Bill > H1280

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Massachusetts, focusing on insurance coverage and school zone safety. The legislation defines key terms like "Autonomous Vehicle" and creates detailed insurance requirements managed by the Division of Insurance (DOI) and Department of Transportation (MassDOT), mandating coverage for general liability, product liability, cybersecurity risks, personal injury, and uninsured motorist protection. For school zone safety, the bill requires AVs to automatically reduce speed to 15 miles per hour in school zones, employ advanced pedestrian detection systems that can stop within 50 feet of a crosswalk, prohibit testing during active school hours, and respect geofenced zones around school buses. The bill also establishes an insurance pool to support AV companies, creates penalties for non-compliance (up to $50,000 per violation), mandates public reporting and transparency, requires periodic regulatory reviews, ensures federal law compliance, supports workforce development in AV technology, sets environmental impact standards, and requires emergency vehicle interaction certification. Municipalities can develop additional AV operational requirements, subject to state review and approval, with a 60-day implementation notice period. The legislation will take effect 120 days after its passage, signaling Massachusetts's proactive approach to regulating emerging autonomous vehicle technology.

Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1280