Bill > HB2069

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for autonomous vehicles in Missouri, defining key terms like "automated driving system" (the hardware and software that can drive the vehicle entirely) and "fully autonomous vehicle" (a vehicle with an automated driving system designed for Level 4 or 5 operation, meaning it can handle all driving tasks without a human driver under specific conditions or all conditions, respectively, according to SAE J3016B standards). It permits fully autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads without a human driver, provided they can achieve a "minimal risk condition" (a safe state) if the automated driving system fails or exits its "operational design domain" (the specific conditions under which it's designed to work), comply with traffic laws, and meet federal safety standards. Before deployment, operators must submit a law enforcement interaction plan to the Department of Public Safety, detailing communication protocols, towing procedures, and how to identify the vehicle's autonomous mode. When the automated driving system is engaged, it is considered the driver for legal compliance and licensing purposes, and proof of financial responsibility is required. In the event of a crash, the vehicle must remain at the scene if required, and the owner is responsible for reporting it. The bill also allows "on-demand autonomous vehicle networks" (services using fully autonomous vehicles for transportation) to operate under existing transportation network company laws, with specific provisions for autonomous vehicles. Fully autonomous vehicles must be registered and titled as such, and corporations operating them are subject to Missouri's court jurisdiction. The bill clarifies that while automated driving systems are held to a "careful and prudent person" standard for negligence in civil liability, this does not grant legal personhood to the system itself. Finally, it states that fully autonomous vehicles are exempt from state equipment laws not relevant to their operation and that sections 304.920 to 304.932 exclusively govern these vehicles, with the Department of Public Safety being the primary implementing agency, and prohibits other state or local entities from imposing additional taxes, fees, or requirements on their operation.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2069&year=2026&code=R