New self-driving cars in Portland?

(FEBRUARY 6, 2026) A company named Waymo wants to bring self-driving cars to Portland. These cars use cameras and sensors to drive without a person inside. The company says their cars are safer than human drivers. They say they have 90% fewer crashes that cause serious injuries.

Now, Oregon lawmakers are talking about a new bill called House Bill 4085.  (A "bill" is a recommendation for a law.) This bill would make it easy for companies like Waymo to work in Oregon. It would also stop cities from banning these cars. (To "ban" something means to not allow it.)  Some lawmakers say these cars help people who cannot drive themselves and will help the economy.

However, some leaders in Portland are worried. Councilor Mitch Green, for example, does not support Waymo coming to the city. He is worried about safety and jobs. He thinks robot taxis will be bad for the people who drive for Uber or Lyft. He also mentioned a recent accident in California where a Waymo car hit a child.

The city’s transportation director, Millicent Williams, is also being careful. She says the cars might cause traffic or problems for police and fire trucks. She wants the city to have strong rules and make the company pay fees to the city.

There is a public hearing about this bill on Monday, February 9. Lawmakers will listen to what people think about these new cars.