Bill > HB5117

This bill amends the Texas Transportation Code to establish a clear liability framework for automated vehicles, specifically stating that when an automated driving system (ADS) is engaged, the manufacturer of that system is considered the operator of the vehicle for the purpose of determining liability in the event of a collision. This provision aims to provide legal clarity in scenarios involving self-driving or autonomous vehicles, effectively shifting potential liability from the human driver to the vehicle's manufacturer when the automated system is actively controlling the vehicle. The bill specifies that this new legal interpretation will only apply to causes of action (legal claims) that arise on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025. By explicitly defining the manufacturer as the "operator" in automated driving situations, the bill helps address potential legal uncertainties surrounding responsibility and fault in accidents involving emerging autonomous vehicle technologies.

Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5117