Bill > SB1561

This bill establishes regulations for the testing, sale, and operation of autonomous vehicles, which are motor vehicles equipped with systems that allow them to operate without a human actively controlling or monitoring them. It defines two types of autonomous vehicles: "operator-required autonomous vehicles" (ORAVs), which require a human to be present and capable of taking control, and "no-operator-required autonomous vehicles" (NORAVs), which do not require a human operator to be present. Manufacturers must be certified by the state to test or sell ORAVs, meeting specific safety requirements such as accessible controls to disengage the autonomous system, visual indicators, and failure alert systems that can either allow the operator to take manual control or safely stop the vehicle. ORAVs must also comply with federal safety standards and capture sensor data for at least 90 seconds before a collision. NORAVs will be subject to separate regulations to be developed by the state. The bill also introduces a per-mile use tax on autonomous vehicles, with different rates based on the number of axles, and outlines how the revenue generated from this tax will be distributed among the state's general fund, highway fund, counties, and municipalities. Additionally, it clarifies that certain advanced driver-assistance systems, like collision avoidance or adaptive cruise control, do not automatically classify a vehicle as autonomous.