PETITION IN SUPPORT OF PLACE-BASED GUARDRAILS AND TRANSPARENCY AROUND SB 1573

To Oregon Legislative Leadership:

We, the undersigned residents, neighbors, workers, and community stakeholders from across Oregon, respectfully submit this petition to express concern regarding the recent halt of SB 1573 and to ask for clarity, transparency, and continued engagement around the issues the bill sought to address.

SB 1573 emerged from lived, on-the-ground experiences in neighborhoods navigating the real-time impacts of unmanaged distribution practices near schools, residences, and shared public spaces. The proposal was never intended as a referendum on harm reduction. Rather, it aimed to establish practical, place-based guardrails that balance public health goals with neighborhood stewardship and safety.

Why We Are Signing

• We believe communities deserve clear and predictable standards when programs operate in sensitive locations.
• We support harm-reduction efforts that are thoughtfully implemented and responsive to local context.
• We are seeking transparency around the legislative process, including how and why SB 1573 was halted despite significant public engagement and negotiated amendments.
• We ask lawmakers to continue working toward solutions that recognize both public health expertise and the lived experience of residents.

What We are Asking For

• Clear communication from legislative leadership about the procedural decisions that prevented SB 1573 from advancing.
• Continued dialogue with communities affected by unmanaged impacts related to distribution activities.
• Exploration of future legislative or policy pathways that incorporate reasonable siting standards, accountability measures, and community input.

Our Shared Commitment

We believe Oregon can hold multiple truths at once: that compassionate public health strategies matter, and that neighborhoods deserve a voice in how those strategies are implemented. This petition is an invitation to move forward with collaboration, clarity, and mutual respect. 

By signing below, we affirm our support for thoughtful, balanced policy conversations that reflect the complexity of our communities to put guardrails around where needles can be distributed.