SB 80

This bill authorizes operation of autonomous vehicles on highways in this state

if specified requirements are met. An "autonomous vehicle" is a motor vehicle

equipped with autonomous technology and "autonomous technology" is technology

installed on a motor vehicle that has the capability to drive the vehicle without active

physical control or monitoring by a human operator. An autonomous vehicle is

operated in "autonomous mode" when the vehicle is operated with the vehicle's

autonomous technology engaged.

Under this bill, an autonomous vehicle may be operated in autonomous mode

on a highway if all of the following apply: 1) a human operator is present in the

vehicle and has the ability to monitor the vehicle's performance and intervene, if

necessary, to disengage the autonomous technology and take immediate control of

the autonomous vehicle; 2) the human operator has a valid operator's license; 3)

there is motor vehicle liability insurance coverage for operation of the autonomous

vehicle of at least $5,000,000; 4) the vehicle has a means to engage and disengage the

autonomous technology that is easily accessible to the operator; 5) the vehicle has a

means to visually indicate when the vehicle is operating in autonomous mode; 6) the

vehicle has a means to alert the operator of an autonomous technology failure so that

the operator may take control of the vehicle; 7) the vehicle is capable of being

operated in compliance with applicable traffic and motor vehicle laws; 8) while the

vehicle is operating in autonomous mode, the vehicle captures and stores

autonomous technology sensor data for at least 30 seconds before any collision; and

9) the vehicle satisfies all requirements imposed by rule by the Department of

Transportation (DOT). DOT may promulgate rules establishing requirements for

autonomous vehicles, including minimum safety and performance standards for

these vehicles and for their operation. For purposes pertaining to the operation of

an autonomous vehicle operating in autonomous mode, the "operator" is the human

operator required to be present in the vehicle or, if no human operator is present, the

person who causes the vehicle's autonomous technology to engage. The bill also

requires the manufacturer of autonomous technology to disclose what information

is collected by the autonomous technology.

The bill prohibits the operation of an autonomous vehicle in autonomous mode

on a highway in this state unless the operation is in compliance with the foregoing

requirements. A person who violates this prohibition may be required to forfeit not

less than $100 nor more than $1,000.