🧐 What’s the Portland Renters Bill of Rights?

🏘️ What’s Next for Renter’s Rights?

A year after the defeat of a ballot measure for universal eviction representation, the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Renters Action Network are campaigning for a Renters Bill of Rights. The proposal consists of nine renter protection policies, including extended notices for rent increases and access to eviction representation. [Portland Mercury]

🔎 County Withheld Jail Death Report for Months

An independent investigation of the Washington County Jail criticized the institution for failing to provide adequate medical care, leading to a string of preventable deaths. The report was withheld for eight months after completion because county officials feared it could lead to a lawsuit. [Oregonian 🔒]

🏎️ Portland’s Fast and Furious Weekend

Illegal street takeovers were the talk of the town this weekend, along with coordinated efforts by Portland police and surrounding agencies to thwart them. The numbers aren’t final, how many people are the police saying they arrested? [City Cast Portland 🎧]

🌿 Cannabis Unions Back on the Ballot

Oregon voters will decide in November whether cannabis industry workers should be allowed to unionize after Measure 119 was approved to be on the ballot. The initiative follows last year’s failed legislative attempt and recall effort against Rep. Paul Holvey, who opposed the bill. [Willamette Week]

• Related: Why Oregon Still Grows Tons of Illegal Cannabis [City Cast Portland 🎧]

This week we’re taking a look at some of the latest in local politics.

Debate Over New Drug Possession Law Continues

Multnomah County chair Jessica Vega Pederson had choice words for Metro Chamber president Andrew Hoan’s July 10 letter opposing House Bill 4002, the law that makes minor drug possession a misdemeanor beginning Sept. 1. Vega Pederson left Hoan a voicemail calling the letter “ridiculous” and “misinformed.” Despite the exchange, the Chamber has expressed support for the county’s evolving plan. [Oregonian]

• Related: What happens now that Oregon’s making drug possession a crime again? [Hey Portland 📰]

Senators Accuse Automakers of Privacy Violations

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, along with Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey, called on the Federal Trade Commission to hold automakers accountable after an investigation found that companies like General Motors, Hyundai, and Honda shared drivers’ data with brokers without consent, which then sold the data to insurance firms. According to the senators, the data included driving habits and location and put drivers at risk for insurance hikes. [KOIN]

Are Corporate Taxes Too Dang High?

There’s a ballot measure proposing new gross tax receipts on corporations to fund $750 checks for nearly all Oregonians, but Gov. Tina Kotek thinks it will have the opposite of the desired effect, warning that it could undermine essential services for low-income families and “punch a hole in the state budget.” Corporations agree, saying Oregon’s business taxes are already too high. [Willamette Week]

A Pricey Reelection Breakfast

Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson was in Portland earlier this week to host a fundraising event for Oregon congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s reelection campaign. The race in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District may determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The event featured a $500 breakfast and a $2,000 reception. [OPB]