Bill > HB1564

This bill establishes a new framework for the testing, sale, and operation of autonomous vehicles, which are defined as motor vehicles equipped with an "autonomous system" that allows them to operate without human control or monitoring. It distinguishes between "operator-required autonomous vehicles" (ORAVs), which have controls for a human operator and require one to be present, and "no-operator-required autonomous vehicles" (NORAVs), which may have controls but 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 including accessible controls, visual indicators, and robust 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 collect sensor data for at least 90 seconds before a collision, storing it for three years. Fleet service providers operating autonomous vehicles also require state certification. The bill also introduces a per-mile use tax on autonomous vehicles, with rates varying based on the number of axles, and allocates the revenue to the general fund, highway fund, counties, and municipalities. Importantly, the bill clarifies that vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems like collision avoidance or adaptive cruise control are not considered autonomous vehicles under this law.