied. The decision arrives in the shadow of Oregon's impending law change, set to re-criminalize the possession of small amounts of hard drugs beginning September 1, as reported by KPTV.

In an about-face prompted by an appeal from 13 state lawmakers, the committee reconsidered and subsequently approved funds for Clackamas County's deflection program, lawmakers endorsed the county's efforts remarking on the program's "great potential," as showcased in a letter cited during the committee hearing, according to KATU.

Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth expressed optimism about the program's potential, stating, "We're trying to get this underway, we're doing the best we can, and this the program we put together, we believe will work," as he told KATU.

Wentworth later asserted, "We intend this program to open doors to treatment opportunities that M110 (Measure 110) never could," predicting that lives will be preserved through the cooperation of law enforcement and community partners, a sentiment echoed in a statement obtained by KGW.

The committee's reversal and the establishment of the deflection center come as critical steps in responding to the state's legislative shift, with Measure 110's decriminalization efforts being curtailed by House Bill 4002.