Senate Bill 1553 classifies the use of illicit drugs on board public transit vehicles as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a $6,250 fine, or both. It also classifies drug use on transit as a drug-designated misdemeanor, allowing those convicted access to state-funded treatment in many instances.

Officials from TriMet and Multnomah County law enforcement held a press briefing on Monday to mark the ratcheting up of penalties for illegal drug use on public transit, if not a new increase in enforcement.